SurfingSports Standup Paddle Surf & Standup Paddling BLOG

Valentine's Day Demo & Sale

2010-02-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

Save some money for your honey...SUP LOVE...our extremely popular free SUP demos, here in beautiful Santa Barbara, are starting back up this year on Valentine's Day...Sunday February, 14...

The SUP sale starts Saturday and goes all weekend long...rain or shine...

RSVP for SUP demo...call shop or email...

Doggy Flotation Devices (DFD)

2010-02-07T08:59:00.000-08:00

You prolly already know about the great fanny pack worn PFD's (Personal Flotation Devices) that we stock from Hobie...

Now, we'd like to introduce you to a flotation device for man's best friend...the Doggy Flotation Device (D-FD)

The D-fa Dogs D-FD (Doggy Flotation Device) was inspired by friends who lost their beloved dog when kayaking on a New Zealand river and has been designed by Clare Cosson and Dave Ritchie, both of whom have a long history in paddling and the design of flotation gear (formerly designed for Macpac and owned Hydraulics).

-- New Zealand Image Courtesy of Adam Kirkcaldie

What makes the D-FD better?

The D-FD is the canine equivalent of a PFD used by humans in sports such as paddling and kayaking. Created by experts in buoyancy and design, the D-FD is the first dog floatation jacket to use variable density, articulated foam and a harness style construction. This combination of flexibility and security allows for a more ergonomic fit, better balance of flotation with a focus on keeping the the heavier chest and head supported, and greater comfort and security when lifting the dog from the water. In particular the jacket is designed to cradle the dog within the floatation harness rather than wrap and hang them in foam and webbing. D-fa has a patent pending on this construction and design.

But my dog is a great swimmer...

Dogs can be excellent swimmers, but often we overlook the fact that just like us they can struggle if required to swim more than a few hundred meters, in moving or cold water, or if they are disorientated, panicked or compromised by age or fitness. A dog's natural swimming mode is to 'sprint' and then rest by returning to shore. A dog that can fetch from the water all day is sprinting and resting rather than swimming continuously. Because dogs cannot rest in the water, giving them some additional flotation can help them to swim more comfortably and confidently for longer. The harness style and the easy to reach lifting handle of the D-FD also makes it easier to steady, support and retrieve a dog from the water.

You’ll Dig:

o Variable density, articulated foam places flotation where it’s needed
o Segmented panels give an ergonomic fit and free movement
o Chest yolk insulates and floats the chest area
o Harness style construction for safer and more comfortable lifting
o Cordura outer construction
o Double strapping for secure fit to a range of body shapes
o Seamless belly panel to reduce snag risk
o Full length lifting handle
o Reusable drying bag for transport and storage (and it means we don't leave you with any excess plastic packaging to dispose of)

Wear It: o For water-based recreation and rehabilitation

-- New Zealand Image Courtesy of Adam Kirkcaldie

Available in 4 sizes for petite to grande size dogs (from 6lb to 120lb).
Retail Priced at US $79.95

DOGGY PFD GALLERIA...

North Pacific Mullet vs. Starboard Drive

2010-02-06T14:41:00.000-08:00

We've had some questions lately regarding the differences between the custom 10'2" x 30" x 4.5" North Pacific Mullet and the 10'5" x 30" x 4.5" Starboard Drive...the latter being the most sold 10' range nose riding SUP on the market...it's versatility also shines on flatwater because of it's waterline and parallel rails...

At first glance one could view the boards as being similar...but, that's kinda like saying that if you've seen one nose rider...you've seen them all...;-)

The devil is definitely in the details...

The Mullet has much more nose rocker and concave...

The tails are also quite different...plus, the Mullet can be run in quad mode...

The rails are different as well...the Mullet having 60/40 "Dick Brewer type" rails and the Drive having 50/50 neutral soft rails...

GALLERY...

More 2010 Starboard SUP's in stock

2010-02-05T13:35:00.000-08:00

More new 2010 Starboards have arrived...

Here's the 6'6" x 30" "Impossible"...13.9lbs.

