Topics

1

Classifieds / WTB: Velocitek Makai

« on: July 05, 2021, 04:51:42 PM »

If anyone happens to have a functioning Makai that they don't use as much anymore or would like to sell, please let me know. I picked up one from the zone a couple years ago, and now my wife wants one, but it was discontinued.

Thanks,

-Michael

2

Gear Talk / Paddle Thoughts

« on: June 27, 2020, 11:57:25 AM »

Hi all,
I'm looking for suggestions or insights that anyone might have for racing paddles...

I used a KeNalu Mana 90 (100 flex) for most of the last few years; I decided to try out a BP Hydro 83 (medium flex) to reduce some wear and tear, along with increasing cadence. The BP has been great, but I have run into an issue: I miss the grip of the KeNalu. Basically, I switched to the BP in time for cooler weather, so I wasn't dripping with sweat. I've tried grip tape, but don't really like the feel of it versus gripping the paddle directly.

So, questions:
Should I consider a franken paddle and combine a KeNalu shaft with a BP blade?
Which KeNalu shaft (90 or xTuf) be more like what I have with the BP?
Would switching to either a Mana 82 or Konihi 84 be a good choice?  And then, which blade between the Mana or Konihi?

I kind of feel like I'm already leaning towards picking up a new KeNalu, and just throwing up the Pono signal here to push me over, but KeNalu is not represented well in the southeast (everyone has BP or QB), so I can't try the options before buying. I'll take any thoughts you might have.

Thanks,

-Michael

3

Classifieds / WTB: Mana 82 Blade

« on: August 01, 2019, 06:14:57 PM »

Hi all,

Any chance someone has a KeNalu Mana 82 blade they've been meaning to part with?  Currently using a 90, but want to try smaller aspect for higher cadence during races.

Thanks,

-
Michael

4

SouthEast / Repairs - Carolinas

« on: May 06, 2018, 06:15:04 PM »

Hi all,

I'm in the upstate South Carolina area, and in need of some light repair work on my board (sand, glass, and paint).  Does anyone have a shop recommendation?

Thanks,

Michael

5

Gear Talk / Race Board Demos

« on: April 28, 2017, 10:23:34 AM »

Hi all,

A bit long winded, so I will try to break things down a bit:
1.  I've started racing this year, and am looking to buy a 14' board once I can decide on one.  The problem I'm running into is either there are no shops in my area, or those that I can get to don't have anything to demo.

2.  I train on a Red 12'6" Elite (26" wide); I don't live on a lake and typically train after work, so the inflatable is great for this purpose.

3.  My thought for demoing was to participate in races in multiple locations.  For my first race this year, Higher Ground in Beaufort, SC let me demo a Riviera RP 14 (25"wide).

4.  I have a race scheduled for next weekend.  Several weeks ago I reached out to the hosting shop specifically asking "Do you have any 14’ race boards available to demo for the race?"  The response was "I can probably get you a board for the race."  Then, "great news, I have some Race boards on order."  Today, "we do not have any house race boards, maybe the NSP rep has one you can use"


With all of that in mind, does anyone have any thoughts on:
1. How can I figure out what board I want to buy if I don't have a shop with race boards to demo?
2. How could I find a board to demo/borrow for this race in the Charlotte, NC area?  There's not much of a paddle culture in my area, so I don't have any training partners/friends with boards to use.

Thanks for any help/guidance,

Michael

6

Gear Talk / ULI or Red Paddle?

« on: July 30, 2012, 01:56:12 PM »

Background: I have just started with SUP this year.  Absolutely love it and have tried as many sizes/shapes as I can.  I want to buy my own, and believe the iSUPs will be the best option.

Looking for: versatile board that can cruise lakes and handle small surf. Prefer 10' or shorter (based on use of various lengths).

I am asking this because all of the iSUP threads speak well of both ULI and Red, but I haven't seen many

If you have any thoughts or guidance, it would also be appreciated.

Thanks.