NC Paddle Surfer
Tropical Depression #3 Waves = Fun Weekend
Brad having some fun
Jacky
Z worn out and heading home
Some fun nose mounted video of our second session Sunday at Carolina Beach Inlet. Be sure to TURN ON THE SOUND!
CB Inlet SUP with nose mounted camera from fishersfort on Vimeo. [Link]
A Magic Bertha Day
This is what the surf looked like at 7:30 AM in front of the house. 2 second rides followed by a big explosion.
So we surfed the outer break at Carolina Beach Inlet.
Sorry, no photos of our session at the inlet. I didn't want to carry the camera in such big surf. We waited on the monster sets about 1/4 mile offshore and scored the longest most insane rides we've ever had there. All I can say is, you should have been there. WOW! [Link]
Afternoon Action at CB Pier
[Link]
Jacky Stills
We struggled to get some good shots of Jacky today. She struggled to catch any waves and live to tell about it! [Link]
Video Captures of me Surfing Bertha Waves
[Link]
Hurricane Bertha Waves!
Hurricane Bertha swell is here!
Surfed in front of the house this morning.
The video quality is very poor. Operator error. I finally figured out this still camera doesn't like to be zoomed too much when shooting video. It switches from optical to digital zoom automatically and KILLS the quality. I need to stay within optical zoom. I'll work it!
Hurricane Bertha SUP surfing from fishersfort on Vimeo.
Untitled from fishersfort on Vimeo. [Link]
Happy 4th of July
Meanwhile, my 4th bites.
Spent in China, but due home Saturday night. Yeah! [Link]
Gloomy Day for Video
My new camera mount. A modified gun rack from Wal-Mart. Cost $14.00.
Our newest SUPer, Ian Mckenzie a.k.a. CB2
Nose Mounted Camera from fishersfort on Vimeo. [Link]
Tiny Morning Waves
Tiny Waves from fishersfort on Vimeo. [Link]
Surfing CB Inlet
Jacky
CB1 walking on water. Sorry Brian, this is the only still shot I have of you.
[Link]
Video Shot with Canon Still Camera
CB surfing default wmv quality from fishersfort on Vimeo.
The video is real high quality on my computer. Similar to my Sony DVD Handycam in quality. Too bad uploading to the web kills the quality. [Link]
New Camera Rocks
Large local crew out this morning at the CB pier. The new camera takes much sharper photos and way fewer blurred ones. [Link]
Reinforced Leash
With all the SUP leashes breaking, I thought I'd try this solution to fight fin cuts.
I wrapped the leash cord in Gorilla Tape about 18" from the tail. If you're not familiar with Gorilla Tape, its like Duct Tape on steroids. About 4x as tough. [Link]
Day 2 with the New Camera
Me
The fisherman were out in force this morning
Style master Z 
Me
Z on left, me on right
Me
Me
Jacky
Z man
Jacky
Me
Me
The new camera works great. The LCD is much easier to see in bright sun. The housing creates a little sun visor for the LCD screen. The camera is a little big in the housing. I probably won't use it as often as before. [Link]
I'm Back!
Surfed the CB pier this morning. I've been out of town for the last 2 weeks. It sure is good to be home in paradise again. Jacky was working this morning, so she missed it. Photos of Brad (C4 rep) and his friend.
I was using my new Canon 770 in the water proof housing shown below. [Link]
Olympus 770 SW died?
My water proof Olympus 770 SW camera is not working right anymore. Zoom stopped working. All menu buttons are dead. It still takes photos, but only on the setting it is stuck on.
This is my second water proof camera to die. Previous it was the Pentax W20. The Pentax had lots of water in it. The Olympus appears to be dry inside.
Maybe its time to go with cheaper cameras and a water proof housing. At least with a housing you can see water entry. Another bonus is I'll be able to use a camera with a optical eye piece. I'll actual know what the hell I'm aiming at. You can't see anything with those LCDs on a bright day.
Has anyone got some advice for me? Anyone have good and bad experience with Canon water proof housings?
Check this housing and camera out. I'm running out of options. [Link]
Squirrel Fin Tested
7 inch Squirrel Fin and my fin collection. I think I've tried enough fins. No more.
