SurfingSports Standup Paddle Surf & Standup Paddling BLOG

California Downwind Race Series :: Race 1 Pics

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:06:00 +0000

Here are some more images from the California Downwind Race Series :: Race 1...
The 9 mile Santa Barbara Cold current SUP & paddleboard race event was held Saturday 24, 2010...

EJ sand sprint...1st place men's stock SUP...4th place SUP overall...

Dialy Ndiaye 2nd place SUP overall...finished a few minutes behind Tom Gallagher in men's SUP unlimited...

Daniel Fawcett 3rd place SUP overall...1st place men's 14' SUP...

Eric (ED) Diamond from Honolua finished 4th place SUP overall and 2nd place men's 14' class...

Adam Kirkcaldie 5th place SUP overall and 2nd place men's SUP stock...

Old school paddleboard and SUP racer, Chris Koerner, crossing the line to get his beer garden pass...;-)

GALLERY...

California Downwind Race Series :: Race 1

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 20:15:00 +0000

The first SUP and paddleboard race of the California Downwind Race Series, the 9 mile Santa Barbara Cold Current, went off with a nice following seabreeze yesterday...

Here's a few quick snapshots until I have time to go through all of the images and put up a proper post...

Pre-race board lineup...

Robert Gilcrest conducting the "skipper's meeting" at the Goleta Beach starting point ...

Stock class men's winner...Ernie (EJ) Johnson...representing race sponsors Starboard, Honolua, and StandUp Paddle Sports...

The Starboard Tiki spirit was present...

The welcoming finish line...Leadbetter Beach...

Ocean wind and swell conditions generated some nice bumps and runners to ride downwind...

We couldn't have timed the sea breeze any better...the race started at 2:00 P.M. and the breeze ramped up all during the finish...then backed down for the post race activities...

Conditions on the beach...

Thomas Gallagher (1st place men's unlimited...1st place overall) just smoked down the coast averaging 6.7 mph...getting a max speed of 9.7 mph...sustained for 30 seconds...

I asked him what he was listening to...he grinned, and said "Limp Bizkit"...;-)

I dunno...the judges are gonna have to rule on future incidents of auditory stimulation...and, complaints of "unfair advantage"...and, the like...but, these days gone can mean some many thangs...just need to know what kind of gone we're talkin' 'bout here...;-)

Tom won the open class at the 1st Battle of the Paddle...we're stoked that this world class paddler has set the benchmark at this inaugural Santa Barbara Cold Current paddleboard race...

Lots of aloha present at this event...

Tami Starczak on the Starboard 12'6" "The New" race board getting a nice wave glide into 1st place women's stock class (3rd women's overall) at the finish line...she also finished the 2009 Battle of the Paddle on a nice wave (click on link)...sweet surfing style!!!

Adam Kirkcaldie and Ashley Parducci...

Adam took 2nd place men's stock class behind EJ...
Ashley cowgirled up and entered the race at the last second...she said that she had lots left in the tank after paddling the 9 miles...the longest she has ever standup paddled...good job, Ashleigh!

We'll see you at the Sugarland show tonight...;-)

Competitors enjoying some great food and beverages...well deserved apres accoutrement after 9 miles in the saddle...

John Kerman, winner of the 12'6" Starboard Pin raffle...he was stoked because this is a perfect board to complement his Starboard 9'8" Fish...proceeds of the raffle went to Friendship Paddle...

New Hobie Race SUP's

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:44:00 +0000

Just in time for tomorrow's Cold Current SUP & Paddleboard Race...a flotilla of the new Hobie race SUP's arrived at our shop...

Big Rob strapping up his new 14'er...ready to baptize...

Adam getting a nice runner...

Deb loves the stability...and, glide...

Mission accomplished...

Big Rob STOKED!

Race with aloha or stay home...;-)

Hobie Race SUP GALLERY...

STACY PERALTA :: SUP

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:11:00 +0000

Adding to the list of legendary surf culture photographer/film makers...Greg Huglin and Craig Peterson...now, Stacy Peralta steps out to say "Stand Up Paddling has changed my life"...

If you've ever stepped on a skateboard and carved down a hill, you'll prolly have to thank Stacy...matter of fact, the "WARDOG" nickname came about indirectly through Stacy to Z-Boy Jay Adams who I used to sk8 and surf with down at Puerto Escondido, Mexico...

