Messages

1

Gear Talk / Need Tips on Installing carrying handle in deck of old SUP

« on: February 07, 2015, 07:17:59 AM »

I purchased a Jimmy Lewis 10'6" about 8 years ago.  I like the board, BUT it does not have a carrying handle cut into the deck, making it hard to carry over long distances.  Of course, I have purchased straps and wheels, but these are unwieldy and I never know where to secure them when I go into the water.

I need suggestions on the following (1) What is the best product available to install into the SUP board deck, (2) what are the tools, equipment and materials needed to successfully complete such an installation, (3) who would be best equipped to perform such a task in a professional manner, (4) how much should such a job such as this cost from beginning to end, and (5) does anyone have a name of someone (or surf shop name) in the Rhode Island area who they would recommend?

Thanks for any ideas you have!

2

Gear Talk / Re: Need advice on SUP board for surfing small waves

« on: February 06, 2015, 09:56:31 AM »

I appreciate all the comments and suggestions.  I still have some thinking to do as I live in the northern Va/D.C. area and there are not very many surf shops in the vicinity from which I could try-out boards.  Based on the comments, I have gone to a number of sites, and really like the Hammer and the Fanatic All Wave.  Here are my questions:

(1) As I have been paddling 10'6" boards for the past number of years, how difficult would it be to surf with a board about a foot to a foot-and-a-half shorter, i.e. a 9"1" or a 9"5" (as I mentioned earlier, I am about 190 lbs)?

(2)  What is the functional difference between a board 31" wide and one 33" wide.......i.e., what will be the effect of the extra width vis-a-vis balance and turning maneuverability?

(3) In deciding between a Hammer or a Fanatic All Wave (between 9' and 9'5"), which of the two would be easier to catch a wave with?

Thanks again for all the comments and suggestions!

3

Gear Talk / Need advice on SUP board for surfing samll waves

« on: February 05, 2015, 08:33:12 AM »

I need some advice....here's the deal:  I have been flat-water paddling for about 8 years.  I am retired , late sixties, 190 pounds.  I have two boards, a 10'6" Jimmy Lewis and a 10'6" Danny Ching displaced hull training board.  I have had a series of surgeries, have completed rehab, and would now like to try some SUP surfing on 2' to 4' waves in the Connecticut /Rhode Island area beaches this summer.

I am looking for a board that will offer me stability and ease of catching waves, yet allow me decent maneuverability on the wave once I have caught it.  My main concern is the ability to catch lots of waves.  My Jimmy Lewis is old, does not have a carrying "handle", and seems a little boat-like and unresponsive in the surf.  I have been thinking that one of the  Naish boards might be a good bet for me, but I am limited by my knowledge of what is out there in the way of boards.

I would appreciate any suggestions or recommendations, as it has been years since I have looked into what is available and what might suit my needs.

Thanks

4

Gear Talk / Re: SUP 14' Board Bag

« on: August 10, 2010, 10:18:51 AM »

I am debating between a 12"6 and 14' Bark SUP.  Since you have both, could you fill me in on your experience with both.  I am 6'0" and about 185 pounds and presently have an 11' Jimmy Lewis.  I am finding that I spend most of my time cruising around on flat water and want a board that is more stable and faster than the JL.  On the other hand, I want to be able to continue to surf small east coast surf (2-4 feet).  I would appreciate any tips you can give me as to the comparison between the two sizes of Bark, as well as from where you suggest I order one.

Thanks for your comments..............JIM

5

Gear Talk / Re: Bark 12'6 Competitor - Surftech

« on: August 10, 2010, 09:57:39 AM »

The Bark 12"6" Competitor sounds wonderful. but I have a few questions about it vis-a-vis my articular needs.  (1) How stable is it in chop and side-wind as i am 6"0 and 185? (2) Is it somethings that I could use for surfing small waves, as in the 2-4 foot range? (3) Is this board available now or must it be built for you? (4) I live in D.C. area and am vacationing in Rhode Island and Maine until first week of September -- do you know who carries the board in this part of the country? (5) if not, who can give me a steer on who to order it from.

I presently only have one SUP--a Jimmy Lewis 11' -- and would like to expand my quiver a bit to allow me more flexibility on flat water and ocean paddling (but still able to surf a little).

Thanks for any information you can give me...............JIM 

6

SUP General / Re: Proposed HI law re SUPs

« on: February 22, 2010, 05:59:39 AM »

This is an ill-conceived, badly drafted bill and should not see the light of day in the Hawaii legislature.  It is bad policy to try to engraft "absolute liability" on a sport that is healthy, that could be a boon to a sagging local economy, and that represents a bridge to past Hawaiian culture.  There are already in place legal remedies for anyone who is injured by SUPs (or any other water craft) caused by negligent or reckless behavior.

