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SurfingSports Standup Paddle Surf & Standup Paddling BLOG
The latest BUZZ in new standup paddle surfing sports gear.We will showcase the best standup paddle boards, standup paddles, standup paddle surfing news and views.
We have the largest, and best, selection of SUP's in the UNIVERSE at our store in Santa Barbara, CA.
Over 150 standup paddle boards currently in stock. New containers arriving monthly.
(Best selection...Best value...Best service...Mahalo)
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Starboard Technology
When it comes to innovation and board construction technological advances...one company stands apart...Starboard...the world leader in board construction...
Some companies who have only been around for a couple of years are starting to play around with wood and sandwich board construction...why pay for their R&D?
Starboard has been producing the most durable sailboards in the world for over 15 years...sailboards are under way more stress than conventional surfboards...they have to survive speeds of up to 50mph...and jumps/loops to 50'...
Developed by Jean Louis Colmas in 1984, Wood Technology became Starboard's trademark construction since 1995. Starboard's production Wood boards then set the lead in lightweight sandwich technology, weighing in at a kilo under the competition, yet with higher impact resistance.
A sheet of 0.6 mm Australian pine wood forms the full outer shell of the board. Wood's unique properties are its natural rigidity, superior resistance to compression and higher energy absorption compared to carbon. It is the construction with the highest dynamic shape stability.
Click image to enlarge...
In the continuing effort to reduce weight and increase performance without loss of durability, Starboard is once again leading the way with the new wood/carbon technology...
A combination of a wood spine with ultra light, flat-weave carbon. The first board construction in the world to utilize an ultra light carbon fiber that is flat-weaved for total mechanical efficiency at half the specific weight.
I just received a new Starboard quadfin waveboard with this wood/carbon technology...
IT'S INSANELY LIGHT!!!
I expect this technology to trickle down to the Starboard SUP line...there is ongoing osmosis between the SUP line and sailboard line...this quadfin sailboard progressed because of the quadfin SUP's that Starboard has dialed in...
The World’s first Quad fin wave boards - more drive, more traction, the ability to generate more speed on the wave face, turn closer and tighter, ride more vertical with the ability to go where you want, when you want. When going out through waves, the Quads also help you to stay upwind better than single or twin fin boards, thus positioning you to catch more waves.
The Quad wave concept was born 2 years ago when Svein Rasmussen and Scott McKercher first started working with Quad fin setups on wave SUP boards, initially with single fin setups to thrusters and finally Quad fins. The unique fin size combination, with the larger fin in front and the smaller fin behind, as well as the exact fin box positioning, the fin foil/stiffness ratio and the fin box selection were the key in making the Quad concept work.
Quad action vid clip:
Quad technical discussion vid clip:
Scott McKercher: Something that I felt has been missing in wave boards is the ability to produce drive through the fins like a surf board. Singles and twins were all about the containment of speed and not the production of drive. The new Quads deliver the perfect blend of a smooth arc length when desired, combined with lightning acceleration through tight on rail snaps.
Svein Rasmussen: Experimenting with Quads has totally renewed my interest in wave sailing.
Tiesda You: For progressing wave riders who thought the Evo was a breakthrough in 2003, well the Quads are again another leap forward. On a wave face, they really do go where you want, when you want and then they’ll even generate more speed as you drive them through turns. Unbelievable stuff.
Question to Svein: is the Quad an innovation? “Some 12 years ago, our production Twister twin fin board was available worldwide, then suddenly in 2008 the twin fin concept was viewed as an innovation. Now in 2009 Starboard brings into production a totally refined Quad fin board and if bringing back twin fins in 2008 was viewed an innovation , then bringing in Quads in 2009 is truly an innovation which actually brings something NEW to wavesailing.”
Some companies who have only been around for a couple of years are starting to play around with wood and sandwich board construction...why pay for their R&D?
Starboard has been producing the most durable sailboards in the world for over 15 years...sailboards are under way more stress than conventional surfboards...they have to survive speeds of up to 50mph...and jumps/loops to 50'...
Developed by Jean Louis Colmas in 1984, Wood Technology became Starboard's trademark construction since 1995. Starboard's production Wood boards then set the lead in lightweight sandwich technology, weighing in at a kilo under the competition, yet with higher impact resistance.
A sheet of 0.6 mm Australian pine wood forms the full outer shell of the board. Wood's unique properties are its natural rigidity, superior resistance to compression and higher energy absorption compared to carbon. It is the construction with the highest dynamic shape stability.
Click image to enlarge...
In the continuing effort to reduce weight and increase performance without loss of durability, Starboard is once again leading the way with the new wood/carbon technology...
A combination of a wood spine with ultra light, flat-weave carbon. The first board construction in the world to utilize an ultra light carbon fiber that is flat-weaved for total mechanical efficiency at half the specific weight.
I just received a new Starboard quadfin waveboard with this wood/carbon technology...
IT'S INSANELY LIGHT!!!
I expect this technology to trickle down to the Starboard SUP line...there is ongoing osmosis between the SUP line and sailboard line...this quadfin sailboard progressed because of the quadfin SUP's that Starboard has dialed in...
The World’s first Quad fin wave boards - more drive, more traction, the ability to generate more speed on the wave face, turn closer and tighter, ride more vertical with the ability to go where you want, when you want. When going out through waves, the Quads also help you to stay upwind better than single or twin fin boards, thus positioning you to catch more waves.
The Quad wave concept was born 2 years ago when Svein Rasmussen and Scott McKercher first started working with Quad fin setups on wave SUP boards, initially with single fin setups to thrusters and finally Quad fins. The unique fin size combination, with the larger fin in front and the smaller fin behind, as well as the exact fin box positioning, the fin foil/stiffness ratio and the fin box selection were the key in making the Quad concept work.
Quad action vid clip:
Quad technical discussion vid clip:
Scott McKercher: Something that I felt has been missing in wave boards is the ability to produce drive through the fins like a surf board. Singles and twins were all about the containment of speed and not the production of drive. The new Quads deliver the perfect blend of a smooth arc length when desired, combined with lightning acceleration through tight on rail snaps.
Svein Rasmussen: Experimenting with Quads has totally renewed my interest in wave sailing.
Tiesda You: For progressing wave riders who thought the Evo was a breakthrough in 2003, well the Quads are again another leap forward. On a wave face, they really do go where you want, when you want and then they’ll even generate more speed as you drive them through turns. Unbelievable stuff.
Question to Svein: is the Quad an innovation? “Some 12 years ago, our production Twister twin fin board was available worldwide, then suddenly in 2008 the twin fin concept was viewed as an innovation. Now in 2009 Starboard brings into production a totally refined Quad fin board and if bringing back twin fins in 2008 was viewed an innovation , then bringing in Quads in 2009 is truly an innovation which actually brings something NEW to wavesailing.”
Labels: Quad sailboard, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Starboard quadfin sailboard, Starboard Standup Paddleboards, Starboard SUP
Monday, September 14, 2009
2009 North American Naish Summer Race Series Championship
The 2009 North American Naish Summer Race Series Championship was held at Bonita Cove in San Diego yesterday...
The SUPsports paddle racing team did very well...
Rich Schroeder wins the event and a 14' Naish Glide...plus, a trip to Maui and an entry into the 5th Annual Naish Paddle Championship...a 9.54 mile race from Maliko Gulch...NICE WORK!!!
Adam Kirkcaldie, our newest staff member, takes 3rd...Adam is just getting going in paddle racing and is already showing great potential with his triathlete background...
Rob Graham takes 4th...he'll be moving up to the 14' class...
EJ came down and raced in the open class taking 1st...his new 23" wide Syzmanski worked great...
Brian Syzmanski...fierce prone paddleboarder...now piloting his standup creations...
Team rider, Andie Johnson, took 2nd place in the women's championship race...not bad for racing a new board and new paddle for the first time...
The board did feel very nice and stable for 25" width...
Prone paddleboarder Matt Friedman transitioning to standup paddle racing on one of Brian's new shapes...
Who da guy?...;-)
They're not all going to Maui with a free 14' Glide...but, they're a bunch of STOKED units, nonetheless!!!
EJ and MJ...two of my favorite humans on this planet...
Mucho mahalos to Naish for getting this classic grass roots event off the ground...
I'll have a gallery up in the next day or two...or whenever this killer swell dies down...;-)
The SUPsports paddle racing team did very well...
Rich Schroeder wins the event and a 14' Naish Glide...plus, a trip to Maui and an entry into the 5th Annual Naish Paddle Championship...a 9.54 mile race from Maliko Gulch...NICE WORK!!!
Adam Kirkcaldie, our newest staff member, takes 3rd...Adam is just getting going in paddle racing and is already showing great potential with his triathlete background...
Rob Graham takes 4th...he'll be moving up to the 14' class...
EJ came down and raced in the open class taking 1st...his new 23" wide Syzmanski worked great...
Brian Syzmanski...fierce prone paddleboarder...now piloting his standup creations...
Team rider, Andie Johnson, took 2nd place in the women's championship race...not bad for racing a new board and new paddle for the first time...
The board did feel very nice and stable for 25" width...
Prone paddleboarder Matt Friedman transitioning to standup paddle racing on one of Brian's new shapes...
Who da guy?...;-)
They're not all going to Maui with a free 14' Glide...but, they're a bunch of STOKED units, nonetheless!!!
EJ and MJ...two of my favorite humans on this planet...
Mucho mahalos to Naish for getting this classic grass roots event off the ground...
I'll have a gallery up in the next day or two...or whenever this killer swell dies down...;-)
Labels: NAISH 2009 SUP CHAMPIONSHIP RACE SERIES, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Friday, September 11, 2009
Starboard Tiki
Just got the new 8'5" x 28" Starboard Tikis...
Waterkids, Connor Baxter and Zane Schweitzer have developed a board shape to suit their style and body size. The 8’5” x 28” is designed for waterkids looking for a quick learning curve.
It’s front section provides stability for paddling through the waves and the more stinger aft section offers acceleration, speed and rail to rail response. Despite its short length, it glides well on flat waters for light riders.
It’s tri fin set up provides plenty of directional stability to enjoy gliding down the rivers and over the lakes anywhere any time. It also rips behind a boat or on the Cable park. (MSRP $949)
Comparison shots of 8'5" x 28" Tiki and 8'5" x 30" Pocket Rocket...
Pocket Rocket is a quad...Tiki is trifin...
More pics in this GALLERY...
More comparison pics in this GALLERY...
Waterkids, Connor Baxter and Zane Schweitzer have developed a board shape to suit their style and body size. The 8’5” x 28” is designed for waterkids looking for a quick learning curve.
It’s front section provides stability for paddling through the waves and the more stinger aft section offers acceleration, speed and rail to rail response. Despite its short length, it glides well on flat waters for light riders.
It’s tri fin set up provides plenty of directional stability to enjoy gliding down the rivers and over the lakes anywhere any time. It also rips behind a boat or on the Cable park. (MSRP $949)
Comparison shots of 8'5" x 28" Tiki and 8'5" x 30" Pocket Rocket...
Pocket Rocket is a quad...Tiki is trifin...
More pics in this GALLERY...
More comparison pics in this GALLERY...
Labels: kids SUP, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Starboard SUP, Starboard Tiki
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
New SUP Bags
We just received a couple of pallets of new SUP bags...6" increments from 9' to 12'...
Features include:
:: Shoulder strap
:: EZ grip offset carry handle middle of bag
:: Paddle holder
:: Extra large outside pocket
:: Large inner fin pocket
:: EZ entry zipper opening
:: EZ slide zippers
:: Reinforced nose & tail
:: Double stitching reinforced seams
:: Built in bag holder
:: Change out ground tarp included
Value based pricing...below 11' $120 :: 11' & above $130
We have heaps of SUP bags in stock...
Features include:
:: Shoulder strap
:: EZ grip offset carry handle middle of bag
:: Paddle holder
:: Extra large outside pocket
:: Large inner fin pocket
:: EZ entry zipper opening
:: EZ slide zippers
:: Reinforced nose & tail
:: Double stitching reinforced seams
:: Built in bag holder
:: Change out ground tarp included
Value based pricing...below 11' $120 :: 11' & above $130
We have heaps of SUP bags in stock...
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, standup paddle board bags, SUP bags
Monday, September 07, 2009
Santa Barbara Labor Day SUP Demo
Yesterday's SUP demo went really well...over 110 people participated...
Our "try before you buy" SUP demos have become so popular that we have had to RSVP folks to ensure that people get an opportunity to try the specific boards they are interested in...
We've taught over 600 people how to standup paddle in Santa Barbara this Summer on our fleet of SUP's, for free...other people prefer the more personalized private individual or group lessons that we offer...
Gorgeous sunny weather and light cooling breezes prevailed...
Kids learning to kick turn...they could spin forever on their first day of SUP...
Board cleaning station...we are stoked that people recognize how much effort and labor goes into making the boards and paddles available to try for free...
Demo van organization...
Warren and Koren loading their new SUP's...Starboard 9'8" Fish and 10'6" Imagine ECO SUP into their van...their first standup board they learned on was the Exocet Kona...and they got it from someone that started on it as well...paying it forward...
All loaded up and ready for SUP...
That's what it's all about for us...miles of smiles...STOKED CLIENTS!!!
More pics of the SUP demo in this GALLERY...
Our "try before you buy" SUP demos have become so popular that we have had to RSVP folks to ensure that people get an opportunity to try the specific boards they are interested in...
We've taught over 600 people how to standup paddle in Santa Barbara this Summer on our fleet of SUP's, for free...other people prefer the more personalized private individual or group lessons that we offer...
Gorgeous sunny weather and light cooling breezes prevailed...
Kids learning to kick turn...they could spin forever on their first day of SUP...
Board cleaning station...we are stoked that people recognize how much effort and labor goes into making the boards and paddles available to try for free...
Demo van organization...
Warren and Koren loading their new SUP's...Starboard 9'8" Fish and 10'6" Imagine ECO SUP into their van...their first standup board they learned on was the Exocet Kona...and they got it from someone that started on it as well...paying it forward...
All loaded up and ready for SUP...
That's what it's all about for us...miles of smiles...STOKED CLIENTS!!!
More pics of the SUP demo in this GALLERY...
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle demo, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Santa Barbara SUP Demo, Standup Paddle Sports SUP lessons
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Terje Hakkonsen's new Starboard quiver
Svein Rasmussen, owner of Starboard, recently hand delivered the first 4 TAC production editions to Starboard team rider, Terje Hakkonsen, in Norway.
(The new TAC series is designed around, and named after, Terje and his Arctic Challenge snowboard contest...
Our friend who used to work for Burton, Scott Currie, says "If you look very closely at the stripe down the side of the board…you will notice a pattern of small swords. It is this Sword that was used on Terje’s very first snowboard pro model with Burton Snowboards back in 1993. (Viking Sword and Helmet)
The compass looking graphic on the SUP board is the logo for “The Arctic
Challenge” contest. One of the most Prestigious snowboard contests in the
whole world."
(The new TAC series is designed around, and named after, Terje and his Arctic Challenge snowboard contest...
Our friend who used to work for Burton, Scott Currie, says "If you look very closely at the stripe down the side of the board…you will notice a pattern of small swords. It is this Sword that was used on Terje’s very first snowboard pro model with Burton Snowboards back in 1993. (Viking Sword and Helmet)
The compass looking graphic on the SUP board is the logo for “The Arctic
Challenge” contest. One of the most Prestigious snowboard contests in the
whole world."
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Starboard SUP, Terje Hakkonsen, Terje Hakkonsen SUP
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Word Up!
Welcome...we're stoked that you are here.
The first step in buying a standup paddle board (SUP) is choosing the right shop.
Standup Paddle Sports is the first fully dedicated SUP shop to open in North America, and we've sold thousands of SUP's since 2005. We have lots of experience getting folks set up with the right gear the first time...our customer testimonials bear witness to that.
Matter of fact, our parent company, SurfingSports, sold thousands of sailboards, surfboards, & skateboards before the Standup Paddle Sports storefront was even established.
It seems that there are dozens of solely internet based SUP "stores" opening up every month...trying to hawk boards to newbies that are cheap popouts.
Remember the old adage...you get what you pay for...
That's prolly why you're here reading this...;-)
Most of these fly by night after they come home from ther *real* job companies, don't even have a physical address, or even a telephone number in their contact info...let alone years of customer testimonials...
Check out their blog posts...if they even have one...we have over 300 blog posts going back to 2005...
They don't do demos...(next one this Sunday)...teach lessons...host races or community events, fund raisers, enviromental causes...etc...to them, it's all about selling the lowest common denominator...it's called "bottom feeding"...basically, barnacles on the backs of those of us spending lots of time , energy, and money helping to grow the sport in a healthy fashion...paying it forward to future generations...
*RANT ON*
We're REALLY kinda tired of reading our words and seeing our pictures (intellectual property) on their cheesy websites...you woudn't believe some of the rip-off artists taking credit for our ideas and innovations...total biz buzzkill...
Back to basics...
Our retail store and warehouses are open every day 10 AM to 5 PM seven days / week...and our web folks deal with email pings 24/7...we have several toll free numbers...we're here for you...
We excel at customer service...it gives us a warm fuzzy knowing that our clients are STOKED!
We have 5 years of experience selling SUP's...not 5 weeks or 5 months, and have been ahead of the SUP curve the whole time since introducing to the world the first molded epoxy production SUP shaped by Sean Ordonez. That was before there was a standup paddling blog, ezine, magazine, standup forum, or standup paddleboard store.
We've shipped SUP's to all 50 states in the union and beyond...
We were also the first SUP shop to ship standup paddles to Norway, Sweden, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Chile, Argentina, Mexico...and, many other countries...
It's kinda crazy that it's already come this far...this fast...
But, it's really no wonder...standup paddling is a sport for the ages...
This is an article we wrote that was published in a local Santa Barbara magazine about standup...it's kind of surf centric...but, also is applicable to flatwater locales as well...
Undeniably fun!
There's no better way to describe the new "old sport" of standup paddlesurfing (or standup paddling if sans waves) to "never-evers", or SUP virgins...
George Greenough used to tell me, when we windsurfed together years ago, "whatever gets you in the water"...and, in Santa Barbara there's no better way to get out on the water and commune with nature, at least 300 days per year...basically, any time you have free time you can get a soul satisfying session or workout right in your backyard...doesn't that sound appealing especially after this flat as heck Winter, that's had even the most patient of surfers experiencing wave withdrawals? A saltwater lobotomy is just what the doctor ordered!
Definitely less expensive than psychological counseling...;-)
It also makes economic sense to do "staycations" at home, rather than burning jet fuel in search of the "Endless Summer"...one of the pleasant surprises with standup is that you can trunk it, sans wetsuit rubber, most days in Santa Barbara...even, all Winter long...
Standup paddling, even without the wave component, is very satisfying in a zen sort of way...giving you a surf-satisfied feeling that soothes the soul...washes away the stress of the day…the return of soul surfing...it harkens back to a simpler time...board and paddle...there's something almost prehistoric about it...
It doesn't take a whole lot of imagination in Santa Barbara to discover the nooks and crannies on a SUP that get overlooked daily by the masses on their way to the same old same old parking lot...
The waterman way ethos, that is rooted in Hawaiian culture, is available here right to us in the Santa Barbara area, just ready to tap into for the more adventurous souls...we explore our local watering holes in all of their moods...amazing, unconditional fun is there to be had, like low lying fruit, as we savor the views and experience sharing the ocean with marine life that is visually more apparent from a standup perspective...
The bottomline is that as surfers, we need to paddle...the legendary Tom Blake helped to bridge the surf lifestyle with paddleboarding back in the 1930's...standup paddling hits that note, and unlike sitdown kayaking, it also engages your balance as well...yoga on water...then, throw in the surf component and glide factor, and no wonder it's the fastest growing watersport on the planet...you can't help but notice the explosion of standup paddleboarding in Santa Barbara…it's become the mecca of the sport in North America…
As far as standup paddlesurfing with our laydown brethren is concerned, follow surf etiquette and don't come into the surfzone until you have the skill sets to control your new toy...if we all practice respect...give it and you will get it in return, then we should all be able to play nicely in the sandbox...remember, it's not what you ride...it's how you ride it!
The next time you have an opportunity to try a standup paddleboard, just do it!
You just may be surprised by how challenging, and fun, doing it standing up really is...
Word Up! (pics to return next blog post)
The first step in buying a standup paddle board (SUP) is choosing the right shop.
Standup Paddle Sports is the first fully dedicated SUP shop to open in North America, and we've sold thousands of SUP's since 2005. We have lots of experience getting folks set up with the right gear the first time...our customer testimonials bear witness to that.
Matter of fact, our parent company, SurfingSports, sold thousands of sailboards, surfboards, & skateboards before the Standup Paddle Sports storefront was even established.
It seems that there are dozens of solely internet based SUP "stores" opening up every month...trying to hawk boards to newbies that are cheap popouts.
Remember the old adage...you get what you pay for...
That's prolly why you're here reading this...;-)
Most of these fly by night after they come home from ther *real* job companies, don't even have a physical address, or even a telephone number in their contact info...let alone years of customer testimonials...
Check out their blog posts...if they even have one...we have over 300 blog posts going back to 2005...
They don't do demos...(next one this Sunday)...teach lessons...host races or community events, fund raisers, enviromental causes...etc...to them, it's all about selling the lowest common denominator...it's called "bottom feeding"...basically, barnacles on the backs of those of us spending lots of time , energy, and money helping to grow the sport in a healthy fashion...paying it forward to future generations...
*RANT ON*
We're REALLY kinda tired of reading our words and seeing our pictures (intellectual property) on their cheesy websites...you woudn't believe some of the rip-off artists taking credit for our ideas and innovations...total biz buzzkill...
Back to basics...
Our retail store and warehouses are open every day 10 AM to 5 PM seven days / week...and our web folks deal with email pings 24/7...we have several toll free numbers...we're here for you...
We excel at customer service...it gives us a warm fuzzy knowing that our clients are STOKED!
We have 5 years of experience selling SUP's...not 5 weeks or 5 months, and have been ahead of the SUP curve the whole time since introducing to the world the first molded epoxy production SUP shaped by Sean Ordonez. That was before there was a standup paddling blog, ezine, magazine, standup forum, or standup paddleboard store.
We've shipped SUP's to all 50 states in the union and beyond...
We were also the first SUP shop to ship standup paddles to Norway, Sweden, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Chile, Argentina, Mexico...and, many other countries...
It's kinda crazy that it's already come this far...this fast...
But, it's really no wonder...standup paddling is a sport for the ages...
This is an article we wrote that was published in a local Santa Barbara magazine about standup...it's kind of surf centric...but, also is applicable to flatwater locales as well...
Undeniably fun!
There's no better way to describe the new "old sport" of standup paddlesurfing (or standup paddling if sans waves) to "never-evers", or SUP virgins...
George Greenough used to tell me, when we windsurfed together years ago, "whatever gets you in the water"...and, in Santa Barbara there's no better way to get out on the water and commune with nature, at least 300 days per year...basically, any time you have free time you can get a soul satisfying session or workout right in your backyard...doesn't that sound appealing especially after this flat as heck Winter, that's had even the most patient of surfers experiencing wave withdrawals? A saltwater lobotomy is just what the doctor ordered!
Definitely less expensive than psychological counseling...;-)
It also makes economic sense to do "staycations" at home, rather than burning jet fuel in search of the "Endless Summer"...one of the pleasant surprises with standup is that you can trunk it, sans wetsuit rubber, most days in Santa Barbara...even, all Winter long...
Standup paddling, even without the wave component, is very satisfying in a zen sort of way...giving you a surf-satisfied feeling that soothes the soul...washes away the stress of the day…the return of soul surfing...it harkens back to a simpler time...board and paddle...there's something almost prehistoric about it...
It doesn't take a whole lot of imagination in Santa Barbara to discover the nooks and crannies on a SUP that get overlooked daily by the masses on their way to the same old same old parking lot...
The waterman way ethos, that is rooted in Hawaiian culture, is available here right to us in the Santa Barbara area, just ready to tap into for the more adventurous souls...we explore our local watering holes in all of their moods...amazing, unconditional fun is there to be had, like low lying fruit, as we savor the views and experience sharing the ocean with marine life that is visually more apparent from a standup perspective...
The bottomline is that as surfers, we need to paddle...the legendary Tom Blake helped to bridge the surf lifestyle with paddleboarding back in the 1930's...standup paddling hits that note, and unlike sitdown kayaking, it also engages your balance as well...yoga on water...then, throw in the surf component and glide factor, and no wonder it's the fastest growing watersport on the planet...you can't help but notice the explosion of standup paddleboarding in Santa Barbara…it's become the mecca of the sport in North America…
As far as standup paddlesurfing with our laydown brethren is concerned, follow surf etiquette and don't come into the surfzone until you have the skill sets to control your new toy...if we all practice respect...give it and you will get it in return, then we should all be able to play nicely in the sandbox...remember, it's not what you ride...it's how you ride it!
The next time you have an opportunity to try a standup paddleboard, just do it!
You just may be surprised by how challenging, and fun, doing it standing up really is...
Word Up! (pics to return next blog post)
Labels: paddleboard warehouse, paddlesurf warehouse, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, SUP store
Monday, August 31, 2009
DogPeople :: Souplements
Many of you that have visited our store have met the shop dogs...our Chocolate Labs, Annie Mae and Molly Claire...