We tested the Longboard House Squirrel Fin tonight. This is the fin someone wrote about on www.supsurfmag.com
Jacky and I both hated it. It's not the fins fault, we just don't like 2+1 fin setups. A pure shortboard thruster setup is what stokes our fire.
2+1 makes a board turn around like a super tanker. I missed a few waves tonight because the board wouldn't spin quick. Then when surfing the wave, yuk. Too stiff.
I know some might say thrusters are not their cup of tea. Sure the board doesn't like to paddle straight and its less stable, but so what. I'm up to the challenge.
I will not compromise. I love the wild and loose feel of thruster. You just think about turning and it turns. If you haven't tried it, you're cheating yourself. [Link]
For My Aussie Friend
Small waves tonight. In this series Jacky turns to catch one. So small, yet she catches it.
This one was shot while I was surfing. I'm getting tricky with the camera
[Link]
Quick Session - North Guys in Town
Sky Solbach 
Sky's wipeout
Oops, how'd that kitesurfing shot get in here..
Sky and Hunter
[Link]
SUPing Ship Wrecks
I was talking with old time local surfer recently and heard some cool history of local breaks. You are looking the General Beauregard, at Confederate Blockade Runner. During large swell huge chunks of this ship are visible. Quite scary to think there is nothing marking this obstacle. You would think boats would run into it. The government must think all local red necks know about sunken Confederate ships!
There is another local ship wreck we surf at. I hope to get photos of that one next.
If you're wondering why all the ship wrecks, my home is near this little historical jewel.
By 1864, Fort Fisher was the largest and strongest fort in the country and was dubbed the "Gibraltar of the South." Unlike many conventional forts, Fisher’s massive walls were made of beach sand.
[Link]
Sick Photo Today
CB1 took this sick photo of me this morning surfing near the KB church. 
Me
CB1 on his 10'4 JL
CB1
CB1
My PSH 10'
Jacky and CB1 searching
Taken while surfing a wave.
Another taken while surfing a wave
Our supplier
Me again
Jacky
Jacky
Jacky again, same ride
Jacky
Jacky stylin 
CB1 at the pier
Jacky
Jacky and CB1 split the cameraman and keep on cruising
Waves at the pier
Waves were sweet at the pier
Jacky crankin
Another photo while surfing a wave
CB1
[Link]
Sweet Wednesday Session
The start of our session. We end just past the pier seen in the background. It is 2 miles to the pier. 
Jacky
Jacky
Jacky
Jacky
Jacky
This sport can be dangerous! Check out the notch in the trailing edge of this fin. Jacky's paddle became caught in the fins during a crash. I also dinged my board again. This is the 5th ding in 5 months.
Me surfing at the KB pier.
Jacky
[Link]
Another Great Sunday Session
Z man in his 10'4 JL 
Z again
Jacky
Jacky
KB pier
Z man
Didn't know touching water helped with the balance.
Jacky
Jacky
Jacky landing at the house. Session over.
Jacky
Don't hit the cameraman!
[Link]
Big Update
Wonderful day surfing the CB pier this morning. Surf was not as big as yesterday, but still great fun. I did not have my camera yesterday, sorry.
We surfed with the new C4 rep for this part of the country. He was riding the 9'6 Swallow. He let Jacky surf it for about 30 minutes. Brad (the rep) surfed Jacky's 9'6 PSH. They both enjoyed trying each others boards.
Brad told us board availability is poor again this year. He's hurting for boards. Same old story! When are these factories going to move prone surfboard production capacity over to stand up? They say surf shops are hurting. Well build more standups guys!
[Link]
Just Kitesurfing
Sorry, no SUP surfing lately. Nice kitesurfing in front of the house tonight. [Link]
I'm BACK
I'm back. The computer died last week. All this coming to you to complements of Vista and my new Think Pad. Fingers crossed this one lives a little longer.
All photos taken Saturday and Sunday morning.
Jacky in front of the Marriott 
Z and CB1 sharing. Z's not sure what the paddle is for. 
Jacky solo.
Jacky takes a tumble.
The ship wreck in CB just showing below the surface.
Jacky in front of the Marriott
Trouble looming for CB1
CB1 gets mowed down
Passing the Sea Watch surf crew.
Jacky
Z still puzzled by that paddle.
[Link]
I Surfed the JL 10'4 Today!
