Standup Zone Forum
Stand Up Paddle => SUP General => Topic started by: PDLSFR on August 19, 2018, 11:05:54 AM
-
So I used to love love love the Stand Up Zone, lots of great conversations about boards, about paddling, tips and great advice, then came the jokers and folks that posted irrelevant posts just because they thought they where funny or wanted to see their post count go up or felt they had so share their own agendas or self promotion and egos. Now it’s become politics, options, and negative discussions and many zoners ..like most of america ...now easily have their feeling hurt and can’t seem to get along. It’s really too bad as I’ve made lots of friends from the Zone, some of your biggest Zoners I’ve had the pleasure of paddling with, surfed with them, hung out with their families and although sometimes we have differences of opinions, it never gets personal. I always loved the classifieds and Admin brought it back to it’s full glory. The new stuff about foils and even non paddling stuff can even be a good read (like pono’s camper overhaul), but then you read someone’s post and it goes south and you question why, what happended, who are these zoners... surly not someone I’d paddle with or even waste time trying to talk to. Sad thing is I’m not the only one with this opinion or feels this way and this awesome place is getting ruined.
I’ve made my share of posts calling people out when I’ve read dumb comments or posts and now its gone to another level as shown by a zoner using his signature as a quote from me from a long time ago when my post hurt his feelings....
I think it was my reaction when you scolded me and another forum member on my humorous post about new Infinity models and you went on a rant about ppl posting useless crap etc. And I found it funny when someone tried to be the internet police on public forums.
Kirill
Why???? Maybe times are chaging on the zone, maybe we need the admin to weed out the “junk”, hell, maybe its just me. I’m sure the Admin might pull this thread down and I mean it as nothing against the zone but rather where some of the conversations have gone and are still going... it’s too bad... used to log on and read the zone more than facebook or even the surf forecasts. I hope the zone goes back to what it was and what it can truely be, a place for paddlers to share and exchange experiences, discussions, thoughts and ideas, and wverything all around stand up.
To my zoners I call family and friends, see you at the beach, at a race, or when we get together to talk SUP, remember the stoke and good vibes and forget the downers and jokers.
Derek
-
if you have the admin weed out the junk that is censorship. As for me I always say 1 man's junk is another man's treasure. The thing is it is an open forum say what you will but be cosiderate don't call names, we have spouses girfriends boufriends and kids to do that. be resprctful of other opinions that don't match yours and try to stay on course atleast with regard to standup. It is a great forum. I like it but that is just my opinion.
-
I think it's just because Standup paddling is getting old and chatting is all that's left for some people. The interesting topics are all talked out and there isn't anything more to add. The fad is over. It was great when everyone was learning together but now there are a lot less people entering the sport. Board evolution has slowed to a stop. The resource of new ideas has been used up.
Foiling is the new thing but it is very limited and not many will take it up. At least nowhere near the numbers that SUP had. It certainly gets my attention though.
I hope we can keep the forum going in a positive direction. Solo Shot has really helped to make videos interesting. I would like to see more photos and videos of surfing and places. I'll try to get some surf shots next time I'm out if we ever get some waves.
-
I love the Zone... and, like all good love affairs, there are some bumps along the way.
Lots of us came here originally, to learn.
We were new to the sport and starved for info.... that created the "heat" that helped fuel our stoke.
We became friends and came closer together.
Awesome as that is, it may intimidate new SUPsters from joining in....much like a stranger walking into a local bar.
I know, as a newbie, I agonized over every word I typed, before I hit "POST"
Remaining open and welcoming to new members and each other, is the only way to move forward IMO
To keep things fresh and interesting, I want to see more stuff like "How-to" videos that Robert, Clay and Beasho make.... these attracts new folks into the Zone.
There is still good content on the Zone if you look around, but it can get lost in the chat.
Forums survive on content.... words are important, but they need backup, IMO
I love seeing everyones pics and video's.... newbie or ripper
My belief is, pictures and videos give context to words and make everything more relatable.
See my reply to "Tall Dude's Daily paddle", to see what I get from peoples videos!
My video camera's failed me much of this year, but I am back up and running.
I am working on several new videos as we speak!
If you are a newbie, please post your videos and reviews..... that is exactly what other new SUPsters want to see!
Newbie's.... ask questions, lots of folks on here that would love to help you out.
-
Like this forum and the diversity of the ppl & posts. I think it comes down to Respect if you can and if you cant do try because that person might be ok than you think?
-
"...the “junk”, hell, maybe its just me..."
Derek
Yeah, I think it's just you. I have no complaints about the Zone.
-
Everything changes Derek. Zone was is and continues to be what it's users and admin want. I'm as guilty of the bickering as anyone...though no more I hope. I'm tired of it too. But if folks want to have their say on an open forum....not sure where the problem is....just words bro. The zone has changed with the sport too as Badger noted.
Creeks right about this place being what we make it. You can get angry and feed into it or ignore it and enjoy the parts of the zone you like. I'm doubling down on my love of SUP and the zone as the birthplace of the CCBC. I expect you back paddling again next year.... :)
-
The honeymoon is definitely over, but the relationships are still there. There are still races, and people getting into it, just not at a frenzied pace.
-
Yeah Bob I’ll be back for my 4th CCBC, as I love the cause, love the people, and love the challenge. Too bad many zoners don’t know me or why I’ll paddle an event like the CCBC, they’re too busy passing judgement and opinions based on politics and BS.
I’ll be the first one to agree that censorship is BS but the negativity and direct “jokes” as some zoners call it is just a load of crap and obviously personal crap the zone doesn’t need.
Yeah times change, but people stay the same, the negative and hostle kooks can do their thing and I’ll spend my time with zoners that focus on the bigger picture... enjoying sup surfing and friends and family, waves and fun.
-
You seem to want a whole lotta stuff that rhymes with censorship. Just read, enjoy and stop your snifflin,,,its embarrasing.
