Interesting..

Slingshot Sports introduces the Space Pickle stand up paddleboard. Designed for performance wave riding in knee to shoulder high waves, this board is a carving machine.

Last summer we, (Slingshot Sports) soft launched the Crossbreed, an all-rounder SUP. The second and third boards in our line-up are the Space Pickles Surf SUP (7.6” and 8.6”) and are now being released.

This Spring we will also have available two Race boards (Nitro) and an adventure touring board (Grand Tourino) And, in April will we have one other All-rounder, more of an entry level board called the Crossfire.

Bob will be heading up a crew of paddlers to paddle the entire 80 mile length of the Okanagan Lake… See if you can match that!

Here’s Bob’s remarks on the importance of the day, and how you too can help to make a difference:

“Sending a “SUPWave of Change” around the World”

My name is Bob Purdy, I am a Standup Paddle Surfing, Elder in Training, Outstanding Somewhere…….. In 2011 I paddled my Standup Paddle Surfer every day to raise funds for the “David Suzuki Foundation” and to “change the way we live on the planet”.

I discovered that we are facing many of the same challenges in 2012 that we did last year. And the year before that. And the year before that. Etc. Etc. Etc. I find it very difficult to stand by and watch the same challenges surface year after year which is why I will “Paddle for the Planet” again every day in 2012. The call to action is urgent, the Planet is crying out for help! The challenges we face socially, economically and environmentally in today’s World are staggering, and just like all life on the Planet, intricately connected! Have we forgotten that all life is precious? Have we become disconnected from the Natural World that is our home? Have we affected the planet’s ability to sustain life? Could we do better for the planet, and for each other? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then action is required!  It is time to “Change the way we live on the Planet!”

I have also discovered that as a group, Standup Paddle Surfers tend to be a proactive group of people! What better way to “Change the way we live on the Planet” than to create an opportunity for paddlers around the World to paddle for the change they would like to see?  “World Paddle for the Planet Day” is June 16, 2012 and has been created to give Standup Paddle Surfers around the World an opportunity to paddle for change by sending a “SUPWave of Change” around the Globe! Here is the plan! One, choose a change you would like to see happen in the World. Two, paddle for that change on June 16^th. Three, commit to that change until it becomes reality! It could be something as simple as spending the day cleaning up your local beach, or as ambitious as joining a movement to stop an activity that is harmful to the planet. Paddle by yourself, or organize a group to send out a stronger “SUPWave of Change!” It’s simple, more paddlers, in more places around the World equals bigger change! For my part I will paddle the length of Okanagan Lake in B.C. Canada where I live, a distance of about 80 miles. The change I want to see revolves around consumption, and I will definitely be inviting paddlers to join me!  We need to rethink the way we consume and reduce what we buy, the Planet needs a break from our constant need to indulge!

The “David Suzuki Foundation” has done a lot to “Change the way we live on the Planet” and I will once again fundraise to support their amazing body of work! The Foundation could really use our help in the World and I invite all paddlers to join me in collecting pledges/donations to help Dr. Suzuki achieve his goals for change at www.davidsuzuki.org. Donations are gratefully accepted on our web site www.paddlefortheplanet.ca , just click on the donate button. Every penny will go directly to the “David Suzuki Foundation!” Please join me on June 16^th to make “World Paddle for the Planet Day” an outstanding event for change in 2012! Organize a happening, go for a quiet paddle, join your friends or paddle solo, whatever you do let us know! Contact us on facebook at Bob Purdy with details of your paddle!

One Person is the Difference, Stand up and be that Person!

Check out PaddleForThePlanet.ca for more information!

As impressive as his feat of paddling 365 days in a row may be, Bob has just announced that he’s continuing his initiative straight through 2012, with plans to making it 730 consecutive paddle days!

And on Saturday June 16th, 2012, Bob is also organizing “World Paddle for the Planet Day”, which will be comprised of a variety of events throughout the World. Keep tabs here and at PaddleForThePlanet.ca… Details will be released as they become available!

