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SUP the BVI: Fall 2015

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Water Words

Imagine ten spectacular days in the British Virgin islands this coming Fall. You can join Bodie Shandro (owner of PADDLESURFIT) for the October 25-November 4 trip. Bodie will captain the new MarineMax 484 power catamaran and you can be assured you’ll be in good hands. In addition to his sailing and navigation skills, Bodie is a Pro Certified Instructor, Trainer, Guide, and in addition to SUP paddling and surfing expertise he also leads Heli Ski and mountain bike adventures. (For more on Bodie Shandro see his website at PADDLESURFIT.com)

You will love cruising the islands on the new MarineMax 484 power catamaran. When the journey is just as important as the destination,choosing the right yacht and charter team is essential to your vacation experience. Built specifically to MarineMax specifications there is not a better equipped yacht in the charter industry. (Take a virtual tour of the 484 online at http://bit.ly/13b7swm)

Heading to the BVI with Bodie will connect your love of standup paddling with adventures in some of the most beautiful islands and waters in the world. You will love cruising the islands on the new MarineMax 484 power catamaran. When the journey is just as important as the destination, choosing the right yacht and charter team is essential to your vacation experience. Built specifically to MarineMax specifications there is not a better equipped yacht in the charter industry. (Take a virtual tour of the 484 online at http://bit.ly/13b7swm)

After a day exploring exquisite beaches, paddling among ancient rock formations and snorkeling pristine bays, your thoughts will turn to food and drinks. Bodie loves to eat – and eat well. Provisioning will be arranged and all guests will take part in preparing fresh and delicious meals ensuring you will be happily and fueled for more fun in the sun.

Built specifically to MarineMax specifications there is not a better equipped yacht in the charter industry. Some of the features include:

· Powered by 2×330 Volvo Pentas

· Commerical grade Spectra water maker

· Electric fresh water heads

· Electric aft lifting platform

· Electric BBQ and electric induction stove

· Double sun pad forward of the helm station

· Forward covered cockpit

· Wetbar on the fly bridge

· Enclosed stairway from the fly bridge to the galley

· 2×50 watt solar panels

· Engle cooler (my favorite part)

Take a virtual tour of the 484 online at http://bit.ly/13b7swm and see

Here are details on next season’s British Virgin Islands SUP Cruz.

Yacht Charter cost 2629.50
SUP, paddle & leash rental 190.00 Fuel (approximate) 170.00 Mooring fees 50.00
TOTAL 3039.50 US Each

Not included is airfare, airport transfers (which Bodie can arrange), food and drinks.

For more information: Contact Bodie Shandro (250-318-0722)

See proposed itinerary attached as well as our yacht details below.

SUP CRUZ in the British Virgin Islands

Paddle Some Play in Your Day

Posted on January 8, 2015 by Water Words

Paddling Toward Play

January 7, 2015 by Water Words Leave a comment

Play. Play outside. Play outside on the water – now we’re talking! So, let’s go after it!

Photo by avid paddler , Dennis Oliphant

Heading out to our favorite water, be it ocean, lake, river or bay, delivers an absolutely great “play” experience for all ages. Last night we had a rare winter 60 degree evening, no wind and clear skies. The sunset was pink and gold perfection. After a week of sub-freezing evenings it was the ideal time for me to grab my board and go for a paddle. Did I go? No, I was too “busy” for play.

Long after I forget what “busy” stuff I had to accomplish I will remember that I did not go out to play when my mind, body and spirit really needed it. Has that ever happened to you? In a world of busy-ness and multi-tasking, do you ever feel that despite being so very busy you can’t get it all accomplished? Too many irons in the fires of life, and not enough time for pure play. How do we design our balance between priorities, responsibilities and the value of playing outside on the water?

Chuck Patterson demonstrtaes an attitude of childlike play and abundant gratitude in his daily photo posts.