How much can one possibly talk about water sports anyways? Sheesh
Go smoke some weed, it will help.the angst.
-
yeah let's "make the zone great again" per PDLSFR's high standards with more great posts like this:
"Not 65 year olds maybe you took my post out if context with is typical for this site which I why I barely post anything anymore. I’m talking about the heroin heads and crack heads, welfare mother having baby after baby just to get a larger govt check, the people I see all the time getting “free care” because they dont have insurance or a way to pay (yet they have a fridge stocked with more food, have plenty of booze and drugs and dont forget their cigarettes), those are the people I’m talking about."
and you dont like my posts about options? or that i didnt shows pics, in the classifieds, of a board you have no interest in? or that some choose to joke around or speak of matters you dont find on point? who says you get to be the arbiter of what belongs here?
throw stones from a glass house........
now sniffle on.......
-
I think it's just because Standup paddling is getting old and chatting is all that's left for some people. The interesting topics are all talked out and there isn't anything more to add. The fad is over. It was great when everyone was learning together but now there are a lot less people entering the sport. Board evolution has slowed to a stop. The resource of new ideas has been used up.
Foiling is the new thing but it is very limited and not many will take it up. At least nowhere near the numbers that SUP had. It certainly gets my attention though.
Yes, I agree. There is also now completion locally from FB forums. Many areas now have FB groups where people can share views and information, and this attracts many newbies. Why speak with someone hundreds or thousands of miles away when you can contact someone just 20mins away?
The Trump thread (and the similar ones) also had a very profound effect on my own view of Zoners. I come from a country which is predominately more socially liberal, and where there is not the same level of distrust of the government, and where race relations are not as big an issue as they are in the US. There is also perhaps more religious diversity, and more personal experience amongst Christians of non-Christian religions. So the views expressed here that seemed fairly mainstream for US zoners seemed actually quite shockingly extreme from my perspective. It was a valuable education for me, but it did substantially change my attachment to the forum community.
My grandmother always used to say that they were certain topics (e.g. religion, politics, sex, money) that should always be avoided in polite conversation. She was referring to the success of conversations at dinner parties and other social gatherings. But I can see now that she would have been right for online forums too.
-
I think it's just because Standup paddling is getting old and chatting is all that's left for some people. The interesting topics are all talked out and there isn't anything more to add. The fad is over. It was great when everyone was learning together but now there are a lot less people entering the sport. Board evolution has slowed to a stop. The resource of new ideas has been used up.
Foiling is the new thing but it is very limited and not many will take it up. At least nowhere near the numbers that SUP had. It certainly gets my attention though.
Yes, I agree. There is also now competition locally from FB forums. Many areas now have FB groups where people can share views and information, and this attracts many newbies. Why speak with someone hundreds or thousands of miles away when you can contact someone just 20mins away?
Facebook has taken people away from traditional public forums and has driven everything underground into exclusive private groups. I guess that makes people feel cool to belong to them. I don't want anything to do with Facebook.
.
-
I think it's just because Standup paddling is getting old and chatting is all that's left for some people. The interesting topics are all talked out and there isn't anything more to add. The fad is over. It was great when everyone was learning together but now there are a lot less people entering the sport. Board evolution has slowed to a stop. The resource of new ideas has been used up.
Foiling is the new thing but it is very limited and not many will take it up. At least nowhere near the numbers that SUP had. It certainly gets my attention though.
Yes, I agree. There is also now competition locally from FB forums. Many areas now have FB groups where people can share views and information, and this attracts many newbies. Why speak with someone hundreds or thousands of miles away when you can contact someone just 20mins away?
Facebook has taken people away from traditional public forums and has driven everything underground into exclusive private groups. I guess that makes people feel cool to belong to them. I don't want anything to do with Facebook.
I’m sympathetic to that view. But it does increase the likelihood of finding people who will become “real” friends as opposed to only virtual ones.
-
. . . .But it does increase the likelihood of finding people who will become “real” friends as opposed to only virtual ones.
You guys realize that the end state of AI will NOT be that they exterminate us but that the AI will just make us all feel welcomed and liked by our Turing friends on line.
-
The conversations on here could have happened over cucumber sandwiches and tea with your grandmother compared to the conversations on my local FB page. I'm actually pretty shocked at the vitriol. I'll stick to the local FB gardening page...less anger there.... ;)
-
I have met literally 100's of Zoners in my travels.
We embrace like old friends..... and cyber buddies become real friends!
The warmth, generosity and hospitality I have experienced from so many Zoners is truly amazing.
I always appreciate when Zoners contact me if they are near Cape Cod!
Heck... I've even met Zoner's that live right near me, that I had never run into before ;D
-
Some of my best friends are zoners…... ;)
-
Nearly all the people I surf with I met on the Zone. We've had a number of Zoner meetups at various places over the years and I never have to drive far.
-
I was stoked beyond belief several years ago when I first discovered this forum.....I was new to the sport and found countless posts containing tips and tricks, videos and specific guidance/instruction on how to improve. Over time this has changed with fewer and fewer posts/videos has (to me) been disappointing. Since I come here looking for the aforementioned I tend to focus on about 1/4th of the nearly two dozen "General Category" areas nowadays.
I'll continue to promote, comment and encourage more Sup surf vid's and instruction as well as board reviews. Also, novice and beginners should be encouraged and feel comfortable in posting content (especially videos) for review and advice. There continues to be a wealth of knowledge and expertise that many of us could benefit regardless of ability.
As for topics on politics, flatwater, foiling, racing, and a few others I'll pass....but that's me. I know there are many here who feel strongly on just these topics and enjoy a good debate which is fine and I can respect that. To each his own.
Here's to Aretha and R.E.S.P.E.C.T ...... and for keeping the aloha spirit at the forefront of our thoughts and fingers.
-
I blame Fortnite.
