Messages

1171

Gear Talk / Re: Hobie SUP "stepper board"

« on: May 26, 2016, 11:38:25 PM »

I 'pedaled' one at a local Seattle paddlefest type event. It was the shorter version... about 10'6". Because you're pumping those pedals there is rocking side to side going on, as you unweight and weight the pedals/levers. And of course you want to go faster so pump harder, increasing the side to side movement. It's distracting.  The levers on the handlebar actuate the steering. Pull on the left to go left.  There's significant lag time between a lever pulled and the board turning. Just reporting what the experience was like. These things can be compensated for with familiarity. But any water toy is a good toy. I'm a long time Hobie fan boy BECAUSE they stretch like this.

1172

Gear Talk / Re: River and lake board for camping, first board shootout!

« on: May 25, 2016, 10:24:15 PM »

Quote from: sigment on May 18, 2016, 07:41:22 AM

"Your comments on a carbon paddle did raise another question... Are carbon paddles (a high quality specimen) durable enough to push off of rocks with or should I go with an alternative?"

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One great paddle to consider is the Werner Carve (prob medium blade). The fixed version is very light, around 21 ounces, with a carbon composite shaft and a glass blade. Close to indestructible. I've had one for 5 years and, although now relegated to guest duty, it remains in excellent condition. I think they've been phased out, but are still on the market. Check Backcountry.com. 

Also check this old video of whitewater dude Dan Gavere:

1173

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

« on: May 25, 2016, 10:14:48 AM »

I tried to bring this thread up to my wife and explain the internet-outrage and hand-wringing, but she just didn't get it.

She said to me: "You are on an internet forum for paddle boarding? You're such a dork."

...and there you have it... the reason both: (i) HCOSUPB will likely continue and (ii) women will be relatively under represented on the site, namely, the massive occurrence of the dork gene among us men. 
 

1174

Gear Talk / Re: Leash Length

« on: May 14, 2016, 03:34:56 PM »

7 -8 foot imho.  I had the brilliant idea of trying a five foot leash in order to keep it from dragging in the water. But when I was off the board (meaning 'fell off'), that short leash would wrap around a fin or around the board and the remaining length would hobble me in the water. No fun at all. So you need some length. This is about surfing btw, which is what I assume you'll be using the honey badger for. (And cord diameter sufficient for stress you're going to subject it to...)

1175

SUP General / Re: Novice old guy looking to replace his 1st board

« on: May 14, 2016, 08:44:18 AM »

Larry, it seems you ARE having fun... so you're probably at the front end of multiple board ownership, either serial monogamy or the garage clogging variety.
Before you commit to any Costco decision, consider renting a few different types of boards ant use them in their environments... meaning, rent a cruiser type and see how you like being out in more open water. Rent a bigger volume board and see how it feels.  Maybe take MAX up on his much aloha offer and surf a bit. From this you'd get a sense of your preferences.
 I glanced at the specs of your Costco board choices. The 10'6" wavestorm and the Sup ATX are both more surf oriented, and apparently weigh in the 25lb region. That's relatively light and a plus. and if you really want to focus on surf, its probably a good thing to stay shorter,  with the ATX. But I would think the 11'2"  Jimmy Styx would be more appropriate for a novice out in more open water with its added volume, length and I imagine stability. So more fun and less stress. And bigger boards certainly catch waves.
If I were you, after renting some boards, I would use that Costco credit on tires and toothpaste, and shop for a board on Craigslist, as Stoneaxe suggests. A good board that feels right to you is a joy. Good luck!

1176

Gear Talk / Re: How pretty are your repair jobs?

« on: May 05, 2016, 03:40:19 PM »

Wow some very talented repair work, I'm impressed.

My repairs are usually fugly, I usually go for function over form and as long as they are watertight tight and don't have a noticeable effect on performance.

There's a Japanese saying called wabi sabi - accepting and learning to love imperfection.  One example being a cracked vase or in this case a dinged surfboard.  My understanding is that by practicing wabi sabi we learn to accept and love the imperfections in ourselves and each other. 

Clay, you are the most Zen person on the Zone

Or when an imperfection is purposefully woven into an oriental rug, so as to not suppose to be perfect in the eyes of god... same thing with my repairs... yep... that's it... 

1177

Gear Talk / Re: How pretty are your repair jobs?

« on: May 04, 2016, 02:07:17 PM »

There's definitely diminishing returns to time spent on finish work. After patching sanding priming and painting, repairs are still obvious...   (at least mine are  )

Case in point, photos of repairs on an 11'6", below.

I've done repair jobs to: (i) repair, (ii) to clean up someone else's attempt, and (iii) to clean up boards to sell.  But I never think of how the board looks when I'm using them!