July, 2010

Standup2GreatBear Expedition 2010

Posted on: July 29th, 2010 by Paddle Surf No Comments

 

Norm Hann from Mountain Surf Adventures will be guiding a stand up paddleboard expedition to the Great Bear Rainforest in central British Columbia. Sounds like it'd be an amazing experience...

BE FIRST: This is the first ever commercially guided stand up paddleboard (S.U.P) trip to the Great Bear Rainforest. The GreatBear Rainforest, located on the North Coast of B.C. is one of the most incredible ecosystems in the world. The GreatBear Rainforest contains 25% of the remaining intact temperate rainforest in the world. The area is highlighted by world class wildlife and First Nations Culture. Our exploratory trip here July 2009 on standup paddleboards was featured on the cover of the May 2010 issue of Explore Magazine. We are really excited to return to the Great Bear this August to show paddleboarders this world-class destination.

Norm Hann of Mountain Surf Adventures recently completed the STANDUP4GREATBEAR Expedition. This was a 400km first ever-standup paddleboard trip along the proposed oil tanker route from Kitimat to Bella Bella. This expedition brought awareness to the wildlife and traditional food harvesting areas of the coastal First Nations, showcasing what is at risk if oil tankers were to be allowed on the north coast. Norm has guided in this area for over ten years and knows the people and wildlife intimately. Join Norm on this personally guided SUP trip along the proposed oil tanker route as he highlights this world-class destination and shows you an area at risk. This is a unique, one of a kind expedition that will connect you, educate you and inspire you. Become part of the STANDUP4GREATBEAR Expedition Team.

Trip price per person: $2,750 (CDN) Price includes meals, stand up paddleboard gear, and roundtrip ferry ride between Prince Rupert and Hartley Bay; travel to Prince Rupert and overnight stay prior to trip not included.

Partial proceeds from this trip will go to promote awareness and protection of the GreatBear Rainforest through presentations, community work and future expeditions.

Booking a Trip: To confirm you spot contact norm@mountainsurfadventures.com or call 604-848-8792 to reserve you place on the expedition.

Trip dates: August 23rd- August 29th/2010

NOTE: We have two spaces available. In order to allow guests a unique and intimate experience with the environment and the people we meet along the way we limit the number of guests to 6 per trip.

August 8th: Rocky Point SUP Lessons & Demo Expo

Posted on: July 28th, 2010 by Paddle Surf No Comments

 

Rocky Point Kayak will be holding their First Annual Stand Up Paddleboard Lessons and Demo Day on Sunday August 8th at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody!

Here's the word from Jamie over at Rocky Point Kayak...

Join us August 8th for Rocky Point Kayak's first annual Stand Up Paddle Board Lessons and Demo Day with Bodie Shandro (The only Certified SUP Instructor in Canada).

Stand Up Paddle Surfing is the fastest growing water sport in the world, a sport whose roots run deep in Hawaiian history. It is easy to learn and is a non-intimidating activity that appeals to all ages and physical abilities. Participants are able to quickly progress and develop the skills necessary to improve fitness or simply enjoy the experience of "walking on water”!

Introduction to Stand Up Paddling Lessons

Each 2 hour session covers equipment familiarization, dry land instruction, water safety, proper body position, and paddling techniques. All equipment included, board, paddle, and leash. No experience required.

  • $60 per per person
  • Session 1 12:00 to 2:00pm
  • Session 2 3:00 to 5:00pm

TO REGISTER PLEASE CALL: 604-61-WATER (604-619-2837)

Stand Up Paddleboard Demo Day

Come down and demo boards and paddles from Surftech, Werner Paddles, Imagine SUP, BIC SUP and many more.

A Review of the Starboard K-15

Posted on: July 22nd, 2010 by Paddle Surf 4 Comments

 

The K-15 is Starboard's flatwater specialist SUP, and that it does next to perfectly... Huge glide with every stroke and incredibly fast when it's glassy. Rougher conditions though? Forget about it.

At 15' by 30"wide, the K-15 is a monster when sized up alongside an all-rounder SUP, and along with the extra 1.5" EVA ring around the top edge of the cockpit, the K-15 looks more like a kayak than an SUP. In fact, Starboard even makes a double blade capable paddle specifically for this board so you can indeed paddle it like a kayak, but that's only really intended for strong headwind conditions, an area in which the K-15 doesn't fare too well.

Similar in outline to Starboard's highly acclaimed light wind windsurf board the Serenity, the K-15 also includes a daggerboard slot and mast track, for those days when you want the wind to work in your favor. The dagger board can also be used to increase stability but with an almost 2 foot draw, you'd best to stick to deeper waters.

