Topics

1

Gear Talk / Gearing up on fins

« on: March 31, 2021, 08:15:18 PM »

Going to try Humpy and Bumpy this weekend on my Torpedo. Then plenty of funky options for the Maliko this summer. Ride LA.

2

SUP Gear Reviews / Newly Acquired / On Order / Sunova Steeze 10'

« on: December 26, 2020, 05:31:10 PM »

Finally got to try for the first time my brand new Steeze 10'.
Love at first sight. Easy to paddle. Stable. Wide nose makes it easier to catch swell in our poor local conditions (swell built from strong southerly winds in the Georgia Straight). Sleek tail makes it easy to carve (at least when I will be better at it....).
Now as soon as COVID restrictions are gone...I am taking us to Tofino for some real swell.

Further fin options to try out when I can get to real swell.

3

Sneak Peeks, Rumors, and Wish Lists / Naish 2021 S25 Maliko

« on: July 09, 2020, 09:49:19 AM »

It looks like Naish is rolling out 2021 Maliko.
Look like the same than 2020 with different stickers.

https://naishusa.com/collections/composite/products/s25-maliko?variant=32620671959122

4

Technique / Funny thing with paddle length...

« on: May 20, 2020, 09:44:04 AM »

I have been of course shortening my paddle length over time like everybody else. I was at a reasonable length of 76" to my 72" height for some time.
Three weeks ago, as a result of discussing with Norman John Hann (kind of my mentor for everything SUP) about his own move in paddle length and the feedback in terms of stroke dynamics on balance board training during the week, I took the unreasonable step of lowering further my main paddle, the Salish 500, to 74.5". I was expecting some cringing in the lower back with a "I told you so" message from my erector spinae.
Low and behold, the first week-end of use resulted in less lower back strain than ever and a better start of my week seating at a desk. No strain in the shoulders either, but that you would expect.
Fluke, pure fluke......must be.....but I also cut the Viento 520 to 75" to have  a broader test over two blades.
Now this long week-end, after three good paddle sessions, it is the same......
Whoa....something is wrong, it seems like there is a "magic" paddle range where the lower back - and - the shoulders are taking less beating than otherwise. And 2.5"~3" over my head is quite outside where common wisdom would have put it until now.
Now crossing fingers that it does not all go away one day soon

disclaimer:
my back is not like everybody with a heavy thoracic Scoliosis so that could also influence the results in weird ways
I am using the shorter length on my low volume boards (Javelin and Maliko) but keep a little bit longer shafts for my bigger winter board

5

Gear Talk / Sunova Torpedo 14x25.5

« on: April 19, 2020, 04:54:21 PM »

Tried and true :-)
Today, I had a nice surprise, Norman John Hann let me have his Sunova Torpedo just for me 🙏for a bit of a trial run.
I went for my usual reverse Coffee Run, with the hopes that the inflow would picked-up for the end of the run.

1) Launched out of Britannia with some "glass" and it gave me a few km to get a feel. The board is really fast considering it is more dedicated to bumps. the nose goes nicely and the stiffness is likely helping with speed. With a pintail not much issue with release :-) At first there was a bit of a twitch until the legs get dialed and found the spot where the hard rail should just seat and then it is just plain sailing.

2) That was good preparation for a bit of light side chop, side wind quartering getting against the river flow and with the wind starting to build up on my left side. No problem there but will have to really see with some hard steep chop. With the hard rails on most of the board, that might prove teh Achille's Heel and then again maybe not.

3) Then I got into the perfect angle to catch a light downwind to the Blind Channel and the marina. First time on the board, pintail, 25.5 wide, sand bars, I was expecting to test the cold water of the harbor. I was really surprised at the stability and predictability of the board. It is simply what I call a well balanced design. I felt way more stable than the 25.5 Allround and I enjoyed this board without any comparison. It is easier to get on the tail than I would have expected (I was there quite a few times) and once there following the bumps for linking feels natural with no stability issues at all. Now I did not tried to get fancy or anything and no extreme cutting across steep bumps. Just enjoying the ride. I had zero problem with stalling and the board gets back into gear and speed with a few strokes. All I can say is that I was in a happy place even if it was my first time on that board.

