Topics

1

Gear Talk / Kanulock maintenance

« on: December 03, 2020, 02:44:15 PM »

Kanulocks are lockable tie-downs.  They have steel cables inside nylon webbing.  They keep honest people honest, and securely link a board to a roof rack.
https://www.amazon.com/KanuLock-Lockable-Tiedowns-Set-Truck/dp/B0016MJWKA/ref=sr_1_3?
The first generation I had was labeled SPT.  The keys had plastic at the keyring part and were fragile and would break.  Something happened to the strap where the metal core would extend outside of the ends of the webbing.  This lock lasted 7 years before one of them would no longer lock and I bought the current Kanulock branded version.  The keys are all metal for this version, but the metal of the key is soft.  Make sure you have the tie-down pulled nice and tight before trying to lock.  If there is resistance to lock with the key, stop, try to pull the webbing tigher through the cam.  Once it is tight, the key should pivot like butter.  If you try to force the key to turn, the key could distort and break.
I've been using these kanulock branded tie-downs for a couple of years now.  The only maintenance I've ever done was spraying Boeshield T-9 in the locking mechanism if it ever started to feel gummy.  (i.e. after a rainy season).  It works like WD40, but is a clean version of it.
https://www.amazon.com/BOESHIELD-Corrosion-Protection-Waterproof-Lubrication/dp/B001447PEK/ref=sr_1_1?

Recently I noticed the nylon was starting to feel crusty after a couple of years of use.  I ended up doing the following to refresh the straps:
I sprayed some fabric cleaner on the nylon, then rinsed the straps until the water went clear (I did not get the locks wet).  I allowed the straps to air dry for a few hours, then sprayed with Aerospace 303 UV Protection:
https://www.amazon.com/303-30313-CSR-Protectant-Plastic-Fiberglass/dp/B00KN0UOEE/ref=sr_1_3?
Then I would wipe it in with a rag.  I allowed the straps to dry overnight.
The straps now feel like new.  They no longer feel crusty and stiff.  They are smooth and slide through the lock easily.  I was a little worried that they would affect the tightness of the locking mechanism, but have tested them over a couple of weeks and they are solid.  The uv protectant should help the fibers of the webbing last longer.
I started using aerospace 303 on my favorite kites 15 years ago (those kites still look and feel brand new).  Would work well on wings too.
If you have a modern car with unpainted plastic, aerospace 303 will make it look like new again.  (Works much better than Armor All).

2

Random / Late Drop - Jamie Mitchell podcast

« on: October 14, 2020, 10:40:47 AM »

Just wanted to share in case you weren't aware.  Jamie Mitchell started a Big Wave podcast last July. 
https://www.surfline.com/series/late-drop

And in case you have been living under a stone, the Erik Antonson Paddlewoo podcast is awesome for documenting the history standup paddle surfing:
https://paddlewoo.podbean.com/

Erik Antonson also has a podcast that dives deep into Foiling:
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/erik-antonson/the-progression-project


Does anybody have any other podcasts that they would recommend that are surfing and hopefully more specifically standup paddle surfing related.

3

Training, Diet, and Fitness / Share your favorite stretches

« on: January 05, 2020, 10:08:56 AM »

I have been doing these 24 stretches (ideally daily) and have seen a positive impact.
https://www.self.com/gallery/essential-stretches-slideshow
1. Standing Hamstring Stretch
2. Piriformis Stretch
3. Lunge With Spinal Twist
4. Triceps Stretch
5. Figure Four Stretch
6. 90/90 Stretch
7. Frog Stretch
8. Butterfly Stretch
9. Seated Shoulder Squeeze
10. Side Bend Stretch
11. Lunging Hip Flexor Stretch
12. Lying Pectoral Stretch
13. Knee to Chest Stretch
14. Seated Neck Release
15. Lying Quad Stretch
16. Sphinx Pose
17. Extended Puppy Pose
18. Pretzel Stretch
19. Reclining Bound Angle Pose
20. Standing Quad Stretch
21. Knees to Chest
There are 3 additional stretches here:
https://www.self.com/gallery/hip-stretches-your-body-really-needs-slideshow
7) Three-Legged Dog
10) Lunging Hip Flexor Stretch with Rotation
12) Twisted Reclined Pigeon

When doing these stretches, I like to count deep breathe exhales (usually 10 breathes/ stretch, unless it is a good stretch, then I'd do 20 breathes).  I used to hate stretching because it was uncomfortably painful.  But when doing the deep breathe exhales, I find it helps to minimize pain. 

I've learned recently is the importance of staying hydrated.  What I didn't realize about hydration, is it isn't about water, it is about electrolytes.  I used to drink loads of water before and after activities, but still get wicked cramps.  It wasn't until I started using incorporating electroctrolytes, I no longer suffer from cramps.

A little about me.  I played soccer and saw the importance of stretching to avoid groin pulls.  But admit that I never stretched for other activities (skateboarding, surfing).  My hip flexors have been getting tighter over the years, which led to lower back pain.  I would visit a chiropractor to reset my hip to a more proper position.  After years of this, I realized I wasn't getting to the root of the problem, just treating the symptom.
Since then, I try to minimize sitting.  It wasn't until I really gave the above stretches a try (many of which I had never tried before, but now love), that I realized how tight my muscles are.  Since stretching, my hip flexor pain is gone.  I feel more balanced.   The family just visited Disneyland, which I would start my day by stretching (a lot of eye rolls by the family, but I would just ask them if they would prefer that I'd be grumpy).  I had zero back, nor hip flexor pain by the end of the trip.  On the other hand, I watched my teenage son (who doesn't stretch) complain of back pain, something I could emphasize with.
Just wondering if anyone would like to share their favorite stretches (with links to pictures) that are not mentioned above.

4

Gear Talk / Looking for Hydration Pack recommendations for SUP surfing

« on: June 05, 2019, 07:35:25 AM »

I started using a dolfin hydration pack this year for SUP surfing and find that I no longer get cramps towards the end of my session, so there is no going back for me.
But there are several things that I don't like about the dolfinpack.  The main thing being the velcro.  The chest velcro frequently comes undone during a wipeout.  The velcro for the pouch comes undone leadig to the water pouch falling out.   I wear an impact vest under my suit (thanks Beasho), but find the elastic under the arms of the dolfinpack to be uncomfortable (tight).  I wear the dolfinpack outside of my suit.  I've been meaning to try wearing a short sleeve rash guard over the hydrationpack to see if that would help.
Does anyone have a favorite hydration pack that they would recommend for sizeable Sup surfing?  If so, please share.
Thanks,
Bric

5

Classifieds / Wanted - 12' PSH Gun

« on: February 11, 2019, 01:34:49 PM »

Looking to buy a used/older 12' x 28 7/8" x 4 3/4" PSH (Paddle Surf Hawaii) gun in decent shape.   
I live in CA and will drive to pick up, or may be interested in shipping from east coast.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.