Here’s the news release:

Life is a precious gift! All Life is interconnected! Is that connection lost, and have we affected the Planet’s ability to sustain Life? The evidence says we have, and indicates we need to “Change the Way We Live on the Planet”!

The challenges we face socially, economically and environmentally in today’s World  are staggering, and just like all life on the Planet, intricately connected! The decisions made, and actions taken in the past have affected all life on the Planet. Our future decisions and actions will have no less impact. The question we need to ask ourselves is “How can I change the Way I live on the Planet now for generations to come in the future”?

My journey down this road began several years ago when Sharon and I began contributing to the “David Suzuki Foundation”. Fast forward to 2007 when I discovered the sport of “Standup Paddle Surfing”! In spite of breaking my nose in the surf of Florida my first time out, I knew I had found something very special that would become a lifelong passion, something I wanted to share with everyone! Fast forward again to 2010 where I found myself wanting to do more for the Planet. Shortly after I started paddling I told Sharon, “I would paddle every day if I could” and so I decided to combine my passion for paddling with the discovery of things I could do to “Change the Way I was Living on the Planet”. A few phone calls to the “David Suzuki Foundation” later and,  voila, “Paddle for the Planet “was born on New Year’s Day, 2011!

I had three goals in 2011; 1) challenge myself personally by paddling all 365 days of 2011,  2) raise $100,000 in donations for the “David Suzuki Foundation” to support their amazing work, and 3) challenge and change the way I live on the Planet. My experience in 2011 made me realize that lasting change takes time and effort.  So, just like the challenges of the planet, my personal efforts will continue.  On New Year’s Day, 2012, I will dip my paddle into the water again to continue the consecutive daily paddle I started in 2011! Fundraising, and searching for more ways to “Change the Way I Live on the Planet” are priorities once again! Since there are few people who have created more change for the Planet than Dr. Suzuki, “Paddle for the Planet 2012” will once again donate every penny raised to the “David Suzuki Foundation” in support of their body of work!

In addition, I invite you to watch for a very special paddle in June, the 1^st Annual “World Paddle for the Planet Day” which will take place on Saturday, June 16th. This event has been created to encourage Standup Paddle Surfers all over the World to paddle for the “Change” they want to see!” For my part, I will attempt to paddle all 80 miles of Okanagan Lake in one day! I will be paddling to change the devastating impact our consumptive ways have on the Planet! Join me, and paddle to “Change the Way We Live on the Planet”!

My name is Bob Purdy and I am a “Standup Paddle Surfing, Elder in Training, Outstanding Somewhere!” I paddle 365 days a year because the call to action is urgent! Our Planet is crying out for help! I encourage you to answer the call! Start today! Make a donation at www.paddlefortheplanet.ca or www.davidsuzuki.org , support a project you are passionate about, start a project of your own, Or?……….

One person is the difference, stand up & be that person! If I can do it, you can do it!

Congratulations once again Bob… It’s been great following your journey thus far, and wish you the best of luck in continuing your efforts!

Here’s an excerpt from the story…

A Kelowna filmmaker is back in town to tell the story of Bob Purdy, another Kelowna man whose story CHBC News brought you earlier this year.

Filmmaker Carey Missler shot a portion of a surfing documentary, called the Canadian Surfer Movie, with Purdy on Sunday at Rotary Beach in Kelowna.

Purdy has been stand up paddling around Okanagan Lake every day this year to raise environmental awareness.

Missler is traveling across the country to shoot different stories about surfing; he will stop in Nova Scotia to film about ocean surfing, Montreal for a segment about river surfing and Lake Ontario for a story about lake surfing.

Read it on Global News: CHBC Okanagan | Kelowna stand up paddler to be featured in documentary

Click here for the whole story!

Definitely worth a watch… Check it out!