Chuck Patterson captures the play every day – and shares awesome photos daily on Facebook

For the lucky few there is no dichotomy between play and work – they seamlessly meld into a satisfying flow. For most of us, “work” and the obligations connected to the life we love and want don’t leave enough time for our definition of “play.” While we put work at the forefront of our minds and lives, our health and happiness might take a back seat. What successes do we Believe will make us (and those we love) happy in the long-run? Can more play make a positive difference?

How often have you connected with your yoga practice or time on the water standup paddling only to discover that you emerged an hour later refreshingly energized or calm? What a difference that vibe has on the rest of your day and for those you engage with. The call to connect with regular “play time outside on the water” aligns with the simple, human need to be outside, free, bold and active. (More here)
The phone or computer home screen images of tropical oceans or sunset over a calm lake often hypnotizes while while at work or indoors. Count and collect the minutes you dream or feel distracted while at “work.” What we long for is time – and permission – to play. This is what we inevitably all want, yet are confused by a myriad of pressures as to how to attain it.

Consider the value of hopping off your board after a nice long paddle with a new sense of stress-free exuberance? Who hasn’t experienced the glow from being out in nature in the sunshine – or even the fog, rain or wind? We paddle with presence while stress and anxiety melt away. What about our lives is enhanced when we postpone the meetings, the emails, and the errands when standing on our SUP watching the sun go down?

Scheduling in a paddle, blocking an hour so that you can rush to the water, paddle hard while watching the clock then bounding back to obligations does not invite the power of play. The YOU who loves to be outside playing on the water deserves the new possibilities and child-like wonder that play can provide.

What did I do today? In the midst of another busy day I determined the warmest portion of the winter Wednesday and scheduled in a 45 minute leisurely paddle with no agenda other than being out on my board on the water. It was stellar!

I threw my inflatable Naish ONE and my KIALOA Paddle in my car when I left for meetings and work at 7:30. By 12:30 I was at the river park. A 5-minute warmup was provided by pumping up the Naish ONE and by 12:35 I was out on the water – where will you play today?

Naish ‘Ohana: Hokua Love Part 2

Posted on November 11, 2014 by Water Words

Is there any way you can stand before the ocean with the newly designed 2015 Naish Hokua and not feel like an absolute rock star? The moment I pulled my 9’5″ Hokua from its box and bubble wrap, I was IN LOVE!

Seriously, the graphics on the bottom are stellar. It’s light, and almost leaps into waves on its own. Well, now I am just babbling. But seriously, I have never (in 65 years) executed a sharp bottom turn on a head-high wave with absolute confidence and ease – until my sweet Hokua came along. It was early morning and cold on the Oregon coast in late September.

The waves had been chaotic and huge for the Long Board Classic the day before. Sunday found us with a nice swell and the wind was resting (before cranking in hard about 10 am). It was delicious fun!

As wonderful as it is to hit the beach in Pacific City, Oregon wearing a 4-5 ML wetsuit and praying for some sort of order in the waves – surfing Maui is a dream. In mid-December, just as the shoulder season of rain-sleet-snow-rain is settling into Central Oregon, we will fly off for a sweet week on Maui. Rather than go through the trouble of shipping our boards or releasing their well-being to airline luggage crew, we choose to “Go Local!~”

Naish Maui Pro Center rocks! Simply, if you want the newest and best rental equipment for your SUP surfing on Maui along with local knowledge of where to surf for your abilities and current conditions – check them out. Ask for Jay, or Coach – or basically any team member.

Kai Lenny scoring some sweet Maui waves and riding Naish all the way

If you are like me, you follow the Naish team riders all race and surf season long. Their podium finishes are matched only by their absolute love of their sport. It seems that the core stoke and aloha of Robbie Naish permeates not only the corporate structure, but every person involved in the “family.”

