Full details on PaddleSurf.ca, and on their Facebook page!

WHAT: We are daring to paddle 100 kms on SUP's (Stand Up Paddleboards) over a 24 hour period, non-stop. On flat-water, that's a long-day!

WHY the Dare Devils? Because we're raising money for the Stephen Lewis Foundation as part of the Dare Campaign! It almost seems as though the HIV/AIDS panemic has been put on the back burner in terms of the public consciousness, even though there are millions and millions of orphans in sub-Saharan Africa being raised, if tey're lucky, by a sibling or a grandmother. HIV/AIDS is still a brutal reality and that's why the SLF talks about "turning the tide of AIDS in Africa". When my wife and I visited Ethiopia to adopt our boys in '08, that part of the world became very close to our hearts. The trip also showed us very dramatically what a seemingly small amount of money can do when in the hands of certain grassroots organizations.Please join us in making a tremendous difference in the lives of those on the frontlines who are turning the tide of the pandemic in their communities.

WHERE: On the beautiful Kalamalka Lake, Vernon B.C., and very kindly hosted by the Kalavida Surf Shop in Vernon.

WHEN: June 3rd and 4th

ALSO: If you're a SUP'er, or paddler of some kind, make a donation here online or on the day of the event, and join us for part of the trip!We'd love the company and the whole point is to raise money for the SLF so DONATE and come out if you can!

The money we raise will go directly to support the inspiring transformation in sub-Saharan Africa, where community-based organizations are working to turn the tide of AIDS. To make a donation, please click on the Donate button above the thermometer. It’s simple, fast and totally secure and will make such a difference to the incredible African women and men who rise to meet the challenges of the pandemic with extraordinary acts of courage, ingenuity, determination, and strength in their communities. So please dig deep and donate now. Thank you!

More information at thedaredevils.ca

And here's a summary of the film and its importance within BC's SUP community...

STAND, presented by Quiksilver Waterman is an independent, cinematic and controversial ocean sports film that sheds light on the threat of an oil spill on BC's west coast as a result of the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline and tanker route.

Visually stunning, the film follows the journey of professional, expedition stand-up paddle-boarder, Norm Hann, as he paddles the 350km east coast of Haida Gwaii, directly adjacent to the proposed tanker route through Hecate Strait. Narrated by Hann, the film highlights the natural beauty and diversity of the marine and terrestrial environment.

Also speaking out about the proposal is a Heiltsuk Grade 12 woodworking class building their own cedar stand-up paddle-boards as a means of connecting with their traditional territories and protest. Construction of the students' paddle-boards coincided with the Bella Bella Joint Review Panel hearings where 11 students participated in a 48 hour hunger strike—a radical gesture.

Joining Hann is surfing icon and Tofino-native, Raph Bruhwiler. Bruhwiler demonstrates the lifestyle and connection to the coast that many on Vancouver Island maintain and highlights how the proposal's potential affects are not limited to BC's North and Central Coast, but would alter an entire west coast way of life.

STAND traverses the Great Bear Rainforest, Haida Gwaii and Vancouver Island, portraying the diversity of people, landscapes and wildlife that would be threatened by an oil spill one paddle stroke at a time.

“One part surf, one part nature, and one part environmental documentary, STAND doesn't fit into a traditional category of film,” says Hann. “We wanted people to feel like they are truly experiencing this special place that is, in fact, quite difficult to access yet highly threatened.”

“We hope to offer an insight in the culture, landscape and freedom of the west coast, and along the way raise awareness about what is at stake,” says co-director Nicolas Teichrob.

Leveraging the popular crowd-funding platform, IndieGoGo.com, STAND raised over $12,000 from the public to supplement sponsorship contributions.

Presented by Quiksilver Waterman Supported by Ikelite USA, Wefi Surfboards, The Escape Route, Pacific Wild and Boardworks Surf Canada.

Additional support provided by SBC Surf, Coast Mountain Culture, the Dogwood Initiative, Soul Haven Sailing, Mountain Surf Adventures and Tofino Surf Adventures.

Facebook page: fb.com/standfilm

Visit standfilm.com to find a show near you or for more information about hosting a screening of Stand.

