Topics

16

Gear Talk / Limestone wetsuits

« on: August 26, 2021, 02:50:03 PM »

Limestone wetsuits, any converts out there? 

I would think that for those that are chasing the bottom in terms of volume, this is highly relevant.  I no doubt can't ride my smallest boards in the winter, they are easiest to ride in board shorts.
I have seen numbers where limestone wetsuits have 6% penetration by water, whereas traditional wetsuits have 30-40%.
I would love the see the experiment where someone comes in from a multi-hour session and steps on a scale with the two different types of suits.
https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/blog/how-heavy-are-wetsuits/
https://surflearner.com/how-much-does-a-wetsuit-weigh/

In my experience, the weight increase of a traditional wetsuit seems gradual where you don't really notice it in the average length of a prone surf session.  However, during my long SUP sessions where I am out twice as long as the average prone surfer, my legs definitely start feeling the change in weight.

Besides the weight-saving benefits of limestone, they are supposed to be warmer too. Because there is less water penetration, that equivalent area is filled with air bubbles, which provides insulation.
How cool would it be to wear a 3/2 limestone instead of a heavy 4/3 traditional wetsuit?

For those unfamiliar with the differences:
https://blog.rideengine.com/limestone-vs-petroleum-neoprene-why-limestone-wetsuits-win/

17

Gear Talk / Tourniquet

« on: July 29, 2021, 09:59:39 AM »

Last year I picked up a SWAT-T tourniquet for my first aid kit.  Originally I was thinking it could be something that I could stuff into my wetsuit, but it is heavy & bulky. 
After reading about this recent incident where a kitefoiler was likely bit by a bull shark:
https://kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2410612&p=1144425&hilit=shark#p1144425
I decided it is still a good idea to have a tourniquet that I have with me in the water. 
I saw this review for the RATS (aka rapidtourniquet):

Instructional video:

I ordered one after seeing that it is easy to self deploy with one hand.  It packs up small and looks water-resistant.  When I am not wearing my waist leash, I plan to wear it around my waist.  I plan to sew loops into my waist leash, for wearing it with my waist leash.
Near the red triangle, there are about 3 months of the year that we have a high concentration of landlords, I figure better safe than sorry.  Most fatalities from sharks are from bleeding out, not from the actual mistaken identity bites.

18

Training, Diet, and Fitness / Kelly Starrett's Waterman 2.0

« on: June 18, 2021, 09:12:39 AM »

Has anyone on this forum had a chance to read the book Waterman 2.0: Optimized Movement for Lifelong, Pain-free Paddling and Surfing?
https://www.amazon.com/Waterman-2-0-Optimized-Movement-Pain-Free/dp/0692171037/ref=sr_1_4?
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword by Laird Hamilton: The Way of the Waterman
Introduction
Kelly’s Story: Confessions of a River Rat
Chapter 1: Becoming a Lifetime Waterman
Chapter 2: Mobility 101
Chapter 3: Meet the Standards
Chapter 4: The Spine and Hips
Standard #1: Can you achieve and maintain a stable spine?
Standard #2: Can you hinge from the hips without sacrificing trunk stiffness?
Standard #3: Can you maintain trunk stability while squatting?
Chapter 5: The Shoulders
Standard #4: Do you have full overhead capacity?
Standard #5: Can you achieve and maintain a stable shoulder and spine in the press archetype?
Standard #6: Can you achieve optimal shoulder positioning in the hang archetype?
Chapter 6: The Feet and Ankles
Standard #7: Are you standing, walking, running, stepping and jumping with neutral feet?
Standard #8: Can you perform a lunge and master Warrior Pose II?
Chapter 7: The Hands, Wrists, Elbows and Arms
Standard #9: Do you have full wrist flexion?
Standard #10: Can you fully articulate your hands when your elbows are extended?
Chapter 8: Preparation and Recovery
Standard #11: Do you have an appropriate hydration and fueling strategy?
Standard #12: Are you physically prepared to get on the water?
Standard #13: Are you recovering effectively?
Conclusion
Mobilizations Appendix
Waterman Wisdom: Tips from the Pros
Glossary
Resources

It has been on my wish list. 
I really liked Kelly's other books Becoming a Supple Leopard and Ready to Run.
thanks.