The 7-11...in Technora...15.2 lbs.

12'6" x 25" "The New" Syzmanski race SUP...will be available to paddle at our next demo...Valentine's Day...save some money for your honey...;-)

We'll have 2010 Starboard SUP catalogs...and, a bunch of other surprises...;-)

2010 Imagine SUP's

2010-02-04T17:37:00.000-08:00

Variety is the spice of life...so just like the varietal selections of good wines grown here in our region, our selection of SUP's continues to grow as well...

NOBODY can match our selection...hundreds of options...with more coming...

We just received the 2010 Imagine offerings...waterproof cores...bamboo glass...low VOC epoxy resins...

Lightweight, strong, and good looking...killer new shapes and sizes have been added...

:: 9' x 30" 4.75" Cutback
:: 9'4" x 31" x 4.85" Chopper
:: 9'6" x 30" x 4.5" Enigma
:: 9'6" x 31" x 4.75" Cutback
:: 9'9" x 29" x 4.5" Wave Rider
:: 10" x 29" x 4.5" Wave Rocket
:: 10'6" x 30" x 4.5" Wave Rocket
:: 11" x 31" x 4.5" Wave Rocket

GALLERY...

North Pacific 9'3" SUP

2010-02-03T17:07:00.000-08:00

Adam just got back from New Zealand and Fiji and was greeted by his new 9'3" North Pacific winger diamond tail SUP custom...man, the guys at the North Pacific factory are cranking out these handcrafted beauties faster, and better, than you will ever find in the USA...

It tracked really well even with the small 3" rear sidebiters...turns on a dime...

More shots in this GALLERY...

The next batch is getting shaped right now...we'll have them in 2 weeks...

These boards are handcrafted lightweight...strong...good looking , stable, high performance SUP's...you won't find this quality anywhere...

Surfing Dolphins :: Greg Huglin

2010-02-02T08:23:00.000-08:00

Acclaimed Santa Barbara cinematographer / photographer...SUP'er, surfer, windsurfer, Greg Huglin, has just finished his 20 minute film "Surfing Dolphins"...14 years in the making...filmed on location in South Africa and California...

It will be premiering at the 25th Santa Barbara International Film Festival...6:30 PM February 10th and 12:30 PM February 12th...Victoria Hall...33 W. Victoria St. in beautiful Santa Barbara, California...

The film will be projected in true High Definition so this is a great time to see it...

Greg will be at both showings for a little meet and greet action...

I have seen some of the raw footage and it is mind blowing...

Here's an ~ 3 minute trailer...

Momma Mia :: RRD SUP's

2010-02-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

High end Italian design...perfection demanding detail in finish...Roberto Ricci Designs...

For the last 15 years Roberto Ricci has been designing and manufacturing high end water toys...surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and now standup paddle boarding...

IN PERFORMANCE WE TRUST

No gimmicks, no wasted works...

After so many years dedicated to the making of water tools, the only thing that matters in the end is that a product must work.

And it must work better year after year.

Put this base together with a state of the art finishing and graphics and you have the core of what RRD means today.

Have trust, water does not lie.

-- Roberto Ricci

Tony stopped in at the shop yesterday with a Sprinter van loaded up with the latest RRD SUP's...

Checking out the Diamond Wood 11'2"...MSRP $1449...

Tony showing off the 8'5" x 31" WASSUP...it also comes in a 10' x 31" version...

Our shop manager, Guy Lindburg, dropping in on the 8'5" x 31" WASSUP...nice board...lightweight...stable...responsive...rad wave rides...$1249...

The 10'6" x 29.5" Diamond Classic...

John slotting the 10'6" x 29.5" Diamond Classic...

The 12' x 30" x 5" Cruiser is a sexy piece of work...

Adam snags a wave on the RRD 12' Cruiser...Tony looks on...

Adam coming in with the RRD 12' Cruiser...

Our shop manager, Guy Lindburg, switchfooted drop in on the 11' x 31" WASSUP EPX...nice board...lightweight...fast gliding...stable...sweet wave rides...$1249...

Adam on the 9'2" x 28" x 4" Diamond Classic...

