Messages

46

Technique / Re: Someone should do a drone style video tutorial series on all things SUP.

« on: November 15, 2016, 11:39:08 AM »

Also Check Blue Planet Surf videos on youtube. He has a ton of great instructional vids.

RC

47

Technique / Re: Big Wave & Uncomfortably Big Water Safety Techniques

« on: November 14, 2016, 01:44:59 PM »

After the wipeout and in between sets I hold the paddle at the handle and keep it clear of me when the next sets roll in. Years ago, I was in deep water with my paddle floating at chest level in front of me. The incoming wave slammed the shaft across my forehead - glad I had my Gath helmet on. Now I keep the paddle at my side holding onto the handle and let it and my board pass me while duck diving (providing there's no one behind) 

I do know a mav's sup'er who uses a waist leash. we use them for all other types of paddling as well, influenced by the benefits of it for rivers with a easier release vs reaching for the feet. 

good ideas on the leash pull tab. back in the day in kayaking, we would use a whiffle ball, carabiner or duct tape to enlarge the pull tabs for spray skirts. 

48

Technique / Re: Foot Placement - Getting back on the board

« on: November 14, 2016, 01:36:43 PM »

2 thoughts - One, when doing your pivot, don't remove the blade from the water. Skim the blade flat over the surface (sweeping brace) on your recovery (or slide vertically through the water on recovery) these tips will keep you more stable in bumps and/or pivots.  Get low when turning so your paddle while on the water is fully extended (squat means more paddle extension) like an outrigger.  Keep the blade moving. Stalling looking for balance usually means a swim. 

When I see some folks doing pivots, their feet are to far apart and in surf stance. Keep the feet a bit closer and maybe your rear foot pointed towards the nose. Make sure you have one foot on either side of the center.

49

Technique / Re: Lower hand position

« on: November 14, 2016, 01:29:03 PM »

Less is more.  as PDX Mike stated, a looser grip means less strain on the body, less energy used, etc. My lower is just fingers, even when surfing, downwinding and racing. Upper hand is similar, on the forward stroke, I'll just be pushing with my palm - thumb/fingers free then grip lightly for the exit and recovery.

50

Technique / Re: Someone should do a drone style video tutorial series on all things SUP.

« on: November 14, 2016, 01:21:40 PM »

Thanks for the interest in aerial instruction coverage, I've been thinking of a sup video series and the more we know what you want, the more beneficial the content will be for you.  Give me a shout if you get more ideas of what can help you.  R

51

SUP General / Re: What do you do with your car keys?

« on: November 14, 2016, 01:16:49 PM »

I stick mine behind my tire on the ground. Has worked for years, including a recent trip to Oahu.  I'll wait till folks don't see me or squat down and 'tie my shoe' while stuffing it behind it. 

Years ago once tried to stick in a bush nearby, but came back after dark so that didn't work out well. 

52

Share the Stoke / Re: Beginning SUP - Chronicles of Remickulous

« on: October 15, 2016, 10:55:16 AM »

Great to hear you're figuring it out! it takes time and patience which you have.  Tip for sore feet - that's a sign that you're worried about balance. With the paddle in the water (blade flat at your side, 90 degrees) or lightly paddling, start to slide or walk up the board. Just little steps, a few inches. Doing this will get your feet moving and you relaxing. Be willing to fall in and now in late October, dress for the water temp (5/4mm wetsuit).  Your fear of falling is common, but like anything, the more you do it, the less of a worry it is.  Don't dive off, fall to the side away from the board in 5' of deeper water.  The Community Boating Center has a nice enclosed bay below the bluff there, great for practice.  If getting back on is a worry, practice in shallow water close to shore before you venture out further. 

Given your height/weight, I wonder if you would be better off with a 34" wide board. I'm 6-5, 230lbs (i'm 47) and as a beginner really liked a wide board for stability. Certainly it'll be slower but eventually you may upgrade to a faster board as your skills develop.  If you're past that and good to go on your current board, note that paddling is stability,  when you get unstable - paddle!  don't rise up with paddle above your head (human thing), instead get low and paddle, short quick strokes for stability. 

