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1
Excellent condition, like new!
SUP Nelo Lightcorp Signature 2.0 - 2018 Carbon – 14 x 23
Model: Signature 2.0 – hollow carbon sandwich construction
Price: €2,200

FAST BOARD, ultra light, and super durable construction.

Available in Etel, Brittany (France) – but can be shipped by private company to many European destinations (including Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany)

** CONTACT: ludovic@photofr.com for faster response **














2
SUP General / Sharing Strategies from other Sports
« on: May 21, 2018, 01:19:45 AM »
Sharing Strategies

Stand Up Paddleboarding is very much its own sport, but I believe we can all benefit from other sports that have been around for decades.

I actually love SUP, and I can see myself paddling a SUP for many years to come. However, here are issues that I think we can easily overcome.

NARROWER
This is an easy one: a little more glide would be nice. We should go narrower, and then fix stability issues. A narrower board would also mean a narrower stroke.

STABILITY – LOWER YOUR CENTER OF GRAVITY
Once we go narrower, boards tend to become rather instable. An easy fix from the World of surfskis is to completely lower your gravity, by standing merely 1.2 cm from the bottom of the hull, instead of the current 7cm. This would make us stand below water level, but will add a tremendous amount of stability to our boards – thus allowing us to go quite narrow. Since our feet will be below water level, we’ll have to fix another issue: water getting in the board, and draining that water with efficiency. We’ll have to add a scupper (drain hole) with a manual latch.

This is an interesting aspect, because by lowering your center of gravity, you go through the wind better (just like a bike you might say) – but it also allows you to use a smaller paddler (lighter, and therefore more maneuverable).

DRAIN HOLE
The newer drains in surfskis work so well! We could add a rider operated drain, taken straight out of a surfski if need be. That would allow us to go super narrow, to lower our center of gravity – and all of this without fearing water entering our craft.

LENGTH
This is another issue altogether, but 16 to 18 foot boards would also mean far better glide, more efficiency, and ultimately more speed. Many people have found UL boards to be faster – by a heck of a margin. The ones who haven’t found UL faster were probably using a board in excess of 15 kilos, without a rudder – and taking their boards in side winds for a miserable time. Truth be told, I am a featherweight paddler who have been on a 18+ foot board, with a rudder, with a rounded hull… and the thing seemed to be over 18 kilos. Bottom line, it was a fantastic experience, and I had more fun and more speed than most boards I have tried to date. Truth be told, we need boards to be far lighter in their construction, but strong!

CONSTRUCTION
We are heading in the right direction, especially as the #1 paddle craft builder in the World is now introducing ultra light boards that are very strong, and rigid as can be. This will allow us to take advantage of the surfski construction, and allow SUP paddlers to use UL boards that are very light.

RUDDER
Think what you want about rudders… but first understand this: Olympic kayakers, who, mind you, only travel in a straight line, have found huge advantages when they want with a fixed fin to a rudder. Look again, because today, 100% of Olympic Paddlers paddle with a rudder. Ultimately, rudders will make you faster, and make it safer when winds turn to side wind.

PHOTOS
The FIRST one shows an ultra low standing area – well below the waterline.

The SECOND image shows an overview of the lowered standing area.

The THIRD image shows a surfski drain – 100% foot operated. We could even use this existing one, add padding, and ensure we can quickly open and close it with the flick of a paddle if need be.










I hope you guys find this somewhat useful - and willing to try new things. There's no doubt though, that a longer board, that is narrower, having an overall reduced volume, and a standing area below the waterline will be FASTER - especially when equipped with a rudder. Combine it all, and we should get some real fun, amazing glides, and incredible versatility from our SUP.

3
Gear Talk / Multi-Fin for my Nelo
« on: May 17, 2018, 10:57:53 AM »
I am looking to add a ventral fin (belly fin) for my newly acquired Nelo board.
Totally opened to any suggestion.
Especially eager to hear people who have done this with success.
Get my undivided attention if you are still using a ventral fin!!!!

Here's my problem:
I have this great board but because of my weight, the board's behaviour in the wind is definitely a handful (read: horrible for me). This board has a butter-smooth bow that you could almost compare with the Ace. When side wind hits my 54 kg body, the nose gets tossed around like a butterfly in the wind, using the rear fin as the "perfect pivot".

