Topics

136

SUP General / Too nervous to compete

« on: April 19, 2012, 03:35:06 PM »

I wonder if any of you out there feel the same way as I do about races/surf contests.

 I love SUP and the community and the many amazing friends I have met through the sport, but when it comes to races or surfing contests I am petrified, yet I so badly want to be a part of some of these fun events.

I guess one reason why I entered the CCBC last summer was because it was a community paddle and not a race and for a great cause.  I know I am a capable paddler and surfer and probably would represent myself well in these events, but just the thought of entering a race or surf contest makes me nervous.    I think one reason is I am my own worst critic and the fear of failure.

I surfed ESA as a kid and did well but couldn't handle the pressure (my own) and left the contest scene.  I played high school and collegiate lacrosse and memories of throwing up before games isn't pleasant.

I see posts for all these great races and SUP weekends, and I shy away and I know I am missing some fun times.   I wish there were more community paddles and charity  events like CCBC out there.

Just curious how you guys handle the pressure of SUP racing or SUP surf contests?  Do you take it seriously  or just go out and have fun and be as happy with last place as first and enjoy the  post race party?

137

SUP General / anyone paddle in Florida intracoastal?

« on: January 27, 2012, 11:19:35 AM »

does anyone here paddle in the intracoastal in south Florida?  just wondering about water quality, boat traffic etc.  There has been so much wind the last few months, that the ocean has been so rough for paddling,  and thought I'd give the intracoastal a try...

138

Gear Talk / GoPro question

« on: January 10, 2012, 08:47:44 PM »

I posted a link to my new GoPro video in the "sessions" section. As you will see the music did not upload with the video.  2nd time this happened, is there a trick to downloading and uploading GoPro videos? Do I need to reformat the video?

I used the SD card to download the videos and didn't plug camera into computer.  Any tips appreciated
I have Windows Vista

139

Sessions / Go Pro Video Caribbean day trip

« on: January 10, 2012, 05:40:24 PM »

A video of a day trip I took last week from my vacation house on Bequia to the neighboring island of St.Vincent 9 miles away.  Perfect day with some really fun waves breaking on the outer reef and noone but me and the fish.....  Once again the music didn't upload and I apologize for some of the sunspots and water droplets.  It's hard to find rain-x on a third world island.

140

Gear Talk / Go Pro Hero video quality issues?

« on: January 10, 2012, 08:01:57 AM »

Hey everyone, just wanted to know if anyone else has problems with the quality of their Go Pro Hero videos?  I have the HD version.  I hope to post a new video from a recent trip in a couple of days, but in reviewing the video, it seems to lose image quality later in the video.  It did this a bit last year too almost like there were sun spots on the lens and video overexposed.
   I did notice a spot or mark develop on the inside of the lens during my session too which was strange..maybe condensation build up from hot camera and cooler water?? I use it in the Caribbean and its a very bright sun reflecting off the water, so I wasn't sure if this is common.

When I post the new video, you will see what I mean.  first few rides were perfectly clear and as the day goes on picture gets worse.

Anyone else have this happen? Thanks

141

Gear Talk / waterproof iPod Shuffle looks cool

« on: October 27, 2011, 06:32:58 AM »

Saw this website, a totally waterproof ipod shuffle.  No case to deal with, sounds interesting although pricey at $165.00

https://underwateraudio.com/?gclid=CPv59oD8iKwCFYTe4AodTh9i9g

142

SUP General / stacking boards on roof racks question

« on: October 25, 2011, 11:41:08 AM »

Hey about to drive 3 SUPs from Maine to Florida.  have 12' 6", 11' 2" and 9 ft boards.  Does it make a difference if I stack all 3 on top of each other, or should I do 2 stacked and the third by their side...,  I think my bars are wide enough for boards rail to rail. 

thanks for any insight

143

Events / CCBC leashes?

« on: August 14, 2011, 08:28:16 AM »

Just curious if most of you wear a leash during the CCBC...I know a pfd is mandatory, what about a leash?  I always wear one in the surf and on long lonely paddles, but would rather not...
Looking forward to meeting everyone next weekend

144

SUP General / C-4 Waterman on Discovery Channel

« on: June 29, 2011, 01:55:27 PM »

got this in my Spam mailbox today  don't know anything else about it...

