Messages

16

Gear Talk / Re: 2017 Bark Ghost Vapor

« on: February 11, 2017, 10:14:28 AM »

Just finished paddling around a local island, 5.5 miles. Very light breeze, very strong current. My time wa 1:25. I did the same course in December, similar conditions and my time was 1:15. Was pushing harder during race.
So the flat water speed of the board isn't greaT BUT my legs aren't as spent, the boat wakes were totally a non issue. I bought the board as an addition not replacement. My goal is the Key West Classic. May not happen this year due to family issues but I very very safe on the board and more importantly relaxed. Lugging it up from m the beach to my car was a bitch. Loading it on the roof was a bitch.
I paddle with a smaller blade ZRE 78. Great paddle btw. I figured out ypu really need to keep the board moving. I'm not sure if this is a true displacement board- feel free to chime in.

17

Gear Talk / Re: 2017 Bark Ghost Vapor

« on: February 10, 2017, 07:00:11 PM »

I do believe it's one of the first ones out there.

18

Gear Talk / Re: 2017 Bark Ghost Vapor

« on: February 10, 2017, 06:23:42 PM »

So are you saying I got a single board that is fatter than most or the whole production specs of this board is fat?

19

Gear Talk / Re: 2017 Bark Ghost Vapor

« on: February 10, 2017, 05:40:17 PM »

12'6"
26"
Volume 231
Weight 25
Maybe too soon too tell but this board feels tough as nails.

20

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.

21

Gear Talk / Re: Paddle questions

« on: January 16, 2017, 07:51:11 PM »

ANy time you're important the neighborhood you're welcome to paddle.
I quit drinking but mango jam is still to be had.

22

Gear Talk / Re: Paddle questions

« on: January 16, 2017, 10:40:38 AM »

Update on paddle purchase. 

I waited a couple months to post this because I wanted  to get a feel for the paddle.
There  was definitely a learning curve paddling with my new paddle. Grabbing the water at the catch was initially very difficult and I had a hard time keeping the board straight. After a couple months I feel  much more comfortable with the paddle and have no issues. When I ordered the paddle I spoke directly with Bob Zaveral. He helped me through the whole process. I wanted a 78sq. in. blade that was 6.5 wide. I got a superlight shaft that has a bit more flex,  thinner walls, and a contoured smaller hand grip.
The paddle is well made and SUPER LIGHT.  I was able to hop on a group sale from NYC and get 25% off. Total cost to door 350.00
Conclusion:  I love the paddle. I am able to hold a higher cadence and it "seems" easier on my body than the Hippo stick 7 I was using. I don't think the new paddle is any slower or faster but I am able to keep a higher rate with less effort and go the same speed. It definitely too some getting used to but it seems to have forced me to improve my catch.

23

Gear Talk / Re: Paddle questions

« on: November 08, 2016, 02:45:20 AM »

Wow that's all great info guys exactly what I was looking for. So here is an idea, I live on a beautiful tidal river in warm sunny SW Florida. How about if I have a Paddle Party and you guys can bring all 40 paddles that you own and let me demo them. Free mango jam and coconut key lime liquor, the best damn legal stuff in a jar ever, to all participants. Do any of these companies demo paddles by mail? If not they should.
One additional question, what is the difference between the two levels of paddles on the ZRE site. Is it worth it to go with the higher option? The flex shaft option iisnt listed there, is that because it's heavier?? Which shaft option is best for me? Does the blemished option make a difference? And WHY do they put all of those goofy stickers on the paddles?

24

Gear Talk / Re: Paddle questions

« on: November 07, 2016, 05:16:23 PM »

What does high aspect mean?

25

Gear Talk / Re: Paddle questions

« on: November 07, 2016, 04:39:29 PM »

I have been online obsessing over paddles at all of the above mentioned brand websites. I am even more confused. The labels and names don't really help in describing what the paddles actually do or feel like. I wish I could try all before I decide!! I figured I need a blade of abput 80 sq.in and maybe a fiberglass shaft for flex. Won't this make the paddle heavier?

26

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.

27

Technique / Re: Hips and the drive.

« on: October 19, 2016, 04:23:33 AM »

Plus....the elephant in the room is age. I am the OP and 55. I have tried working with different technique "gears" according to what body part is failing on that particular day of paddle. Achieving the greatest result with the least effort will save my body the best.

28

Technique / Re: Hips and the drive.

« on: October 18, 2016, 08:36:20 PM »

Waiting with bated breath.
I would to get a video analysis of my stroke from Paddle Monster to clear this issue up. It's been a slight obsession. 

29

Training, Diet, and Fitness / Re: Paddling with Cervical Stenosis

« on: August 21, 2016, 06:10:31 PM »

Wow this topic is near and dear to my heart. I have struggled with chronic neck issues of years and transitioned from swimming then rowing and now sup. I think that paddle length is a large influence. For me.... A longer paddle emcourages me to use more rotational thrust while a shorter paddle forces me to use more of a forward backward hip thrust. It seems the rotational movements stress my neck more, manifesting in tight traps and generalized upper back pain.
In Connor Baxters technique video he makes a point to emphasize relaxing your arms and upper torso through the drive. Whenever I feel my neck start talking to me I try to consciously relax my neck, shoulders, arms and upper back and focus on using the power from my hips, legs, and lower torso.
I'm not sure all this helps or makes sense but I feel your pain.
Oh, and yoga, yoga yoga.......

30

Technique / Re: Hips and the drive.

« on: August 09, 2016, 12:10:11 PM »

Wow more fuel to fire my obsessions over technique! The last video pretty much sums up a comparison of LC and CB.