It loosely follows the shaping process with independent shaper in Victoria, Jason Heinz mentoring a younger upstart. At just under 13 minutes, the growth and popularity of SUP in Canada and, specifically, on Vancouver Island, is addressed as well as what it means to support local surfing.

Check out the segment at GlobalTV.com!

The 18-km freshwater lake is enjoyed by all types of water sports both motorized and human powered and as public usage increases, so do the challenges of keeping it clean and safe.  Kalavida is an ongoing partner with SPrKL and is proud to help protect and preserve what many consider one of the best places to paddle in the region. Many of the local paddle boarders are members of the society and act as ambassadors throughout the year.

“With an increase in SUP activity on the lake, we felt it was our responsibility to take a proactive approach” said Michelle Mitchell of Kalavida. “Our shop is right across from Kal Beach which allows us to monitor it daily throughout the busy months.”  The SUP community as a whole continues to dedicate efforts to a variety of environmental causes - A group that includes two of Kalavida’s own ambassadors; Bob Purdy (Paddle for the Planet) and Norm Hann (Standup for Greatbear). The annual donation has doubled each year since 2010 and was raised through a variety of events including the Kalamalka Classic SUP Festival – An event recognized as the largest Standup Paddleboard event in Canada.  For more details about SPrKL and Kalavida, visit their websites at www.spkl.ca and www.kalavidasurfshop.com.

For 2012, Bob is planning an even bigger follow up with World Paddle for the Planet Day, with the main event scheduled for Lake Powell near Panama City in Florida!

And be sure to check out Bob's interview with Leslie at supradioshow.com!

Here's the word from Bob...

Bob Purdy from “Paddle for the Planet” and Leslie Kolovich from the “SUP Radio Show” are pleased to announce “World Paddle for the Planet Day 2013”!

Once again we will be inviting paddlers around the Planet to paddle for the change they would like to see in 2013! It’s easy, wherever you are in the World, pick a change you would like to see environmentally, socially or economically. Paddle for that change on “World Paddle for the Planet Day” and then commit to it until it becomes reality! Last year’s paddle generated a lot of changes for the Planet, everything from banning plastic bottles in a kayak touring company, to Beach cleanups, to a SUP instructor course to share the SUP stoke, to donations made to the “David Suzuki Foundation”.
You are also invited to join Bob for his personal paddle that Leslie will be hosting on Lake Powell near Panama City Beach in Florida. Bob will paddle for 24 hours straight beginning at noon on October 12th! Paddle all 24 hours, or create a relay team to help us send a “SUP Wave of Change around the World”!

In addition to the 24 hour paddle, Bob and Leslie have created a summit of the World’s top “Planet Paddlers” and “Planet Changers” over the weekend of October 10-13th, 2013. These are people who are really making a difference and influencing change in the World. The summit will create a forum to discuss ways to come together and send a stronger message of change to benefit the Planet. Many of these amazing people have projects that are inspirational and will be showcased during the expo to be held the same weekend! The summit and expo will be a great way to get motivated and discover ways to “Change the Way we live on the Planet”! Come and get inspired!

Dr. David Suzuki has done a lot to “Change the Way we live on the Planet”. Again this year you can donate to the “Foundation” that bears his name, just visit www.paddlefortheplanet.ca and find the donate link. Our target is $100,000 and every penny you donate will go to the “David Suzuki Foundation”!
We would love to see you in Florida October 10-13th! If you are not able to make it there, plan an event in your part of the World! One person is the difference, stand up and be that person! Together we can send a “SUP Wave of Change around the World”!...

Visit and like our new “Paddle for the Planet” facebook page, for more info. You can also contact Bob at bobpurdy365@gmail.com!

Short Course

Looks like the weather is going to cooperate this year, so be sure to register early to save the ten bucks.

And while we're at it, here's a recap from last year's event.

Be there... More information here!

Huge props go out to Gary Parsons, Kevin O'Brien, Mike Darbyshire, Stu Robinson, and everyone else that helped make the BC SUP Cup happen... Next year has a big reputation to live up to!

12345►

The event weekend started off with a Kalama Klinic by Dave Kalama on Friday morning at Telford Lake in Leduc, AB. A dozen SUP paddlers were fortunate enough to have almost 5 hours of dry land and on water coaching from Dave. Everyone commented on how much they improved.