Riggs Napoleon shredding at Huntington Beach

We were fortunate to catch the Positively Kai clinic for groms at the 2014 Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge. All day long Chuck Patterson was in the water, Kai was connecting with the kids on land and on the water. Noa Ginella, Riggs Napoleon and Kody Kerbox never rested for the entire afternoon. (more story here)

This chick is on top of the world with my new Naish 2015 Holua

The shape of the Hokua, the awesome graphics, the quality built into every aspect – all good. But there is something else when you step onto a Naish board – the feeling that you are connected. You are part of the Naish ‘ohana. It is no small thing.

Naish ONE: Alpine SUPping Robby Naish Style

Posted on October 26, 2014 by Water Words

Naish ONE inside, some snacks and a camera! Ready to go Alpine SUPping

Fall has hit the latitudes affected by winter snows and that shoulder season brrrr. It’s our last chance to grab a backpack and hike to the alpine regions that are absolutely stunning this time of year. Our backpack gear is cool-to-the-max because tucked inside the pack is a Naish ONE!

Robby Naish says, ” I am constantly telling people about the many benefits of our inflatable stand up paddle boards.

Robbie Naish ready to Alpine SUP - Photos by Filip Zuan (www.filipzuan.com)

Robby Naish ready to Alpine SUP – Photos by Filip Zuan (www.filipzuan.com)

Here are a few shots from an Alpine SUP adventure in St. Moritz, Switzerland that never would have been possible with a composite board!

Where in the world is Robby Naish

Every day on the water is a good day and with one of these, you can make that happen a lot more often!”

Find YOUR nearest alpine lake and let the hike-in Naish ONE adventure begin

Secret Lake by Broken Top – Oregon Photo by Tyler Roemer

Our first Alpine SUP adventure to a breathtaking, incredible “secret” lake tucked behind Broken Top in Bend, OR was an adventure. (Story here). Discovering these lakes and taking the hike set the stage for the sweetest of paddles upon arrival. All you need is a map and a plan to discover these treasures.

We drove through frozen, rutted snow at the edge of a 3,000 ft drop cliff in the Steens in Eastern Oregon to find our alpine lake. We were headed for Wildhorse Lake but the 1,100 foot steep drop of the trail covered in ice was not something we wanted to attempt. (video below). Instead we found a terrific alpine lake to hike to – Fish Lake nestled among the Steens at an elevation of 7400 feet. Surrounded by a healthy stand of willows and aspens, here a wide variety of wildlife can be found including beavers further down Lake Creek below the lake. It was glassy calm, with the only ripples provided by the lake’s namesake – fish! And plenty of them.

Thanks to Naish SUP for sweet inflatables, KIALOA Paddles for design and technology, and the Beatles for the tunes in the video below.

The Heart of SUP: Anthony Vela

Posted on October 25, 2014 by Water Words

Anyone who reads the Elder SUP blog is 100% aware of the respect, admiration and down right “Yeah, she’s cool” attitude I have about Candice Appleby. Over the years of following Candice I have gotten to know Anthony Vela. He’s got the heart and spirit that connects so many of su who go to sea on a Stand Up Board. Following his hashtag (#beachcleanup) and getting into the spirit of looking for ways to make even the slightest difference on our beaches is just one way. Following him on Facebook is a treat! Join me by Following and by enjoying this cool-to-the-max post (reprinted with permission from Anthony).

LOVE! Need we say more?

The reality of this year’s Rainbow Sandals Battle of the Paddle is finally starting to sink in for me. I have the opportunity to see Candice Appleby do amazing things on a daily basis. It may be a long noseride, a sick turn on her sup, or an excellent interval piece while training with the PaddleFit/ @infinitysup crew. But the way in which Candice performed under extreme pressure during this year’s BOP race was one that I will remember forever. As a fan of the sport of SUP, the race between Annabel Anderson and Candice was about as exciting as it gets. First they were both behind, then Annabel was ahead, then Candice was ahead, then they were tied, then Candice was in the lead, and it wasn’t over until the last minute. As Candice’s best friend, training partner, gardner, and board handler it was extremely special for me to see how calm she was the entire race. It had been two years since these two have raced each other at the BOP. In 2012, Annabel’s 1st win, Candice was taken out of contention when a male competitor lost his board into Candice going into the “Boneyard Buoy” at Doheny. This incident prompted the organizers to separate the men and women for the BOP Final, a fantastic decision for the biggest race of the year. Last year Candice did not compete due to injury, so this was their first meeting with no guys in the way at BOP. Neither competitor disappointed the fans. Annabel showed her skills in the surf, and Candice showed her paddling ability and the two put on a show for the ages. Congrats to Annabel on her amazing 2nd place performance. And incredible job by all of the women handling the 20 wave set at the start of the race!

