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2010 Battle of the Paddle Doheny: The Canadian Roundup

Posted on: October 12th, 2010 by Paddle Surf 1 Comment

 

I've heard so many amazing things about the Battle of the Paddle over the past couple of years, that I knew I had to attend this event sooner than later... Preferably sooner.

The Superbowl of SUP, the biggest SUP event on the Planet, the best weekend ever on an SUP... The list continued to the point where I really started to feel I was missing something major by not attending.

2010 was to be THE year, the year I was to finally get to the BOP. That is until that piece of paper came in the mail. Bedazzled with fake diamonds, a pink bow, all enclosed in an intricately folded envelope. "You are requested to be in attendance on October 2nd, 2010 for the marriage of"... Shit, maybe next year.

Starting on the Tuesday leading up to the races, reading my Facebook newsfeed was like an extra large kick in the teeth... "I'm in SF on the way to BOP!", "YVR-PDX-LAX, BOP", "just got back from sweet surf session at Doheny, amazing!", etc. etc. The build up was unprecedented, and unprecedentedly depressing for me as pretty much everyone I knew that's involved in the Canadian SUP race scene was making their way down to Southern California for the weekend of events.

So on Saturday morning, I tuned into the webcast to check out all the action I was missing out on. Danny Ching blazing the field with Jamie Mitchell rolling in at second place, Candice Appleby taking first place in the ladies.

It really was impressive to see the contrast between the pros and the rest of the field... Fluid, rapid strokes propelling their boards through the surf, in between the other competitors and around the buoys... Quite the sight to see for sure!

And though the video feed didn't show much beyond the race action and the chicane transfer section on the beach, you could just tell the atmosphere on land was absolutely electric!

So anyways... Enough of my "on the outside looking in" banter, here are a few posts from some of our fellow Canadian racers  who were lucky enough to be in attendance...

  • Lina Augaitis: "I have to say I am even more hooked than I was before, and even more keen to teach, to motivate, to give others this opportunity to enjoy this awesome new sport."
  • Kelvin Humenny: "met legendary Gerry Lopez as well as surf pioneer Mickey Munoz. Surfed some very nice clean waves as well..."
  • Norm Hann: "I was super excited to be competing in, and experiencing the superbowl of SUP racing."
  • Bob Putnam: "Too much fun? If there can be too much fun, my recent trip to California for the Battle of the Paddle (BOP) was dangerously close."
  • Kevin O'Brien: "Plenty of crazy falls, collisions, and wild action for one of the most amazing sporting events you’ll ever see."

I gotta admit it wasn't all bad... Even though I constantly wished I could have been down in Dana Point, the wedding ended up being a really good time. Like, for a wedding at least.

Next year... Next year for sure!

Kelvin Humenny’s 2010 Battle of the Paddle Recap

Posted on: October 12th, 2010 by Paddle Surf 1 Comment

 

Some words and photos from Kelvin Humenny, one of the top placing Canadian paddlers at this year's Battle of the Paddle Doheny, California...

Bodie put together team Canada for the relay with Lina, Norm and myself.

It was a frantic competition, each team member does a lap out and back through surf and runs a loop on the beach before tagging the next paddler (on the same board), 2 laps each, it was a bit like a stock car race, banging into each other going out and surfing in.

We placed 20th out of 50 teams including elite racers.
Kevin and the boys from the Okanagan made it down too and added to the Canadian content.

Lina and Norm raced the elite race, I haven't figured out their positions from the results yet.
(editor's note, full results can now be found here)

Norm placed 7th in his class in the 10 mile distance race.

I however, was late for the start... (don't ask). but had a good paddle anyway, and just a note, surfing an unlimited board for the first time in front of hundreds of people was humbling. Yes, I crashed, but so did Jericho Poppler...

I placed 2nd overall in the open race in the surf class, missing first by 5 seconds to Claudio Chain from Brazil.
But I did get to meet legendary Gerry Lopez as well as surf pioneer Mickey Munoz.

Surfed some very nice clean waves as well....

Bodie Shandro picks up two new product lines

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

 

Bodie Shandro has picked up two new product lines to complement Surftech and Kialoa.