Saturday morning was the River Race & Tour - on the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton, AB.

The racers met at Laurier Park for their shuttle ride up the river to Terwilliger Park - where they started shortly before 10:00 AM. The race distance of 15.5 km featured 29 paddlers.

Right off the start the lead pack of 6 paddlers jumped out to an early lead. The pack featured Warren Currie (event organizer), Howie Ewashko, Kristian Pearson, Des Ross, Mike Darbyshire, and Dave Kalama).

As the lead racers approached Laurier Park on the river the Touring Class entrants joined in for their 9 km paddle to the finish at Rafters Landing. The Touring class featured 35 paddlers from age 13 to 62.

As the race pack strung out - it was Dave Kalama and Mike Darbyshire taking the lead all the way to the finish, with Howie Ewashko in 3rd, Kristian Pearson in 4th, Des Ross 5th over all and 1st in 12'6" and Warren Currie coming in 6th overall.

The Women's division was won by Diane Wenzel who made the trek up from SoCal for the event.

The Juniors race class was won by 14 year old Griffin Currie.

Once all the paddlers were safe and sound at Rafters Landing - the shuttle vehicles were loaded up for the trip back to Laurier Park. The BBQ and Awards went on for several hours with everyone having a great time and talking about the event.  The Burgers were a big hit (Thanks for pulling Chef duties Ron).  Then came the draw prizes.  Well over $12,000 worth of product was given away by draw.  A HUGE Thank You to all of the Sponsors of the event.

Next on the itinerary was the Canadian Premiere of the SUP Surf movie H2indO on Saturday evening. Approximately 50 people came out for the showing of this awesome movie - that had Dave Kalama in attendance - and signing copies of the movie at the end.

Sunday, the final day, was the World's only Indoor SUP Surf Contest. Thirty entrants were up early to tackle the wave pool at West Edmonton Mall.

The Mens Final was taken by Mike Darbyshire - crowing him the Overall Champion for the weekend.

Diane Wenzel took the Women's Surf title - also giving here the Women's Overall Championship.

And Griffin Currie took the Juniors Surf final - and the Juniors Overall Champion.

In order to maximize time in the Wave Pool (and allow everyone a 20 minute session at the end) - the awards and yet more draw prizes were handed out in the parking lot of the mall.

Thank you to all that helped out with the event - It would not have happened

with out the support of the Industry and the volunteers.

The series kicked-off in Deep Cove with the Tour de Indian Arm and then moved to the Okanagan for the Kalamalka SUP Festival in Vernon.  Next up was the first ever surf race in Canada held at MacKenzie Beach in Tofino and those three events have now set up the athletes for an intense showdown at the finals.

To make the series accessible to as many athletes as possible, the top score from any one of the three BC SUP CUP races plus the BC SUP CUP Finale’ are combined for year-end scores and awards.  To qualify for a year-end ranking and award, athletes must attend and compete in the final race.  BC SUP CUP titles will awarded at the final race along with other awards and sponsor prizes.

Year end titles to be awarded:

14’ Competitive Men

14’ Competitive Women

12’6” Competitive Women

12’6” Competitive Men

Junior Men (18 & Under)

Junior Women (18 & Under)

12’2” & Under Surfboard Women

12’2” & Under Surfboard Men

An exciting season SUP Racing is set to conclude so be sure to check out the action and watch for results on Sunday afternoon.  See their website for details - http://www.vancouversuprace.com/

About the Organizers: Special thanks to Gary Parsons, Kevin O’Brien, Mike Darbyshire and Stuart Robinson – The respective race organizers from the various events and the crew who brought the series to life.  Plans for the 2013 BC SUP CUP series are already in the works so stay tuned for more news.