This moment captured by Eric from OnIt Pro is priceless. You can see us looking right into each others face, me with some words of encouragement, and Candice calmly listening for them. I can’t explain how much this photo means to me. Thanks Eric.

Thanks Brody Welte for all you have done for us both. Thanks Dave Boehnefor letting Candice train with us. Thanks Karl Ring for keeping me somewhat calm during this race. Thanks everyone from Surftech SUP, especially Duke for everything you have done to support Candice. Rebecca from Kona Brewing Company you are just awesome!!!! Thanks Tyler from FCS SUP for bringing by an assortment of leashes for us. Thanks Emily from MTI Adventurewear for helping us out with the best lifejackets on the market! Thanks Aaron Napoleon for the Friday night pep talk, and Alicia from Maui Jim for everything you continue to do for us and the sport. And special thanks to Bob, Scott, Dave, Randall, Steve, and everyone at Ocean Minded for supporting Candice for the last 15 years! Thank you Sean and Judy Sweet for being there for Candice always. Thank you Joe Bark, Jack Bark, Charlie and Bark Paddleboards for being our friends! Thank you Jimmy, Lizzie, Hugo, Addie, Sydney and everyone at QuickBlade Paddles for being incredibly amazing! And thanks to Sparky, Pat, Barrett, Kelly, Gerry Lopez Surfboards, Ron, and everyone who helps make this event possible. There are many others I am forgetting, but please know it is by mistake, not intention.

Thank you Candice for inspiring me, and many others!

— with Candice Appleby and 6 others.

Action and Adrenaline? SUP & BOP 2014

Posted on October 11, 2014 by Water Words

For some time, I have been following the articles written by Annabel Anderson on Distressed Mullet. Between those articles and a number of videos full of succinct and relevant training tips my technique has been improved. In addition, Annabel has a knack for putting us in her shoes via a wonderful weaving of words.

I ran into Annabel at the Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge. She had never met me, she was busy preparing her mind for the distance race. Yet, when I introduced myself and mentioned how much her tips had helped me I got that famous Annabel grin and big hug. Talk about down to earth and connected to her fans.

Photo by OnIt Pro

Later in the weekend Annabel shared a bit about her personal training routine, her lifelong pursuit if excellence across so many sports and the unique challenges in SUP. She loves to run, ride bikes, ride horses, sail, play on boats – it’s all about playing the game of life! Connecting a solid passion for what she does with that playful sense of fun defines Annabel.

Annabel Anderson on BOP 2014 and SUP’s evolution

Be sure to read her most recent article on Distressed Mullet, “Eerily Prescient Pre-BOP Musings.” She predicts with a bulls-eye accuracy, weaving insights and words like these, “There will be a show. It will be a show of bravery and of survival. It will be a show of heart, courage and humility. It will be a show of athleticism and skill.

In the age of action and adrenaline sports, where ice skaters line up four abreast and take to a frozen motor cross downhill course, tomorrow the sport of SUP will truly legitimize itself as the aquatic version of Red Bull Ice Crushers.” Don’t miss this one!

Do It! – Your Bucket List SUP Event

Posted on October 10, 2014 by Water Words

Have you got that SUP dream, that event that fuels your dreams and motivates your training? Do you have what it takes to make it happen?

