Messages

16

Downwind and Racing / Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge vs Gorge Downwind Champs

« on: April 10, 2016, 10:37:46 AM »

How do these two events compare for SUP downwind??
Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge 8/21-21
Looks to be SUP only event with one DW race, and others stuff.

Gorge Downwind Champs, 7/18-23
Looks dominated by surfski and OC, but is DW-only and has multiple days of shuttle assisted DW runs.

Anyone been to both and advise on best for a first-time Gorge visitor looking for a good SUP DW event?
Thanks.

17

SUP General / Re: Velocitek Makai - SUP Specific GPS

« on: March 21, 2016, 07:38:57 PM »

Talked to a guy who lost his Makai unit at Santa Cruz Paddlefest race this last weekend.
Conditions were a bit rough at the beach launch but otherwise pretty smooth water.
He had no idea when he lost it during the race. But was bumming about loosing a $300 unit.

18

Gear Talk / Re: Recommendation needed- Garmin Forerunner with wrist HRM ???

« on: January 10, 2016, 09:34:00 AM »

Thanks Tex.
Good to know.
May have to wait until the technology improves.

Lets see, I think I can still put a finger on my pulse and count.   

19

Gear Talk / Recommendation needed- Garmin Forerunner with wrist HRM ???

« on: January 09, 2016, 11:15:47 AM »

Trying to find the simplest Garmin Forerunner with wrist heart rate monitor.
I just need basic time/distance/map downloads with Garmin Connect.
And HRM during workout without a chest strap.
I see the 920XT, but has too many features and is expensive.
The 235 looks OK. How does it work on the water?
Other options???
Thanks.

20

SUP General / Re: What does your SUP carrying vehicle look like...?

« on: December 09, 2015, 11:33:23 AM »

Sup car parking story . . . (kindof related)

Put in at the local boat launch for a river run.
Got back and had a ticket for parking in the boat launch area (no trailer).
The sign said "Boat Launch Parking Only", not "Trailer Parking Only" like other launches.
I challenged the ticket, claimed that I truly launched, just didn't have a trailer. Sent them this pic.
6 months later I got the ticket expunged.

OK, post includes my SUP carrying vehicle (board long gone).

21

SUP General / Re: Leash Use.

« on: August 25, 2015, 08:54:40 PM »

All this talk of safety gear and prepping for a session reminds me of general aviation flying. I am a private pilot and there is a LOT that gets done before I even 'head out' to the sky. Why would the waters, ocean in particular, be any different?

There is a poster with a picture of an old biplane lodged into a tree. The saying goes . . . .
"Aviation, in and of itself is not inherently dangerous.
But to an ever greater extent than the sea, it is terribly unforgiving
of any carelessness, incapacity, or neglect."

I see that poster every time before I fly.
Based upon the sea's ability to 'eat people', I now wonder which one is more terribly unforgiving.

22

SUP General / Re: Who's afraid of the big Great White?

« on: July 07, 2015, 08:54:29 PM »

Nope.
Paddled/surfed Santa Cruz this weekend hoping to see the junior GW's that have been spotted in the area. No joy.
I figure with lots of fish, seal pups, and prone surfers with legs dangling, I am low on the feeding list. Now doing a downwinder off Point Ano Nuevo (bottom of the triangle) and falling in a lot, might be a bit different.

Convincing the wife that all this is a very low probability, not a chance.

23

NorCal / SF Fleet week viewing from SUP ???

« on: September 29, 2014, 12:19:51 PM »

Anybody have tips for viewing the SF Fleet Week airshow from a SUP board??
I assume they have a clear area over parts of the water.
What area is open game?

Hoping to see the Blue Angels up close over the water w/o the crowds.
Thanks.

24

SUP General / Re: HOT Chicks on Stand Up Paddle Boards!

« on: August 26, 2014, 05:30:36 PM »

Old man me was having fun on small surf at the Cove in Kihei a few days ago.
I happened to see a nice thong'd butt as I was cruising through. (Sorry no pics.)
Turns out the girl looks to be about 13. Yikes, so I keep on cruising.
But then I noticed several old guys like me, just lurking around (waiting for a wave of course).

So what is worse?, being tempted to peak at a 13 year old in a thong,
or the thong'd young girl going out to a lineup with a bunch of old guys??

Either way, I figure it is a bad answer for me.

25

Hawaii / Re: Hook up with group for Maliko run ???

« on: August 04, 2014, 08:47:50 PM »

Thanks for the tips. Was hoping going with a group would be enough, but I understand the benefits of using a guide. Don't know how the Davenport and other Santa Cruz runs compare to Maliko, but I have first hand experience in getting my butt kicked on a new DW run. Better to relax and enjoy the glides rather than worrying about things. Thanks again.

26

Hawaii / Hook up with group for Maliko run ???

« on: August 04, 2014, 07:35:06 PM »

Im sure there is a thread somewhere on this, but couldn't find. . . .

Visiting Maui in mid-August and would like to do a Maliko run with a group.
Will rent a board, use the shuttle service, etc. Just don't want to go out solo.
How can I hook up with similar level paddlers to do the run and just keep an eye on each other?

There is a group in Santa Cruz that does DW runs and uses simple group emails or FB to hook up.
Hope there is something similar in Maui.
Thanks in advance.

Bruce W.

27

The Shape Shack / Re: Do I need a Jig to install a fin box?

« on: July 11, 2014, 05:56:12 PM »

Attached is a pic of a jig I used on an old WS board to install a new U-joint box. (basically the same as a fin box but longer). The jig is crude with screws into the board later filled, but worked well.

28

The Shape Shack / Javelin 12.6 GX deck reshape project

« on: July 11, 2014, 05:49:28 PM »

I purchased an used Javelin 12.6 GX that works well for me on flat water.
But the raised rails on the top deck bug me. Harder to carry, thicker rail to grab, harder climb back on. The raised rail doesn't seem to add anything on flat water.

So I want to modify the top deck by simply removing the top rail and make a flat deck. Plus I want to take a shot at vacuum bagging carbon. (I have a good trainer that has done carbon fiber aircraft propellers).  I'm thinking of simply cutting off the raised rail, round it off, feather to the existing carbon, then vacuum bag on a single layer of 4" carbon tape.

Any thoughts, ideas, or cautions I should consider before I dive in   Thanks.

29

The Shape Shack / Fin box installation question for ABS board

« on: April 25, 2014, 06:49:33 PM »

OK this is for a windsurf board but there is no good 'builders forum' at the SW sites to ask the question.

Im installing a modern mast track box in an old Bic WS board with ABS construction.
The mast track is just a longer fin box. I have routed out a spot on the board and have a good foundation from the two original mount holes (I assume it is all ABS as well), rest is standard white foam. See pic.

Question; now best to glue the box to this board???
I was planning on using epoxy resin with cabosil and glass chuncks for the box, and maybe some ABS style glue to seal any joints.
Suggestions appreciated.

30

NorCal / SF Bay- summer downwinders ???

« on: April 24, 2014, 05:00:47 PM »

Already thinking of possible downwinder routes on the SF bay for this summer.
Not much interested in the SF or north bay options.
Wondering if anyone has any experience on some of these options. . . .

Im in Sac so first thought is Delta winds on an ebb.
Sherman Island (windsurf and kiting) has a quartering wind to a rocky levee.
Anyone done Antioch to Sherman? Or other spots when the delta wind is cranking?

Other thought is the peninsula on a NW wind.?
 I know the windsurf spots. Maybe something in the 3rd Ave. channel.?
Not sure of the put in and take out.
Thanks.