POINTS* STANDINGS – BEST PLACING OF THREE RACES

(*WPA Points system in use – Tie Breaker is the final race for standings) 

Competitive Men 12’6             Points                                                                            

1.          Norm Hann                                         500

2.          Stuart Robinson                                500

3.          Adam Cole                                          500

4.          Dan Gavere                                        375

5.          Tim Quarles                                        375

6.          Mike Darbyshire                               275

7.          Mike Clarke                                        275

8.          Barry O'Donohoe                             200

9.          Yannick Michaud                              200

10.      Beau Whitehead                              160

11.      Guillaume St-Louis                          160

12.      Mat Lawson                                       160

13.      Kelvin Humenny                               125

14.      Garth Day                                            125

15.      Dion Maxwell                                    125

16.      Matt Abbott                                       100

17.      Taylor Fulde                                       100

18.      Dave Billanner                                   100

19.      Patrick Aio                                           80

20.      Brian Raymer                                     80

21.      Andrew Robinson                            80

22.      Lee Atkinson                                      65

23.      Mike Matto                                        65

24.      Corey Lotnick                                     50

25.      Gary Parsons                                     49

26.      Eric Raume                                          48

27.      Dave Billinness                                  45

28.      Jason Lexa                                          47

29.      David Jianu                                         47

30.      Bob Purdy                                           46

31.      Rob Porter                                          46

32.      Dwayne Lotnick                                45

33.      Kristian Pearson                               43

34.      Garry Rathbone                                42

35.      Ian Nelson                                          41

36.      Neil Gilson                                          40

37.      Glen Woodruff                                 39

38.      Stefan Idzan                                       38

39.      Pascal Sutherland                            37

40.      Rob Hobbs                                          36

Women 12’6 Competitive                     Points

1.          Shannon Bell Parsons                     500

2.          Sheila Sovereign                               500

3.          Nikki Gregg                                         375

4.          Heidi Maddess                                  375

5.          Lyndsay Kay                                       275

6.          Jennifer Lawson                               275

7.          Karly Kox                                             200

8.          Gulia Capelli                                       200

9.          Cindy Wright                                      125

10.      Jennifer Forbes                                80

Men 14’ Competitive                               Points

1.          Norm Hann                                         500

2.          Owen Brown                                     500

3.          Dan Gavere                                        375

4.          Beau Whitehead                              375

5.          John Hunter                                       375

6.          Mike Darbyshire                               275

7.          Yannick Michaud                              200

8.          Kelvin Humenny                               160

9.          Matt Abbott                                       160

10.      Dion Maxwell                                    100

11.      Dave Billinness                                  100

12.      Kristian Pearson                               80

13.      Scott Siemens                                   65

14.      Greig Gjerdalen                                65

15.      Glenn Woodruff                               50

16.      David Jianu                                         49

17.      Scott Robertson                               49

18.      Rob Porter                                          48

19.      Mitchell Santaga                               48

20.      Corey Lotnick                                     47

21.      Bob Purdy                                           47

22.      Dwayne Lotnick                                46

23.      Kim Dolezar                                        45

24.      Michael Von Hahn                           43

25.      Stefan Idzan                                       42

26.      Jeremy Shelton                                41

27.      John Brisco                                         40

14’ Women Competitive                        Points

1.          Shannon Bell Parsons                     500

2.          Cindy Wright                                      500

3.          Nikki Gregg                                         375

4.          Heidi Maddess                                  275

12’ Surfboard Men                   Points

1.          Paul Brewer                                       500

2.          Caleb Goodwin                                 500

3.          Brian Raymer                                     375

4.          Tyson Moffat                                     375

5.          Melvin Palmiano                              375

6.          Michael Serani                                  275

7.          Jon Parris                                             275

8.          Todd Horn                                           275

9.          Blaine Hendry                                    200

10.      Pascal Rungoni                                  160

11.      Ross McKerlick                                  125

12.      Derrick St-Amour                             200

13.      John Capelli                                        160

12’ Surfboard Women                             Points

1.          Viki Nielsen                                        500

2.          Lysanne Larigne                                500

3.          Sara King                                              375

4.          Catherine Salinas                             375

5.          Sabine Petit                                        275

6.          Marie Claire Gravel                         275

7.          Kim Hall                                                200

8.          Ariana Nye                                          160

Junior Men                                         Points

1.          Eli Fischbuch                                       500

2.          Dustin Raume                                      500

3.          Logon McKerlick                               375

4.          Carsten Matto                                   375

5.          Zachary Goo                                       275

6.          Josh West                                           275

7.          Trevor Pruden                                   200

8.          Ryan West                                          160

Junior Women                                  Points

1.          Kylie Good                                          500

Here's Get Out There Magazine's video recap of the 2012 event...