Got a dream? Let’s talk story with Steve Gates, GM Big Winds and coach

We’ve heard it before, “Access to success is through the mind,” – but for Steve Gates access came through the heart, spirit, absolute grit and gumption, as well as the mind! I had a great conversation with Steve, GM of Big Winds in Hood River and coach of the JET team, yesterday. We chatted about his recent three-person team crossing of the Ka’iwi Channel at the 2014 Molokai2Oahu (M2O). Rob Dies, Gregg Leion and Steve made a plan to do the Molokai to Oahu – and they did it! But let’s back up just a bit.

I first met Steve, now a strong, tall, fit guy sharing smiles and stoke, in August 2012 at the 2012 Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge. That event was his baby. A health issue had him terribly underweight but he was working hard and cheering on his JET team even though he was almost too weak to stand. By December he was fighting for his life. In June of 2013, about six months after Steve had been frighteningly close to death’s door, we went to Hood River for a down wind clinic with Jeremy Riggs. As we grabbed our glides and rode the 8 miles of Columbia River from Viento to Hood River there was an “energy bunny” paddling ahead and back, from paddler to paddler, joining Jeremy in on-water coaching with relentless grins and technique tips – Steve Gates.

According to Steve, “I was still denying the physical limitations of my body and was running on enthusiasm and joy just being out on the water and paddling.” And here’s the story too cool not to share. Six months before, in December of 2012, when Steve was too weak to either hold a paddle or stand he articulated a dream. As we rang in 2013, Steve shared his dream of doing the Molokai 2 Oahu in 2014 from a hospital bed while continuing his battle with a dire health situation.

Big Winds JUnior Elite Team (JET) loving their tough practices and huge stoke

As a life long water athlete and coach, Steve never asked others to do what he would not do. Ask any JET team member and they will tell you that they didn’t mind the early morning summer practices (well, not too much) because Steve was always there and he did what they did. He sweated with them and panted after a tough interval – and he made it fun. Steve always asked his team to follow their dreams and aspire toward what they really want – and so he did the same.

In early 2013 Steve, Greg and Rob were making plans for an escort boat, for local support they would need for M2O and for a training plan that would let them reach their dream.

A powerful moment – Photo by 808Photo.me

There were plenty of ups and downs. One bout of dehydration nearly dashed all hopes for Steve to get to the physical level of strength and endurance he’d need. “Access to success is through the mind, ” and in Steve’s mind he was at M2O – and by July 2014, he actually was there.

According to Steve,”The morning flew by and before we knew it we had finished all preparations and were at the start point on the beach ready for the start. Soon, I was in the water, sitting on my board next to Connor Baxter. Neither of us knew what the day would hold.” For Connor it was a record-breaking win, for Steve and his team it was the culmination of a long journey from the start of a 32-mile paddle across the challenging and treacherous “channel of bones.”

Rob Dies, Gregg Leion and Steve Gates just before the start of M2O

The conditions did not deliver the usual tradewinds and nice push toward glides the paddlers dream of. In fact the swells were smallish and every glide was the result of hard work, sometimes against both wind and current.

Greg Leion getting a glide Photo by 808Photo.me

Steve, Rob and Greg made their changes in and out of the escort boat. Their escort boat captain, Jeremy Wilmes and his helmsman and first mate Josh made everything possible. Steve shares, “You couldn’t ask for more, these guys are as good as they come.”

Rob Dies making his way past the China Wall

The hours flew by and they were at the China Wall and final legs of the race. Rob Dies put the hammer down and pounded past the gnarliest area of the race. The changes came more often and before Steve realized it was his time to jump in, get on board and paddle to the finish.

We all watch events and the competitors launching toward the finish. Sometimes we wish that we were competing or accomplishing some long dreamed-of adventure. Imagine, if you can, the enormous wash of emotion, satisfaction, happiness and awe that had to encompass Steve as he made his way across the finish line for the team. The journey had been long, and often seemed impossible.