They think that there are two kinds of people in the world...us "dog people"...and, the "others"...;-)
To a Lab, there are more dichotomies...those that love the water, and the "others"...
They don't care if they are on a board or not...they'll take a day at the beach, or Lake Tahoe...a river in the redwoods...or, whatevers...
Anyways...it's prolly pretty obvious that we're dogpeoples...hang on, because I'm almost done gushing about our Chocolates...;-)
I want to introduce you to another dogpeople person...local paddler Emily Chan, and her new product...Souplements...from dog people, inc.
Let's see how Annie and Molly react to the packaging that Emily and her crew have put together...a little test marketing research in action...;-)
Hmmmm...like bees to honey, it didn't take these Labs long to check out the Souplement packaging...;-)
Now, let's try them one at a time...Annie Mae...
Molly Claire...
Yummy...a little post-Souplement siesta...
Get your four-legged loved one's some Souplements today...store locator...
They think that there are two kinds of people in the world...us "dog people"...and, the "others"...;-)
To a Lab, there are more dichotomies...those that love the water, and the "others"...
They don't care if they are on a board or not...they'll take a day at the beach, or Lake Tahoe...a river in the redwoods...or, whatevers...
Anyways...it's prolly pretty obvious that we're dogpeoples...hang on, because I'm almost done gushing about our Chocolates...;-)
I want to introduce you to another dogpeople person...local paddler Emily Chan, and her new product...Souplements...from dog people, inc.
Let's see how Annie and Molly react to the packaging that Emily and her crew have put together...a little test marketing research in action...;-)
Hmmmm...like bees to honey, it didn't take these Labs long to check out the Souplement packaging...;-)
Now, let's try them one at a time...Annie Mae...
Molly Claire...
Yummy...a little post-Souplement siesta...
Get your four-legged loved one's some Souplements today...store locator...
Labels: Chocolate Labradors, Dog people, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, soup for dogs, Souplements
Saturday, August 29, 2009
2010 Naish Mana SUP's
We just received the new 2010 Naish Mana SUP's...we are stoked to get these new short wide style SUP's after seeing them at the Outdoor Retailers show in SLC, Utah last month...
Robbie Naish and company have been building quality boards since 1979...
Let's do the math...that's 30 years...not, 3 years...or 3 months...;-)
They come with a killer bamboo fin set, pad, recessed handle, and a bag that's a keeper...all for $1399...and, we throw in a big wave rated leash with safety release...talk about value and bang for your buck...you are definitely getting great return on your investment (ROI) with these boards...
We barely got them unwrapped and they started flying off the shelves...
More pics in this GALLERY...
Naish board construction...
The Mana 9'5" is the smaller sibling of the 10'0". It's an awesome first board for lighter riders in small surf; or large riders looking for superb wave performance with added float and stability.
::9'5" x 31" x 4 3/4" (MSRP $1399)
::Wood veneer sandwich
::Eco bag included
::EVA Deck Pad included
The Mana 10'0" is a fun board for small surf and people of all sizes. The Mana's width and short length make stand up paddling in waves easy to learn. Its single concave bottom shape and rocker profile set the standard in terms of stability and turning. These features make surfing simple and blast!
::10' x 32" x 4 3/4"(MSRP $1399)
::Wood veneer sandwich
::Eco bag included
::EVA Deck Pad included
The SUP Kailua is a beginner board designed for flat water. Its width and stability make it incredibly easy for people of all weights and sizes. The SUP Kailua's short length allows it to turn without effort. It features ASA skin technology which makes it extremely durable and the ultimate board for beginners, hotels, resorts, and beach rentals. No learning necessary, just stand up and paddle!
10'5" x 35 1/4" x 5 3/8" (MSRP $1399)
::ASA Skin, PVC/Styro sandwich
::Eco bag included
::EVA Deck Pad included
Instructional pics with Ashley Baxter on the Mana...slow turn...click pics below...
Instructional pics with Dave Kalama on the Mana...fast turn...
More standup paddle how to's and wallpapers here...
Labels: 2010 Naish SUP, Naish standup paddle board, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Bag it...
Just got a new shipment of SUP board bags...
These will protect your board from daily wear & tear and dings. Buy slightly over-sized for airline shipping and add nose/tail protection...lightly padded (6mm)bags have nylon on one side and solar reflective material on the other. There is a fin slot on both sides. Plastic zipper will not corrode. This is a coffin style bag with side walls.
These will protect your board from daily wear & tear and dings. Buy slightly over-sized for airline shipping and add nose/tail protection...lightly padded (6mm)bags have nylon on one side and solar reflective material on the other. There is a fin slot on both sides. Plastic zipper will not corrode. This is a coffin style bag with side walls.
Labels: Epic Gear board bags, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, SUP board bags
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Standup Paddle Racing :: Santa Barbara
Matt spanks Rich Schroeder at our weekly SUP race series...
NOT!!! Matt put me up to the pic...;-)
Heading out to the first turn...
Rich is in good form right now...
Adam is helping us out at the shop...he's a keen triathlete, who is finding a liking for standup paddle racing...
John Ford showed up and powered his Naish 11'6" around the course into 3rd place...
Nolan L@@King pretty comfortable on the Naish 12' Glide...
More pics in this GALLERY...
NOT!!! Matt put me up to the pic...;-)
Heading out to the first turn...
Rich is in good form right now...
Adam is helping us out at the shop...he's a keen triathlete, who is finding a liking for standup paddle racing...
John Ford showed up and powered his Naish 11'6" around the course into 3rd place...
Nolan L@@King pretty comfortable on the Naish 12' Glide...
More pics in this GALLERY...
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Santa Barbara SUP race, standup paddle racing
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
North Pacific SUP's :: MADE IN THE USA
Tired of the same old same old?
L@@King for something newer...more unique...lighter...stronger...custom...more high performance in the waves...MADE IN THE USA with quality craftsmanship...etc...???
Prolly answered "yup", huh?
Wayullll...we have some kewl new shapes out of the Pacific Northwest by Art Colyer...
Art Colyer has been shaping high performance surfboards and sailboards for decades...spent 6 years shaping with San Diego-based shaper Rusty Preisendorfer who has been building surfboards for some of the world's best waveriders for almost 40 years...Art is known for his high performance surfboards, sailboards, kiteSURFING boards, and now SUP's...
We've been working with Art...and his partner, Jeff Hammer...along with champion paddler Dan Gavere, to come up with a new line of standup paddlesurfing boards that differentiate themselves from other domestic offerings by being lighter and stronger...we have 3 models 8'6"...9'...9'6" that range from 17 lbs to 19 lbs...these high performance SUP's are equipped with a Future fin quadfin setup and a standard center fin box allowing multiple fin tuning options...they also feature a recessed carrying handle, double leash plugs, vent screw, gorgeous custom airbrush, laminated wood stringers, and ultralight deck pad...
More images in this GALLERY...
L@@King for something newer...more unique...lighter...stronger...custom...more high performance in the waves...MADE IN THE USA with quality craftsmanship...etc...???
Prolly answered "yup", huh?
Wayullll...we have some kewl new shapes out of the Pacific Northwest by Art Colyer...
Art Colyer has been shaping high performance surfboards and sailboards for decades...spent 6 years shaping with San Diego-based shaper Rusty Preisendorfer who has been building surfboards for some of the world's best waveriders for almost 40 years...Art is known for his high performance surfboards, sailboards, kiteSURFING boards, and now SUP's...
We've been working with Art...and his partner, Jeff Hammer...along with champion paddler Dan Gavere, to come up with a new line of standup paddlesurfing boards that differentiate themselves from other domestic offerings by being lighter and stronger...we have 3 models 8'6"...9'...9'6" that range from 17 lbs to 19 lbs...these high performance SUP's are equipped with a Future fin quadfin setup and a standard center fin box allowing multiple fin tuning options...they also feature a recessed carrying handle, double leash plugs, vent screw, gorgeous custom airbrush, laminated wood stringers, and ultralight deck pad...
More images in this GALLERY...
Labels: Art Colyer, custom SUP boards, North Pacific Surfboards, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Monday, August 17, 2009
Starboard SUP's
Starboard = QUALITY + INNOVATION...
We have the largest selection of Starboard SUP's in stock in the Americas...North or South...
We bring the Starboard SUP's directly in by the container from the factory...
We know the product line better than ANY shop on the planet...we constantly contribute to the design team and push refinements to the top of the production line...
Currently, there are 21 models in the Starboard lineup for 2009...expanding to 27 models in 4 constructions for 2010...there's something for every rider...from inland flatwater to extremely hollow big wave beach breaks...world renown durability and value...
Hundreds and hundreds of people have had a chance to demo the Starboard line with us this Summer...and, they have convincingly made Starboard the #1 SUP brand in the world...
We have the largest selection of Starboard SUP's in stock in the Americas...North or South...
We bring the Starboard SUP's directly in by the container from the factory...
We know the product line better than ANY shop on the planet...we constantly contribute to the design team and push refinements to the top of the production line...
Currently, there are 21 models in the Starboard lineup for 2009...expanding to 27 models in 4 constructions for 2010...there's something for every rider...from inland flatwater to extremely hollow big wave beach breaks...world renown durability and value...
Hundreds and hundreds of people have had a chance to demo the Starboard line with us this Summer...and, they have convincingly made Starboard the #1 SUP brand in the world...
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Starboard Standup Paddleboards, Starboard SUP's
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Hobie Wine & Roses SUP/Paddleboard Race
Major props to Steve Leo for smoothing the way to get an inaugural SUP/paddleboard race added to this year's 10th Annual Wine & Roses Regatta here in Santa Barbara...
Next year's event is already in the planning stage, so please mark the 3rd Saturday in August on your paddle racing calendar now...this is the only event in Santa Barbara where beach camping for an event is allowed...so, if you think that the long drive to Lake Tahoe for a 7 mile race is a burden, consider this 4 mile event next year...it's a cheap date to live like kings and queens on one of Santa Barbara's premiere beaches for a couple of days...not to mention the killer BBQ at the Santa Barbara Yacht Club after the event...proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties
Reyna styling the event t-shirt...we wonder if she wore it to her high school reunion last night...;-)
Try finding a spot this nice to camp on the beach in Santa Barbara...
(hint: there are none...;-) let alone for $7/night...fun racing and camaraderie...
This race features a beach start with a 2 lap upwind/downwind course...
Hobie Alter, Jr. showed up to keep everyone on the line...;-)
Mad dash through the surf...
Scrambling for the lead...
The glassy water is egg-beaten by the frenzy...
Hard fought battle between Rich Schroeder and Dan Gavere...at the end of the 1st lap, Rich hangs onto the lead...
Nick Bobroff is the overall winner...1st place stock paddleboard...
Rich Schroeder held Dan Gavere off for 1st place men's stock SUP...
Rich's training regimen is starting to pay dividends...his GPS numbers are improving at every race...
Dan Gavere powering the 12'6" Starboard Pin into 2nd place...
John Dutton slicing home into 2nd place men's stock paddleboard...
Tom Reilly showing off his "trophy"...;-)
Tom is the organizer for the 17th Annual Ken Harmount Pier to Pier Paddle this September 12th at Avila Beach...it's a benefit for Central Coast Junior Lifeguards...
Rob Graham starting his anniversary off with a "trophy" to share with wifey...;-)
BBQ at the Santa Barbara Yacht Club...
Everybody is a winner at the auction fund raiser...
Here is an image GALLERY capturing a small part of the event...
Next year's event is already in the planning stage, so please mark the 3rd Saturday in August on your paddle racing calendar now...this is the only event in Santa Barbara where beach camping for an event is allowed...so, if you think that the long drive to Lake Tahoe for a 7 mile race is a burden, consider this 4 mile event next year...it's a cheap date to live like kings and queens on one of Santa Barbara's premiere beaches for a couple of days...not to mention the killer BBQ at the Santa Barbara Yacht Club after the event...proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties
Reyna styling the event t-shirt...we wonder if she wore it to her high school reunion last night...;-)
Try finding a spot this nice to camp on the beach in Santa Barbara...
(hint: there are none...;-) let alone for $7/night...fun racing and camaraderie...
This race features a beach start with a 2 lap upwind/downwind course...
Hobie Alter, Jr. showed up to keep everyone on the line...;-)
Mad dash through the surf...
Scrambling for the lead...
The glassy water is egg-beaten by the frenzy...
Hard fought battle between Rich Schroeder and Dan Gavere...at the end of the 1st lap, Rich hangs onto the lead...
Nick Bobroff is the overall winner...1st place stock paddleboard...
Rich Schroeder held Dan Gavere off for 1st place men's stock SUP...
Rich's training regimen is starting to pay dividends...his GPS numbers are improving at every race...
Dan Gavere powering the 12'6" Starboard Pin into 2nd place...
John Dutton slicing home into 2nd place men's stock paddleboard...
Tom Reilly showing off his "trophy"...;-)
Tom is the organizer for the 17th Annual Ken Harmount Pier to Pier Paddle this September 12th at Avila Beach...it's a benefit for Central Coast Junior Lifeguards...
Rob Graham starting his anniversary off with a "trophy" to share with wifey...;-)
BBQ at the Santa Barbara Yacht Club...
Everybody is a winner at the auction fund raiser...
Here is an image GALLERY capturing a small part of the event...
Labels: Santa Barbara paddle racing, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Santa Barbara SUP race, Wine and Roses regatta
Friday, August 07, 2009
Bark 14' Expeditions Have Arrived!
Hey now...the wait is finally over...the Bark 14' Expedition is no longer just vaporware...;-)
We've already been getting emails and phone calls asking us to contrast the Bark 14' Expedition with the other 14' production SUP model on the market...the Naish 14' Glide...these pics should help...
Pricing is $2075 for the Bark...$1999 for the Naish...
Even though they are both 14' in length, and are built for glide...that parameter of the tape doesn't tell the whole story...the Bark is 29 1/4" wide...while the width of the Naish is 27 1/4"...the Naish is built for long distance cruising and speed...the Bark is built for long distance cruising (touring) and comfort (stability)...
We've already been getting emails and phone calls asking us to contrast the Bark 14' Expedition with the other 14' production SUP model on the market...the Naish 14' Glide...these pics should help...
Pricing is $2075 for the Bark...$1999 for the Naish...
Even though they are both 14' in length, and are built for glide...that parameter of the tape doesn't tell the whole story...the Bark is 29 1/4" wide...while the width of the Naish is 27 1/4"...the Naish is built for long distance cruising and speed...the Bark is built for long distance cruising (touring) and comfort (stability)...
Labels: Bark 14' Expedition, Bark Surftech 14' SUP, Naish 14' Glide, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Leadbetter SUP Cup
Fun SUP race and social paddle today at Leadbetter Beach...6:00 P.M.
Leadbetter SUP Cup...
Leadbetter SUP Cup...
Labels: Santa Barbara paddle racing, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, standup paddle racing, SUP paddle racing
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Hobie Polarized Sunglasses and PFD's
A couple of killer new Hobie products to make your standup paddling experience a little more pleasurable...come in and check them out...if you're out of the area, give a shout out on email or our toll free line and we'll get you hooked up...
We are an authorized dealer for Hobie polarized sunglasses and the new Hobie PFD's...we also have the complete Hobie SUP line and Hobie SUP paddles...Fiber Core at $227 and Carbon at $299...
-USCG Approved Type III PFD.
-User manually inflates inflation system by pulling inflation tab when desired.
-Lighter and less restrictive PFD.
-Convenient exterior zipper pocket for storage of small items.
-Durable ripstop nylon.
-2" wide adjustable nylon waist belt.
-Can be conveniently stored in your hydration pack.
-Includes (1) C02 cylinder, mesh storage bag, and instructions.
-MSRP $109.00
Mark from Ventura gets ready to drive away yesterday with his new Hobie 11'2" ATR...
Once again, the inflatable HandiRack comes to the rescue...this time on a Toyota Camry...
We are an authorized dealer for Hobie polarized sunglasses and the new Hobie PFD's...we also have the complete Hobie SUP line and Hobie SUP paddles...Fiber Core at $227 and Carbon at $299...
Hobie Belt Pack PFD:
-USCG Approved Type III PFD.
-User manually inflates inflation system by pulling inflation tab when desired.
-Lighter and less restrictive PFD.
-Convenient exterior zipper pocket for storage of small items.
-Durable ripstop nylon.
-2" wide adjustable nylon waist belt.
-Can be conveniently stored in your hydration pack.
-Includes (1) C02 cylinder, mesh storage bag, and instructions.
-MSRP $109.00
Mark from Ventura gets ready to drive away yesterday with his new Hobie 11'2" ATR...
Once again, the inflatable HandiRack comes to the rescue...this time on a Toyota Camry...
Labels: Hobie PFD, Hobie polarized sunglasses, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Santa Barbara Point to Point (P2P) SUP/Paddleboard Race Photos
Here are some more inaugural Santa Barbara Point to Point (P2P) SUP/Paddleboard Race photos...
There will be a link to a gallery with 130 or so images in it at the bottom of this post...
Kevin Steele also has some nice ones up on his blog...
Skipper's meeting...Starboard K-15 and 12'6" Pin in foreground...
Legendary waterman Dave Kalama powering the production 14' Naish Glide into 1st place Men's 14' class...
Rob Graham runs for the gate after jumping off of his new 12' Naish Glide...
The 12' Naish AST Glide was working pretty nicely for Jon Cotter...
If you are L@@King for a racier SUP, we have lots of 12' and 14' Naish Glides in stock...as well as Starboards and BARK...including the new Surftech production model of the BARK 14' Expedition...
You'll have several more opportunities right here in Santa Barbara to participate in paddle racing a SUP this month...the next 4 Thursdays we'll be hosting a 3.5 mile fun race at Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara at 6:00 P.M.
These races are part of the Naish Summer Race Series...and, we're calling this the "Leadbetter SUP Cup"...
Additionally, in conjunction with Wine & Roses Hobie Cat Charity Regatta
there will be a SUP & Paddle Board Race Saturday, August 15 @ 8:30AM
Leadbetter Beach, Santa Barbara, CA...near the Hobie Cat beach by the SB Yacht Club...
BBQ followed by Charity Auction/Raffle...6:00pm Saturday Santa Barbara Yacht Club
Proceeds to go to Make A Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties
Two time Olympic gold medal winner, Rich Schroeder, powering his 12'6" stock carbon Hobie...
Bryan Fernandez put on a great race on the Starboard K-15...
14 year old Matthew Becker catching a nice bump at the end of the 11 miler...
Guy Lindburg, our shop manager, crossing the finish line of the 11 miler...he loves downwinders...
Naish stepped up to the plate for this race...and is assisting with the "Leadbetter Cup" races the next 4 Thursdays...
Eric Diamond from Honolua...another big race sponsor...
EJ and Andie Johnson...great SUP competitive paddling couple...great peeps...great friends...
The "Hero Stoke Attitude Award" goes to Jon and Reyna...they paddled their 9'8" and 10'5" Starboard SUP surf style SUP's the entire long course from the West end of Goleta Beach to the East end of East Beach...that's what the judges are L@@King for!!!
Matter of fact, Reyna won the wahine stock class...her competition rode a board twice the length of hers...
Almost everyone scored some kewl shwag during the raffle...
A shout out to Robert Gilcrest of Blacksmith Endurance, for helping to coordinate this inaugural Santa Barbara endurance paddling event...
More pics in this GALLERY...please note that there are 5 pages...
*** Race results here
There will be a link to a gallery with 130 or so images in it at the bottom of this post...
Kevin Steele also has some nice ones up on his blog...
Skipper's meeting...Starboard K-15 and 12'6" Pin in foreground...
Legendary waterman Dave Kalama powering the production 14' Naish Glide into 1st place Men's 14' class...
Rob Graham runs for the gate after jumping off of his new 12' Naish Glide...
The 12' Naish AST Glide was working pretty nicely for Jon Cotter...
If you are L@@King for a racier SUP, we have lots of 12' and 14' Naish Glides in stock...as well as Starboards and BARK...including the new Surftech production model of the BARK 14' Expedition...
You'll have several more opportunities right here in Santa Barbara to participate in paddle racing a SUP this month...the next 4 Thursdays we'll be hosting a 3.5 mile fun race at Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara at 6:00 P.M.
These races are part of the Naish Summer Race Series...and, we're calling this the "Leadbetter SUP Cup"...
Additionally, in conjunction with Wine & Roses Hobie Cat Charity Regatta
there will be a SUP & Paddle Board Race Saturday, August 15 @ 8:30AM
Leadbetter Beach, Santa Barbara, CA...near the Hobie Cat beach by the SB Yacht Club...
BBQ followed by Charity Auction/Raffle...6:00pm Saturday Santa Barbara Yacht Club
Proceeds to go to Make A Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties
Two time Olympic gold medal winner, Rich Schroeder, powering his 12'6" stock carbon Hobie...
Bryan Fernandez put on a great race on the Starboard K-15...
14 year old Matthew Becker catching a nice bump at the end of the 11 miler...
Guy Lindburg, our shop manager, crossing the finish line of the 11 miler...he loves downwinders...
Naish stepped up to the plate for this race...and is assisting with the "Leadbetter Cup" races the next 4 Thursdays...
Eric Diamond from Honolua...another big race sponsor...
EJ and Andie Johnson...great SUP competitive paddling couple...great peeps...great friends...
The "Hero Stoke Attitude Award" goes to Jon and Reyna...they paddled their 9'8" and 10'5" Starboard SUP surf style SUP's the entire long course from the West end of Goleta Beach to the East end of East Beach...that's what the judges are L@@King for!!!
Matter of fact, Reyna won the wahine stock class...her competition rode a board twice the length of hers...
Almost everyone scored some kewl shwag during the raffle...
A shout out to Robert Gilcrest of Blacksmith Endurance, for helping to coordinate this inaugural Santa Barbara endurance paddling event...
More pics in this GALLERY...please note that there are 5 pages...
*** Race results here
Labels: Santa Barbara paddle racing, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Santa Barbara SUP/Paddleboard Race
Friday, July 31, 2009
SUP Race Tomorrow :: Demo Sunday
Alrighty then...due to incredible demand, more 14' Naish Glides arrived today...
Check out the 2010 Naish SUP lineup...meet & greet with Dave Kalama at the race on Saturday and demo on Sunday...
SUP race tomorrow...
FREE SUP demo on Sunday...our extremely popular "try before you buy" program...
RSVP with the shop for details...
It's a fact...we have more boards...the best selection...the best construction...best value...and, most importantly, the best service of ANY shop selling SUP's on this planet...
We don't dig the "too cool for school"... kewl guy attitude on the phone, while you tap your feet waiting to make eye contact to spend your hard earned recreational dollars...the "Golden Rule" is in effect at our shop...your STOKE is guaranteed...
We have cherry picked all of the SUP products in our shop...you won't find CHEAP split rail, fin box blowout, ding magnet SUP seconds...we'll let the johnny come lately wannabes handle that...;-)
PLEASE SHOP THE OTHER GUYS FIRST...we encourage it...it helps our business...simple as that...
Of course, ALL of our SUP's come with with recessed handles...and, at a minimum you get a free leash and shwag bag with your purchase...we have lots of kewl SUPsports branded shwag, like paddle covers...paddle bags...rack pads...tshirts...hats...etc...
Check out the 2010 Naish SUP lineup...meet & greet with Dave Kalama at the race on Saturday and demo on Sunday...
SUP race tomorrow...
FREE SUP demo on Sunday...our extremely popular "try before you buy" program...
RSVP with the shop for details...
It's a fact...we have more boards...the best selection...the best construction...best value...and, most importantly, the best service of ANY shop selling SUP's on this planet...
We don't dig the "too cool for school"... kewl guy attitude on the phone, while you tap your feet waiting to make eye contact to spend your hard earned recreational dollars...the "Golden Rule" is in effect at our shop...your STOKE is guaranteed...
We have cherry picked all of the SUP products in our shop...you won't find CHEAP split rail, fin box blowout, ding magnet SUP seconds...we'll let the johnny come lately wannabes handle that...;-)
PLEASE SHOP THE OTHER GUYS FIRST...we encourage it...it helps our business...simple as that...
Of course, ALL of our SUP's come with with recessed handles...and, at a minimum you get a free leash and shwag bag with your purchase...we have lots of kewl SUPsports branded shwag, like paddle covers...paddle bags...rack pads...tshirts...hats...etc...
Labels: 2009 Naish, Naish standup paddle board, PADDLE RACE SANTA BARBARA, Santa Barbara standup paddle demo, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Naish 14' Glide
We just received the new 14' Naish Glide...the Naish team, with Harold Iggy shaping, has hit it out of the park with this glider...phenomenal glide...speed...directional stability...lightweight...catches the slightest of bumps effortlessly...sexy styling...the Naish 14' Glide sets a new standard...oh...almost forgot the best thing...the price...a remarkable $1999!!!
Not vaporware...we do have a limited number in stock...as well as the 12' Glide and 12' Glide AST...you prolly guessed it...yup, they're going fast...;-)
The Naish 14' Glide passes the "sniff test"...;-)
Fin in pics is a Curtis SUP racing fin...the Naish 14' Glide comes with a high aspect G-10 race fin...will update this post with a pic when we get a chance...