• 4 x 400 Relay (no stepping over the white line now…)
• SUP Javelin
• with a paddle
• Beach Volleyball
• Discus Throw (on a board)
• Paddle Ping Pong
• SUP Jousting (new SUP Olympic sport)
• Freestyle SUP (judged event….. oh oh)

PLUS - The SUP City Challenge Cup: Kamloops vs. Vernon vs. Kelowna, etc…..

ENTRY FEE: $20 per person
INCLUDES: All events, ONE Prize ticket for free paddleboard, food, snacks, heckling
PRIZES:
One lucky winner will go home with a brand new paddleboard – cool eh? Plus, we’ll have a bunch of other cool draw prizes too.
HOW TO WIN THE BOARD: You get a free entry ticket with registration. Then you also get another ticket everytime you win an event. Most events involve a degree of ‘luck’ as well as skill…

SO MANY MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW, in the meantime, get your TEAM OF 4 from your hometown/city together now!

Dimensions are 14'ft long, a fairly narrow 26" wide, and 4 3/4 thick, and weighs in at 34 pounds, which is surprisingly light for an all wood construction board.

Take a look at some pics of the final result...

And here's a gallery of images documenting the build process. Time consuming, but incredibly rewarding I'm sure..

12►

After the smooth and beautiful 8 hr drive from Hood River up the HI 97 through Washington and across the border I found myself in a climate zone very similar to my home in Hood River, Mtn’s, foothills, and beautiful glacial valley ripe with wineries, orchards, and fresh produce. I was happy to be in a land of vitality and after all I was pretty much following the path of the Columbia River. It had been raining a lot lately and the weather has been stuck between spring and summer so everything was electric green and the rivers and creeks were flowing chock full of water.

Saturday morning would start out with a course race of 5 laps for about an approx. 5 mile total distance.  The horn went off and I quickly found myself battling it out in a full on sprint to the first buoy and I had company.  Getting there in the #3 position was not my plan, but I stuck to my line and battled it out with 2 other super strong Starboard Canadian Team members Stuart Robinson and Mike Darbyshire.

We paced out for a few seconds so we could get into a rhythm and get our breathing back under control.  My eyes were bulging and heart was pumping after the 200 meter sprint, my heart rate was at 170bpm and I needed to mellow out if I was going to make it the whole way.  I had a good position but 1^st place seemed to be stretching his lead out.  Stuart Robinson and I paddled together with Mike Darbyshire trading positions at nearly every buoy on the first lap.  The 3 of us jockied for position on the 6 turn course coming into the beach virtually side by side.

The short run jacked my heart rate up but I knew a good beach start to the 2^nd lap could get me the advantage I needed.  I sprinted for my board and made a chancy but good call and literally ran up the back of the board into position and w/o a missing a stroke got the hole shot and 2^nd place position.  I knew these guys were on my tail and three of us continued to trade paint and grunts at the turns.

Meanwhile as we battled it out Norm Hann stretched his lead out undisturbed or contested for the whole race.  So it was a battle for 2^nd, and battle it would be with several more lead changes amongst our group of 3 until the last lap where I told myself.  “enough screwing around Dan dig deep and pull away” and with that internal voice that is just what I did putting a few board lengths between myself, Stew and Mike on the final 300 meters to the beach.  These are some fit and tough competitors so I was happy to have hit the beach first amongst us 3 but it was literally seconds that separated us. I knew there were some formidable paddlers in BC but this much competition was impressive and surprising.

Next was the sprints and I thought maybe I might have an advantage in the this event but that was obviously not the case after tseeing the level of paddlers in the course race.  I would need perfect starts, a perfect turn and some serious anaerobic endurance to win this event which would take being top 2 out of 4 in several qualifying heats. I won every heat going into the final which was no surprise to see Stuart and Mike on the start line.  The whistle sounded and I had the worst start I had all day putting me in 3 as we neared the turn buoy.

