Topics

1

Travel, Trips, Destinations / Paris Race Rentals?

« on: September 16, 2015, 04:00:50 PM »

Just got a call from a friend who got into the Paris Nautic Crossing and is exploring his options for boards. Anyone know of rentals in Paris? The race is 12'6" class, and he'd need some volume as he's a taller guy usually on a 14'.

Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated. (I can speak some French if I have to, maybe enough to stumble through that conversation.)

2

Events / What works well? Race/Event suggestions

« on: August 30, 2015, 12:53:12 PM »

The Midwest SUP series wraps up in two weeks in Lake Geneva, WI at the Midwest SUP Masters. After that race, a bunch of us will be getting together to try and come up with some ideas for ways the series could improve in general, but also feedback for specific events.

I'd love to hear from you what you've liked about an event or race in your area, and why. Conversely, if you'd like to share something that didn't work well, it'd be similarly helpful to know what to avoid.

ex) Waterman's Paddle for Humanity in Minneapolis, MN this year hosted by Wai Nani Surf and Paddle. The flow of the whole day was flawless. A lot of events seem to be hurry up and wait. Haul ass before the race to get check-in sorted in time to hopefully squeeze in a good warmup and get to the line in time. Race ends, kill time until the awards ceremony, raffle, whatever it is. Probably leave right after

Not the case for this race. Registration/check-in was efficient, plenty of time for a warmup, plenty of time to get to the line, music and MC bringing people home off the water as they finish. After everyone was in we had a cool and engaging demonstration while they tabulated results. Soon after was a fun relay incorporating local culture (paddle a board using a plastic snow shovel) with a prize for male/female winners. Right after that were awards/raffle.

At no point was I bored or wondering, "Can they just do the awards already..."

ex 2) Once Around Belle Isle in Detroit, MI. The course was technically interesting and challenging compared to a lot of the courses around here. It wasn't a simple triangle, W, out and back, point to point, blah course. We started on Belle Isle about 1/3 from the north point and lapped the island. Upriver combined with upwind, interesting currents and rebound around the north point, downriver/downwind while navigating decent-sized wake in an international shipping channel, and back to upriver/upwind for 2/3 of the island for the finish. Way more fun than 6 laps around a 1 mile oval.

Thanks for any input!

3

SUP General / Completely Objective, Scientific Analysis on Why the Great Lakes are Better Than the Ocean

« on: August 28, 2015, 05:55:51 AM »

Just, uh, gonna put this here...

https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/reasons-why-the-great-lakes-are-better-than-the-ocean

4

Events / Skyline SUP Series - Chicago, IL 8/29

« on: August 26, 2015, 08:32:41 AM »

This weekend we've got the Skyline SUP Series race on the Midwest circuit. Details, course map, schedule, start times, the works can be found at http://www.skylinesup.com/

Should be a lot of fun! It's home turf for Westy in 14', and he'll be gunning for David Gould, a Madison, WI kid who's currently holding the top spot in points. David will in turn be trying to close the gap on Brian LeFeve of Detroit. Flat water conditions will make this an interesting, no-mistakes race.

In the uber exciting board class of 12'6", we've got a tie-breaker grudge match between Ben Gareiss of Traverse City, MI, and myself (Yeah, 6'2" 190 on 12'6". Welcome to the Midwest...) for the top spot on the leaderboard. Cam M. of Holland, MI could upset plans of either of us, though. The 14 year old Surftech ambassador has left me in his wake more than once.

Come share the love if you're in the area!

5

Random / Ads on the site

« on: August 24, 2015, 01:30:42 PM »

What's with the date ads? I'm lucky enough that checking the forums at work is defensible as "work-related research" if need be. Gotta tell you, though, that it's awkward when folks walk by and the left side of my screen is dominated by a buxom Latina vixen giving me the sex eyes.

6

Midwest / Surfs up?

« on: August 24, 2015, 10:43:48 AM »

Someone in a kayaking group I belong to just posted "6-9' waves projected for South Haven". Anyone out?

When are we gonna get that east wind again... itching for some big stuff over on the Wisco side. Ya dern lucky Michiganers.