Stand Up Paddle Flatwater

Riviera Paddlesurf Dealer of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:57:00 +0000

Golden Nugg Award from Rivera Paddlesurf

We're proud to have been named 2011 Dealer of the Year for our region by Riviera Paddlesurf. Check out the cool "award" they gave us, the Golden Nugg, a 9'2" paddle surfboard. It might just have to come to Mexico with us the next time we go.

While we're talking about Riviera, we might as well mention one of their new 2012 boards that we think will be ver popular, the 12'6" Coastal Cruiser by Ron House. It's an all around board that leans toward flat water but also performs well in the surf for a 12'6" board. It's also very inexpensive for a 12'6" board... and we're shipping it for free.

Stand up paddling in winter? Absolutely!

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:26:00 +0000

Quiksilver 3mm Long John

Once you get hooked on stand up paddling, it’s really tough to go without it when the weather cools down. But with the right gear, you don’t have to, Here’re some items of clothing that will allow you to enjoy stand up paddling during the colder months without freezing your buns off…

The Quiksilver 3mm Long John is an arms free wetsuit that keeps the core warm while maintaining freedom of movement in the upper body and eliminating a spring effect. The Quiksilver Long John is warm enough to help you if you go in the water but not so much wetsuit that you’ll overheat.

Roxy Syncro
Stand Up Paddle Jacket

A great addition to a Long John to complete a full neoprene outfit is a paddle jacket. For women, we carry the Syncro Stand Up Paddle Jacket by Roxy. For men, we have the Paddle Jacket by Quiksilver. Both can be worn without a Long John in the spring when the water warms up and feature a front zipper which allows venting if paddlers heat up.

O'Neill SUP Booties

As for footwear, for flatwater paddling, we recommend O’Neill 7 mm Round Toe Booties. With these, your feet don’t even feel the cold. The O'Neill Heat 7MM Round Toe Booties feature high quality Fluid Foam throughout the interior and exterior, along with durable glued and blindstitched seams, an anti-flush shin strap, a torsion control forefoot, and a durable textured rubber sole for traction and long lasting effectiveness.

ZKG Water Shoes by Zhik

For those lucky enough to live in climates where it doesn’t really get that cold, or for fall and spring, you might be able to get away with the new ZKG Water Shoes by Zhik.

We live in Bend, Oregon, where the winter is long and there isn’t much spring, so we carefully select items that allow us to extend our paddling season. We hope other paddlers enjoy using them as much as we do.

ULI Boards Added to Lineup

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:10:00 +0000

We’re super pumped to announce the addition of ULI Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards to our lineup.

It’s important to us that we offer our customers the best possible boards in every category and when it comes to inflatables, you can’t beat ULI. They are the OG inflatable board company, with over eight years of experience, research, and testing. What's more, they're focused exclusively on inflatable boards.

ULI Inflatable Paddle Surf Board in Action

We often meet potential stand up paddlers who are reluctant to invest in their own equipment due to limited storage space. We also meet paddlers who want boards they can easily travel long distances with. ULI Boards can be packed into a standard duffel bag, meeting the needs of both groups. They’re also great for people who don’t want to deal with the hassle of loading and unloading a big and heavy board from the roof of a car.

Once inflated, ULI Boards are hard to distinguish from regular boards and rigid enough to handle some of the most challenging waves. They can be deflated after each use for easy storage, or kept inflated and rigid for months and then deflated before travel.

A bonus benefit of ULI Boards is that their buoyancy makes them very easy to both paddle and surf. In fact, they can be used to ride even very shallow waves.

ULI Boards were Invented by a longtime surfer and refined by years of research and testing. Each one is handmade with the same sturdy material used in military inflatable boats, making them extremely durable yet also lightweight and maneuverable.

We’re thrilled to have such an awesome solution for our many customers who want to travel with their boards or have storage issues.

Stand Up Paddle Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 07:11:00 +0000

Looking for holiday presents for your stand up paddling friends and family?

Want to introduce someone you know to the sport?

We have lots of awesome stand up paddle gift items for every budget!

Happy holidays, fellow paddlers!

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 21:47:00 +0000

Introducing ZKG Marine Footwear by
Zhik (a.k.a. the SUP shoe)...

ZKG Stand Up Paddle Shoe by Zhik

You no longer have to worry about what to do with your shoes when you're paddling.

The ZKG by Zhik is a highly technical amphibious shoe that is very lightweight and comfortable. Made of perforated neoprene, the ZKG has just the right amount of cushioning, toe protection, flexibility, and grip to make it awesome for stand up paddling.

ZKG footwear is suitable for a wide range of water activities. And it's just as comfortable, functional and stylish worn everday on the street!

Perfect for extending your paddling season into fall without the hassle of booties. However, if you plan to paddle in the dead of winter and live in a colder climate, a pair of wetsuit booties would be a better bet.

The ZKG is made by Zhik, an Australian company with a long history of combining style and material science to make high performance sailing apparel. Zhik's products are the choice of Olympic and world champions.

The ZKG by Zhik is available online and in store now.

Find out more here.

Limited Edition Hinano KIALOA Paddles

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:01:00 +0000

KIALOA Hinano Toro
Geo Red

KIALOA Hinano Methane
Geo Green

In the spirit of Laulima (teamwork), our friends at KIALOA have once again joined creative forces with 50 + year old Tahitian brewery turned lifestyle apparel manufacturer Hinano to produce two limited edition stand up paddles: the Methane Hinano Geo Green and the Toro Hinano Geo Red. Each one features Hinano's beloved Vahine logo which represents the beauty and mystery of Tahiti.

The Methane is one of KIALOA's best selling paddles and the Toro is KIALOA's killer new race paddle. For a limited time only, they're both now available with the awesome, iconic Hinano logo. Collector's item status for sure. With the exception of a one-of-a-kind custom made by Dave Chun (which only people like Gerry Lopez and Chuck Patterson are lucky enough to have), these are a couple of the coolest paddles you can find.

To get your hands on the Hinano Methane and/or the Hinano Toro, visit us online or at the shop. For more info on the features and benefits of the Methane and the Toro in terms of design and construction, check out their product pages at our online store or come by the shop.

Maruru!

Race for the River Stand Up Paddle Race Results

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:48:00 +0000

SUP Bend Team Rider
Tye Josue on Hobie 12'6"
Race Board. Photo
courtesy of Paul Clark,
Black & Red Photography

The Deschutes River Conservancy's second annual Race for the River took place this past Saturday, August 13th at Riverbend Park in Bend, Oregon. The event included kayak, canoe, floatie, swimming, and stand up paddle races, plus a number of events with dogs. It was awesome to see so many stand up paddlers (and so many SUP Bend team riders) come out in support of the DRC's mission to restore and preserve local rivers and streams. More photos to come in a future post but for now, here are the results: RACE FOR THE RIVER Bend, Oregon August 13,2011
SUP LONG COURSE OVERALL
First Name	Last Name	WPA #	Race Name	Region	Category	Race Time
Beau	Whitehead		Race for the River	3	14.0	56:45:86
Matthew	Spencer		Race for the River	3	14.0	57:58:50
Paul	Willerton		Race for the River	3	14.0	59:11:77
Dino	Andereggen		Race for the River	3	14.0	1:00:23:05
Dennis	Oliphant		Race for the River	3	50+	1:00:27:81
Charlie	Smith		Race for the River	3	Prone	1:00:51:42
Randall	Barna		Race for the River	3	50+	1:01:50:54
Thomas	Burke		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:03:09:97
Jimmy	Clarke		Race for the River	3	Prone	1:03:11:37
Clay	Halverson		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:04:20:48
Ryan	Hatfield		Race for the River	3	Prone	1:04:56:16
Kerri	Stewart		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:05:34:73
Todd	Sheets		Race for the River	3	14.0	1:07:25:73
John	Agostino		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:09:05:14
Darryl	Nakahira		Race for the River	3	50+	1:09:51:85
Jeff	McHugh		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:12:12:85
Maria	Randle		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:12:26:86
Tye	Josue		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:13:58:16
Marcel	Russenberer		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:16:18:04
Nolan	Wilson		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:18:25:66
Judy	Shasek		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:19:22:55
Edward	Shasek		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:22:29:07
Jaye	Arney		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:22:29:07
Dean	Brewer		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:23:33:05