.JPG)
I tried this JL 10'4 today. It belongs to CB1. We surfed this morning at WB. Waves were head high at full high tide. Big surprise for everyone. The prone surfers showed up in mass at mid tide, but by then wave size was half what it was earlier. We scored today!
This board is really sweet. Compared back to back with my 10'0 x 29 PSH, the JL has more glide. This glide makes it pull into waves easier. It had more drive off the bottom turn. It felt a little slower on the wave. Stability was slightly better. The PSH was snappier turning, more like the difference between a quad and a tri fin, except both are tri fins. This is probably the best way to describe the difference.
The JL felt like its rocker was straighter. I had to take an extra step or two back when making the drop. The PSH feels heavily rockered and more sensitive to weight shifts fore and aft, making late drops slightly easier.
Now having said all this about the differences, we have to place an asterisk next to this review. The PSH had a thruster fin setup. The JL had 2+1 with larger center fin. About 9" is my guess. Then I discovered the owner had his side bites installed flat side OUT. Knowing all this now, I suspect the differences are probably slightly less than experienced today.
.JPG)
Later we placed my rocker jig on the PSH and JL to see if my instincts about the rocker difference were correct. The jig is set to the PSH bottom shape. Notice the nose rocker on the JL is about the same as the PSH.
.JPG)
Here you can see the tail rocker. Notice the rocker is much straighter on the JL
.JPG)
Final thoughts:Both boards are awesome. Just slightly different. I would recommend either to anyone who asks for my opinion.Definitely the two best boards of all the ones I've ridden in the past year.
If you can get one, go for it. Awesome boards, awesome session today for everyone. [Link]
The JL 10'4s are Here!
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
These sweet boards just arrived. They are the last of the sweet 10'4s being sold at the original price of $1299.
For those that hadn't heard, JL is shipping all future boards with pads installed in Vietnam and jacking the price up by $250! The new retail is $1549. Wow!
This really sucks in my opinion. JLs were the best deal going. Now they are joining the rest of the big brands with outrageous prices. What a shame.
I don't like the JL pad. I enjoy decking my own board and giving it that personal touch. NSI pads are my favorite.
By the way, these boards are already sold. [Link]
SW 25 down wind session
Fun evening surf session tonight in strong wind.
I picked up my new Dakine Matrix vest in XXL size this afternoon. Perfect fit. To give you an idea about how undersized these vests are, I wear XL shirts.
The paddle shaft with Redeck grip is fantastic! It's like the difference between windsurfing with NO non skid versus with non skid. You perform like a super hero with grip. [Link]
Paddle Shaft Grip
.JPG)
.JPG)
I added windsurfer non-skid to my paddle shaft today. Waxing the shaft was getting to be too much work. I grew tired of hitting the water only to discover I should have renewed the wax on the shaft.-
Problem solved now. [Link]
SUPing in a Northeaster (wind 20-25)
This video shows the hellish conditions for SUP when it blows northeast at 20-25 side on shore on the east coast.
I paddled out on my knees to help me beat the wind. The wind was so strong it flipped the board.
I caught one wave and ended up 1/4 mile down the beach. We call that northeaster current!
At the end is a bonus shot of my friend Z slashing a wave on my Stretch quad using his kite. I'm still not kiting due to my broken rib.
[Link]
Nice Morning Session
.JPG)
.JPG)
Jacky on the 9'6 PSH in all photos.
.JPG)
It feels like summer again!
Water is 60 degrees. Wetsuits are comfortable again.
We launched at the KB church. One of the best waves in KB. Then drifted with the wind catching every wave between the church and home. With a stop at the pier. Another sweet spot, that we'll loose access to when the pier reopens this Spring. [Link]
2 Miles Downwind in 15 knots
Summer is back! We did our favorite 2 mile surf session tonight. It takes about 1 1/2 hours to make the trip, catching every wave along the way. With a little more time spent surfing next to the KB pier as we pass.
Waves were waist high a few times, but mostly knee high. I need to retire. I'm missing all the good waves.