A few more pics of the Naish 14' Glide in this GALLERY...
Not vaporware...we do have a limited number in stock...as well as the 12' Glide and 12' Glide AST...you prolly guessed it...yup, they're going fast...;-)
The Naish 14' Glide passes the "sniff test"...;-)
Fin in pics is a Curtis SUP racing fin...the Naish 14' Glide comes with a high aspect G-10 race fin...will update this post with a pic when we get a chance...
A few more pics of the Naish 14' Glide in this GALLERY...
GLIDE Series
Flatwater Cruising and Racing
With the Naish Glide, you'll never look at flat water the same way again. For everything from recreational paddling, fitness training, to competitive racing, the Glide range sets a new standard in SUP. You'll also look at windy days with a new sense of stoke by taking a downwind cruise every chance you get.
Labels: Naish 14' Glide, Naish standup paddle board, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, SUP race board
Monday, July 27, 2009
Stoked Kids in our Candy Store
Standup paddling is a lifestyle...it's a life transformational sport/activity that's as good for your mind...as it is for your body, heart, and soul...
We often refer to standup as "yoga on water"...
We pride ourselves on having the best selection of standup paddleboards at the best prices with the best service...leave it to us to ensure that your purchase is optimized for VALUE and QUALITY...we'll get your STOKE factor in the red zone...and keep it there...
Here's a few of our SUP's on display...our warehouses are full of the best SUP's on the planet, just waiting to be adopted...
Over the weekend, we helped quite a few folks with their SUP and paddle adoptions...;-)
Here's Dani and Colleen...just a few of the fresh wahine faces that will be seen paddling in our local waters...
These women are pretty kewl...lots of impressive accomplishments in their young lives...and, now they are immersed in standup paddling...we welcome them into our ohana...
All of our SUP's are light, strong, and they have handles...which allows our female clients like these two, and many others that you've been introduced to on this blog, to simply strap their board on their truck and go paddling...no big thang...
We love getting phone and email customer testimonials from you guys...from time to time we also receive awesome hand written notes...here's one from Colorado that we returned home to after our trip out to Utah and back...
Todd and Kass picked up a couple of SUP's on their visit to Santa Barbara...after their vacation, they dropped them off and we packed them up and sent them out to their Boulder, Colorado home...
We often refer to standup as "yoga on water"...
We pride ourselves on having the best selection of standup paddleboards at the best prices with the best service...leave it to us to ensure that your purchase is optimized for VALUE and QUALITY...we'll get your STOKE factor in the red zone...and keep it there...
Here's a few of our SUP's on display...our warehouses are full of the best SUP's on the planet, just waiting to be adopted...
Over the weekend, we helped quite a few folks with their SUP and paddle adoptions...;-)
Here's Dani and Colleen...just a few of the fresh wahine faces that will be seen paddling in our local waters...
These women are pretty kewl...lots of impressive accomplishments in their young lives...and, now they are immersed in standup paddling...we welcome them into our ohana...
All of our SUP's are light, strong, and they have handles...which allows our female clients like these two, and many others that you've been introduced to on this blog, to simply strap their board on their truck and go paddling...no big thang...
We love getting phone and email customer testimonials from you guys...from time to time we also receive awesome hand written notes...here's one from Colorado that we returned home to after our trip out to Utah and back...
Todd and Kass picked up a couple of SUP's on their visit to Santa Barbara...after their vacation, they dropped them off and we packed them up and sent them out to their Boulder, Colorado home...
Labels: PADDLESURF SANTA BARBARA, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, standup paddle sports santa barbara
Friday, July 17, 2009
Hobie SUP Race...new SUP stuff...
SUP & Paddle Board Race
Saturday, August 15 @ 8:30AM
In Conjunction with Wine & Roses
Hobie Cat Charity Regatta
Leadbetter Beach, Santa Barbara, CA
BBQ followed by Charity Auction/Raffle
6:00pm Saturday Santa Barbara Yacht Club
Proceeds to go to Make A Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties
Downloadable entry form...
How about some gorgeous colors with the latest 8.3" Quickblade SUP blade?
Another new offering...lightweight and durable custom SUP wave rippers will soon be available at our store...of course, they will have recessed handles when done...;-)
Shown are the 8'6"...9'...and 9'6" models...
Saturday, August 15 @ 8:30AM
In Conjunction with Wine & Roses
Hobie Cat Charity Regatta
Leadbetter Beach, Santa Barbara, CA
BBQ followed by Charity Auction/Raffle
6:00pm Saturday Santa Barbara Yacht Club
Proceeds to go to Make A Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties
Downloadable entry form...
How about some gorgeous colors with the latest 8.3" Quickblade SUP blade?
Another new offering...lightweight and durable custom SUP wave rippers will soon be available at our store...of course, they will have recessed handles when done...;-)
Shown are the 8'6"...9'...and 9'6" models...
Labels: custom SUP boards, Hobie SUP race, Quick Blade SUP paddles, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Hobie Foote Segue
Lots of activity at the shop lately...while Bill Foote was over from Maui visiting, Hobie shaper, Mark Johnson stopped by to dropoff more boards and to show us a new prototype surf model...
It was kewl to see them talking board design and checking each other's boards out...not very often do you see two shapers on the same page...
Mark talking race board design with our paddleracing team member Rich Schroeder...
Rich competed yesterday at the 9 mile 2009 Hennessey's US Paddleboard Championships
in Redondo Beach, California...haven't seen race results yet, but it sounds like Hobie team riders swept many of the top spots...
Mark shared a couple of pics of his new 14' carbon X-14 SUP race board that has been under wraps...they debuted at the US Championships yesterday...
Hobie's SUP program is not just focused on waves or racing...even though it's hard not to notice the performance of their products in the hands of riders like Chuck Patterson, three-time world longboard champ Colin Mcphillips, brothers T.J. and Bryce Saeman...etc...
The Hobie ATR (All Terrain Ride) SUP line has also been very successful...
The ATR line is the best of both worlds...a great stable paddling platform with great surfing characteristics.
The 10'6" x 28.75" ATR is a fav amongst our wahine clients...it's perfect fit for smaller paddlers who want a board that paddles with ease and stability.
Here's Allison and Serina driving away with their new Hobies on their cars heading to the beach to baptize them...Allison picked out the mango 10'6"...and her friend Serina opted for the aqua...
A frequent sight at our shop...stoked clients driving away with new SUP's heading to the beach...
It was kewl to see them talking board design and checking each other's boards out...not very often do you see two shapers on the same page...
Mark talking race board design with our paddleracing team member Rich Schroeder...
Rich competed yesterday at the 9 mile 2009 Hennessey's US Paddleboard Championships
in Redondo Beach, California...haven't seen race results yet, but it sounds like Hobie team riders swept many of the top spots...
Mark shared a couple of pics of his new 14' carbon X-14 SUP race board that has been under wraps...they debuted at the US Championships yesterday...
Hobie's SUP program is not just focused on waves or racing...even though it's hard not to notice the performance of their products in the hands of riders like Chuck Patterson, three-time world longboard champ Colin Mcphillips, brothers T.J. and Bryce Saeman...etc...
The Hobie ATR (All Terrain Ride) SUP line has also been very successful...
The ATR line is the best of both worlds...a great stable paddling platform with great surfing characteristics.
The 10'6" x 28.75" ATR is a fav amongst our wahine clients...it's perfect fit for smaller paddlers who want a board that paddles with ease and stability.
Here's Allison and Serina driving away with their new Hobies on their cars heading to the beach to baptize them...Allison picked out the mango 10'6"...and her friend Serina opted for the aqua...
A frequent sight at our shop...stoked clients driving away with new SUP's heading to the beach...
Labels: Hobie, Hobie standup paddleboards, Hobie SUP's, Mark Johnson Hobie, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Saturday, July 11, 2009
More Foote SUP Pics
A few more pics of the latest round of Bill Foote SUP's that we received...
It's been a blur of color as they fly out of the door...
The stock pad is the Foote gray one...however, we're also installing the new super-light weight Maxfield Provision SUP pads at an additional cost ($80 MSRP:$140)
hmmmmm...decisions...decisions...;-)
It's been a blur of color as they fly out of the door...
The stock pad is the Foote gray one...however, we're also installing the new super-light weight Maxfield Provision SUP pads at an additional cost ($80 MSRP:$140)
hmmmmm...decisions...decisions...;-)
Labels: Bill Foote standup paddle boards, Bill Foote sup, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Friday, July 10, 2009
Bill Foote 9'10" Wing Swallow
No sooner than when we unwrapped one of these Bill Foote 9'10" Wing Swallow beauties,
they began flying out of the door...these pics are of the seafoam green...other color choices are blue, coral red, yellow, burnt orange, and lavender...
they began flying out of the door...these pics are of the seafoam green...other color choices are blue, coral red, yellow, burnt orange, and lavender...
Labels: Bill Foote standup paddle boards, Bill Foote SUP's, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Bill Foote SUP's are Here
After being held up in customs for a week, the container of Bill Foote SUP's has finally arrived at our store...a lot of work goes into designing the boards...manufacturing them...transporting them...unloading them...warehousing and showcasing them...selling them...shipping them...so that you, our valued clients can paddle them...if it was easy, everyone would be doing it...DOH!...it seems like they are...but, we were the first in the world to bring in molded, vacuum-bagged epoxy standup paddleboards...
The quality of the Sumitomo factory built boards is always evident when you unwrap them...inside tissue paper is like origami...prevents swirl marks on the brilliant paint jobs from the bubble wrap...
The new 9'10" x 29.5" wing swallow high performance ripper model will surely be a new fav for lots of folks...the highly popular 11' x 30" is also back in stock...these boards come in a variety of colors...seafoam green, blue, yellow, coral red, burnt orange, and lavender...
We'll have some pics up here shortly...please be patient Kenny...;-)
The quality of the Sumitomo factory built boards is always evident when you unwrap them...inside tissue paper is like origami...prevents swirl marks on the brilliant paint jobs from the bubble wrap...
The new 9'10" x 29.5" wing swallow high performance ripper model will surely be a new fav for lots of folks...the highly popular 11' x 30" is also back in stock...these boards come in a variety of colors...seafoam green, blue, yellow, coral red, burnt orange, and lavender...
We'll have some pics up here shortly...please be patient Kenny...;-)
Labels: Bill Foote standup paddle boards, Bill Foote SUP's, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Monday, July 06, 2009
Cheeseburgers in Paradise
Great weather...great paddling...great food...great friends...
Over 100 people turned up throughout the day yesterday, for our "try before you buy" demo in Goleta..."The Good Land"...
It was pretty kewl to see many people and families that have purchased standup paddling gear from us just come to hang at this demo...and, bring other folks to pay it forward with...standup paddling in our village has gone viral...just as it is starting to go worldwide...
We have a great program where instead of paying for a rental of beaten down, crap SUP gear and no instruction, every couple of weeks we host a free demo of top of the line standup paddleboards and paddles...with expert instruction...we require that you RSVP, so that we can tailor the boards and paddles to the clients who are interested in certain models or types of boards...
Our program is more geared towards helping folks make a purchasing decision of which boards and paddles fit them and their families, than it is to convince masses of people that they need to standup and paddle...we think that argument is moot...;-)
Of course, if you feel more comfortable in a private setting, we offer the same service with paid private lessons...the lesson costs are fully refunded upon purchase of gear within a reasonable time frame...
David Drake, son of Jim Drake, co-inventor of windsurfing, showed up at our demo yesterday to paddle and sail a bit, once the breeze came up...
Part of our great staff chillin' with a cheeseburger in paradise...along with a plate of pulled pork and pinquito beans...washing it all down with a cold beverage...
Not a bad way to wind down another successful demo day...miles of smiles created today...
A few more shots in this GALLERY...
Over 100 people turned up throughout the day yesterday, for our "try before you buy" demo in Goleta..."The Good Land"...
It was pretty kewl to see many people and families that have purchased standup paddling gear from us just come to hang at this demo...and, bring other folks to pay it forward with...standup paddling in our village has gone viral...just as it is starting to go worldwide...
We have a great program where instead of paying for a rental of beaten down, crap SUP gear and no instruction, every couple of weeks we host a free demo of top of the line standup paddleboards and paddles...with expert instruction...we require that you RSVP, so that we can tailor the boards and paddles to the clients who are interested in certain models or types of boards...
Our program is more geared towards helping folks make a purchasing decision of which boards and paddles fit them and their families, than it is to convince masses of people that they need to standup and paddle...we think that argument is moot...;-)
Of course, if you feel more comfortable in a private setting, we offer the same service with paid private lessons...the lesson costs are fully refunded upon purchase of gear within a reasonable time frame...
David Drake, son of Jim Drake, co-inventor of windsurfing, showed up at our demo yesterday to paddle and sail a bit, once the breeze came up...
Part of our great staff chillin' with a cheeseburger in paradise...along with a plate of pulled pork and pinquito beans...washing it all down with a cold beverage...
Not a bad way to wind down another successful demo day...miles of smiles created today...
A few more shots in this GALLERY...
Labels: David Drake, Goleta SUP, Santa Barbara standup paddle demo, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
SUP Demos :: Next One July 5th :: Open July 4th
In the spirit of paying it forward, we've taught hundreds and hundreds of people how to standup paddle...and, we know that many have in turn, paid it forward themselves...changing the world one standup paddler at a time, as it were...;-)
We have another of our "try before you buy" demos planned this Sunday (July 5th)...
RSVP for all day demo and BBQ...
Call or email the shop for more info...if you can't make it, ask about our private lesson "money back when you buy" program...
A few shots from last week's demo...this was a semi-private demo for members of Ty Warner's Coral Casino...we've supplied their members with some top quality Starboard SUP's and racks to match the decor of the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club...
Jason and daughter Allison...first time standuppers...
Mary Lou and her husband Ed, were gliding along...
SUPsports staffer, Daniel Razo, keeping an eye on Wendy...
Lisa enjoying a sunny day for her first time standup paddle session in Santa Barbara on the Starboard 10'5" Drive...I told her that she wouldn't fall in and she didn't...
A few more June 28 SUP demo shots...
Click on pictures below to view several of our many SUP demos in sunny, beautiful, Santa Barbara...
We have another of our "try before you buy" demos planned this Sunday (July 5th)...
RSVP for all day demo and BBQ...
Call or email the shop for more info...if you can't make it, ask about our private lesson "money back when you buy" program...
A few shots from last week's demo...this was a semi-private demo for members of Ty Warner's Coral Casino...we've supplied their members with some top quality Starboard SUP's and racks to match the decor of the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club...
Jason and daughter Allison...first time standuppers...
Mary Lou and her husband Ed, were gliding along...
SUPsports staffer, Daniel Razo, keeping an eye on Wendy...
Lisa enjoying a sunny day for her first time standup paddle session in Santa Barbara on the Starboard 10'5" Drive...I told her that she wouldn't fall in and she didn't...
A few more June 28 SUP demo shots...
Click on pictures below to view several of our many SUP demos in sunny, beautiful, Santa Barbara...
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle, Santa Barbara standup paddle demo, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Santa Barbara SUP Demo
Monday, June 29, 2009
Summertime Thangs...
Bill Foote (Maui) is in town...he'll be helping us unload a container of his awesome SUP's in a few days...including the highly anticipated new 9'10" x 29.5" wing swallow high performance wave ripper...it's clearing customs right now...
Jason and his family were in town for a weekend getaway...he is a firefighter who was deployed from LA on the last two Santa Barbara fires...we met them at our fav Italian family restaurant Petrinis...locals treated them to dinner to show appreciation for his (and all of the firepeoples) courageous efforts to save lives and properties...we invited him down to a demo we were doing and he took us up on it...standup paddling for the first time with his very cute (and precocious...;-) daughter, Allison...
Kenny K came down from the Central Coast to fill his king of all Sprinter Vans up with a couple of more SUP's...a Naish Glide and a Starboard 8'5" Pocket Rocket...here's Kenny's customized pad job...
We had the pleasure of hooking up Lori Ann David and her family with a couple of new Starboard SUP's...she is an amzing landscape designer and architect...organic farmer...drives a classic '54 GMC pickup truck...
Steve's '56 Chevy is pretty sweet as well...
Lots of folks riding and picking up our Imagine ECO SUP's lately...including a couple from Northern California who flew down in their plane to pick one up...
Here's a 10'6" in Brian's Jeep...and, Greg has his ECO stoke going as well...
Jason and his family were in town for a weekend getaway...he is a firefighter who was deployed from LA on the last two Santa Barbara fires...we met them at our fav Italian family restaurant Petrinis...locals treated them to dinner to show appreciation for his (and all of the firepeoples) courageous efforts to save lives and properties...we invited him down to a demo we were doing and he took us up on it...standup paddling for the first time with his very cute (and precocious...;-) daughter, Allison...
Kenny K came down from the Central Coast to fill his king of all Sprinter Vans up with a couple of more SUP's...a Naish Glide and a Starboard 8'5" Pocket Rocket...here's Kenny's customized pad job...
We had the pleasure of hooking up Lori Ann David and her family with a couple of new Starboard SUP's...she is an amzing landscape designer and architect...organic farmer...drives a classic '54 GMC pickup truck...
Steve's '56 Chevy is pretty sweet as well...
Lots of folks riding and picking up our Imagine ECO SUP's lately...including a couple from Northern California who flew down in their plane to pick one up...
Here's a 10'6" in Brian's Jeep...and, Greg has his ECO stoke going as well...
Labels: paddleboard warehouse, paddleboards direct, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Standup Paddleboard store, SUP store
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Naish Standup Paddling Wahines
Since we are well into the first full week of Summer...and half of our clients are women (wahines) who have been buying lots of the great Naish SUP's from us lately...we thought we'd share a few pics with you to further stoke that Summertime fun...
Images courtesy of NAISH INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT © 2009 ...
Images courtesy of NAISH INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT © 2009 ...
Labels: Naish standup paddle board, Naish SUP, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Terje Haakonsen's Starboard SUP Model
Snowboarding world champ, Terje Hakkonsen, surfing with the new 12'6" Starboard Cruiser TAC Edition...available through us by special order...
TAC Edition is a must have collector's item in limited edition wood technology...
Starboard developed this wood technique back in 1994...
(will be available in four sizes...9'x30"...9'8"x30"...10'5"x30"...12'6"x30")
Terje catching the SUP wave in Oslo, Norway...
This video shows Terje in his (frozen) element on the first descent of Peak 7601 (Valdez, Alaska)...
Here are a couple of shots of our original Starboard 12'6" Cruiser woodie...we have a 12'2", also...no...they are not for sale...;-)
Our Chocolate Labs that hang out in our shop are not for sale, either...so , don't ask...;-)
TAC Edition is a must have collector's item in limited edition wood technology...
Starboard developed this wood technique back in 1994...
(will be available in four sizes...9'x30"...9'8"x30"...10'5"x30"...12'6"x30")
Terje catching the SUP wave in Oslo, Norway...
This video shows Terje in his (frozen) element on the first descent of Peak 7601 (Valdez, Alaska)...
Here are a couple of shots of our original Starboard 12'6" Cruiser woodie...we have a 12'2", also...no...they are not for sale...;-)
Our Chocolate Labs that hang out in our shop are not for sale, either...so , don't ask...;-)
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Starboard Terje Haakonsen SUP model, Terje Haakonsen standup paddle, Terje Haakonsen SUP
Friday, June 19, 2009
VICTORY :: KoreDry
Everybody knows that we're a core hardware company...boards...paddles...accessories (bags, leashes...etc)...but, every once in awhile we stumble across a great soft goods product...such is the case with our new loose fit Standup Paddle Sports branded VICTORY KoreDry rashies...these aren't your everyday run-of-the-mill rashies...KoreDry fabric is truly a revolutionary technological advancement...
This product has been laboratory tested at UV UPF 50+ rating, equal to SPF 150+ !!!
H20 actually beads off of it when standing under a shower...
This product has been laboratory tested at UV UPF 50+ rating, equal to SPF 150+ !!!
H20 actually beads off of it when standing under a shower...
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, UV rashguard, Victory Koredry rashguard
Saturday, June 13, 2009
The Stoke Factory
A few snapshots and customer testimonials from THE STOKE FACTORY...
Anna is stoked with her new Starboard 9' Fish...
Ready to roll with the inflatable HandiRack...
Meanwhile...Doug in New Jersey is scoring a new Hobie 10'2" Chuck Patterson Stinger wave ripper...Mango with yellow gold camo pad...SWEEEEET!!!
Here's mine...nice rocker and volume distribution...
Getting ready to install the yellow gold camo pad on a client's Starboard 10'5" Drive in Classic construction...
Same board with a blue pad installed for Philip from Ventura...
Ship 'em in...ship 'em out...seems like everyday is Christmas at the Standup Paddle Sports stoke factory...
Lots of people drop into our store to buy their paddleboard direct from our paddleboard warehouse...we have well over 100 of the best standup paddleboards in stock, and more on the way daily...
Anna is stoked with her new Starboard 9' Fish...
Ready to roll with the inflatable HandiRack...
Meanwhile...Doug in New Jersey is scoring a new Hobie 10'2" Chuck Patterson Stinger wave ripper...Mango with yellow gold camo pad...SWEEEEET!!!
Here's mine...nice rocker and volume distribution...
Getting ready to install the yellow gold camo pad on a client's Starboard 10'5" Drive in Classic construction...
Same board with a blue pad installed for Philip from Ventura...
Ship 'em in...ship 'em out...seems like everyday is Christmas at the Standup Paddle Sports stoke factory...
Lots of people drop into our store to buy their paddleboard direct from our paddleboard warehouse...we have well over 100 of the best standup paddleboards in stock, and more on the way daily...
Labels: Hobie SUP, paddle boards direct, paddleboard warehouse, PADDLESURF SANTA BARBARA, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Starboard Standup Paddleboards, SUP
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Big Fred's Whopper
Big Fred came in to demo a couple of boards yesterday...and left with a Starboard Whopper...10' x 34"...he's a great surfer...which is difficult for bigger guys...now, with this board he has the "great equalizer" in the surf zone...;-)
Big Scott also hooked up with a Whopper...
10’0” x 34” The Whopper::
Probably the most significant breakthrough in SUP since the paddle was introduced. Extremely stable at 34 inches wide, it provides stability for a beginner to paddle through the most turbulent white water or other difficult conditions. It has reasonably good glide and it turns on dime while paddling. The extra nose kick makes it almost impossible to nosedive, catching even the smallest white water waves with ease. The stability makes it a breeze to paddle into waves, with the BIG surprise being that this board actually rips in waves. It’s truly a fantastic wave board for most conditions, and is surely the most versatile wave dedicated SUP board ever shaped.
Great for kids , too...
Big Scott also hooked up with a Whopper...
10’0” x 34” The Whopper::
Probably the most significant breakthrough in SUP since the paddle was introduced. Extremely stable at 34 inches wide, it provides stability for a beginner to paddle through the most turbulent white water or other difficult conditions. It has reasonably good glide and it turns on dime while paddling. The extra nose kick makes it almost impossible to nosedive, catching even the smallest white water waves with ease. The stability makes it a breeze to paddle into waves, with the BIG surprise being that this board actually rips in waves. It’s truly a fantastic wave board for most conditions, and is surely the most versatile wave dedicated SUP board ever shaped.
Great for kids , too...
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Starboard Whopper
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Santa Barbara June SUP Demo
Several dozen more standuppers were hatched today at our standup paddleboard demo in Santa Barbara...
We had over 60 people show up to demo boards and get help with their SUP purchasing decisions...heaps of kids also took to it...
We had folks from several counties away attend...as well as from the UK...
A few more snapshots in this GALLERY...
We had over 60 people show up to demo boards and get help with their SUP purchasing decisions...heaps of kids also took to it...
We had folks from several counties away attend...as well as from the UK...
A few more snapshots in this GALLERY...
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Santa Barbara standup paddling, Santa Barbara SUP Demo
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Curtis Standup Paddle Racing Fins
After lots of trial and error trying to match fins to the state of the art, standup paddle racing hulls that our paddle racing team have been racing on, we have started working with fin guru, Curtis Hesselgrave...
Curtis is a legendary fin designer and self-taught mechanical engineer...
He has come up with a couple of fins that are working quite well for us...both, on canoe nose racing SUP's...and, on surfboard nose racing SUP's...
Curtis will also be manufacturing some of my popular WARDOG fin designs...
The Fin Man
Designer Curtis Hesselgrave develops new, better stabilizers on a wave of 'trial and error'
By Terry Rodgers
STAFF WRITER SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE
Fin makers historically have been among the most eccentric artisans in the surfing world.
The legendary Tom Blake, who in 1935 was the first to attach a fin to a surfboard, was a mystic loner. George Greenough, whose flexible, raked-back fins were inspired by the dorsal fins of dolphins, remains a stony recluse in the Australian outback. Fin box innovator Tom Morey, who renamed himself "Y", is a classic mad scientist.
One of the current masters of fin design, Carlsbad's Curtis Hesselgrave, has pursued this specialty with both passion and precision. If he has any loose screws, they are well hidden.
A self-taught mechanical engineer who also knows a thing or two about physics, Hesselgrave, 59, has approached fin making over the past 30 years as both an art and a science.
His favorite technique?
"Trial and error," he said. "It's a powerful sorting process to come up with a good design."