	CATEGORY 14' MEN
Beau	Whitehead	383	Race for the River	3	14.0	56:45:86
Matthew	Spencer		Race for the River	3	14.0	57:58:50
Paul	Willerton	273	Race for the River	3	14.0	59:11:77
Dino	Andereggen	262	Race for the River	3	14.0	1:00:23:05
Todd	Sheets		Race for the River	3	14.0	1:07:25:73


	CATEGORY 12'6 MEN
Thomas	Burke	513	Race for the River	3	12.6	1:03:09:97
Clay	Halverson	242	Race for the River	3	12.6	1:04:20:48
John	Agostino		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:09:05:14
Jeff	McHugh		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:12:12:85
Tye	Josue		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:13:58:16
Marcel	Russenberer		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:16:18:04
Nolan	Wilson		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:18:25:66
Edward	Shasek		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:22:29:07
Dean	Brewer	515	Race for the River	3	12.6	1:23:33:05


	CATEGORY 12'6 WOMEN
Kerri	Stewart	336	Race for the River	3	12.6	1:05:34:73
Maria	Randle	294	Race for the River	3	12.6	1:12:26:86
Judy	Shasek		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:19:22:55
Jaye	Arney		Race for the River	3	12.6	1:22:29:07


	CATEGORY 50+ MEN
Dennis	Oliphant	509	Race for the River	3	50+	1:00:27:81
Randall	Barna	384	Race for the River	3	50+	1:01:50:54
Darryl	Nakahira		Race for the River	3	50+	1:09:51:85


	CATEGORY PRONE MEN
Charlie	Smith		Race for the River	3	Prone	1:00:51:42
Jimmy	Clarke		Race for the River	3	Prone	1:03:11:37
Ryan	Hatfield		Race for the River	3	Prone	1:04:56:16


	SUP SHORT COURSE OVERALL
First Name	Last Name			Sex	Class	Race Time
Brit	Oliphant			f	14	33:53:97
John	Rollert			m	SURF	33:58:59
Terry	Steckman			m	50+ 14	36:56:08
Jon	Swift			m	14	39:13:89
Adele	Tennant			f	12.6	41:44:12
Michael	Agostino			m	SURF	47:00:05

Race Clinic with Randall

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:37:00 +0000

The Race for the River takes place this Saturday! Get ready by taking a Stand Up Paddle Race Clinic with Randall Barna, regional director of the WPA!

When: Friday, August 12th, 5:30-7:30p.m.

Where: Riverbend Park, 779 SW Columbia

Sign Up Now!

Check out these awesome new early release 2012 SUP boards...

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 20:40:00 +0000

Amundson 11'4"
Stand Up Paddle Board
by Aquaglide

Amundson 11'4" TR

If you want the speed and glide of a race board but not the bulk, this board is for you. At just 27 pounds and 187 liters, the 11'4" TR is easy to manage on land, yet its raceboard-like design elements allow it to slice through water with maximum efficiency. It's the little sister of a 12'6" race board! If you don't plan on going to the surf, why compromise performance on flat water by going with an all-around board?

Amundson 10'6"

Amundson 10'6"
Cross-Over
SUP Board by Aquaglide

If versatility is what your after, the new 10’6” is a dream. Its true cross-over design works for flat-water cruising for paddlers up to 160 pounds and is also great for surfing for paddlers up to 220 pounds. At 30” wide and 158 liters, it's very stable, making it easy to get out through the shore-break and paddle into waves. The narrow tail and three-fin set-up provide great maneuverability for wave riding, while retaining excellent tracking in flat-water.

You could be one of the first paddlers in Bend to get your hands on one of these killer new boards! Come on by the shop and check them out today!! We haven't added them to the website since they're so new, but if you don't live in town and are interested, give us a call at 541.323.3355 or email us at Info@SUPbend.com.

Thank You to 2011 Northwest Community Credit Union Bend Paddleboard Challenge Supporters!!!

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 00:16:00 +0000

We just wanted to take (another) moment to wholeheartedly thank all the sponsors, competitors and supporters who helped make the first annual Northwest Community Credit Union Bend Paddleboard Challenge such a success.

With your help, we were able to reach our goals – to create a venue for our customers and fellow paddlers to have fun and compete, to firm up Bend’s spot on the map as an SUP destination, and to give back to the community by raising funds for two important local charities, the Bend Paddle Trail Alliance and the Bend Park and Recreation Foundation.

The Challenge attracted many stand up paddlers from out of the area, including world-class SUP athletes Karen Wrenn (from Portland) and Chuck Patterson (from Dana Point, California). We received lots of positive feedback from local paddlers and visitors alike. Several of the competitors were visiting Bend for the first time and have reported that they can’t wait to come back next year.

So… thank you, thank you, thank you to Northwest Community Credit Union (especially Matt, Deanna, and Thea), Clear 101.7, Fox Central Oregon, KTVZ, StandUp Paddle Magazine, Premiere Paddle Surf, KIALOA, Robberson Ford Lincoln Mercury Mazda, Cascade Lakes Brewing Company, TheLongboardStore.com, Awbrey Glen Golf Club, K-Dog Eco Threads, Anjou Spa & Salon, SUP Connect, Bill Keale, Guayaki Yerba Mate, Young’s Columbia Wine Company, the Hokule’a Dancers, the Tavita family, Alistair Patterson, Visit Bend, Surftech, Roberto Ricci Designs, and Riviera Paddlesurf!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We hope you'll be on board next year to help make the 2012 Northwest Community Credit Union Bend Paddleboard Challenge even bigger and better than the first one!!

By the way, for those of you interested in the results, Karen Wrenn took first place in the six-mile race in the women’s 12’6” class with a time of 1 hour and 18 minutes. Terri Plunkett of San Clemente, California came in second and Kerri Stewart of Eugene, Oregon placed third. Chuck Patterson of Dana Point, California took top honors in the men’s 14’ category with a time of 1 hour and 11 minutes, followed by Cyril Burguiere and Matt Spencer, both from Portland, Oregon. Full results are available on the race website.

Exciting Week For Stand Up Paddlers in Bend, Oregon!

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:57:00 +0000

Well, we have a super exciting week up ahead. Here's what's happening:

Want to find your flow?

Flow/Flow - Flowing Vinyasa Yoga Followed
by Flowing Group Paddle - Thursdays at 5:30.

Flow/Flow is launching this Thursday, June 16th. Flow/Flow is a flowing Vinyasa yoga practice led by the beautiful Shanan Kelley and Kama Borne of Mandala Yoga Community, followed by a group paddle to harmonize with nature.

Increase balance, strength and, of course, flow while enjoying the natural elements of fresh air and water, then generate even more more of all three with a peaceful SUP session.

Flow/Flow is happening every Thursday at 5:30 for the rest of the season!

To sign up or find out more, visit the SUP Classes section of Stand Up Paddle Flatwater.

Top SUP Athletes Karen Wrenn and Chuck Patterson
are teaching two paddling clinics here in Bend on
Friday, June 17th. Click the pic for more info
or call 541.639.2655.

Paddle With Pros
Stand Up Paddle Bend is honored to host amazing KIALOA team riders Karen Wrenn and Chuck Patterson, who will teach two Paddle With Pros clinics right here in Bend on Friday, June 17th. This is an opportunity to learn SUP technique from two of the sport's most successful and inspiring athletes.

Sign up or find out more at PaddleWithPros.com.

VIP Pre-Party
All contestants of the 2011 Northwest Community Credit Union Bend Paddleboard Challenge are invited to attend a VIP Pre-Party hosted by Northwest Community Credit Union at an undisclosed location near Drake Park on Friday, June 17th (after the Paddle with Pros clinics).