The deck drain holes are equipped with scuppers on the underside and work surprisingly well at keeping the cockpit free of water. In theory, you're supposed to be able to close the scuppers, allowing the cockpit to fill with water which will again help to increase stability.

The board is also equipped with a number of mounting points, useful not only to tie down equipment and so forth, but a wheel can also be attached to the tail, making this board a whole lot more manageable to move around... That is assuming you're moving across reasonably flat terrain.

The Starboard K-15 on the Water

Initial Impression are WOW, this things is fast! Took me a couple hours to get used to the much tippier displacement shaped hull, but once I overcame that challenge it was full speed ahead!

The glide is a completely different sensation than paddling more traditional longboard shaped boards... A couple strokes and it seems to keep on going forever. This also makes it possible to keep up with small, fast moving swell, which makes for incredibly fast downwinders when the swell is reasonably clean.

Using my Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS heart rate monitor, initial assessment shows I'm averaging speeds of 2-3 km/h faster than my Starboard 12'6 Cruiser.

The tradeoff for this speed is lack of maneuverability and instability. Though it's possible to catch the tiniest of swells,  it's pretty hard to do much on the waves due to the board's awkward dimensions.

I'm really starting to get used to the Startouch finish, which I first encountered on Starboard's 9'0 Stinger I recently reviewed. I first thought the finish would be hard on my feet during longer paddles, but after a few good length jaunts I'm happy to say it's a non issue, and provides good grip without the extra weight. Time will tell if it starts to wear off over time, but if it does I can always throw some Monster Paint on there to restore the grip.

So who's the ideal customer for a K15? If you have regular access to calm, flat water conditions then by all means, do yourself a favour and get one.

I mainly paddle around here in West Vancouver and so far have spent about half my time on the K15, the other half on my all-rounder boards. Problem with this area though is we tend to get a lot of cross up swell where the waves bounce against the rocky shore and back into open water, which creates very unstable and challenging water conditions. Once I have some more experience with the K-15 in these sorts of conditions I'm sure it'll be much more manageable, but for now I just consider myself lucky to have a couple other all-rounder boards in the quiver for those days when conditions are less than ideal.

That said though, I think these sorts of boards are really going to start to become popular in flatwater touring areas such as Vancouver. Sure, we get the odd day of surf in here and there, but unless you're heading down the coast or over to Vancouver Island, opportunities for waves are few and far between that in retrospect and it doesn't make a ton of sense to handicap yourself with a board that's designed to ride waves... That's my take at least. :)

Here's a gallery of my board, along with a 9'0 Starboard Stinger for size comparison...

And just to wrap up, Evan from StandUpPaddleSurf.net has done a great job going over the board and introducing some of its features in the following video:

Stand Up Paddleboard Retailers in Vancouver – 2010 Edition

Posted on: July 15th, 2010 by Paddle Surf 5 Comments

 

NOTE: for an up to date retailer listings, check out the SUP Directory's Retailer listings.

Well, Summer is finally in full swing so we thought since last year's Vancouver SUP retailer list has become so popular, it'd be a good idea to give you an update on where to purchase Stand Up Paddleboards in the Vancouver area.

The market has grown substantially over the past year, and board availability has similarly grown to the point where almost every surf and boardsport oriented shop has at least a few SUP boards and paddles available in stock.

I didn't get into too many details with each retailer, but most do offer rentals and demos of the boards they have in stock.

So with that, here's the updated list from last year:

  • Island Longboards: Again, Island Longboards is not located in the Lower Mainland, but most of us get up to Tofino at least once a Summer and if you're driving by you might as well stop by to see one of the best selections of Stand Up Paddleboards in Canada. Scott carries more surf oriented boards including Hobie, hand shaped Waldens, Naish, Infinity, Jimmy Styks and more, as well as Kialoa and Werner paddles.
  • North Shore Ski & Board: Vince, Brett and the crew and North Shore have been getting much more involved with SUP this year, selling as many Jimmy Styks boards as they can get their hands on. They also stock a selection of Starboard all round boards like the Big Easy and Blend, and can order anything from the Starboard line up as well if you're looking for something special.
  • Deep Cove Kayak: One of the first retailers in the Vancouver area to stock Stand Up Paddleboards, Deep Cove Kayak carries an assortment of Starboard flatwater oriented boards as well as Werner paddles.
  • Pacific Boarder: With 20 or so boards in stock, Pacific Boarder has taken to SUP in a big way this year. They carry almost the entire line of C4 Waterman (including the Holoholo, ATV Series, iSUP), plus a selection of Surftech, GSI and Naish, along with paddles by C4, GSI, Kialoa and Naish.
  • Second Wave: Second Wave has an interesting selection of boards by Southpoint Schaper/Bonga line, as well as a few boards by a company I wasn't familiar with until now, Cascadia.
  • EcoMarine: Surftech is the name of the game here, where they carry the Laird line, the popular Bark 14' Expedition as well as a few Softops. Paddle selection includes Werner and Braca, an established name in performance kayak and canoe paddles who is just getting started with a new SUP range of paddles.
  • Airtime Board Sports: Over in Kitsilano, Airtime carries Starboard and Naish boards, plus paddles by Sawyer, Naish and Starboard.
  • Kalavida Surf Shop: I admit this shop isn't located in the Vancouver area, but Island Longboards, Kalavida up in Vernon, is deep into SUP. They carry boards by Surftech, C4 Waterman and Rogue, as well as Werner and Kialoa paddlers, along with all the SUP specific gear and accessories you may need.

Extra date added for Surftech Demo & Lessons at Ecomarine

Posted on: July 15th, 2010 by Paddle Surf No Comments

 

Just got word that the Saturday session of Ecomarine's SUP Lessons and Surftech Demo on English Bay has sold out so they've added a second session for Sunday July 18th.

Surftech will again be demoing the popular Bark 14' Expedition, plus a variety of Randy French 11'6 and Randy French 10'6 stand up paddleboards.

Cost for the 2 hour Introduction to Stand Up Paddling is $70 and covers equipment familiarization, dry land instruction, water safety, proper body position, and paddling techniques. $70/person. All equipment included, board, paddle, and leash. No experience required.

Weather forecast for the weekend looks great, and if you're looking to get into SUP there's no better way than to participate as the lessons will be taught by Bodie Shandro, Surftech's Canadian Sales Manager, and the only ASI Certified SUP Instructor in Canada. This guy knows his stuff!

Click here for all the deets!

Deal on SUP Lessons in Vancouver

Posted on: July 14th, 2010 by Paddle Surf No Comments

 

Just came across this deal over at LivingSocial.com... A one hour SUP lesson for $12, could be a good introduction to the sport if you've never tried it out.

Lessons are Windsure Watersports on Jericho Beach in Kitsilano.

Not meaning to sound like an advertising but the deal's only on today... Check it at http://livingsocial.com/deals/4186-paddle-surfing-lesson-for-12

New Race Format for Tuesday July 13th Deep Cove SUP Race

Posted on: July 12th, 2010 by Paddle Surf No Comments

 

Deep Cove Kayak's Tuesday Night Race series has been going pretty well these past few weeks.

Though last week's attendance was surprisingly low, the June 30th event saw almost thirty stand up paddleboard racers on the water, and judging from the buzz I've been hearing from other SUP'ers around the North Shore, we should see some stronger numbers as the Summer progresses.

With that, this Tuesday July 13th race will be something brand new... The Great Kayak Swap, or in our case, the Great SUP Swap.

How it works is a team of two start off in Deep Cove together. One paddles to Jug Island, the other paddles to Belcarra. The racers leave their boards then run about 2KM and swim 300M to their team member's board.

Upon finishing their swim/run, they paddle back to Deep Cove on their team members' boards and arrive back in the Cove together for time.

It's a pretty cool concept, sort of a water based triathlon of sorts, and should be a great time for all in attendance.

Visit Deep Cove Kayak's website for more information, then get out there this Tuesday July 13th and have fun!

Ron House 12’6 Race Boards arrive at Kalavida

Posted on: July 12th, 2010 by Paddle Surf No Comments

 

Kalavida Surf Shop has just received their first shipment of Ron House Race SUP Boards, and they're looking sweet. Boards have a fairly standard looking race board outline and a canoe style front end for cutting through chop and increasing glide.

Looks like the perfect board for cruising around Kalamalka Lake and flatwater racing. Here's the description from the official website...

The Ron House 12'6" race board is a beautifully crafted board with a racing canoe hull entry to slice through the water. Midway it blends into a flat bottom finishing with hard rails towards the diamond shaped tail.

Deck is scooped out lowering the paddler's center of gravity. A single custom Aero foil wing fin developed by Ron along with exceptionally clean lines make the board point and track remarkably straight.

Developed for racing, touring, adventuring in smooth to moderate conditions.

Perfect for lakes and rivers as well with minimal rocker.