The thrusters are leaving us giddy with each ride. They are so loose! I'm worried about what will happen in real waves. It should be exciting. [Link]
New Photos Coming
Since I'll be resting my ribs when it comes to kitesurfing for a few more weeks, I decided it was time to break down and buy that long camera lens I've been putting off for almost 2 years. The new lens is 18-250mm. It should take some nice shots of kitesurfing and SUP in the near future. .JPG)
[Link]
Thrusters
We caught a short session in 10-12 mph on shore slop. The thrusters are a hoot to ride. It makes the board so free and wild. Harder to paddle in chop, harder to surf because it is so free, but a blast. Jacky's having fun with them too. [Link]
All Kooks Tonight
We finally got back in the surf tonight and both of us kooked out. Wow, are we rusty not having surfed in awhile. For me it's 20 minutes surfing in the last 2 1/2 weeks. Waves were head high, choppy, and a little windy. We parked the truck for quick 1 mile down wind surf session, but aborted after only a 1/2 mile. We feel like kooks.
My chest has a burning fire right in the middle after this session. The ribs feel fine. I guess where everything attaches in the middle, it still needs more heeling.
The thrusters felt great. FAST and loose!
The paddle felt bad at 9" over my head. Great for upright cruising, but powerless and terrible when going for a wave. I'll test 8" over my head next session. If that doesn't thrill me, we'll be back were we started at 7" over. [Link]
Grounded by Wind
No surfing this weekend. Way too much wind. Watched Jacky kitesurf. I don't want to risk wearing a harness with my ribs still heeling.
I decided to extend our Kialoa paddles. I cut the shaft, install 7/8 diameter dowels and glassed them 2" longer. Pretty easy modification. A 7/8" dowel is a perfect tight fit inside the shaft.
I also sanded away my ding repair on the 10' PSH. I had used sun cure epoxy on it. It had a slight green tint to the cured resin. This was not acceptable. I love my PSH too much to tolerate that. I bought some better resin and now have a clear repair. [Link]
Cleared to Surf Again
I made a trip to my personal physician today. They took x-rays of my rib. It showed a clear break this time. The doc in a box I used on the day of the accident took crappy x-rays. Today's x-ray tech did things a lot different, so the results were crystal clear. It showed calcification around the break already. Looked good to me, even though the ribs are clicking like mad all day long. The doc said it would heel dispite the clicking, and I could resume activities as I saw fit. He aleady knew I went surfing last weekend, so he probably understood saying no wouldn't do much good. But I will hold off on kitesurfing again for a least 2 more weeks. I just can't stop SUPing cold turkey. It would kill me.
Nothing to report on testing the thrusters. Wind has been too strong for after work paddle sessions.
Jacky is thinking I cut her Kialoa paddle too short. I cut both paddles 7" over our heads. 8 or 9" may have been smarter. Anybody need paddles cut perfect for someone 6 ft and 5'4 (that would be 9" over those heights)? [Link]
Tricked out the 9'6 PSH
Before: G-X side bites with Blane's 7" fin. This is Blane's setup. .JPG)
After: PG-5s in a pure thruster setup. I think Jacky will love this setup. I'll try to video her this week. I'll try to rest the ribs.
.JPG)
[Link]
Thrusters Tested on PSH
I surfed for 20 minutes with the thruster fin setup. First impression is less drag. I caught waves earlier than I should have, and stayed in the pocket on mush that should have required some pumping, but didn't.
I’ll put the fins on Jacky's 9'6 PSH tomorrow. She can test them until I recover.
The rib pain went away on Thursday. But now my ribs click and pop all day long. Our best guess is I tore rib cartilage. I experienced some burning in my chest after today's short session. Not the smartest thing I've done, but I just don't feel good unless I get my weekend dose of salt water. The sea makes everything better, mind and body. [Link]
Fins
I am playing with fins for fun and my own education. This is the Scimitar fin. It reminds me of a windsurfing race sail with beautifully twisted tip and open leach. It was interesting surfing with this fin. I fell on my face a few times making bottom turns. It is designed for rail to rail surfing. I'd say it felt that way to me! .JPG)
.JPG)
Next is my conversion to a thruster setup. I bought a FCS adapter for my box. I have not surfed this setup yet. I heard second hand, some of Blane's customers ride their PSH boards with the thruster setup. I'm curious to try it.
.JPG)
.JPG)
This is Blane's 7" fin. I was told Blane uses this one set at the front of the box. Austin uses it slighty back. I have used this fin a lot. Works great.
