Topics

1

Technique / Must Listen: Ericsson on Surf Performance; Johnny Puakea on improving stroke

« on: September 19, 2017, 07:30:27 AM »

I listened to two great recent podcast episodes you may dig.

The first is from Paddlewoo/The Progression Project and is a conversation with Anders Ericsson. Anders coined the term deliberate practice and his research is the source of the "10,000 hours" rule-- the idea that you have to practice something for 10,000 hours to be a master. (That was popularized and simplified by Malcolm Gladwell.

Great conversation about how top level performs improve, and how to apply this to paddle surfing

http://pca.st/24U1

The Stand Up Paddle Podcast interviewed John Puakea who coaches paddlesports Olympians and designs outrigger canoes. I wasn't crazy about the interviewer's style but there were some great tips about improving paddlestroke

http://pca.st/3SCO

2

Gear Talk / Intrigued by Apple Watch with LTE

« on: September 18, 2017, 08:50:15 AM »

Have not been particularly interested in prior iterations of the Apple Watch as I like my G-shocks and my Seiko. Was listening to a description of the recent keynote and they actually had someone call in from a paddleboard from her watch.

I actually like being unplugged on the water.  However, the ability to let my wife know if I'm running late, call for help for myself or someone else, or even take work calls when I'm not carrying my phone is pretty appealing.  (I'm a physician and have to carry my phone in a dry bag frequently on weekends).

Curious to know what you all think.

3

NorthEast / Where to learn to SUP surf in RI

« on: September 15, 2017, 07:45:03 AM »

I'm interesting in learning to surf on my sup and live in CT. Looks like the closes places to go are in RI. I realize that we are heading into the time of the year when conditions are above my pay grade but want to see if I can get some time in this fall. I'm a novice-- have been prone surfing a few times and have a fair amount of time paddling on the sound.

Looking at Misquamicut and Narragansett to start but welcome other suggestions.

I was wondering if you all could suggest the best places for rank beginners such as myself. Need to have parking available but happy to pay. Bonus points if you know anyone who could give me lessons or if you would be willing to do so yourself. Happy to pay for time and expertise.

Feel free to PM if you like.

4

Gear Talk / Sunova "The One" vs Supsports Hammer

« on: August 24, 2017, 04:19:50 AM »

So I'm looking to get a more surfable SUP. I'm a novice surfer at 5'11 and 175#. I would describe myself as an intermediate paddler in our CT conditions (ocean chop or flatwater). My Naish is a great starter board (even my 70 yo mother in law loves riding it) but it is too big and corky in the surf conditions I have been in. I want a board that I can learn to surf on.

Looking to get something around 160 L as I'm a novice. I also want it to be useable in the conditions we have in CT as well as in surf conditions in RI or Long Island.

I was originally considering a Naish Mana 9.5 but I'm concerned about the weight.

I'm more strongly considering the two boards listed above. So far Creek and Wardog have provided invaluable counsel. I think both would be terrific but I would love more input here.

I'm leaning towards the Hammer because I really like Warren and his crew, it's made in the US, and there are lots of glowing reviews. They have the carbon construction in stock which is very light.

I'm torn, though, because the Sunova also has great reviews and seems to be really versatile. Creek has provided a lot of good information on this. Most importantly, is substantially cheaper.

Would love to know your thoughts on this

5

Gear Talk / Which board on top (on the rack)?

« on: July 01, 2017, 05:01:18 AM »

I'm packing for a trip to Montauk and have a 12'6 SIC bullet (long, skinny) and Naish Odysseus (9'8x34-short and wide). Strapping both to roof rack. Which one should go on top? Will be highway driving.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

6

Technique / Great video series for noobies like myself-- by Sam Ross

« on: September 26, 2016, 10:24:28 AM »

Came across this today. Probably not of tremendous use to old hands, but lots of good technical tips here on pivot terms, braces, and improving paddling techniques.

https://www.supboardermag.com/2015/11/26/sam-ross-paddling-technique-series/

7

Gear Talk / Is my paddle shaft too slippery? (Forgive the double entendre)

« on: September 24, 2016, 01:35:34 PM »

I recently purchased a Kialoa Insanity fiberglass adjustable paddle. The build is quite nice and it paddles well, as far as I can tell ( I am a novice). However, compared with my first paddle ( a Bic) the shaft is very very slippery when wet, making it difficult to paddle and generating some hand fatigue. I'm not sure if this is a feature or bug, or how more experienced people handle this issue. 