;)
The sport has matured, the meal has been eaten, and now we're all sitting around the table wondering if we're going to do this SUP thing for the rest of our lives or jump on another emerging "next big thing." I enjoy the Zone for the introductions it's made, the surf banter, videos and photos, the documentation of our ever changing coastlines, and the little things that exist on the periphery of the sport. The pace has slowed, but the value is still here.
Having prone surfed from 13 to 47ish, SUP allowed me more access, more wave time, and less pain. I'll probably be a participant until I can't do it anymore. The Zone gives me a kind of "internet anchor" that I can come to and see what's up with my chosen sport. The Zone is not perfect, and if it was, I probably wouldn't be allowed in. Long live the Zone.
-
You are kind of being your own example.
-
I belong to or spend time in numerous forums that support my unmanaged ADD--motorcycles, race cars, electric bikes and cars, airstreams, welding and machining, additive manufacturing, laser cutting, blah, blah. By comparison, the zone is a safe harbor. Little criticism, lots of value, minimal stupidity, rare trolling. Facebook is steady-state hideous but if you'd like to experience the depth humanity can sink to, spend a bit of time on the sportbike forums. As Bob said, cucumber sandwiches. I've had some heated discussions here, but nothing like the mindless ranting elsewhere.
-
I think it's just because Standup paddling is getting old and chatting is all that's left for some people. The interesting topics are all talked out and there isn't anything more to add. The fad is over. It was great when everyone was learning together but now there are a lot less people entering the sport. Board evolution has slowed to a stop. The resource of new ideas has been used up.
Foiling is the new thing but it is very limited and not many will take it up. At least nowhere near the numbers that SUP had. It certainly gets my attention though.
Yes, I agree. There is also now completion locally from FB forums. Many areas now have FB groups where people can share views and information, and this attracts many newbies. Why speak with someone hundreds or thousands of miles away when you can contact someone just 20mins away?
Yes. My area has a great facebook SUP group page. And it's tied in directly with meeting people and paddling together. Most of what people post are photos of people paddling, or announcing events (ranging from formal ones like demos or races to "Anyone want to join me tonight at 6 at the lake for a paddle?".
I'd guess more than half the people on it are women. Social paddling events around here (moonlight paddles, witches' paddles (got international press for that one) etc. have really taken off here, probably directly due to their being an easy way for people to connect. Downwinding paddles are big. Fewer people race, although there are still some great local races.
Occasionally there are questions about gear (usual answer is to go talk to Bob at Gorge Performance) or things like safety, board storage, etc. (I sometimes give people links to discussions here).
FB can be horrible (people sitting in their basements ranting about politics with strangers) but it can also bring people together with the local activity groups. A few in the local group here post on the zone, and a few more may read it.
-
Is it just me, or does this thread just add to the very thing that the OP of this thread is complaining about?
Kind of like a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you don't like it OP, why did you add to it?
-
About fifteen years ago I saw, for the first time, a guy surfing a stand up board, with a paddle in his hands. It was on Oahu and I thought it was just about the coolest thing ever. At that time I had kind of heard that it was something Hawaiians had previously done, in earlier times. I didn’t know, but it sounded good. The whole idea really motivated me. Total stoke.
Then I gradually became aware of the antagonism toward SUP surfers, the restrictions placed on them, etc... All too bad… but that crap doesn’t diminish the awesomeness of the sport (including just creeking along in some beautiful place).
So for whatever crazy reasons, SUP is not yet universally appreciated. Whatever bitching and moaning may occur, the Zone still is a place with a shared awareness and appreciation of this niche thing, which is awesome in itself.
-
Yo, PDLSFR....It's all good, man! The Zone is one of THE coolest forums around (And I've been on quite a few at this late stage in my life), but there will always be a few uncools. One thing I've learned after all these yrs on forums and fb is to walk away. I'm at the point where online engagements and confrontations are just not worth my trouble, aggravation, and time. Gotta stick w/the positive.
The Zone has been a source of great inspiration, information, and a virtual meeting place for water enthusiasts like myself. One thing about user names is that they are easy to hide behind and I'm always trying to see the real person behind that user name.
True sup has peaked and it's pretty much all been done. But hey, it's our passion so we keep on keepin' on. Sure is more fun than Parcheesi. Our place here in cyberspace is quite special and has so much to offer w/all the different available categories. Lately since my decision to dive head first into foil sup I'm spending alot of time over there. So lucky me for all that help is available from more experienced members.
It's been great actually meeting up w/Zoners in real life and experiencing all they have to offer. I try and pay it forward whenever possible to keep the stoke alive.
So, PDLSFR, try to keep it possible and keep the stoke alive....and if ur ever in NJ near Long Beach Island..... 8)
-
"Anyone want to join me tonight at 6 at the lake for a paddle?"
Be careful, Mike! Sounds harmless but that is very likely a Russian troll. Next time we see you you could be muttering, "truth is not truth" and wearing a Be Best T shirt.
-
"Anyone want to join me tonight at 6 at the lake for a paddle?"
Be careful, Mike! Sounds harmless but that is very likely a Russian troll. Next time we see you you could be muttering, "truth is not truth" and wearing a Be Best T shirt.
OMG! Now that you said that, I went back and read their exact, numerous posts. I'd thought they were talking about putting in at 6, but their exact words were "PUTIN TONIGHT!"
Plus they've got to be Russians. I saw one getting into his car after his paddle and six people climbed out of his wetsuit, each one smaller than the last.
-
"Anyone want to join me tonight at 6 at the lake for a paddle?"
Be careful, Mike! Sounds harmless but that is very likely a Russian troll. Next time we see you you could be muttering, "truth is not truth" and wearing a Be Best T shirt.
OMG! Now that you said that, I went back and read their exact, numerous posts. I'd thought they were talking about putting in at 6, but their exact words were "PUTIN TONIGHT!"
I had a similar thing happen to me. I was searching for SUP shaping tools and carelessly queried pro sanders. Now I find myself targeted by both socialists and smoky eyed spokesperson interests. It is a time for great caution.