Kaenon Polarized is pleased to announce the addition of a new sales rep agency in Canada, Maverick Mountainworks Inc.,
focusing on the premium outdoor specialty channel. Maverick Mountainworks is headed by 20-year industry veteran Bodie Shandro. Starting initially in the western provinces, the agency will be handling outdoor specialty accounts for Kaenon Polarized, adding to, and complimenting Kaenon’s existing direct-distribution model in Canada.

Bodie Shandro has a long history in the snow, surf and outdoor markets, including retail sales management, sitting as CEO of Rip Curl Canada, as well as introducing several brands to Canada over the years, including Rip Curl, Eider, and Oxbow. Recently Shandro embraced the Stand Up Paddle phenomenon and his agency now manages the Surftech, Kialoa, and Hinano brands throughout Canada.

"Kaenon Polarized is a fabulous addition to my agency’s roster of premium brands currently offered at the nation’s leading outdoor retailers. As a passionate surfer, skier, mountain biker, paddler, and allaround outdoor athlete, I will not commit to any brand without being 100% confident in it's performance and quality. Kaenon has exceeded my expectations!"

Bodie Shandro will be covering sales in Alberta and BC, while Andrea Zappe will be responsible for Saskatchewan and Manitoba territories.

The Bullock agency will continue to represent Kaenon Polarized across Canada in optical and sun
specialty retail.

To contact Maverick Mountainworks, please reach out to Bodie at bodie@surftech.com. Please contact
info@kaenon.com for more information regarding Kaenon Polarized sales in North America.

And here's the press release from Stand Up Paddle Magazine:

With the stand-up paddle market flowing into new territories by the day, Canada is no exception and with its vast waterways; Standup Paddle Magazine enters across the border in sharing its Hawaiian roots. A market that has seen expediential growth over the past year, our goal is to show Canada our passage way and also learn what Canada has to offer the world through the world of Stand Up Paddle Magazine.

With thousands of lakes, rivers and waterways from coast to coast, expect huge expansion to the SUP world within this vast region as proven demand at the August 2010 Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City, Utah, had many of the buyers and retailers seeking SUP goods from across the border.

Enter Bodie Shandro. Shandro has been in the business of representing companies in the surf industry for over 20 years and with his unique style and savvy approach to business, capped with his easy going presence with people, he fits the mold of the magazine.

Says Publisher Reid Inouye about Shandro .

“We have a criteria for who we work with and that includes the following. Does that individual have; soul for the SUP lifestyle, water instincts that can be applied to business approach and will he or she take chances in achieving goals and mix it up correctly with the right attitude in the water and within the business realm of SUP?”

“When Bodie came to Hawaii, the first thing he wanted to do was learn. Learn the Hawaiian way. Etiquette in the water, see what culture in Hawaii was all about. He also did the 10 mile open run from Hawaii Kai to Waikiki and looked as though he could do another ten. That says a lot about him and he takes that same keen approach of understanding and prepping for the ocean to a business level that not many can do or  achieve.”

“We want to work with people that have an understanding for walking on water and be able to preach it on Sunday. Feeling it is believing it and Bodie understands it well.”

As what does Shandro have to say about Standup Paddle Magazine?

“When I restructured my agency to embrace and promote this amazing new sport, few really understood the depth of its soul. I had managed to pick up a copy of Standup Paddle Magazine and used it to expose the sport to friends and retailers. The captivating images and content left everyone awe inspired, with an insatiable desire to get on board.  To this day, Stand Up Paddle Magazine serves as my most valuable tool in spreading the worldwide stoke for SUP. Since then I have met both Reid and Fox Lach (managing editor) at every major SUP event in North America, from BOP, California and Hawaii, to the OR in Utah, and they just returned from Tahoe! They don’t just write about the sport of SUP, they LIVE IT, and support it every day of their lives. I am honored to become a part of the Standup Paddle Magazine Ohana!”

And finally what does Standup Paddle Magazine publisher Reid Inouye expect from Shandro in the upcoming year of growth. “That’s an easy one, go out and preach it up north and next July he has to solo Molokai2Oahu.”

Congratulations Bodie!

Reminder: Paddle Grand Prix goes Sept 5th in Bellingham

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

 

Just a reminder that the Paddle Grand Prix Stand Up Paddleboard and Traditional Paddleboard is on September 5th, 2010 at Boulevard Park in Bellingham.

Click here for all the details!

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.

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.