Ashleigh taking the 9'2" Diamond Classic for a cruise...

More pics of the RRD SUP lineup in this GALLERY...

WASSUP

WASSUP stands for Windsurf AS SUP. This is what we call the water bike for future generations.

The WASSUP line is composed of 4 different shapes to cover all possible rider’s uses. All boards are great windsurf boards and are also available in a Convertible version, with a removable center fin for added stability and to be able to sail upwind and trun more easily in light air.

The WASSUP line is built in EPX heavy duty, full double stringer epoxy glass technology for sizes 11”, 10” and 8’5” and in PE soft deck and slick bottom for the 8’0” kids.

WASSUP Eight KID EPX (MSRP $699 :: Add mast track $50)

The perfect kids board! Built with a special PE deck and soft slick bottom, plastic fins and rubber tail end, the Eight Kid is the safe and simple approach for kids playing in the water and learning how to paddle and ride waves. Available also in the convertible version to be used as a windsurf board!

WASSUP Eight Five Stinger EPX (MSRP $1249 :: Add mast track $100)

31” wide!!! Stable and easy to ride for all levels. With the same riding characteristics as the Ten Stinger, the Eight Five Stinger is a revolutionary size. Small, compact and easy enough to be paddled by a beginner, this is the first SUP to fit inside a station wagon!!! Try it as a windsurf board and you will love it. Some schools have been using this board even as a super light wind kiteboard that planes in 6 knots. Believe it!

WASSUP Ten Stinger EPX (MSRP $1249 :: Add mast track $100)

Still 31” wide!!! Stable and easy to ride for all levels. The special stinger outline drastically reduces the wetted surface behind the standing area, allowing the board to be ridden with a better performance level in the waves. This together with a set of thruster fins enhances the turning and planing potential. Equipped with inserts for footstraps, the WASSUP Ten Stinger is a great funboard for any occasion!

WASSUP Eleven EPX (MSRP $1249 :: Add mast track $100)

The base shape of our well-known SUP Eleven introduced in 2009 remains a reference board for entry-level program and a very versatile shape both for flat water and waves. Well balanced and stable thanks to its 31” of width, the WASSUP Eleven is the board for everyone.

Softskin™ Line (MSRP $1249 :: Add mast track $100)

The sofskin line is a very versatile line of boards based on the same technology and finishing level as our EasyRide windsurf boards. It features fully recessed EVA deck for maximum comfort and a very lightweight technology.

The Diamond Line

The Diamond line is available in three different technologies: Classic $1249 :: Wood $1449 :: Limited Edition $1649

A line of SUP boards for real wave riders. This full range of boards will be able to satisfy all riding levels in all conditions, from small to big surf. A full wide nose with a retro style diamond tail outline with narrow lines towards the tail allow these boards to catch waves easily and maximize the potential of quick bottom turning on the spot once you are riding.

A full double rail shape keeps a very flat comfortable deck for foot positioning while enhancing full speed control with the lower super thin part of the rail that touches the water. These are innovative and functional boards for serious riding. Every board is equipped with a double mast foot insert that can be used for windsurfing.

Cruiser Twelve

The board for flat water and long distance paddling sessions. Shaped with a deep V hull in the nose area and a flat bottom on the standing area through the tail, the 12’ CRUISER smoothly penetrates any small chops with the nose and remains stable after each paddle stroke. Consistent average speed is the key for fun with this cruising SUP that will surprise with its performances against much longer boards!

The Cruiser 12 is available in 3 different technologies, Classic, Wood and Limited Edition. It is also possible to order the Cruiser in the Convertible version in any of the technologies!

Classic $1299 :: Wood $1499 :: Limited Edition $1749 (Add mast track $100)

Having fun making toys for water is my daily task.

The idea of a new board, kite and sail to test trying something new and see how it works it’s my excitement and passion.

I started to do this 27 years ago, and the feeling of excitement and fun is still here, stonger than ever.

Any time it’s windy or the swell is up and there is something new to work on and develop, it’s playtime and I forget that this is also my work.

