Heroes and Hats

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Water Words

Many sports have had their heroes – baseball’s Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente come to mind. From Arnold Palmer to Billie Jean King, sports greats often reach out to their community, to youth, and refine their sport to its highest levels. From the ancient heroes of standup paddle surfing, or in the Hawaiian language Hoe he’e nalu, to the modern pioneers Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama who re-introduced the ancient sport of paddle surfing to the modern water sports world. Gerry Lopez is best known as Mr. Pipeline for pioneering one of the most challenging waves in the world with style. It was his experience and knowledge of waves and riding that allowed him to provide new SUP board shapes for these pioneers and many others.

Those who have helped standup paddling and SUP surfing become the global phenomenon it is are certainly heroes for the sport. SUP paddling and surfing is a sport with dedicated professionals who travel almost constantly as ambassadors for the sport we love. Among them are Chuck Patterson and Karen Wrenn. I was fortunate to meet both of these great athletes – and all round generously warm and caring people – in Bend, OR. Not only did they give popular and well-liked clinics for both beginners and advanced paddlers, they participated in all the races.

Yes, they grabbed their paddles and won the long course event (smiling and cheering on others all the way), but then they gathered at the short course, less competitive race, and built energy and zest into that race as well. All racers got a great bag of schwag – and one of the cool new hats from Kialoa.

I don’t usually do the “autograph” thing, but Chuck was so accessible and the spirit of the day was exactly what the sport of SUP is all about – at least in my mind. Even though the hat is getting salty and sun-bleached, I like the reminder from the autograph when I slip it over my ponytail and head out to the water.

“Mana in humans is manifested as great skills, talents, strengths, intelligence and character. When using a KIALOA Paddle, that electric sensation one feels is the Mana. Keep Paddling,” is quote by Gerry Lopez on the Kialoa site. I know that when SUP greats like Chuck and Karen are present at an SUP event they expend almost as much energy sharing their mana as they do in paddling.

Who’s the local hero for SUP in your community? Who personifies the characteristics that help the sport go from good to great in your locality? We look forward to hearing your stories and posting your photos – or linking to your blogs. You don’t have to be a pro to be the local hero. Your “autograph” on the experience of others builds out tradition and culture – share it.

SUP Racing: With time not vs time

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Water Words

A few weeks ago the Deschutes River Conservancy’s second annual Race for the River took place at Riverbend Park in Bend, Oregon. It was awesome to see so many stand up paddlers and their dogs come out in support of the DRC’s mission to restore and preserve local rivers and streams. I paddled my 11’3″ Amundson to the start line along with quite a few race boards ready to paddle hard for the 5 miles of the long course. The course was two loops – my favorite. That way, even though I am usually pretty close to the back of the pack I get to see the front action and cheer on the leaders.

Chip Booth (Standup Paddle Bend) was tucked in the reeds just before the Healy Bridge snapping action shots as we paddled by. I was so glad he captured this one. The arch of clear water poised in the air by my bare feet is beautiful. The bow wave reminds me of the gentle slapping sound of the bow along the current. Yeah, my heart rate was in the 140-150 range for most of the paddle – I was working hard! But not for the race results (that would have been counter to my equipment and skills) but for the pure joy of being out on the river with so many of the paddling community.

I was thrilled that one of the more well-attended “races” was the paddle-with-your-dog event. Happy pooches and their owners cruised the 2.5 mile loop with waggy tails and determined grins. Al Paterson and Rocky (picture below) led the way while Pam Stevenson and Sprocket hands-down won the aloha title, grass skirt and all (picture at the bottom). It would have been even more cool if the 30-40 SUPers who pepper the river doing casual paddling would have joined us for the event. Sometimes the name “race” conjures up the image of burly racers in their prime zooming through a course. Yes, “racing” includes that and it’s an incredibly exciting and powerful driver for the SUP community. (See the post: Heroes and Hats).

Here’s a thought. What if the “race” course was a 1 mile loop in which a paddler chose to go any distance from 1-6 miles. The leaders would still race and each of us could paddle to the pace that our skills and inclination determines. A culture of collaboration and connection between casual paddling and racing could emerge from the repetitive passing along the course and the need to figure out how to pass without interfering.

Best of all, a one hour time limit on the “race” would ensure that all the racers would be on shore to enjoy the after-party. Does your club or SUP community have this sort of race series? We’d love to hear how you get the largest SUP community gathering regularly for shared fun on the water.

SUP Pioneer: Dennis Oliphant

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Water Words

Making our way through eager rafters at Dennis Oliphant’s Sun Country Tours this morning was just the first phase of an energy-filled chat. Dennis hails from a watery youth spent on and around the Columbia River. His daily routine varied by seasons from tracking water fowl to sailing Lasers, Hobie Cats and Sunfish. After graduating from the University of Oregon Dennis moved to Bend in 1977 with his eye on guiding white-water trips. Hard work and ambition, along with a passion for what you do usually leads to the start of a great business.

