Topics

1

SUP General / Shoulder issues/Paddle Craft Type

« on: October 07, 2018, 12:12:13 PM »

Quick survey. I am a 57 year old female paddler. I  like to compete locally in shorter races. I live on a tidal small river in SW Florida. Had rotator cuff surgery 3 weeks ago and soon to have knee imaging for a torn cartilage. I have racing 12’6 and 14. What craft do you think is easiest on shoulders/older bodies?
Paddleboard?
OC 1?
Surf ski?
Launching canoe would be more difficult because of my dock.
Thoughts?

2

SUP General / Need Rack Advice

« on: November 29, 2017, 02:08:49 PM »

It’s time to organize my toys so I can get more toys. So far I have two 12’6” race boards, one Sup Surf, one Sunfish and one Kayak. Don’t tell my husband but that am thinking of getting a 14 to keep up with the boys( ok old men but whatever). I have one half of the two car garage to work with. So....should I put in a wall rack or fabricate something on casters? Any suggestions on spacing of levels? Anyone have plans they want to share or better yet come build it for a free Florida vacation.

3

Gear Talk / Zaveral /QB paddle comparisons

« on: September 01, 2017, 04:34:45 PM »

I was delivering a paddle for a friend and was amazed at how similar these two paddles are. QB V drive and Zaveral.

4

Gear Talk / GPS Watch

« on: March 09, 2017, 02:49:03 AM »

I use a Speedcoach. It is the older nonprogrammable model. I have a heart monitor but rarely use it. I keep the unit at the bow which I like because I can see it without looking down.  I don't like having to stop and crawl on my belly every time I want to stop it for an interval so I was thinking of supplementing with a GPS watch. I've never owned one. I DON'T want a fitness tracker or HR monitor. I DO want something simple with big numbers so OLD eyes can read. I'm thinking less features and functions, maybe an older model that a mature mind can easily operate.
Garmin 910 keeps popping up. As far as cost goes, I was hoping to slip it into my PayPal account without my husband notice so prolly under 250. Any opinions?

5

Gear Talk / 2017 Bark Ghost Vapor

« on: February 10, 2017, 04:04:12 PM »

Today I took delivery of my 2017  Bark Ghost Vapor.  I almost didn't take the board because when it arrived it weighed 25 pounds. I was under the impression that the 2017 models we're going to be under or at 20 pounds. I wanted a lighter board that I could lug around.  I am 55 years old, 140 pounds,  female paddeler from Southwest Florida.  I have been spoiled because my flatwater river race board is a 19.5 pound Hovie which I adore.  She is very fragile though and the front part of her deck is a little soft. I hope that the more substantial Bark board will be more durable.  I suppose one board can't do everything now that's why a girl needs more than one board 
 I test paddled in the gulf yesterday and there was a 1 to 2 foot chop. I would've struggled in those conditions on my Hovie.  The Bark was unbelievably stable but more importantly it cut through the chop like butter.  My skill set level just took an exponential leap forward I was able to paddle and have fun and not be worried about falling in all the time. On the other hand I had it in the river this afternoon and it is definitely not as peppy as my Hovie.
 I test paddled what I thought was the 2016 Bark Carbon Vapor 14. The deck on that board is completely different. That board had a recessed deck with higher walls lateral to where your feet are. My board is completely flat and the deck pad which is white goes further back. White is good for the hot Florida sun but my feet are usually dirty.
Going for a longer paddle tomorrow in the gulf so I'll give you an update tomorrow. I'm looking at this as my SUV board to have fun on and not have to worry about balance. I'm even learning to walk the board. Happy to answer any questions.
I would love if someon from Bark could comment on the construction and weights of the boards. I guess it compares to other brands (Starboard) but oh how I wish it was 3-4 pounds less.

6

Gear Talk / Paddle questions

« on: November 07, 2016, 12:27:39 PM »

I am a 55 year old female racer and use a Hippo Stick AL 7.5. I am looking to get a second paddle that has a shaft with more flex and smaller blade to increase cadence. I tried a Riviera Bump 7 that felt good and still want to try a Kialoa Pipes which I think was designed for women. Here's my question.... How do total square inch area of blade relate to blade length, width and paddle characteristics. Is it an individual thing where a paddle feels one way or another as far as catch and power or quickness go  or are there certain design characteristics that make one paddle perform a certain way. Thanks.
Open to other paddle suggestions.

