Messages

391

Gear Talk / Re: why the short boards ?

« on: April 20, 2009, 02:05:08 PM »

:Dsorry thought we were usng the paddle to help turn the board and do maneauvers didnt know that we were just carrying them so we could say we were SUP'ers

The first rule is; there are no rules.  Once your on a wave, it's how a surfer expresses himself that defines SUP surfing.  Using the paddle to turn is great.  Using the paddle to air guitar is weird, but who am I to judge.  As long as everyone is having fun and being safe, why put limits on it? 

Evan

392

Gear Talk / Re: why the short boards ?

« on: April 20, 2009, 06:34:43 AM »

Why the short boards?  Because they are fun.  Short SUPs give you yet another challenge and make surfing all the more interesting.  If you don't have one in your quiver, you should at least try one out a few times and see if it grabs you.  It may not, in which case, just keep on doing what your doing.  I think sub 9-0 boards can be really fun.

Evan Lloyd

393

SUP General / Hello from Tomahawk Paddle Boards

« on: April 18, 2009, 08:46:25 PM »

Hey SUPers,

I wanted to take a minute and introduce myself and my company to the forum.  My name is Evan and I live in Fresno, CA.  I grew up in Arizona and as soon as I finished high school, I moved to Los Angeles to learn how to surf.  As a kid we took lots of trips to CA, and it was always my dream to ride waves.  I lived in LA for 6 years and surfed several times a week.  After getting married, my new bride finished college and we moved to Fresno were she took a teaching job.  After the move, I my surfing became much more sporadic and weekend trips to Santa Cruz became less and less frequent. 

Luckily for me I was introduced to white water kayaking and some adventure was put back into my life.  I felt for the first time a real sense of community in kayaking.  Kayakers put their lives in their fellow boaters hands, so you can't be a dick and expect anyone to boat with you.  The thing that shocked me from surfing in So cal to kayaking rivers, was how nice kayakers are.  I wished surfing was like that.

Like most of you, I discovered SUP a couple of years ago and it literally got me back into surfing.  It was the best of both worlds for me.  I could ride waves, but also paddle around and explore.  My kayak buddies started coming to the coast with me and then it was on.  We didn't care how rude surfers were, we would just find our own break and surf our butts off.  Back in Fresno, we stared paddling down rivers and even surfing river waves.  Everyone was loving it.

Last year I decided it was time to start a SUP company that blended the spirit of both surfing and kayaking.  A company with a simple mission, The Freedom to Surf Anywhere.  We hooked up with Newport Beach shaper Brian Erikson, and after months of shaping prototypes, we came up with our five models.  Our boards are a blend of CA surf and AZ art.  I grew up with Native Americans and I dig their style.  Some of you may not like graphics on your board, but we do. 

The reason I am telling you all of this is simple.  I am introducing myself to you with hopes that you will make us part of the Zone family.  I think it's rude when companies start posting a bunch of spam to get you to visit their site. Just like in surfing,  I figured I had better introduce myself before people start thinking I'm a kook. 

Anyway, I hope you guys can appreciate what Tomahawk Paddle Boards is all about.  I look forward to your feedback and sharing the SUP lifestyle with you. 

Take care
Evan

394

Events / Re: Demo Day in Fresno, CA at Millerton Lake

« on: April 18, 2009, 08:03:27 PM »

There were a lot of people paddling on Millerton Lake today. There were sea
kayaks, white water kayaks, canoes, and Stand Up Paddle Boards. Everyone had a
great time.  There was always a line of people waiting to try the SUPs.  I think they were a big hit.

Check out the Tomahawk site for pictures and videos.

http://www.tomahawksurf.com/Tomahawk_Stand_Up_Paddle_SUP/Tomahawk_News/Entries/2\\009/4/18_Herb_Bauer_Demo_Day_a_Big_Success.html

395

Events / Demo Day in Fresno, CA at Millerton Lake

« on: April 15, 2009, 11:11:04 PM »

Herb Bauer Sporting Goods is hosting their annual spring demo day at Millerton Lake.  They have a ton of canoes and kayaks to try out, as well as paddle boards from Tomahawk and Hurricane.  They also have Werner SUP Paddles to try out. The event is this Saturday, April 18th from 10 am to 3 pm.  If you are in central CA, come out and join us. 

You can call Herb Bauer at 559-435-8600 for more info.

Evan

396

Gear Talk / Re: What's Your Board Poll - 2009

« on: April 15, 2009, 11:04:56 PM »

I'm on a 10-6 Tomahawk Sockeye on typical days,  9-6 Thunderbird on anything head high and above, and a 12-0 Terrafin on flat days.  These 3 boards pretty much allow me to have fun on any given day. 

397

Gear Talk / Re: Deck Pad Ultimate Traction

« on: April 15, 2009, 10:59:01 PM »

You guys inspired me to give the mosaic thing a try.  Thanks Blaine for the wonderful idea.  I didn't take a ton of time to plot these out, but I think they are fun.  I'm looking forward to doing more. 


Here is my 8-6 Starfish with a diamond design


Here is the 9-6 Thunderbird with a native american theme.

These were my first attempts.  I'm sure I'll get better with practice.  My wife would be great at this.  She is the arts and crafts queen.

Take care
Evan