I've fondly kept one of my old skul sk8's..."burnt soul"...Santa Cruz Skateboards...from the 70's...

- Interview by Ken Russell

As one of the original Z-Boys of Dogtown, Stacy brought surfing to the streets in the 70’s. As a founder of Powell Peralta and the Bones Brigade in the 80’s, he fostered top skaters like Tony Hawk and Steve Caballero. For the last 20 years he’s been directing award-winning TV shows, films, and documentaries like Dog Town and Z-Boys, Riding Giants, and the sk8board classic, The Search for Animal Chin. He’s even directed a unique series of commercials for Burger King entitled, Whopper Virgins. In short, he’s a board-sport and pop-culture pioneer.

What brought about the conversion from surfing?

Stacy has been riding a 9’1 long board for years. He originally decided to try stand up paddling two-and-a half years ago as a flat-water only exercise. In his words, “I had no interest in surfing waves on an airplane wing.” Then, about eight months ago, his surfing neighbor, Tom Craig, loaned him a Jimmy Lewis Hanalei 10’4 wave shape SUP. The potential became clear and he was hooked. While surfers remained clustered, fighting for prime waves, Stacy had a new view of the ocean. Every wave was rideable. For decades, he had traveled the globe on surf vacations looking for perfect waves. Now, his backyard close-out beach break looks like a perfect skate park. Where he used to spend 45 minutes surfing, Stacy is now out for two and three hours at a time, three to four times a week catching the longest lefts and rights of his life.

Stacy Peralta: Surfer, Skater, Paddler, and lover of Freaky Succulent Plants

Stacy feels that SUP is an evolution of surfing. On a stand up, he can spot the wave sooner, cover more ground, and ride just about anything. He loves the concept that you can enter the wave standing, take a couple turns, finish standing, and head back for more. In fact, the only time he’s not standing is around traditional surfers. He feels that part of the reason that many surfers dislike paddlers is the simple, primitive aversion to being physically lower than someone in your own territory. So, when he’s in a lineup of surfers, he usually stays kneeling out of courtesy.

Humility and respect from a guy who's paid his dues and needs to kneel to no one.

Stacy directing Crips and Bloods: Made in America. Photo Courtesy of Tanya Sakolsky

When not in the waves, Stacy has been working on a screenplay for Sean Penn. Although this keeps him busy, he feels like a kid again, obsessed with the water. He’s often on the phone with Tom, planning the next session. He’s thinking about moving to a shorter board. Tom has a JL 9’4 Mano which Stacy just might need to borrow during the next session. And I'm sure that next session is coming soon.

California's Green

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:29:00 +0000

With above average rain this Winter...along with well above average surf...the Central Coast region of California did it's best imitation of heaven on earth...

Santa Barbara's Greg and Andrea Huglin sharing a few waves of California green...
Greg sports the 8'5" Pocket Rocket...while Andrea stylishly drops in on her 9' Stinger Starboard SUP...

Photos courtesy Craig Peterson...

California SUP Green Room

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 10:11:00 +0000

Santa Barbara SUP standout, Chris (CW) Wilkinson, getting slotted in the California green room on his 7'11" Starboard SUP...

Photos courtesy Greg Huglin...

Win This Board! :: Cold Current SUP & Paddleboard Race

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:46:00 +0000

This brand spanking new Starboard 12'6" Pin SUP is being raffled off at the Santa Barbara Cold Current SUP & Paddleboard Race this Saturday April 24, 2010...raffle tickets are $5ea. and proceeds will go the benefit the Friendship Paddle...a not for profit organization dedicated to open ocean paddle events which will provide emotional and financial support to Santa Barbara County residents fighting life-threatening illnesses.

You can purchase raffle tickets at our shop, StandUp Paddle Sports :: 121 Santa Barbara, St. and, at the race...

Inaugurating the California Downwind Race Series Saturday, April 24, 2010...
9 mile race from Goleta Beach Cove to Ledbetter Beach...

Click on map to enlarge...

Click on race poster for details...