Solution Hoped for:
My hope is to drastically change this behaviour by adding a fin 2 to 4 feet in front of my standing area. I was thinking a small fin box, or similar, but I am definitely thinking about a small front fin. In the process, I am also thinking about completely reducing my rear fin by about 2/3 - thus using a very small rear fin.

Note: I wouldn't even bother if this board were crappy

Have you guys tried this?
Did you have difficulties finding the perfect location up front?
Did you have a hard time finding the right fins?
And... most importantly: is it working well for you, to this day / would you recommend it?

4
Downwind and Racing / Careful: we need new blood
« on: April 30, 2018, 11:02:47 PM »
Are you guys seeing this too?
What do you races look like?

I know there are quite a few events where kids are welcomed, however, the last race in Europe showed this alarming news...
Total entries: 33 paddlers
Over 40: 22 paddlers
Over 50: 14 paddlers

Looking at those stats, there's no doubt that I fear for the future of the sport - at least in its racing stages.

5
Classifieds / 2017 ACE - 14x25 - 1700 euros
« on: April 23, 2018, 05:40:10 AM »
Yope... and in great shape, well taken care of...

I have moved to the North of France, and therefore had to revisit my needs. I am now selling my Ace to a lucky bashdddaaard :)

14' x 25"
Carbon sandwich construction
2017 Model purchase in September 2017.
Well taken care of - has slept in a heated garage.

PRICE: 1700 euros.

That board has seen more fresh water than it can bare.

Contact me directly if interested. ludovic@photofr.com

6
SUP General / SUP Paddles - somewhat of a joke
« on: February 22, 2018, 12:42:44 PM »
Who's with me on this?

PRICES
SUP: average price for a very good SUP paddle: 390 euros
SURFSKI: average price for a great SURFSKI paddle: 330 euros

FAST FACTS
There are way more SUP paddles sold than there are surfski paddles.
Everything about a SUP paddle is far easier, and far cheaper to make.
Surfski paddles have two blades; each with a complex shape (huge amount of scoop) that is anything but easy to make.

With all of this in mind, I believe that the Olympic Kayak paddle leader (Braca) saw an opening in the SUP industry. They spent the last 4 years coming up with a model I KNOW WILL INTEREST YOU. Before you purchase your next paddle, you may just want to try this: the Braca Maui.

It's the latest paddle from Braca that not a single representative is talking about. Apparently, I may be the very first one to have received this paddle in France, but to my great surprise, no one is sharing any photos and / or any other info!?!?

Apparently, communication isn't Braca's strong point.
Durability, function, craftsmanship, and price is however where the seem to excel.
(you can pretty much plan on saving $100 per paddle - compared to other high end paddles).
I know them very well from having paddled their surfski paddle. They also make their own shaft on-location, which is a lot more than I can say for the majority of people selling paddles.

MY FAVORITE PADDLE
For SUP, no other paddle matched my Quickblade - until the 2018 release of the Braca Maui. I will now be paddling with a single paddle, because I opted for an adjustable shaft - couldn't be happier.

PADDLE HIGHLIGHTS
The Braca Maui enters the water beautifully, and provides a very clean catch.
Through the stroke, I find the blade and shaft flex to marry themselves perfectly.
Its main blade vain results in a very stable stroke.
The exit is very clean (if you exit at or near your feet) and but still better than average for those of you enjoying an exit well past their feet.
The shaft is a surfski type shaft - so if you paddle the same brand on your surfski, there won't be any trauma.
The Braca Maui are some of the lightest paddles on the market- hands down.
I use a 510 cm2 (79 square inches) - with the Medium stiffness shaft (they didn't have the Soft shafts in stock)

OTHERS
As far as I know, you have 3 choices for blade size, and 3 choices regarding shaft stiffness.
Braca offers 4 different Ts, ranging from wood to different Carbon.
If you have never liked adjustable paddles, turn the page and try Braca's Vario. They are ahead of anything I have ever tried.

Here are couple of photos, keep your eyes out on the huge amount of scoop.

