Messages

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 / Re: Black Project Hydro Flow X paddle Med Standard

« on: May 02, 2021, 06:45:19 PM »

Found this post through the other thread asking about the HydroX. I like the comparison you did here, especially since the UV 82 is something I am considering.
What are your thoughts between the UV82 and Mana 82?

3

Gear Talk / Re: Paddle Thoughts

« on: June 27, 2020, 01:06:46 PM »

Funny... I own both Ke Nalu paddles that you mention (with the Xtuf and Xtuf(S) shafts) and also recently picked up a Black Project Surge Paddle to try.  While the Black Project is a great paddle and is super light and strong, I found that I preferred the grip on the shaft of the Ke Nalu paddles and also the flex is easier on my shoulder---I would highly recommend the Xtuf or Xtuf (S) shaft if you want to ease wear and tear.  I also like the winglets on the Ke Nalu paddles and how it keeps your stroke straight.  It has been a while since I compared the Mana to Konihi but I suspect it is probably based on how you are going to use it.  I almost always use my Mana paddle but generally am surfing or foiling and like the surge of power the paddle gives me.   If you were mostly flatwater paddling, it is possible that is where the Konihi might shine but I haven't used it in quite a while.

Thanks for responding! This gives me some useful info; if your Surge came with the medium flex, that indicates the xTuf has more flex/is softer than that. So if I want similar flex as the BP, I would likely go with the KeNalu 90 flex.

Now to figure out Konihi 84 vs Mana 82...

4

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

5

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

6

SUP General / Re: Quick dry sun shirts

« on: July 27, 2019, 09:00:51 PM »

https://www.ulurugear.com

7

Gear Talk / Re: Looking for Hydration Pack recommendations for SUP surfing

« on: June 18, 2019, 08:48:02 PM »

These look pretty good. Would you suggest white or black? White is probably doesn't heat up as black one but probably difficult to keep clean? Besides it probably looks strange on a wetsuit?

Mine is black with orange trim.  I think the combination of body heat and ambient temperature has more of an effect than the color heating up from the sun

8

Gear Talk / Re: Looking for Hydration Pack recommendations for SUP surfing

« on: June 06, 2019, 10:49:35 AM »

I use an Orange Mud pack for racing, and they also have a smaller 1L pack:

https://www.orangemud.com/products/endurance-pack-4l-v2-0-2l-bladder-cargo-ideal-for-running-and-biking-white-lifejacket?variant=19598933786711

https://www.orangemud.com/products/gear-vest-2l-1l-bladder-total-cargo-ideal-for-running-biking-triathlon-white-personal?variant=42693498255

I like how compact they are, and sit high between the shoulders to stay out of the way without bouncing.  They use elastic straps across the chest, and the primary part of the pack can be cinched tight enough so even if the top velcro comes loose (never happened to me), you won't lose the bladder.

9

SUP General / Re: Another Board Recommendation Thread, Flat Water?

« on: March 30, 2019, 09:06:09 PM »

Have you taken a look at Flying Fish?  Their Freeglide is a single quiver board; I'm definitely not an expert rider, but have raced it in all but true open water conditions with success.

All of them are custom, made in Florida, starting in the mid $2000's.  If you reach out, John can make a recommendation on dimensions and try to find a way for you to get on one before committing.

https://www.flyingfishboardco.com

10

SUP General / Re: Is sunscreen really killing our coral reefs?

« on: May 11, 2018, 08:16:00 PM »

Based on the underlying research summarized in the abstract here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00244-015-0227-7

1. yes certain chemicals found in cheap sunscreen are having a negative impact on reefs
2. It is not scare tactics to report on or present empirical data and interpretations.
3. The park service provided access for sampling. The research was partially funded by the Israel Science Foundation, with local researchers collecting samples.

Fortunately, several prominent brands have already eliminated the problem chemicals.

11

SouthEast / Re: Repairs - Carolinas

« on: May 07, 2018, 07:34:20 PM »

Is that the Outer Banks shop?  That might be too far for me, or for spirit.  I will check in with Half Moon, but the Greenville shop has not been great with SUP info in the past.

12

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

13

Gear Talk / Re: Best way to pump up an inflatable SUP....without the manual pump

« on: March 12, 2018, 07:17:38 AM »

We have a Red 12'6" Elite and 9'8" Ride.  The best option I've found for inflation is a Viair portable compressor:
http://www.viaircorp.com/portables/400p-auto/

Combined with any adapter (I use this: https://greenwatersports.com/shop/red-paddle-co-inflatable-sup-schrader-valve-adaptor), it takes about 15 minutes for the 12'6" to reach 20-25psi.

14

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

15

Gear Talk / Re: K-Pump K220...Is it worth it?

« on: June 06, 2014, 08:26:26 PM »

I'm currently not able to upload due to access issues, but should be able to in the next week or so.  Thanks for the pics, and I will share them with the zone.