Topics

1

Foil SUP / What are you foiling?

« on: September 19, 2017, 07:16:19 PM »

With all the radical new developments in Foiling, I figured it would be good to see what everyone is riding, both foil and boards.  This is my new Foil SUP that I just picked up from Dave Kalama.  This is a 6'10" x 25 x thick...idk how thick.  It floats me though and is pretty stable.  I ride a 8' x 26" regular SUP for good surf. 

As you can see, this is not a board like any other SUP board.  This is specifically for foiling.  This has the new tail that Dave has been working on.  It drastically cuts away to help you pump.  It also has "boogie board" rails, which hide volume and don't stick to the water. 

Have not had it out in any good surf yet, but I had her bigger sister (7'6"x26) for the last month.  So far, so good!  Can't wait for a swell.

2

Foil SUP / Exiting a closeout

« on: September 13, 2017, 06:22:43 PM »

Ok...so I have been on the foil almost everyday for a month. I have the Maliko and the Kai Go Foils.  Most days have been really small (summer here on Maui) but now we are starting to get the first winter swells.  Today was the 2nd or third time I have had the Kai Foil out in surf that is head high.  I can turn the thing pretty well and run down the line no problem.  The speed is insane, but this is where things get dicey.

What do I do when the wave closes out in front of me?  I have had 3 times where I was flying down the line and had to pull the eject button.  This is a no brainier on a surf board, or a sup, but the speed of the foil makes it so that, once I kick out the back the board slows down in the air as I am still going and things get dangerous fast.  I landed on top of the board once, foil up on my back, and twice more I almost did the same, but lucked out and hit the water.  This is obviously a scary situation and one that needs some thought.  I have surfed my whole life and this is totally different because of the speed the the height the mast gives you above the wave. 

Here is what I have come up with as possible solutions.  ONCE, and only ONCE, I was able to just ride all the way up the face and surf off the back of the wave and I could actually pump a couple times out the back and didn't have to separate from the board at all.  This would be awesome if I could do it every time, but the timing is difficult to say the least.  I also thought that maybe I should try to fall back into the wave and just kick up the foil, but the possibilities of it then landing on me sounds as bad as me landing on it.

Any suggestions?  Winter is coming and I would love to say I'll just out run them all, but that is not very likely!  haha, thanks all.

3

Foil SUP / Foil Spots Baja

« on: August 24, 2017, 06:34:56 PM »

I will be going to Cabo San Lucas in late September for about 4 days.  Unfortunately it is a work trip, so I will be limited on how much actually surf time there is to be had, but I am completely addicted to my foil and I want to take it with me everywhere I go!  Question is.....anyone have any idea what a good spot to foil down there would be?  Old Man's seems like a no brainer, except for the 1000's of people to hit with my guillotine.  I have attached a photo of the area where we will be staying (Marked with the yellow star).  The hotel is called Hacienda Encantada.  if there is a little roller in front of the hotel, that would be perfect....but probably will have to travel a bit.

Also, I will be in LA for two days before.  I am staying in Hermosa, and know the South Bay very well.  One day I will be down in South Orange County.  Anyone want to meet for a foil sesh?  LMK!

4

Downwind and Racing / Laird gets called out by Buzzy

« on: July 10, 2015, 05:28:28 PM »

Haha..."Laird, don't forget to put your clothes on!"

Obviously Laird is a hugely talented guy and an insanely skilled paddler and waterman, but I wonder how he would do in the upcoming races?  Why doesn't he race?  My guess is there is no benefit to the Laird PR machine by not winning. 

5

SUP General / Lanes Firing

« on: January 20, 2015, 05:58:06 PM »

Team Naish at Lanes.  This wave is so fun, but a bit tougher than it looks, in my opinion.  More Aerial footage!  Get it going Pono!

6

Gear Talk / Asym Fin Configuration

« on: November 25, 2014, 12:09:29 AM »

HM woke me up this morning with a call to head to Kanaha.  Head high and off shore.  On my second wave, I hit something hard on the inside.  At first I thought, I hit a turtle!  I turned around and saw the culprit, a large piece of driftwood....I flipped the board over, and yep, I broke off my heel side trailer fin.  Luckily, it just broke out the fin, and nothing happened to the fin box.  I was pretty bummed, first of all my session was just starting, and secondly, these Lopez quads are $115...dammit.  Figured I would paddle out and try to catch a few more waves.    I am a goofy foot, so I figured if I only went left and I took it easy on the top turns, I'd be ok. 

