Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: My Shark Story

« on: November 14, 2022, 01:39:40 PM »

Hey Rolf, Wow.. I knew you were going through rough times with your little Rudy ( I'm tearing up just thinking about him). Then your your beautiful wife. Shit man. That's... just rough. The shark attack is so random and very rare, but it happened to you (your board luckily). When I'm way out there paddling (always by myself) I think about it occasionally and it messes with my head. I get over it, and get lost in the same space you do. I know the feeling. Small and away from everything. Quiet. Hang in there man. Love the ones you are with. If you are ever in the area, you got my number. I've got extra boards paddles and everything.

Thanks, TD!  I appreciate your eager responses to my random inquiries about fixing dings, etc.  Still have your number saved and hope that one of my swings down to Dana Point we'll be able to collect.  Getting curious about Unlimiteds for a few adventures I have in mind...and don't think I haven't noted that you've got a few.   

And to the rest of you, thanks again.  You're good people and drop me a line if you're ever in the Santa Barbara area and want to paddle.  I can (almost) guarantee there won't be any sharks!                                  

2

General Discussion / Re: My Shark Story

« on: October 31, 2022, 01:36:40 PM »

Thanks so much, Zoners.  Writing things out has been therapeutic and the responses in putting it out there are all part of a healthy process.  So thanks!

@abmatt--neat connection with Maxine and her family.  Great kid.  Sorry you and I went through that kind of loss at around the same time.  I actually was really glad for the pandemic as I craved solitude and welcomed not having much on the work or social calendar.  Peace to you, my friend.

@deepmud--so sorry about your own journey with illness.  It's so hard to watch your spouse go through that and there is such a specific agony to not being the sick one.  Grace and peace to you.

@creek--your typical kindness and class shines through.  Still hoping for a NE swing one of these days...

@sflinux--kind words.  Thank you.  Honoring my wife and son is a huge motivator--sometimes the only thing that gets me up and moving every day.  Appreciate the affirmation.

Grateful for all of you.  Paddle on, Zoners!

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General Discussion / My Shark Story

« on: October 27, 2022, 10:30:59 AM »

Hi Zoners,

Don't post as often as I once did, but still check in about every week or so just to stay current on things.  As much as I'm wanting to hop into foiling and all the new things people are trying, I'm still one of the relics that likes to plain old paddle every day.  I've written a bit about why that might be and thought you might appreciate it.

https://www.independent.com/2022/10/26/survive-shark-attack-santa-barbara/?fbclid=IwAR3A1HokXdwLCdK36Qpp6IFtx-WmhYGzAXSb3PPVxDLK62aVAKuVG9uHC8E

(I'd post a picture but I don't know how to do that anymore    Jump to the link.  There's good ones there)

Keep paddling, foiling, etc--no matter what!

Rolf

4

Gear Talk / Re: Race board on the roof

« on: November 16, 2021, 03:37:33 PM »

yeah, you definitely don't need straps on the front of the car.  While I do have a Tacoma with a shell, reality is that the racks on it aren't much farther apart than they would be on a small sedan.  As I pretty much have a board up there full time, I have two further recommendations:  1.  Get a UV cover (Victory Koredry)--not sure where you are but sun exposure is the main thing I worry about.  2.  You don't need to overtighten things.  There's very little chance of losing a board so long as it's snug against the racks or pads.  strapping too tight will lead to pressure dings pretty quickly.

5

SUP General / Re: SUP Theft. Has it happened to anyone?

« on: October 06, 2021, 11:38:58 AM »

My 14' raceboard pretty much lives on the rack of my truck.  I have a locked Yakima strap on the front and never had a problem.  Never bothered pulling that into a hotel room but have done that with smaller boards.  As was said, it's more a matter of giving a dishonest person a moment or two of second thoughts but it's also in my favor that there's not great a resale market for SUPs.  Big items to move around and a bit too obvious if you were to try to move it on Craigslist in the same locale where they were stolen from.

6

Gear Talk / Re: Resource: What length should my SUP paddle be?

« on: September 22, 2021, 04:15:25 PM »

I laughed when I saw your question because one could do a very interesting archive search on this discussion.  Used to be WAY long...and then it got shorter...and who knows where we're at now.

As even the first responses here have shown, some of this is individual based on how one paddles and what board one is on, how many fish are in the water and how many carbs you had 3 hours before you got to the beach.  In my case, the table works out pretty well--I'm 6' or 6'1 and my current paddle is 78".  Up until last spring it was significantly longer and then I started working with Candice Appleby and, after watching my stroke she immediately told me to cut 4" off my paddle.  Did that and it changed things--a bit later I took another inch off to get to where I am.  But that's still significantly longer than Luc, so again, kind of individual.

