Messages

391

Environment / Re: Midway Island Atoll cleanup and or Maui cleanup

« on: July 29, 2007, 06:20:38 AM »

Hi Michael,

Great links. 

Also could we do reviews on paddles

Yes, and all other stand up products as well.  All are encoraged to submit reviews here http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=75.0

It is impossible to think about where it all ends up.

We have an east facing cove here on Maui (beautiful, on MLP land), that has become the migratory home of the lost slippah.  Migratory using the primary definition of the word, because although they migrate west, the never return east.  I believe that most of the lost slippahs on the North Shore are pushed by trade winds, pulled by currents, and then deposited there.  There are thousands of them.  Right by a 60 foot natural arch,  lying scattered among the black rock boulders, in the seaweed beds, on the pebble beach.  Just one more odd reminder.

392

Gear Talk / Re: Product reviews - Zone style

« on: July 28, 2007, 08:46:29 PM »

Hi Surfpainter,
If you have a photo of your custom 11', we will be happy to add your comments in the form of a review.  Thanks!

393

Gear Talk / Re: Going to pick up my SUP in the morning...

« on: July 28, 2007, 05:03:51 AM »

Yeah man! 

We can feel your stoke over 7,000 miles away.  Give us the lowdown when you get back.

394

Gear Talk / Re: Product reviews - Zone style

« on: July 28, 2007, 04:57:20 AM »

Terrific guys!  Keep 'em coming.

Of note, I changed the dimensions only to match the manufacturer specs.  Also to Emissions, I listed you as Beginner (advancing) based on your comments.  If that is not correct, please let me know and I will happily update the review.  Additionally, props to Surftec for listing board volumes.  Very informative!

Best,
Randy

395

Gear Talk / Re: Product reviews - Zone style

« on: July 27, 2007, 03:50:47 PM »

I have added 2 new board reviews. 

We would encourage you to add your own experiences with a given model even if a similar opinion has already been stated.  In that way a new user might be able to make a better judgement on the appropriateness of that item for their own needs.  Needless to say, if you have an alternate opinion, we are all ears.

Thanks in advance for your participation in this new and evolving feature.

Randy

396

SUP General / Re: Hi from LA

« on: July 26, 2007, 02:48:06 PM »

It's also the most difficult to measure (dunk tank, anyone?). But I bet you could approximate by taking a dozen or so measurements.

C'mon, you are 6'7.  Who deserves a dunk tank sized tub if not you? 

Difficult for sure for one-off boards.  For scanned blanks or software aided designs I imagine the software would be able to produce a good volume calculation. 

I mean, I'm really big, but I can grab a pal's 9'6" longboard and fake it as a conventional surfer. Can't fake it as a SUP surfer, though.

Yes.  Comes a time when you're not paddling (no forward motion) and it just needs to float you.

397

Events / Re: Ala Moana Bowls!

« on: July 26, 2007, 07:16:39 AM »

C4 has just posted the video to this event at http://www.c4waterman.com/ , but better yet, subscribe to their free podcast and watch the video on your desktop in much higher quality/larger size.

Next up in the Steinlager Series is Haleiwa.

Randy

398

Gear Talk / Re: Shaft Flex

« on: July 26, 2007, 06:17:17 AM »

That was actually too much flex for my taste.  It fealt unpredictable.  In a bottom turn, even on the small waves we have been getting, it had way too much give, and left me tentative to really lean on it.  But...4 inches later (at 6 inches over head now) it feels much firmer.  I would not have thought this was possible with such a realtively small length difference, but it is significanty stiffer.  I will keep this paddle for a short paddle, but I picked up a stiffer model at 10 inches over for most riding. 

Hypocritically speaking now, as I am guilty of having added to the mis-advise on this subject, I am seriously doubting the validity of ANY of the rules of thumb on paddle sizing.  With solid, skilled riders choosing heights ranging from head high to 15 inches over head, I think we may need to realize that there is no simple answer to this question. 

There are so many variables, that the body measurement rules we are using are just not realistic.  For instance, my wife an I are now riding on the same model of board, but under the 70 lb weight difference between us, she is riding a full 1-2 inches higher than I am in the water.  That distance has to be accomodated, etc, etc.

399

SUP General / Re: Hi from LA

« on: July 26, 2007, 05:55:01 AM »

Hi guys,

It would be great if manufacturers would list board volume like these guys do http://www.gongsup.com/.  It is certainly the most valuable parameter in determining how small you can go.  As you know, your weight in Kilos, is the volume in Liters of water that you will displace (smart, those metric guys), so you would need a board volume of that number plus the weight of the board, paddle and your clothing/wetsuit, just to stay above water...but that does not make it usable as a Stand Up board.  

So the question becomes, how much over that volume is workable?

I am 6'2 and 185 to 190 and have slowly moved towards the 9'2 x 4.25 (ish) x 27 (ish) model that I am on now.  It has enough float and feels great in all conditions except strong wind.  My wife, however, had a board that was 9'6 x 26.5 x 4 that fell just under the threshold for me.  It was possible, and surfed well, but was a constant struggle of balance.  

Length is the sexy number to focus on, but effects volume the least.  A small change in thickness makes a huge difference.  Additionally I think that each rider will find a minimum width (for me that seems about 26 3/4 unless the board is really big elsewhere).  Although innacurate, plug in your boards measurements to a simple length x width x thickness formula and then morph the numbers a bit.  

Interesting stuff!

Rand

400

SUP General / Re: SUP in France

« on: July 26, 2007, 05:27:02 AM »

You guys look like you were having a ball!  Fun sized, glassy waves and a light crowd...nice.

What may be more impressive is the availability of all those production boards starting at 599 Euros.

Best,
Randy

401

Gear Talk / Re: Coil Leash

« on: July 25, 2007, 05:18:30 PM »

I emailed XM for more info.  Did you order direct?

Thanks!

402

Technique / Re: Paddle cutting tip

« on: July 25, 2007, 05:11:49 PM »

Yes, hacksaw is best.  This tool is designed to work well with carbon fiber (many bike steer tubes are carbon).  To reduce splintering or chipping, you can wrap the tube (once) with painter's (has much less adhesive) masking tape.  Just cut right through it. 

Randy

403

Technique / Paddle cutting tip

« on: July 25, 2007, 03:33:24 PM »

This is the perfect tool for cutting down paddle shafts without the worry of an angled cut or jaged cut. 

If the max width dimension on your paddle shaft is less than 1 1/4 inches try this puppy.  They carry them at most bike shops.

http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=50&item=SG%2D6

If you don't want to buy one, friendly up to the mechanic (every bike shop has one).  It will take him two seconds for a perfect cut.

Best,
Rand

404

Technique / Re: SUP on the cheap

« on: July 25, 2007, 10:08:47 AM »

Nev,

Stoked to have you!

Empty stretches of OZ coastline sounds pretty great.  When should we be there? 

Where are you located?

I had one of those WS originals as well.  Cool thing is if you leave it in the sun for a while with a dark towel on it, you can flex it and modify the rocker.  Nice way to see what you want for shape in your next board.

When you get a chance, send some picks of local breaks and make us jealous.

Best,
Randy

405

Gear Talk / Re: Coil Leash

« on: July 25, 2007, 09:57:39 AM »

Hi dee dub,

I want one.  Who makes them?  Does it eliminate paddle tangle?  How long extended?

Thanks,
Rand