-
"Anyone want to join me tonight at 6 at the lake for a paddle?"
Be careful, Mike! Sounds harmless but that is very likely a Russian troll. Next time we see you you could be muttering, "truth is not truth" and wearing a Be Best T shirt.
OMG! Now that you said that, I went back and read their exact, numerous posts. I'd thought they were talking about putting in at 6, but their exact words were "PUTIN TONIGHT!"
I had a similar thing happen to me. I was searching for SUP shaping tools and carelessly queried pro sanders. Now I find myself targeted by both socialists and smoky eyed spokesperson interests. It is a time for great caution.
Here it goes again. Politics ruining another thread. Who runs this place anyway?
-
i have enjoyed the zone for years, and cherry pick what i like--and that can include PB's welding/brazing adventures, a trip report, a board review, videos, the current evolution of foiling, Creek's diet and lifestyle tips, and Beasho's data-crunchery---all great stuff and available at the zone buffet--take what you want--leave what you dont--and there's good humanity here, too--people get sick, kids get sick, broke guy needs a paddle or board, etc etc--zoners prove to care and reach out to help, and this transcends our respective disparate political beliefs, thk God
otoh if i read something challenging or offensive, much as i try to ignore, i dont like to let crap stand, crap that implies that I and other zoners are ok with it--and you wont find me spontaneously pontificating politics here (at least not in a long time)--but you will find me representing a differing POV, rather than let something stand that might be interpreted as ok with all of us--i wont start it, but i wont let crap stand, if someone else does
and yeah there's an irony that the OP, a guy who's said some pretty ugly stuff here--stuff that had nothing to do with supping or any of the stuff he claims we shd be speaking about--is now complaining--callout time
-
"Anyone want to join me tonight at 6 at the lake for a paddle?"
Be careful, Mike! Sounds harmless but that is very likely a Russian troll. Next time we see you you could be muttering, "truth is not truth" and wearing a Be Best T shirt.
OMG! Now that you said that, I went back and read their exact, numerous posts. I'd thought they were talking about putting in at 6, but their exact words were "PUTIN TONIGHT!"
I had a similar thing happen to me. I was searching for SUP shaping tools and carelessly queried pro sanders. Now I find myself targeted by both socialists and smoky eyed spokesperson interests. It is a time for great caution.
At least you weren't needing sturdy gardening tools, and googling high-quality hoes.
-
there you go...joking around again
-
Who runs this place anyway?
PonoBill
-
Admin I've long suspected you're the Bruce Wayne to PB
I'm just waiting to see what secondary topic hijacks this thread...
-
Admin I've long suspected you're the Bruce Wayne to PB
That is pretty much it.
Administrative note: Please send all suggestions and complaints to pono@bill.com. Please continue to send all "is this hot chicks image too racy to post?" questions to me at admin@standupzone.com.
-
NOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!!!!!!!
-
I came here to learn how to build a paddle...
I come back for the puns....
-
i really like it here, I am very happy to hear the advice,as I am new and really want to learn new things. Thank you Zoners...love it here. All your old posts are new to me, and Im learning and enjoying. Also scored a great board deal from Jim. Winning !
-
Last November I was home sick as a dog for a full week with the flu. To entertain myself as best I could I went back to the very first page of the General Discussion Forum, back to 2007. I moved forward in time, page by page, looking at every single thread title and reading many that caught my eye. It was fascinating to see the evolution of the sport, the forum, and the characters who come here. This really is a great site.
-
This site is pretty tame compared to many/most. Try a rules/etiquette board on a Golf forum. Every social media site now is mercilessly dragged down into politics and faux outrage. This is actually the only site that I will discuss politics on, because most of you are even keeled and tempered/thoughtful in your responses. I thoroughly enjoyed the Trump thread. Thought it was both hilarious and enlightening.
I firmly believe that all of this moral outrage and virtue signalling over politics is thinly veiled procrastination for what we should actually be doing to make a difference in our life. Case in point I am supposed to be writing a proposal right now and instead writing this ^^^^.
Anyway, this is a good forum site. Every now and then a thread goes by the board, but by and large they just fizzle out of momentum because the sport itself has peaked. I would SUP or drink beer with any of you.
-
Yep, most "tame" forum I post at...and most definitely the highest "IQ" one. Even the few dust ups of disagreements I come across are articulately stated by both side for the most part, and rarely deteriorate into the futile, end game name-calling I see so often at the other places I post. Rather refreshing really to read the occasional strong disagreements between some, remain on the intellectual discussion level, and not the school yard, emotional, shouting match type where you almost forget what the original topic was all about in the first place.
My suggestion to the OP...if you don't like what or how certain folks post, put them on "ignore", move on, and just read and enjoy those members, and topics you find interesting. Getting bent out of shape to the point of starting a new thread wrt it is really just pointless, non-productive, and just adds to your frustration...when simply ignoring them saves the time, energy, and irritation of reading, and commenting on them in the long run.
Long live the Zone.
-
wisdom:
"I firmly believe that all of this moral outrage and virtue signalling over politics is thinly veiled procrastination for what we should actually be doing to make a difference in our life. Case in point I am supposed to be writing a proposal right now and instead writing this ^^^^."
-
To that point, here's some wisdom from an unexpected source. Forward to 1:45 for the meat of it....
https://youtu.be/sG33DxHuCdY
wisdom:
"I firmly believe that all of this moral outrage and virtue signalling over politics is thinly veiled procrastination for what we should actually be doing to make a difference in our life. Case in point I am supposed to be writing a proposal right now and instead writing this ^^^^."
-
floyd work hard and well done to him, one of the great allround boxer.
-
I will always have an appreciation for F$M. I bet one of my buddies $500 on the Mayweather/McGregor fight last year (gave him 3:1) and F$M made McGregor look like a plain rookie.
He is a great fighter but boring to watch. He is more fun to listen to before/after.
-
As for me I always say 1 man's junk is another man's treasure.