QUICK NOTE
I wouldn't say so much about it if I though it was just another "average" paddle. This things really excels, so you may want to give it a shot.







7
SUP Advocacy / SUP – Accessibility to Kids
« on: February 22, 2018, 12:40:20 AM »
Looking at the future of SUP, I keep thinking that we need to put more youngsters on boards – more often. This would include introducing our young ones to water safety, navigation, biomechanics, competition, environmental issues, respect of others, SUP touring, SUP camping, and much more.

To accomplish this, I believe we also need to address some of the difficulties kids will face, and possible solutions.

BOARD DESIGN
Seemingly, there aren’t that many boards produced for tiny paddlers. Inflatable SUP may be the answer.

PADDLE DESIGN
I am glad to see more and more adjustable paddles for SUP, however, blade size for kids (and I mean tiny blades) are nearly non-existent. This is probably the first thing that manufacturer need to be concerned with if they want to see more young people taking part in the sport.

PROGRAMS
Programs designed for kids are nearly non-existent, but could easily be implemented with a little bit of work. Schools could even offer extra credits for participation in the sport, as overall grades would be boosted (a proven fact that sports help develop the brain)

WIND
Windy days will make paddling very difficult for the tiny ones. Installing a simple rudder system may eliminate the problem. Keeping in mind that external rudders (external lines, external rudder at the rear of the board) are so simple to install – though not yet implemented except for certain downwind boards.

Can it be done with ease?
Do you see other issues?




8
SUP Advocacy / Cultural Shock - SUP Paddling in France
« on: February 20, 2018, 01:50:52 AM »
Wow -
That's how I see paddling in France after living here for 4 years - but there's good and bad.

THE BAD (because it makes you want to read this)
- Where are the paddlers? People tell me that the sport of SUP is booming in France. Sure, I'll bite, but where? Cote d'Azur, Brittany - during one month of the year???

I live in Lille (France's 5th largest city). There are about 230 000 people who live here. Meanwhile, there's only one SUP club (as of a week ago) and now just two of them. On a gorgeous Sat or Sun afternoon, dead flat water, no wind, I counted a grand total of 5 paddlers.

- Arthur Arutkin is from the city, and still hardly any one paddling.

- For the most part, the paddlers I meet are powerful paddlers, with horrible techniques.

- I don't think they have ever fallen in the water - because I have been told that it would be nearly impossible to get back into an Ace.

- They work about 35 hours a week, most have a 2-hour lunch, and most have at least 5 weeks of vacation a year. Meanwhile, most do not realize that they could be paddling before and/or after work.

- While people do not go to church, there are churches everywhere, so I don't understand why more people aren't paddling on SUNDAYS.

- Outdoor sports isn't really in the culture. Although you have known athletes who do very well, the majority of French people aren't very active at all. The percentage of Hawaiians or even West Virginians enjoying the outdoors is far greater than what I am seeing in France.


THE GOOD
- Remarkably, France is producing some very good athletes in the SUP World.

- Almost all high ranking French paddlers have extensive training sessions over seas.

- Average body mass (smaller bone structures of the French) make them great contenders for SUP paddling.

- SUP clubs in France provide free gear for you to paddle your hearts out. Clubs are either free or totally reasonably priced.

- There's a French shaper - who travels a lot - willing to shape any custom board you want. He's fairly priced, and actually creates beautiful boards.

- France (seemingly) has more water than pretty much any other European country (including amazing inland flat water).


All in all, it's a cultural shock to me - and I still don't really understand WHY.

9
Flatwater and Touring / You'll love this !
« on: February 19, 2018, 01:50:33 AM »
When you are just tired of wearing 7mm booties to keep your feet warm - read on...

I have been paddling SUP - for about 4 years now. I can't believe I didn't think of this BEFORE.

SURFSKI
There's no doubt, you are going to get wet while paddling a surfski and it doesn't matter if you are on flat water or rough water.

SUP
Originally, that was the reason for me getting started on a SUP: to stay dry during those cold and brutal months.

PROBLEM
After years of nerve damage due to overly tighten cycling shoes, my feet get cold quite easily, however, I still love being barefoot.