Good idea on the vest PFD, will keep you warmer too this winter. 

i'm in Seattle,  give me a holler if you have any questions, glad to help.  RC

53

Flatwater and Touring / Re: Let's see pics of your favorite flatwater places

« on: October 09, 2016, 11:40:20 AM »

Very cool. Thanks. Found a couple of videos and one is of you doing your thing. I could have used your expertise during my last trip to Victoria BC.  The kayaking vid shows how big it can get at deception pass with tides and some wind. 9 knots is a strong current for SUP during a tidal exchange. I paddled to Chatham and Discovery Island a few times when I was staying in Victoria and it was trial by fire. Different conditions for each time I went out according to tide and wind. Max current in Baynes channel where I was paddling is 6 knots, so 9 knots at Discovery Pass in a narrow with wind is major. I did alright off the coast of Victoria but quickly realized that being caught in a tidal race is no joke, and was thankful It was only a few kilometres to shore.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c3p-B07tl8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfuVuSoHdXI

I do have a class a tidal rapids class Deception Pass next weekend 10/16. Can send info.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

54

Flatwater and Touring / Re: Let's see pics of your favorite flatwater places

« on: October 08, 2016, 10:30:34 PM »

The rapids are tidal, accessible via 2 directions depending on flow. We have two ebbs and 2 floods per 24hrs. Rapids can get up to 9kts.  I teach sup tidal rapids classes in there.  Aerial view here of the rapids at a full flood, https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/coastalatlas/tools/ShorePhotos.aspx

55

Events / 2nd Annual Elks Halloween Paddle Race - Seattle - Oct 29th

« on: October 08, 2016, 09:57:06 PM »

Join us for the 2nd annual Elks Halloween Paddling Race in Seattle 10am, 10/29/16.  A 5 mile race on Shilshole Bay join all sorts of human powered paddling craft for great views, and post hydration at the Elks lodge afterwards. $20pp
Event Link and Registration. http://www.salmonbaypaddle.com/index.php/1st-annual-ballard-halloween-paddle-race/

56

Flatwater and Touring / Re: Let's see pics of your favorite flatwater places

« on: October 08, 2016, 09:47:39 PM »

Non rapids sections of Deception Pass State Park, 1.5hrs north of Seattle..

57

Gear Talk / Re: Landlocked paddler looking for waves.

« on: October 08, 2016, 09:39:05 PM »

I live 3-5hours from ocean surf (Seattle) though we take advantage of every bump we find from wind, boat wakes, etc.  I'd recommend a 14' board so you can get the speed you need need on flat water for distance, less stress on your body but still some fun on those occasional waves. I'm currently enjoying the Imagine Connector CC 29" board (I'm big) and use it for flat water, tidal rapids, downwind and small surf up to 4-5' faces. But get what works for you, try before you buy and get out there!

58

Gear Talk / Re: Leash Thickness for Flat water / Bays?

« on: October 08, 2016, 09:34:33 PM »

If you wear a C02 of vest style PFD try attaching the leash to the PFD strap (side straps on vest style). This will keep your feet free from the leash and allow for easier removal (from your waist).  Thickness isn't an issue for that type of paddling. As one said above, thin is fine if you're not in high wind, big surf, etc.  Check your leash string on occasion to make sure it's in good shape. 

59

Gear Talk / Re: Newbie looking at inflatables.

« on: October 08, 2016, 09:28:24 PM »

If not sure, try before you buy if you can. See how each board fits your style of paddling, and is it stable for you, easy to carry, etc.

60

Gear Talk / Re: PFD's Questions????

« on: October 08, 2016, 09:24:06 PM »

I just wrote a blog post on minimalist PFDs last week which include some of the ones mentioned here including the Hyde, Valkobi and others. http://stokemagazine.blogspot.com/2016/09/paddle-board-tips-for-big-people-low.html
The post was intended for bigger folks just saw 2 larger folks struggle with a vest style pfd as it made their chest bigger, thus their arm length shorter, thus was hard to get on the board.

If you get a waist c02 belt, fire it off before going offshore. Not as easy to put on as one may think.

I wear a vest style pfd (MTI Cascade) most of the time, but I'm in the Pac NW where we have cold water and I play in whitewater, tidal rapids etc so it also helps with body protection from falls, adds additional insulation and I can carry stuff in the pockets.  Check kayak stores if your local SUP shop doesn't have many vest pfds. try before you to get the best fit.