Almost as a one-man band, in 1978 Dennis ran Sun Country Tours. Expanding his interests in all things “watery” he developed, administered and taught the outdoor classes at COCC in the early 80’s. A whirlwind of classes that included river rescue, kayaking, rafting, climbing and snowshoeing did little to dampen Dennis’ love of water sports. By the early 1980’s he’d jumped feet first into the sport of windsurfing. Every day off would find him on a windy lake or in the Gorge. Family vacations were directed to Maui, for more great windsurfing opportunities. In a seamless segue, on the less windy days, Dennis and friends began one more board sport – surfing! From tropical oceans to wake-surfing with family and friends on the lakes of the Central Oregon Cascades Dennis, along with family and friends, continued the quest to spend as much time on the water as possible.

The most recent water sport addition to the Oliphant quiver occurred about 6 years ago when family friend, Gerry Lopez, brought a few boards to local Lake Cultus including a few Mickey Munoz tandom surf boards and that was all it took to launch a day of criss-crossing the lake. By late afternoon when the wind filled in they were “surfing” some downwinder swells and they were hooked on SUP! It was pioneer times for a great new sport. Like any new addition to a culture, there were challenges.

Prone surfers, especially in crowded areas, were not keen on these big guns ridden by surfers with paddles. Getting the stink-eye at a local surf spot was just the tip of the displeasure. Dennis, and his buddy Gerry Lopez came by a solution by simply doing what they did in life – spreading aloha and respect to others. The early standup surfers, Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama also modeled the behaviors of safety, respect and aloha that changed attitudes. When all is said and done – why not share, be respectful and work toward doing the right thing.

Dennis and Gerry had the opportunity to test the influence of the aloha spirit on an area about a year ago at Dennis’ Punta de Mita (Mexico) Paddle Surf Lifestyle Camp. Beyond engage the locals, answering their questions, giving them space on local breaks, they went a step further by inviting the local families to a Mexican style luau. Pictures of Gerry Lopez were a great hit as well as the local fish grill. Gerry spoke about growing up surfing (the conventional way) and how surfers held great surfers in high regard, from Duke Kahanamoko thru today’s watermen. As different elements of surfing evolved, there was always conflict between the old and the new. Through each phase it was important to develop ways of getting along and sharing aloha on the water.

If someone was disrespectful, has challenging as it was, it was important to talk to them – but in a respectful manner. The coolest outcome was that all the way down to the youngest groms – they “got it!” Almost overnight there was a pervasive spirit of aloha both on and off the waves. The local surf professionals began to hone their paddle surfing skills and began teaching the new sport with enthusiasm – and respect. That’s what “Elder SUP” is all about – changing attitudes and building a spirit of family and awareness through our favorite water sport.

Grandma to Molokai?

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Water Words

I have always had this notion that to paddle via SUP from Miami to Bimini would be amazing. In my mind it would be one of those dead calm days in May when the Gulfstream is not clocking too fast. The brilliant blue of the ‘Stream would be a source of focus on the journey. Will I do it? I hope to – before too long. There is something about a “crossing” that is appealing to adventurers, often in the form of a race. I’ve enjoyed plenty of sailing races from Florida to the Bahamas and back. As a standup paddler, while I train hard to go fast and efficiently, I can’t seem to connect to racing as the main focus. There is such a fantastic connection between seeing the water, being outdoors, acknowledging currents, wind, waves and temperature that the journey is already full of challenges and opportunities to go hard and be my best. Being an “elder” has definitely brought new perspective.

Since moving to Oregon a decade ago, trips to Hawaii are way easier to accomplish than trips to the Bahamas. Being aware of the connection to Hawaiian culture and waterman values right in my hometown of Bend gave me more than an enhanced vocabulary around tradition and the ocean. Several trips to the various Hawaiian islands we have visited opened my eyes to what should have been obvious. The culture of people whose history, traditions, stories and livelihood are connected to the earth’s waters, especially to the sea, have rich similarities. Whether an island chain is derived from volcanic action or eons of coral buildup, the people who protect their waters, their traditions and their culture are similar. Just as our move to Bend brought a lifestyle that is more connected to nature, more gentle in personality, it has provided connection with some amazing people.

Purchasing my first standup board and Kialoa paddle was much more than the addition of a new sport to the quiver. Balance, yoga, friends, strength and new dimension to life in the high desert were bonuses to the sport and fun. Journeys – like Miami to Bimini seem more attainable. Today I opened my Facebook and found this great interview from Bend’s own Gerry Lopez. The night before the Molokai Race he generously shared his time to chat about the race, about yoga and a terrifying experience at Pipeline – take the time to view the entire interview.

This re-kindled the “crossing” wanderlust for me – definitely NOT in the form of a race! The idea of sharing the crossing with a group of friends, each completing portions of the journey toward a collective finish solely for the journey sounds amazing. Have any of you gone to the planning of such an endeavor? Safety and support with a “mother ship” and a group of like-minded SUPers and a crossing you’ve dreamt of completing – please share your stories and pictures. This Grandma will continue to paddle, train, focus and plan – maybe Molokai one day! Maybe something a bit more sane!

If you haven’t completed your summer reading list (year-round good read) you will want to get SURF IS WHERE YOU FIND IT by Gerry Lopez. Good read while you plan your surf journey.