BOARDS
I have had all sorts of boards. My least favorite was the Allstar (2016 model) where water would just be stagnant around my feet. My Sprint UL 17'6 x 23" (a dug out board) was pretty good, but it always allowed a little bit of water near my feet - exposing them to the brutal cold of winter. Fast forward, I now have the ACE, and while I plan on using that board on DW, I am paddling in winter with it on DEAD FLAT WATER.

SOLUTION (possible solution for you)
I am unsure as to why it took me so long to think about this. Two days ago, I came up with an idea of simply putting a manual drain on my boards (call it a scupper, call it what you want).

In the meantime, I just plugged the 4 holes on my Ace. The result? 100% dry deck, 100% dry feet, and under the sun, cosy warm feet.

PLUG
I was thinking of using cork, and all sorts of complicated plug. I ended up using recycled packaging foam (about 1/2" thick). It's the white foam that usually comes with the goods you buy - so I just recycled it - 100% recycled.

The kicker was to simply make the "plug" larger than the opening. I cut it like a small disk, and inserted that into the hole. The snug fit means ZERO water is entering the board. It works like a charm - for flat water.

WATCH OUT
You don't want to plug those holes in Open Water - but if you are like me and your goal is to paddle with dry feet (with our without booties) you'll want to ensure that no water is entering your board deck.

ALTERNATIVE
Tape, however, tape would have removed the paint job on my SB, plus what a pain!

Hope this helps keep your feet dry - as more and more boards are coming up with dug-out standing areas - using drains to evacuate water.



INFO
Wet + cold doesn't mix well.
Water conducts sound about 80x better than in air (who cares)
Water conducts heat away from you about 20x faster in water than in air (I care, and you probably do too)

10
Downwind and Racing / Is it too late to change the name?
« on: February 15, 2018, 11:19:40 PM »
Just wondering, from a spectator's stand point of view:
We have SUP long distance
We have SUP Beach Race (AKA Technical Race)

Would it make more sense to call SUP Technical Race as follows: SUP CROSS ???
(taken straight out of my snowboard rule book, snowboard cross - which made it to the Olympics)

11
Flatwater and Touring / Recommended FLAT WATER board
« on: February 05, 2018, 12:45:51 AM »
I have been out of the SUP world for a bit (got sick, moved up North of France, etc...)

Long story short, I'll be inland for 90% of the time. My goal is to train and stay in shape so that I can have a total blast during that other 10% of the time.

I am looking for a NEW 14' Flat Water board.
Can you help, and give me some feedback?
Is there a board (or boards) FOR FLAT WATER that you believe should definitely make the list?

My focus:
Glide
Speed
Lightweight

No a concern:
Stability

Ideas?
All ideas are welcomed.
My first thought is the Starboard Sprint 14x21.5 - but I am totally open to suggestions, and opened to ANY BRAND.



12
Classifieds / <for sale > 2016 ALLSTAR 14x25 – Brushed Carbon
« on: July 19, 2016, 10:19:03 PM »
SUP board is like new, never raced : near perfect condition.

Year : 2016
Model : ALL STAR 14’ x 25”
Construction : Carbon Sandwich
Weight : 11.2 kilos
Price: 2250 € (tarif 2016: 3750 euros)

DESCRIPTION:
You can expect a super stable board, for all ocean conditions.
Most popular board of the Starboard SUP line.

INCLUDED :
Board
Original Race Fin (also like new)
Two carry handle

INFO :
E: ludovic@photofr.com



13
Downwind and Racing / European Championships 2016
« on: June 23, 2016, 12:28:22 PM »
The long distance race of about 17km took place on glassy conditions, until they turned around at the half way point. The remaining course took place upwind (granted, seemed like 10 km/h) and finished with some pretty cool clean waves ashore.

There were quite a few people from Denmark cheering, as well as several people from The Island of England :)

Couple of photos.













14
Downwind and Racing / EURO TOUR 2016 with photos
« on: May 23, 2016, 02:31:44 PM »
The EURO TOUR is now well on its way, and you guessed it: in Europe :)

May 21 and 22
Sainte Maxime (South of France)

Competition was fierce, and seriously amazing to watch. Team Starboard made an incredible "entrance" in the French Riviera with several of their riders taking part.