.JPG)
[Link]
Painful Day
Jacky all smiles on this wave. .JPG)
.JPG)
Me enjoying a small glassy one next to the Kure Beach Pier. We had fun this morning surfing next to the pier. We can't surf near the pier normally. Fisherman on the pier have priority over surfers in NC. But in Winter the pier is closed. Yahoo.
The photos cost me big time today. The camera was bashed into my ribs by the board during a wipe out. Broken ribs, severe pain, a trip to Urgent Care, and heavy drugs tonight have me feeling a whole lot better. But no more surfing awhile. Bummer. Plus a cracked rail on my board! [Link]
Our Kialoa Paddles Arrive
.JPG)
It’s been a long wait, but they finally arrived. We wanted the floral patterns, so we had to wait a little longer than normal. I think Kialoa may not have been prepared for the floral pattern demand following Surf Expo.-
I just finished dressing the paddles out. Neither of us have ever had paddle dings in any of our boards. I think its because of the way I dress the paddles out. I only install car door edging on the upper edge of the blade. This is the place most likely to strike the rail. It does not mess with the paddle feel having it up high on the blade. I also wrap a little foam around the bottom of the shaft. I often smack the deck with the paddle when falling. The little bit of foam helps, I think.-
We use neon duct tape on the shaft so we don't loose the paddles. Being a kitesurfer too, we're well aware of how easy it is to loose a board in the ocean. A paddle is a lot harder to find than a board. The most shocking thing about lost gear, is how fast it drifts down wind with the current. Almost always, the lost item is found much farther down the coast than anyone thought possible. Remember this next time you loose something out there. [Link]
Naish 11'6 For Sale
This board belongs to my SUP buddie Brian. a.k.a. CB1 on the Standupzone. Contact: brianmck at nc.rr.com if interested. 
[Link]
Playing with Slow Motion Video
I uploaded using the .wmv file type. The previous versions were .mpg type.I think .wmv might be better quality. What do you think? [Link]
200 lb Old Guy Surfing 9'3 Paddle Surf Hawaii
I took the 9'3 Paddle Surf Hawaii production board for a quick spin today. It was an amazing experience. I'm not a great surfer and my balance is typical old guy (only old guys will understand this), so the video may not impress anyone, but I was impressed.
-
Blane Chambers is a magician. I guess that's what you get when a company does only SUPs. I'm getting on the list for a 9'3 when they arrive. Jacky will love it. I'll steal it every chance I get.
-
It feels so much like a shortboard under your feet, it just gets you excited with the first drop. I told Hunter the 9'3 will be the hot seller this summer for 2nd season SUPers. He wasn't so sure due to the longboard nose riding element that many people love. But think about this, longboarders love longboards because they get more water time and have fun in smaller surf. Now what if you can have all that, and rip like a shortboarder in ALL conditions. I think this 9'3 changes the rules.
-
The first video is a volume check for those curious what 200 lbs looks like paddling it. The second video is the real surfing.
[Link]
Surfing the Kure Beach Pier - Part 2
Here is a video of me surfing my 10' PSH.
[Link]
Sunday Surfing at the Kure Beach Pier
First video is Hunter Brown (135 lbs) on the 9'3 production Paddle Surf Hawaii. A volume check video for those curious. The second video is Hunter trying to get covered up on the 9'3. The 3rd video is Hunter on my 10' hand glassed PSH.
[Link]
Bernhardt 10'6 For Sale
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
[Link]
By Request, Wobble/Volume Video
CB1 wants to know how this 10 x 29 x 4 1/2 floats me and how stable I am paddling at 200 lbs. I hope this helps.
[Link]
Saturday Video
The wife is resting her injured hip. This means more videos. I spotted a stink bug in this video.
-
I wish she had shot more from the pier. I like that view point. I was too tired by the time she went on the pier, so not much from there today.
-
I have a large goose egg on my head now. This new PSH is lighter than any board I've owned before. The consequence of this light weight is the board flies high whenever I wipe out. Today it landed on my head, fins first. I didn't duck because the wipeout was so minor I didn't expect it to go airborne.
