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

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 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/

Superlight boards

404 Hollow Carbon Raceboard - Riviera Paddlesurf from RAMBOFILMS on Vimeo.

Battle of the paddle

Battle of the Paddle CA 2010... from RAMBOFILMS on Vimeo.

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

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.

Stand Up Paddling down Shoeshone

stand up paddle and surf the river 3

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.

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

http://wernerpaddlesblog.com

How many boards can I fit on my buggy?

Must watch movie trailer

This is very nice, going to be a must own film for paddlers - http://www.thestandupmovie.com/

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

long time between posts

Been a big gap in posts, winter and work have slowed things down a bit. Not related at all but ive just started a youtube account for my ukulele videos. Im still learning but though id share where im at now... http://www.youtube.com/user/TheDevcich

Planning on getting back on the paddle board soon - maybe get the old gang back together for some sunny sunday flatwater paddles when the weathers good?

Tabou launches sup range in NZ

Tabou - my favourite winsurfing boards, have just launched a new range of sup boards. Alexandra Stroh is the importer - his website is www.gaastra.co.nz, but you can also see them on the tabou international website www.tabou-boards.com. If they're anywhere near as good as their windsurf boards they'll be onto a winner - got my eye on the 10'2. Im sure Alex will bring them down for a play at some stage so ill keep you posted.

Bombs away

Grant Dyson - Mount Maunganui

Wairoa river run - Thurs 10 Dec

We got a lift up to just below the Ruahihi power station and got on the river about 6.30pm. Really nice still night made for perfect cruising conditions. Dave saw a few trout as soon as we started paddling. Lots if activity on the river - rowers, swimmers, xmas parties with literally hundreds of kids at Waimario canoe centre just having a blast. Had a slight tail wind when we came out under the railway bridge onto the estuary and into the fast moving tidal channels which took us back to Ferguson Park where our cars were waiting. Trip ended up being 14km - and took us 2 hours of very relaxed paddling. Will definately go again - maybe even do a night run on a full moon with the mtb lights...

Thanks Mount Surfshop

Msg from Scott and Reg at The Mount Surfshop:
"Just a quick note to your paddlers if they would like to demo any of the boards that we have they are welcome to come and grab them free of charge on the night and drop them back the next morning, we currently have a number of different demo boards, including the 11'6 Naish, 11'4 Naish, 9'6 Naish and a 11' greyseal. An exciting addition is the 14' ft Naish racing SUP that will be arriving to demo in the coming week. If any one is keen best to call our down town store in advance to book. "
Thanks guys - no excuses not to bring a friend or partner along now. Im going to put my hand up for the 14ft as soon as its available to demo.

SUP article

Link to SUP story from "the best of Tauranga" website: http://www.bestoftauranga.com/spotlight.php?area=spotlight&news_id=968

Matua-mount downwind

Caught up on all the work by midday, looked out the window and just had to go for a paddle. Jumped in at the end of Levers road and had downwind run all the way to Pilot Bay where my patient wife picked me up. I think in future it would pay to take the legrope when I'm on my own, it wasn't super windy but the water got really rough and confused around the mid harbour/entrance. I started to think about what happens when the board gets blown away and you can't catch it... long swim, bye bye board... Good fun though, got the sore shoulders and sunburn to prove it.

This weeks cool pics

just a very cool photo

This one belongs to surftech, challenge for the summer is to see how many boards you can get up behind the boat - i can see lots of dings as a result of this!

Small guy, big fish, small board, big smile. Trick here is not to look like those kayakers who have so much gear they look like commercial fishermen with gps, trolling motors... you get the picture