Tag Archives: edler sup

Oregon Coast: Gotta Go Fish

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pc20153We packed our trailer and headed out from Bend, OR in mid-September with iflatables for cruising adventures and a couple of boards for SUP surf. Pacific City – here we come. The weekend kicked off with the annual Longboard competition. Saturday offered up some sweet waves, glassy and chest to head high. Riding a swell all the way to shore in the shadow of beautiful Cape Kiwanda on a warm sunny day is just about paradise.pc20151

In spite of dozens of trips to Pacific City and a few days catching salmon in both the spring and fall runs, we had never paddled the branch of the Nestucca River that flows east from town all the way to the inlet where the Pacific comes roaring in.

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Screenshot (152)On our first trip we knew we were paddling out on an out-going tide. With a spinning rod on Ed’s board and my net strapped to my board we planned to fish at the inlet where all the boats seemed to have the most luck. After a few hours of fishing, the tide would be incoming, making the paddle back a breeze.

We put in at “Guardrails,” just across from Bob Straub State Park. The trip was idyllic – seals sunbathed by the dozens on untracked sandy beaches, forested cliffs reached high to the south and the closer we got to the inlet the more clear and marine blue it became.pc20159

Currents swirled with plenty of energy as we approached the south side of the inlet. Absolutely wear your PFD and use a leash. There were so many combinations of eddies, waves and powerful current that it took concentration to get from the inlet area to the pocket beach we founf on shore – but was it ever WORTH IT! pc201522

After about an hour of casting, Ed hooked in to a HUGE salmon. As it leaped, guys in the 16 boats fishing the inlet gave a thumbs up and the fight was on. Just as Ed was about to get spooled, the fish began to turn. Then, unawares, a boat cruised across the inlet and cut the line. We lost the fish but gained some friends among the fishermen.

A few days later we were back for the third time and one of the guys from the first day – the BIG fish day – offered to put Ed in his boat and take him out for a salmon. They had caught their limit and had to admire Ed’s presistance. I also think they admired our trips up and down the river stretch paddling our SUPs in all kinds of conditions over the week.

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The one day that an incoming tide couldn’t match the 20-25 mph headwind on our return home was something we would not like to repeat. Even the best laid plans come up against good old Mother Nature. Be prepared, know your waters, tides, winds and currents and stya with your paddle buddy.

pc20157Our last night in Pacific City with fresh grilled salmon, a beach walk at sunset and a local brew could not have been better.

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Olukai Ho’olaule’a: Recap by Connor

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On the STANDUP PADDLE MAGAZINE’s Facebook page there was a great recap of the Olukai Ho’olaule’a posted.  I am sharing the whole summary by Connor Baxter here. It’s almost like being there again!

Connor baxter, Dave Kalama, Kai Lenny, Suzie Cooney and all the elite SUP racers are in the front ready for a challenging run.

Connor Baxter, Dave Kalama, Kai Lenny, Suzie Cooney and all the elite SUP racers are in the front ready for a challenging run.

“The Olukai Ho’olaule’a is a great event. Every year paddlers look forward to competing at this event in the infamous Maliko downwinder. The day started out with rain and very light winds. But, when driving down along the north shore we could see that the wind was picking up and the rain had stopped – and there were a few whitecaps. It was looking like it was going to be a good day. Driving into Maliko Gulch, I knew there were going to be a bunch of people – there were cars parked all the way out to the highway – and it was only 10am. What a great turnout.

Once we got there – I checked in and got my board ready. And, of course had to say hi to everyone. At 11:30 we had a pule, a Hawaiian prayer and then all 300+ of us hit the water for a 12:00 start. It was a water start on the outside of the bay. The wind was a little onshore so I decided to start further outside. Once we were all lined up on the water the boat waved a yellow flag so we got ready to race. And bam the green flag went up and I sprinted right from the beginning. Dave Kalama and I pulled away right from the beginning and like always – were just trading off back and forth.