7

Technique / Hips and the drive.

« on: August 02, 2016, 07:00:22 AM »

So I have been watching two videos about technique. I can't understand if they are describing the same thing in different ways or the techniques are diametrically opposed.
Video #1.  Connor Baxters video on Blue Planet with Robert Stehlik. In the last quarter of the video he describes the drive. He seems to "sit in a chair" and drive his hips FORWARD to the paddle.
Video  #2.. Larry Cains Video Analysis 01.  Larry describes sitting in the chair as a fault and tells the paddler to move the hips forward so you can use the big muscles to drive BACK.

I'm confused. Are these two completely different techniques on paddling or what?

8

Gear Talk / Paddle option

« on: July 03, 2016, 06:32:39 PM »

Looking for a smaller paddle with a softer, more flexible shaft. I presently paddle with a Hippostick 7.5 AL. Mid 50s female.  Just started racing. Any ideas or suggestions appreciated. Flat water, no surfing.

9

Technique / Foot positioning

« on: June 28, 2016, 11:18:27 AM »

I saw some video of me paddling and in my mind my hips are rotated and I am in an A- frame position at the catch. In reality....well you get the picture I'm sure. So I went to the gym and practiced my catch position with a pvc pipe on the balance board in front of mirrors. If my feet are in line with each other it is difficult to keep my knees square. My paddle side knee shoots forward, and my non-paddle side hip shoots up and laterally. If I keep my paddle side foot back six inches, I am able to keep my knees more square and my non-paddle hip/butt down and more midline.
So the question is: is this correct? Do most people keep their feet square or have a staggered stance. What are the advantages to either stance.
What are the secrets to hip rotation, an A-frame and stacked shoulders? Just practice?
Thanks.

10

Gear Talk / SpeedCoach vs. Velocitek

« on: March 05, 2016, 12:11:04 PM »

So, my SpeedCoach got lost in the Gulf yesterday. I'm trying to decide what to replace it with. I still have the charger and heart monitor. It was the original SUP version, that I bought used on Distressed Mullet. I'm not sure if I should wait til I see another used model pop up for sale or go with the Velocitek SUP unit. I don't really have plans to download data. I just like the speed to help with training techniques. Thoughts? I'm not really into plunking down 500 again.
PS the lanyards don't function as safety cords.

11

Gear Talk / Board Damage / Durability

« on: January 22, 2016, 07:26:46 PM »

I am a new paddler and racer. Yesterday I had a minor wipeout and my board shot out from me and went into the mangroves. I have a used SIC x 12 SCC  in excellent condition. I was really surprised at the amount of damage although it could have happened when I was launching  from the dock.
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So my questions are: for racing boards is durability a trade off for speed? Are there certain brands or construction types that hold up better? I am looking to up grade in the near future and was really surprised at how much damage came from so little trauma.

12

Gear Talk / Speed Coach attachment question

« on: December 27, 2015, 04:25:36 PM »

So Santa left me this Speed Coach for Christmas. I bought it used and it came with the big suction cup attachment. Used it today for the first time and other than being heavy it seemed to work fine. I had the lanyard strung through a deck fitting for safety. Any thoughts on best attachment method?
Also for what it's worth I am also a rower. I have a SpeedCoach with an impeller for my rowing shell. I was told by NK the. "Algorithms" for the rowing and SUP Speed Coaches were different. I used the SUP SpeedCoach on my rowing shell and it matched the older impeller unit perfectly. Go figure.

13

Technique / Sore traps

« on: October 22, 2015, 07:29:21 PM »

I am a new paddler and am trying to learn to paddle faster. I have watched most of the You -Tube videos on paddling. I scull competitively as a masters so understand the basics of making a boat go fast. I am amazed at the similarity of sculling and SUP strokes. I paddled tonight in a stiff headwind and my traps were aching. I consciously tried to relax my shoulder/Neck area and place the blade at the catch as if it were stuck in concrete.
Any specific newbie faults that could lead to trap/neck tension other than trying too hard? FWIW I paddle a 12.6 SIC x12'and getting more comfortable on it every day
Thanks