One thing I have noticed since cutting the paddle down is that I haven't had occasional shoulder pain in the last 6mos.  Wasn't ever anything severe, but it would kind of come and go.  None since I changed my paddle length.

So for now, my answer is 78"...until it's not.  ;-)

7

SUP General / Re: What materials to use for minor fixing of Sunova?

« on: September 14, 2021, 10:57:04 AM »

That looks like general wear and tear that I would just leave as-is.  I like when my boards get the look of a worn battle-ax, but respect your desire to be meticulous.

While I can't tell 100% from the picture that there's no penetration into the core of the board, your description seems to say that.  Easiest way to check is to seal it off with your lips and see if you can suck anything in--you'll get an unmistakable taste of saltwater & chemical resin if there is--not to mention you'll be able to detect even an invisible pinhole.

If there's not a leak, no need to mess with glass, etc.  Get some appliance epoxy spray paint, mask and spray.  I use that over most of my repairs--quick, easy and durable. And since it comes only in black, white, silver and almond, you've got a match.

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Gear Talk / Re: what year is this Glide?

« on: July 07, 2021, 12:40:03 PM »

 the offset handle is 2012 like, the all white is 2011 like - color me confused.

The 2011 in the video has an offset handle like the board in question (and the tail matches as has been pointed out).  Obviously, the way to tell is to get a side shot of the rocker, but I'm guessing that's the elf shoe.

That said, you're on a good quest for the v2.  I've got one and don't think I'll ever sell it. Very well made and, despite all the innovation/progression, it's really decent speed-wise.  Great for taking guests out as it's durable, stable and the secondary stability is so good thanks to that rocker.

Hope you can find one.

9

General Discussion / Re: Buy the Zone a Beer!

« on: June 15, 2021, 03:40:52 PM »

done...and BUMP

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Gear Talk / Re: 2020 NSP Ninja vs Naish Javelin

« on: March 08, 2021, 12:48:36 PM »

2020 NSP ninja for the win.

Good for you.  Don't think you can have much remorse over that deal.  Paddle on!

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Gear Talk / Re: 2020 NSP Ninja vs Naish Javelin

« on: March 03, 2021, 01:42:36 PM »

Can't say I know much about any of these boards, but not sure I need to given the price difference.  If you're signature is accurate and you've been on an inflatable, I suspect any of these would be a good transition.  All reputable companies with good products and I'm always happy to let someone absorb the cost of a new board.  If it's a used board that has been well-taken care of, the Ninja is the clear winner.

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General Discussion / Re: Filling a gouge in SUP-help needed

« on: March 02, 2021, 03:54:26 PM »

Posting a pic will get you the most helpful responses, can't really tell from your description what it is, but almost certainly it's epoxy.  What brand is it?

Gluing in a new foam piece with gorilla glue is preferable and easiest.  Mist the GG so it foams out well and then sand to shape.  You asked your question about which is strongest and I'd say it doesn't make a difference.  Strength will be in the glassing.

13

Gear Talk / Re: Seeking feedback before getting a new board

« on: January 14, 2021, 01:34:09 PM »

I'd go with the 2017 Whiplash.  Any of these will be a neat step up from your inflatable and the whiplash is a proven design--since you can't find much on two of the ones you're looking at, go with a known quantity.  Don't worry that it doesn't have all the current features--they change every year and probably don't make much difference for us recreational types.  A 14 foot board will glide a ton more that what you've got, so again, I'd got with that over the 12'6" (though at your size, I suspect you'd be able to get comfortable on any of these.  The production Infinity stuff is very durable so if you're largely on flatwater, the Whiplash won't disappoint you.

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Foil SUP / Re: Efoil Vibe

« on: November 30, 2020, 11:16:08 AM »

Cowboy or Sano--

What's your verdict on the Waydoo?  This thread got me curious.  I probably wouldn't have dropped $10K for a Lift, but the price on the Waydoo puts it in my ballpark of stupid.  Heavier rider (~230) so I'm thinking the Explorer.  While the video review I saw of it from Amsterdam looks good, I've had a couple Kickstarter experiences that make me gun shy.

Tnx,

RG

15

Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: First time with my Naish LE wing.. vid.

« on: November 19, 2020, 12:34:57 PM »

Mark Knopfler is the perfect soundtrack for that!  Awesome vid!