November, 2009

Photos from October 16th Victoria SUP Race

Posted on: November 28th, 2009 by Paddle Surf No Comments

 

Further to the quick report on Ocean River Sports' SUP race series, Olivier sent along the following gallery of images from the event.

They had a pretty good turnout and wow, sure are a lot of Starboards in Victoria. From the looks of things, aside from the one Infinity everyone was racing a Starboard!

Also nice to see a couple of the new Brian Szymanski (North County Paddleboards) Starboard prototype getting some more race testing. Looking forward to trying that board out myself.

Thanks for sending the photos Olivier!

December 12, 2009: Deception Pass Dash Kayak & SUP Race

Posted on: November 26th, 2009 by Paddle Surf No Comments

 

Just caught word of this race coming up on December 12th in Washington from Olivier:

There is a SUP race that might be worth mentioning in the San Juan Islands called the Deception Pass Dash

This 4th Annual event will be held from Bowman Bay on Saturday, December 12th. This traditionally has been a kayak event, but this year they’re adding a SUP category. This is a grueling paddle in an insanely scenic spot on some of the gnarliest water in the region. Weather conditions are likely to be miserable.

Don’t forget to register before November 28th in order to get a t-shirt. Also, the fee goes up from $40 to $75 after the 28th. Make sure and read all of the criteria and safety equipment required. This is not a casual paddle! However, it should be a hoot.

From Outdoor Adventures Center's website:

This annual paddling event is open to all paddlers ages 16+. The race will be held on Saturday, December 12th, 2009. You don't need to be an expert paddler to participate - we simply ask that you prepare (practice paddling, rolling, rescues, etc) and make safe decisions about your paddling ability on the day of the race (based on actual conditions). All racers should have significant paddling experience and proven self-rescue skills. Pre-registration is required.

Click here for more information and registration

Thanks for the heads up Olivier!

October, 2009 with Bodie Shandro

Posted on: November 19th, 2009 by Paddle Surf 1 Comment

 

Punta Mita, Mexico , October 2009-11-19

What a first season, this sport has changed my life! Heffley Lake (home), Tofino, Nanaimo, Hood River, the Battle of the Paddle in SoCal, and to top it all off, Punta Mita, Mexico!!!

My wife Brenda and I had booked this trip some time ago, a resort that she could relax at, and I could surf right out front in a world class break! Although off the beaten “tourist “path, I knew that boards would be available for rent and opted to leave my quiver at home. Taking the SUP had actually never even crossed my mind as it would cost a near fortune if even permitted. No problem, a surfer at heart, I would survive without the paddle for a week. Imagine my surprise when we arrived at the local “Panga” charter for an offshore session, and there it is, an 11’ Surftech Laird up against the wall, with a beautiful Kialoa carbon paddle propped next to it! Needless to say it was mine for the remainder of the week, and what a week it was! From the shoulder high sets charging with the locals to those days when even the longboarders sat and watched in envy, I paddled surfed 4 – 6 hours a day, EVERY DAY!

The incredible convenience, weather, water temp and cost effectiveness of Mexico is underestimated. I have travelled to surf all over the world and must say that if you’re after a quick, cheap one week escape from the concrete jungle, I have some beta for you.
Stay tuned as I am currently planning a charter trip in Spring 2010!

October 16th, 2009: Victoria SUP Race Recap

Posted on: November 19th, 2009 by Paddle Surf 2 Comments

 

Unfortunately missed this one until now, but Ocean River Sports hosted an SUP Race on October 16th, 2009.

Here are the deets from Starboard:

Sunday Oct 18th Ocean River Sports in Victoria hosted the last of the Vancouver Island Stand Up Paddle Surfing race series. This race was the windup of a series of three starting in Comox in June, Qualicum in July and then Victoria. Sixteen SUPer's braved the cold waters of Victoria harbour for the first Stand Up race to be held in the provinces' capital.

The race commenced just after 10 in the morning where all competitors believed the conditions were going to be smooth sailing the whole way. Little did they know that just around the corner waiting for them were strong currents choppy seas and a fantastic head wind to top it off. Everyone was jostling at the start and as the gun went off the brothers Stuart and Andrew pulled off a early lead, they built on their lead from the start throughout the entire race with Stu finishing first and Andrew second, finishing the 5 km course in under 36 mins with Andrew close behind. Victoria's Olivier Bluzat placed third and Comoxs' Cory Brooks in 4th. Riley Richters lead the youth class. Outstanding performances from the Comox Valleys' two 9year old SUPers inspired all the competitors with Josh Brooks finishing first and Dustin Raume second. A Starboard demo day and informal paddling clinic with Stu Robinson was held after the event which was a big hit!

"It was beautiful spot to be racing in down town Victoria and it was great to see so many people watching, everyone seemed stoked to see this new sport", said Stu Robinson winner of the island series. "The team of 8 paddlers from Compass Adventure showed some really great paddling all on Starboard equipment." "A big thanks to event organizers we hope to have 6 races in next years series."

Click here for the complete report!