[Link]
Videos are Here
My wife rested tonight, so she shot these videos of me. [Link]
My new 10'0 Paddle Surf Hawaii Custom
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
Here is my newest ride.-It was an adventure getting this one. This board was ordered through www.gopaddlesurf.com , the local shop here. I told Hunter, the owner, to get me a 10' PSH ASAP, after riding my wife's 9'6 production PSH. I'd take custom if they had one on the rack in the PSH warehouse. The production boards are due in March. I couldn't wait that long! Word came back via Austin they had several different width and thickness 10 footers to choose from. Yipee!-Next came word Blane would personally select a board to send me! Wow, the man himself was picking my board. We had met at Surf Expo, so he already knew I was 6'2, 200 pounds. Blane picked a 29 wide x 4 1/8 thick board.-Shipping would be via United only, because this is the only airline they are approved with. If you don't know, the TSA has new rules about shipping on passenger planes. You must request the airline come to your place of business or home to ensure you are not a terrorist. The fee for this is $50, any airline. The fee has probably been regulated. Once approved, you get on their approved list of shippers. Easy after that, but until you do this, they ain't taken anything from you. The bad news for me, United charged me $216 shipping. Delta charged me $126-$132 on other boards I purchased from Hawaii. -More bad news at check in. United wouldn't ship to my preferred airport in Raleigh. They would only allow it to be sent to Charlotte. Drive time to Charlotte, 4 hours each way! Yikes!-I blew off work again and made the 8 hour round trip run to the airport. I was home in time to catch one hour of surfing with the new board. I was not disappointed. The board is sweet. -I'm one happy SOB now. In fact, I feel a little guilty for being such a SUP buying hog. But its all been worth it. I'm having the time of my life. I'm having soooo much fun surfing now I can hardly keep my mind on work when at the office. -I need to retire. I don't have enough time for work anymore. I need to surf more.
[Link]
Enhanced Photos
I'm learning how to enhance photos. I hope everyone likes these. The photos were taken last Sunday during the maiden voyage of the PSH boards brought home from Surf Expo.
Me sneaking a ride on the wife's 9'6. 
Hunter on the 9'3 taking a dive 
[Link]
The Devil Made Me Do It
I blew off work today!
The things a person will do to score a session on a Paddle Surf Hawaii 9'6. Wohoo!
Great surf today. I saw a shortboarder get 7-8 seconds inside a barrel and come flyin out the end. Sweet! The air temp was 45 at best today, but that didn't stop me or anyone else. Lots of surfers out today. I scored a morning session, then lunch, then another afternoon session on the wife's 9'6. It doesn't get any sweeter than this. Todays photos were shot right before dark with dying surf. The wife had to work, so she only caught an hour on her board today. Her piggy husband scored 4 hours on her board. hehe.
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
[Link]
Surf Expo - Misc Photos
.JPG)
Hotel parking lot packing job. PSH boards packed like prized babies!
.JPG)
.JPG)
Angulo's and Kyle Bernhardt
.JPG)
Custom shapes from Tropical Blends. Thin rails like prone surfboards. Like the KB board.
.JPG)
Hunter Brown of www.gopaddlesurf.com and Blane
.JPG)
Mel Pu'u talking about his Kialoa paddle design.
[Link]
Surf Expo - Kialoa Paddles
Kialoa Paddles were very impressive at the show. The shaft is oval like C4, but smaller in diameter. The grip should be less tiring on the hands. Less chance of developing carpal tunnel. The carbon in the shaft looked cross woven, like the old Dynafiber windsurfing mast. Those were great masts. The Kialoa shaft has a lot of flex. I love flex.-The face of these paddles are dead flat. No dihedral. I was stoked about that. The few paddles I have used with dihedral stunk in my opinion. I prefer flat, so I was stoked they feel the same way about blade design. Kialoa prefer the T handle because you can hook your thumb around it and get a more powerful grip. I agree, the T handle feels very secure and nice.-
It was cool to meet Mel himself. Mel was stoked to finally have his paddle design in production. Everyone (Mel, Austin, Blane) were stoked to be able to have this paddle. The surprise for me was how small the blade was. Mel is a BIG guy. I have decided to order Mel's paddle and see what the experts are all stoked about. It will be a big change from my current paddle. I need to upgrade my paddle and paddle skills anyway.
The floral pattern on the paddle blade looks awesome. Way cooler