Turns out it was freaking awesome!  The toe side fins held well on the bottom turn, and the top turn out just snap right around.  Fun little slide and the fins would just bust right out, then again on the toe side, solid push off the bottom, and snap right around up top.  I stayed out another hour a a half, and I liked it more with every wave.

So...where do I go from here?  The obvious drawback is that you can really only go left.  Going right would be a sketchy bottom turn and a long drawn out cut back. 

Has anyone else experimented with a Asymmetrical fin set up? Should I put a really small fin in the broken out fin spot?  Should I just make the trailers smaller on both sides, so I get the same snappy feel on both sides? 

If I lived near a point break, I would go for this set up for sure...but here I need more versatility.   Anyway, fun session, and a great accidental way to mix up a otherwise fairly nondescript day.

7

Random / Maui Whale Watch for Charity

« on: March 25, 2014, 01:52:12 PM »

What's up Zoners!  I have been involved with the Maui Family YMCA since I was a little kid, and I wanted to let you all in on a trip that I have put together to help in their Annual Fund. 

The Maui Family YMCA has over 4,300 members, and 15,000 kids participate in their summer and swim programs.  28% of these Maui residents would not be able to go because of inability to pay, but the Maui Family YMCA is committed to making sure that no one is turned down for financial reasons.  This costs big money!  $175,000 last year was spent on financial assistance.

Long time family friends of mine are the owners of Trilogy http://www.sailtrilogy.com/, and they have agreed to donate a boat trip this Saturday at 4:45 out of Ma'alaea. 

Here are all the details:

Sail with Trilogy.  Support the Maui Family YMCA.
 
Ma’alaea Sunset Cruise and Whale Watch
Saturday, March 29th, enjoy Maui's legendary makani (wind) onboard Trilogy, and feel good knowing that you are helping to support The Maui Family YMCA!  Breathtaking views of Kaho'olawe and Lana'i, plus getting to hang out with Maui’s largest residents, this two-hour sunset sail is relaxing, enchanting, scenic and all for a great cause.
 

•   $79 per person.  Pupu’s and soft drinks are included.  Beer, wine and Ocean Vodka cocktails are available for purchase.
•   Saturday, March 29th, 4:45 check in, 5pm departure out of Ma’alaea Harbor.

Please contact the YMCA to hold your ticket: 808.242.9007 or PM me!
           
Sail with Trilogy.  Support the Maui Family YMCA.


Here is the Facebook event:  https://www.facebook.com/events/263243943852898/?notif_t=plan_user_joined


Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you all there!



Southbay

8

Sessions / The Bay

« on: November 15, 2013, 04:39:16 PM »

I lucked out today, and was able to score Honolua Bay at lunch!  Honolua is a prone surf only wave, and I had my 6'3" in the truck.  I am goofyfoot, so Honolua is an especially daunting place for me, and today was no exception.  I could feel my heart racing in my chest, before I caught my first wave and could calm down some.  Started out at Cave, but meandered up to the Point and caught 3 really great waves, before I had to get back to work!  Good day at the Bay.  Snapped this pic on my way out.

Southbay

9

SUP General / International Surfing Day

« on: June 20, 2013, 11:05:51 AM »

Thanks to this glorious holiday the lineup was PACKED by 6:30am in Manhattan!  Haha....its all good, but too bad it happened to be really good and super fun!  Chest high A frames up and down the beach.  I got a good share of waves, and it looks like we will get one more day of fun Windswell in So Cal, with hopefully less crowds.   

Let's see your #ISD photos!

Southbay

10

Downwind and Racing / Danny -vs- Connor M2O 2013

« on: May 16, 2013, 03:25:00 PM »

"Danny Ching Signs Up For Molokai; Will This Be The Most Competitive Channel Crossing Ever?"

http://www.supracer.com/molokai-2013-stacked-field/

Very interested to see how Danny does in this race.  He has done it tons of times in a canoe, and he has won it twice in a OC-1.  Lord knows he is fast as hell on the flats in a SUP.  Exciting stuff...

Southbay

11

Downwind and Racing / Maui Downwind Board

« on: May 06, 2013, 05:44:34 PM »

I grew up on Maui, left for college in 1998, and I have lived in Los Angeles ever since.  I am very happy to say that I am moving home on July 1st!  I have jealously watched the Maui Zoners on this blog for too long, and I hope I can go on some downwinders and SUS surf sessions with you guys very soon. 