Dave Kalama showing his powerful form making his way to a strong finish

Dave Kalama showing his powerful form making his way to a strong finish

Once we got to outer Baldwin I knew I had to put a gap on Dave. So I put my head down and I shifted into 6th gear and didn’t stop until I had a comfortable lead. Once I was a little ahead, I got into a steady rhythm and kept going.

Coming into Camp One I was a little nervous, because I didn’t have a leash and there were waves. So I caught a medium size one and stepped to the tail and rode the wave to the inside. Once I hit the flat water I just kept my head down and sprinted all the way to the finish.

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Awesome shot captured by Terry Marie Galpin

I had a good lead of a minute and a half on Dave – and two and a half minutes on Kai in third place. I hit the beach and ran all the way to the finish line and spur of the moment I got a great idea to dolphin dive across the finish line – even though there was no one even close to me.

Overall it was a great event and I had a lot of fun and really stoked to defend my title and hope to do it again next year! I want to thank my sponsors for all their support – Starboard, Maui Jim, Rainbow Sandals, Trident Sports, Rista Fins, Dakine, GoPro, OnIt Pro, Waterman’s Sunscreen, Igloo Coolers, Sunrite Maui, Hammer Nutrition, iDcard, EFX and Hi-Tech Sports. Also a big

Mahalo to all the event organizers and volunteers.”

Aloha, Connor Baxter

The Indian and the Arrow

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Enjoying another day on the river with my original KIALOA paddle. (Photo Jill Roselle)

Enjoying another day on the river with my original KIALOA paddle. (Photo Jill Rosell)

In 2007 when I started standup paddling, I purchased my first KIALOA paddle and planned to have a cool “hobby sport.” Little did I know how the SUP-bug would capture me!  Whether surfing, racing for recreation  or cruising a river, lake or bay I used the same paddle.   Choice sometimes results in a sort of decision-paralysis. As friends began to add to their quiver of paddles I tried out many of them over the years – and each had distinctly different attributes (including so many that I loved just because they were so beautiful!)

KIALOA Pipes

KIALOA Pipes

KIALOAMETHANEHINANO-2

KIALOA Methane (Limited Edition Hinano)

Watching golf with my husband, we chatted about clubs and choices and using the right one for the shot – and the topic turned to paddles! I needed to make a choice or two and start to grow my quiver of paddles.  Would the “right” paddle catch me more waves, shoot me ahead in races and generate more fun on the water? Now, I am realistic enough to realize that my skill level just isn’t going to magically improve with a paddle – but it sure can help!

NO matter what your skill level,  it is very important every once in a while to recharge. It’s vital to get yourself to that next level with tools or training or resources in order to reach the competitive edge or proficiency that can make your sport more fun.

We’ve all heard, “It’s the Indian, not the arrow.”  Of course your individual skill that matters far more than the equipment you use. That said, it was time for me to retire a vintage paddle and take advantage of new technology. Fortunately, Dave Chun was available to give me some guidance on my decision to get a HULU Ultralight GL paddle, he knew it was exactly what I wanted. The question was, what size should it be?

Dave and I discussed the challenges of 63 year old shoulders, knees and back. With absolutely no pain or injury from the paddle size and length I had, and 100% satisfaction with its performance Dave pretty much suggested, “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it – size-wise.” Just the same he lent me the Pupu Adjustable paddle and sent me off with some advice, “Go out and try this paddle at a variety of lengths. Don’t worry about the number or the height, just paddle.  Be aware of how it feels to your body, notice any pain or discomfort.  Paddle at each setting for a good long period of time. You’ll need more than just a few strokes to really feel what that length is doing for you.”

I brought my own paddle and the Adjustable Pupu. It was a 48 degree February day with little wind. The river was empty, except for me, some beaver and geese.  I got into a cadence and paddled up and downstream for 15 minute increments. Using my best technique I paid attention to the sound of the water lapping under the board, the length of my reach and “dig,” as well as my ability to turn over strokes quickly – or longer.  A few hours later I went back to decide on the length of my new HULU (YAY!!!!!)