4) Now, would I buy one. First I would need to know how the board in 25.5 is going on the nastier stuff quartering some messy steep chops. If positive. then most certainly if/when a used one become available (Norman John Hann, hint, hint 😉). My first thinking was that I would go only for a 27" wide. But now I am starting to thing actually that I would go for the 25.5. Why. For the speed and fun factor in light and marginal conditions. I think that speed is an important factor in the enjoyment and dynamic of this board and I was really impressed with the stability and soundness of the 25.5.

6

SUP Gear Reviews / Newly Acquired / On Order / "New" VMG Mako 36 fin

« on: March 15, 2020, 04:20:41 PM »

Bit of an experiment using an older Mako 37. Looks like a slightly bigger Mako 35 with a little bit more base for a wider tail board.

7

Gear Talk / Sunova Torpedo

« on: December 08, 2019, 08:04:27 PM »

Found a nice video showing teh board on James Casey's web page:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2gsHfnF5U5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

8

Gear Talk / Reminder UPS shipping to Canada

« on: October 20, 2019, 11:05:51 AM »

Just a reminder for my fellow Canadians. I recently ordered a classic Curtis fin from Fins Unlimited and they offer only UPS shipping to Canada.
I had forgotten how bad is UPS for us. Not only did I pay $25 of shipping but also a surprise $35 of UPS brokerage fees.
In the past I always stayed away from UPS but had forgotten about it.

9

Gear Talk / Should I blame David John?

« on: June 22, 2019, 03:44:07 PM »

I might become a yellow addict.....
The Maliko is a sure value and keeper and the 2014 Javelin LE after my second paddle and first DW seems to be another keeper. That is two out of two. Got to love Naish.

10

SUP Gear Reviews / Newly Acquired / On Order / Naish Javelin 14' x 26" LE 2014

« on: May 25, 2019, 09:23:10 PM »

I could not resist one of these demoed a couple of time for CAD 1,560 taxes included from my favourite SUP shop.
I won't have it until July when a friend will drive it to where I live.
Should complement my downwind  champion Naish Maliko for the flat and windless days where the 22 lbs. should feel nice.

11

Classifieds / WTB Velocitek Makai or NK SpeedCoach SUP 2

« on: September 30, 2018, 02:57:52 PM »

Looking for a Velocitek Makai (just lost one down-winding after hitting it with my paddle during a bail-out) or a NK SpeedCoach SUP 2.
I am in Canada so will require shipping.

12

Downwind and Racing / Light DW <25 knots contenders

« on: June 24, 2018, 03:05:32 PM »

Seems that there are a few kicking around some even approved by Burchas :-)

1) SIC Bayonet
2) Infinity Downtown
3) Jimmy Lewis Rail
4) Bullet V2

I am wondering if these provide a higher fun factor than the all around boards that can downwind in under 25 knots flatwinder, downbreezer and light downwind?

1) Bark Vapor Ghost
2) SIC RS
3) Naish Maliko

And that is without going into clogs.
I do like the easy life of having a go to board like the Vapor that will not let you down regardless of the conditions.
When the summer comes I am always wondering if I could get a few more bumps in light conditions by having a newer generation light downwind board.

13

SUP Gear Reviews / Newly Acquired / On Order / 2018 Jimmy Lewis Sidewinder/SIC RS

« on: June 10, 2018, 07:56:36 PM »

Anybody has paddled a 2018 Sidewinder (NOT THE 2017)?
I am curious to know how it compares with the SIC RS - they do have a little bit of similar look.

14

Technique / Travis Grant technique video latest instalment

« on: May 24, 2018, 10:59:36 AM »

I have always found what Travis had to say interesting, and this one is no different:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM4oxNv3iyI

A few tips contained:
* Paddle the narrower board that make you comfortable and able to deliver power with a stable stance not the narrower board
* do not overreach
* Upper hand weight DOWN on the paddle and not forward
* Do crunches :-)

15

Classifieds / Kenalu Mana 90

« on: April 29, 2018, 07:47:03 AM »

Kenalu Mana 90 with 90Flex cut to 79"
but can be cut further as needed or I can provide a longer handle to add a couple of inches
I can also provide a second shorter shaft for sup surfing to bring the length down to 76.5"
Great catch, tons of power, light and fast race paddle. No flutter whatsoever. Bury the blade and power through the pull.
In excellent condition

Canadian Dollar $350 (about USD 275) plus shipping