Which leads me to my question.  I would like to get a serious downwind board.  I did the Maui to Molokai race last year on a 14' fixed fin, and I would like to do more races like that, but I would definitely like to get a board with a rudder.  I have obviously been looking at the SIC boards.  Price is not as big an issue as timing....I need a board for the races in July.  Should I go hollow custom, or cobra board? I have seen a few used boards on craigslist.....Are the F-Series boards obsolete now?  Everything used and cobra is a V1...is that ok?

BTW, I am 170lbs and an experienced paddler.

Any and all zoner help would be great.  Know of any good boards?  I have a call in to Ding King now, hoping for some good info soon.

Thanks in advance,

Southbay

12

SoCal / Summer Swells

« on: May 02, 2013, 10:02:15 PM »

Figured a new topic is due, especially after the great run of south swell we have been getting.

The last two days have been all time in Manhattan Beach. Lefts, lefts, lefts!  Real top to bottom drainers, head high to a foot or so over head. Nice sets of 3-4 waves and fairly good consistency, especially for a south.  

Didn't get any pics, too busy surfing.  Hoping tomorrow still has some juice left. I'm sure you guys down south have been getting it good.

Where to this weekend?  Malibu is obviously out...

Southbay

13

SoCal / 2013 Malibu Downwinder

« on: February 25, 2013, 02:09:46 PM »

I probably should have posted this here first:

I am really hoping to get a few So Cal Downwinders in this year.  It would be great fun to have a zone presence at the 2013 Malibu Downwinder, Saturday May 4th. 

Its a 7 mile course from Point Mugu to Leo Carrillo.  Entry Fee: $35, Beach Entry $50, Raffle: Surfboards, Paddleboard and Honolua gear.

Here is the link: http://www.malibudw.blogspot.com/

"2013 Malibu Downwinder information:
With a 2:00pm race start time and a Southeasterly course, we are hopeful for a fairly reliable 10-20 knot Northwest wind to assist us in surfing the approximate 7 mile course. The start will be from the water at Mugu State Beach, just on the other side of Mugu Rock. The finish will be at Leo Carillo State Beach at the west end of the North beach parking lot. Awards and a beach BBQ with refreshments will immediately follow the race. A limited number of campsites are available for Friday and Saturday nights at Leo Carrillo State Beach and Sycamore Cove State Beach. Contact Gary Fortune if interested in camping at malibudw@gmail.com


All proceeds for this race will be donated to the Santa Monica Mountains Natural History Association and Wishtoyo Foundation to help support the Leo Carillo State Lifeguards and State Junior Guard Program."


I have NO affiliation with the event.  I have never done this event, but it looks like a blast.  Anyone interested?

Southbay

14

Downwind and Racing / 2013 Malibu Downwinder

« on: February 24, 2013, 10:58:06 AM »

I am really hoping to get a few So Cal Downwinders in this year.  It would be great fun to have a zone presence at the 2013 Malibu Downwinder, Saturday May 4th. 

Its a 7 mile course from Point Mugu to Leo Carrillo.  Entry Fee: $35, Beach Entry $50, Raffle: Surfboards, Paddleboard and Honolua gear.

Here is the link: http://www.malibudw.blogspot.com/

"2013 Malibu Downwinder information:
With a 2:00pm race start time and a Southeasterly course, we are hopeful for a fairly reliable 10-20 knot Northwest wind to assist us in surfing the approximate 7 mile course. The start will be from the water at Mugu State Beach, just on the other side of Mugu Rock. The finish will be at Leo Carillo State Beach at the west end of the North beach parking lot. Awards and a beach BBQ with refreshments will immediately follow the race. A limited number of campsites are available for Friday and Saturday nights at Leo Carrillo State Beach and Sycamore Cove State Beach. Contact Gary Fortune if interested in camping at malibudw@gmail.com


All proceeds for this race will be donated to the Santa Monica Mountains Natural History Association and Wishtoyo Foundation to help support the Leo Carillo State Lifeguards and State Junior Guard Program."


I have NO affiliation with the event.  I have never done this event, but it looks like a blast.  Anyone interested?

Southbay

15

Gear Talk / Kai's board

« on: February 18, 2013, 06:00:11 PM »

Just snagged this picture from the slideshow on sup surf mag.com.  Does anyone have the dimensions on the board Kai was riding in the contest?  Looks like the rest of the Naish team are on fairly stock boards, but Kai's is anything but stock.  Wow, that thing looks so sick! 

Here is the link to the slideshow:
http://www.supsurfmag.com/features-stand-up-paddle/news/kai-lenny-takes-the-win-at-sunset-201302141296/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+StandUpPaddleSurfingMag+%28Stand+Up+Paddle+Surfing+Magazine+News%29

Southbay