***VERY IMPORTANT***

SB Cold Current registration-entry update

Due to a conflict between the ABC (State Alcohol Beverage Control) and SB
City policies regarding "complimentary food and beer" and permitting
requirements for "PUBLIC EVENTS" we are shifting the race to be a "private
function"

However, the downside to this is that we cannot sell entry to any person who
has not "RSVP'd", "reserved" or "paid"entry prior to 11:59pm April 23rd,
2010

No Exceptions!

Please have your spouse, contact, guest, friend, partner, cohort, mate
...spam list ...whichever.. send an email to robert@blacksmithendurance.com

simply stating "I might be at your race on Saturday, April 24th, 2010"

No other commitment required

For those persons (2) who did not get their 2009 SB P2P shirt, I got them
from the printer the other day and will get them to you in the next day or
so

For those who are concerned, our "paid" entry list count is already over 40 persons
and climbing daily...

Robert A. Gilcrest
Founder/ Event Director
Blacksmith Endurance Co.
"easy on the environment, tough on the competitor"

1 North Calle Cesar Chavez, Suite 210
Santa Barbara, Ca. 93103
(805) 896-6917

Starboard's SUP Fishing Board

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 16:58:00 +0000

The best execution of a standup paddleboard platform for fishing...

North Pacific Custom SUP's

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:28:00 +0000

More North Pacific custom SUP's coming down the pipe...big guy short board rippers...9' x 32" and a 9'7" x 31.5'...

Bull in a China Shop

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:06:00 +0000

You've heard the expression..."Bull in a China Shop"...seems kinda funny these days as it relates to China made SUP's...;-)

One of our clients brought his Chocolate lab, "Alex", (which comes from the same breeder as our "Molly Claire") into the shop as we were just getting back from our Kauai SUP R&D trip...thank god that our boards are the best constructed, most durable SUP's on the market...because it was a whirling dervish of Chocolate lab excitable fervor...you had to be there to fully understand...;-)

Alex the Chocolate Lab...

You'll see more of Alex on the nose of Steve's wood 11'4" Naish SUP...CLASSIC!

Santa Barbara Cold Current SUP & Paddleboard Race

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:33:00 +0000

Inaugurating the California Downwind Race Series Saturday, April 24, 2010...
9 mile race from Goleta Beach Cove to Ledbetter Beach...

Click on race poster for details...

***VERY IMPORTANT***

SB Cold Current registration-entry update

Due to a conflict between the ABC (State Alcohol Beverage Control) and SB
City policies regarding "complimentary food and beer" and permitting
requirements for "PUBLIC EVENTS" we are shifting the race to be a "private
function"

However, the downside to this is that we cannot sell entry to any person who
has not "RSVP'd", "reserved" or "paid"entry prior to 11:59pm April 23rd,
2010

No Exceptions!

Please have your spouse, contact, guest, friend, partner, cohort, mate
...spam list ...whichever.. send an email to robert@blacksmithendurance.com

simply stating "I might be at your race on Saturday, April 24th, 2010"

No other commitment required

For those persons (2) who did not get their 2009 SB P2P shirt, I got them
from the printer the other day and will get them to you in the next day or
so

For those who are concerned, our "paid" entry list count is at 36 persons
and climbing daily

Robert A. Gilcrest
Founder/ Event Director
Blacksmith Endurance Co.
"easy on the environment, tough on the competitor"

1 North Calle Cesar Chavez, Suite 210
Santa Barbara, Ca. 93103
(805) 896-6917

Fish On!

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:43:00 +0000

Hobie ATR SUP's are stable and nice paddlers...two attributes that make them great fishing SUP's...there will be several fishing specific SUP's coming down the pipe...but, in the meantime, these vid clips show what is capable...

Here is a killer vid clip of Jared Lane hooking a thresher shark on his Hobie SUP off of San Diego...what the ???? is he thinking?

Mish has become a legendary SUP fisherwoman...

Here she is snagging a 35lb white sea bass off of San Diego...

Coreban SUP's in Stock

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:24:00 +0000

In the near future there will be a shakeout of SUP companies...those that are simply copycats and riding on coat tails...will become "has beens"..."never will be's"...it will become very obvious as to who is leading and who is following...

Coreban has been a leader and innovator since 2005...based between Maui and South Africa, this company is now bringing boards into America...and, we're stoked to have them...

Check out the Coreban wood series SUP's...

Island Aloha

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:33:00 +0000

Still alive and well...