Excitement is a big part the sport we have chosen to do, and until we have it, you can count on us making better toys for you.

The passion for making new designs, developing new prototypes and pushing new technological and design limits it's just the basic lifestyle of the company's owner, Roberto Ricci.

QuickBlade SUP Paddle Colors

2010-01-31T09:14:00.000-08:00

We just received a new batch of the colored QuickBlade SUP paddles...

We have a paddle to match just about any color of board...

Here are some other paddle and board color combos...

2010 Starboard SUP's in Stock

2010-01-31T08:49:00.000-08:00

Heaps of folks in the shop the last couple of days checking out the new 2010 Starboard SUP's...

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2010 STARBOARD SUP CATALOG

The extremely popular black camos get a graphics update...designed by Tahitian pro surfer, Teiva Joyeux...and the new Blue StarTouch is an eye popper...comes with a clear integrated paddle guard...

The 8'5" x 29.5" Pro shown here...

The new Seven Eleven, 9' x 33" Hero, and 8'5" x 29.5" Pro shown here...
A bunch more of the new 2010 Starboard SUP's will be out on our showroom floor today...as well as the most stunning SUP's on the market...the new Terje Haakonsen Edition (TAC) SUP models...

California dreamin' on a cold Winter day...Santa Barbara looking very Norway like...

Here's a recent customer testimonial sent in from Patti Song about her new TAC...

1/19/09
Subject: I LOVE my TAC!

Hey Wardog! Happy New Year!
Been meaning to tell you how many compliments I get when I have my TAC Drive out to play!

Compliments on and off the water. Other cars coming up alongside me as I drive to sneak several peeks at this "FPG/Floating Piece of Gorgeous"!

Thank you to, you, Guy and Adam for the aloha received when purchasing both my Naish Mana & my TAC drive & the 'how to' tips for rooftop transport.

I need to remember to keep the advert materials you passed to me ,in my car, so I can hand them to everyone who asks where I got my TAC. One man said, "Now, you're leaving that with me, right?". I said, "Nooooooooooooo, but I'll tell ya where to get one!"

With Appreciation,

Patti Song
Haircolorist - Cloutier Agency - Los Angeles, Ca

The Starboard SUP fins get an upgrade this year...added value...

We introduce the new Starboard composite Hexel fins in cool tinted black finish as standard for all SUP boards other than the SUPer's. Our plan was to also have composite side fins integrated into the program. However after testing of various side fin set ups and further the stiffness's in the thruster fins , it was found that the side fins with more flex were actually better suited to our boards.

A smoother initiation into a turn and arc all the way around was very clear. The larger volumes and thicker rails of the SUP boards obviously react differently to that of traditional short boards , which most surfboard fins are designed for. Going back and forth with testing it was found that the flexi fins were simply better. Throughout the range varying sizes of center fins and thrusters are used. Differences in length width and volume obviously requiring varying fin surface area.

For the smaller sizes, (7'11/8.0/8.5) a thruster with M'5 fins up front in combination with a Drake cool Hexel 19cm centre fin is the perfect blend between drive, traction and acceleration while still being loose. The larger sized boards from 9'0 up gradually increase to counter the extra size and volume required.

The exception being with Whopper, and Hero who's immense width actually suited having smaller centre fins with larger side fins. The selected injection molded side fins are made from the stiffness derived from PA+GF30%...

Starboard SUP, stand up paddle board equipment for paddling, surfing and windsurfing. Leading innovators with the world's most comprehensive range of shapes and technology options.

North Pacific Stinger Gun

2010-01-30T18:04:00.000-08:00

A couple of our big wave, outer reef charging, clients from the Cali Central Coast, came down today to pick up their custom North Pacific 10'6" stinger guns...mainland rockers for Cali style swells...

We customized them out with the high end microdot pads...Lopez Futures quad set...and, smoke gray stomp pads...

Big Will is STOKED!!!

Kenny loading up his Silver Surfer Sprinter...

More shots in this GALLERY...

