Messages

91

Random / Re: Labrat knats

« on: December 20, 2017, 03:28:01 AM »

I heard a report that there was some sort of speed control for that train on that curve and it wasn't working for some reason.

92

Travel, Trips, Destinations / Re: Nosara- Costa Rica. Beach advice- big swell on the way.....

« on: December 19, 2017, 03:41:01 AM »

I can't answer your question but I can tell you that I almost died there 2 years ago in giant surf like you're expecting. Short story, massive closeouts, broken leash, heavy beating, LOONNGG swim through the wash. Closest I've come to buying the farm. Good luck.

93

Random / Cover songs.

« on: December 05, 2017, 02:22:45 PM »

I'm pretty sure everyone has heard of the Dire Straits band. One of the songs they're best noted for was "Sultans of Swing". There is a little known band named, "The Pelicans" and below is their live cover song for Sultans of Swing. Hope you enjoy it.

The Pelicans - "Sultans Of Swing" (Dire Straits)

That was good! Only big difference is Knopfler never uses a pick. lol

94

SUP General / Re: Going out of business

« on: December 03, 2017, 06:23:54 PM »

I don’t think BIC is on many zoner’s radar screens but they are a big player. I don’t think they are going anywhere and since they just bought SIC I think they should be pretty safe too. I hope Rivi stays alive. For some reason I’ve always liked their boards. Probably the wacky colors. We carry them and every time we get a delivery I can’t wait open the boxes to see the colors.


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95

SUP Safety / Re: Hands-only CPR video (push here to save a life dot com)

« on: December 02, 2017, 03:49:12 PM »

Gonna comment and bring this one back to life.* CPR protocols for non-professional civilians have been getting easier and easier for about 20 years now. My understanding is that "they" ARC, AHA, ect. have figured it is better to have more folks with less training out there than less folks with more training. In the old days you used to have to pass a pretty tough test, both written and practical, to get certified. Different numbers for different aged patients, one rescuer vs two, blah blah blah. Turned out who gives a shit. People were not into trying to remember 15/2 for adults, 5/1 with 2 rescuers etc. They still require that for professionals but for Joe and Jane Civilian it is better to just get them to do something, anything than nothing. Another factor is almost no one is going to put their mouth on a stranger's so people would just stand there watching folks go blue and cold. If you give people the option of at least doing compressions and not really caring about the count (just do the Bee Gees thing) then folks will generally do that. Finally, doing chest compressions actually does move some air in and out of the lungs so there is that.

*see what I did there?

96

SUP General / Re: Mo Freitas leaving Focus...

« on: December 02, 2017, 03:01:47 PM »

Industry slowdown may be as simple as this:

When many of us got into SUP, everyone was riding a longer, high volume board.

SUP mirrored the "shortboard revolution" from late 60's to early 70's...
every week, a new shape came out and you just HAD to have the latest tech.

Most of us went through boards on a regular basis, as the tech and we, improved.

Shapes and tech have leveled out and found a "happy place"
We no longer have to chase the latest, greatest shape.....

We have found great boards that suit us, and we won't be left in the dust, if we don't buy new every year.

I'd say that SUP is maturing.
Now that the R&D curve is leveling off, you better offer great product at reasonable prices to attract buyers.

Even though I have never paid more than wholesale on a board I gotta say you have me very likely to plop down the $1600 for that Creek model of yours. lol

97

SUP General / Re: Mo Freitas leaving Focus...

« on: December 02, 2017, 02:21:18 PM »

Yep, you are seeing gently used boards being sold for a fraction of their new purchase price. The number that I keep seeing for ANY used board- race, surf, el cheapo generalist, etc. is about $700. To me that is what a board should cost. I am lucky, I have been in the industry as an instructor for a good sized retailer so I have never had to buy at full price and I generally just borrow any demo in the fleet. If I didn't have an in I would NEVER spend full price for a board. I simply cannot wrap my head around a $3000 race board or even a $1600 surf sup. Never mind having several or buying new every year. But that's just me. Well, and everyone I know.