The following steps would be useful in defeating this misguided proposed piece of legislation:

     (1)  Anyone and everyone interested in this issue should immediately write or email the Hawaii legislators, especially the sponsors of the bill.

     (2)  Letters to the editor should be addressed to the local Honolulu newspapers, setting forth the arguments against this particular bill (and naming names of the sponsoring legislators).

     (3) Prominent Hawaii surfers should draft op-ed pieces in the Honolulu newspapers setting forth the arguments against the bill.  They would be especially useful in articulating the cultural, athletic, and economic issues involved. Names that come to mind are Fred Hemmings, Gerry Lopez, and some of the Surfrider notables.

    (4)  Anyone with contacts with local television media should try to get local coverage (interviews and short news pieces) that point out all the positives that the sport of SUP brings to the islands. 

    (5) It would really be useful to take out a full-page ad in the Advertiser (a la the ads in the NY Times) in which prominent island surfers, businessmen and other luminaries come out against the proposed legislation.  The adverse economic impact on the island economy should be stressed.

These are some of my suggestions.  Anyone have others?


       

7

SUP General / Re: Proposed HI law re SUPs

« on: February 21, 2010, 02:15:28 PM »

I am not an expert in maritime law by any stretch, but found this proposed statute to be interesting reading.  Some of the questions I had after reading it were as follows:

    (1)  What is the definition of "person"?  If the word "person" is as broad as the Supreme Court recently ruled in the Citizen's United case, then a corporation or other business entity could be considered a "person".  This broad reading of the word would cause some interesting liability issues for a business that rented a SUP that subsequently became involved in colliding with a swimmer, causing injury to the swimmer.

     (2)  The phrase "waters regularly used for swimming"  is clearly a term that limits the applicability of the statute since the statute would not apply to waters NOT regularly used for swimming.  The statute does not give any guidance on what "regularly" means in this context.  A creative defense lawyer will have a field day attempting to show that that although a swimmer was injured by a SUP, that swimmer was not in an area "regularly used for swimming".  This kind of dispute could get pretty esoteric.

     (3)  The term "proximately causes personal injuries" is an interesting choice of words in a statute purporting to establish "absolute liability" since "proximate cause" is historically a term used in establishing "negligent" conduct.  The term "proximate cause" would be endlessly debated by the lawyers in a court of law.  Moreover,  its use in the statute may well  create some problems for the judge in defining its relation to the core concept (again undefined) of "absolute liability."

     (4)  The term "swimming" in the statute does not distinguish among the following types of swimmers who are hit by a SUP: (a) an individual who is only wading in the water with no intention of swimming, (b) an individual who is engaged in swimming after entering the water from the beach, (c) an individual who jumps off a water craft and is swimming, (d) an individual who falls from a water craft and is flailing around in the water, (e) an individual with a mask and snorkle who is diving and looking at the coral, (f) an individual with fins, mask and tank who is underwater scuba-diving when the SUP hits him,  (g) an individual who was riding a surfboard (or SUP),  falls off, and is swimming for his board when he is hit by another's SUP, and  (most interesting) (h) an individual who falls off his SUP board and in the process of swimming after his SUP board, he is hit by his own SUP board.  Are all of these individuals "swimmers" under the terms of the statute?  As for example (h), if this individual is a "swimmer", it leads to the absurd result that he would be absolutely liable for the injuries caused to his own body (and I suppose could recover these damages in some sort of a "friendly lawsuit".

     (5)Finally the definition of the term "stand-up paddleboard" is strange and unwieldy.  Specifically, the use of the term "kayak" does not work, since I am unaware of an kayak that is designed to be ridden by an individual who is standing up and using a paddle.  Maybe I am just quibbling.

So these are some of the thoughts i had when reading this statute.  I think that if it passes as presently written, it will create lots of work and fees for the lawyers (both those bring the lawsuit and those defending the lawsuit).  Maybe this was the goal of the drafters of this bill. 

8

Gear Talk / Re: Inflatable SUP's, any good ones?

« on: January 31, 2010, 10:22:49 AM »

ULI boards seem to be pretty much at the top of the class.  They are well-made and durable.  They are substantial and when pumped up, it is hard to distinguish them from the epoxy boards.  Also, the guys that make them are quite helpful and responsive on the telephone when you have questions.