Challenge Time
And of course, there's the Challenge itself. The first annual Northwest Community Credit Union Bend Paddleboard Challenge takes place this Saturday, June 18th at Riverbend Park. The reasons to sign up are growing daily. To name just a few:

You could win an ultra cool, one-of-a-kind trophy handcrafted by talented artist and SUP devotee Captain Sawdust.
Awesome sponsors like Stand Up Paddle Magazine and KIALOA have donated lots of SUP hats, T-shirts, magazines, stickers, and other cool prizes - there's something for everyone!
Other prizes include wine and golf.
You'll be entered into a raffle to win a Laulau - one of KIALOA's killer new IKAIKA paddles.
The opportunity to meet SUP super stars (and KIALOA team riders) Karen Wrenn and Chuck Patterson.
The opportunity to demo equipment from top brands like Surfteh, KIALOA, and Riviera Paddlesurf.
Cascade Lakes Brewery is hosting a beer garden on race day!
You'll be supporting the Bend Paddle Trail Alliance and the Bend Park and Recreation Foundation's efforts to increase quality of life for all Bend's residents.
Fun, fun, fun.

Oh, and beginners needn't be intimidated. There's a short course that newcomers to the sport can have a blast at - and pick up cool SUP gear as a bonus. If you don't have a board of your own, call the shop for a discounted rental. We've even added a race board to our rental fleet!

If you have any questions, email RaceDirector@BendPaddleboardChallenge.com.

When in doubt, paddle out.

The Toro is Here! Introducing the New KIALOA Race SUP Paddle

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 18:52:00 +0000

Woohoo! The Toro is here! Designed by gifted paddle builder Dave Chun, specifically for racing, the Toro has been tested by elite SUP athletes like Chuck Patterson and Karen Wrenn (both of whom will be in Bend for the Bend Paddleboard Challenge on Saturday, June 18^th).

Chuck Patterson testing the Toro - KIALOA's new race SUP.
Chuck will be in Bend to teach a Paddle with Pros
clinic with Karen Wrenn on Friday, June 17th. Sign up
at www.BendPaddleboardChallenge.com.

The Toro’s tear-drop shaped blade is super-thin for clean, sharp entry. It features a pronounced “power-hook” at the tip for solid catch and adhesion, and a “power face” dihedral for stability through the water. Both the blade and the oval-shaped tapered shaft are made from a race-specific carbon fiber layup for strength, stiffness, lightness and speed. The Carbon Ergo-T top fits the shape of racer’s hands and helps orient the paddle easily.

The Toro Race SUP Paddle by KIALOA

The Toro is named after the sushi cut of the Blue Fin Tuna – one of the fastest finned fish in the ocean. In true Dave fashion, he threatened to call this paddle the Hamster. I love that!

Anyway, if you want to be the fastest paddler on the water, the Toro is for you.

Order the KIALOA Toro race SUP at our online store now or drop by the shop and check it out.

Toro SUP Race Paddle Specs:

Surface Area: 107 in²

Blade Width: 8 ¾

Blade Length: 18"

Blade Angle: 10 degrees

Interview with Inspirational Stand Up Paddle Athlete Karen Wrenn

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 19:11:00 +0000

Well-known stand up paddle athlete Karen Wrenn is teaching two SUP clinics in Bend, Oregon on Friday, June 17th - the day before the Northwest Community Credit Union Bend Paddleboard Challenge. Fellow KIALOA team rider Chuck Patterson is co-teaching the clinics.

Top SUP athlete Karen Wrenn leads the pack

Here, Karen, who has finished impressively in SUP events all around the world and recently became the first person to paddle consecutively between all eight Channel Islands, shares how she balances SUP with her family life, how she sees the future of the sport, the most memorable sight from her history-making Channel Islands expedition, and more...

What got you hooked on SUP?

I was hooked immediately on SUP because of the fitness aspect. It was a perfect cross over sport for me from kiteboarding and windsurfing. No matter what the conditions are, I know I can always be on the water enjoying myself or getting a work out in.

How big of a role does SUP play in your life?

Stand up paddling has become a part of my every day life. It's my passion and my job.

What's your favorite aspect of the sport?

My favorite aspect of the sport is down-winding in the Gorge and Maui.

How involved is your family in your SUP adventures?

My family plays a role in everything I do for SUP. My kids are 5, 8 and 17 years old. It's a balancing act. They come along on some of my races and my husband and parents help take care of the kids when they can't come with me. They're supportive and patient when I need to train, race or teach a clinic. It doesn't mean it's always easy for them or for me, but we make it work. They know how important standup paddling is to me and so it's important to them for that reason.

Fellow KIALOA team rider Chuck Patterson will join
Karen Wrenn to teach two Paddle with Pros clinics in
Bend, Oregon on Friday, June 17th.

How do you see the future of SUP and your role within it?

The future of SUP is exciting. It's growing fast and it has been amazing to grow along with it. I love racing, teaching clinics and going to events. The Paddle With Pros clinics that Chuck Patterson and I teach are growing and the next year looks to be a busy one.

We heard that you were one of the test pilots for KIALOA's hotly anticipated new racing paddle. What do you think of the Toro?

I have been training with the Toro and used it to win the Carolina Cup. It's light and powerful. I'm stoked on it.

What other paddles do you use regularly and how do you select which paddle to use for different conditions?

The other KIALOA paddles that I use are the Pipes, the Methane and the Shaka. I used the Methane in most races last year but I'll probably now use the Toro in most. I'll still use the Methane in down-winding. In my long distance paddles, like my Channel Islands Crossings, I use the Methane most of the day and switch to the Pipes after my body needs a little break. I sometimes train with the Shaka on short training days.

Congratulations on your huge achievement in becoming the first paddler to connect all eight of California's Channel Islands on a stand up board! What prompted you to undertake such a challenge?

The idea was presented to me by Chris Wyman, the sports marketing director from Kaenon sunglasses. Chris had been my boat Captain when I did my solo crossing from Catalina to Dana Point in 2010. Chris had the confidence in me that I could do it and I knew with him as the Captain he would keep me safe. I immediately said yes. I was drawn to the challenge, mystery and adventure of it.

What was the most challenging part?

The most challenging part was the mental aspect. I trained to be physically ready for it, but it's extremely mental too. You're all alone on the water and your mind goes wild. There was the fear of sharks, dehydration, physical exhaustion and boredom. All of these things are not only possible, they are part of your day. How you deal with all these things in your head is the key.

What was the most rewarding part?

The most rewarding part was learning what my body could do when I pushed it physically and mentally to places it had never been before. I learned so much about myself by doing that... things I'll be able to use the rest of my life.

What sight stands out most in your memory when you look back on the adventure?

On the last day of my paddle the sun was setting and it was a brilliant orange pink. It lit up "the Metaphor," my escort boat. The light was reflecting off the boat and all around it. Even though we didn't want to finish in the dark it was the perfect way to be nearing the end of 150 miles of paddling. As I watched the boat all lit up by the setting sun... I felt the greatest sense of calm. I was almost done and in that moment it was so real but unreal at the same time. The "Metaphor" was my light house on the water leading me to the end of my journey.

Do you plan to embark on similar quests in the future?

Absolutely!

What do you enjoy about SUP racing?

SUP racing helps to calm the crave to compete in me. I've always enjoyed competition and I like to have something to train for. The people I've met and continue to meet at races is a huge part of why racing is fun.

What do you think of Bend?

Bend is awesome! My whole family always looks forward to our trips there. There's so much to do and it feels healthy and relaxing when I'm there.

What advice do you have for newcomers to the sport?

Do it because it's fun! It's smart to take a lesson or a clinic when you're just starting so you learn how to paddle correctly and efficiently and don't have to break bad habits later.

What can people expect from your clinic?

For the race clinic; If you like to race and you want to take on the elite paddlers or just consider yourself an open-classer, this clinic is for you. Learn how to fine tune your gear, such as fin placement and paddle length. Learn ideas for race training on and off the water. We'll be talking race strategy and paddle stroke technique. The fun will start on the beach, talking about these things, and then we'll hit the water for some action.

For the beginners clinic; whether this is your first time or you've been paddling for a while and feel like you want to learn proper paddling technique, this clinic is for you. It's about getting started, learning about the gear for what you want to do with stand up paddling and learning technique and tips for proper form, and most importantly having fun. We'll start on the beach and then head out for a paddle.

Karen, along with fellow KIALOA team rider Chuck Patterson, will teach two Paddle with Pros clinics in Bend on Friday, June 17th so that competitors can learn new skills to utilize the next day in the Northwest Community Credit Union Bend Paddleboard Challenge. To sign up or learn more, visit http://www.bendpaddleboardchallenge.com/.

2011 Northwest Community Credit Union Bend Paddleboard Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Tue, 03 May 2011 20:52:00 +0000

So the blog has been dark for a while now… but for two excellent reasons.

One, we’re expecting a baby in October! And two, we’ve been hard at work putting plans in place for a super-fun, all-inclusive, economy-stimulating SUP event that will take place at Riverbend Park on Saturday, June 18.

The first annual Northwest Community Credit Union Bend Paddleboard Challenge will include three competitive events: a six-mile long course, a two-mile short course, and a judged SUP skills “expression session.” Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each event. A number of fantastic prizes will also be up for grabs. Plus, both competitors and spectators will have the opportunity to sample equipment from some of the country’s leading SUP manufacturers.

The spectator-friendly event will take place on the Deschutes River. Registration, opening and closing ceremonies, manufacturer demos, and surrounding festivities will take place at Riverbend Park.

All proceeds of the 2011 Northwest Community Credit Union Bend Paddleboard Challenge will be divided equally between the Bend Paddle Trail Alliance and the Bend Parks and Recreation Foundation scholarship fund. By participating in the Challenge, you can support these organizations' efforts to enhance quality of life for all Bend residents… and have lots of fun in the process!

The course: Racers will paddle upstream from Riverbend Park, make a buoy turn just past Bill Healy Memorial Bridge, then head back downstream through the “Old Mill stretch” to another buoy turn near the Les Schwab Amphitheater. Then they'll charge back upstream to the start/finish line. The two-mile course will be completed three times for the long race and once for the short race. Yes, paddlers will both start and finish paddling upstream. It isn’t called a Challenge for nothing.

Matt Purvis, Marketing Vice President of title sponsor Northwest Community Credit Union, says it was a natural decision to support the Challenge. "We celebrate everything 'northwest'. The Northwest Community Bend Paddleboard Challenge is the perfect place to meet current and future members and support a great community event," he says. And yes, the famous Northwest Community Credit Union bike-blended smoothies will be offered at the Challenge.

The 2011 Northwest Community Bend Paddleboard Challenge is proudly supported by Stand Up Paddle Magazine, Robberson Ford Lincoln Mercury Mazda, Clear 101.7, KTVZ, Fox Central Oregon, KIALOA, and Cascade Lakes Brewing Company.

To register for the Northwest Community Credit Union Bend Paddleboard Challenge and/or for more information, visit www.BendPaddleboardChallenge.com, email Info@BendPaddleboardChallenge.com, call 541.639.2655, or drop by Stand Up Paddle Bend or the Bend or Redmond branches of Northwest Community Credit Union.

Paddling Clinic with Karen Wrenn!

The Inspirational Karen
Wrenn who will teach
a paddling clinic in
Bend the day before the
Bend Paddleboard Challenge.

Inspirational Portland paddler Karen Wrenn, who has finished impressively in SUP events all around the world, will be teaching two paddling clinics (one beginner and one advanced) on Friday June 17 at Riverbend Park. The "Paddle with Pros" clinics are a great way for racers to learn new skills to utilize the next day in the Challenge. To register for a clinic or for more info, give us a call at 541.639.2655 email Info@BendPaddleboardChallenge.com, or visit PaddleWithPros.com.

About Northwest Community Credit Union

Northwest Community Credit Union is located throughout Oregon. We have 15 branches in local communities, but we are part of a national network that allows us to share thousands of branches throughout America. We even have 28,000 free ATMs. Our banking services range from business accounts to home loans; plus, we offer just about any savings tool or personal loan you can imagine.

Our credit union has a philosophy that local people deserve personalized, local service. So it’s only natural that we tend to sponsor local, community-involved events. When you join Northwest Community, you’re part of a not-for-profit financial cooperative, where members share resources to offer low cost loans to other members. Net profits come back to you as higher savings rates, lower loan rates, and better service. It has worked that way since the original 29 members founded our credit union in 1949. That’s Northwest of Banking.

About the Bend Paddle Trail Alliance

The Bend Paddle Trail Alliance is a nonprofit organization devoted to the preservation of the natural beauty of the Deschutes Paddle Trail. We're particularly excited about the Alliance's efforts to improve the Colorado Avenue Dam and establish a whitewater park at Miller Landing -- a project that will improve public safety and have a terrific effect on Bend's economy. Click here to learn more.

About The Bend Park and Recreation Foundation

The Bend Park and Recreation Foundation is a non-profit organization which exists to preserve Bend's livability by enhancing our community’s parks, trails and recreation programs, providing access and opportunity for all.

By the way, we've also been cooking up a host of other fun activities for Bend's imminent SUP season including group SUP classes and Vinyasa flow yoga/SUP sessions! Stay tuned for more info.

Interview with Top SUP Athlete Annabel Anderson

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 22:47:00 +0000

Kiwi Stand Up Paddler
Annabel Anderson

Kiwi Annabel Anderson is one of the world's most accomplished female stand up paddle athletes. Her SUP feats include winning the SUP Across Paris in December of 2010, placing second in both the Pro Sprint and Pro Distance events at the Javer Hamburg SUP World Cup last year, and introducing the sport to a huge number of people (including New Zealand rugby league team, the Warriors). She currently holds the top spot in the British Stand Up Paddle Association’s rankings (in the 12’6” and under category) and is leading the charge in taking SUP mainstream in New Zealand.

Being a New Zealander myself, I felt compelled to contact Annabel to congratulate her for representing the sport and our country so well. I also asked if she’d mind sharing her insights on stand up paddling with our readers – to which she generously said yes.

So hear you have it – one of the top stand up paddlers in the world shares how she got to where she is, the effect SUP has on her life, the benefits of cross training, the dangers of over training, and more. Thanks, Belz!

I hear you have an impressive background as an athlete and water-woman. Tell me more about it…

I grew up being that kid that did everything - riding horses, tennis, ballet, athletics, netball, basketball, hockey, ski racing, swimming, cycling, triathlon, sailing, and most recently SUP. I also think growing up in New Zealand and being surrounded by lakes, rivers, beaches and the ocean has contributed to my love of water – but the opportunities to explore and develop this passion didn't really come to the fore until I found myself dropped in Auckland upon finishing university and feeling like a fish out of water. It was a case of "there is water on my doorstep, now I must play on it".

I'm lucky enough to have been able to train with some incredible coaches and fellow athletes over the years. I learned a huge amount from all these experiences which I’m really appreciative of having now. A good proportion of them have all gone on to become world champions, Olympians and the like. I’m lucky to have had exposure to these types of high-performance environments.

What most people won’t know is that for the past seven years I’ve been in the corporate world - not by choice, but because my body was completely broken from years of training and competing. I had to let my body heal first. Patience, resilience, and tenacity come to mind, but I had to learn the hard way.

One article I read about you mentioned off-roading – does that mean you’re an off-road racer too?

I think that was in reference to off-road running! And yes, I came out of running retirement this winter to run a couple of cross-countries. It’d been at least ten years since I last laced up a pair of spikes. It keeps it interesting and it’s nice to know that I can still go and compete at a high level. The hard learnt benefits of cross-training!  

How did you get into stand up paddling?

I got into stand up paddling not long before leaving New Zealand in 2009. I was introduced to it by some sailing friends who are also big wave surfers. My second time on a board was a big downwinder in the Hauraki Gulf [Auckland, NZ]. I got the bug and the rest is history. Saying that, I’m still very young in the sport and have really only had consistent time on the water since August last year [2010] once I got boards to London.

Do you keep up your other sports and how does SUP affect them? 

SUP has had a really positive effect on all the sports I love to do. Skiing will always be a huge part of my life. I have the scars to prove it. SUP is one of the most incredible dry land training techniques to prepare your body for time on snow. It's simply a case of making the time to be in the mountains. As I mentioned, running is something I love and while I've always been a strong runner - both on the track and on the road – for the past few years, it's been more for mental sanity than anything else. SUP helps to improve your balance, proprioception and core strength. Last time I checked these were all vitally important for almost every sport.

How do you manage to maintain your career in marketing? 

When my body fell apart at the tender age of twenty-three, I had to start training the brain to the same degree. When I left university I was thrust into the hard and fast reality of a global corporation. It was a really difficult transition, but patience and perseverance paid off. The discipline and time management gained from years of having to balance sport and school or sport and university prepared me well. Saying that, there are times when there are large amounts of career pressure and for the past few years I chose to invest in my career as opposed to sport.

How important is stand up paddling in your life? 

Stand up paddling helps bring much needed tranquility and balance to my life. And everything aside, if I can get out on the water, I'm much happier for it. It’s also giving me the opportunity to explore the world, visit incredible places and meet the most amazing people. In this sense, it’s fast becoming an extremely important part of my life.

How many of your friends and family are into SUP?

SUP has not really hit my home town yet - it will! All my friends back in Auckland, New Zealand are fast becoming addicts of SUP and it is the thing that everyone wants to try this southern summer. There’s nothing better than going for a paddle with some friends to chew the fat and have a catch up.

Annabel leads a stand up paddle fitness class
in Auckland, New Zealand.

I heard you mention that SUP is very quickly becoming mainstream in New Zealand? Tell us more about that… 

This summer is well and truly becoming the summer that SUP went mainstream in New Zealand. Some well-known brands have clicked onto this and are partnering with us for the summer which is hugely exciting. More and more events are now incorporating SUP as well. New Zealand is a nation surrounded by water – lakes, rivers, estuaries, and ocean. You're never far from a body of water, which makes SUP really accessible for people.

You live part of the year in Auckland and part in London? Which part of the year do you spend where? 

The majority of the time I’m based in London. It can be a hard city, but it’s a great place to be based out of as it's an easy hub to travel from. I’m trying to spend at least one or two months a year back in Auckland at the height of the kiwi summer. This year it’s January and February.

What do you like most about SUP? 

The thing I like most about SUP is the variety it offers. From leisurely paddles on beautiful alpine lakes to ocean crossings, racing, surf, down-winders and exploration - SUP has so much to offer.

Tell us about your favorite SUP spots… 

In New Zealand, my favorite spots are Auckland, Waiheke Island, the Bay of Islands, the Coromandel and Lake Wanaka. Overseas, I love the California coast and paddling through European cities is a really special and unique experience.

Any racing tips you'd like to share? 

I’m still very green in the SUP racing scene. I'm learning every time I hit the start line. What I do know from competing in other sports is that training and preparation – both mental and physical - are incredibly important. There’s a saying: ‘Prior Preparation and Planning Prevents P*** Poor Performance’. There’s an element of truth to this. The other thing is to take something from every race. Whether your performance was good or bad, take a few moments post-race to de-brief and look at what went well and what didn’t go so well. Break this down to pre-event, pre-race and during race. There is never the ‘perfect’ race, but getting the basics right at least gives you a fighting chance to perform to the level you're physically capable of.

Do you surf?

I'd love to surf more. The closest I get to this in London is the odd down-winder on the Thames. I do surf at every opportunity and it’s one of the things I will be focusing on this year.

How many hours do you spend on the water each week? 

I spend anywhere between five to ten hours on the water each week depending on my schedule and what I’m doing.

What sort of cross training do you do? 

Cross training is really important for me and it helps me remain free from injury. I incorporate kettle bell circuits/plyometrics, running, cycling and yoga into my weekly training schedule.

You won the Paris race in zero degree temps! Any tips for paddling in cold weather? 

Paddling in cold weather is more mental than it is physical – as it is with any sort of training in cold weather climates. When it comes to clothing I’ve taken lots of experience from cycling, running and ski racing into figuring out what works best for cold water paddling. My suggestions are thermal tights, 5mm booties for the bottom half and thin layers on top - thermal longsleeve top, light wind breaker, and a gilet or vest. This keeps your torso warm but allows you to work your arms freely. And of course a hat or thermal headband. There’s debate about gloves. I generally choose not to use them as my carbon paddle shaft warms up once it’s being worked. If I was to use gloves, I prefer very fine merino as they maintain warmth but still allow the dexterity of your fingers.

Of the many SUP destinations you’ve visited, which one would you most like to go back to? 

It’s a tie between two destinations - a high alpine mountain lake in Bavaria at the foot of Germany’s highest mountain and the Gulf of St Tropez in the Mediterranean.

You must have met stand up paddlers from all over the world. Any similarities between them? 

From Americans, Australasians, Pacific Islanders and Europeans, there’s a sense of family and community spirit in all of them.

A stand up paddle race in Auckland, New Zealand.

What are the best SUP spots in NZ? 

The Bay of Islands, anywhere around Auckland, all of the Coromandel Peninsula, the lakes of the South Island. New Zealand really is the perfect country for every kind of SUP you can imagine. From wild west coast surf beaches to pristine lakes with 2000 meter peaks towering above them. In New Zealand you can experience it all.

How many board and paddle brands are available in New Zealand? 

Starboard is the main brand in New Zealand and is the most widely available. You can also get Jimmy Lewis, Hobie, and C4 Waterman. Paddles are somewhat limited to Quickblade and Starboard at present, but as the sport grows and demand for product increases, the market will naturally open up and support more brands and associated products.

Tell us more about your SUP clinics... 
This is soooooooooo exciting. I'm so lucky to have the opportunity to share my passion and knowledge with other people, to help get more people out on the water enjoying the wonders of SUP. I’m running a number of clinics in New Zealand which range from ‘Rock Up and SUP’ sessions, to 'Have A Go' sessions, to race clinics, to women’s only clinics. And I'm designing and launching the paddle fitness program for Les Mills gyms while I’m out there. I’m also running some clinics in Sydney at the end of February which will be technique and race focused. And there’s lots in the plans for the northern summer both in Europe and further afield. While I’m in New Zealand, I also get to introduce many of the national sporting stars to SUP and showing them how they can incorporate it into their training.

Tell us about your funnest stand up paddle session of 2010… 

This would have to be playing around on the Serpentine in London after doing water safety for the London round of the World Triathlon Series in Hyde Park. Nothing beats a bit of fooling around on the water with great friends – especially when this is an iconic body of water that you'd never be allowed on otherwise.

What are your SUP plans for 2011? 

2011 planning is taking shape and will see me visit many countries - training, racing and exploring. Europe, North America, the Pacific Islands, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. It’s aptly named my ‘Endless Summer of SUP Tour.' I’ll get to see many incredible places and meet more wonderful people in the process.

Any plans to be in Oregon? 

Give me an excuse and we might just be able to put it into the schedule!

KIALOA's New IKAIKA LineHigh-Quality, Sustainable Stand Up Paddles at a Welcoming Price Point

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 21:39:00 +0000

After getting to know Meg and Dave Chun a little better lately, I’m even more excited about KIALOA’s new IKAIKA line.

The Chuns are passionate about sustainability. I really don’t think Dave could sleep at night if KIALOA were to release a paddle that would one day wind up in landfill. Yet they also understand that the cost of a premium paddle might be daunting to beginners in this economy. They want to make the sport accessible to as many people as possible.

So Dave made it a mission to come up with a way to produce paddles at a price point low enough to be welcoming to beginners while also staying true to KIALOA’s core values of Po’okela (excellence) and Malama (stewardship).

The result is the IKAIKA line – Pupu, Hapa, and Lau Lau. Each paddle is very affordably priced yet also delivers a level of performance, durability, and visual appeal that will make you proud to keep it in your family’s paddle quiver for generations to come. They’re simply great paddles. And for the price, they’re unbeatable.

To achieve lightness (for performance) and strength (for longevity) that would meet the tough KIALOA standards, Dave used CRFT (Continuous Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic) technology to construct the blades of all three paddles.

Ikaika means “strong” in Hawiian, and each paddle in the IKAIKA line is virtually indestructible. Dave had a lot of fun demonstrating this to us the other day by bashing one of them with a hammer and then holding it up to reveal that zero damage was done.

Another cool thing about the IKAIKA collection is that, while all three paddles have that distinctive KIALOA look and feel, Dave managed to pack an impressive amount of variety within the lineup.

Now, not only can paddle shoppers find excellent quality and durability at a low price point, there’s also an array of choices within that price range -- different blade sizes, construction, and colors, different shaft construction, different palm grips, and different prices.

The lowest-priced paddle in the IKAIKA lineup is called the Pupu (which means "appetizer") in Hawaiian. The Pupu shaft is 100% fiberglass. The pretty green 8 inch wide blade is 100% solid CRFT.

Pupu Stand Up Paddle by KIALOA - the first paddle in the IKAIKA collection.

Next comes the Hapa (Hawaiian for half and half), so called because the shaft is 50% carbon and 50% fiberglass. The pretty blue blade comes in both Small (7.5 inches) and Large (8.75 inches). The blade is cored CRFT.

Hapa Stand Up Paddle by KIALOA - the second paddle in the IKIAKA collection.

And for the finale, there's the Lau Lau (the name of a Hawaiian dish). The Lau Lau has a 100% carbon fiber shaft and a cored CRFT blade. The blade is black and comes in both Small (7.5 inches) and Large (8.75 inches).

Lau Lau Stand Up Paddle by KIALOA - the third paddle in the IKAIKA collection.

Read this part if you're like Chip and enjoy knowing how stuff is made:

Basically, CRFT technology combines the performance of glass and carbon fibers with the strength of thermoplastic polymers. Over the last 25 years, CRFTs have been used in aerospace and defense applications. More recently, the technology has been adopted by other industries (car manufacturers like Ford and Toyota use it to reduce vehicle weight without compromising strength). KIALOA is pioneering the use of CRFT technology in paddle manufacturing.

Known as "super-charged plastic," CRFT is extremely stiff, impact and corrosion resistant, and impervious to water and most chemicals. Yet it's 40-60% lighter and significantly less expensive to work with than competing materials. What's more, it doesn't produce any volatile organic compounds like the ones given off in the production of fiberglass products.

Read this part if you're like Lainey and enjoy knowing the meaning behind a name:

IKAIKA means "strong." Kai Ikaika (“strong water”) is also the name of Portland’s KIALOA-sponsored dragon boat team.

Pupu is the Hawaiian word for appetizer. Items such as sushi and poke are “light pupus.” More substantial pupus like huli huli chicken and teriyaki beef are know as “heavy pupus.”

Hapa means half or part. The term is used when referring to fractions (as in hapalua which means 1/2). Hapa is also used to refer to people of mixed ethnicity (as in hapa haolie). Hapa is also used in such terms as hapa nui (majority), hapa ʻuʻuku (minority), and hapa makahiki (semi annual).

Lau Lau is a savory, quintessentially Hawaiian plate lunch dish that consists of salted butterfish, and either pork, beef, or chicken, wrapped in taro and ti leaves and usually steamed on the stove. Hawaii Magazine calls it "Hawaiian food Nirvana," and according to their recent poll, it's one of the five most popular Hawaiian plate lunch dishes. Lau Lais is usually served with a side of rice and macaroni salad. Dave knows a song about the Lau Lau. Hopefully, it'll be included in the upcoming IKAIKA video.

"It’s not all that difficult to figure out why laulau has endured as a favorite Hawaii dish since ancient times. Besides its savory, uniquely Hawaiian taste, it’s also, arguably, Hawaii’s first real mixed plate. Laulau is a complete meal—pork, chicken or beef, salted butterfish and taro leaves wrapped in ti leaves and steamed. (In ancient times, it was cooked in an imu, a Hawaiian underground oven). Served piping hot when every ingredient within the ti leaves is cooked to tender, salt-kissed perfection, laulau done right is Hawaiian food nirvana". - HAWAII Magazine, March 2010.

Dave’s passion for sustainability has inspired me to be a more conscious consumer (and I was pretty good before). Click here for a moving reminder of the fragility and wonder of our precious planet.

Stay tuned for video of Dave Chun himself talking about the new IKAIKA line.

All three IKAIKA paddles are now available both in store and online at Stand Up Paddle Flatwater.

Questions about the IKAIKA line? You're welcome to ask them in the comment box. If you're one of the few who already have a brand new Pupu, Hapa, or Lau Lau, we'd love to hear what you think.

Bark 14' Dominator is Here!

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 21:29:00 +0000

Want to Dominate the competition?

We're fired up about the arrival of the new Joe Bark 14' Dominator race board by Surftech.

Bark 14' Dominator by Surftech

Probably the year’s most highly anticipated race board, the Dominator is set to be THE board for flat-water speed for many seasons to come. It also penetrates chop well, connects bumps with ease, and turns easily for its size. Most importantly, Bark incorporated extensive product testing to strike the perfect balance between speed and stability – a huge factor during long distance races when fatigue starts to set in. As a result, the Dominator is sure to live up to its name, delivering ultimate performance in long distance SUP races and flat-water sprints, and dominating the increasingly popular 14’ SUP racing class.

Another cool thing about the Dominator is that it works well for paddlers of many different sizes – leveling out the playing field a little more than is possible in the 12’6” category. Bark, who weighs 210 pounds himself, says paddlers as light as 130 pounds and as heavy as 250 pounds have been stoked on the Dominator. It's also a great board for paddlers who don’t have any interest in racing but enjoy touring and/or just going fast.

Bark 14' Dominator Nose

Shape-wise, the Dominator resembles a missile. It has a piercing dome-shape displacement nose, a flat deck, nearly flat bottom, and a wide tail.

Built in Surftech’s new “Pro-Elite” lightweight performance construction (yes, Surftech has developed yet another revolutionary construction method), the Dominator weighs in at a mere 26 pounds. The deck has two layers of fiberglass and is reinforced with high-density sheet foam in heavy impact areas. The bottom has one layer of fiberglass combined with a full layer of carbon fiber. The early-release prototypes and demo boards had black bottoms but for the newer models, Surftech made the wise decision to paint the bottom with the same flame-like color scheme as the deck to deflect heat. Hand sanded and polished, the Dominator is good looking as well as fast.

Check out our video of the Bark 14' Dominator below:

If you want a Dominator, it'd be a really, really good idea to let us know now because supply is already limited and will only become more so later in the season...

Stay tuned for news on the rest of our 2011 race board lineup.

Stand Up Paddling - A SUPer Way to Meet Fitness Goals For 2011

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:30:00 +0000

I know we're preaching to the choir here but if any of your friends and family are looking for a fun yet effective way to meet fitness goals in 2011, here are 10 reasons why stand up paddling (SUP) is a fantastic choice:

The sensation of walking on water feels so good, you'll forget you’re working out. It's easy to stick to a fitness routine when you enjoy it.
It’s super-efficient. You'll work almost every muscle in your body simultaneously. Not only that, you can get your cardio, endurance, and strength training done in one fun hour while outside enjoying nature.
It's good for the mind as well as the body. Standing on a board that’s floating on a living body of water creates a connection with nature that helps to put trivial concerns in perspective.
No membership fees! The cost of a board and paddle is one-time only. And if you want to try the sport before investing in your own gear, many shops offer affordable rentals.
It's outstanding cross training for many other activities. The strength, core and cardiovascular benefits translate very well into sports like tennis, golf, and swimming.
It's highly adaptable and accessible to people of almost every age and fitness level. Because it’s non-impact, it’s even open to people who have injuries. Rest assured though, that accessibility does not equate to lack of challenge. Intensity can be adjusted to whatever level you choose. Dial up the volume by paddling hard and fast or, if you’re in the mood for a mellow workout, just cruise.
It's easy! You’ll have the basics down within your first few sessions – all you need to have lots of fun and get a great workout.
There are lots of opportunities to take the sport further. Races are being organized all around the country. Industry experts expect SUP to be an Olympic sport within the near future. If you like variety, try a stand up paddle boot camp or yoga class.
If you're looking for proof, there are many celebrities who provide inspiring examples of what stand up paddling can do for your body: Christie Brinkley, Jennifer Anniston, Kate Hudson, Matthew Morrison, and Matthew McConaughey, to name a few.
Last but not least, there’s a slogan that’s featured on a top-selling poster by leading stand up paddle manufacturer, Quickblade, “You know that GROSSED-OUT feeling you get when you go to use a piece of equipment at the gym, and it's covered with someone else's sweat? I don't.”

For all your SUP needs and tips to get as much as possible out of the sport, visit www.StandUpPaddleFlatwater.com.

Highlights of the 2010 Stand Up Paddle Season in Bend, Oregon

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 02:46:00 +0000

Where else could you attend a Bob Dylan
concert on a stand up paddle board
but in Bend, Oregon?

On the first day of this sparkly new year, I find myself reminiscing about many memorable moments of the 2010 stand up paddle season in Bend, Oregon – the picturesque, fun-loving town that Chip and I are so happy to call home. Here are a few memories that stand out in my mind:

Attending the Les Schwab Amphitheater summer concert series on our stand up paddle boards. Nosing into the Reeds to sit and listen to great music with great friends. No better concert seating than that in my book. And free! Dancing atop my board and making it bop to the beat of Say Hey (I love you) by Michael Franti and Spearhead. Bare Naked Ladies, The Steve Miller Band, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan. Pretty chilly for Bob. I had to keep paddling to stay warm and couldn’t quite feel my feet as we ran across the grass to our car, but it was worth it just to be able to say we heard Bob from our boards.

Moonlight paddles on warm summer nights.

The King and Queen of the Lake Race series at Elk Lake. So busy with the shop we barely had time to eat, yet glad we made it out for every race. Witnessing that competitive glint in so many first time racers’ eyes. SUPBend team rider Isabella Barna smoking the competition (including her dad) on a custom Kialoa race board by Dave Chun. Taking time to escape out into the middle of the lake afterwards to enjoy the spectacular scenery and crisp, clean mountain air.

Bend local and surf legend Gerry Lopez
racing on the Deschutes River.

Wednesday night races on the Deschutes River. Herds of paddlers darting by floaters on inner tubes, inflatable rafts, air mattresses, and numerous other flotation devices. Watching surf legend and Bend local Gerry Lopez (a dude my father has spoken of with reverence for as long as I can remember) breeze by much younger paddlers with ease.

Introducing the sport to new paddlers during the many free demos we offered. Marveling at how all-inclusive SUP is. Paddlers of all ages and walks of life connecting with nature, getting great exercise, bonding with friends, and having fun.

The incredible Judy Shasek during
her 10-lap stand up paddle
"Karmathon" on the Deschutes River.

The incredible Judy Shasek and her 10-lap stand up paddle “Karmathon.” To celebrate her 10th anniversary of being declared cancer-free, 61-year-old Judy paddled 10 continuous circuits of the Deschutes River, from the spillway to the Healy Bridge Rapids and back, wearing 61 ribbons inscribed with the names of 61 others affected by cancer.

Golden colors lining the shore during fall paddles. River critters popping up to say hi – beavers, otters, muskrats. The ducks and geese who tolerate us so nicely. A family of deer calmly approaching the shore for a drink as we pulled our boards out of the water one lovely night.

To our paddle surfing friends, we wish you many empty lineups, offshore winds, and dry tubes in 2011. To our flat-water pals, may your new year be filled with calm winds, glassy water, and sunny skies.

These are the memories that stand out in my mind. We'd love to hear about what stands out in yours. Click here to tell us about your stand up paddling memories from 2010 and goals for 2011 and be entered to win T-shirts, hats, and other fun gear!

How to Choose a Surf Paddle

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 01:43:00 +0000

We believe Kialoa makes the best surf paddles on the planet. But how do you pick which one is best for you?

We recommend the Methane for most men, the Shaka Pu’u for surfers who have a lot of upper body strength, and the Pipes for women and some male performance surfers. Here's why:

Kialoa Methane

The Methane's narrow design and featherweight construction allow for high cadence, fast acceleration, and swift paddle placement in critical sections of the surf. Kialoa’s unidirectional Ergo-T design handle fits comfortably in your palm and provides excellent blade control. If you need to whip the paddle behind you or to the opposite side of your board, you’ll be able to put it there in the blink of an eye.

Kialoa Methane Surf Paddle

Compared to other paddles on the market, the diameter of the shaft is smaller but a slimmer shaft doesn’t mean a weaker paddle. The 21 ounce Methane has an extremely high strength to weight ratio.

The Methane is the result of extensive product testing. It’s the choice of many top stand-up surfers on the water today.

Specs -
100% Carbon Fiber
Surface Area: 97 sq in
Blade Width: 8"
Blade Length: 16.5"
Weight: 21oz

Check out the Methane in action:

Kialoa Shaka Pu'u

If you're a big, strong dude with a lot of upper body strength, you may prefer the Shaka Pu'u to the Methane. The blade has 100 square inches of surface area and provides more power than the Methane.

Kialoa Shaka Pu'u

The Shaka Pu'u was inspired by Mel Pu'u, a Makaha lifeguard and stand up paddler, who says, "The comfortable oval shaft allows for a light, relaxed grip. When you want the extra power you've got it - and when you want to up the RPMs, you can adjust by burying less of the blade. It gives you the ability to spin and move quickly in critical situations."

Elite athlete Chuck Patterson says the Methane "has the best blade I've ever used for surfing. It allows for super-fast paddling and it's great in bottom turns. Leaning on the blade is really smooth."

Specs -
100% Carbon Fiber
Surface Area: 100 sq in
Blade Width: 8 5/8"
Blade Length: 16 1/2"
Weight: 22 oz

Here's a video of Kialoa's Dave Chun talking about the Shaka Pu'u.

Kialoa Pipes

The Kialoa Pipes is light, lithe, quick, POWERFUL, and beautiful. It's awesome for women in all conditions and also great for male performance surfers.

Don’t let the tiny surface area fool you, the precisely contoured blade cuts ultra-smoothly through water yet still has enough power to get you into those late takeoffs.

No wobble at all, even when you really step on the gas and push it hard. Entering, moving through, and exiting the water feels almost effortless.

Kialoa Pipes

Once on a wave, the Kialoa Pipes really excels. It’s more agile than any paddle we’ve come across. You can manipulate it quickly and easily. It has plenty of surface area to turn the board when you need to yet it's so nimble and light (560 grams), it almost feels like an extension of your arm.
The T-shaped handle is very comfortable and provides excellent blade control. The thin, oval-shaped shaft is also very nice to grip.

Specs -
100% Carbon Fiber
Surface Area: 87 in²
Blade Width: 7 3/8"
Blade Length: 16 ½"
Weight: 21 oz
Made in the U.S.A.

The Pipes in action:

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We love talking paddles almost as much as we love talking boards.
We're very proud to carry the complete line of Kialoa stand up paddles, including the exciting new entry level price-point Ikaika collection. We also offer sweet Kialoa stickers, T-shirts, paddle covers, and more. Check out our complete Kialoa lineup now.

Stand Up Paddle Board Ding Repair How-To

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 23:50:00 +0000

Hi Randall,

I've been enjoying that Hobie 12' ATR, for both surfing and flatwater, but last weekend while I had my board sitting on the grass, a gust of wind picked it up and threw it down on some rocks... ouch! There're a bunch of dings on it through the outer shell where I can almost see the softer stuff underneath. I've been reading all kinds of stuff on the Internet, but was wondering what you recommend as far as fixing it up. I don't care too much for aesthetics, but I want to make sure that the board is structurally sound and won't take on water. Any recommendations?

Thanks and happy holidays,

Lance

Hi Lance,

These dings are totally repairable and your Hobie will be as solid as ever. The core that’s visible just beneath the fiberglass is closed-cell and O.K. with a bit of water exposure. Still, make sure it's dry before patching.