LOL was that an intentional innuendo? I mean I know we're mostly dudes here, but it's not prison.
-
You seem to want a whole lotta stuff that rhymes with censorship. Just read, enjoy and stop your snifflin,,,its embarrasing.
How much can one possibly talk about water sports anyways? Sheesh
Go smoke some weed, it will help.the angst.
see stuff like that still makes me laugh out loud. Which one reason I like this forum so much.
-
Interesting thread, interesting timing.
This is my first time logging onto the 'zone in prob 3-4yrs.
I used to be addicted. I had the SUP bug, and loved this forum. Zone and email, didn't need much else.
I enjoyed the personalities and over time, found the 'Random' area as/more interesting than the SUP content.
Then someone who posts a LOT on here started sending me PM's telling me to piss off (paraphrasing).
'Cause I'm not funny, or adding the right kind of value, or whatever.
That pretty much did it for me; way too busy to re-live 8th grade in an online forum.
I also think the member 'ban' that took place a few years back took away some very interesting contributors.
Anyhoo, Paddle on!
-
Hi Spook - it certainly wasn’t me who was PMing you! I enjoyed your posts.
-
I agree the purge took a lot of the dynamics that the Zone was generating out.
Many were customers and co-collaborators for events.
Spawned 2 other forums none of which got up the same momentum.
Good news is that many have become friends and we still keep in touch.
-
I agree the purge took a lot of the dynamics that the Zone was generating out.
Anyone care to elaborate on what happened here? I’m thinking this must have taken place before I joined this forum.
If there was some kind of purge, I must say it surprises me a bit, as I’ve always thought this was a fairly free wheeling forum, in that people were free to express their opinions without much concern about being edited or banned. Maybe I’m mistaken in this belief? But I have seen other forums where people would be banned for far less than what I’ve seen on the Zone.
I also have to say though that for all it’s flaws, I do enjoy the Zone. I’ve learned a lot and continue to follow it.
-
I admit all the foiling threads left me cold. It's not where I'm interested.
-
Hey Quckbeam, “Colas” is a perfect example. Extremely knowledgeable, and never a bad word for anyone. He seemed to back out of the zone after some of his posts were deleted due to excessive brand promotion/ambassadorship. Colas had a lot of good input, but I understand, the Zone (a commercial enterprise), does not exist on aloha alone.
-
Thanks Bean.
-
I agree the purge took a lot of the dynamics that the Zone was generating out.
Many were customers and co-collaborators for events.
Spawned 2 other forums none of which got up the same momentum.
Good news is that many have become friends and we still keep in touch.
Hi Ralph,
I just deleted your URL, links, etc. from your profile. How many times have I removed branded content from you and reminded you nicely of our policy? Yes, there are some that choose not to support the site through sponsorship. That is, of course, fine. We still value general participation from brand associated members, etc but without any branded content. When the brand spamming goes overboard it is possible to get banned.
Our rules are minimal but we do ask that they be followed. https://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,18427.0.html
-
Thanks Admin.
Keep up the good work.
-
Spook!....long time no see bro.... :) We may not agree on much but stick around....we could use some more whit injected now and then. And come on down and hang some...pup still with you I hope?
I've been here pretty much from the start, there have been a few instances of bans/purges whatever that resulted from folks overusing the zone to promote their stuff for free. At one point false logins being created to pump products was rampant. I think unregulated the zone quickly becomes crap. The zone is also a commercial enterprise, and I think a pretty well run one at that despite what some detractors might say. We're lucky to have it as it is. Other forums I belong to are at best as well run...it goes downhill quickly from there.
-
Maybe it's just PonoBill's fault? ;D
-
I miss BigDongSupper and his aluminum board.
-
BOOM! EXPLOSION..... DISTRACTION>>>>>.. NOTHING MORE TO SEE HERE.
please focus more on hot chicks on stand up paddle boards thread
just to jog your memory.. Here is page 8 of 111.
https://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=15352.105
thanks team
-red
-
Probably. My first wife thought everything was, including the war of 1812.
-
Interesting thread, interesting timing.
This is my first time logging onto the 'zone in prob 3-4yrs.
I used to be addicted. I had the SUP bug, and loved this forum. Zone and email, didn't need much else.
I enjoyed the personalities and over time, found the 'Random' area as/more interesting than the SUP content.
Then someone who posts a LOT on here started sending me PM's telling me to piss off (paraphrasing).
'Cause I'm not funny, or adding the right kind of value, or whatever.
That pretty much did it for me; way too busy to re-live 8th grade in an online forum.
I also think the member 'ban' that took place a few years back took away some very interesting contributors.
Anyhoo, Paddle on!
Whoa.
Yeah, I miss you here as well.
Just ran across this thread....trying to figure something out.
Yeah, honeymoon over as has been said very well here already by many.
I don't pop in here as often anymore either...
For me, I started chasing a little white ball around pretty seriously 3 summers ago.
My house is on a couple of courses and have lived here close to 20 years. I decided to get a cart and a pass 3 years ago and....there you go.
I would much rather paddle but going across the street vs. going 30-45 minutes to the lake and well.....across the street wins out on the daily basis.
Vacations, outings, excursions, etc. still all revolve around water and paddling but going out for the afternoon is more about jumping in the cart and smacking the crap out of a ball.
There really is something about hitting that stupid thing when you hit it good.
Anyways......long live the zone.
I really love this place and everyone here and it really still is the only forum that holds my interest and I really participate in.
-
Love this place.
I’d like to know a bit more about the policies that get people banned.
I’m with Ralph, The Purge was real and it hurt this forum.
Colas, Leper, SupJuan, boludo (that guy can surf!!) now SUPUK who was really our most innovative builder next to DW. A lot of great content left. I hope it was worth preserving the minimal ad content that remains. I hope this doesn’t get me banned but I do wonder as a businessman if perhaps a Parlay is in order as the industry crumbles? If there’s little to no money to be made why not have more eyeballs?