Fins are an integral part of any surfboard.
"You can't separate boards from fins," he said. "The board is a planing hull. It's skipping like a rock across a pond. Fins give you the character of how a board will ride." "My job is to provide a service to the board builders," he said. "I'm helping them with fins that allow their boards to work better."
He is a walking almanac of knowledge on how fins work.
"A surfer on a tri-fin board is using only two of the fins at any given time," he said. "When he's moving across the face of the wave, the outside fin is just along for the ride."
Raised in Nyack, N.Y., on the Hudson River, Hesselgrave briefly attended the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn before finding work as a lab assistant at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. He spent seven months at sea with researchers who were documenting the theory of plate tectonics. By age 20, he'd been around the world.
A personal turning point came when he was befriended by Ray Hicks, a NASA aeronautical engineer, who trained Hesselgrave in the fundamentals of science. At age 22, he moved to Laguna Beach and quickly discovered surfing.
In 1971, he fell into a job working for Mike Hynson's Rainbow Surfboard Co. A year later, he was hired by Bill Bahne of Fins Unlimited, whose adjustable fin-box systems for longboards would become the industry standard.
While always hovering around the surfing industry, Hesselgrave explored some side roads, too. He spent years in the skateboarding industry as a magazine writer and promoter of the sport.
Designing the now-defunct Del Mar Skateboard Ranch helped him realize his talent for engineering.
By 1982, he was manufacturing surfboard fins at his own shop in Escondido.
At the end of the decade, he was swept up in the windsurfing craze. He designed fins that in 1990 helped sailboarder Pascal Maka set the world speed record for sail-powered craft at 43.6 knots (50.2 mph).
The fins Hesselgrave designed for windsurfing came in handy during the late 1990s, when tow-in surfers complained of having trouble turning their boards in waves over 30 feet.
Working with Hawaii's Laird Hamilton, he designed fins for a tow-in board that were slightly concave on the inside surface, a feature that increases stability at high speeds. It evolved into a four-fin board that became a breakthrough.
"This has enabled modern tow-in surfing (where surfers are towed into waves by partners on personal watercraft) to become what it has become," Hesselgrave said. "Fins were a huge part of building the bridge to that new frontier of surfing."
This fall he left Future Systems, a Huntington Beach-based fin company, to rejoin his longtime friends Bill and Bob Bahne at Fins Unlimited in Encinitas.
The company recently acquired a computer-driven milling machine that can make sophisticated fins at high volume. Hesselgrave adores it. He can design a three-dimensional fin on his laptop computer and the machine will make a precise copy.
His current experimentation is exploring how flex in fins stores and releases energy. Template, foil and flex are the three controlling factors that determine how a fin performs, he said.
"Flex is the least understood design component in all of this," he said.
Looking to the future, he envisions advanced designs that will speed up classic longboards by 20 to 30 percent.
"We're not done, not at all," he said. "Surfing is still a neolithic culture. We're still in the new stone age. We haven't reached the Bronze Age yet."
Curtis is a legendary fin designer and self-taught mechanical engineer...
He has come up with a couple of fins that are working quite well for us...both, on canoe nose racing SUP's...and, on surfboard nose racing SUP's...
Curtis will also be manufacturing some of my popular WARDOG fin designs...
The Fin Man
Designer Curtis Hesselgrave develops new, better stabilizers on a wave of 'trial and error'
By Terry Rodgers
STAFF WRITER SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE
Fin makers historically have been among the most eccentric artisans in the surfing world.
The legendary Tom Blake, who in 1935 was the first to attach a fin to a surfboard, was a mystic loner. George Greenough, whose flexible, raked-back fins were inspired by the dorsal fins of dolphins, remains a stony recluse in the Australian outback. Fin box innovator Tom Morey, who renamed himself "Y", is a classic mad scientist.
One of the current masters of fin design, Carlsbad's Curtis Hesselgrave, has pursued this specialty with both passion and precision. If he has any loose screws, they are well hidden.
A self-taught mechanical engineer who also knows a thing or two about physics, Hesselgrave, 59, has approached fin making over the past 30 years as both an art and a science.
His favorite technique?
"Trial and error," he said. "It's a powerful sorting process to come up with a good design."
Fins are an integral part of any surfboard.
"You can't separate boards from fins," he said. "The board is a planing hull. It's skipping like a rock across a pond. Fins give you the character of how a board will ride." "My job is to provide a service to the board builders," he said. "I'm helping them with fins that allow their boards to work better."
He is a walking almanac of knowledge on how fins work.
"A surfer on a tri-fin board is using only two of the fins at any given time," he said. "When he's moving across the face of the wave, the outside fin is just along for the ride."
Raised in Nyack, N.Y., on the Hudson River, Hesselgrave briefly attended the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn before finding work as a lab assistant at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. He spent seven months at sea with researchers who were documenting the theory of plate tectonics. By age 20, he'd been around the world.
A personal turning point came when he was befriended by Ray Hicks, a NASA aeronautical engineer, who trained Hesselgrave in the fundamentals of science. At age 22, he moved to Laguna Beach and quickly discovered surfing.
In 1971, he fell into a job working for Mike Hynson's Rainbow Surfboard Co. A year later, he was hired by Bill Bahne of Fins Unlimited, whose adjustable fin-box systems for longboards would become the industry standard.
While always hovering around the surfing industry, Hesselgrave explored some side roads, too. He spent years in the skateboarding industry as a magazine writer and promoter of the sport.
Designing the now-defunct Del Mar Skateboard Ranch helped him realize his talent for engineering.
By 1982, he was manufacturing surfboard fins at his own shop in Escondido.
At the end of the decade, he was swept up in the windsurfing craze. He designed fins that in 1990 helped sailboarder Pascal Maka set the world speed record for sail-powered craft at 43.6 knots (50.2 mph).
The fins Hesselgrave designed for windsurfing came in handy during the late 1990s, when tow-in surfers complained of having trouble turning their boards in waves over 30 feet.
Working with Hawaii's Laird Hamilton, he designed fins for a tow-in board that were slightly concave on the inside surface, a feature that increases stability at high speeds. It evolved into a four-fin board that became a breakthrough.
"This has enabled modern tow-in surfing (where surfers are towed into waves by partners on personal watercraft) to become what it has become," Hesselgrave said. "Fins were a huge part of building the bridge to that new frontier of surfing."
This fall he left Future Systems, a Huntington Beach-based fin company, to rejoin his longtime friends Bill and Bob Bahne at Fins Unlimited in Encinitas.
The company recently acquired a computer-driven milling machine that can make sophisticated fins at high volume. Hesselgrave adores it. He can design a three-dimensional fin on his laptop computer and the machine will make a precise copy.
His current experimentation is exploring how flex in fins stores and releases energy. Template, foil and flex are the three controlling factors that determine how a fin performs, he said.
"Flex is the least understood design component in all of this," he said.
Looking to the future, he envisions advanced designs that will speed up classic longboards by 20 to 30 percent.
"We're not done, not at all," he said. "Surfing is still a neolithic culture. We're still in the new stone age. We haven't reached the Bronze Age yet."
Labels: Curtis fins, Curtis Hesselgrave, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, SUP fins, WARDOG fins
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Hobie Chuck Patterson Stinger
We have several of the new molded, Hobie / Chuck Patterson signature 9'9" & 10'2" high performance paddle surfing models in stock...$1379...recessed handle...gorgeous finish work...light...
Here is some great vid footage of 3X World Longboard Champion, Colin McPhillips, ripping on the red 9'9" CP Hobie in weak waves at the King & Queen Of Dogpatch SUP contest a couple of weeks ago...
9'9" CP Stinger
MSRP:$1379
Designed for the advanced SUP surfer . As well as smaller lighter intermediate surfers that do not need the flotation of a larger board.
Length 9’9”
Nose: 20.875”
Width: 28”
Tail: 16”
Thickness: 4.5”
Volume: 133.11 liters
Click image below for photo gallery...
10'2" CP Stinger
MSRP:$1399
Designed for a larger more aggressive surfer who wants a high performance SUP under their feet at critical places on the wave.
Length 10’2”
Nose: 21.25”
Width: 28.875”
Tail: 16.25”
Thickness: 4.65”
Volume:147.51 liters
Click image below for photo gallery...
Chuck Patterson discusses the design principles of his Stinger models...
Here is some great vid footage of 3X World Longboard Champion, Colin McPhillips, ripping on the red 9'9" CP Hobie in weak waves at the King & Queen Of Dogpatch SUP contest a couple of weeks ago...
9'9" CP Stinger
MSRP:$1379
Designed for the advanced SUP surfer . As well as smaller lighter intermediate surfers that do not need the flotation of a larger board.
Length 9’9”
Nose: 20.875”
Width: 28”
Tail: 16”
Thickness: 4.5”
Volume: 133.11 liters
Click image below for photo gallery...
10'2" CP Stinger
MSRP:$1399
Designed for a larger more aggressive surfer who wants a high performance SUP under their feet at critical places on the wave.
Length 10’2”
Nose: 21.25”
Width: 28.875”
Tail: 16.25”
Thickness: 4.65”
Volume:147.51 liters
Click image below for photo gallery...
Chuck's SUP "POV" mount 2 from Chuck Patterson on Vimeo.
Chuck Patterson discusses the design principles of his Stinger models...
Labels: Hobie, Hobie Chuck Patterson Stinger, Santa, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, surfing SUP's
Saturday, May 23, 2009
SUP Frenzy
We've been waaaay too busy this week to blog lately...no complaints...keep the orders coming...we'll be adding 3 new Standup Paddle Sports staff members to try and keep up...
We've been keeping the freight companies moving...SUP orders this week are stimulating the economy right now from Denver...Detroit...Boston...Maine...Kentucky...North and South Carolina...Oregon...Phoenix...Texas...Florida...and, border to border in California...we have had tremendous walk-in/drive-in business at our paddleboard warehouse with paddleboard direct pricing...;-)
Did we mention the containers of standup paddle boards that we are receiving to restock the shelves?...we are getting several more paddleboard shipments this week...always fresh inventory...and, EVERY SINGLE SUP THAT WE STOCK HAS A RECESSED HANDLE...how hard is that to figure out?!?!
In other news...
Nikki Gregg (certified physical trainer extraordinaire) stopped in the shop a few days ago...her company is NRG Lifestyle Fitness Training...here's a link to Nikki's blog...we are going to be hosting Nikki here in Santa Barbara in July as she does a number of Women's SUP fitness boot camps...if you are interested in getting on the list, please call or email...
Here's Nikki snagging one of the new blue Werner Carves that we just got in...
Exciting news will be coming soon about a killer new line of California made vacuum bagged epoxy surfing SUP's...lightweight...strong...and, shaped by one of the most respected shapers in the surf/tow/kite/wake/windsurf world...
We'll also be adding another line of lightweight...cutting edge...epoxy "Made in the USA" wave ripper SUP's out of Oregon...stay tuned...
By the time I got to tell you about our kewl new Standup Paddle Sports shwag...it's all gone...unbelievable response...
No worries...more on the way...1/4 zip sweat shirts...rack pads...women's cut T's...and new stay dry, loose fit, paddling rashies...
We've been keeping the freight companies moving...SUP orders this week are stimulating the economy right now from Denver...Detroit...Boston...Maine...Kentucky...North and South Carolina...Oregon...Phoenix...Texas...Florida...and, border to border in California...we have had tremendous walk-in/drive-in business at our paddleboard warehouse with paddleboard direct pricing...;-)
Did we mention the containers of standup paddle boards that we are receiving to restock the shelves?...we are getting several more paddleboard shipments this week...always fresh inventory...and, EVERY SINGLE SUP THAT WE STOCK HAS A RECESSED HANDLE...how hard is that to figure out?!?!
In other news...
Nikki Gregg (certified physical trainer extraordinaire) stopped in the shop a few days ago...her company is NRG Lifestyle Fitness Training...here's a link to Nikki's blog...we are going to be hosting Nikki here in Santa Barbara in July as she does a number of Women's SUP fitness boot camps...if you are interested in getting on the list, please call or email...
Here's Nikki snagging one of the new blue Werner Carves that we just got in...
Exciting news will be coming soon about a killer new line of California made vacuum bagged epoxy surfing SUP's...lightweight...strong...and, shaped by one of the most respected shapers in the surf/tow/kite/wake/windsurf world...
We'll also be adding another line of lightweight...cutting edge...epoxy "Made in the USA" wave ripper SUP's out of Oregon...stay tuned...
By the time I got to tell you about our kewl new Standup Paddle Sports shwag...it's all gone...unbelievable response...
No worries...more on the way...1/4 zip sweat shirts...rack pads...women's cut T's...and new stay dry, loose fit, paddling rashies...
Labels: Santa Barbara paddlesurf, Santa Barbara standup paddle, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, SUP store
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Werner Carve SUP Paddle :: Blue Limited Edition
After selling hundreds and hundreds of the Werner Carve SUP paddles in orange...we've convinced Werner to do a production run in blue, just to change things up...
Same great high performance paddle...best bang for the buck on the market...only now available in blue...MSRP $219...this is a Standup Paddle Sports exclusive with limited availability...we got them in yesterday afternoon and they started flying out of the door...if you order online use the comments section to indicate "blue Carve"...
This is the same blue as on the Werner Advantage SUP paddle...
L@@Ks pretty nice and soothing on the eyes lit by the afternoon sun...
Same great high performance paddle...best bang for the buck on the market...only now available in blue...MSRP $219...this is a Standup Paddle Sports exclusive with limited availability...we got them in yesterday afternoon and they started flying out of the door...if you order online use the comments section to indicate "blue Carve"...
This is the same blue as on the Werner Advantage SUP paddle...
L@@Ks pretty nice and soothing on the eyes lit by the afternoon sun...
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Werner carbon Nitro SUP paddle, Werner Carve, Werner SUP paddles
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Werner SUP Paddles : New Click & Buy Site
We've added a new ecommerce alternative to buying your Werner SUP paddles...most of the new SUPsports ecomm site is still under construction (launching soon)...but, Werner SUP paddle ordering is fully functional...click link above or movie below to go there...
Because of the volume of Werner SUP paddles we've been doing, we are stoked to be selected as Werner's BUY NOW retailer...
No matter whether you are a beginner to the sport of paddling, or a seasoned veteran, there is always something to learn about paddling.
That's why it is such a great sport.
Werner TV features many paddling tips in these vid clips...
There's also some good info in the Werner paddle blog...
Because of the volume of Werner SUP paddles we've been doing, we are stoked to be selected as Werner's BUY NOW retailer...
No matter whether you are a beginner to the sport of paddling, or a seasoned veteran, there is always something to learn about paddling.
That's why it is such a great sport.
Werner TV features many paddling tips in these vid clips...
There's also some good info in the Werner paddle blog...
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, SUPsports, SUPsports ecommerce, Werner SUP paddles
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Santa Barbara Wahines Getting in SHAPE
Pro photog (and now standup paddler) Adam Brown, forwarded a few outtake shots from that photoshoot last week building stock towards an article for SHAPE Magazine...Cyndi, Kelly, & Nicole provided the athletic modeling...
Congrats to Cyndi for her wedding on Saturday...the bride and groom are working on logistics to carry a couple of SUP's along to the resort they will be staying at on their honeymoon...
More images in this GALLERY...
Congrats to Cyndi for her wedding on Saturday...the bride and groom are working on logistics to carry a couple of SUP's along to the resort they will be staying at on their honeymoon...
More images in this GALLERY...
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Standup paddle core fitness, SUP fitness
Monday, May 04, 2009
Foggy Doggy SUP Demo Bloggy
Big thanks to everyone that helped with the demo yesterday...despite the in and out nature of the fog, we managed to get over 50 people (and a couple of doggies) out and standing up...
Larry enjoying his new Naish Glide...
A woman came over from the diverted cruise ship in town...she couldn't figure out what the heck we were doing...she thought we were clamming...;-)
Kewl piccie...
A few more pics in this GALLERY...
Larry enjoying his new Naish Glide...
A woman came over from the diverted cruise ship in town...she couldn't figure out what the heck we were doing...she thought we were clamming...;-)
Kewl piccie...
A few more pics in this GALLERY...
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle, Santa Barbara standup paddle demo, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Santa Barbara SUP Demo
Saturday, May 02, 2009
SUP Demo on Sunday
It's that time of year again...we are hosting a FREE SUP demo tomorrow (Sunday May 3)
It will run from 9 until ~2...we have a RSVP list that is getting very full of people wanting to demo specific boards of interest...but, we will do our best to accommodate all...please call the shop or email for details...
A variety of SUP's and paddles will be available to demo...
From the leaders in the SUP industry, including Starboard...Naish...Hobie...Imagine Eco...Bill Foote...Werner...Powerex...
Safety...etiquette...board handling...paddling technique...and, general/technical questions/issues from fitness paddling to racing to wave riding will be addressed...
It will run from 9 until ~2...we have a RSVP list that is getting very full of people wanting to demo specific boards of interest...but, we will do our best to accommodate all...please call the shop or email for details...
A variety of SUP's and paddles will be available to demo...
From the leaders in the SUP industry, including Starboard...Naish...Hobie...Imagine Eco...Bill Foote...Werner...Powerex...
Safety...etiquette...board handling...paddling technique...and, general/technical questions/issues from fitness paddling to racing to wave riding will be addressed...
Labels: Santa Barbara paddle racing, Santa Barbara paddlesurf, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Santa Barbara SUP, Santa Barbara SUP Demo
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Imagine Eco "Green" SUP's & Surfboards
A few more piccies of the new Imagine Eco SUP's...
How kewl is this?
How kewl is this?
Labels: Imagine 2-piece SUP, Imagine ECO SUP's, Imagine surfboards, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Werner 3 piece SUP paddle, Werner SUP paddles
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Imagine Eco SUP's In Stock Now
The container of Imagine Eco SUP's has arrived...with the number of containers of SUP's that have been delivered to our shop over the last several years, the customs agents now know us by first name...;-)
We're really stoked with the finished product...nicest L@@King shortboard SUP's that we've seen to date...not to mention the bamboo 4-way adjustable fin sets...quad + 1 9'9"...2 + 1 10'6"...pricing at $999 for 1 piece, and $1199 for the 2 piece travel model...sustainably "green" production...well thought out design...winger bat tail...sweet graphics...RECESSED HANDLES...closed cell foam that doesn't take on H20 when dinged...bombproof construction...9'9" & 10'6"...stable width dimensions...good glide...killer pricing...have we said that already?...;-)
Many of these boards were already pre-sold to savvy travelers who have already picked up the new Werner 3 piece carbon Nitro SUP paddle...but, we do have some stock left in both one and two piece models to satisfy initial demand...at least, until the word gets out about the performance and value...especially, compared to the alternatives...;-)
We'll have them available for demo this Sunday...along with a host of the other leading SUP's in our product lines...call the shop to RSVP and for details...space is filling up fast...
hmmmmmmmm...we've got lots of frequent flyer miles...where to go...where to go???
We're really stoked with the finished product...nicest L@@King shortboard SUP's that we've seen to date...not to mention the bamboo 4-way adjustable fin sets...quad + 1 9'9"...2 + 1 10'6"...pricing at $999 for 1 piece, and $1199 for the 2 piece travel model...sustainably "green" production...well thought out design...winger bat tail...sweet graphics...RECESSED HANDLES...closed cell foam that doesn't take on H20 when dinged...bombproof construction...9'9" & 10'6"...stable width dimensions...good glide...killer pricing...have we said that already?...;-)
Many of these boards were already pre-sold to savvy travelers who have already picked up the new Werner 3 piece carbon Nitro SUP paddle...but, we do have some stock left in both one and two piece models to satisfy initial demand...at least, until the word gets out about the performance and value...especially, compared to the alternatives...;-)
We'll have them available for demo this Sunday...along with a host of the other leading SUP's in our product lines...call the shop to RSVP and for details...space is filling up fast...
hmmmmmmmm...we've got lots of frequent flyer miles...where to go...where to go???
Labels: Imagine 2-piece SUP, Imagine ECO SUP's, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Werner 3 piece SUP paddle
Monday, April 27, 2009
Malibu Downwinder :: Mugu Rock to Secos Race
The sixth annual Malibu Downwinder took place yesterday afternoon...the start was from the water at Mugu State Beach, on the North side of Mugu Rock...and the finish was at (Secos) Leo Carrillo State Beach...~ 7 miles...
Proceeds from this race will be donated to the Santa Monica Mountains Natural history Association to help support the Leo Carrillo State Lifeguards and State Junior Guard Program...
Conditions were a little bumpy with residual South swell from the last few days crossed up with some windswell...it wasn't until the race was over that the typical sideshore winds kicked in...
Chuck Patterson on a SUP was clearly dominant in this race that also included prone paddleboards...even with his right wrist taped up from an injury...
The fight for 2nd place was tight between Jim Terrell and Tony Mueller...
Jim had let a wave go by not wanting to potentially damage his carbon race board in the shorepound...allowing Tony to drop in on the next one which results in a wipeout...
Thomas Shahinian narrowly avoiding disaster...
Jared Vargas loses control...
John Becker contemplates dropping in...then, hits the brakes...to avoid an expensive wave ride...
Ernie (EJ) Johnson...1st in stock 12'6" class...
Hobie team rider gets the wave of the day...
The finish line scene...
KA CHING!$!$
Matt Becker applying his surfing skills on the stock 12'2" Starboard...
CLICK FOR IMAGE GALLERY...
Proceeds from this race will be donated to the Santa Monica Mountains Natural history Association to help support the Leo Carrillo State Lifeguards and State Junior Guard Program...
Conditions were a little bumpy with residual South swell from the last few days crossed up with some windswell...it wasn't until the race was over that the typical sideshore winds kicked in...
Chuck Patterson on a SUP was clearly dominant in this race that also included prone paddleboards...even with his right wrist taped up from an injury...
The fight for 2nd place was tight between Jim Terrell and Tony Mueller...
Jim had let a wave go by not wanting to potentially damage his carbon race board in the shorepound...allowing Tony to drop in on the next one which results in a wipeout...
Thomas Shahinian narrowly avoiding disaster...
Jared Vargas loses control...
John Becker contemplates dropping in...then, hits the brakes...to avoid an expensive wave ride...
Ernie (EJ) Johnson...1st in stock 12'6" class...
Hobie team rider gets the wave of the day...
The finish line scene...
KA CHING!$!$
Matt Becker applying his surfing skills on the stock 12'2" Starboard...
CLICK FOR IMAGE GALLERY...
Labels: Chuck Patterson, Malibu downwinder, Malibu paddle racing, Malibu SUP, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Wahine SUP Santa Barbara
When world class photog, Adam Brown, contacted us about an article he is working on for SHAPE Magazine...we felt obliged to help him with boards, paddles, and a few standup paddling wahines...IF, we could get him standup paddling also...
He in turn obliged us...but, not sans wetsuit...;-)
He was pretty chilled from being submerged in the water shooting the girls...
A bit of a sandbagger, Adam was...longtime surfer and yoga practicioner...he was a natural on a 9'8" Starboard Element...
Here are a few outtakes from the shoot...this was a flatwater shoot...but, all of these wahines can surf and paddlesurf...
Conditions glassed off nicely...with warm sunshine...this weekend is forecast to bring record high temps to the Santa Barbara region...perfect standup paddling weather...
We shoot the shooter...Adam at work with real standup paddlers...no beach posers, here...;-)
Adam Brown standup paddles...
More images in this GALLERY...
He in turn obliged us...but, not sans wetsuit...;-)
He was pretty chilled from being submerged in the water shooting the girls...
A bit of a sandbagger, Adam was...longtime surfer and yoga practicioner...he was a natural on a 9'8" Starboard Element...
Here are a few outtakes from the shoot...this was a flatwater shoot...but, all of these wahines can surf and paddlesurf...
Conditions glassed off nicely...with warm sunshine...this weekend is forecast to bring record high temps to the Santa Barbara region...perfect standup paddling weather...
We shoot the shooter...Adam at work with real standup paddlers...no beach posers, here...;-)
Adam Brown standup paddles...
More images in this GALLERY...
Labels: Adam Brown Photography, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Santa Barbara SUP, Shape Magazine, Standup paddling Santa Barbara
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Spring Has Sprung :: SUP Fun Now
HAPPY EASTER!
Now that Spring is truly here, we've been shipping standup paddleboards and SUP paddles to all corners of the country...recent shipments went to Alaska, Minnesota, Washington, New Hampshire, New York, Virginia, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Texas, Puerto Rico, and New Jersey to name a few...our customer's testimonials say it better than we ever could...
Double boxed SUP's waiting for freight pick up from our shipping department...
Of course, we've had a number of travelers in town for Easter picking up boards and paddles as well...Sergio from Half Moon Bay will be enjoying his new SUP today before returning home to the SF Bay Area...
Santa Barbara locals Kevin and Jason, both brought home an Easter surprise to their families yesterday...;-)
Flatwater paddling beauty...
Man's best friend along for the ride...
The essence of standup paddling...F U N !!!
If you need any help with your SUP buying decision, we're here to help...
We have the most experienced SUP sales staff on the planet...
Flatwater cruising to paddle racing to all arounders...to wave rippers...and everything in between...