C4 Waterman on After The Catch
Tonight 10PM EST/PST 7PM HST

145

Gear Talk / Coreban Alpha Race 12' 6" 1st session

« on: June 12, 2011, 06:18:21 AM »

Picked up the Coreban Alpha Race 12'6" Friday to add to my growing quiver of Corebans ( 9', 9'6", 10'6" and now 12'6"). Took out the board Saturday with the Coreban New England rep .  This was my first time on a true racing/touring shape, as previously all my distance paddles were on my 11'2" SB Blend.   

Wow what a difference being on this board.  The feeling underfoot was amazing and the glide eye opening.  Instead of chugging along with each stroke as I did on the Blend, this board just ripped through the water smoothly and with much less effort.   It is very stable and despite the 12'6" length, I found it as easy or easier to swing around and turn than the Blend,  The board is not only fast, but it catches ANYTHING representing a swell.  The 1st thing I noticed about this board compared to other touring and racing boards is that the Alpha has a true surf shape and not a displacement hull.  It reminded me of a rhino chaser of sorts.
We did a relaxing 5 mile paddle in the open ocean and into a river mouth estuary and it was great.

I would never have imagined riding waves with this board, but after catching some tiny waves and swells and seeing how easily it turns, I can,t wait to get this in some surf.  I had intended this only for touring and long distance paddles, but clearly this board can charge surf too.

Just another solid shape from Coreban

146

Events / Dave Kalama in Maine

« on: April 29, 2011, 10:39:07 PM »

Hey all you New England SUPErs, I just read on the Liquid Dreams website that Dave Kalama will be at their York Beach, ME store for a Naish demo day May 3rd. If you can get over there do it as he is one of the nicer guys you can meet.  I met him in Maui last year as he joined a friend of mine and I for a SUP session.  The waves have been going off in York as of late so you might get a chance to share some waves with him as well.

147

Events / CCBC event what kind of boards are you using?

« on: April 20, 2011, 11:19:59 AM »

I am really interested in entering this summer's CCBC.  It looks like an amazing event for a great cause and I want to be a part of it.  The furthest I have ever paddled is 10 miles or so and that was on an 11'2" Starboard Blend .  Typically I paddle 8 miles a day when it is not a surf day

34 miles sounds pretty far.  I know I have the stamina for it, but want to know I have the board for it.   What boards are you guys bringing to this event?  I am eyeing a couple of Coreban Alpha boards but wanted to hear what others are using?

thanks in advance for the info

148

Random / cool shark video

« on: April 12, 2011, 09:10:26 AM »

pretty cool video  Dancing with Sharks

YouTube - 333 Nina Salerosa

149

Gear Talk / My new Coreban Fusion Pure

« on: April 11, 2011, 09:37:51 AM »

Got this Coreban Fusion Pure for my 50th Bday last month but only got a chance to surf her last week.  I had been just admiring it's beauty and was contemplating hanging on the wall.  The board is absolutely gorgeous and surfs as good as it looks I found out. 

Surfed some clean waist high post squal Florida surf and the board RIPS.  I am 185 6 ft
the Fusion offers plenty of stability, paddles well and catches waves easily.  the wide nose just plows through whitewater paddling back out, and the deck pad is as comfortable as I have felt.  Took a few late take offs and the board stuck to the wave face like glue.  it comes with a 4'5" wood fin and two plastic side bites which I replaced with glass fins.  So far only rode as a thruster set up, but want to experiment with all combinations the 5 boxes allow.  I love my 9'6" Performer, but this 9 ft Fusion is everything and more.  I was really able to thow this board around and it was very reactive.  After 3 waves the board felt like an old friend.  Really fast and carves easily.  It's lighter than the Core construction of my Performer and you can feel the difference.  Some photos below.  The board does come with a pretty decent board bag with 5 fin slots which is great.  Only one session on small waves so far, but no question this board will be amazing in quality surf.

150

Sessions / Caribbean session video

« on: March 30, 2011, 10:38:36 PM »

here's my first try with the Go Pro.. surfing on the island of St.Vincent last week.  Caught a fun swell on both the point break and outer reef breaks.  Unfortunately a few glitches with the upload..no music and the video freezes /skips at the end

it was some fun surf and all alone which made it even better.  Average day for Vincy, I hope to get some bigger days on film soon