98

SUP General / Re: Mo Freitas leaving Focus...

« on: December 02, 2017, 01:01:02 PM »

^^^

Which brings up something I said in another thread.  I think the companies should start pushing raceboards as fun craft to paddle even if not using them for actual racing.  I remember demo(ing) a Naish Javelin 14' and it was an amazing feeling.  If only I had the space for it. as

I've stayed out of the racing discussions here but I will say this, in my opinion the reason racing is in decline has almost nothing to do with board length or sponsored pros, or race classifications or other issues that are thrown around here. The primary reason racing is in decline, in my opinion, is that the decent, dedicated race boards are stupidly expensive. Most normal people are not going to spend $2000 to $3000 for a piece of foam with some fiber glass wrapped around it.

99

SUP General / Re: Mo Freitas leaving Focus...

« on: December 02, 2017, 07:15:59 AM »

I think SUP is really cooling off. And that is okay as it will never go away, just become a niche, like windsurfing or open water rowing. Thoughts?

My understanding from a good friend deep in the industry is that paid sponsorships to pro athletes have seen their peak, those days are over. Mo is a fantastic athlete but companies can't afford those sponsorships and the return does not match the investment. Basically the people who buy the most boards (low end and cheap) have no clue who Mo Freitas (et al) is and no interest in surfing or racing. Sponsored athletes have very little to no effect on the vast majority of board sales. Smart companies are focusing on "free" local ambassadors who do have an effect on sales on the grass roots level. Even the 'good old days' of the brand ambassador have seen their peak. Savvy companies are scaling down what they offer their ambassadors and are requiring more output in the form of social media postings. In the past an ambassador might receive 2 or 3 free boards a year. Now it may be the case where an ambassador receives only one free board or even less- only steep purchase discounts. Still that investment makes more business sense versus sponsoring an athlete that the vast majority of buyers have no awareness of or interest in. I would bet a paycheck that someone like Supthecreek has created more sales volume for their company than any sponsored pro. If I were a young sponsored SUP racer or surfer and I wanted to be able to eat in 5 years I would definitely go back to school.

100

Random / Re: Crazy bicycle skills!

« on: November 28, 2017, 04:39:35 PM »

I couldn't watch all of that one. He has SERIOUSLY upped the consequence factor of his tricks. I don't think I've seen him do anything so dangerous before.

101

SUP General / Re: Paddle business for sale.....

« on: November 19, 2017, 12:46:52 PM »

$100,000? For those? That is hilarious

102

Classifieds / Re: BIC’s for sale

« on: November 17, 2017, 10:10:59 AM »

The Tracer sold.

103

Downwind and Racing / Re: Longstanding SUP race results - do you know any ?

« on: November 16, 2017, 03:24:46 AM »

Definitely NOT flatwater, lol, but the Cape Ann Rowing Club has good data for both the Essex River race and the Blackburn Challenge going back a ways. Although it looks like they are currently working on the website and some of the years are not available right now.
http://www.blackburnchallenge.com/CARC_Race_Results.asp

104

Classifieds / Re: BIC’s for sale

« on: November 14, 2017, 02:41:33 AM »

The boards are located in central Massachusetts.

105

Classifieds / BIC’s for sale

« on: November 13, 2017, 01:59:19 PM »

I am listing these boards for a friend who is not on the Zone. Her email is crynkowski@gmail.com or you can message me.

12.6 X 26 TRACER WORLD SERIES
$700 bag included.  23 pounds. Like new.  Paddled three times.
KEY FEATURES
*   Ultimate Race boards in a wide variety of conditions
 *  100% UD Carbon construction for lightweight performance and rigidity to maintain efficiency
 *  Added volume in deck area to prevent wallowing in choppy conditions
 *  Diamond grip EVA pad for added traction and comfort


BIC SUP Earth Biscayne 12'6 x 28" 28 pounds
Gently Used.
$700 with board bag
- Premium shape for touring & exploration
- More natural materials: Paulownia wood & Flax fiber
- Cork deck pad for exceptional comfort and natural grip





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