We are a REAL SUP SHOP...not just a cheesy ecommerce site with the same generic thumbnails of boards NOT in stock...VAPORWARE...trying to sell make believe...or, a surfboard, kayak, kiteboard, or windsurf shop with a few dusty clunkers in the back that they're trying to pawn off on a newbie...call or email us...you work too hard for your money to make a mistake...we'll help you navigate through the maze of cheap knockoff garbage that has infiltrated the SUP market like a computer virus...
NO WORRIES...WE ARE THE REAL DEALIO!!!
OUR CORE VALUES:
QUALITY...VALUE...SERVICE...EXPERIENCE...DEDICATION...INTEGRITY...
We bring SUP's in by the container...another one arriving this week...our inventory stays fresh...
A dedicated SUP store...with heaps of boards in our showroom, backed up by two warehouses fully stocked to satisfy EVERY discipline of the SUP paddler...
All of our SUP's have handles...
Shop GALLERY...
Now that Spring is truly here, we've been shipping standup paddleboards and SUP paddles to all corners of the country...recent shipments went to Alaska, Minnesota, Washington, New Hampshire, New York, Virginia, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Texas, Puerto Rico, and New Jersey to name a few...our customer's testimonials say it better than we ever could...
Double boxed SUP's waiting for freight pick up from our shipping department...
Of course, we've had a number of travelers in town for Easter picking up boards and paddles as well...Sergio from Half Moon Bay will be enjoying his new SUP today before returning home to the SF Bay Area...
Santa Barbara locals Kevin and Jason, both brought home an Easter surprise to their families yesterday...;-)
Flatwater paddling beauty...
Man's best friend along for the ride...
The essence of standup paddling...F U N !!!
If you need any help with your SUP buying decision, we're here to help...
We have the most experienced SUP sales staff on the planet...
Flatwater cruising to paddle racing to all arounders...to wave rippers...and everything in between...
We are a REAL SUP SHOP...not just a cheesy ecommerce site with the same generic thumbnails of boards NOT in stock...VAPORWARE...trying to sell make believe...or, a surfboard, kayak, kiteboard, or windsurf shop with a few dusty clunkers in the back that they're trying to pawn off on a newbie...call or email us...you work too hard for your money to make a mistake...we'll help you navigate through the maze of cheap knockoff garbage that has infiltrated the SUP market like a computer virus...
NO WORRIES...WE ARE THE REAL DEALIO!!!
OUR CORE VALUES:
QUALITY...VALUE...SERVICE...EXPERIENCE...DEDICATION...INTEGRITY...
We bring SUP's in by the container...another one arriving this week...our inventory stays fresh...
A dedicated SUP store...with heaps of boards in our showroom, backed up by two warehouses fully stocked to satisfy EVERY discipline of the SUP paddler...
All of our SUP's have handles...
Shop GALLERY...
Labels: paddle boards direct, paddleboard warehouse, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, standup paddle boards, SUP store
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Sunday SUP Demo :: April 5
Sunday SUP Demo :: April 5 :: 9-Noon ::
Call John or Guy at the shop for info and to RSVP...
805.967.SUPS (7877)
805.964.6513
888.805.9978
Call John or Guy at the shop for info and to RSVP...
805.967.SUPS (7877)
805.964.6513
888.805.9978
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle demo, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
NEW: Werner Carbon Nitro SUP Paddle
We received the very first shipment from Werner, of the new Carbon Nitro SUP paddles last week...we're already sold through half of the three dozen that we got in this shipment...
They're going fast...we haven't even had time to get them out on the rack...
Here's the new 3-piece travel version...
The new 3-piece travel SUP paddles are a natural to be paired up with the new 2-piece Imagine ECO SUP's that will be arriving soon...
Here are a couple of shots of the 9'9"...before installation of pad...
Winged bat tail for progressive standup paddle surfing...
Nice L@@King shape, huh?
Or would you prefer to ride a blowup toy (that costs more money) on your vacation?!?!...;-)
Showing the two shafts in the bottom...(note that the screws have not been put in, or the central gasket, so you can see a gap here still)...
They're going fast...we haven't even had time to get them out on the rack...
Here's the new 3-piece travel version...
The new 3-piece travel SUP paddles are a natural to be paired up with the new 2-piece Imagine ECO SUP's that will be arriving soon...
Here are a couple of shots of the 9'9"...before installation of pad...
Winged bat tail for progressive standup paddle surfing...
Nice L@@King shape, huh?
Or would you prefer to ride a blowup toy (that costs more money) on your vacation?!?!...;-)
Showing the two shafts in the bottom...(note that the screws have not been put in, or the central gasket, so you can see a gap here still)...
Labels: Imagine 2-piece SUP, Imagine ECO SUP's, Nitro paddle, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Werner carbon Nitro SUP paddle, Werner SUP paddles
Sunday, March 29, 2009
SoCal Winter Race Series Overall Results
The overall point winners for the SoCal Winter Race Series (SUP) have been tabulated and the results are in...9 races were held and points were accumulated...
Nov 8th La Jolla Shores Invitational
Dec 6th Oceanside Becky Stuart Memorial
Dec 13th San Diego Tecolote 5000
Jan 17th Santa Barbara Pier Back to Pier
Jan 31st Mission Bay Hanohano Ocean Challenge
Feb 7th NAC Hal Rosoff Classic (Newport)
Feb 21st Lanakila- Carpet Beach Race
March 7th Dana Ocean Challenge
March 21st Marina -Paddleme.com Championships
We are stoked that our shop, Standup Paddle Sports helped get the winners from all three divisions across the finish line in first place...
Congratulations to the following category winners:
John Becker :: Men's Unlimited
Ernie (EJ) Johnson :: Men's Stock
Vicki Mills :: Women's Unlimited
We are very proud of our shop manager, John Becker, for going after this result with all of his heart and soul...focused determination...a true "foxholer"...;-)
Our entire paddle racing team did very well since getting off the ground last Fall...awesome results, considering that several of our racers were not able to make a number of the races due to family obligations...newborns...and, life in general...yeppers, sometimes life gets in the way...;-)
Our corporate V.P. (my wifey) Debra Thomas kept after it for a 3rd place finish...
Deb was the only wahine to finish every race that was entered...
Bryan Fernandez, fireman, new father, and the best next door neighbor we've ever had, came in 4th in men's stock...very good result considering his size...and he missed a couple of races...he missed one by 15 minutes after jamming down the coast for 2 hours...he prolly would have taken 3rd easily if he had accumulated points by just making the race...
Good first year effort by 22 year old Ed Anderson and 14 year old Matt Becker...
7th and 8th place overall...
Rich Shroeder had a top 10 place in unlimited despite missing most of the races, using a 14'er as unlimited when the standard is 18'+...and accumulating points in stock class...non-transferrable...
Andie Johnson finishes 4th overall in women's SUP despite missing a number of races...and having to provide support (cold beer...;-) and lots of TLC to her hubbie...EJ, winner of men's stock class...;-)
All in all...a job well done for all of the competitors...
We were most impressed by Rob Rojas...we believe he is at the top of the California paddle racing scene...very humble guy...
L@@K for his name at the top of the list in October's BOTP...
Jay (Aquamoose) Butki deserves best effort...he nearly gets picked off powering through the surf on Joe Bark's personal brand new (never ridden) carbon 18'6" SUP, to get to the start line at the Oceanside Becky Stuart Memorial race...
He arrived late and couldn't find a parking spot...the surf was firing...everyone else paddled to the start line out of the harbor mouth...
Jay had to make up a little time...so he took a short cut...ya got's to do what ya got's to do...;-)
This is what Jay had to say...
"I wasn't about to be picked off-I timed the righthander and the lefthander coming at
me so I could squeak through. I was pretty sure Joe's glass jobs could handle the air drop on the back side"...
Ummmmmm...I dunno Jay...it prolly wouldn't have been very pretty returning two 9'ers to Joe and Charlie...;-)
Honorable mention...25 year old Jared Vargas is improving at each race...
He set a course record at the Cold Hands San Pedro race...and finished ahead of John Becker (SUPS) and 4 time Olympian Jim Terrell (QuickBlade) at the Marina race last weekend...
L@@K for our paddle racing team to expand in the future...
We'll be ready to be a contender for the Battle of the Paddle this October...
Special thanks to our friends at BARK, Hobie, Starboard, Werner Paddles, & Powerex Paddles for supporting our team with great product...
Top 5 places by category:
Men's SUP Unlimited
John Becker :: (1st)
Thomas Shahinian :: (2nd)
Jared Vargas :: (3rd)
Robert Rojas :: (4th)
Jay Butki :: (5th)
Men's SUP Stock
Ernie Johnson :: (1st)
Byron Kurt :: (2nd)
Todd Drake :: (3rd)
Brian Fernandez :: (4th)
Scott Sanchez :: (5th)
Women's SUP Unlimited
Vicki Mills :: (1st)
Amanda Harris :: (2nd)
Debbie Thomas :: (3rd)
Andie Johnson :: (4th)
Cat Bell :: (5th)
We have several image galleries of the races...click on highlighted link...
Nov 8th La Jolla Shores Invitational
Dec 6th Oceanside Becky Stuart Memorial
Dec 13th San Diego Tecolote 5000
Jan 17th Santa Barbara Pier Back to Pier
Jan 31st Mission Bay Hanohano Ocean Challenge
Feb 7th NAC Hal Rosoff Classic (Newport)
Feb 21st Lanakila- Carpet Beach Race
March 7th Dana Ocean Challenge
March 21st Marina -Paddleme.com Championships
We are stoked that our shop, Standup Paddle Sports helped get the winners from all three divisions across the finish line in first place...
Congratulations to the following category winners:
John Becker :: Men's Unlimited
Ernie (EJ) Johnson :: Men's Stock
Vicki Mills :: Women's Unlimited
We are very proud of our shop manager, John Becker, for going after this result with all of his heart and soul...focused determination...a true "foxholer"...;-)
Our entire paddle racing team did very well since getting off the ground last Fall...awesome results, considering that several of our racers were not able to make a number of the races due to family obligations...newborns...and, life in general...yeppers, sometimes life gets in the way...;-)
Our corporate V.P. (my wifey) Debra Thomas kept after it for a 3rd place finish...
Deb was the only wahine to finish every race that was entered...
Bryan Fernandez, fireman, new father, and the best next door neighbor we've ever had, came in 4th in men's stock...very good result considering his size...and he missed a couple of races...he missed one by 15 minutes after jamming down the coast for 2 hours...he prolly would have taken 3rd easily if he had accumulated points by just making the race...
Good first year effort by 22 year old Ed Anderson and 14 year old Matt Becker...
7th and 8th place overall...
Rich Shroeder had a top 10 place in unlimited despite missing most of the races, using a 14'er as unlimited when the standard is 18'+...and accumulating points in stock class...non-transferrable...
Andie Johnson finishes 4th overall in women's SUP despite missing a number of races...and having to provide support (cold beer...;-) and lots of TLC to her hubbie...EJ, winner of men's stock class...;-)
All in all...a job well done for all of the competitors...
We were most impressed by Rob Rojas...we believe he is at the top of the California paddle racing scene...very humble guy...
L@@K for his name at the top of the list in October's BOTP...
Jay (Aquamoose) Butki deserves best effort...he nearly gets picked off powering through the surf on Joe Bark's personal brand new (never ridden) carbon 18'6" SUP, to get to the start line at the Oceanside Becky Stuart Memorial race...
He arrived late and couldn't find a parking spot...the surf was firing...everyone else paddled to the start line out of the harbor mouth...
Jay had to make up a little time...so he took a short cut...ya got's to do what ya got's to do...;-)
This is what Jay had to say...
"I wasn't about to be picked off-I timed the righthander and the lefthander coming at
me so I could squeak through. I was pretty sure Joe's glass jobs could handle the air drop on the back side"...
Ummmmmm...I dunno Jay...it prolly wouldn't have been very pretty returning two 9'ers to Joe and Charlie...;-)
Honorable mention...25 year old Jared Vargas is improving at each race...
He set a course record at the Cold Hands San Pedro race...and finished ahead of John Becker (SUPS) and 4 time Olympian Jim Terrell (QuickBlade) at the Marina race last weekend...
L@@K for our paddle racing team to expand in the future...
We'll be ready to be a contender for the Battle of the Paddle this October...
Special thanks to our friends at BARK, Hobie, Starboard, Werner Paddles, & Powerex Paddles for supporting our team with great product...
Top 5 places by category:
Men's SUP Unlimited
John Becker :: (1st)
Thomas Shahinian :: (2nd)
Jared Vargas :: (3rd)
Robert Rojas :: (4th)
Jay Butki :: (5th)
Men's SUP Stock
Ernie Johnson :: (1st)
Byron Kurt :: (2nd)
Todd Drake :: (3rd)
Brian Fernandez :: (4th)
Scott Sanchez :: (5th)
Women's SUP Unlimited
Vicki Mills :: (1st)
Amanda Harris :: (2nd)
Debbie Thomas :: (3rd)
Andie Johnson :: (4th)
Cat Bell :: (5th)
We have several image galleries of the races...click on highlighted link...
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, SoCal Winter Race Series Overall Results
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Marina Del Rey Race
The SoCal Winter Race Series ended today at Mother's Beach in Marina Del Rey, CA...
The 5 mile race started in the harbor right outside Mothers Beach and headed outside of the breakwater to the first marker and back to Mother's Beach...
We don't have the final point standings in yet...will update when available...
Our paddle racing team is in contention for several "medals"...
We think Ernie (EJ) Johnson won the men's stock division with a 2nd place finish today...John Becker won't do worse than 3rd in men's unlimited...prolly the silver medal here...and Deb Thomas tallied up enough points and race finishes to finish no worse than 3rd in women's SUP...
Here's John Becker squeaking by Jim Terrell (QuickBlade) at the finish...definitely, the most exciting moment of the race...
Thomas Gallagher, winner of the Battle of the Paddle Open Class, pulling down a 1st in men's unlimited...
Jared Vargas was stoked with his 3rd place finish in men's unlimited...he's really starting to put some good racing together and will represent a threat for years to come as he matures...
Hobie's Byron Kurt put together a good race to edge out EJ in men's stock...
He also did us a favor by bringing up an aqua 11'2" that's going out as a surprise b-day gift to Indiana this week...mahalos...
EJ is always a threat...he can beat just about anyone on the planet on the right day...his performance today was enough to guaranty him the 2008/2009 SoCal Winter Race Series gold medal in men's stock SUP...good job, EJ!
Rich Schroeder returned to the paddle racing scene with a good race, after a hiatus as a basketball coach for his daughter's team...
Here's Deb bringing it on home...we're proud of her for finishing every race and never quitting...despite some downright nasty paddling conditions at times...
Brian Fernandez putting a hurt on the new Powerex SUP paddle...
Our shop manager, John Becker, also used one along with his new carbon BARK unlimited SUP...competing against bigger guys on bigger boards requires that more H20 gets moved...
Finally, a big group hug for the rest of our paddle racing team...the young guns...
Matt Becker...14 years young and he's keen to the competitive paddle racing and surfing circuit...bright kid with a great support group steering him along...
He's starting to pick up sponsor interest...but, we put him to work at our shop and his first purchase was a paddle and the BARK paddling vest he is wearing...
UCSB engineering major, Todd Strand, (most improved paddler on our team) sporting some cold weather paddle racing attire...BARK beanie...
Ed Anderson...L@@King quite color coordinated around his BARK paddling vest and black carbon themed ensemble...usually, this is Todd's domain...;-)
Ed works for his dad at Anderson Custom Boats...he applies engineering and common sense to the boats they build...after a 3 hour long distance converstaion with George Greenough recently...Ed is ready to embark on building his first SUP racing board...
More shots in this GALLERY...
The 5 mile race started in the harbor right outside Mothers Beach and headed outside of the breakwater to the first marker and back to Mother's Beach...
We don't have the final point standings in yet...will update when available...
Our paddle racing team is in contention for several "medals"...
We think Ernie (EJ) Johnson won the men's stock division with a 2nd place finish today...John Becker won't do worse than 3rd in men's unlimited...prolly the silver medal here...and Deb Thomas tallied up enough points and race finishes to finish no worse than 3rd in women's SUP...
Here's John Becker squeaking by Jim Terrell (QuickBlade) at the finish...definitely, the most exciting moment of the race...
Thomas Gallagher, winner of the Battle of the Paddle Open Class, pulling down a 1st in men's unlimited...
Jared Vargas was stoked with his 3rd place finish in men's unlimited...he's really starting to put some good racing together and will represent a threat for years to come as he matures...
Hobie's Byron Kurt put together a good race to edge out EJ in men's stock...
He also did us a favor by bringing up an aqua 11'2" that's going out as a surprise b-day gift to Indiana this week...mahalos...
EJ is always a threat...he can beat just about anyone on the planet on the right day...his performance today was enough to guaranty him the 2008/2009 SoCal Winter Race Series gold medal in men's stock SUP...good job, EJ!
Rich Schroeder returned to the paddle racing scene with a good race, after a hiatus as a basketball coach for his daughter's team...
Here's Deb bringing it on home...we're proud of her for finishing every race and never quitting...despite some downright nasty paddling conditions at times...
Brian Fernandez putting a hurt on the new Powerex SUP paddle...
Our shop manager, John Becker, also used one along with his new carbon BARK unlimited SUP...competing against bigger guys on bigger boards requires that more H20 gets moved...
Finally, a big group hug for the rest of our paddle racing team...the young guns...
Matt Becker...14 years young and he's keen to the competitive paddle racing and surfing circuit...bright kid with a great support group steering him along...
He's starting to pick up sponsor interest...but, we put him to work at our shop and his first purchase was a paddle and the BARK paddling vest he is wearing...
UCSB engineering major, Todd Strand, (most improved paddler on our team) sporting some cold weather paddle racing attire...BARK beanie...
Ed Anderson...L@@King quite color coordinated around his BARK paddling vest and black carbon themed ensemble...usually, this is Todd's domain...;-)
Ed works for his dad at Anderson Custom Boats...he applies engineering and common sense to the boats they build...after a 3 hour long distance converstaion with George Greenough recently...Ed is ready to embark on building his first SUP racing board...
More shots in this GALLERY...
Labels: Marina Del Rey SUP, Oceanside SUP race, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, standup paddle racing
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Bamboo WARDOG Fin Designs
We're continuing to make good progress on the new renewable, and resource sustainable, bamboo versions of the popular WARDOG fin designs...
The bamboo cloth gives a kinda silky appearance to the bamboo wood...light, strong, and killer flex...
The bamboo cloth gives a kinda silky appearance to the bamboo wood...light, strong, and killer flex...
Labels: bamboo fins, bamboo SUP fins, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, WARDOG fin designs
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Starboard 2009 Container : New Arrivals
We just received a container straight from the factory of the latest additions to the vast and impressive STARBOARD SUP line...
Toddzilla caught hiding after our paddle race team manager, Deb, announced that there was more board shlepping to be done at our other warehouse..."I've got a paper to write, dude"...;-)
SUP mover...
Guy stoked with his new 2009 Starboard 10'5" Drive SUP in blue camo...even people that work in our shop are excited when a container full of new SUP product arrives...
Toddzilla caught hiding after our paddle race team manager, Deb, announced that there was more board shlepping to be done at our other warehouse..."I've got a paper to write, dude"...;-)
SUP mover...
Guy stoked with his new 2009 Starboard 10'5" Drive SUP in blue camo...even people that work in our shop are excited when a container full of new SUP product arrives...
Labels: 2009 Starboard SUP, paddle boards direct, paddlesurf warehouse, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Monday, March 09, 2009
Dana Ocean Challenge
The Dana Outrigger Canoe Club hosted the 21st Dana Ocean Challenge on Saturday...~ 270 paddlers turned out...with a large contingent of standup paddle racers...and, just like the Redondo race, calm conditions inside the harbor gave way to a washing machine rinse tide outside the Dana Pt. harbor...didn't see too many dry paddlers...
The race director, Eric Smith, helped facilitate the best start that we've seen at this Winter race series...after recalling everyone back...they staggered the field...prone paddlers had a 5 minute head start on the SUP's...then they let loose the OC-1, OC-2, & Surf Skis...
Rob Rojas smoked the SUP field...impressive race...it was quite awhile between him and the next SUP finisher...it will be interesting to see how his overall time stacked up against the sit down craft...
Here is Rob at the start pulling ahead of Thomas (Maximus) Shahinian...
Local paddler (SUPsports Team) Ernie (EJ) Johnson led the way in stock class, on his 12'6" NCP...taking out many other paddlers on SUP's 6' longer...
EJ heading towards the finish line...
His wife Andie paddled a 14' NCP into 3rd in the wahine SUP race...
Another exciting race to the finish between our shop manager, John Becker, and Jared Vargas...once again, John kicked it into overdrive on the final stretch towards the finish line for a 4th place point accumulation...
Jared is half John's age...or John is twice Jared's age...however you L@@K at it...Jared won the Cold Hand's race last weekend...so, this "kid" is a contender...
Mark Johnson and the Hobie team were in full force as this is their local watering hole...the new 14' carbon Hobie was feeling fast and sleek when I paddled it...
We had a corrupt chip that caused us to lose some images...luckily, through some miracle software we were able to recover a portion...
Here are two galleries of images...
GALLERY I (87 IMAGES) & GALLERY II (94 IMAGES)
The race director, Eric Smith, helped facilitate the best start that we've seen at this Winter race series...after recalling everyone back...they staggered the field...prone paddlers had a 5 minute head start on the SUP's...then they let loose the OC-1, OC-2, & Surf Skis...
Rob Rojas smoked the SUP field...impressive race...it was quite awhile between him and the next SUP finisher...it will be interesting to see how his overall time stacked up against the sit down craft...
Here is Rob at the start pulling ahead of Thomas (Maximus) Shahinian...
Local paddler (SUPsports Team) Ernie (EJ) Johnson led the way in stock class, on his 12'6" NCP...taking out many other paddlers on SUP's 6' longer...
EJ heading towards the finish line...
His wife Andie paddled a 14' NCP into 3rd in the wahine SUP race...
Another exciting race to the finish between our shop manager, John Becker, and Jared Vargas...once again, John kicked it into overdrive on the final stretch towards the finish line for a 4th place point accumulation...
Jared is half John's age...or John is twice Jared's age...however you L@@K at it...Jared won the Cold Hand's race last weekend...so, this "kid" is a contender...
Mark Johnson and the Hobie team were in full force as this is their local watering hole...the new 14' carbon Hobie was feeling fast and sleek when I paddled it...
We had a corrupt chip that caused us to lose some images...luckily, through some miracle software we were able to recover a portion...
Here are two galleries of images...
GALLERY I (87 IMAGES) & GALLERY II (94 IMAGES)
Labels: Dana Ocean Challenge, Dana Pt. SUP, paddle racing, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Bamboo Fins & Eco SUP's
We just received the first iteration of the new bamboo WARDOG fins...
Shown here are the 8.75" FreeWeed and the WARDOG 9"...
We are working on US box first...dialing in the flex, foil, and fit...all good...
Next step is work on the various sizes...then, gradually move to Powerbox...
Our new 9'9" and 10'6" Imagine split travel SUP's ($1199) are shipping in a couple of days...we will also have a few one piecers ($999)...
The 9'9" quad +1 model will have orange pin stripe...and the 10'6" 2 + 1 will have gray pin stripe...we will be able to outfit them with bamboo fins for a truly resource sustainable board...should have them in stock around the end of the month...
Shown here are the 8.75" FreeWeed and the WARDOG 9"...
We are working on US box first...dialing in the flex, foil, and fit...all good...
Next step is work on the various sizes...then, gradually move to Powerbox...
Our new 9'9" and 10'6" Imagine split travel SUP's ($1199) are shipping in a couple of days...we will also have a few one piecers ($999)...
The 9'9" quad +1 model will have orange pin stripe...and the 10'6" 2 + 1 will have gray pin stripe...we will be able to outfit them with bamboo fins for a truly resource sustainable board...should have them in stock around the end of the month...
Labels: 2 piece SUP, bamboo fins, Imagine ECO SUP's, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, travel SUP
Monday, March 02, 2009
Paralysis By Analysis
It was a beautiful standup paddling day yesterday in Santa Barbara...
If we had listened to the "weather or not" prognosticators from TV news and/or the NWS, we would have stayed inside all day and done our taxes...;-)
Maybe they had us confused with Atlanta...
Anyways...we've had a number of clients that have been wanting to demo a couple of our boards to help their buying decision...they've been sitting on the fence for awhile...any longer and they would have had what we call "paralysis by analysis"...
causing them to miss out on heaps of paddling days...JUST DO IT!
There are no "stinkers" in our shop...we've weeded them out...we only stock the best performers, best durability, and best value standup paddle boards in our shop...the very same ones that we paddle almost daily...this makes the decision easier for you...at the end of the day you have to end up trusting somebody with your hard earned recreational dollars...you might as well trust us...more people have than any other shop carrying SUP's...
We won't sell you a board made for surfing Pipeline, or Mavericks, if you live in Santa Barbara and surf Leadbetter...quite frankly, we don't sell "make believe"...we'll leave that to others...;-)
Our surfing SUP's are made for surfing "real world" waves...
If you want and need a good distance or fitness paddler...we carry the best brands and models on the planet...and, that's what you will get...we know them inside and out...