Returning home with a few new toys...come by the shop to check them out...
I guarantee that the new brushed carbon construction is 10 lbs lighter than what you are riding...;-)

We hooked up with our friends from Starboard, who had just finished a windsurfing photo shoot on Maui, taking the opportunity to do some SUP testing on an outer island...

Svein Rasmussen, owner of Starboard...his mission is to keep pushing the envelope of technology and innovation...

Svein testing one of his new designs...

Scott McKercher, 2004 world wavesailing champion...ripping paddle surfer as well...

WD going left on a mysto offshore reef...this wave jacked out of nowhere onto just inches of water...

Gaute dropping into a nice one...

Surfing With Turtles

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 19:56:00 +0000

I've surfed with dolphins for decades...and, windsurfed with turtles on Maui...
Now we have them making a comeback near our property in La Ventana, Mexico...but, surfing along on a wave with an ohana (family) of 4 turtles is UNREAL!!!
Almost as amazing as surfing with King Laird...;-)

A few snapshots from the Garden Isle...

The Fun Continues...

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:25:00 +0000

Good waves...good peeps...and, holy shmoly...good fish tacos...(sorry no pics...pau...;-)

Aloha

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:11:00 +0000

The "Garden Isle" is full of aloha...so far, everyone that we have come in contact with over the last 3 days has been full of aloha...the folks on the flight over had the mellowest chill of any flight that we have ever taken...

The aloha on the water is how I remember it...sharing and pure stoke...

We're holed up in a plantation house surrounded by waterfalls and next to a river and bay setup with perfect peeling right handers...slabs of seared ahi...a little yoga...life is good...

Starboard SUP Technology :: Transporter 2-Piece SUP

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 16:26:00 +0000

We've blogged about the Starboard Transporter 2-Piece SUP, designed by Mark Raaphorst (Maui) previously...they are moving down the production line and will soon be available to the masses...

More pics on this blog post by Chris Pressler...

Everyone Goes Away In The End

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 18:27:00 +0000

Walk into our shop and you're bound to hear Johnny Cash..."The Man in Black"...on our speakers...

Johnny was a complex man that walked the line of temptation constantly...the age old battle between good and evil...that we all fight...

He was a biblical scholar...he also declared that he was "the biggest sinner of them all"...

Johnny recorded the following song right before his death...critics rated it in the top songs of the last decade...

He's also viewed as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century...

There have been over 30 million views of this video of a NIN cover, "Hurt"...something to think about on this Easter Day...or, Semana Santa (Holy Week), as the case may be...

Everyone goes away in the end...you get one chance...no do overs...so get out there and enjoy life while you can...

Peace out...

The Garden Isle :: Kauai

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 18:43:00 +0000

It's been 20 years since my last visit to the "Garden Isle"...Kauai...
We directed our vacation time and money at Maui, Mainland Mexico, and the Baja...
I remember uncrowded surfing...and, even more uncrowded windsurfing...prolly the same today with standup paddling and paddlesurfing...although, I hear Titus and the boyz rule the outside peak at the bay...

Dunno where all of my slides ended up...but, I did manage to locate a few...even a shot of Titus in his younger daze...;-)

WD sporting the Sensi flip flops...and Vuarnet sunglasses...give it 20 years and everything comes back in vogue...;-)

New Junior Quick Blade Adjustable SUP Paddles

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:58:00 +0000

Just got some of the new Quick Blade 66" - 74" adjustable SUP paddles with 8.3" fiberglass blade for kids and smaller folks...$299...

Click image below for detailed product info on Quick Blade SUP paddles...

Jodie Nelson Finishes 40 Mile Catalina Crossing Solo

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:45:00 +0000

Jodie Nelson's Paddle With Purpose 40 mile solo crossing of the Catalina Channel was a pretty inspiring effort...

For almost two hours of the 9 hour paddle, Jodie was guided by a very rare 30-foot Minke whale..."It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life"...Jodie said...

Jodie's sister documented the historic paddle with this GALLERY...

To watch a video of the whale with Nelson, click here.

Woman paddles 40 miles for breast cancer fundraiser

--By LAYLAN CONNELLY
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

DANA POINT – When Jodie Nelson felt exhaustion set in as she dug her paddle into the cold ocean, she would look down at the top of her Stand Up Paddleboard for motivation.