I had to dig deep and started to make my move when I noticed Stew going for a right turn around the buoy, meanwhile Mike and were going left turn around the same buoy!  UH OH something was going to happen here and it was a bit of a roll of the dice but I came around just a smidgen sooner to cut Stuart off his board was forced to turn 180 degrees in the wrong direction via my chins I as I came around to complete my turn and hopefully catch Mike for the win.  I apologized to Stuart very quickly as I choked down and sprinted for the beach.  It was too little too late and I would take another 2^nd, and Mike Darbyshire would take the much deserved win after a perfect start kept him out front the whole race.

The camaraderie was almost as thick as the humidity and then the clouds opened up for a torrential downpour only to let up just before the evening festivities were to begin.  I killed the time with a hot tub poach and a micro name in my OSV Blackbox Van.  I was happy with 2 second place finishes for the day but my muscles were still achy and I needed some fuel to get my body ready for the 10 mile distance race the next day.

I was currently tied for 1^st in the overall with Mike so all I had to do is get to the beach before him or so I thought?  There was a complicated scoring system for the overall title but I figured all I had to do was make sure I hit the beach before Mike for the win after all that is what the announcer said.  Note to self-never believe everything you hear, especially if it’s the announcer…  We ate some seriously tasty grinds and enjoyed the sounds of Andrew Allen who is, by the way, a total badass and will be a huge star someday.  Even has a top 40 hit but you would never know to us he seemed like just another fit SUP Paddler, however when you hear him play and sing you know he has a special gift.  AMAZING!

Upon awaking in my van on Sunday morning it was off to the coffee shop for my traditional 4 shot start to the day.  The coffee shop was chock full of SUP racers and it was obvious there was some serious caffeine fanatics and paddling fanatics that have found something in common-STIMULANTS that wake you up and make you have to poop are good for racing SUP’s.

The start of the race would actually be in a different lake than Kalmalka, but the way the valley is around this area meant it was really a string of lake in the valley connected by short little rivers and creeks.  We would start at Omaya Lake and then cut through a 300 meter connector creek and into Lake Kalmalka.  This meant a beach start and then a 200 meter sprint to the first turn buoy which was a 200 degree left turn!  This was concerning because I wanted to be the first one there and that meant a good turn, only one little problem!

The board I was on being 23 inches wide I would have to go slow and easy as to not hit the drink.  I figured no prob I will be all by myself right?  WRONG, as we started and jumped to our boards I was in a dead even horse racing sprinting 100% to the first buoy.  I was already tasting a little of everything I had eaten that morning and we were only 20 seconds into a 10 mile race!

My heart rate soared to 170bpm but I kept the pace and made sure to not make any paddle switches all the way to the buoy and through the turn which got me a brief hole shot but to my left I could see the “oil rig” pumping past me and no surprise either to see it was Norm Hann.  He wanted the lead and wanted to put a exclamation on it by pulling hard for the first mile.  We were averaging 6.4 mph and I was gassing.  I would need to settle into a pace SOON!

Beau Whitehead and I fell into a drafting team trying to reel Norm back but he was stretching it out and I knew if he got any farther ahead I would never have a chance to contest him for a possible win.  I had to go NOW.

I found that it was impossible to catch him from directly behind because my board would get stuck in his making it very difficult to climb the bumps his wake created.  So I cut out to the side and rode some of the diagonal wake bump to the side and then had to sprint into the next trough then comeback into a drafting position.  It took me 2 or 3 circuits of this and after about 15 minutes I was on him like a hungry Canadian on free bacon!  I had to stick with him and create a game plan this guy was fast and we were pacing out pretty quick for a ten miler.

Our moving average for the first 3 miles was 6.1 mph.  We were cranking and I was sweating.  There were rumors of tail winds and downwinders but these remaind elusive notions as we paddled into a 5-7 knot headwind!  There would be no downwinding, gliding, or getting any external assistance for the paddle.  This was head down flat water grinding and it could easily come down to another sprint to the beach.  We were at 3 miles and starting to catch some of the other classes that started before us.  I had to be careful because I was in a terminal state of misbalance and putting in the hardest stroke I could with each pull.  Reach, pull, breathe, reach pull breathe reach pull breathe that’s about all I could think about for a solid hr as we raced, drafted, and changed up the lead a few times.