Between our paddle racing schedule, weekday workloads, and funky weekend weather, it had been hard to schedule even a small focused board demo...and, based on Sunday's forecast, it L@@Ked like another wash...
As it turned out, Saturday was one of the nicest days in a couple of weeks...we all said that it was kinda hard to believe based on what we intuitively felt and saw, that it was gonna get crappy on Sunday...statistically the best way to forecast tomorrow's weather is to L@@K at what it's doing today and extrapolate...this could get you killed...but, statistically you would be right more than wrong...so, we relented and said if it wasn't raining sideways, we'd do it...good call...
With the quality time spent onboard the various SUP's, our clients have been able to get over the hump of making a board model/brand decision...a side benefit was that a number of never-evers were able to get "baptized" on a standup paddle board...
We even got to meet Victor Velasco and his family, who drove up from the Oxnard beach area...he said that the opportunity to try out the new Naish Glide was too hard to resist...check out his blog...it's pretty kewl...especially for me since I graduated in Oceanography...
Victor is a self-described "Salty Surfer (of shortboards, longboards, windsurfers, kiteboards, snowboards and standup paddleboards); Budding Surfboard Shaper; Studier of all manner of aquatic life; Husband to Lala; Father to Big M and Noe; Mechanical and Ocean Engineer; US Navy Deep Sea Diver; World Explorer"...
Deb liked the new Naish Glide, as well...a few pelicanos checking her out...
Bird day in paradise...there was even an osprey fishing...
Nelson was really scooting along for his first time on a SUP...
Ona on the 10'6" Naish...
We provide personalized instruction...on stable, state of the art, SUP's...
Here is the 10' x 34" Starboard "Whopper" in action...
Jen found the 10'6" Hobie to her liking...she is quite the birder, and was constantly pointing out specimens to us...
Pam showing good form on the new Starboard 10'5" Drive...
If we had listened to the "weather or not" prognosticators from TV news and/or the NWS, we would have stayed inside all day and done our taxes...;-)
Maybe they had us confused with Atlanta...
Anyways...we've had a number of clients that have been wanting to demo a couple of our boards to help their buying decision...they've been sitting on the fence for awhile...any longer and they would have had what we call "paralysis by analysis"...
causing them to miss out on heaps of paddling days...JUST DO IT!
There are no "stinkers" in our shop...we've weeded them out...we only stock the best performers, best durability, and best value standup paddle boards in our shop...the very same ones that we paddle almost daily...this makes the decision easier for you...at the end of the day you have to end up trusting somebody with your hard earned recreational dollars...you might as well trust us...more people have than any other shop carrying SUP's...
We won't sell you a board made for surfing Pipeline, or Mavericks, if you live in Santa Barbara and surf Leadbetter...quite frankly, we don't sell "make believe"...we'll leave that to others...;-)
Our surfing SUP's are made for surfing "real world" waves...
If you want and need a good distance or fitness paddler...we carry the best brands and models on the planet...and, that's what you will get...we know them inside and out...
Between our paddle racing schedule, weekday workloads, and funky weekend weather, it had been hard to schedule even a small focused board demo...and, based on Sunday's forecast, it L@@Ked like another wash...
As it turned out, Saturday was one of the nicest days in a couple of weeks...we all said that it was kinda hard to believe based on what we intuitively felt and saw, that it was gonna get crappy on Sunday...statistically the best way to forecast tomorrow's weather is to L@@K at what it's doing today and extrapolate...this could get you killed...but, statistically you would be right more than wrong...so, we relented and said if it wasn't raining sideways, we'd do it...good call...
With the quality time spent onboard the various SUP's, our clients have been able to get over the hump of making a board model/brand decision...a side benefit was that a number of never-evers were able to get "baptized" on a standup paddle board...
We even got to meet Victor Velasco and his family, who drove up from the Oxnard beach area...he said that the opportunity to try out the new Naish Glide was too hard to resist...check out his blog...it's pretty kewl...especially for me since I graduated in Oceanography...
Victor is a self-described "Salty Surfer (of shortboards, longboards, windsurfers, kiteboards, snowboards and standup paddleboards); Budding Surfboard Shaper; Studier of all manner of aquatic life; Husband to Lala; Father to Big M and Noe; Mechanical and Ocean Engineer; US Navy Deep Sea Diver; World Explorer"...
Deb liked the new Naish Glide, as well...a few pelicanos checking her out...
Bird day in paradise...there was even an osprey fishing...
Nelson was really scooting along for his first time on a SUP...
Ona on the 10'6" Naish...
We provide personalized instruction...on stable, state of the art, SUP's...
Here is the 10' x 34" Starboard "Whopper" in action...
Jen found the 10'6" Hobie to her liking...she is quite the birder, and was constantly pointing out specimens to us...
Pam showing good form on the new Starboard 10'5" Drive...
Labels: 2009 Starboard SUP, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, sup demo
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Naish Glide
We've paddled the new Naish Glide the last several days...click image below for gallery...
When Harold Iggy shaped this puppy, he definitely got the "glide" part right...it cuts right through the lurpy chop like a hot knife through butter...really smooth...stable...fast...comfy...not to mention extremely sexy...;-)
Come on down to Santa Barbara's West Beach this morning to demo...we'll be there until noon with the Naish Glide and a couple of vans full of the latest SUP's on the market...
Nice lines from the wood nose block...to the wood fin...sweeeeet!
You get quite a value ($1849) built into this 12' board...performance...aesthetics...durability...quality...
In addition to the handle that's perfectly placed...you also get a factory installed integrated pad...it also has a reinforced deck in the area that you standup paddle the most...and has a mast foot option that will accommodate a sail rig...
Harold Iggy grew up in Hawaii, surfing Oahu s infamous north and south
shores. He became a pioneer in professional shaping in the late 60s,
spending time in both California and Oahu creating boards for various
companies including Velzy surfboards. In the 70s, Harold set up shop on the
north shore of Oahu, shaping his own brand of boards. The 80s marked his
introduction to the Naish clan, and a long lasting professional and personal
relationship began.
In 1968, surfing motivated Rick Naish to move his family from
California to Hawaii. Rick soon became an integral part of the 60s
surf scene, making Makaha and Waimea his home breaks. In the
early 80s, he joined forces with Harold Iggy. The resulting
collaboration of these two surf legends has created some of the
most innovative board designs on the market.
Head Shaper:
Harold Iggy
Behind the Brand: Naish Hawaii was founded in 1979 in Kailua, Hawaii. Rick Naish first came to Oahu's North Shore to surf in 1956 together with the likes of Pat Curren and Butch Van Arsdalen. After several more trips from La Jolla to surf in Hawaii, Rick then moved his family there in 1968. While living in Kailua, Naish got into Hobie Cat sailing (multiple state champion and 1972 National champion) until the sport of windsurfing came along. Rick, his wife Carol, and sons Robby and Randy soon became the first family of the sport. Rick began shaping in 1976, the same year his son Robby won his first windsurfing title. The Naish brand became the world's most sought after windsurfing label, as Robby would go on to win 23 titles (Kelly who?). More than three decades after winning his first title, Robby continues to be a driving force in both windsurfing and kiteboarding. The Naish brand has continued to grow over the years, and now includes windsurfing, kiteboarding, surfing, and SUP product lines, all designed in Hawaii. Since 1981, the designer cementing much of that legacy has been Harold Iggy, a man who sits down near the trunk of the shaper's tree, next to peers like Dewey Weber and Dale Velzy. At 67, Iggy is still windsurfing, riding SUP, or surfing every day.
About his Most Popular Models: Iggy says the trend of SUP boards going shorter has had a dramatic effect on design. "Our 9'3" basically resembles a blown up shortboard, which is creating a whole new progressive direction for SUP surfing." While that's undoubtedly an area he and his team love exploring, their longboard-style SUP boards remain the most popular. "The 11'6" longboard works for beginners and advanced, in everything from no surf to medium surf." As for his racing boards, Iggy and his racers like Dave Kalama are pumped on their new non-rudder 14' class boards, and their Unlimited class.
Taking the Pulse: "Variety keeps things interesting," says Iggy. "If you look in my shaping room right now there is a 7'4" windsurfer, a 9'0" gun windsurfer, two performance longboards, and a 17' SUP race board. It's all fun and exciting. There isn't one thing that is more fun than the others, although the SUP in general has a lot of guys pretty excited at the moment."
Shop Talk
What's the most important thing to remember when ordering an SUP board?
"Don't go too progressive and order something that's too small when considering an SUP. A bigger board is better a lot of the time, especially for guys that don't ride all that often or that well…but even for good guys."
What are the three most important boards in your personal quiver?
"The first would be my 7' hybrid surfboard, which is fun in almost anything. That would be followed by my 9'6" SUP and my 12' Glide SUP, which is a flat-water board. That way I would have something for every kind of condition."
When Harold Iggy shaped this puppy, he definitely got the "glide" part right...it cuts right through the lurpy chop like a hot knife through butter...really smooth...stable...fast...comfy...not to mention extremely sexy...;-)
Come on down to Santa Barbara's West Beach this morning to demo...we'll be there until noon with the Naish Glide and a couple of vans full of the latest SUP's on the market...
Nice lines from the wood nose block...to the wood fin...sweeeeet!
You get quite a value ($1849) built into this 12' board...performance...aesthetics...durability...quality...
In addition to the handle that's perfectly placed...you also get a factory installed integrated pad...it also has a reinforced deck in the area that you standup paddle the most...and has a mast foot option that will accommodate a sail rig...
Harold Iggy grew up in Hawaii, surfing Oahu s infamous north and south
shores. He became a pioneer in professional shaping in the late 60s,
spending time in both California and Oahu creating boards for various
companies including Velzy surfboards. In the 70s, Harold set up shop on the
north shore of Oahu, shaping his own brand of boards. The 80s marked his
introduction to the Naish clan, and a long lasting professional and personal
relationship began.
In 1968, surfing motivated Rick Naish to move his family from
California to Hawaii. Rick soon became an integral part of the 60s
surf scene, making Makaha and Waimea his home breaks. In the
early 80s, he joined forces with Harold Iggy. The resulting
collaboration of these two surf legends has created some of the
most innovative board designs on the market.
Head Shaper:
Harold Iggy
Behind the Brand: Naish Hawaii was founded in 1979 in Kailua, Hawaii. Rick Naish first came to Oahu's North Shore to surf in 1956 together with the likes of Pat Curren and Butch Van Arsdalen. After several more trips from La Jolla to surf in Hawaii, Rick then moved his family there in 1968. While living in Kailua, Naish got into Hobie Cat sailing (multiple state champion and 1972 National champion) until the sport of windsurfing came along. Rick, his wife Carol, and sons Robby and Randy soon became the first family of the sport. Rick began shaping in 1976, the same year his son Robby won his first windsurfing title. The Naish brand became the world's most sought after windsurfing label, as Robby would go on to win 23 titles (Kelly who?). More than three decades after winning his first title, Robby continues to be a driving force in both windsurfing and kiteboarding. The Naish brand has continued to grow over the years, and now includes windsurfing, kiteboarding, surfing, and SUP product lines, all designed in Hawaii. Since 1981, the designer cementing much of that legacy has been Harold Iggy, a man who sits down near the trunk of the shaper's tree, next to peers like Dewey Weber and Dale Velzy. At 67, Iggy is still windsurfing, riding SUP, or surfing every day.
About his Most Popular Models: Iggy says the trend of SUP boards going shorter has had a dramatic effect on design. "Our 9'3" basically resembles a blown up shortboard, which is creating a whole new progressive direction for SUP surfing." While that's undoubtedly an area he and his team love exploring, their longboard-style SUP boards remain the most popular. "The 11'6" longboard works for beginners and advanced, in everything from no surf to medium surf." As for his racing boards, Iggy and his racers like Dave Kalama are pumped on their new non-rudder 14' class boards, and their Unlimited class.
Taking the Pulse: "Variety keeps things interesting," says Iggy. "If you look in my shaping room right now there is a 7'4" windsurfer, a 9'0" gun windsurfer, two performance longboards, and a 17' SUP race board. It's all fun and exciting. There isn't one thing that is more fun than the others, although the SUP in general has a lot of guys pretty excited at the moment."
Shop Talk
What's the most important thing to remember when ordering an SUP board?
"Don't go too progressive and order something that's too small when considering an SUP. A bigger board is better a lot of the time, especially for guys that don't ride all that often or that well…but even for good guys."
What are the three most important boards in your personal quiver?
"The first would be my 7' hybrid surfboard, which is fun in almost anything. That would be followed by my 9'6" SUP and my 12' Glide SUP, which is a flat-water board. That way I would have something for every kind of condition."
Labels: 2009 Naish, Naish Glide, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, SUP
Saturday, February 28, 2009
THE HUNDREDTH MONKEY EFFECT
The story of the "Hundredth Monkey Effect" is part New Age parable (Ken Keyes, Jr.)
and part pseudo-science...regardless, like the Bible, the story can be an inspirational parable when applied to human society...
More commonly the story is told by substituting bananas with sweet potatoes...it more or less goes like this...
Scientists were conducting a study of monkeys on the Japanese island of Koshima in 1952. These scientists observed that some of these monkeys learned to wash sweet potatoes before ingesting them, and gradually this new behavior spread through the younger generation of monkeys...in the usual fashion, monkey see...monkey do...observation and repetition...
Researchers observed that once a critical number of monkeys was reached...they hadn't actually counted the population...they arbitrarily chose 99...so that once the hundredth monkey was added to the population, this previously learned behavior of washing the sweet potatoes before eating them, instantly spread across the water to monkeys on other nearby islands and the mainland...it went viral...
Malcolm Gladwell wrote a book describing sociological "tipping points"...
He defined a tipping point in sociological terms: "the moment of critical mass, the threshold, the boiling point."...the book seeks to explain and describe "mysterious" sociological changes that we encounter in everyday life...
Gladwell stated that ideas, products, messages and behaviors spread like viruses do...by dissemination of information...
Websites...forums...blogs...etc...are all virus incubators...not many corners of the earth left that the internet hasn't infected with ideas, products, messages and behaviors transported from elsewhere...
It's been interesting to watch the sport of standup paddling take off in this way...
I remember way back in the early days of the modern reincarnation of standup...what, 4 or 5 years ago, there wasn't much out there on the www...people weren't even sure what to call it...
We thought that "standup paddle surfing" seemed appropriate, so we registered the domain www.standuppaddlesurfing.com in 2005...five years before that, when www.surfingsports.com came into existence, who was to know that "standup paddle surfing" would conveniently fit under this umbrella as a "new" surfing sport...
Since then, we've registered over a hundred domains...prolly cost us a few bunches of bananas...;-)
Here's just a fraction...
http://paddlesurfing.com
http://supsports.com
http://standuppaddlesurf.com
http://standuppaddlesports.com
http://beachboysurfing.com
http://standuppaddlesurfer.com
http://standuppaddlesurfing.com
http://standuppaddling.com
http://standupsurfing.com
http://supsurfing.com
http://supboarding.com
http://supboards.com
http://supboarder.com
http://supboard.com
http://standuppaddleboards.com
http://standuppaddleboarding.com
I'm not saying that we were the "hundredth monkey"...but, certainly through our blog, gallery postings, website, forum postings, and physical storefront...we were what Gladwell refers to as "Mavens"...or "information specialists"...Mavens start "word-of-mouth epidemics" due to their knowledge, social skills, and ability to communicate. As Gladwell states, "Mavens are really information brokers, sharing and trading what they know"...
I think that our many demos, clinics, word of mouth sales...emptying containers of SUP's...goes to that point...not to mention, my next point...imitation...the proverbial washing of the banana...
Since we opened the first dedicated brick & mortar SUP store on the North and South American continents, there have been several other "monkeys" follow suit...
Now we get word of a viral SUP store infection on the Australian continent...complete with horizontal board racks...;-)
The Gold Coast's Greenline SUP store...g'day mate...we wish them well...
One local reviewer stated: "it's so easy to compare the rocker , nose lift , tail lift and thickness on the boards as the are all stacked horizontally one above each other"...
Our clients have been saying that about our horizontal display of SUP's since 2007...;-)
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, SUP store, The hundredth monkey effect
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Hello Nashville...SUP's are On the Way...
We just got a big 10 board/paddle order for SUP's out of Nashville today...so we're gonna throw a bit of love out that way...;-)
Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild recently shot the video for "A Ride Back Home," her duet with John Mellencamp from his Life, Death, Love and Freedom album...one of the most acclaimed of his career...
Photo by Elaine Mellencamp
Relevance??? Wayulll...I get it...don't worry...
I'm not turning into another blah...blah...blogger just trying to share their mundane boring life with anyone who'll listen...;-)
We'll kinda get to the relevance of Nashville a bit later...;-)
What matters now is that LBT (Little Big Town) is playing our big little town, manana...as did John Mellencamp last July...you can hear a couple of his tracks on our music jukebox...
IMO, LBT is a country inflected Fleetwood Mac'ish inspired band...they've even played with Lindsey Buckingham...
Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild found herself up in Bloomington last week, shooting a video with John Mellencamp for a song called "A Ride Back Home."
The song is from John's Life, Death, Love and Freedom album, produced by T-Bone Burnett (who also produced the Grammy-winning Robert Plant and Alison Krauss album), and Karen features prominently as a harmony vocalist on the album. "A Ride Back Home" is a duet, and Mellencamp's peeps are hoping the video will receive airplay on GAC and CMT.
"I would love it if country radio would play that," Karen said. "The song is one of my favorites on the record. John says it's about loneliness. For me, it seems like a song about a man contemplating his life and asking the important questions."
"The song's about life's loneliness, and that's what we tried to get across in this video, but I don't see it as sad," John added. "It's more of a timeless, positive, spiritual message. When I looked at the chapel where we shot it, I thought of June Carter and the Carter Family up there. Karen sang on about half the Life, Death, Love and Freedom album with me in this fashion, so it just made perfect sense for her to be in the video. She's such a great singer."
John and Karen shot the video in a chapel on the Indiana University campus, where they had to physically remove dozens of Hoosier fans who were there praying for the return of Coach Bobby Knight.
Actually, that's not true. Well, the part about shooting the video in the chapel is true. Anyway, you'll see for yourself, at least if the country video networks deem it flame worthy. As for Little Big Town, those folks are out on the road, playing tropical spots such as Boise, Idaho...(Santa Ynez, California)
"The shows have been going amazingly well, in spite of a bad economy," Karen said. "I think people want the escape."
"For Nashvillians looking to escape, Bloomington is actually a beautiful town … in the spring. The late spring"...
As is Santa Ynez in late Winter...;-)
Here's our shipping department readying that double digit SUP order from Nashville today...
Kamiah holding down the fort...me thinks that she'd rather be surfing...;-)
Even redneck women like Nashville country star, Gretchen Wilson, love to surf...
We've even heard that President Obama has done some standup paddling...nice way to wash the stresses of the day away...
Almost half way done...four down...six to go...double boxed and ready for the road....hey, if it was easy anyone could do it...even a caveman...;-)
Speaking of cavemen...no reason to sit home and freeze in the dark...watching your 401K turn into a 101K...you only live once...don't wait for the guv'mint to provide you with stimulus plan...stimulate yourself...friends & family, with a standup paddleboard...you can do it...we can help...
Nuts and bolts of the operation...moving big gear...totally choreographed...kinda like SUP "roadies"...;-)
The continuing saga...just when you think the standup paddling gear can't get much kewler...the Naish "Glide" and the new Naish 9'3" just showed up in the states...now, we got some more testing to do...seems a days work is NEVER done...no rest for the weary...;-)
OOOPS!!! Ruh roh...did I confuse Naishville with Nashville, again...dang, gotta remember to get some sleep...;-)
Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild recently shot the video for "A Ride Back Home," her duet with John Mellencamp from his Life, Death, Love and Freedom album...one of the most acclaimed of his career...
Photo by Elaine Mellencamp
Relevance??? Wayulll...I get it...don't worry...
I'm not turning into another blah...blah...blogger just trying to share their mundane boring life with anyone who'll listen...;-)
We'll kinda get to the relevance of Nashville a bit later...;-)
What matters now is that LBT (Little Big Town) is playing our big little town, manana...as did John Mellencamp last July...you can hear a couple of his tracks on our music jukebox...
IMO, LBT is a country inflected Fleetwood Mac'ish inspired band...they've even played with Lindsey Buckingham...
Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild found herself up in Bloomington last week, shooting a video with John Mellencamp for a song called "A Ride Back Home."
The song is from John's Life, Death, Love and Freedom album, produced by T-Bone Burnett (who also produced the Grammy-winning Robert Plant and Alison Krauss album), and Karen features prominently as a harmony vocalist on the album. "A Ride Back Home" is a duet, and Mellencamp's peeps are hoping the video will receive airplay on GAC and CMT.
"I would love it if country radio would play that," Karen said. "The song is one of my favorites on the record. John says it's about loneliness. For me, it seems like a song about a man contemplating his life and asking the important questions."
"The song's about life's loneliness, and that's what we tried to get across in this video, but I don't see it as sad," John added. "It's more of a timeless, positive, spiritual message. When I looked at the chapel where we shot it, I thought of June Carter and the Carter Family up there. Karen sang on about half the Life, Death, Love and Freedom album with me in this fashion, so it just made perfect sense for her to be in the video. She's such a great singer."
John and Karen shot the video in a chapel on the Indiana University campus, where they had to physically remove dozens of Hoosier fans who were there praying for the return of Coach Bobby Knight.
Actually, that's not true. Well, the part about shooting the video in the chapel is true. Anyway, you'll see for yourself, at least if the country video networks deem it flame worthy. As for Little Big Town, those folks are out on the road, playing tropical spots such as Boise, Idaho...(Santa Ynez, California)
"The shows have been going amazingly well, in spite of a bad economy," Karen said. "I think people want the escape."
"For Nashvillians looking to escape, Bloomington is actually a beautiful town … in the spring. The late spring"...
As is Santa Ynez in late Winter...;-)
Here's our shipping department readying that double digit SUP order from Nashville today...
Kamiah holding down the fort...me thinks that she'd rather be surfing...;-)
Even redneck women like Nashville country star, Gretchen Wilson, love to surf...
We've even heard that President Obama has done some standup paddling...nice way to wash the stresses of the day away...
Almost half way done...four down...six to go...double boxed and ready for the road....hey, if it was easy anyone could do it...even a caveman...;-)
Speaking of cavemen...no reason to sit home and freeze in the dark...watching your 401K turn into a 101K...you only live once...don't wait for the guv'mint to provide you with stimulus plan...stimulate yourself...friends & family, with a standup paddleboard...you can do it...we can help...
Nuts and bolts of the operation...moving big gear...totally choreographed...kinda like SUP "roadies"...;-)
The continuing saga...just when you think the standup paddling gear can't get much kewler...the Naish "Glide" and the new Naish 9'3" just showed up in the states...now, we got some more testing to do...seems a days work is NEVER done...no rest for the weary...;-)
OOOPS!!! Ruh roh...did I confuse Naishville with Nashville, again...dang, gotta remember to get some sleep...;-)
Labels: Little Big Town, Nashville SUP, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Redondo Lanakila Race
The Lanakila Outrigger Canoe club hosted a race in the Southern California Winter Racing Series on Saturday at Moonstone Park in Redondo Beach Harbor...
A consistent swell pounded the breakwall outside of the harbor making for some challenging conditions...here the racers are negotiating the first turn as they leave the protection of the harbor...many competitors dropped out minutes after hitting the open ocean...
Eric Starnes was able to put together a great race and finished 1st...with Thomas Shahinian in 2nd...
Our shop manager, John Becker, was able to hold off a great performance by Jered Vargas to hold onto 3rd place on his trusty unlimited BARK...several BARK team riders have been trying to wrestle it away from him...
John's last BARK unlimited was hot-shotted to the East Coast where it literally smoked the competition at one of the first SUP races to be held there...one SUP blogger (Dwight) referred to it as the "secret weapon"...
East Coast paddle racing competitions are prolly 1-2 years behind California at this point...I'm positive that it is already starting to gain traction...what, with NASCAR and all...;-)
Hobie rider Byron Kurt held off Ernie (EJ) Johnson by being on the much more stable carbon Hobie...all of the carbon 12'6" Hobies finished the course...gorgeous boards...we have one in stock if anyone is interested...
You almost NEVER see a wet EJ...but, here he is sopping wet...he says it really takes some skill climbing back inside his 23" NCP when he dumps it...which isn't very often...
Here is Ernie shiny, happy, and dry at the start of the race sporting his new Johnson Big Stick racing paddle...OMG is this SUP paddle light and gorgeous...he has some really trick blade designs going on...they pull straight as an arrow and have super clean release...we have a half dozen of them in stock in varying lengths...EJ puts his heart and soul into this hand crafted product...you're definitely getting your $350 worth...
Our team rider Brian Fernandez powering the Starboard K-15 with the new Powerex SUP paddle...first time he had used either...he only dumped the K-15 twice on the outside as he got broadsided by a mistimed wave...so much for it only being considered a flatwater machine...
Team rider Todd Strand finishing on his carbon Hobie 12'6"...he was just interviewed
about standup paddle racing by the UC Santa Barbara newspaper, The Daily Nexus...
I've never heard an F-bomb or a "dude" come out of his mouth...so please disregard the sensationalistic journalism if you will...prolly trying to increase readership with controversy...;-)
Our shop V.P. powering into 1st place SUP women's division by default...