Beauty, functionality, and technology. Explore the details here http://www.kialoa.com/hulu-ultralight-gl.html

Beauty, functionality, and technology. Explore the details here http://www.kialoa.com/hulu-ultralight-gl.html

I had the adjustable paddle about 1/2 inch longer than my usual paddle.  We decided that small of an increase in length was not worth the potential for a change in my forearm, elbow, shoulder comfort I’ve had for the past 6 years.  Paddle stroke technique seems to be trending toward more rapid turnover – more strokes per minute rather than long, hugely powerful pulls through the water.  At last! I ordered my HULU and learned much about building out my quiver.

Today it was about the arrow, not the Indian – Getting jazzed, taking time to explore options, taking time to go to the training and listening to the advice of an expert.

These things can be extremely powerful in mentally advancing your enjoyment of standup paddling. OH! For enjoyment personified, take a look at this video created by Washington state pro paddler, Beau Whitehead.

Wanna Be Like Candice Appleby?

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For many standup paddlers events and races drive our focus. It’s only natural to look at the podium after events and observe the sport’s leaders we admire. As the top ocean athletes pose for that podium shot do you ever think, “I wanna be like that.” At the August 2012 Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge I gained more awareness of what “like that” meant for many of the watermen and women.

Wanna be like Candice Appleby? Looks like a great position to be in at the first place spot on the podium.  Flanked on both sides by six other leaders, Candice graciously accepted the check and trophy while acknowledging what a close, exciting race it had been all the way to the end.  Are you shaking your head, “Yes, if I won races I’d be like that too.” Especially if, when you were 12, your parents moved to one of the best surf towns in the country. It’s easy to think that’s what formed Candice into the champion she is – but fortunately there is much more to her. In those aspects of her life, guess what? We can be like Candice Appleby.

Discipline, focus, perseverance and “fun at work” are all key to what makes a champion.  No one is born fit and ready to be at the top of their sport and at the peak of their game. Training happens daily and consistently.  Wanna be like Candice? Be your best condition, your best technique and your best focus.

A rare quiet moment for Candice. Photo by Ed Shasek

Candice launched an Anti-Bullying campaign called “Stand Up for the Children.”  Wanna be like Candice? Is there an issue or challenge of importance to you in your local community? Step up and participate or lead for change.  The busiest among us seem to be the ones who take the time to make a difference.

In her free free time Candice volunteers with the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation, taking Marines from the Wounded Warriors Battalion surfing as part of their Ocean Therapy. What expertise can you share in order to enhance the lives of others?

One last aspect of our SUP sport is the incredible opportunity we have to mingle among the top athletes, paddling in the same conditions and running through the same finish chute. We also might share some similar pre-event butterflies.

Candice quelling some of my butterflies before the 2012 Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge. Photo by Ed Shasek

I had never paddled the Columbia River with its howling winds, big swells and big barges (that’s another story altogether!). Surfing on the Oregon coast had been good preparation, but at the beginning of the race I wasn’t too sure.  Good friend, Brit Oliphant had started her confidence building for me the week before – and that was why I was there ready to participate. The last minute help I got from Candice was much appreciated as well.

Candice was sitting at a shaded picnic table a few minutes before the start of the downwind course, adjusting her earphones and selecting her music.  I sat down next to her, probably looking pretty darn serious when she casually started up conversation.

It didn’t take her long to share a few pointers and instill that last dose of confidence I needed before launching into the 25-40 mph gusty winds. That gesture of sharing resonated well with me.  I tend to “go inside” when nervous but Candice demonstrated a better strategy. By taking the time to be aware of others who may need just a bit of encouragement I might have the opportunity to quell their butterflies – and mine.

Pick your own way and your own path (paddle) to enjoy our sport the way Candice does. Look around – our top athletes have done just that. What a cool community within our sport we can be part of.

Candice cool and calm at the start of the Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge. Photo by Ed Shasek