Their ‘All-Water’ boards, available in 10′, 11′ and 12′ lengths, feature a wide range of graphics including the popular Blackbeard, Hotrod and Triton offerings. For 2012, they are introducing three new artfully designed boards – Check out the ‘Revert’ (think 80′s), the ‘Vixen’ (for the ladies) and ‘Forest’ (*A Canadian exclusive design).  They are ideal all-rounder boards for flatwater cruising, river running and surfing.  Their shape has less rocker (curve or bend) in the nose which serves to help it glide well on the lakes and ocean – better than many of the surf-inspired designs on the market. The 11′ foot is the ideal board for lightweight paddlers under 165lbs while the 12′ design works for the guys and heavier riders.

Did you know that Rogue was the first company to offer specialty graphics and boards for females?  You betcha – they include the ‘Honu’,  ‘Tropical’ and now for next year, the ‘Vixen’ in the All-waters along with the ‘Diva’ (Drifter Touring 11’4 & 12’6) and pink Tesoro in 10’6 and 11′.

Speaking of their 10’6 Tesoro all-rounder board, it has been a popular starter board and great for rental fleets – They have added a new 11′ version dubbed the Tesoro ‘Grande’ to accomodate paddlers over 200lbs at a retail price of around $1,200 CDN.  And in early 2012 they will release their ‘Class 5′ Inflatable SUP – rumours say it will be much stiffer than your average inflatable.

In addition to boards for the everyday user, they have expanded their touring and race division as well.  The 11’4 Drifter was one of the top selling boards in 2011 and is now being offered in the 11’4 and new 12’6 lengths – great news for those who want the benefits of flatwater glide in a full size board for under $2,000.  Both the 12’6 Outlaw (available in two colours now) and Drifter (Forest or Diva Graphic) have seen improvements to give them more durability and speed.  They have also moved the fin box further back to allow for bettering tracking and glide.  Ideal for flatwater racing, touring and work best in calm to moderately choppy conditions.

And while the brand continues to push the limits and explore new technologies, they keep it all in check with a laid-back attitude towards the sport and people.  We’ve seen them at the events and trade shows and they’re always laughing and smiling.  Good to see the ‘Ohana’ of SUP is alive and well.All in all, the new lineup looks great so expect big things from Rick Karr’s radical brand this year. The brand is distributed in Canada by Icon Sports Group.  “Canada is a unique market and we’re stoked to have ICON as our partner to help promote Rogue in the Great White North” says Rick Karr, Owner of Rogue.  “Having Norm Hann (Squamish, BC) as part of our team up there really helped our efforts” he adds.

For more information on the 2012 Rogue SUP line up, check out their catalog.

Reason being is that current Transport Canada regulations, in a nutshell, state that a stand up paddler must have an approved PFD attached to their board or wear an approved PFD while on the water, with no mention of a leash.

Bob and Stefan have been petitioning loudly on this matter, as they strongly feel that Transport Canada should recognize the wearing of either a leash, or a PFD should be the choice of the paddler depending on conditions:

The wording of the regulation has resulted in the common practice of SUP board users placing a PFD on the top surface of their board simply to appease law enforcement. Paddle for the Planet views this practice as being unsafe for the reason that the effectiveness of the PFD is negated due to the fact that the user is not required to be attached to the board holding the PFD and is at risk of becoming separated from both the board and the PFD if the user falls in the water.

Paddle for the Planet is spearheading an effort to have the Canadian Marine Advisory Council (CMAC) and Transport Canada recognize the use of a standard surf-style board leash as a suitable substitute safety device for the current PFD requirement as it provides the user with a readily accessible, inherently buoyant safety device that reduces the likelihood of personal injury or death in a manner that exceeds the level of safety afforded to the user under the current requirement of a PFD (worn or not) and no board leash.

(Source: PaddleForThePlanet.ca)

Stefan has also compiled a research brief demonstrating the leash as a reasonable alternative safety device to the PFD. Check it out here, definitely a worthwhile read.