A happy Steve Gates crossing the finish line for the team at M2O 2014

From that day when simply standing was a challenge to this moment paddling strong across the M2O finish line. Steve was standing, tired and beat, but never beaten. Got a dream, got a goal? Think it is impossible? It’s there for you if you put your mind, heart, spirit and the support of friends and family into the mix. Now – GO FOR IT!

SUP Fitness Training: Got Stoke?

Posted on September 28, 2014 by Water Words

Why do we do all of those push ups? Why do we push, pull and lunge through TRX workouts and hit the gym for strength, endurance and flexibility between sessions on the water? Is it to look like Candice Appleby, on the left, as she hits the surf for some weekend waves and fun?

Candice Appleby scores photo of the day and 2014 World Series & Grand Slam event Titles in Huntington

The real answer is: We workout hard and get to the water at every opportunity so that we can get the same stoke Candice enjoys again, and again and again throughout all of our decades. And – whatever our abilities. It doesn’t take many weeks of following the posts elite waterwoman and champion shares to realize that she balances grit, focus and a fierce competitive nature with an abundance of joy, aloha, sharing and all-encompassing love for being in and on the water. We go to the gym and train hard even when it is cold, windy, less-than-stellar conditions because we want to be ready for “those days.”

Fun wave, new Naish Hokua, cold water, Pacific City, Oregon stoke. First wave in my 66th year.

Whatever “those days” mean to you, be sure to reflect on them when they happen. Imprint a mental image and savor the moment. When you hit the gym and notice your abs are missing their 6-pack or the scale registers 10 lbs too many, go back to the real reason you are training. What’s YOUR stoke?

Photo Credit: Chuck Patterson from Facebook

Let’s end this article with a quote from the ultimate stoke-meister, Chuck Patterson. FOLLOW him on Facebook for daily energy and inspiration, “”The one having the most fun; always wins in the end”. Always begin and end your day with a smile and your sure to get one back in return.”

Travis Grant: Play Your Way to SUP Technique

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Water Words

Waking up the day after the Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge 8-mile down wind event I had a very cool discovery. I was sore in different places than my usual. I had adjusted my technique a bit and I think I think the pecs, abs and lat soreness were better than the usual fatigue.

We had spent an evening a few days before the event learning a lot at a clinic given by Travis Grant on the Willamette River at the Gorge Performance site. Travis began by explaining how much outrigger paddling prepared him for success at SUP.

The goal in standup paddling, as in outrigger paddling, is to be as efficient as possible. The result will be your ability to go faster, further and longer. By listening to your body and honing better technique you will be better able to paddle without injury.

The Take-Aways: A few tips Travis shared that seemed to be what people needed to refine the most included:

1. Stand with feet facing forward in a wide stance. This gives more power, more balance and more stability.

2. Maintain soft knees that are ready to deliver power.

3. This was really valuable – “If you think of why you do what you do then technique changes make more sense.” For instance, think of planting your paddle blade fully into the water. Think of it as being stuck in sand. You want to move the board forward, not pull the paddle past the board. By imaging the blade stuck in sand it is easier to image the forward driving motion delivered by body rotation and a strong core.

4. Slow down to go faster – this means that if you must slow down to get your technique right, you will go faster in the long run. Part of this slow down is the opportunity to really engage your abs, your core, as you rotate your body with the paddle reach and catch. Keeping your core engaged through the return and you uncoil from that rotation allows you to derive your power from your larger muscles. Proper body mechanics will allow for your greatest reach and you most efficient stroke.

Travis Grant at the Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge – delivering speed, excitement and a whole lot of fun

5. Above all, Travis seems to live a relaxed and playful approach to training, focus, excellence and teaching.

So when I woke up with soreness in my pecs, abs and glutes it was a huge, “Wooohooo!” Not only did I have a great down wind experience with plenty of speed and glides, my perceived exertion was so much less. I played at honing technique throughout the race – and love the results of the coaching from Travis grant. If you can make it to one of his clinics – do it! A video is a good way to get to know Travis (see below) but one on one water time with Travis at a clinic is worlds better!