More Love from North Pacific

2010-01-28T08:26:00.000-08:00

The North Pacific has been sending some love this Winter...we enjoyed the swell last week down in the Baja and returned to a new swell throwing out some double overhead sets...and, even a triple overhead macking wave that I was able to connect with on my new 10'6" North Pacific stinger gun quad (+1)...designed with a fast mainland rocker...

We just got another batch of these "Made in the USA" homegrown SUP's in and have one left...

More shots of the latest batch in this GALLERY...

The 10'2" North Pacific Mullet has arrived...business up front...party out the back...;-)
Part nose rider...part high performance short board...
Rob has been ripping on it...he's STOKED!!!

Here's a new 9'3' x 31" diamond tail winger...and, a new Wahine "Flower" model...
Several other new models coming soon...it doesn't stop there...we'll help you design a custom SUP that's just right for you...

If you can dream it...we can build it...

The Beat Goes On...

2010-01-27T12:43:00.000-08:00

Here's a hat that Johnny Cash would where if he was still with us...he's always on the music mix in our shop...and, you can catch him at our online jukebox...

Just got a fresh batch of embroidered black on black FlexFit logo caps and they are going fast...

Lost a few to part of the Starboard SUP team that was in town for a photo shoot...Margareta Engstrom who does all of the gorgeous Starboard SUP catalogs...by far, the best in the SUP industry...also, an awesome photographer...and, the Schweitzer kids...Zane and Matt...grand kids of one of the inventors of windsurfing...
Zane won the open stock division at the Battle of the Paddle...

Check out the new 7'9" x 33" x 4.25" Naish...

Heaps more boards coming...should have new 2010 Starboard SUP's and Imagine SUP's by the weekend...we'll also be seeing the new RRD and Jimmy Lewis SUP lines, soon...

The Gringo and the Mexican Fisherman

2010-01-27T12:17:00.000-08:00

Here's a little story that also rings true...kinda captures the essence of the little fishing villages and the pescadores that we like to hang out at, and with...

An American consultant was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.

The Mexican replied, "Only a little while."

The American then asked why didn't he stay out longer and catch more fish?

The Mexican said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs.

The American then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"

The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full and busy life, senor."

The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard graduate and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat with the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually NYC where you will run your expanding enterprise."

The Mexican fisherman asked, "But senor, how long will this all take?"

To which the American replied, "15-20 years."

"But what then, senor?"

The American laughed and said, That's the best part. When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions."

"Millions, senor? Then what?"

The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."

Don't Eat Sharks And They Won't Eat You

2010-01-23T06:36:00.000-08:00

It's the truth most of the time...;-)

Life is full of common sense rules to live by...

Red sky in the morning...sailors take warning...red sky at night...sailor's delight...etc...

In the Baja, it helps to have a heapin' helping of common sense...and, luck...

Just south of here is a place that was originally named Bahia de los Muertos (Bay of the Dead)...some gringos moved in and renamed it to Bahia de los Suenos ( Bay of the Lucky)...sometimes the line gets pretty fine between the two...

We met a Canadian guy at dinner last night who had a story to tell...
Brian was there "celebrating" the one year anniversary of a terrible kiteboarding accident that occurred here last year...without going into all of the gory details (of which there were many), he ended up losing his right leg above the knee...seems that there is always interplay between luck and death...it's called the dance of life...

GALLERIA

Glass Half Full...Glass Half Empty?

2010-01-22T09:02:00.001-08:00

That's the thing about rain...the Californias are desert...so, when it rains, it pours...hard to live with it...impossible to live without it...

GALLERIA

Who'll Stop The Rain?

2010-01-21T18:13:00.000-08:00

Mucho lluvia en California?!?!

It takes a hot sunny day to really enjoy a cold cerveza...;-)

It Never Rains In Margaritaville

2010-01-19T19:02:00.000-08:00

CLICK FOR GALLERIA

2010 Starboards Arriving

2010-01-16T08:54:00.000-08:00

We have a big shipment of the new 2010 Starboard SUP's arriving this week...the first in the country...a good sized chunk of them are already spoken for...so, if you want to grab one out of this first shipment of the year , you best get your name on the waiting list...