So back in September, after receiving a number of emails from concerned stand up paddlers agreeing with Bob and Stefan’s position, Transport Canada requested the advice of Paddle Canada, a Canadian kayaking and canoeing organization.

After consulting their community of kayakers and canoeists, Paddle Canada’s governing board chose to ignore Bob and Stefan’s findings and formed the opinion that stand up paddlers should wear PFD’s at all times Click here to read the document detailing Paddle Canada’s opinion.

In fact, Paddle Canada’s board even went so far as to say “We feel that the combination of the two (PFD and the paddleboard leash) normally represents the safest overall option, given the risks of this rapidly growing paddle sport”… But that’s a whole other argument best left for another time.

So from here, Transport Canada will be making a decision on the matter sometime soon but it’s not too late for your voice to be heard.

To the casual observer, this might all seem like a minor point, but PFD usage is a major issue for stand up paddleboard enthusiasts.

Here are a few more of the hot topics:

1. Stand up paddleboarding involves a significant amount of cardio work, and wearing a PFD makes for a sufficiently awkward and uncomfortable experience.
2. While waist pack inflatable PFD’s are a legal and a reasonably comfortable option, arguments can be made to show that a simple leash is a superior safety device. Why bother with the added complexity and considerable cost ($100+) of an inflatable PFD, when a $20 leash can be shown to be just as, and even more effective than an inflatable PFD?
3. If you were to fall off your board in windy conditions, where would you rather be… Connected to your board, or bobbing in the ocean wearing a PFD with your board nowhere in sight?
4. Paddle Canada’s take on the matter… “PC requires that PFD’s are worn for all paddling programs including SUP.” (Source). This blanket statement applies ALL programs, including surf.  If you’ve ever surfed, you know this is a ridiculous implication and seems to illustrates Paddle Canada’s inexperience with surfing oriented sports.

You CAN make a difference here. Through this grassroots effort, Bob has managed to gather attention and start the dialog, and it’s now up to us to ensure fair and reasonable regulations are set in place to help grow this sport in the right direction.

Please post up here in the comments section, and be sure to visit PaddleForThePlanet.ca/PFD and tell Transport Canada know how you feel about this issue! And while you’re at it, get in touch with Paddle Canada to give them your thoughts on PFD/leash usage.

The first event of the day will be a fun pledge paddle at Rotary Beach in Kelowna, B.C. starting at 11 a.m. Chances are it will be cold and there will be snow, so bundle up! This will be a short course event with great spectating right in front of the beach! The course will be a compact figure 8 and you will paddle as many laps as you can in 1 hour! Paddlers are encouraged to collect donations and/or pledges, and all the money collected will go directly to the “David Suzuki Foundation”. This fun event, which is not a race (heh, heh) is free for all paddlers!

The second event of the day will be considerably warmer! Paddle for the Planet has rented a hall for the wind up celebration, and once again you are invited (don’t have to paddle in the first event, or even be a paddler) from 1-5 p.m. at the Unitarian Church Hall, 1310 Bertram St. Kelowna, B.C.! In honor of the “3rd Annual Standup Salmon Run” there will be food (salmon of course), catered by well known and very talented local chef, Rob Walker! There will be an announcement regarding future plans for “Paddle for the Planet”! There are also some very special guests coming, including Norm Hann from “Standup4GreatBear! For those of you that don’t know Norm, he paddled 400 kilometers of water from Kitimat to Bella Bella to bring attention to the fact that Enbridge wants to run supertankers through the eco-sensitive Great Bear Rain Forest. His story is compelling and he will be showing the documentary that was filmed during this trip, an absolute must see for anyone interested in preserving priceless natural lands. Tickets for this event are $25 and $10 will come off the top for the “David Suzuki Foundation”! More is planned, you will just have to come see for yourself! Get your tickets early, the hall holds a maximum of 100 people! Contact Bob at bobpurdy@silk.net or 250-215-0241 for more info, and to purchase your ticket!

Here’s the trailer: