Archive for the 'Tips' Category

SUP Tips: Quick Acceleration Strokes- Starting in First Gear

02-sup_tips_accelerating_strokes_to_catch_waves_and_bumps_grande

When I first started Stand Up Paddling, I was struggling to catch waves. I was pulling on the paddle as hard as I could and figured the harder I pulled on the paddle, the faster the board would go. I also kept breaking paddles. A big breakthrough for me came when Brian Keaulana gave me this tip after watching me try to catch a wave: You are starting in first gear, you need to start in first gear. He told me first gear with the paddle is short quick strokes way up in front, just tapping the water. Continue reading ‘SUP Tips: Quick Acceleration Strokes- Starting in First Gear’

Board Meeting Episode 11: Sponsorship

episode-11-yt-thumbnail

Welcome to another episode of Board Meeting. Are you a SUP surfer/racer on an athlete in general looking for sponsors? Or perhaps a parent looking to get sponsorship for your child? Then this episode is for you!
Continue reading ‘Board Meeting Episode 11: Sponsorship’

OC1 Canoe Hawaii Kai Downwind 101 – Part 3

banner_v2

Here’s part 3 of my OC1 canoe Hawaii Kai downwind 101. In this video, I talk some more about bumps and paddling then catch up with my friend. Towards the end of the video, I share my strategy on how to avoid big waves when coming in to the beach.
Continue reading ‘OC1 Canoe Hawaii Kai Downwind 101 – Part 3′

OC1 Canoe Hawaii Kai Downwind 101 – Part 2

banner_v2

Here’s part 2 of my OC1 canoe Hawaii Kai downwind 101. In this video, I talk about catching bumps, connecting bumps, and a bit about paddling technique.
Continue reading ‘OC1 Canoe Hawaii Kai Downwind 101 – Part 2′

OC1 Canoe Hawaii Kai Downwind 101 – Part 1

banner_v2

Here’s part 1 of a three part video of a recent downwind run that I went on with my friend. We both rode on Pueo OC1 canoes.

In this series of videos, I’ll share the techniques that I’ve learned from experts like Doug Lock, Todd Bradley, and Robert Stehlik. Mind you that I’m still a novice but hopefully you guys will learn something from these videos that will help you when you go on a Hawaii Kai downwinder.
Continue reading ‘OC1 Canoe Hawaii Kai Downwind 101 – Part 1′

Board Meeting Episode 9: Gore-Tex Vent Plugs

ep-9-vent-plugs-banner

Welcome to another episode of Board Meeting. In this episode, Robert and I will talk about Gore-Tex vent plugs for SUP stand up paddle boards. Vent plugs are installed on SUP boards as a way to help prevent the separation of the fiberglass or epoxy layer from the foam core, also known as delamination.
Continue reading ‘Board Meeting Episode 9: Gore-Tex Vent Plugs’

Board Meeting Episode 8: Fin Setups for SUP Surfing

ep-8-fins-banner

Welcome to another episode of Board Meeting. In this episode, Robert and I will talk about the different types of fin setups for SUP stand up paddle surfing.
Continue reading ‘Board Meeting Episode 8: Fin Setups for SUP Surfing’

Board Meeting Episode 7: Enjoy Handplanes and Bodysurfing

ep-7-handplanes-banner_v2

Welcome to another episode of Board Meeting. In this episode, Robert and I will talk about handplanes/handboards from Enjoy and bodysurfing. Bodysurfing is another fun water activity that you can do when the conditions are not ideal for stand up paddling.
Continue reading ‘Board Meeting Episode 7: Enjoy Handplanes and Bodysurfing’

Board Meeting Episode 6: Leashes for SUP Stand Up Paddling

ep-6-leashes-banner_v2-02

Welcome to another episode of Board Meeting. In this episode, Robert and I will talk about Leashes for use in stand up paddling. Whether you’re into SUP surfing, downwinders, SUP racing, or just cruising around, a leash is an essential safety equipment.
Continue reading ‘Board Meeting Episode 6: Leashes for SUP Stand Up Paddling’

Tips and pointers on how to choose your first SUP

gopr0126_large

If you’re interested in getting into the great sport of stand up paddle boarding (SUP) and have done a little research to help you with your decision process, you know how challenging it is to narrow your focus to the right board for you. With board lengths ranging from less than 7 feet to over 17 feet, board widths ranging from 25 inches to 40 inches, and the need to consider other variables like thickness, volume, shape, environmental conditions, fin setup, and so on, choosing the right SUP can be a daunting task.
Continue reading ‘Tips and pointers on how to choose your first SUP’

QFR – Quick Fin Release: How to Install and Review Video

qfr-quick-fin-release-01

Here’s a quick how-to video on installing the QFR – Quick Fin Release system. The QFR allows you to quickly remove and install your fin without tools. Check out the video below:
Continue reading ‘QFR – Quick Fin Release: How to Install and Review Video’

SUP Downwinder Tips: The most common first timer mistakes

gopr0348_large

At Blue Planet we offer downwind coaching to those wanting to get into this exciting sport. After doing many coached downwind runs I have noticed that most beginners make the same common mistakes when first trying to catch bumps. For those coming from a flatwater background, where a strong, steady, powerful, longer, slower stroke works best, making the adjustment to the quick, short accelerating strokes needed to catch bumps and then stopping and resting while gliding is challenging to say the least. I’m hoping that sharing these tips will help more paddlers get into this super fun aspect of Stand Up Paddling.
Continue reading ‘SUP Downwinder Tips: The most common first timer mistakes’

Board Meeting Episode 3: How to Choose a SUP Board

banner_ep3_v5

Welcome to another episode of Board Meeting. In this episode, Robert and I will talk about how to choose a SUP stand up paddle board. We discuss some of the different types of SUP boards available, what kind of board to get for you intended use (surfing, racing, or cruising), and selecting the correct board for your height and weight.
Continue reading ‘Board Meeting Episode 3: How to Choose a SUP Board’

Board Meeting Episode 2: Preparing for the Molokai 2 Oahu SUP Race – Part 3

episode-2-p3

Here is the last part of our Molokai 2 Oahu episode. In this video, Robert and I continue our discussion on how to prepare for the Molokai 2 Oahu SUP race and talk about doing Hawaii Kai downwinders as part of training for the event. We also talk a little bit about how downwinders help people with ADD/ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder).
Continue reading ‘Board Meeting Episode 2: Preparing for the Molokai 2 Oahu SUP Race – Part 3′

Board Meeting Episode 2: Preparing for the Molokai 2 Oahu SUP Race – Part 2

episode-2-p2

Here is part 2 of our Molokai 2 Oahu episode where Robert and I continue our discussion on how to prepare for the Molokai 2 Oahu SUP race. We talk about training, fitness, nutrition, using the proper equipment, logistics, and a whole lot more to help you guys get ready for one of the toughest races in the SUP racing calendar.
Continue reading ‘Board Meeting Episode 2: Preparing for the Molokai 2 Oahu SUP Race – Part 2′