We will have the new 7'11"...8'5" Pro...8'5" Pocket Rocket...9' Converse...9' x 33" Hero...9'1" Pro...9'8" Terje Haakonsen (TAC) Element...and, also the 10'5" Drive and 11'2" Blend in Blue StarTouch and TAC editions...

We have the new 2010 Starboard SUP catalog in the shop...it's a real EYE POPPER...even better than last year's industry leading product publication...

Check it out online...click highlighted link above...

People are stunned when they see the Terje Haakonsen (TAC) wood editions...

The beautifully hand crafted boards are built to high precision at light weight in the strong precision wood technology that Starboard pioneered back in 1994.

Light...stiff...strong...beautiful...

Wood veneer boards are not a new project that Starboard is just now trying to figure out...they have been building them to withstand repeated landings from jumps and loops 30' in the air, with sail rigs attached...nobody is more committed to board R&D than Starboard...

Starboard is holding the speed record for wind powered sail crafts at 49.09 knots and has been winning the Professional Windsurfer Association's manufacturer's ranking 4 years in a row.

The lightweight fusion blown EPS has PVC reinforcements embedded for all insert's reinforcements.

Military grade fiberglass wraps around the core in an Epoxy resin matrix
to form an inner sandwich wall under the combination of a strong and stiff
510kg/m3 0.6mm Australian Pine and Makori veneer.

TAC boards have Starboard Startouch deck traction.

Here is a closeup view of the less expensive Blue StarTouch (MSRP $1249)...

The construction on the Starboard Blue Touch TufSkin is strong, light, durable, and TOUGH...Starboard is the leading innovator with the world's most comprehensive range of shapes and technology options.

PRECISION, each millimeter counts...
With 16 years of experience in cutting edge windsurf development, Starboard sets the very highest precision standard. Critical segments like rocker lines, rails, V shapes, concaves and board thickness are carefully monitored and checked throughout the entire production process.

•TufSkin technology uses a layer of continuous mat fibers sandwiched between 2 layers of glass weave to form a thick, stiff and durable epoxy sandwiched laminate.
The standing area has a 0.6 mm Australian pine veneer layer for extra strength.

•With superior impact resistance, it is the technology of choice for those looking for durability and strength.

•The seamless rail finish and sharp release edges add to the value, quality and performance of TufSkin Technology.

•StarTouch non abrasive deck traction ends the need for surf wax and introduces a new era of surfing functionality and simplicity.

Starboard at Surf Expo in Florida

2010-01-13T14:16:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Team Starboard's EJ, Brandi Baksic, & Nikki Gregg for all finishing in the money (real green backs) at the Cold Stroke Classic in North Carolina on Saturday...

Men's Elite Division:

1) Byron Kurt

2) EJ Johnson

3) Colin McPhilips

Woman's Elite Division:

1) Brandi Baksic

2) Helga Goebel

3) Nikki Gregg

Photo Credit: Staff Photo Matt Born/Wilmington Star-News

Holy shmoly that looks C O L D!!!
Meanwhile, we were basking in warm sun and double overhead set waves...;-)

Look at that big ol' SUPsports.com sticker, EJ...dang dawg...a twofer...NICE!!!

EJ is on his way to Western Australia...ahhh...the life of a PRO standup paddle racer...;-)
He won't have to bring so many clothes...it's Summer down under...

The Starboard crew fired off a couple of low rez cell phone piccies from the Surf Expo on the East Coast...this is the new brushed carbon Surf Race SUP paddle racing board designed by Brian Symanski...

This puppy is weighing in at ~ 20lbs!!!

Rumor has it that Starboard has a new board construction technology that is getting their wave riding boards down under 10 lbs...;-)

Check out the posters of our main man, EJ, in the booth...too kewl...;-)

Scott and Margareta hamming it up...

The Cali SUP racing crew represented nicely...

Team Hobie's Byron Kurt, and Colin McPhilips (3X world longboard champion), finished 1st and 3rd in elite men's stock 12'6"...picking up some nice cashola...and, Tommy Lloy from Hobie won the men's recreational division...and, a SUP...