Honestly, I felt that none of those folks were as intrusive as some of the legit advertisers who regularly hijacked threads with impunity.
As to Facebook groups, the thing about local boards is that you have the human connection as PDX said. You don’t wanna be a jerk because people will see you in the water.
Interesting stat on the level of female participation on those. Also backs up my opinion on the “Hot Chicks” thread. It hurts us, especially after the year we’ve all had. Seems like it’d be a no-brainer. Kill that or basically never have a decent number of women on here. They have voted with their silence.
But I love it here. It’s better than most and I’ve made friends and learned a lot from folks here and for that I’m grateful. Hell, the zone taught me that I mostly want to surf prone lol. Who’da thunk it?
-
this zone change me ;)
-
now SUPUK who was really our most innovative builder next to DW.
He's still building and documenting some nice foil technology on his facebook page.
-
now SUPUK who was really our most innovative builder next to DW.
He's still building and documenting some nice foil technology on his facebook page.
Was supuk booted or did he leave on his own?
-
Colas, Leper, SupJuan, boludo (that guy can surf!!) now SUPUK who was really our most innovative builder next to DW. A lot of great content left.
Of that group only Colas was removed and he (like Ralph) was sent a silly number of messages prior to that happening. I think SUPUK is still here. :)
-
I think supuk has been occupied with non-SUP projects of late, and when he is on the water, is almost exclusively foiling (which, predictably, he is now very good at).
-
as a new "zoner", I have certainly found this site to be an amazing place to see the progression of the sport, especially in the technique postings. Already several parts of my SUP Surfing, mostly safety related, have been enhanced. It certainly sounds like a few years ago both the freshness of the sport and the site gave it a real community. And I feel like I'm late to the party. But I still have enjoyed the people who keep on keeping on. Thanks y'all for keeping it going!
-
I love to see the SUP stoke continuing. I've been posting for more than 8 years now. I've learn a lot from some great people I met here. Some of whom I met in person after meeting them here and surfed, paddled or raced with them. I hate Facebook, and have never Instagram'd or Tweeted. I surf and paddle when I have time, and rarely plan to join up with anyone. The Zone is a nice break from my daily computer grind. So I'm basically taking a break from work right now. My office staff is two cats, who stare at me when they are awake.
I have SUPUK's email as well as others mentioned in this thread and have surfed and or corresponded with some of them privately.
The reality is life is about change and finding something new. SUP was new and everyone was running to jump on the band wagon. I've surfed and lived a the beach most my life, but there have been years that I never went surfing. Sailing, windsurfing, mountain biking, skiing, golf, brewing beer, photography, etc. etc. Lots of things I've done and obsessed with, but still more to try ;) SUP is core to my fitness. It replaced going to the gym, and I love it for that. It's got me back into surfing and reacquainted me with my ocean roots. If I find some new fun exercise that is better the SUP, I'll do that. I love that the SUP surfing lineup has been reduced. It just means more waves for me. I'd like to see the SUP racing scene back to the old simple 5K 10K 20K paddle what you paddle days. It's heading that way too. As long as Admin is up for it, I'll probably be here....
Hey Charlie ....
-
Admin I stand corrected. Thx for addressing this head on. Glad I asked.
I’m in touch with Charlie too. If you remember I went to his shop! Totally get why some move on. Eases my resentment to know those exits were voluntary lol.
I’m not going anywhere either. Love the site.
-
I’m not going anywhere either. Love the site.
We have always really enjoyed running the Zone. Bias aside, it is my most interesting read of the day. We could not have expected such an odd but insightful group to assemble around a sport enthusiast site.
The sport is at an interesting point. It has cooled from a boil. There is a lot of brand fallout as sales move from the initial purchase madness to replacement cycle mode. That is where we are in North America. Overall interest is down just a tick. The mass market is healthy. The high end has dipped, but what remains is substantial. The strongest players are enjoying the rapidly waning competition and are thriving. That will continue as it did with ski, skate, snowboard, mounatin bike, wake, bmx, etc through their similar patterns. There have always been very profitable companies in each of those sports. The urge to cut expenses during a sales downturn can happen (see the Distressed Mullet thread) but that is typically followed by a big, "oh shit!". We are here for those who still want to compete and we offer them access to the entire Stand Up enthusiast market.
-
No problem with the site at all :-) and understand the vagaries of a public forum with its in and out, rational or outrageous depending on the point of views.
One small point that would make it even nicer would be the ability to see update and follow subsets of the forum only.
i.e. the foil would have its own section and if you (I) do not want to see any posts in that section showing in the "Unread Posts" than I can do that and so on and so forth
Thank you for your work.
-
In my career as a marketer I saw firsthand the difference between companies that charged ahead during the inevitable market downturn and those who pulled back. Beyond survival vs. not (which was a big part of what I experienced) the companies that pushed hard in those times emerged with larger and persistent market share. It's tough to do, but the right thing often is, and it's obvious what the right strategy is if you look at the adoption curve for any business with a hype cycle. All sport markets are pure hype cycle. Where are your rollerblades? SUP had a suppressed upcycle because it was born in a recession. That was probably a good thing, at least we aren't seeing the stacks of crap boards in the dumpster behind the big box stores, or parking lot sales that wipe out the market for a few years.
(https://preview.redd.it/qw0vv3iz5he01.png?width=1024&auto=webp&s=37aefc0f1ea8ac21ed24e5d36fcfe2c1617d89af)
-
I think the biggest problem on the zone is that the switch to ssl encryption (https:) devastated the pictures on the Hot Chicks thread.
When I switched Ponostyle over all my other sites started getting dramatically increased hacking attempts.
-
We're seeing the same cycle now with foiling.
I can see the attraction to foiling, but I have no plans to jump on the bandwagon. I enjoy SUP as my time on water sport, but I'm also an hour from where we surf so it's a weekend and vacation activity. I'm fortunate in that my wife is the better athlete, and we can also golf, cycle, hike and maybe still ski together, though it's been a while since we've hit the slopes. Gone are the days of competitive coed volleyball or basketball leagues, coaching, officiating and the like. SUP is going to be with our family for a long time.