Deb was the only woman to finish on a standup...the others dropped out early on in the race after making the turn up into the swells outside of the harbor...
She grabbed my 14' Bark at the last minute and I quickly did a fin change...
I knew that she would/could gut it out after doing a downwinder on Maui with her one day in 45 mph gusts...psycho conditions coming out of Maliko Gulch...the wave runner launch for Jaws on maui's North Shore...GOOD JOB DEB!!!
More race images here...
A consistent swell pounded the breakwall outside of the harbor making for some challenging conditions...here the racers are negotiating the first turn as they leave the protection of the harbor...many competitors dropped out minutes after hitting the open ocean...
Eric Starnes was able to put together a great race and finished 1st...with Thomas Shahinian in 2nd...
Our shop manager, John Becker, was able to hold off a great performance by Jered Vargas to hold onto 3rd place on his trusty unlimited BARK...several BARK team riders have been trying to wrestle it away from him...
John's last BARK unlimited was hot-shotted to the East Coast where it literally smoked the competition at one of the first SUP races to be held there...one SUP blogger (Dwight) referred to it as the "secret weapon"...
East Coast paddle racing competitions are prolly 1-2 years behind California at this point...I'm positive that it is already starting to gain traction...what, with NASCAR and all...;-)
Hobie rider Byron Kurt held off Ernie (EJ) Johnson by being on the much more stable carbon Hobie...all of the carbon 12'6" Hobies finished the course...gorgeous boards...we have one in stock if anyone is interested...
You almost NEVER see a wet EJ...but, here he is sopping wet...he says it really takes some skill climbing back inside his 23" NCP when he dumps it...which isn't very often...
Here is Ernie shiny, happy, and dry at the start of the race sporting his new Johnson Big Stick racing paddle...OMG is this SUP paddle light and gorgeous...he has some really trick blade designs going on...they pull straight as an arrow and have super clean release...we have a half dozen of them in stock in varying lengths...EJ puts his heart and soul into this hand crafted product...you're definitely getting your $350 worth...
Our team rider Brian Fernandez powering the Starboard K-15 with the new Powerex SUP paddle...first time he had used either...he only dumped the K-15 twice on the outside as he got broadsided by a mistimed wave...so much for it only being considered a flatwater machine...
Team rider Todd Strand finishing on his carbon Hobie 12'6"...he was just interviewed
about standup paddle racing by the UC Santa Barbara newspaper, The Daily Nexus...
I've never heard an F-bomb or a "dude" come out of his mouth...so please disregard the sensationalistic journalism if you will...prolly trying to increase readership with controversy...;-)
Our shop V.P. powering into 1st place SUP women's division by default...
Deb was the only woman to finish on a standup...the others dropped out early on in the race after making the turn up into the swells outside of the harbor...
She grabbed my 14' Bark at the last minute and I quickly did a fin change...
I knew that she would/could gut it out after doing a downwinder on Maui with her one day in 45 mph gusts...psycho conditions coming out of Maliko Gulch...the wave runner launch for Jaws on maui's North Shore...GOOD JOB DEB!!!
More race images here...
Labels: Bark paddleboards, Hobie paddle boards, Lanakila Outrigger Club, Redondo SUP race, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Werner Paddles : Healthy Waters Initiative
CHOOSE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Werner Paddles supports several non-profit partners, including the Surfrider Foundation, through its Healthy Waters Initiative...
Healthy Waters, a first of its kind program, allows Werner customers to direct dollars to a non profit of their choice. It works like this; the consumer, post purchase, goes to www.wernerpaddles.com and chooses the Healthy Waters button.
This takes them to a short questionnaire about their demographics and purchasing decision. At the end of the questionnaire they can choose from a list of non profits and Werner will make a donation in their name. "We are very proud of our commitment to the natural world. Healthy Waters is a great program for differentiating our product from the competition while giving the customer the ability to support a non-profit whose focus is access, water quality or education. This is a win for our customers, our dealers, our non-profit partners and for Werner Paddles," says Jim Miller, Werner’s Marketing Manager.
Be sure to check out our friend, Dan Gevere, giving video paddling tips...
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Werner Healthy Waters, Werner Paddles
Saturday, February 14, 2009
New ECO SUP's Coming Soon
Imagine Surfboards shaper, Corran Addison, has got our new 9'9" and 10'6" ecologically sustainable "green" SUP wave rippers (ECO SUP's) shaped up and they are under construction at his factory...
We will have them available in one piece and two piece models in March...MSRP $999 & $1199, respectively...
The 9'9" will be a quad +1 fin setup...the 10'6" will be a 2 +1 fin setup...both utilizing the 4 Way fin system...and, adding extra value to this impressive pricing structure, they will come with gorgeous ecologically sustainable bamboo fins...
They are a hybrid model crossing the Cutback with the Waverider...a high performance all-arounder...
Here's my 9' two piece...
More info here...
Prototypes...
Chopper model...
We will have them available in one piece and two piece models in March...MSRP $999 & $1199, respectively...
The 9'9" will be a quad +1 fin setup...the 10'6" will be a 2 +1 fin setup...both utilizing the 4 Way fin system...and, adding extra value to this impressive pricing structure, they will come with gorgeous ecologically sustainable bamboo fins...
They are a hybrid model crossing the Cutback with the Waverider...a high performance all-arounder...
Here's my 9' two piece...
More info here...
Prototypes...
Chopper model...
Labels: Imagine ECO SUP's, Imagine SUP, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Friday, February 13, 2009
Starboard's SUP Line Expands Exponentially!!!
Starboard's evolutionary line of SUP boards RAPIDLY EXPANDS into 2009...
Building on the strengths from last year's best selling range we have taken the steps to offer the most exciting and efficient SUP range ever seen...
We have most of the 2009 Starboard line in stock at our store in Santa Barbara to check out and demo...several models are currently available for purchase...and we have a container of 2009 Starboard product arriving in ~ 2 weeks...several of the models are getting close to being sold through before they arrive...if you want to be an early adopter or the first kid on the block with the shiny new toy, you better make sure you're on our waiting list...
Additionally, because we've been inundated with numerous calls and emails about the expansive 2009 Starboard product line, we've put together the following info in an effort to help our clients better get their heads around this plethora of choices...sizes...models...colors...constructions...etc......you can also download a low rez .pdf copy of the Starboard 2009 catalog...
By clicking on the sample images below, you'll be able to view more detailed info on the different models and options that will be available to you...just click on the model to see enlargement...
Introducing 4 base technologies, producing 6 actual design options, in 10 different shapes.
Starboard is also adding on a revolutionary Stand On Top kayak program with 3 shapes by Jim Drake for February shipments, our avenue into the vast kayak/canoe market begins.
Technologies
Technora: Our very lightest sandwich technology.
Complete top and bottom PVC/glass/ Epoxy Sandwich. Full EVA deck.
No mast track or strap inserts available as this is a weight conscious model.
There will be a growing demand in the market for the lightest SUP.
Sportech: Our legendary Wood SUP.
Wood deck/glass epoxy compression molding, 3/4 EVA deck.
Mast track and strap inserts available as per overview.
Tufskin: Our impact resistant range.
Available in popular Camo Blue, cool Camo black, and the rainbow colored Candy.
Glass epoxy compression molding with wood reinforcement on the deck.
Full EVA deck. Mast track and strap inserts available as per overview.
Classic Tufskin is available with the break through Star touch deck texture. Star touch, grips when wet, no more wax jobs, no EVA deck, all yellow and white.
No mast track or strap inserts and the weight reduction at 1.2 kg by also taking away the EVA deck. We expect this unique technology choice to become our best seller, as its also our price point.
Weight indications: The 9'0" x 30" approval boards showed the following weights:
Technora 21.1 lbs 9.6 kg
Sportech 23.1 lbs 10.5 kg
AST 23.9 lbs 10.9 kg
Classic 21.3 lbs 9.7 kg
A client on the waiting list for the 8'5" Pocket Rocket in Technora weighed it yesterday and it came in at 18 lbs, including fins and pad ready to RIP...
We are this year due to demand delivering all boards from 11'2" and down to 8'5" with FCS fins. The 12'6", 12'0", 11'2" and 10'5" also will have an additional 9 inch fin to drastically improve directional stability for flat water days...and add value to your SUP purchase by providing more options...
Labels: 2009 Starboard SUP, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, standup paddle boards
Thursday, February 12, 2009
What about these?
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
New Stand Up Paddle Sports Graphics
It's not like we didn't already have the kewlest standup paddle logo and graphics in the universe...requests for our shwag...tshirts, hats, stickers...etc...pour in from around the globe...so, not to rest on our laurels (& good L@@Ks...;-) we've commissioned our friend, and shop graphics artiste extraordinaire, Rob Heeley to come up with some additional graphics to round out the line...
Let us know what ya'll think...
Let us know what ya'll think...
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, standup paddle art, standup paddle tshirts
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Windians
If you ever have a question(s) about putting a sail rig on your SUP...or, windsurfing question(s) in general...ping us on email...or ring us up toll free...
We have 100 years of collective windsurfing experience on our staff...including one of California's first wavesailing champions...Guy Lindburg...who is also an expert hang glider pilot, and kiter...
Here is our V.P., Deb, putting her sailing kit through the paces in Maui and the Baja...she also loves to do standup in both of those places...as well as her favorite spots right here in Santa Barbara...
We have 100 years of collective windsurfing experience on our staff...including one of California's first wavesailing champions...Guy Lindburg...who is also an expert hang glider pilot, and kiter...
Here is our V.P., Deb, putting her sailing kit through the paces in Maui and the Baja...she also loves to do standup in both of those places...as well as her favorite spots right here in Santa Barbara...
Labels: Baja windsurfing, Maui windsurfing, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Monday, February 09, 2009
Windy Surfing
Seems that the seasons are starting to turn...the Spring Equinox is on the horizon...
You can almost count the weeks left in Winter on one hand...
Spring winds will generate wind swell here in the Santa Barbara Channel...plenty good enough for standup paddle surfing...you can also easily throw a sail rig on your SUP and cruise, if it has an attachment...we've had lots of interest in longboard windsurfing...locally, and we've also sent SUP's and sail rig packages to Eureka, San Francisco, and San Diego last week...season change is definitely in the air...and our clients are getting prepared to take advantage of whatever recreational opportunities crop up...be it using a paddle or sail rig on their SUP's...
Longboard wavesailing...
Our Starboard and Naish SUP's have sail attachment points...or, if you want to tackle the winds and waves head-on, you can rig up some higher wind windsurfing gear and ride some waves...or, go bust some big airs and loops...it's all good...we've been surfing and windsurfing for several decades...with SUP, you're totally covered no matter what the wind and waves are up to...
No wind...no waves...no worries...
One hand tail grab...
You can almost count the weeks left in Winter on one hand...
Spring winds will generate wind swell here in the Santa Barbara Channel...plenty good enough for standup paddle surfing...you can also easily throw a sail rig on your SUP and cruise, if it has an attachment...we've had lots of interest in longboard windsurfing...locally, and we've also sent SUP's and sail rig packages to Eureka, San Francisco, and San Diego last week...season change is definitely in the air...and our clients are getting prepared to take advantage of whatever recreational opportunities crop up...be it using a paddle or sail rig on their SUP's...
Longboard wavesailing...
Our Starboard and Naish SUP's have sail attachment points...or, if you want to tackle the winds and waves head-on, you can rig up some higher wind windsurfing gear and ride some waves...or, go bust some big airs and loops...it's all good...we've been surfing and windsurfing for several decades...with SUP, you're totally covered no matter what the wind and waves are up to...
No wind...no waves...no worries...
One hand tail grab...
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, SUP windsurf, windsurfing
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Werner Carbon Nitro
We will be getting a shipment of the new carbon Werner "Nitro" SUP paddles around the 1st of April...it will also be available in a new 3 piece configuration...
Perfect for traveling with the new Starboard 2-piece "Transporter" (9'8" & 11'2") and the new Imagine Eco SUP...
Get on our waiting list now if you want one out of the 1st batch that we receive...
Werner Paddles Introduces New SUP Model and Shaft Configuration
Werner Paddles recently unveiled new innovations in its Stand Up Paddle range at the Surf Expo Trade Show in Orlando Florida. The Werner Nitro is a smaller, Performance Core, carbon paddle and the new Adjustable 3-piece shaft which can be found on all of the SUP models.
The new Werner Nitro has a carbon blade with a foam core, which adds buoyancy for effortless paddling, and comes with an all carbon shaft. The longer narrower blade is perfect for dynamic surfing, quick turning and lends itself to higher cadence paddling. The carbon shaft is indexed, adding comfort control and is light weight. The Nitro comes in at just 20 ounces for a 78" 1-piece paddle. Get in line now because the Nitros’ initial reviews have been stellar. The Nitro starts at $299 and will be available at Werner Paddles dealers in April 2009.
Another innovation from the folks at Werner is the Adjustable 3-piece paddle. The top piece telescopes its length and locks in at four settings, each 1.5 inches apart. This is great for moving between touring/cruising (a little longer) and surfing (a little shorter) or sharing with a friend (you'll tell them to get their own soon enough). The shaft also takes apart closer to the blade, creating the ultimate travel paddle. The Adjustable 3-piece paddle will brake down easily to pack into your carry on luggage. "We got a lot of request for a smaller break down paddle for traveling. Many people are happy to rent a board when they travel, but want their trusty Werner Stand Up Paddle when they are on the road", says Jim Miller, Werner Paddles Marketing Manger.
The full range of Werner paddles now come in four shaft configurations. 1-piece; the lightest weight option and best value. 2-piece; which takes apart with push button ease, a great choice for those who travel with their paddle. Adjustable Length 2-piece; with four telescoping lengths for those who move between touring and surfing. The NEW Adjustable Length 3-piece; combines the telescoping feature and the take apart travel feature in the ultimate traveling paddle.
Werner Paddles is the leading manufacturer of high quality kayak, canoe, and stand up paddles, operating near the banks of the Skykomish River in Sultan, WA.
Perfect for traveling with the new Starboard 2-piece "Transporter" (9'8" & 11'2") and the new Imagine Eco SUP...
Get on our waiting list now if you want one out of the 1st batch that we receive...
Werner Paddles Introduces New SUP Model and Shaft Configuration
Werner Paddles recently unveiled new innovations in its Stand Up Paddle range at the Surf Expo Trade Show in Orlando Florida. The Werner Nitro is a smaller, Performance Core, carbon paddle and the new Adjustable 3-piece shaft which can be found on all of the SUP models.
The new Werner Nitro has a carbon blade with a foam core, which adds buoyancy for effortless paddling, and comes with an all carbon shaft. The longer narrower blade is perfect for dynamic surfing, quick turning and lends itself to higher cadence paddling. The carbon shaft is indexed, adding comfort control and is light weight. The Nitro comes in at just 20 ounces for a 78" 1-piece paddle. Get in line now because the Nitros’ initial reviews have been stellar. The Nitro starts at $299 and will be available at Werner Paddles dealers in April 2009.
Another innovation from the folks at Werner is the Adjustable 3-piece paddle. The top piece telescopes its length and locks in at four settings, each 1.5 inches apart. This is great for moving between touring/cruising (a little longer) and surfing (a little shorter) or sharing with a friend (you'll tell them to get their own soon enough). The shaft also takes apart closer to the blade, creating the ultimate travel paddle. The Adjustable 3-piece paddle will brake down easily to pack into your carry on luggage. "We got a lot of request for a smaller break down paddle for traveling. Many people are happy to rent a board when they travel, but want their trusty Werner Stand Up Paddle when they are on the road", says Jim Miller, Werner Paddles Marketing Manger.
The full range of Werner paddles now come in four shaft configurations. 1-piece; the lightest weight option and best value. 2-piece; which takes apart with push button ease, a great choice for those who travel with their paddle. Adjustable Length 2-piece; with four telescoping lengths for those who move between touring and surfing. The NEW Adjustable Length 3-piece; combines the telescoping feature and the take apart travel feature in the ultimate traveling paddle.
Werner Paddles is the leading manufacturer of high quality kayak, canoe, and stand up paddles, operating near the banks of the Skykomish River in Sultan, WA.
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Werner 3 piece SUP paddle, Werner Adjustable Carbon Standup paddles, Werner SUP paddles
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Hanohano 13th Annual Ocean Challenge
The Hanohano Outrigger Canoe Club hosted the 13th Annual Ocean Challenge on Saturday (January 31, 2009) at Bonita Cove in Mission Bay, San Diego...over 400 competitors on the water on another gorgeous, California Winter sunshine filled day...
The full race results aren't in yet...but, it's clear that Team Standup Paddle Sports pulled out at least two 1st place finishes...congrats to Vicki Mills (SUP : Women) and Ernie (EJ) Johnson (SUP : Men's Stock 12'6")...
Vicki Mills was in perfect form on the new Starboard K-15...and, just smoked the women's field...as well as a huge chunk of the men...she standup paddled the 4.75 mile course in 56 minutes...sustaining a speed of 5.1 mph over the course...she also took a silver medal away from the OC-1 long course race...
Ernie's wife Andie, also did very well...4th overall wahine...unofficial 3rd if there was a women's stock class...
14 year old Matt Becker had another great race on the Starboard 12'6" prototype...taking out scores of older, stronger men...we're stoked for him...he has a great future in standup paddle racing...
Starboard is designing and building some fast hulls...
Joe Bark's hulls and finish work are real eye poppers...haven't seen one that didn't L@@K good...
Our shop manager, John Becker, put together a good race on his BARK unlimited, especially for being under the weather...these boards take some horsepower to move along in this kind of sprint...he could barely talk...but, still gave the top men on flatwater SUP's a run for their money...take a couple of days off, bro...
Men's unlimited winner, Danny Ching, getting a little draft assist...;-)
Here's a couple random shots from yesterday...
Kamiah cruising the new Starboard K-15...
Jay (AquaMoose) Butki spin turning John's unlimited BARK...not easy to sink that tail...he has the balance of a cat...
There's another 67 images in this GALLERY #1...
We broke out another 56 images here in GALLERY #2...
The full race results aren't in yet...but, it's clear that Team Standup Paddle Sports pulled out at least two 1st place finishes...congrats to Vicki Mills (SUP : Women) and Ernie (EJ) Johnson (SUP : Men's Stock 12'6")...
Vicki Mills was in perfect form on the new Starboard K-15...and, just smoked the women's field...as well as a huge chunk of the men...she standup paddled the 4.75 mile course in 56 minutes...sustaining a speed of 5.1 mph over the course...she also took a silver medal away from the OC-1 long course race...
Ernie's wife Andie, also did very well...4th overall wahine...unofficial 3rd if there was a women's stock class...
14 year old Matt Becker had another great race on the Starboard 12'6" prototype...taking out scores of older, stronger men...we're stoked for him...he has a great future in standup paddle racing...
Starboard is designing and building some fast hulls...
Joe Bark's hulls and finish work are real eye poppers...haven't seen one that didn't L@@K good...
Our shop manager, John Becker, put together a good race on his BARK unlimited, especially for being under the weather...these boards take some horsepower to move along in this kind of sprint...he could barely talk...but, still gave the top men on flatwater SUP's a run for their money...take a couple of days off, bro...
Men's unlimited winner, Danny Ching, getting a little draft assist...;-)
Here's a couple random shots from yesterday...
Kamiah cruising the new Starboard K-15...
Jay (AquaMoose) Butki spin turning John's unlimited BARK...not easy to sink that tail...he has the balance of a cat...
There's another 67 images in this GALLERY #1...
We broke out another 56 images here in GALLERY #2...
Labels: Hanohano Outrigger race, Oceanside SUP race, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, stand up paddling
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Johnson BigStick Wood SUP Paddles
We have a new selection of Ernie (EJ) Johnson's gorgeous wood Johnson BigStick SUP paddles in stock now...
Labels: Johnson Big Sticks, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, wood SUP paddles
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
HEAT WAVE!!!
PHEW!!!
HOT...HOT...HOT...here we are in the middle of another heat wave in January...
PERFECT standup paddling weather...'sposed to be HOT & GLASSY for the next 4-5 days...
Our friend Woody came down from Lompoc today to slide a few and try out the latest offerings from Starboard...
Woody is from Hawaii and just exudes the aloha spirit...he's easily one of the top paddlesurfers in Cali...wins most of the Fireman surf contests he enters...it's pretty amazing how many fireman SUP clients we have...;-)
Anyways...we tracked down a clean little peak to ride the new quad 8'5" "Pocket Rocket" and the new quad +1 9'0" "Stinger"...
These new Starboard rippers are setting the standard of performance in shortboard standup paddlesurfing...they are the most durable and lightweight SUP's on the market...built-in handles...stable...maneuverable...awesome performance...
Here's a GALLERY with a few more pics...
HOT...HOT...HOT...here we are in the middle of another heat wave in January...
PERFECT standup paddling weather...'sposed to be HOT & GLASSY for the next 4-5 days...
Our friend Woody came down from Lompoc today to slide a few and try out the latest offerings from Starboard...
Woody is from Hawaii and just exudes the aloha spirit...he's easily one of the top paddlesurfers in Cali...wins most of the Fireman surf contests he enters...it's pretty amazing how many fireman SUP clients we have...;-)
Anyways...we tracked down a clean little peak to ride the new quad 8'5" "Pocket Rocket" and the new quad +1 9'0" "Stinger"...
These new Starboard rippers are setting the standard of performance in shortboard standup paddlesurfing...they are the most durable and lightweight SUP's on the market...built-in handles...stable...maneuverable...awesome performance...
Here's a GALLERY with a few more pics...
Labels: 2009 Starboard SUP, PADDLESURF SANTA BARBARA, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Starboard SUP
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Starboard 2009 SUP's
We just returned from the West Coast surf industry trade show (ASR) with our Sprinter van full of the new 2009 standup paddleboards from the leader in the SUP industry, STARBOARD...
We gave you a bunch of details on the 2009 Starboard SUP line last week...now, we'll give those of you that can't take a spin by our SUP shop a L@@K at the hard goods in this gallery...
Check out 8'5" x 28" TIKI kid's board...
The 8'5" x 30" "Pocket Rocket" in Technora construction...the pearlescent paint job
will make your eyes pop...
The new 2 piece "Transporter"...here's the 11'2"...also, available as the new 9'8" "Element"...
WAIT!!! That ain't all, folks...there's a bunch of other REALLY kewl shizzle coming down the pipeline...;-)
We gave you a bunch of details on the 2009 Starboard SUP line last week...now, we'll give those of you that can't take a spin by our SUP shop a L@@K at the hard goods in this gallery...
Check out 8'5" x 28" TIKI kid's board...
The 8'5" x 30" "Pocket Rocket" in Technora construction...the pearlescent paint job
will make your eyes pop...
The new 2 piece "Transporter"...here's the 11'2"...also, available as the new 9'8" "Element"...
WAIT!!! That ain't all, folks...there's a bunch of other REALLY kewl shizzle coming down the pipeline...;-)
Labels: 2009 Starboard SUP, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Cali Central Coast Goes Off!
We finally had a great run of surf with equally great weather...and, a few pics and customer testimonials are starting to trickle in from our STOKED clients...
Howzit Warren & crew,
Thank you for taking the time to set me up with the Kanaha Quick Blade paddle.
It was late in the day and I appreciate you helping me out.
Great customer service!
Mahalo,
Woody (Santa Barbara County, CA.)
Hey Wardog, whats happening?
Bro, I can't say enough good things about my 9'8 and the customer service I received from you guys.
The surf in Pismo Beach has been off the chain lately, giving me a chance to put my SUP to the test.
Here is a photo from the other day. The sets were about 8' to 10' and my board did not let me down.
Cheers!
AJ Santana (Pismo Beach, CA)
Here are some Photos from last Sunday in Santa Barbara County - 80 degrees outside at noon.
Brian Hovnanian
Howzit Warren & crew,
Thank you for taking the time to set me up with the Kanaha Quick Blade paddle.
It was late in the day and I appreciate you helping me out.
Great customer service!
Mahalo,
Woody (Santa Barbara County, CA.)
Hey Wardog, whats happening?
Bro, I can't say enough good things about my 9'8 and the customer service I received from you guys.
The surf in Pismo Beach has been off the chain lately, giving me a chance to put my SUP to the test.
Here is a photo from the other day. The sets were about 8' to 10' and my board did not let me down.
Cheers!
AJ Santana (Pismo Beach, CA)
Here are some Photos from last Sunday in Santa Barbara County - 80 degrees outside at noon.
Brian Hovnanian
Labels: Santa Barbara paddlesurf, Santa Barbara standup paddle, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Santa Barbara SUP
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
GoPro Paddle Mount Surf Shots
We were playing with the new GoPro Surf Hero mounted on a standup paddle yesterday...
This is the same camera that we had tail mounted for these shots...
It's been warm, sunny, and some playful, uncrowded point waves...trunking it in January...cruisin' down the line on my wood Starboard Fish...gotta love standup!
More shots here...
We're pretty impressed with the quality of the images and video that this fun, new, toy creates...plug & play friendly, too...
Only $160 for the camera...and $20 for the paddle mount...we have the full line in stock...
This is the same camera that we had tail mounted for these shots...
It's been warm, sunny, and some playful, uncrowded point waves...trunking it in January...cruisin' down the line on my wood Starboard Fish...gotta love standup!