Tasmania SUP

2010-01-12T06:58:00.000-08:00

Heather and Hank sent us a few piccies from their Tazzy vacation...

Heather paddling her 10'6" Hobie ATR...

Eva Hollmann Standup Paddling

2010-01-11T16:02:00.000-08:00

Eva Hollmann, the retired BoardLady sent us this piccie of herself out standup paddling on Lake Isabella, on the 12'2" Starboard SUP that we presented her with at the retirement party we held at the shop for her last year...

She wants to get a board a little shorter and wider so is looking for someone to adopt it...she says about the condition, "it is still a 94 out of 100"...she is off to do a board repair clinic in the Caribbean and is dropping it off at our shop...

Starboard 12'2" X 26 5/8" by Mark Raaphorst ( top Maui based SUP rider and shaper).

It's a gorgeous board...very light, strong, and fast...also, the general consensus is that it is the best windsurfing SUP ever made...

Please email or call the shop with inquiries...

La Ventana Baja :: SUP Race

2010-01-08T15:06:00.000-08:00

LAST REMINDER::
COME and JOIN THE FUN AT THE 5th ANNUAL EVENT (INCLUDING 11 MILE SUP RACE) TO SUPPORT SCHOOLS IN LA VENTANA, BAJA MEXICO***$3,000 USD CASH PURSE THIS YEAR...January 21-24...

We're donating a Blair 10'1" inflatable SUP and Werner carbon SUP paddle...

We know lots of elite SUP racers headed out to the Cold Stroke SUP Classic and the $7500 purse on Saturday...and, then heading down to Perth, Western Australia for The Doctor SUP Race January 16-17...part of a developing professional circuit with real money...

Might as well keep the momentum going and chase a few more dollars and international recognition...SUP racing on SUP race boards made in the USA for coffee mugs MADE IN CHINA is soooo last year, dood...;-)

A few more pics from La Ventana Baja, Mexico...and area blessed with world class fishing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding...world class surfing nearby...

WD surfing a short board quadfin at a little known spot with a couple of amigos...

Deb bumpin' and jumpin' in 4.7m2 La Ventana windsurf conditions...

Deb chargin' in the Baja...

The vista coming over the hill from La Paz...Bahia de los Sueno...used to be Bahia de los Muertos...

Pescadore pangas on the beach at El Sargento...

A couple of cacti in our garden...

La Ventana Standup Paddle

2010-01-07T04:30:00.000-08:00

We received a few snapshots from one of our Canadian clients doing the snowbird thang down in the Baja this Winter, on the Sea of Cortez...one of the beauty spots on this planet...

This area is also now known as a hot spot for fishing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding...

It's gotten orders of magnitude more popular, and civilized, since we started visiting several decades ago...

Now, there are gringo mansions, electrical powerlines, internet, nice restaurants and resorts...paved roads with sidewalks and streetlights in town...

The sunrises and sunsets are still just as nice...

The taco stands off the beaten track are still as good, too...;-)

Carlos, Senor Pescado...the owner of "Mr. Fish", representing...

Who Stopped the Rain?

2010-01-05T15:48:00.000-08:00

We have been under a ridge of high pressure generating spectacular weather and clean surf here in California for the last several weeks...with light to moderate offshore winds...so much for the predicted El Nino...;-)

We definitely could use some more rain in these parts...click image below to visit our weather forecasting pages...

More surf on the way...

Many of our clients...even in the sunbelt, are getting hammered by freezing conditions...if it's any consolation I saw a 31* F on the Sprinter's outside temp gauge this morning on the road out to a North County beach break...warmed up later in the day to 81* F...NICE!!!

North County sunrise...

Cold offshore winds...surf check...

The hills are dry...

Not much water in the creek...

Blue Heron fishing for breakfast...

Hollow grinders...soul session...

John chillin'...where is everyone?...;-)

Beach tracks from the holidaze...just a pleasant memory for those that made them...

Good viddles...apres SUP sesh...

Nicely restored Firebird...cruised out from town for a country burger...