I can see the upside as I occasionally got blisters when starting out (on the top side of my hand just passed the web between thumb and forefinger) with the Bic which is a bit grippier, but this has not been an issue since I learned not to have a death grip on the paddle.

So-- is this an issue that bothers anyone besides me? Do you wax or tape your paddle shaft? (Again, sorry that it sounds so dirty).

8

Gear Talk / Which Naish Glide? I am pretty confused

« on: September 01, 2016, 06:34:08 AM »

I've been looking into getting a second board (bought my first, a Naish Odysseus, about a month ago). Want to have a second for friends, etc, to hopefully develop a community of SUP friends in our town. I live on the Connecticut shore so, although I am interested in surfing, it isn't really an option most of the time. After speaking to some of the good people of Windward Boat Shop, I started looking at the Naish Glide. I am 6 ft and 180 lbs. This board would be for ocean touring. Maybe I will try down winding at some point, although right now I would describe myself as a novice.

Initially I was looking at the 2016 GTW Touring in 12 feet which seems a bit more versatile in terms of transportation, etc. Since it is the end of the model year I have also seen some good deals on 2015 models in 14 ft /x 29 and x 30, and even a stray 2014 here and there. . Although there is a fair amount written about individual models I remain quite confused. It seems that there are different versions and geometries both within and between model years.

Unfortunately, there is no great place for me to test these boards within 100 miles

There's no real urgency here- I'm more window shopping than anything else but if I find the right deal on (what I think) is the right board, I would pull the trigger.

Any thoughts you have would be much appreciated.

9

NorthEast / Any other Zoners here in Connecticut?

« on: August 28, 2016, 06:35:23 PM »

I just caught the bug this summer and live in Guilford (near New Haven). I don't know anyone local who is into the support and would love to find some buddies to paddle with. Let me know if you are around.

10

Gear Talk / Any good paddle recs for a beginner?

« on: August 11, 2016, 07:23:04 PM »

I'm new to the sport and the board and am looking for a good all around adjustable paddle for me (6 ft) that my 5 2 wife can use as well. Mostly for flat water. Do you have any suggestions for good entry level paddles? Extra points if available on Amazon. Thanks in advance.

11

Gear Talk / Starter Board for Family: Surftech Universal vs. Pau Hana Big EZ

« on: August 07, 2016, 06:03:24 AM »

I'm looking to purchase my first paddleboard and am hoping to buy locally, which has limited my options somewhat (I live on the CT shoreline). I recently tried out the Surftech Universal and Pau Hana Big EZ. I've also used a Bic Duratech. All were 11'6.

I'm 6 feet tall and 175 lbs. I also would like my wife to be able to use the board. She is 5'2" and 120 lbs. On occasion I may want to take one of our kids out. We would be mostly in Long Island sound which in our town does not have much surf. I also get down to the East End of LI with some frequency. I know that the retailers down there sell Hobie, Riviera and Naish-- if there is anything else worth comparing.

I liked both the Surftech and the Pau Hana. I thought the Surftech was a bit more fun, but the Pau Hana was more stable and thus maybe better for the family. I'm tempted to buy now but am also consider waiting for the end of the season sales. I've also been following the used sales on Craigslist but don't want to buy a board that I haven't tried yet. (I also haven't seen anything that is a good fit for what I am looking for.)

I appreciate in advance any thoughts you might have. I've read the boards and I apologize if I have missed any comparison of these boards.