The water was glassy now and we could start to see the finish line buoys.  I could see a few hesitations in Norm's stroke and each time I would take over the lead he would answer with some serious efforts to get it back.  We were going to have a nose to nose horse race to the finish and I was stoked to be in the moix for the win.  Darbyshire was way back there so I was happy to know I had the overall win and hopefully a little $ for my efforts.

With a mile left Norn and I put in our greatest effort of the race maintaining 6.35 MHP all the way to the finish.  Unfortunatly I tried to make my move too early and gasses out with a mere 300 meters to go.  I dug and dug but Norm had 3 board lengths on me and there wasn’t enough distance left to get the win.  I still put in a good hard pull to the beach and virtually collapsed upon my arrival back to earth and my weary legs felt like rubber bands.

Norm and I gasped, hugged and celebrated with some kind words for each other.  It was an intense 1 hr and 40 minute battle that had us both stoked out of our minds.  A few minutes later and still hyperventilating I cheered in my USA NW Teammate Beau Whitehead for a strong 3^rd place finish.

That is when I heard the news from the announcer stating Norm had taken the oerall win!  I was like WTF?  But after understanding how the complicated points system worked I realized I had made possibly a 500.00 mistake by not paddling and trying to win the 12.6 which may not have been any easier to win, but had I won I would have taken the King of the Beach Title.

Oh well runner up works but I can't honestly say I was stoked to find this out.  So I found a glass of water and pured it on my head in route to locate a beer.  After all it was Canada and beer flows like water from the taps so it only took a few seconds before my lips were graced with the magical post race elixir of joy.

Along with the disgust and frustration in myself for giving up the overall win on the water this tasty Canadian beverage washed all the negativity away and I was simply super stoked to be in the “mix” for the title.

As the 60 or so competitors arrived at the beach we cheered and clapped until the very last of the paddlers arrived after an epic journey which I learned for several was one of their first SUP paddles!  You could see it on their faces as they hit the beach elated to not only be done with such an epic accomplishment but also know they could even complete something that difficult.

Photo Credits: Nikki Rekman Sales and Catherine Salinas

12►

Here are the results of Tofino 2012, and afterwards, a photogallery by Adam DeWolfe from GotSurf.ca!

Men's 12.6

• 1st Stuart Robinson
• 2nd Norm Hann
• 3rd Mike Darbyshire

Men's Surf

• 1st Caleb Goodwin
• 2nd Melvin Palmiano
• 3rd Todd Horn

Men's 14'

• 1st Owen Brown
• 2nd John Hunter

Women's Surf

• 1st Lysanne Larigne
• 2nd Catherine Salinas
• 3rd Marie Claire Gravel

Women's 12' 6

• 1st Sheila Sovereign
• 2nd Heidi Maddess
• 3rd Jennifer Lawson -

Youth

• 1st Dustin Raume
• 2nd - Carsten Matto
• 3rd Josh West

Groms

• 1st Freddy Stanford
• 2nd Barkley Ahier
• 3rd Sage Heyer

and as promised, now some photos from the event!

12►

For 2012, the event's organizers Kalavida Surf Shop have developed the Kalamalka Classic into a full blown festival, with a variety of events spread over six days (June 19-24) around the Vernon BC area.

The organizers behind the 2012 Kalamalka Classic SUP Festival are stoked to announce the complete event schedule and list of sponsors for their 3^rd annual Standup Paddleboard Festival.  The fast-growing event is staged June 19-24 on the colourful waters of Kalamalka Lake and expected to attract more than 150 paddlers from across North America and serve up more than $4,000 in prize money and awards.

Staged on one of Canada’s most pristine and scenic lakes, The ‘Kal Classic’ serves up a mix of races and events for all ages in both recreational and competitive classes, including several just for kids. It’s a great chance to try out a race or two and test out some great new gear from the various sponsors.  The recreational classes are open to everyone who wants to get their feet wet without any pressure for performance. And for those competitive types, they have the honour of competing for the title of King and Queen of Kalamalka – An exciting 3-event race format that promises to showcase the versitality of the sport.  On Saturday evening, athletes, friends and family can enjoy a casual evening with dinner, slide show and music with Vernon’s own Andrew Allan – right across from the beach next to Kalavida’s original shop.