More shots here...
We're pretty impressed with the quality of the images and video that this fun, new, toy creates...plug & play friendly, too...
Only $160 for the camera...and $20 for the paddle mount...we have the full line in stock...
Labels: GoPro Surf Hero, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Santa Barbara standup paddle surf, waterproof vidcam, waterproof helmet cam
Monday, January 19, 2009
Santa Barbara Standup Paddle Racing
Alrighty then...today is ANOTHER day in paradise...get out there and paddle...
Here's a few more shots from the race on Saturday...
There's 59 images in this gallery...
and another 64 images in this gallery...
Special shout out to Bill Anderson of Anderson Custom Boats for the photo skippering he did...
Here's a few more shots from the race on Saturday...
There's 59 images in this gallery...
and another 64 images in this gallery...
Special shout out to Bill Anderson of Anderson Custom Boats for the photo skippering he did...
Labels: Santa Barbara paddle racing, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, standup paddle racing
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Santa Barbara Return to the Pier Race
Mahalo to Santa Barbara Outrigger for hosting the "Return to Pier" race yesterday...couldn't have picked a more gorgeous day for a paddle...unless, you picked one of the other 13 days in the last 2 weeks that have been warm and spectacular...one of the best runs of Winter weather anyone can remember...
The Standup Paddle Sports paddle racing team, once again had spectacular results...
Lots of photos to hash through...but, we'll share a few now and then add lots more over the next few days...
Our shop manager, John Becker, came within a few seconds of the winner of the Men's Open SUP...
Here's John Becker congratulating 4 time Olympian, Jim Terrell, who owns QuickBlade paddles...he won on a BARK sprint board with steering...
SUP Women's winner Vicki Mills on her new BARK...
New SUPS paddle race team member Ernie (EJ) Johnson wins Men's 12'6" class SUP...
He also delivered a bundle of gorgeous new handbuilt hardwood SUP paddles to us...
more on that later...
We had a great time chilling with EJ and his beautiful wife, Andie, who also raced...
Olympic Gold medalist, Rich Schroeder, found his new 14' BARK much to his liking...
Our newest team rider, Matt Becker, (John's nephew) did a phenomenal job at his first race...this 14 year old kid smoked most of the field...
Also, a new addition to our shop personnel...he is bright, polite, and athletically gifted...he took 3rd at the Rincon Surf Classic last year...which , coincidentally was held this same day, so he opted to SUP race...
New dad, Bryan Fernandez, throwing a little stoke on a gorgeous Santa Barbara day...
Great guy to have as a neighbor...another of the SUP firemen in town...
SUP sisterhood...nice to see the wahines out paddling...
Another gorgeous Santa Barbara paddling day...the standup paddling mecca of North America...
The Standup Paddle Sports paddle racing team, once again had spectacular results...
Lots of photos to hash through...but, we'll share a few now and then add lots more over the next few days...
Our shop manager, John Becker, came within a few seconds of the winner of the Men's Open SUP...
Here's John Becker congratulating 4 time Olympian, Jim Terrell, who owns QuickBlade paddles...he won on a BARK sprint board with steering...
SUP Women's winner Vicki Mills on her new BARK...
New SUPS paddle race team member Ernie (EJ) Johnson wins Men's 12'6" class SUP...
He also delivered a bundle of gorgeous new handbuilt hardwood SUP paddles to us...
more on that later...
We had a great time chilling with EJ and his beautiful wife, Andie, who also raced...
Olympic Gold medalist, Rich Schroeder, found his new 14' BARK much to his liking...
Our newest team rider, Matt Becker, (John's nephew) did a phenomenal job at his first race...this 14 year old kid smoked most of the field...
Also, a new addition to our shop personnel...he is bright, polite, and athletically gifted...he took 3rd at the Rincon Surf Classic last year...which , coincidentally was held this same day, so he opted to SUP race...
New dad, Bryan Fernandez, throwing a little stoke on a gorgeous Santa Barbara day...
Great guy to have as a neighbor...another of the SUP firemen in town...
SUP sisterhood...nice to see the wahines out paddling...
Another gorgeous Santa Barbara paddling day...the standup paddling mecca of North America...
Labels: PADDLE RACE SANTA BARBARA, Santa Barbara standup paddle, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Friday, January 16, 2009
Imagine Eco SUP's on Maui
Bryan Elkus has snapped some pretty kewl shots of Julien Fillion, the lead kiteboard designer at Liquid Force, on the new Imagine 9'0" Eco 2-piece SUP on Maui...
I highlighted this board, and other Imagine Eco SUP's, recently on this blog post...
We have a shipment of both one piece, and two piece, Imagine Eco SUP's heading our way soon...SUP travelers now have a new option...
The future is here now...read more...
Check out more images from Bryan Elkus on his blog...
Dan Gevere, our rep from Werner Paddles, had this to say about his 7'6" Imagine Eco SUP 2 piece after riding it on Oahu's North Shore...
BOARD REVIEW:
“My board Specs: 7'6"x29"x4.5in My Specs: 165 lbs, 5'10" SUP paddling 3 yrs, and I came off of a 8'11"x28x4.25 La Pistola
First off this board is for experienced paddlers with great SUP Balance and want something to smack the lip and take a vertical approach to SUPing a wave. Although the 2 pc system is a prototype and the first of its kind in a SUP board I was very impressed with the strength and durability of the system. I did notice a little movement in the middle along the seam but once it was surfing it couldn’t feel it at all-maybe because I was having so much fun. I know small improvements have been made to take care of this. On the water it was superb while riding the wave, turning faster than any other board I have ever ridden. The width made it easy to paddle for its length and I had no problems getting into head high No Shore surf with it. Many of the surfers were commenting on how fast it looked down the line and I felt some serious G's on a few bottom turns. The rail held the high line excellent and the 4WFS system rode great in both the quad and thruster set-up, but I eventually settled on the thruster setup because of my riding style. The pulled nose made busting through the whitewater much easier as the board would lift over the top and resurface straight up and predictably if it went under. I never saw the nose pearl on a drop in, and was amazed at how late i could kick out of the wave. This board is a serious carving machine and can be enjoyed by experienced well conditioned paddlers in any type of surf. It actually tracked well for being so short and I could take about 5-7 strokes per side before having to switch sides.
After my session I dropped the board off of my head straight onto some nasty North Shore rocks after slipping on a boulder and to my amazement it simply looked like a minor contusion below the surface of the laminate but no crack. WOW any other board and I would of had to get it repaired.
Overall impression: I have never been so stoked about a SUP board before.
I got the beefy construction which is nice for those of us who are hard on boards
The 2-pc system works and I never felt it on the wave. The most Organic ride I have ever felt and I am excited about it.”
I highlighted this board, and other Imagine Eco SUP's, recently on this blog post...
We have a shipment of both one piece, and two piece, Imagine Eco SUP's heading our way soon...SUP travelers now have a new option...
The future is here now...read more...
Check out more images from Bryan Elkus on his blog...
Dan Gevere, our rep from Werner Paddles, had this to say about his 7'6" Imagine Eco SUP 2 piece after riding it on Oahu's North Shore...
BOARD REVIEW:
“My board Specs: 7'6"x29"x4.5in My Specs: 165 lbs, 5'10" SUP paddling 3 yrs, and I came off of a 8'11"x28x4.25 La Pistola
First off this board is for experienced paddlers with great SUP Balance and want something to smack the lip and take a vertical approach to SUPing a wave. Although the 2 pc system is a prototype and the first of its kind in a SUP board I was very impressed with the strength and durability of the system. I did notice a little movement in the middle along the seam but once it was surfing it couldn’t feel it at all-maybe because I was having so much fun. I know small improvements have been made to take care of this. On the water it was superb while riding the wave, turning faster than any other board I have ever ridden. The width made it easy to paddle for its length and I had no problems getting into head high No Shore surf with it. Many of the surfers were commenting on how fast it looked down the line and I felt some serious G's on a few bottom turns. The rail held the high line excellent and the 4WFS system rode great in both the quad and thruster set-up, but I eventually settled on the thruster setup because of my riding style. The pulled nose made busting through the whitewater much easier as the board would lift over the top and resurface straight up and predictably if it went under. I never saw the nose pearl on a drop in, and was amazed at how late i could kick out of the wave. This board is a serious carving machine and can be enjoyed by experienced well conditioned paddlers in any type of surf. It actually tracked well for being so short and I could take about 5-7 strokes per side before having to switch sides.
After my session I dropped the board off of my head straight onto some nasty North Shore rocks after slipping on a boulder and to my amazement it simply looked like a minor contusion below the surface of the laminate but no crack. WOW any other board and I would of had to get it repaired.
Overall impression: I have never been so stoked about a SUP board before.
I got the beefy construction which is nice for those of us who are hard on boards
The 2-pc system works and I never felt it on the wave. The most Organic ride I have ever felt and I am excited about it.”
Labels: Imagine ECO SUP's, Imagine SUP, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
2009 STARBOARD SUP's
We've been sharing with you guys a few pics and details about the upcoming 2009 Starboard SUP lineup since last August on this blog...things have gotten a bunch closer to fruition...you can check out a low rez copy of the 2009 Starboard catalog by clicking the link below...or, stop by the shop to check out the coffee table quality hard copy...
People have commented that it is coffee table quality...definitely the nicest watersports brochure ever published...
Starboard's Margaret Engstrom is an incredible photographer...
We'll have a number of the boards shown below in less than 2 weeks...and, a container of them next month around President's Day...if you want to ensure that you'll get a board in this first round, we've been taking pre-orders...
Click on image below to view a few of the new 2009 Starboard SUP's...
Below are pics and general discussion of a few of the new shapes...
8'5" x 28" The Tiki: Dedicated kid's SUP...MSRP $949...
Designed for waterkids L@@King for a quick learning board...super kewl pricing for the parent's, too...;-)
8'5" x 30" Pocket Rocket:
For full blown rail to rail tight pocket turning and vertical performance...
9' x 30" Stinger:
Quad + 1 fin setup allows board to paddle straight...width ensures stability...once on the wave, step back and let her RIP!!!
9'8" x 28.5" Super Fish:
We've ridden this puppy in overhead waves...if you have the surfing skills, it won't disappoint...
9'8" x 30" Element:
A performance oriented short board that combines drive and fluidity with round pin tail...
10' x 34" The Whopper:
We've ridden this board and was impressed by how surfy it is...obviously, it is a super stable SUP...this board revolutionizes what can be done by bigger guys in real waves...Ekolu Kalama has ridden it at Pipeline...
10'3" x 28.5" The Gun:
Copious amounts of vee...fast rocker...nose flip...thin and drivey...
10'5" x 30" Drive:
Achieving the best balance between stability, maneuverability, and glide...the perfect all-arounder...Starboard has produced a board with extreme drive and speed...yet, is loose and responsive...we've ridden it...everything above is true and then some...my prediction is this will be the #1 SUP sold in the world for 2009...
11'2" x 30" The Blend:
Rooted in traditional longboard SUP style...smooth paddler and noserider...
12' x 32" Big Easy:
Stable paddler...traditional longboard SUP style...extremely maneuverable for it's size...
SUPer 12'6" :
Comes with the retractable centerfin system...see this blog post for more info...
Terje Haakonsen:
TAC Edition is a must have collector's item in limited edition wood technology...
Starboard developed this wood technique back in 1994...
(available in four sizes...9'x30"...9'8"x30"...10'5"x30"...12'6"x30")
Not only are these shapes leading the industry...the construction features the top build quality in the world...which in turn equals best bang for the buck...
INNOVATION...QUALITY...VALUE...
There have been pricing increases for 2009...so give us a shout out if you want a killer deal on the current Starboard lineup, which BTW, is blowing away the competition...
Labels: 2009 Starboard, 2009 Starboard SUP, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
GO PRO HERO WATERPROOF VIDCAMS
Now in stock at Standup Paddle Sports, we have the Go Pro waterproof vidcams that
have become all the rage...
We've been doing helmetcam vids for years, and I have to tell you that this latest iteration of the Go Pro Hero has nailed it for quality and ease of use...
We snapped a few shots the other day and have received lots of comments on the quality...
have become all the rage...
We've been doing helmetcam vids for years, and I have to tell you that this latest iteration of the Go Pro Hero has nailed it for quality and ease of use...
We snapped a few shots the other day and have received lots of comments on the quality...
Labels: Go Pro Hero, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, waterproof vidcam, waterproof helmet cam
Monday, January 12, 2009
HandiRack to the Rescue
We had a client show up yesterday at the shop who had just moved over from Maui, and was having SUP withdrawals...only problem was he showed up in his Toyota Prius...with his spouse and without a rack...
We've easily handled another client who showed up in his Prius without a rack, and without a spouse...simply insert 10' SUP in Prius and done...
Back to the problem at hand...
No worries...in a few minutes we had him outfitted with a new Starboard 11'2" "Ultimate Blend" thanks to HandiRack...the world's first inflatable car rack...
Designed for rugged outdoor use in Australia, the award winning HandiRack is a unique, multi purpose, portable load carrier. It provides an amazingly easy means to transport all manner of loads from ladders to kayaks, surf boards to flat-pack furniture. Not only is the HandiRack simple to use, but being inflatable means that when not in use it is very compact and can be easily stored in the boot of the car or on a shelf in the garage.
The HandiRack is immensely strong (it has a patented triple-layer skin), totally safe, complies with ISO/PAS 11154 and couldn't be easier to assemble. The straps pass through the car doors and the bars inflate in a matter of seconds using the supplied HandiPump. The HandiRack can carry loads of up to 80kg (subject to individual vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations) and is suitable for 4-door and 2-door cars.
Scratches will no longer be a problem with this inflatable roof rack. It straps around the roof through the windows making it a universal fit. Each HandiRack twin tube features five metal D-ring tie-down points to secure anything from kayaks to surf boards weighing 180 lbs. and under. Two 10-ft. cam buckle straps help secure your cargo on the HandiRack carrier. The rugged three-ply 420-denier reinforced nylon tube structure takes only seconds to inflate with the included 1,000cc double-action HandiPump. Once deflated, the roof rack can be rolled up, placed inside the travel bag and stored away in the trunk when not in use.
Maximum load: 180 lbs.
Includes:
Two twin tube roof HandiRacks
Two 10-foot cam buckle straps
Double-action Handi Pump
Storage/travel bag
Dimensions: 57"L x 13"W x 4"H.
Weight: 5-1/2 lbs.
MSRP $100
We've easily handled another client who showed up in his Prius without a rack, and without a spouse...simply insert 10' SUP in Prius and done...
Back to the problem at hand...
No worries...in a few minutes we had him outfitted with a new Starboard 11'2" "Ultimate Blend" thanks to HandiRack...the world's first inflatable car rack...
Designed for rugged outdoor use in Australia, the award winning HandiRack is a unique, multi purpose, portable load carrier. It provides an amazingly easy means to transport all manner of loads from ladders to kayaks, surf boards to flat-pack furniture. Not only is the HandiRack simple to use, but being inflatable means that when not in use it is very compact and can be easily stored in the boot of the car or on a shelf in the garage.
The HandiRack is immensely strong (it has a patented triple-layer skin), totally safe, complies with ISO/PAS 11154 and couldn't be easier to assemble. The straps pass through the car doors and the bars inflate in a matter of seconds using the supplied HandiPump. The HandiRack can carry loads of up to 80kg (subject to individual vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations) and is suitable for 4-door and 2-door cars.
Scratches will no longer be a problem with this inflatable roof rack. It straps around the roof through the windows making it a universal fit. Each HandiRack twin tube features five metal D-ring tie-down points to secure anything from kayaks to surf boards weighing 180 lbs. and under. Two 10-ft. cam buckle straps help secure your cargo on the HandiRack carrier. The rugged three-ply 420-denier reinforced nylon tube structure takes only seconds to inflate with the included 1,000cc double-action HandiPump. Once deflated, the roof rack can be rolled up, placed inside the travel bag and stored away in the trunk when not in use.
Maximum load: 180 lbs.
Includes:
Two twin tube roof HandiRacks
Two 10-foot cam buckle straps
Double-action Handi Pump
Storage/travel bag
Dimensions: 57"L x 13"W x 4"H.
Weight: 5-1/2 lbs.
MSRP $100
Labels: HandiRack, inflatable board rack, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, SUP car rack
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Starboard SUPer 12'6" Cruiser
Hey now,
We've been SUPer busy lately...thank you very much...keep those orders coming...and we appreciate the customer testimonials that some of you take the time to write as well...{:~)
In fact, we've been so busy that I almost forgot to update you on new boards and concepts coming down the pipe...and, prolly more importantly, those that have already arrived and are in stock at our SUP store in Santa Barbara...like the new 2009 Starboard SUPer 12'6" Cruiser...shown here in the foreground...MSRP $1499
This board is the same very popular 12'6" Cruiser that has been in the Starboard lineup...but, with a retractable center fin added...this is the best retractable center fin mechanism that I have ever seen...works smoothly and flawlessly with little effort...the bottom sealing gasket is a work of art...
Retract the center fin and unscrew the padded knob and you have a full standup paddleboard...takes less than 10 seconds...see more pics at the end of this post...
The center fin increases the stability of the board in SUP mode tremendously...especially in wind and chop...also, making it ideal to fish off of...standing up, of course!!!
L@@King to catch a little bigger fish?
How about the world's 1st standup paddle striped Marlin catch?
Too windy to go fishing or standup paddling?...no worries...simply attach a simple to rig sail, like the Severne Synergy rig package, and go windsurfing...it's a breeze...easy peasy way to add a whole new sport to your arsenal of fun things to do with the Starboard SUP's...
The tandem options on the Starboard SUP's increase the fun factor by double and even triple...
We've been SUPer busy lately...thank you very much...keep those orders coming...and we appreciate the customer testimonials that some of you take the time to write as well...{:~)
In fact, we've been so busy that I almost forgot to update you on new boards and concepts coming down the pipe...and, prolly more importantly, those that have already arrived and are in stock at our SUP store in Santa Barbara...like the new 2009 Starboard SUPer 12'6" Cruiser...shown here in the foreground...MSRP $1499
This board is the same very popular 12'6" Cruiser that has been in the Starboard lineup...but, with a retractable center fin added...this is the best retractable center fin mechanism that I have ever seen...works smoothly and flawlessly with little effort...the bottom sealing gasket is a work of art...
Retract the center fin and unscrew the padded knob and you have a full standup paddleboard...takes less than 10 seconds...see more pics at the end of this post...
The center fin increases the stability of the board in SUP mode tremendously...especially in wind and chop...also, making it ideal to fish off of...standing up, of course!!!
L@@King to catch a little bigger fish?
How about the world's 1st standup paddle striped Marlin catch?
Too windy to go fishing or standup paddling?...no worries...simply attach a simple to rig sail, like the Severne Synergy rig package, and go windsurfing...it's a breeze...easy peasy way to add a whole new sport to your arsenal of fun things to do with the Starboard SUP's...
The tandem options on the Starboard SUP's increase the fun factor by double and even triple...
Labels: 2009 Starboard SUP, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Starboard SUPer 12'6"
Thursday, January 08, 2009
STOKED!!!
Here's a shot of our newest paddle race team member...Todd (Toddzilla) Strand...
Sporting his new carbon 12'6" Hobie race SUP and Werner Carve paddle...
Todd is a heck of an outrigger paddler...full of aloha...fun to have him in the shop playing ukelele...
Sporting his new carbon 12'6" Hobie race SUP and Werner Carve paddle...
Todd is a heck of an outrigger paddler...full of aloha...fun to have him in the shop playing ukelele...
Labels: Hobie carbon SUP, Hobie race SUP, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
THE FUTURE SUP IS HERE NOW
IMAGINE a stable 9'0" high performance SUP...
IMAGINE it being built from recycled coffee cups and bamboo fiberglass cloth...sustainable materials...
IMAGINE being able to peel the skin off at the end of it's life and placing the core in a recycle bin...
IMAGINE a SUP that doesn't suck H20 when dinged...100% waterproof...
IMAGINE the same SUP being able to break down into two 4'6" pieces for airline travel...with a two piece high performance SUP paddle...
IMAGINE this SUP with a convenient carry handle built into the board...
IMAGINE this SUP with a fin system where you can change the cant and tow angles...
IMAGINE this SUP being ridden as a single, twin, tri, quad, or five fin...
IMAGINE this 9'0" SUP turning into a 9'6" SUP by adding a center section extension...three piece split SUP...
IMAGINE the price of this SUP at $1199...one piece version at $999...
IMAGINE it being built from recycled coffee cups and bamboo fiberglass cloth...sustainable materials...
IMAGINE being able to peel the skin off at the end of it's life and placing the core in a recycle bin...
IMAGINE a SUP that doesn't suck H20 when dinged...100% waterproof...
IMAGINE the same SUP being able to break down into two 4'6" pieces for airline travel...with a two piece high performance SUP paddle...
IMAGINE this SUP with a convenient carry handle built into the board...
IMAGINE this SUP with a fin system where you can change the cant and tow angles...
IMAGINE this SUP being ridden as a single, twin, tri, quad, or five fin...
IMAGINE this 9'0" SUP turning into a 9'6" SUP by adding a center section extension...three piece split SUP...
IMAGINE the price of this SUP at $1199...one piece version at $999...
Labels: 2 piece SUP, Imagine ECO SUP's, Imagine SUP, Imagine surfboards, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Tubular Dreams in Santa Barbara
Here's a few images from this morning's SUP sesh...
Fun, little barreling zippers...beautiful colors...clear water...warm fun in the sun...toons playing with the Swimman waterproof iPod...
Not too bad to be in trunks first week of January...
A few more images here...
Fun, little barreling zippers...beautiful colors...clear water...warm fun in the sun...toons playing with the Swimman waterproof iPod...
Not too bad to be in trunks first week of January...
A few more images here...
Labels: Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, Santa Barbara standup paddle surf
Saturday, January 03, 2009
ISPO "Brand new" Award Goes to Imagine Surfboards
ISPO "Brand new" Award Goes to Imagine Surfboards
Imagine Surfboards Eco technology [and Split Board] won not only the "best in category" at the very prestigious ISPO "Brand New Product" contest, but also won the "Overall best product".
For 10 years now, the ispo BrandNew Award is the trend barometer in the sports industry and the world's largest newcomer competition...the best innovations and products of young companies that have been chosen by an international jury...
Judging was very hard as there were countless great submissions and fantastic inventions of all kinds, but that combination of the ecological aspect of our boards combined with the dedication to creating a board which puts performance on an equal footing with ecological, and the simple and functional solution to airline travel, meant that they were ultimately impressed with Imagine's submission.
Here are some pics of the new Imagine ECO boards heading our way...
I'll have a 9'er to play with next week...then, we'll have a container of split, and one piece, Imagine ECO SUP's in February...get your name on the list if you want to lock down availability of this first round...$999 1-Piece...$1199 2-Piece...
Labels: Imagine ECO SUP's, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Ernie (EJ) Johnson Joins SUPsports Standup Paddle Racing Team
ALOHA EJ!!!
One of the most committed, and respected, California standup paddle racers, Ernie (EJ) Johnson, (Johnson BigSticks) has joined our SUPsports Standup Paddle Racing Team...
EJ is a master craftsman and is making some killer hardwood standup paddles...
Here is one of his latest creations that he just built for us, right before the finishing coat went on...
This one is Phillipine/Cypress/Poplar...
Notice the pattern change in the shaft in the blade area.
E.J say..."Ancient white boy secret! LOL...;-)"
Nice and light and strong, best to date.
Come by and pick one up today!
Seeing , feeling, & paddling is believing...
The E.J Signature Model is hand shaped to highest tolerances from hand selected exotic hardwoods. Tested in the So Cal surf, channel crossings, this product stands up to the test.
Blades are reinforced with with 4oz fiberglass on both sides and entire paddle coated with epoxy and a UV protectant.
Available in any sizes.
Blades range from 8" to 9.5 in various shapes.
$350.00
The next SUP race will be Santa Barbara Outrigger's "Return to Pier Race" on Saturday, January 17th, located in beautiful Santa Barbara...
One of the most committed, and respected, California standup paddle racers, Ernie (EJ) Johnson, (Johnson BigSticks) has joined our SUPsports Standup Paddle Racing Team...
EJ is a master craftsman and is making some killer hardwood standup paddles...
Here is one of his latest creations that he just built for us, right before the finishing coat went on...
This one is Phillipine/Cypress/Poplar...
Notice the pattern change in the shaft in the blade area.
E.J say..."Ancient white boy secret! LOL...;-)"
Nice and light and strong, best to date.
Come by and pick one up today!
Seeing , feeling, & paddling is believing...
The E.J Signature Model is hand shaped to highest tolerances from hand selected exotic hardwoods. Tested in the So Cal surf, channel crossings, this product stands up to the test.
Blades are reinforced with with 4oz fiberglass on both sides and entire paddle coated with epoxy and a UV protectant.
Available in any sizes.
Blades range from 8" to 9.5 in various shapes.
$350.00
The next SUP race will be Santa Barbara Outrigger's "Return to Pier Race" on Saturday, January 17th, located in beautiful Santa Barbara...
Labels: Ernie Johnson, Johnson Big Sticks, Santa Barbara standup paddle sports, wood SUP paddles