-
Crossing the chasm, wow that brings back memories.
I am definitely a late adopter, probably a laggard. I made fun of my friends who were early adopters, now 10 years later i am learning from them. I picked up stand up as a means to stay active on the water and stumbled across the Zone. the zone has been essential to my learning curve for SUS and now for foiling. I am so stoked that my water crafts have expanded to cover more conditions, get me on the water more and more as i get older too. Plus I have made some friends from here too. The Zone is awesome. It will probably be for the core consumer and the late adopters.
-
...
I surf and paddle when I have time, and rarely plan to join up with anyone.
...
When I grow up I plan to be self disciplined and a buff grumpy old lone paddler too.
I'm 57 and still just a kid when it comes to fun outdoors. Buzzing by my pals places and knocking on their doors making them come out to play. Or being pulled out onto the lake by them just when I'm getting ready to wax my skis.
... and that's why I come here. To learn new tricks.
(OK, I'm an engineer so I do hit them up on our WhatsApp groups too)
-
I don’t know, nothing stays the same. We’re aging.
But this is the only spot pretty much on the internet where I interact with others.
It is very nice to contribute to the content but I have been some time without a camera so these days can only commet or link.
Or tell stories. Yesterday at Creeks favorite spot here, where Stoney’s favorite video was shot. One of the best sessions of my life.
10-4 Jeff Clark gun, large single fin +2” sides, 14’x10mm leash and two impact vests. Only a few waves in many hours due the crowd and the 10-15’ faces at 15s.
-
as with anything you want in life, gotta be willing to go it alone.......
love to surf with friends--but if i only surfed when friends were available, i'd surf about a tenth of the amt i do now
to disenhijack:
i am fine with the zone--it goes as it goes, sometimes busier than other times--sometimes political and testy, other times not
but in general we seem a nice bunch, with some differences, but with a lot of common issues and concerns---and a sum total of lots of knowledge, re sup, but also other curious shit
and i take it or leave it, read what i feel like----what's not to like? and just dont read that part if you dont like something
the shortage of women is a concern, and we may put women off, even where we dont intend, but most alleged male posters seem pretty progressive re that too--like we intend well, at least---and women who do jump in are always treated properly---if not, id bet some here would not tolerate, might even get angry......like i can think of one very large guy who would not suffer poor treatment of women!
but, for me, the zone is the zone, and it aint broken--it's just ebbing and flowing
-
Compare the zone to pretty much any other social media....nuff said. It's not perfect but it's still better than most.
-
whoa..
How did I miss it? 6 pages of reading because of my sig? Oh well...
I think, Derek, you got your answer in my reply to your PM. Let me repeat again if you still didn't get it - I found it funny when someone tried to be internet police on a public forum. I even forgot about my sig a long time ago but looks like it worked. Let me remind you of the topic in question - new Infinity models. I made a comment using meme "it's worthless without pic" and you went on and on, told me where to post etc. Even back then a few people suggested to you to take a chill pill; then you asked me about it why did I do that, and now you made a post about it. Do you know me? Do you know my interests? Is this your forum? So why whining? or should I just say FO and move on? whatever dude, I like it here, I'm gaining knowledge and sharing my excitement here, so I'm gonna post here you like or not. Don't get butthurt, OK? there is always ignore button.
p.s. btw I've got a Blackfish and love it.
Kirill
-
In my career as a marketer I saw firsthand the difference between companies that charged ahead during the inevitable market downturn and those who pulled back. Beyond survival vs. not (which was a big part of what I experienced) the companies that pushed hard in those times emerged with larger and persistent market share. It's tough to do, but the right thing often is, and it's obvious what the right strategy is if you look at the adoption curve for any business with a hype cycle. All sport markets are pure hype cycle. Where are your rollerblades? SUP had a suppressed upcycle because it was born in a recession. That was probably a good thing, at least we aren't seeing the stacks of crap boards in the dumpster behind the big box stores, or parking lot sales that wipe out the market for a few years.
Interesting images - thanks for these.
One thing I would say is that one of the things also liable to end this sport early (as far as competing goes) is the artificial annual R&D cycles that some big brands are still using coupled with little effort to create a durable longer lasting product or to keep the costs manageable. It's spiralling out of control and I'm looking at each board purchase now from a secondhand perspective and as being my last one each time.
-
We're seeing the same cycle now with foiling.
I can see the attraction to foiling, but I have no plans to jump on the bandwagon. I enjoy SUP as my time on water sport, but I'm also an hour from where we surf so it's a weekend and vacation activity. I'm fortunate in that my wife is the better athlete, and we can also golf, cycle, hike and maybe still ski together, though it's been a while since we've hit the slopes. Gone are the days of competitive coed volleyball or basketball leagues, coaching, officiating and the like. SUP is going to be with our family for a long time.
Foiling is different because it takes time to learn. Mass appeal is based on having your instructor move you to the intermediate group on your second lesson and advanced at the end of your one week clinic :). Rollerblading, Snowboarding, Wakesurfing, SUP all have immediacy on their side. We have an odd group here that participates with a frequency that is a statistical blip. We have access to conditions, suitable funds, and have the time to spend weeks or months fiddling with gear, working out techniques, and frustrating ourselves for pleasure. Those same elements limit foiling for SUP. Very cool, but a blip.
-
...the shortage of women is a concern...
'nuff sed
-
In my career as a marketer I saw firsthand the difference between companies that charged ahead during the inevitable market downturn and those who pulled back. Beyond survival vs. not (which was a big part of what I experienced) the companies that pushed hard in those times emerged with larger and persistent market share.
...
Very true.
I worked at Logitech through the mouse success and then though a few sound and imaging attempts. Learned a lot from the failures and the hits. It's pretty easy to spot. It's based on need.