We’re excited to have support from within the industry with Co-Sponsorship support from Quiksilver, Naish and Starboard along with a host of vendors who will be active in the SUP Demo Zone throughout the weekend – If you’re interested in the sport, you can visit the Demo Zone and demo boards throughout the weekend. To compliment the industry group, we are proud to announce partnerships with VantageOne Credit Union and Nature’s Fare Markets who are both committed to developing strong and healthy communities.  VantageOne is supporting the many volunteers who keep the event running smoothly and Nature’s Fare has teamed up with Kalavida to help promote the sport and healthy pursuits.

It’s a full blown festival with 6 days of events and activities for everyone. Festivities kick off on Tuesday, June 19^th with a SUP with your PUP social which promises to be very entertaining.  On Wednesday it’s Wahine night featuring Nikki Gregg , Thursday is Norm Hann’s Skills clinic and the Surf n’ SUP movie night at the Vernon Town Cinema, and then the highly anticipated SUP and SIP paddle to Bishops Wild Bird Sanctuary runs Friday evening.

Proceeds from the event go to support SPrKL – The Society for the Protection of Kalamalka Lake.  Their efforts help preserve the health of Vernon’s drinking water and create awareness for the local environment – Keep Kal Lake Blue!  Live updates will be available throughout the weekend on OKSUP.com, Paddlesurf.ca followed by post-event coverage in various magazines and internet sites.

Here's a quick event summary:

• Tuesday June 19: SUP with a PUP
• Wednesday June 20: Wahine Night with Nikki Gregg
• Thursday June 21: Skill Clinic with Norm Hann and Surf/SUP Movie Night
• Friday June 22: SIP and SUP to Bishops Bird Sanctuary and Late Registration
• Saturday June 23: Short Courses / Sprint Showdown / Free Demos
• Sunday June 24: The Kalamalka Crossing -  Long Course

See full details and register at www.kalamalkaclassic.com.

About the Organizer

The folks at Kalavida Surf Shop are the primary organizers for the event and their commitment to promoting the sport through this event, and various others, have helped develop one of the strongest SUP communities in the country – right here in the Okanagan.  As the event grows, so does their network of volunteers so make sure to recognize the many people who help put on Canada’s largest (and funnest) SUP festival.  Paddle on!

Bob Purdy paddling Lake Okanagan (photo: Joan Vienot/SUP Radio Show)

Those familiar with stand up paddleboarding in Canada and this site are probably familiar with the name Bob Purdy and his Paddle for the Planet initiative.

For those that aren't, let's bring you up to speed! Bob has been stand up paddling every single day since January 1, 2011... Through rain, sleet, snow, ice and wind, he's been out there every single day for the past year and a half, stand up paddling  to help raise funds and awareness for the protection of our planet through the David Suzuki Foundation.

Bob also recently pearheaded an effort to have Transport Canada recognize the standup paddleboard as a suitable safety alternative when combined with use of a worn board leash. While this initiative still has a ways to go, at the very least he's managed to get the attention of key decision makers, and the dialog is now underway.

Adding to his impressive portfolio, this past Saturday June 16th, Bob completed an epic 19 hour SUP journey  along the entire length of Lake Okanagan. Yep, that's right... From Penticton to Kelowna to Vernon. That's ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY FIVE kilometres (80+ miles) in a single day!

To put this into perspective, that's like paddling from Vancouver to Nanaimo, then back to Vancouver, then heading back to Nanaimo once more. I realize lake conditions are typically tamer than what you'd find out in the open ocean, but any way you slice it, this was once heck of a paddle! And what made it even more impressive, is he picked right up the next day and continued his daily paddle routine!

Bob Purdy and his support crew (photo: Joan Vienot/SUP Radio Show)

The journey kicked off before sunrise in Penticton with grey skies and light rains, and gradually changed throughout the day. Some brightening of the skies, some headwinds, a bit more rain, and some tailwinds later on all made for an interesting day on the water.

Leslie Kolovich and Joan Vienot from the SUP Radio Show in Seaside, Florida accompanied Bob on the journey, and kept everyone up to date through Facebook. Leslie will also be writing a piece for the Stand Up Journal... Watch for it later this year!

Thanks also go out to Rayburns Marine in Kelowna for providing a support boat for the expedition.

Way to go Bob, you are truly inspiring!