Use a razor knife to cut away any glass that's loose. You need to actually enlarge the splits in the glass so you can get some repair resin in there and fill the hole. Also rough-sand the glass around the ding to recess for your repair build-up and so that the resin will stick. My favorite repair resin is Marine-Tex. It’s very available at marine shops or even the marine section or epoxy section of a hardware store. Marine-Tex is epoxy and white pigmented so color touch-up paint covers it well.

Mix the Marine-Tex at a 5 to 1 ratio (5 parts epoxy resin to 1 part hardener). Estimate the best you can but it's not too finicky. I use a rasp file to take down the initial build-up. Then sand with wet sand paper at 220 then 320, 400 and finally 600. For color, I use the auto touch-up paint that comes in the small bottles with a brush inside.

Aloha,

Randall Barna

Find Ding Repair Supplies and Much More at www.StandUpPaddleFlatwater.com.

Stand Up Paddle Christmas Cards Available Online & In-Store!

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 01:43:00 +0000

Find Stand Up Paddle Christmas Cards and
Much More at www.StandUpPaddleFlatwater.com.

Always on a mission to provide you with more ways to have fun with SUP, we're stoked to present a selection of SUP Christmas cards that feature Santa Claus himself stand up paddling on the beautiful Deschutes River with Bend's most famous landmark, Mt. Bachelor, in the background.

We hope you'll have lots of fun using these top-quality cards to share your love of SUP with friends and family this holiday season!

In case you’re wondering, Santa’s board of choice is a 14 foot red Joe Bark Expedition by Surftech – also available at Stand Up Paddle Flatwater.

Remember, orders over $30 ship free through December!

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New Stand Up Paddle Clothing Collection Added To Lineup

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:11:00 +0000

We’re stoked to announce the addition of the Premiere Paddle Surf clothing line to our comprehensive range of SUP offerings.

Each design has a classic yet current feel - the result of ardent research by the Premiere Paddle Surf design team, headed by Sean Cook, who is a stand up paddler himself.

In search of visuals that would resonate with SUP enthusiasts, the team gained access to archived photographs of early watermen like Duke Kahanamoku and spent hours pouring over books at the Surfing Heritage Museum in San Clemente, California. They also sought inspiration from their everyday surroundings to give the designs a fresh, exciting, up-to-the-minute quality. “We incorporated images we see every time we’re on the water - like paddlers backlit by the sun,” says Cook. For further refinement, prominent stand up paddle athletes were invited to offer feedback.

The outcome is a definitive SUP clothing line for men and women that includes T-shirts, hoodies, hats, and more.

Special Limited Time Introductory Offer:   Enter code INTROPPS at checkout for a 15% limited time only introductory discount on the Premiere Paddle Surf clothing line at Stand Up Paddle Flatwater.

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Winter Surfing on the Oregon Coast

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 02:19:00 +0000

Dave Eveland Surfing at Otter Rock

With the first few in-town snowfalls of the season and winter well on its way, Bend’s snowboarders (Chip included) are filled with glee that they’ll be carving the big white wave of Mt. Bachelor very soon. However, for a few hardcore Oregonians the approach of winter also generates excitement about another, wetter board sport.

“Winter swells on the Oregon coast can be huge with 20' and larger not uncommon,” says Stand Up Paddle Flatwater founder Randall Barna. “It can be pretty dangerous,” says Central Oregon Community College Surf Club president Shelby Merrick. “I don’t recommend it for people who are new to surfing.”

For some though, these conditions are a huge attraction. Take my friend, Dave Eveland (who is a phenomenal personal trainer by the way). Dave relished the “thumping” he received in the “violent mess” of surf at Otter Rock last weekend. For Dave, winter means ”smaller crowds, bigger waves.” And those aren’t the only positives. “Winter storms have surprisingly mild temperatures while summer winds are surprisingly cold,” says Randall. “Surf spots protected from south winds become favored, the opposite of the summer spots.”

Stand up surfing is fantastic for the infamously chilly Oregon waters, primarily because it's warmer being up out of the water. Randall also points out that “the paddle-out can be longer and more arduous on big winter swells. On a stand up board, you can get out quicker, catch waves earlier, and even catch waves that are in that window between paddle-in and tow-in.”

Many SUP converts say stand up surfing is even more fun than regular surfing. “To me, surfing stand up is the funnest thing I’ve ever done,” says longtime surfer and SUPBend team rider Tom Burke. “It’s the visuals, seeing everything in the water below you. Also, once you develop the skill to stay standing between waves, it’s a more constant experience.” In case you’re wondering, Tom’s personal record for continuous surfing without falling off or sitting or lying down on his board, is 32 waves.

Listen to Gerry Lopez and Laird Hamilton talk about the coolness of the non-stop stand up surfing experience:

For those who want to try stand up paddle (SUP) surfing, Stand Up Paddle Bend offers a wide range of SUP surfboards for both purchase and rental.

Stand Up Paddle Bend is also a great place for surfers to pick up staples like wax, earplugs, and booties here in town. “When I get to the coast, I want to maximize wave-time, not spend it buying stuff, so being able to pick up what I need before I go is super-convenient,” says Shelby. “Also, if I already have everything I need, I’m open to go somewhere where there might not be a shop.”

A tip from Randall: "I recommend a slightly bigger board for Oregon surf than you'd use in non-wetsuit conditions. You weigh more with a wet-wetsuit - easily 30 pounds. Also, with a bigger board you fall in less."

For more information about surfing the Oregon Coast, visit the Oregon Surf Guide.

Happy Thanksgiving to our Fantastic SUP Community!
Please be sure to check out our Stand Up Paddle Gift Guide -
From stocking stuffers to show stoppers, you'll find SUPer gifts for everyone on your list!

We love hearing from you. Why do you like stand up surfing? If you were a prone surfer before, were you skeptical about SUP at first? What won you over? Any Oregon winter surf stories to share?

Nelscott Reef Big Wave Surf Contest: Randall’s Recap

noreply@blogger.com (SUPBend) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 20:13:00 +0000

The 6th Annual Nelcott Reef Big Wave Classic took place on Tuesday, November 2nd in Lincoln City, Oregon. For the second year, it was a paddle-in event rather than a tow-in event. For the first year, it included a women’s division - the first women's big wave event. One of the stops on the Big Wave World Tour, this year’s event was held in the biggest conditions ever surfed at Nelscott Reef. Waves were 40 foot plus! Kohl Christensen took first place in the men’s division, and Kealla Kennelly won the women’s division.

Randall’s Recap

Yesterday I saw the raw power of nature like never before. The Nelscott Reef 2010 big wave event erupted the biggest waves ever surfed in Oregon. Ron Hill and I got there just as they were launching the first sleds and it was pandemonium. The surge was so high it was picking up those logs that are left up top of the sand (since the last huge storm) and pushing them all around the beach like toothpicks.

The guys in the first sled to go out were very brave and garnered a new level of respect as watermen and sled operators. The walls of whitewater were so high and there were so few opportunities to get out that watching the sleds was as interesting as watching the surfing.

The waves were 40’+ and indescribable. The weather was perfect and comfortable in T-shirts. Light offshore winds made a spindrift off the top of the waves that was as high as the waves were tall. When the break exploded, it was as high as both!

Once the surfers were out there they paddled in to catch the waves. We were amazed that they managed to do this, the skill level unreal! Most of the drops were totally vertical. Positioning and wave selection were critical. Fewer waves were ridden than in a tow-in contest but each ride got more respect. Most of the boards where rhino-guns 10' to 11' with big, thick stringers and multiple fin combinations.

The peak to the south of the contest zone was A-frame and even bigger. Several non-contest tow-in crews were working it and also put on a good show.

I'm glad I had the opportunity to witness such an epic day!

Aloha,

Randall Barna

Check out this video of Big Wave World Tour Director Gary Linden talking about the Nelscott Reef Event:

Stand Up Paddle Flatwater carries the best stand up paddle surfboards on the market!

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