19

Gear Talk / usbox versus longboard/surf/bahne box

« on: April 14, 2021, 07:58:39 AM »

https://blackprojectsup.com/sup-fins/sup-race-fins/how_to_choose_the_righ_sup_race_fin/which-sup-fin-base-option-do-i-need-for-my-board/

US STANDARD Base (a.k.a. usbox)
Fits Starboard, JP-Australia, Fanatic, Mistral, RRD and most production brands with an origin in windsurfing. This is the same fin box that’s found on many windsurfing boards and is wider and deeper, with the pin set further from the deck of the board. The base is 9.2mm thick.


US SURF Base / Longboard Base / Bahne Box
This is the same box that is standard in many surf longboards. It is a narrower and shallower base as used by SIC, Infinity, 404, Naish, Flying Fish and many more. Narrower and shallower than the US base, these boxes have the pin set closer to the deck of the board. The base is 9.0mm thick.


Sharing the information.  Most of my fins are the standard longboard base.  I have an older starboard which originally shipped as a 2+1. I have been trying to find a compatible usbox center fin (~4.5") to make it a thruster.  Anyone have any stories to share about getting a thruster fin setup on a usbox board like Starboard, JP-Australia, Fanatic, Mistral, or RRD.

20

Gear Talk / NOB life vest

« on: March 25, 2021, 03:10:59 PM »

Does anyone know if there are any NOB dealers in the U.S? 
I am interested in this brand as this is what Garrett McNamara has been using.

I wear an Oneil Gooru under my suit.  This would be for over my suit.  I have been using a kite vest over my suit, but it is not ideal.
Tow-In:
https://www.nobmultisports.com/loja/coletes/colete-adulto/colete-nob-tow-in/
Big-Surf:
https://www.nobmultisports.com/loja/coletes/colete-adulto/novo-colete-nob-big-surf/
thanks

21

Technique / Improve your surfing: Clayton Nienaber Surf Coach

« on: March 19, 2021, 03:13:41 PM »

Clayton Nienaber is part of the OMBE Surf (Ocean Mind Body Equipment) group.  Clayton has quite the resume of:
High performance surfing coach for 15 years
Coached: Jordy Smith, Travis Logie, Ricky Basnett among others
World Surf League – QS competitor
Surfing at an advanced level for over 30 years
Professional surfboard shaper for 18 years
Qualified ISA Level 2 Coach
Qualified Surfing Judge
https://www.claytonsurf.com/about/

I came across Clayton in the Surf Mastery podcast (Episode 14 & 25) [Highly recommended].
http://surfmastery.com/podcast?offset=1467331987850&reversePaginate=true
With Clayton's experience as a rider, shaper, and coach, he has a unique perspective to phrase things in a way for any skilled rider to understand.  Clayton has been affectionately described as the Mr. Miyagi of surfing (Karate Kid).
The OMBE group has contributions from Rob Case (Surf Paddling Coach), Twiggy, Cris Mills (Surf Strength Coach), among others.
In October 2020, they started hosting free weekly live video feeds for coaching instruction.  The historical ones are stored as an episode on youtube on the Ombe Surf channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/OmbeSurf/videos
Episode 1: The importance of Surf Simulation
Episode 2: Bosu Surfer Perfect Pop Up
Episode 3: Waterman
Episode 4: 10X your surfing in 30 days
Episode 5: Q&A to 10X your surfing
Episode 6: History of OMBE.co
Episode 7: Live Surf Coaching
Episode 8:
Episode 9:
Episode 10:
Episode 11: Cris Mills Surf Strength Coach
Episode 12: Connection in your surfing
Episode 13: The Science of surfboards
Episode 14: Stress vs Surfing
Episode 15: The Back Foot Debate
Episode 16: Surfboard Size and Paying Your Dues
Episode 17: Mid Length Surfboards
Episode 18: Everything Surf Skates
They are trying to build a community of surf instruction via a facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/ombesurf/
For the more dedicated surfer, they offer a paid online Accelerated Surfing Program:
https://ombe.co/programs/
With topics such as:
Surf Science
Mind Surfer
Cardboard Surfer
Bosu Server
Surf Skate Foundations
Surf Skate Advanced
Waterman
Catch More Waves

None of it is SUP specific, but I hope to bring what I learn into my SUP surfing.