Check 'em out at Kalavida Surf Shop in Vernon, BC.

Video from June 30th Deep Cove SUP Race

Posted on: July 11th, 2010 by Paddle Surf 1 Comment

 

Bob over at Deep Cove Kayak sent over this video footage of the Stand Up Paddleboard Race held at Deep Cove on Tuesday June 30th.

Great video, worth a peek, and be sure to show up this Tuesday for the next race, should be a good one!

Some more photos from Tuesday June 30th Deep Cove SUP Race

Posted on: July 3rd, 2010 by Paddle Surf No Comments

 

Viviane Nishikiori, Deep Cove Kayak Photographer, sent along some photos from Tuesday June 30th's Stand Up Paddleboard Race down in Deep Cove.

For more photos of the event, take a look at her Flickr slideshow, and be sure to check out the complete event recap as well.

Thanks Viviane!

Sept. 5th: Bellingham Race: Paddle Grand Prix

Posted on: July 3rd, 2010 by Paddle Surf 1 Comment

 

An SUP race will be held on September 5th just across the border in Bellingham, Washington.

The race will be at Boulevard Park and what's cool about the format is it will be more of a short track racing setup, so super spectator friendly and less intimidating for the beginners.

Should be a great time, here's a promo vid for the event:

Paddle Grand Prix Promo from Great Dane on Vimeo.

And the details from their website...

LOCATION:
 Boulevard Park, Bellingham, WA. Boulevard Park is located on Bellingham Bay along South State Street and Bay View Drive.

RACE CHECK-IN AND REGISTRATION:
8:00 – 9:00 AM Race check-in and day-of-race registration
9:15 AM pre-race meeting
10:00 AM Race Start

THE RACE COURSE:
The race course will consist of a roughly 2-mile oval track running just off shore between the north end of Boulevard Park and south to Taylor Street Dock. It will be a floating start with racers going three full laps to the finish. The whole race will be 100% viewable and spectator friendly!

RACE DIVISIONS SUP:
Men and Women’s Stock: All boards under 12′6″ with fixed fin (no ruddder). Mono hull only.
Men and Women’s 14 Foot: All boards between 12′6″ and 14 feet with fixed fin (no rudder). Mono hull only.
Men and Women’s Unlimited: All boards over 14 feet. Rudders are allowed. Multiple hull (catamaran style) are allowed.

RACE DIVISIONS TRADITIONAL (PRONE) PADDLEBOARD:
Men and Women’s Unlimited: If we have enough entrants to create a stock, 14′ and unlimited class we will do this. Otherwise, all traditional racers will compete as Unlimited.
AWARDS:
Unique Paddle Grand Prix Awards will be given to the top 3 men and women in every division. And, STAY TUNED! There MAY be prize money too!!!!

POST RACE BARBEQUE:
Following there race, there will be a post race barbeque free to all racers. Friends and family can also purchase a BBQ lunch.

SUP DEMOS:
Bellingham SUP will have free board demos during the entire event!

RACE SCHWAG:
What is a race without some quality schwag?! We will raffle off some killer goodies throughout the awards!

SAFETY:
USCG Approved PFDs must be worn by all racers. Leashes may be required, depending on race day conditions.

Check out their website at PaddleGrandPrix.com for all the details and registration!

July 17th: Surftech Demo and SUP Lessons at Ecomarine

Posted on: July 1st, 2010 by Paddle Surf 1 Comment

 

Surftech will be hosting a stand up paddleboard demo, as well as offering lessons on Saturday July 17th at Ecomarine on English Bay in Vancouver.

Boards available for demo include the Bark 14' Expedition, and Randy French 11'6 and Randy French 10'6 stand up paddleboards. Here's the deets from Bodie on the lesson package...

Stand Up Paddle Surfing is the fastest growing water sport in the world, a sport whose roots run deep in Hawaiian history. It is easy to learn and is a non-intimidating activity that appeals to all ages and physical abilities. Participants are able to quickly progress and develop the skills necessary to improve fitness or simply enjoy the experience of "walking on water”!

Introduction to Stand Up Paddling: Each 2 hour session covers equipment familiarization, dry land instruction, water safety, proper body position, and paddling techniques. $70/person. All equipment included, board, paddle, and leash. No experience required.

  • SATURDAY JULY 17 – 10am and 2 pm
  • Ecomarine English Bay
  • 604 689-7575
  • World Standup Paddleboard Association / ASI Certified Instructor

Be sure to give them a call at (604) 689-7575 as soon as you can, as limited space is available!