Thursday, March 31, 2011
This Saturdays paddle
Looks like there's going to be a great turnout for this weeks social paddle - 15 people have put their hands up so far, so if you're in the area and you want to join us make sure you get in touch. At this stage we're aiming for 3.30 on Saturday, probably from Ferguson Park.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday morning on Tauranga Harbour
It's a great time of year to be on the water, after the rain finished today the water was like glass and there was a really cool mist hanging around the hills. I went for what was meant to be a quick paddle - but quickly turned into a 20k epic. I saw a few kingfish, some founder and the usual dose of stingrays (what do you call a group of stingrays, a "school" sounds wrong doesn't it?). The water was still really warm but the bite has gone out of the sun making it much nicer to be out in the middle of the day. Stopped a couple of times to yarn with kayakers (always happens when you're on a paddleboard, I think we amuse them!), spoke to some fisherman, talked to a boy on a paddleboard and his brother in a kayak... the time, the miles and the stress just slipped away. As I pulled up to the beach at the end of Bay Street I had to ask myself the question, how can anyone NOT own a paddleboard?
LSX Paddleboard School at Maxwells Road
It was awesome to see Kirsten out today with kids and adults of all ages - she's doing a great job to promote paddleboarding in the Bay and deserves everyones support. She has some cool kiddie sized boards and paddles which I havent seen before, might need to add one to my quiver for the kids. Go Kirsten! I took a few pics which are on the flikr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/60798048@N06/sets/72157626235607733/
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Trans Taupo SUP Race
Awesome day! The trans-taupo was organised by Nick Reader and his team at Epic Events, Im pretty sure this the first time the event's had the stand up paddle class. The morning started off with a fairly brisk breeze, and as the 12 paddlers were transported by boat out to the start-line 20k upwind it became clear that the water state was going to be challenging - but full credit to the guys paddling - they all made it to the finish. Boards ranged from 16ft race weapons to the ever popular naish all-rounders, which did much better than you'd expect, showing that skill and talent are more important than the latest race board. The chop was pretty rugged and didn't have a lot of rythym for the first half of the race which saw most paddlers being knocked off by the rogue side chop at some stage. The paddle home was much easier once they got around the point and the water cleaned up a bit (mind you i was only taking pics - might pay to ask some of the competitors what they thought). Great event - hope to see lots more like it in the Bay in the future, maybe an event like a lakes classic taking in 5 of the local lakes over a few weekends would be good, with distances to suit novices so we can encourage the social paddlers to get involved? Dunno - let's wait see what the organisers out there can come up with...
To see my photos of the event
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60798048@N06/sets/72157626301483040
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Sunday social paddle
Kirsten from LSX paddle school is planning another Sunday afternoon paddle this weekend - contact Kirsten on 027 2433 011 and she'll add you to the txt list if you're keen to join in.
Fanatic sup race board
Ive been riding Fanatic windsurf boards for years - my personal favourite! To give you an idea of how good they are - they're consistently winning world cup slaloms and wave comps around the world. These new sup boards look awesome and have great pedigree - i understand there are stocks arriving in the country next week, not sure if they have any race boards but i know all their surf boards are pre-sold.
Specs as follows:
EW FANATIC SUP EARLY RELEASE - RACE 12´6” x 27 ¾” After the introduction of Fanatics first SUP Race board last year, we decided to design a smaller version of the acclaimed 12’6’’ x 30 ½”. Lighter and more advanced paddlers will enjoy the design features of a Fanatic Sup race shape, that behaves like its wider big brother. This smaller 12’6’’3/4” has wide range of use from flat water performance to gliding long ocean swell. Even surfing small waves is possible. Stretched lines with a displacement bow guarantees maximum speed. The bow’s been refined for a super quick water release and recovery from piercing chop. Complex bottom surfaces have been CAD-optimized to deliver maximum speed and glide. Features: - Sharp water-cutting Bow, transforming into a slight rounded V towards the tail - Smooth Tail rocker for clean water release in paddle motion and allowing for some surfing. - Flat angled deck shape for secured stance and water release - Domed nose for quick nose recovery and water dispersal - Stretched Outline with stabilizing square tail - Long stretched waterline - CAD analyzed surfaces and curve flow
Trans Taupo paddle race
Ive got the pleasure of photographing the trans-taupo sup race this weekend (http://www.epicevents.co.nz/page/52-kayak-events+trans-taupo). Doesn't look like much wind in the forecast so it's going to be a bit more work than expected... watch this space for the pics and race report.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Really nice blog, take a look
Theres some really good info in here, really worth a read if your intested in paddles - werners really are a top product
Inflatable paddle boards? are you kidding me!
To be honest id never considered one of these, ive seen them advertised and thought they would just have to suck! (im 95kg - I imagined them just bending like a bannana and feeling horrible). I got talking to a client who's been involved with incept rafting for many years and he told me about one they'd developed. Now knowing how good Incept are at building commercial rafts i just had to take one home for a play. First impressions was that the quality was superb and it actually looked great, unlike the others I'd seen. Then i paddled it and was amazed at just how good it really was - rigid, stable, moved along really well and comfortable (I usually get cramp in my feet - not a problem on this!). I'm sold - it would be perfect for a family, for travelling, for the launch - even for running rivers (see pic attached - Incept paddled it 179kms down the Clarence river!). I'm not sure they're on the market just yet but ive got one at home if anyone wants a test run...
Been dormant for too long!!!
This is slightly embarassing but its been a long time between posts! Started paddling a lot more in the last few weeks. Joined in with the LSX paddle schools sunday paddle in the weekend - cruised from fergy park up to just below the wairoa bridge and back, really nice to be on the water in the evenings at this time of year. If anyone else is keen to join this weekly flatwater paddle contact kirsten on 027 2433 011 and she'll add you to the txt list
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