22

Gear Talk / Retractable Foil Waist Leash

« on: March 09, 2021, 07:44:07 AM »

Not sure if this has been mentioned on the forum, but I was browsing Blue Planet Surf website and saw that they are selling a Retractable Foil Waist Leash. 
https://www.blueplanetsurf.com/retractable-foil-waist-leash-with-shock-cord.html
When I started kiting I used a similar product that was attached to my harness.  I stopped using it when leashes were frowned upon.
Has anyone tried one of these in the surf?

23

Gear Talk / Kanulock maintenance

« on: December 03, 2020, 02:44:15 PM »

Kanulocks are lockable tie-downs.  They have steel cables inside nylon webbing.  They keep honest people honest, and securely link a board to a roof rack.
https://www.amazon.com/KanuLock-Lockable-Tiedowns-Set-Truck/dp/B0016MJWKA/ref=sr_1_3?
The first generation I had was labeled SPT.  The keys had plastic at the keyring part and were fragile and would break.  Something happened to the strap where the metal core would extend outside of the ends of the webbing.  This lock lasted 7 years before one of them would no longer lock and I bought the current Kanulock branded version.  The keys are all metal for this version, but the metal of the key is soft.  Make sure you have the tie-down pulled nice and tight before trying to lock.  If there is resistance to lock with the key, stop, try to pull the webbing tigher through the cam.  Once it is tight, the key should pivot like butter.  If you try to force the key to turn, the key could distort and break.
I've been using these kanulock branded tie-downs for a couple of years now.  The only maintenance I've ever done was spraying Boeshield T-9 in the locking mechanism if it ever started to feel gummy.  (i.e. after a rainy season).  It works like WD40, but is a clean version of it.
https://www.amazon.com/BOESHIELD-Corrosion-Protection-Waterproof-Lubrication/dp/B001447PEK/ref=sr_1_1?

Recently I noticed the nylon was starting to feel crusty after a couple of years of use.  I ended up doing the following to refresh the straps:
I sprayed some fabric cleaner on the nylon, then rinsed the straps until the water went clear (I did not get the locks wet).  I allowed the straps to air dry for a few hours, then sprayed with Aerospace 303 UV Protection:
https://www.amazon.com/303-30313-CSR-Protectant-Plastic-Fiberglass/dp/B00KN0UOEE/ref=sr_1_3?
Then I would wipe it in with a rag.  I allowed the straps to dry overnight.
The straps now feel like new.  They no longer feel crusty and stiff.  They are smooth and slide through the lock easily.  I was a little worried that they would affect the tightness of the locking mechanism, but have tested them over a couple of weeks and they are solid.  The uv protectant should help the fibers of the webbing last longer.
I started using aerospace 303 on my favorite kites 15 years ago (those kites still look and feel brand new).  Would work well on wings too.
If you have a modern car with unpainted plastic, aerospace 303 will make it look like new again.  (Works much better than Armor All).

24

Random / Late Drop - Jamie Mitchell podcast

« on: October 14, 2020, 10:40:47 AM »

Just wanted to share in case you weren't aware.  Jamie Mitchell started a Big Wave podcast last July. 
https://www.surfline.com/series/late-drop

And in case you have been living under a stone, the Erik Antonson Paddlewoo podcast is awesome for documenting the history standup paddle surfing:
https://paddlewoo.podbean.com/

Erik Antonson also has a podcast that dives deep into Foiling:
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/erik-antonson/the-progression-project


Does anybody have any other podcasts that they would recommend that are surfing and hopefully more specifically standup paddle surfing related.

