Topics

121

Gear Talk / C4 Vortice First Impressions

« on: May 21, 2008, 08:11:44 AM »

I was asked in another thread if I had enough time on the Vortice to review my thoughts... well after about a half dozen outings... here are my thoughts.
At first, I thought, wow, this thing doesn't feel that fast as I casually paddled out into the bay.  What I soon realized, is that it wants to go fast and be paddled fast.  Once I started cranking, it noticeably "took off."  Maybe it planes out, not sure?

I have not paddled in big or windy conditions yet, mostly 1-2' wind chop.  I do a big loop, so I go into the wind and down wind.

The coolest thing that happened the other day was I was actually able to catch-up to a boat wake that was moving away from me.  I could never do this on my 12' Isle board.  When I caught the wake, again the board just took off and the acceleration was very cool.  It was the best ride I've had on a board in a while.

It is very stable, only slightly less so than my 29.5" wide Isle.

I know I have much to learn on this board, and the stronger I get, the more I will be able to keep it at the speed it likes.  I can't wait for bigger/windier conditions.  I'll let ya'll know how that goes.  So far I am very pleased.

122

Gear Talk / H2O Bottle Holder

« on: May 19, 2008, 03:41:14 PM »

I made a quick and easy bottle carrier for my Vortice. (I am not a camel back fan) Using left over deck pad, I made a 'saddle' to cradle the bottle.  Then I ran small diameter bungy cord under it before I stuck it down.  I use spring barrels to adjust the tension.  Holds bomber, easy and no drilling.

123

Gear Talk / Ron House Race Board?

« on: May 03, 2008, 09:36:59 AM »

A friend e-mailed me this photo. No info on it at all.  I will try to post it here, it is also in the Gear Gallery.  It looks FAST!

124

Gear Talk / Dinged Rail During Shipping

« on: May 01, 2008, 07:41:12 PM »

Not sure this is the right place to ask...
Anybody have experience getting a new board shipped to you and having it dinged during shipping?  How much do you ask the shipper to reimburse you?  The ding is not big enough to be anything other than cosmetic, and can be covered with a sticker, still it is damage & not delivered "new."  The shipper wants a claim filed.  Any suggestions on a $2200 SUB?

125

Gear Talk / Zaveral Paddles?

« on: March 24, 2008, 05:35:00 PM »

Anyone familier with Zaveral or ZRE Paddles?  They are out of NY. My friend reps for them, and I can get one cheap.  Check them out at ZRE.com  If anyone has tried one (they only make one model) I would like to know what you think. Thanks!

126

SUP General / Open Water Safety

« on: March 03, 2008, 07:01:03 AM »

I do a lot of (100%) solo paddling.  Sometimes a few miles from land in 46 degree water.  After a local surf skier recently died, I went out and bought a hand-held two way VHF radio.  It fits in my surf shorts (that I wear over my wet suit). Just wondering if I am the only one?  I know many of you guys are doing down winders in open water.  Am just wondering if I am being a whimp.  I feel better having it with me & I know my wife does too!

127

SUP General / National Geographic Picture

« on: February 15, 2008, 06:08:34 PM »

The current issue of National Geo. (March) has a beautiful aerial photo of pro surfer Emery Kauanui's memorial paddle-out.  There are probably 100 or more surfers in the photo, & smack in the middle is one guy on a huge Laird SUP.  It's a great photo.  Check it out next time you walk by the magazine rack.

128

Random / Humorous Decal

« on: January 16, 2008, 01:12:54 PM »

Check out our new logo; picture is posted in the gallery.  Hope kayakers have a sense of humor :-)

129

Gear Talk / cold water gloves??

« on: December 21, 2007, 04:01:54 PM »

The lucky bastards who live in Hawaii need not read any further... but here goes.  What do you guys recommend for cold water paddling gloves? 
I am currently using a scuba glove, that has horrible dexterity and paddle control, plus my fingers got cold. They were fine for lay-down surfing, but suck for SUP.  I paddled flat water today, 34 degrees air temp, 48 degree water, and yes, it was snowing.  What do you NorCal or New England guys like?  Thanks!

130

SUP General / Seattle Newspaper Article on SUP

« on: November 29, 2007, 11:25:07 AM »

Hi folks, a local reporter did a short story about SUP featuring myself & another dude up here in the cold northwest.  I am dreaming of my first SUP experience in warm water... someday...

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2004040260_nwwpaddlers290.html

131

Gear Talk / Carry-Handle for my SUP

« on: November 11, 2007, 04:05:52 PM »

New to the site, & the sport, please forgive any dorky questions.
Anybody have any experience adding a carry handle to your board, like with the adhesive anchors?  Would love any advice!