There read the names of loved ones who have passed away or have battled breast cancer – and those people were the reasons why Nelson was attempting what no woman had done before.

In an attempt to raise awareness and money for breast cancer education, Nelson, of San Clemente, paddled nearly 40 miles from Catalina to Dana Point on Saturday, a feat that only three or so men – one being famous waterman Laird Hamilton — have completed.

"I wanted to go out there and do something that was big and overwhelming ... and something I had a good chance of failing at. It's nothing compared to what they go through," she said. "They don't give up."

After watching helplessly as close friend Angela Robinson become ill from breast cancer and chemotherapy treatments, Nelson wanted to somehow show support.

At first, Robinson didn't like the dangerous idea. But she soon realized there was no talking Nelson out of it.

Nelson trained hard, spending long days paddling along the coast. About two weeks ago, her trainer and good friend Steve Adler died from an aneurysm – making the paddle that much more emotional.

She started the paddle at about 6:15 a.m., hours earlier than others doing a relay as part of the Ohana Ocean Catalina Challenge. She was the only person doing a solo paddle.

A few hours in, a 30-foot minke whale came up beside her board – at first startling Nelson and the boat crew.

The whale – dubbed Larry – was close enough that she could have pet it with her paddle. He started making bubbles beneath her, fluking, and showing his tummy to her. The whale stayed with her for about an hour and a half.

"It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life," she said.

Not once during the paddle did she ask the time, or how far she had gone.

But after 8 hours and 51 minutes of paddling, loved ones cheered as they saw her coming to the finish line at Baby Beach. Her son Taylor, 15, held a sign that read: "I'm Jodie's biggest fan."

When she got close to shore, she lifted her paddle in victory, then threw it up in the air.

"I'm pretty sure, besides the birth of my son, this was the most monumental day of my life," she said.

For Robinson, watching Nelson from the support boat as she struggled for hours from exhaustion gave her a different perspective of what Nelson experiences as she supports her during her battle with cancer.

"The struggle she went through today to encourage me was just enormous," Robinson said.

Donations go toward Keep a Breast Foundation and Boarding for Breast Cancer. Nelson’s goal is to raise $100,000, and as of Sunday afternoon had raised about $8,000. To donate, go to paddlewithpurpose.com

Steamer Lane Santa Cruz 2010 Surftech SUP Shootout

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:14:00 +0000

Congrats to Hobie team rider Chuck Patterson and Starboard team rider Zane Schweitzer for their respective 1st and 2nd place finishes at the 2010 Surftech SUP Shootout held last weekend at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz, Calif.

Chuck's proven his athleticism by winning prestigious races such as the 2008 Rainbow Sandals Battle of the Paddle, he's one of the leading stand up paddle big wave riders (Chuck was the first paddler to charge the Cortez Bank this winter) and he showed all who were at Steamer Lane on Santa Cruz's notorious Westside this weekend, that he is one of the world's best in waves of any size.

16 year old, Zane Schweitzer, got 2nd place in the Pro Division of the Surftech SUP Shootout at Steamer's Lane in Santa Cruz. He is super stoked and loving his 8'0"x26" Starboard Tiki.

This is wonderful result especially after just coming back from Australia with a 6th Place in the wave event and 1st Place in the Race, and the Sunset Beach Pro 1st in the Junior Division in Hawaii. He clearly is loving the wave events and is on a roll.

Santa Barbara SUP Demo :: March Madness

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 03:01:00 +0000

WOW!!!
Air temps in the 80's this weekend...great time to get out and paddle...folks came from all over California...Illinois...and, as far away as Germany...so, whatcha waitin' for?

SANTA BARBARA MARCH 2010 SUP DEMO GALLERY...

We customized this 2010 Starboard 11'2" Blend StarTouch with matching blue pad for some Los Angeles clients...

Lori picked out a Starboard black camo 10'5" Starboard Drive SUP...this is the most popular pairing of his/hers SUP's on the market...

Free SUP Demo :: Putting The Stoke in Your Stroke

noreply@blogger.com (SurfingSports) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:57:00 +0000

We have another one of our free SUP demos planned for this coming Sunday...
Beginners are given free expert instruction on SUP fundamentals...
Nine to noon...call or email the shop for details and to RSVP...

Dang the bad luck...it's gonna be in the high 70's this weekend at the beach...;-)