One company really impressed me [I didn't work there]:
After the financial crash of 2008: 50% of banking staff were laid off in London. Restaurants were empty for a couple of years. During this time Bloomberg, who's revenues were massively down as banks had more than 50% reduced their subscriptions, were quietly hiring all the best developers. Not because it made sense financially, but because for that short time period the best developers were available. One day they would need them again. They used that opportunity to snap them up.
So smart. Keeping the eye on the goal and being visionary, even while the CFO is whining. It's called investing smart.
-
Yugi.... the other thing Bloomberg did was revive Business Week in 2009*. Rather than a staid old 'business magazine' they have pumped a lot of life into it. Perhaps because I don't imagine a boogie-man behind every door —I wait 'till they go BOO!— I do not see Michael Bloomberg's personal opinion/politics directly evident.
Jim
*probably a good year to acquire some assets. I looked up a radio report, that stuck in my head, about a young girl buying a foreclosure.
https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2012/03/09/148218539/this-14-year-old-girl-just-bought-a-house-in-florida?sc=fb&cc=fp
-
My relationship with the Zone ebbs and flows. I really like the people here, but the high-end conversations like foiling, the latest and greatest raceboard leaves me cold. I'm more of a get on the water with what I have than focused on the latest technology. I always get nervous that the high-end stuff will lead to a "windsurfing effect" with more people getting turned off by the difficulty of the sport. I'm more interested in the latest Bic or NSP cruiser than whatever carbon beast is winning races.
On the other hand, it is interesting to see the trends.
-
In my career as a marketer I saw firsthand the difference between companies that charged ahead during the inevitable market downturn and those who pulled back. Beyond survival vs. not (which was a big part of what I experienced) the companies that pushed hard in those times emerged with larger and persistent market share. It's tough to do, but the right thing often is, and it's obvious what the right strategy is if you look at the adoption curve for any business with a hype cycle. All sport markets are pure hype cycle. Where are your rollerblades? SUP had a suppressed upcycle because it was born in a recession. That was probably a good thing, at least we aren't seeing the stacks of crap boards in the dumpster behind the big box stores, or parking lot sales that wipe out the market for a few years.
(https://preview.redd.it/qw0vv3iz5he01.png?width=1024&auto=webp&s=37aefc0f1ea8ac21ed24e5d36fcfe2c1617d89af)
This is a great graph for some things but it doesn't match up with what occurs in active sports. We see the Expectation period last well beyond the initial dip. Thus overproduction, market flood, reduction and eventual adjustment. We are an excitable but daft bunch.
-
Ya, Boss ...some of us keep buying - thinking 'just one more board or paddle will make me better.' We have guys here that could do 360's on a foamy and then, other's like me that only get to the nose face first.
Jim
-
Yeah, I grabbed it because the shape is right. And the matchuo to adoption curves is handy.
-
yup, i'm one of those and I bought it because I like it ;)
-
How far south is the Zone going?
I'll check for it in Baja this winter.
-
Out of interest, what year would you guys say production exuberance and the rush to enter the market hit its high? What year would you say was the peak year of the buying curve?
-
NEXT YEAR!
JimK
Extreme Windsurfing
-
I costco shared sales numbers on a product basis that would be easy. But I'd say the disappearance of SUP boards from the Maui Costco is interesting. Still plenty o' Wavestorm surf boards, but no SUP.
-
I've been seeing BodyGlove SUPs at my local BJs for a few years now. Nothing terribly interesting in terms of product, but they're there.
-
Out of interest, what year would you guys say production exuberance and the rush to enter the market hit its high? What year would you say was the peak year of the buying curve?
Looking back a some plans I'd drawn for a friend of mine's SUP / Surf shop, I'd put it about 2011-2012. That's about when SUP ATX open their warehouse in San Juan Capistrano down the street from Hobie, BruSurf and SUPCO. SIC, Boga, Riviera, Infinity, Corran, Rogue and a few more had just moved their distribution to San Clemente. I would say that was near the peak of production.
-
In the UK, I should think that the number of sales is still increasing. But the increase is all in cheap inflatables. I fear that soon it will be as difficult to get hold of a particular model of hard board as it was 10-11 years ago. iSUPs are so dominant here that many paddlers starting out in the sport now actually don’t even know that hard boards exist. For them, the term SUP means “inflatable”.
If SUP was ever “cool” (which is doubtful), this flotilla of new and unfit recruits wobbling around on cheap blow-ups and gaudy clothing (and ugly pfds) has killed that. From an image POV, it’s almost embarrassing to be seen on a SUP now. In terms of the social signals it sends, the message is “unfit dork who can’t do a real sport, of limited financial means, who will need to be rescued very soon”. If events like the Red Bull Heavy Water or PPG etc are supposed to be the face of the sport, then this is achieving virtually zero penetration into the UK market these days. 99.9% of paddlers having taken up SUP in the last year in the UK will not know who e.g. Connor Baxter or Kai Lenny is (never mind Sonni, Candice, Annabel etc) or even where Waikiki is located. They probably don’t even know that SUP racing exists, and are only vaguely aware that you can surf SUPs. For them, SUPing is bimbling around a man-made lake on an inflatable (that you have blown up using an electric pump because a manual one is too tiring), taking selfies for Facebook, to be posted alongside pictures of the lunch you just had.
-
Boss, I would say ~3 years ago..? I bought and sold a lot of boards (like a hypochondriac in a Supplement shop) used, new, onshore, offshore. I would probably still be buying ..but no more: I can't sell them.
Maybe 4yrs ago I could buy-n-try, then spin them off in a few weeks time, losing only a few hundred dollars. The last new board I sold - took about five months - with little interest. I felt lucky to get a little over 50% of my "investment" ...for an unmarked, exceptionally well-regarded board.
SUP is my sport. I figure I will do it as long as I can pull a cart over the dunes, but the Visa card stays home.
Jim