Dave Kalama: You’re Gonna Get More Glides

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Water Words

Photo by 808Photo.me

This article contains two powerful lessons from Dave Kalama. If you do down winders, no matter what your skill level, reading the water and getting your glides are skills you’ll want to hone.

A big “mahalo” goes out to Dave for taking the time to share these insights. And kudos to four of the Hood River Kalama Kamp who earned medals after their time with Dave Kalama.

Photo by 808Photo.me

Back Story:Did you happen to catch any of the action during the recent, and very challenging, Molokai 2 Oahu (M2O) race? The conditions were epic, to say the least. Right at the front of the action was Dave Kalama keeping pace with the young guns, despite pushing 50 years of age.

The focus and confidence Kalama demonstrated in that event was built on decades of pursuing everything that defines a waterman. Dave’s commitment to putting in the quality miles and hours it takes to compete at this level is well known. What might be less known is his absolute gift of explaining the techniques and insights he’s honed over a lifetime. These insights can be yours.

A lifetime on the water – Mahalo to Dave Kalama for sharing his insights

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or a solidly advanced standup paddler ready to hone your down wind skills, you will be interested in a recent conversation I had with Dave. One take- away, “Ultimately, instruction on reading the water and having a sense of reading wind, waves, current and glides, will make minimal sense unless you are repeatedly in a downwind situation being exposed to each set of circumstances.”

A number of fortunate SUP athletes looking to gain expertise at doing a down wind run will take a Kalama Kamp clinic in Hood River. others whose dreams are filled with tropical oceans and bays will meet up with Dave at Kalama Kamp in the Turks & Caicos and Fiji.

Rather than gaining just a nugget or two, like those in this article, Kalama Kamp attendees will be exposed to the mother lode of advice and experience right in the environment where it can be practiced immediately. Each of the “nuggets” below was something I had heard from Dave, but more impressive, I heard the same thing from Kalama Lamp attendees I have met at various SUP events around the Pacific Northwest.

Nugget #1: This was shared with me by a recent Kalama Kamp attendee in Hood River, Jared from Tahoe, “I learned so many specific things about my stroke and body mechanics during the ground clinic. We used brooms and it was really cool. But the best part was out on the water. Dave told us specifically what we were looking for. We could see, really observe what we were looking for, Dave told us when to paddle and go for glides and we practiced and got immediate feedback.

The NUGGET: The backs of waves will present themselves to you. You can use the nose of your board as an indicator of when you should paddle. As the swell comes under your board it will lift up the back of your board. The angle it lifts your board will match the steepness of the swell. A deep trough translates to a steep face. Pay attention to the nose of your board. The more the nose begins to lift you can anticipate that the tail will be lifted by the swell a few seconds later. When the nose is up at its apex begin your attack to catch the next swell. Begin with a stroke at 50-60% to initiate the rhythm but go to your max through the next few strokes. By building the stroke early you are building the tension to move your board forward. Be aware of when the nose of your board is at the apex and drop your paddle in then to gain tension against the water and set your rhythm. BY the third paddle stroke you should be at 100% and enjoying the glide!

At the Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge I met some “repeat offenders” who had been to a number of Kalama Kamps and are eagerly looking forward to the Kamp in Fiji. Alex and Ashley from Canada explained, “We are intermediate and beginner level paddlers. (Ashley is just getting into down wind riding while Alex has more experience). The Kamp is equally great for both of us. From the on land work, video, recap and reviews to time on the water, Dave not only refines our skills but he motivates us to learn more and gain confidence.“

Nugget #2: A Kalama Kamp (Hood River) participant who has taken 3 Kamps already, also named Dave, shared this, “Kalama spends time with every participant on and off the water. He has a knack of explaining technique in a way that I can understand. I was not using my body to drive the board forward. I gained so much confidence in how I gain speed with better technique.”

The Nugget: This video explains it so well:

Elder SUP

Connecting Across Generations and Oceans

Author Archives: Water Words