Surftech

Battle of the Paddle: Hawaii (June 12 & 13, 2010)

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

 

Rainbow Sandals, Gerry Lopez present the 2010 Battle of the Paddle Hawaii, coming this June 12 & 13, 2010 at Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Ft. DeRussy Beach Park.

Additional sponsors include Surftech, Patagonia, Longboard Island Lager and Duke's.

If you can make it over to Oahu for this event, by all means GO! The Battle of the Paddle is widely known as THE Stand Up Paddleboard race/gathering/all around good times event, and I'm sure the new Hawaiian event will easily live up to the high standard set by the original event held for the past few years at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, California. Be sure to check out Bodie Shandro's (of Surftech/Kialoa) recap of the 2009 event. if you need any further convincing that this is a top notch event!

Be sure to check out the video's after the press release...

Now come celebrate the modern waterman’s lifestyle at the Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle Hawaii: a stand-up paddle festival and exposition that includes a series of races and demonstrations for all ages and skill levels. Battle of the Paddle Hawaii invites you to be part of the exciting rebirth of the sport that began right here in Waikiki.

Staged at historic Duke Kahanamoku Beach at Ft. DeRussy, June 12 & 13, the Battle of the Paddle is more than an ordinary paddle race. For the sport’s elite paddlers it presents the greatest championship styled SUP race as well as the sport’s largest cash purse of over $25,000.

There is also an Open Age-Group race, relay races, as well as FREE kids races. At the last Battle of the Paddle in California, the Open Age-Group Race had the largest SUP field ever assembled. The Hawaii race is promising to be even bigger, so come and be a part of history in the making.

New to stand-up paddling? Check out the free SUP Expo. Meet the world’s best shapers and manufacturers, and check out this summer’s hottest designs and innovations. There’ll be a rainbow of boards and paddles available for you to trial free of charge.

Immerse yourself in the local culture and community. Kanalu will be on site shaping ancient style surfboards and providing cultural education and a surfboard history exhibit. Na Kama Kai will also be there with their ocean awareness program, children’s activities and free kids SUP races throughout the weekend.

Everyone who enters The Battle of the Paddle Hawaii will receive a free pair of Rainbow Sandals, event tee and lunch. A special welcoming event and aloha concert will be hosted by Quiksilver on Friday evening, June 11, featuring local musicians. Event proceeds will directly benefit the Hawaiian Community.

Whether you’re racing for the prize or just want to get your feet in the waters of SUP for the first time, The Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle Hawaii is the perfect way to experience the rich tradition of Hawaii’s original surf lifestyle. (Full schedule of events here)

Battle of the Paddle Hawaii

Battle of the Paddle Hawaii, Elite Race

Battle of the Paddle Hawaii, Community

Battle of the Paddle Hawaii, Distance Race

Battle of the Paddle Hawaii, Kid's Activities

Chuck Patterson WIns 2010 Surftech SUP Shootout

Posted on: April 1st, 2010 by Paddle Surf No Comments

 

Chuck Patterson claimed top honors at the 2010 Surftech SUP Shootout at the Lane a couple weeks ago in March.

Chuck Patterson (Dana Point, CA), won the 2nd Annual Surftech SUP Shootout at the Lane over event rookie Zane Schweitzer (Lahaina, HI), Michael Roberts (Pacific Grove, CA) and pro kiteboarder Peter Trow (Central Coast, CA) to take out his second Surftech Shootout victory in as many years.

Patterson has emerged as one of stand up paddling’s premier over-all athletes alongside Australia’s Jamie Mitchell, Hawaii’s Slater Trout and a host of other elite paddlers. Chuck’s proven his athleticism by winning prestigious races such as the 2008 Rainbow Sandals Battle of the Paddle, he’s one of the leading stand up paddle big wave riders (Chuck was the first paddler to charge the Cortez Bank this winter) and he showed all who were at Steamer Lane on Santa Cruz’s notorious Westside this weekend, that he is one of the world’s best in waves of any size.

In a final that saw consistent double overhead plus sets rolling through Middle Peak, competitors had to decide whether to attempt to pick off the Middle Peak bombs or opt for the lined-up bowls at the Slot. “The Lane was a World Class wave this weekend!” exclaimed Patterson “These guys were ripping and really pushing the levels of waveriding today. After each wave, I’d paddle back out and see guys just killing it.”