9

SUP General / Re: SUP attempt at Jaws doesnt get too far

« on: January 21, 2010, 11:27:42 AM »

I just read the entire string of posts debating the bona fides of the actions of that SUP rider attempting to get through the shore surge in Maui.  It was one of the most interesting serial episodes I have read on this Standup Zone Forum, and I applaud everyone for their thoughtful comments and observations, really elevating the level of discourse about our sport.  I agree with several of the contributors that we have all had our moments out in the water that we would just as soon not see on YouTube, but it is these moments that take us to the next level, both as to skill level and humility.

Thanks again for the wonderful read!

10

SUP General / Re: Best sandal on the market???

« on: January 21, 2010, 10:56:15 AM »

I have tried several types of sandals, but find that the winner hand's down is the "river sandal" made by Chaco Company.  First, it does not have the irritating little strap between the big toe and second toe .  Second, the straps are adjustable so that the sandal perfectly fits your foot.  Third, it has a strap behind the heal of the foot, which give a great deal of stability to the foot.  Fourth, the sole is thicker than other sandals, and the sandal is therefore much more durable (and actually keeps water from touching the feet on a flat water paddle).  Fifth, it is study enough that you can walk long distances to the water with your SUP and then just step right into the water to paddle without having to change sandals.  All and all, I am VERY satisfied with my Chacos.

11

Gear Talk / Re: Dry Suit or wetsuit

« on: November 30, 2009, 09:16:47 AM »

I have read the 60 or so responses to my inquiry that I made back in late-October about the pros and cons of wetsuits versus dry suits.  There seems to be a lot of disagreement on the subject.  What I have gleaned from all 60 of the  thoughtful (and much appreciated) responses it appears that if one is going surfing in cold water, the wetsuit may be preferable, whereas if one is going paddling with the SUP in VERY cold air and water conditions, the dry suit may be preferable.  It seems to boil down to how much time you may be actually submerged in water and whether there is a reasonable chance that your suit may be cut or damaged.  If you are going to be submerged in cold water and/or if there is a resonable chance that your suit will be damaged, then a wetsuit is the way to go.

I would love to know whether I have interpreted all of these emails correctly and accurately.

Thanks for all the responses...............Stansurf

12

Gear Talk / Dry Suit or wetsuit

« on: October 29, 2009, 02:14:54 PM »

The research I have done on the Internet is anything but conclusive on the type of suit a SUP rider should wear in the winter months in cold water to keep warm, that is, whether a dry suit or a wetsuit is preferable.  Does anyone have a good explanation of the benefits and/or disadvantages of each type of suit, whether there is a good dry suit out there for SUP use (both surfing and flat water) and the cost (and make) of such a suit.  There seems to be a lot of confusion on this topic, and I would love to hear from someone with experience using both types of suits in the context of SUP riding.

Thanks

13

Gear Talk / Re: ULI boards - any regrets?

« on: October 18, 2009, 06:31:28 AM »

That is truly awesome video.  What was the camera attached to?  Which Uli were you riding?  Pretty cool stuff!

14

Gear Talk / Re: What works best--a Sling, The Mule, or a Kayak Cart?

« on: October 09, 2009, 06:29:38 AM »

As I stated in my product review, the Mule is a good product.....HOWEVER if you have a SUP with an especially wide and squat tail, make sure that you have Mule send you an axle that is 4" to 5" longer than the one they normally include in their standard "big board" package.  I have a Jimmy Lewis 11' SUP that does have a very wide tail, and the first time I used the Mule, it damaged my board because the wheels did not clear my back rails.  They rubbed off about 1/4" of the board shell on each of the back rails where the wheels rubbed on the board.   The people at Mule were very responsive and immediately sent me a longer axle and now the Mule works perfectly for my Jimmy Lewis. 

15

Gear Talk / Do-It-Yourself Ding Patching?

« on: October 02, 2009, 08:16:09 AM »

My sad tale is that I used a Mule to transport my Jimmy Lewis and the axle length of the Mule was not long enough for the wide boxy tale of the Jimmy Lewis.  As a result the wheels of the Mule rubbed against the back rails and wore off the outer layer on both sides, making open "sores" about 1" long and about 1/4" deep on each rail.  The Mule people were very understanding and responsive, immediately sending me an axle that was about 5" longer than the one that came with the original package.

However, I now need to know the best product to use to patch these two rail dings to make sure that water does not further damage the board.  I would appreciate any suggestions and hints, both as to actual products that are out there and experience with such ding repairs of an epoxy board.

Thanks