25

Training, Diet, and Fitness / Share your favorite stretches

« on: January 05, 2020, 10:08:56 AM »

I have been doing these 24 stretches (ideally daily) and have seen a positive impact.
https://www.self.com/gallery/essential-stretches-slideshow
1. Standing Hamstring Stretch
2. Piriformis Stretch
3. Lunge With Spinal Twist
4. Triceps Stretch
5. Figure Four Stretch
6. 90/90 Stretch
7. Frog Stretch
8. Butterfly Stretch
9. Seated Shoulder Squeeze
10. Side Bend Stretch
11. Lunging Hip Flexor Stretch
12. Lying Pectoral Stretch
13. Knee to Chest Stretch
14. Seated Neck Release
15. Lying Quad Stretch
16. Sphinx Pose
17. Extended Puppy Pose
18. Pretzel Stretch
19. Reclining Bound Angle Pose
20. Standing Quad Stretch
21. Knees to Chest
There are 3 additional stretches here:
https://www.self.com/gallery/hip-stretches-your-body-really-needs-slideshow
7) Three-Legged Dog
10) Lunging Hip Flexor Stretch with Rotation
12) Twisted Reclined Pigeon

When doing these stretches, I like to count deep breathe exhales (usually 10 breathes/ stretch, unless it is a good stretch, then I'd do 20 breathes).  I used to hate stretching because it was uncomfortably painful.  But when doing the deep breathe exhales, I find it helps to minimize pain. 

I've learned recently is the importance of staying hydrated.  What I didn't realize about hydration, is it isn't about water, it is about electrolytes.  I used to drink loads of water before and after activities, but still get wicked cramps.  It wasn't until I started using incorporating electroctrolytes, I no longer suffer from cramps.

A little about me.  I played soccer and saw the importance of stretching to avoid groin pulls.  But admit that I never stretched for other activities (skateboarding, surfing).  My hip flexors have been getting tighter over the years, which led to lower back pain.  I would visit a chiropractor to reset my hip to a more proper position.  After years of this, I realized I wasn't getting to the root of the problem, just treating the symptom.
Since then, I try to minimize sitting.  It wasn't until I really gave the above stretches a try (many of which I had never tried before, but now love), that I realized how tight my muscles are.  Since stretching, my hip flexor pain is gone.  I feel more balanced.   The family just visited Disneyland, which I would start my day by stretching (a lot of eye rolls by the family, but I would just ask them if they would prefer that I'd be grumpy).  I had zero back, nor hip flexor pain by the end of the trip.  On the other hand, I watched my teenage son (who doesn't stretch) complain of back pain, something I could emphasize with.
Just wondering if anyone would like to share their favorite stretches (with links to pictures) that are not mentioned above.

26

Gear Talk / Looking for Hydration Pack recommendations for SUP surfing

« on: June 05, 2019, 07:35:25 AM »

I started using a dolfin hydration pack this year for SUP surfing and find that I no longer get cramps towards the end of my session, so there is no going back for me.
But there are several things that I don't like about the dolfinpack.  The main thing being the velcro.  The chest velcro frequently comes undone during a wipeout.  The velcro for the pouch comes undone leadig to the water pouch falling out.   I wear an impact vest under my suit (thanks Beasho), but find the elastic under the arms of the dolfinpack to be uncomfortable (tight).  I wear the dolfinpack outside of my suit.  I've been meaning to try wearing a short sleeve rash guard over the hydrationpack to see if that would help.
Does anyone have a favorite hydration pack that they would recommend for sizeable Sup surfing?  If so, please share.
Thanks,
Bric

27

Classifieds / Wanted - 12' PSH Gun

« on: February 11, 2019, 01:34:49 PM »

Looking to buy a used/older 12' x 28 7/8" x 4 3/4" PSH (Paddle Surf Hawaii) gun in decent shape.   
I live in CA and will drive to pick up, or may be interested in shipping from east coast.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.