“The Surftech Shootout was awesome this weekend.” said runner-up Zane Schweitzer “You couldn’t ask for better conditions. It was solid 5′-6′ Hawaiian out there today. I’m so stoked! Thanks to Surftech for putting on such a great event”

Pro kiteboarder, Peter Trow decided to enter the contest at the last minute. “This was my first SUP contest so I’m really stoked I decided to come up. The waves were great”

“The Surftech Shootout is going to be on everyone’s calendar next year for sure.” commented Patterson “It was a very well run contest and the venue is unreal.”

Surftech SUP Shootout Final Results:
1 – Chuck Patterson
2 – Zane Schweitzer
3 – Michael Roberts
4 – Peter Trow

Surftech SUP Shootout Semi Final Results:
Heat 1 – Peter Trow 54, Michael Roberts 51, Ed Guzman 41, Seth Dow 33
Heat 2 – Chuck Patterson 60, Zane Schweitzer 59, John Griffith 55, Mike Vaughn 49

More Surftech Models Announced for 2010

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

 

Further to our initial announcement regarding Surftech's 2010 SUP line up, we've now received an addendum to the original catalog, which includes a number of fresh new boards, including the 12'6 Mitcho designed by Adrian Birse, a brand new 12'6 Bark Competitor, three new Donald Takayama shapes, a 12'5 Mickey Munoz, an 11'6 Robert August, in addition to a new SUP Deck Rigging kit for Surftech boards built with factory inserts.

Check out the PDF here

March 26-28: Surftech 2nd Annual SUP Shootout at the Lane

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

 

March 3, 2010 (Santa Cruz, CA) - The stage is set for the 2nd Annual "Surftech SUP Shootout at the Lane", happening March 26th - 28th. It's been a record El Nino winter with pumping surf slamming the California coast week after week. The result of all this wave action (other than broken relationships & loss of jobs) is the massive sand bar that's developed along the cliffs at Steamer Lane!

Happening in conjunction with the Santa Cruz Surf Kayak Festival, for a few hours on the weekend of March 26-28 stand up paddlers will have Steamer Lane all to themselves! Pro level competitors can compete in the "Elite" division for prizes and bragging rights, while intermediate competitors who want to take advantage of the Lanes empty line-up can enter the "intermediate" division. The event will include more than $2,000 in prizes, Silent Auction, SUP demos and clinics, Manufacturer Expo and after parties.

2009 Surftech SUP Shootout Elite Results:
1ST PLACE - CHUCK PATTERSON  64 POINTS
2ND PLACE - JOHN GRIFFITH  62 POINTS
3RD PLACE - BRYCE SAEMON  57 POINTS (OWNING THE TIEBREAK)
4TH PLACE - WARD COFFEY  57 POINTS

For registration, contact:
George Phiripes - sup@surftech.com
or call 831-458-3648

Stand Up Paddleboard Fitness Training = paddlesurfitness

Posted on: March 2nd, 2010 by Paddle Surf No Comments

 

Stand Up Paddle Surfing is a sport whose roots run deep in ancient Hawaiian history. It is an amazing, fun new way to experience the abundance of BC’s lakes, rivers and coastlines! As a lifetime outdoor enthusiast, runner, paddler and surfer, I have never participated in a sport or activity that has offered such a rewarding all-around experience!

Stand Up Paddling is easy to learn, 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”!

Stand Up Paddling is a multi dimensional sport that promotes balance, strength, and endurance and is one of the best workouts for developing core strength and overall fitness. The benefits of such have been realized by professional athletes and weekend warriors alike, from alpine skiers, to triathletes!
paddlesurfitness concentrates on developing proper paddling technique to engage your entire body and to paddle with maximum power and efficiency. Dry land conditioning exercises are integrated into each session, providing a total body, high calorie burning fitness class. paddlesurfitness redefines total body fitness. Experience the future of “FUN” fitness training!

For information on introductory or fitness sessions please contact Bodie Shandro at 250 318-0722, or email bodie@surftech.com

2010 Surftech SUP Catalog Released

Posted on: March 2nd, 2010 by Paddle Surf 2 Comments

 

Surftech has just released their catalog for the 2010 season, and looks like a winner for sure.