Weather: Some wind, but light. Sun was out both days, but the air wasn't too warm: nearly perfect really.

Water: Still a bit cold, but crystal clear.

The french got to see some World renown riders like Connor Baxter, Michael Booth, Sonni Honscheid, Fiona Wylde, Titouan Puyo, and many others. They came from just about everywhere... Hawaii, US Mainland, Italy, Germany, Spain, Hungary, France, South Africa, Australia and a few more... To you, they were probably all very familiar faces.

I have seen a few races, and I must admit: the level this weekend was downright amazing! Michael Booth took the win on the long distance, but before doing so, he launched a series of sprints to make everyone think twice about following him. It was seriously unreal.

The start was nothing short of high speed that would never die.

Next Stop for the EURO TOUR is Lost Mills, in Germany. Dates: May 27 and 28
This will include te famous sprint races on Friday, and a long distance race on Saturday.

Here are some of my favorite photos. I hope you enjoy.


DAY ONE LINK: (technical course)
https://photofr.smugmug.com/FindYourPhotos-1/2016-Event-Photos/2016-May-21-Euro-Tour-BEACH

DAY TWO LINK: (long distance)
https://photofr.smugmug.com/FindYourPhotos-1/2016-Event-Photos/2016-May-22-Euro-Tour-Long


DAY ONE: Nearly totally dominated by Starboard, with incredible vibes from a very "complete" team in France.













DAY TWO: Seriously intense to watch



















15
SUP General / Testing both Starboard Unlimited SUP
« on: May 14, 2016, 06:14:15 AM »
Some of you may appreciate some hard-data to back up some claims that Unlimited boards glide better, others will hopefully find an interest in the comparatives and details below even more appealing.

We basically took 5 paddlers and 5 boards. Though we excluded the data of the 5th board since it was basically an Unlimited 12'6 board that didn't meet the rules of weight restrictions set forth by the ISA.

UNLIMITED STARBOARD BOARD TESTS
Boards used:
Ace 12’6x25
Sprint 12’6x25
Ace GT 17’4x27
Sprint 17’6x23

Testing Ground:
500 meters
From a standing start
One rider at a time
Flat water (glossy and well protected from the wind)

Riders:
37 years old / 72 kg top racer
47 years old / 57 kg middle of the pack paddler
46 years old / 88 kg middle of the pack racer
46 years old / 65 kg above average racer
35 years old / 60 kg above average woman racer

DATA LINK PDF
www.tourfr.com/sup/speed-stats.pdf

REMARKS - WIDE AND STABLE UNLIMITED BOARD
The lightest male paddler was faster on the wide UL board 17’4x27, than on any 12’6 board. 
The above average woman racer was faster on the wide UL board 17’4x27, than on any 12’6 board.
The heavier paddler was faster on the wide UL board 17’4x27, than on any 12’6 board.
All riders, except the top male athlete (37 years old, 72kg) were faster on the wide UL board 17’4x27, than on any 12’6 board.
The 88 kg middle of the pack racer only did slightly better on the 17’6x23 than on the 17’4x27.

REMARKS - NARROW AND TIPPY UNLIMITED BOARD
Every single person was faster on the skinny UL board 17’6x23.
The 57kg middle of the pack male paddler, the 88kg middle of the pack male paddler both had the exact same time on the UL as the TOP RACER on his 12’6 flat water race board.
Times show that smaller and weaker paddlers benefit greatly from an efficient UL board.

REMARKS - 12’6 RACE BOARDS
The 88 kg middle of the pack racer had the worst time of any one using a 12’6 board.
The 37 years old, 72kg top athlete and racer still did very well on his 12’6 board – no one was able to beat his time (we were tie while using an unlimited board, so we most likely would have lost in a sprint at the finish).
The speed of the Ace and Sprint from starboard showed a 2% difference between the two with the top racer (9.95 kmh vs. 10.17 kmh).
All riders showed only a tiny difference between the 12’6 Ace and 12’6 Sprint on flat water, all except the heavier rider.

Four of the Five Test Paddlers



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