Wooden paddles... mmmmmm

Call me old fashioned but how can you not love these wooden paddles! Even if you bought one just to look at it would be worth the money if you ask me! http://www.whiskeyjackpaddles.com/paddles_deuce.asp

Racing this Saturday

Right folks, no excuses, the weathers getting better - make sure you get to this event in Pilot Bay on Saturday. If you can't paddle at least go and watch and give the SUP'ers some support!
http://www.wakaama.co.nz/racecalendar/lookup.php?regatta_uid=1000-0000782

blowfish stand up paddleboards

blowfish stand up paddleboards, a set on Flickr.

Took my daughter out for a play this morning to have a go at flash photography. Not as easy as I expected but Im getting the hang of it. Looking forward to getting out on the water today with Kirsten from LSX, get in touch if you want to join us - around 3.30

QB The Very Important Paddle Stroke For SUP

Surfing this friday

A few of us are planning on taking a "mental health break" and heading to the Mount on Friday for a surf. Not sure where yet but Im sure we'll be easy to spot. If you're feeling too sick to go to work perhaps you could join us...

And now for something completely different...

I found this board on the net the other day, it's a "suplove stingray"made by a company called suplove in Aussie. Really unusual looking and quite different from anything Ive see before. I wouldn't say its very pretty but apparently it goes really well. They've got a 12'6" ready now and a 14" just about to hit the market. The shap reminds me of the really old vintage surfboards from the old black and white photos you used to see.

Braided rivers in the South Island

Flying down to Christchurch yesterday gave me itchy feet to paddle some of those amazing braided rivers. They look incredible from the air - I'm not sure which ones I was looking at but I'm going to talk to some of my rafting/kayaking contacts and get some information. I'd be interested to see if this sort of trip interests anyone else?

Technique and stuff from the best in the business...

If you have any interest in technique you have to check out http://www.davidkalama.com/ It's a really great source of info, I personally found the "reaching" bit life changing - it really works a treat! Have a look and see what you think.

Photos from todays social paddle

Had a nice jaunt around the harbour, saw Kawahi, Skate, Stingray and Penguins. The water flattened off to glass which was pretty cool, the tide was getting close to empty so we had a bit of navigating to get back to Fergy - great paddle - thanks Kirsten!

SUP Club

Hiria from East Coast Paddler has a SUP club starting up with the local outrigger clubs for those who are keen on competition. Will let you know more as that progresses. Hira also has a Sunday ‘Club’ Paddle today at 2pm, leaving from Pilot Bay. The cost is $10 pp or $5 with own gear. Hiri says they can also give tips to work through what ever people want to e.g. turns, paddle technique, etc.

To contact Hiria Rolleston at East Coast Paddler;
M: 021 02300746
E: info@eastcoastpaddler.co.nz
http://www.eastcoastpaddler.co.nz/

Waihi Beach Battle of the Paddle

East Coast Paddlers are running an event at Waihi beach, 22nd-24th. Something for everyone!
 
http://events.stuff.co.nz/2011/apr/waihi-beach/wow-easter-battling-paddles
 

Report from Discoguy

"Joined the AKC (Assault Kiteboard Centre) crew this morning for a short cruise around Motuotau(Rabbit)Island. Glenn was dragging a lure to catch some breaky, but despite all the activity on the surface he couldn't snag anything. We were having a little surf in the tiny shore break, when the water broke about 50m further out. At first we thought it was a dolphin leaping, but no, it appeared to be a large shark exhibiting a case of 'dolphin envy'! "

Sunday Social Paddle

Ferguson Park. 3.30pm Sunday - be there!

Saturday morning paddle round Rabbit Island

Brad from Assault's getting a few people together for a paddle around Rabbit Island tomorrow morning - forecast looks mint. Meeting at 9.00am at Sutherland Ave. I've done it a few times before with my snorkeling gear. Might be a good opportunity for anyone who's keen to get out in the surf for the first time with a few experienced guys around for tips. Assaults got some pretty tasty starboards to try to...

windsurfing speed creek

Downwinder from Omokoroa on Thursday.... mmm

The forecast for this Thursday is showing a 30knot plus westerly, would be an idea opportunity to do a quick downwinder from Omokoroa to Kulim Park. I think I can sneak some time off during the day and get some transport to Omo organised - anyone interested?  txt me on 027 249 2502 (btw im no expert on downwinders so Im expecting to fall in a bit but don't be put off by that, just dress warm!)

tanner stand up paddle

tanner stand up paddle, a photo by suptauranga on Flickr.

My boy at the beach, working off last nights sleepover treats...

Gorillas in the mist... or "a saturday paddle in the rain"

A great crew showed up for Kirstens social paddle this week. Paddled from the Wairoa Bridge up the river for an hour and then back. Was dead calm with just a light drizzle and the odd shower. Really made me start to think about how nice it would be to have one of those flatwater race boards. Heading into winter its time to start thinking about digging out the warm clothes again, last year we paddled right though winter and it was fine, just the odd frozen foot on the really long paddles. Looking forward to next weekends paddle already!

An interesting article on paddling tempo

Tempo