Of particular interest is the Bark 14 Expedition for long distance flatwater touring, the Jamie Mitchell 9'8 for waveriding, and their brand new iSUP 10'6 Inflatable for whitewater and general toying around. Their new line up of Bamboozle Bamboo technology boards look pretty sweet too!

Click here to download the PDF version of the catalog.

Bodie Shandro named Kialoa’s Canadian Sales Manager and Surftech’s Canadian Brand Manager

Posted on: January 4th, 2010 by Paddle Surf No Comments

 

Bodie Shandro, who's editorial and photo work you've seen here on PaddleSurf.ca recently has been named Kialoa Paddles' Canadian Sales Manager, and Surftech's Canadian Brand Manager!

Congratulations Bodie, two great brands that are lucky to have your experience and stoke for Stand Up Paddleboarding!

Here's the official word from Surftech:

Surftech names Bodie Shandro Canadian Brand Manager

January 1 , 2010 (Santa Cruz, CA) – Surftech, the world’s largest manufacturer of surfboards, stand up paddleboards and accessories names Bodie Shandro, Canadian Brand Manager. Shandro’s appointment supports Surftech’s strategy to continue to lead the rapidly growing stand up paddle and surf markets. With 20 years of experience with such brands as O’Neill, Rip Curl, and Oxbow, Shandro recognizes the tremendous opportunity for Surftech from coast to coast. “In addition to a rapidly expanding core surf market, Canada is home to as many as two million inland lakes and rivers; SUP suddenly legitimizes the soul of surfing in all of us, regardless of how far we live from the ocean.” Partnering with Kamloops based NRI Distribution will ensure fast and cost effective deliveries and on-hand inventory. “By appointing Bodie Shandro as Surftech’s Canadian Brand Manager, we now have the opportunity to not only supply the overwhelming demand for our products in Canada but to also grow the brand in that region.” explains John Griffith, Surftech General Manager.

Surftech is the world’s largest manufacturer of surfboards boasting proprietary technologies such as Tuflite, TL2, ULTRAFLX, Softops, Wood Veneer and Blacktips, partnering with the most recognized shapers in the world including, Al Merrick, Gerry Lopez, Eric Arakawa, Donald Takayama, and Robert August. Pro surfers and watermen such as Kelly Slater, Timmy Reyes, Laird Hamilton, Jamie Mitchell, Josh Kerr, Joel Tudor, Shane Dorian, Sepp Bruhwiler and a huge array of world class athletes all put boards built by Surftech under their feet.

What is SUP?
Stand up paddling is the fastest growing water sport in the world. Stand up paddle surfing has come a long way from its roots where it was first used by Hawaii's famous beachboys.  Fast-forward to the late 90's when Laird Hamilton and a core community of extreme watermen re-introduced the sport of standup paddling as a phenomenal cross-training activity that kept them in the water regardless of conditions.

and from Kialoa Paddles:

Kialoa names Bodie Shandro Canadian Sales Manager

December 1, 2009 (Bend, OR) – Kialoa, leading manufacturer of high performance paddles names Bodie Shandro, Maverick Mountainworks Inc. Canadian Sales Manager. Shandro’s appointment to introduce Kialoa to the Canadian market stems from the demand of the rapidly growing stand up paddle surf market. With 20 years of experience in the surf and outdoor industries, Shandro recognizes the tremendous opportunity for Kialoa in Canada. “The simplicity and ease of stand up paddling on any body of water is destined to make SUP the fastest growing sport in the world! Kialoa’s designs address all three disciplines of the SUP market; surfing, fitness paddling and racing, ensuring the latest technology and performance regardless of your passion.” Partnering with Kamloops based NRI Distribution will ensure fast and cost effective deliveries and on-hand inventory.

About Kialoa
Eighteen years ago Dave Chun began building paddles on his parent’s lanai in Kailua, Hawaii. Driven by the need for performance equipment and the desire to “build the best paddles in the world,” Dave began blending Hawaiian craftsmanship with modern technology. Kialoa now sets the standard in full carbon-fiber stand up paddles built for the most demanding paddlers in the world, including Gerry Lopez, and Chuck Patterson.