Stand Up Paddle Surf
Paging South South, South Swell you're table is ready…
After yesterday's Stand Up Paddle Surf session with old faithful I was hoping that I could break out my 9'6" SUPS board and have some fun with a new swell that we've been watching. Another family day outing to the beach!
We roll up and I was excited to see 3-5 feet of swell breaking down the line. Good shape, the ocean had the pre-swell jitters, a lot of movement going on. The nice thing was the crowd had yet to show. The was one other Stand Up Paddle Surfer out there and he was doing his part of sharing the Aloha. Good guy, not a wave hog kook.
As I set up the goods for the ohana I was watching and contemplating. See I also brought my 6'4" short board just in case it was a tweener kind of day. I know I would have had the normal Stand Up Paddle fun but I've been craving a little prone session lately. So I busted out the shortie and had at it.
By the way the water is still freezing. Rubber is a luxury.
Enjoy the swell. If you're learning to Stand Up Paddle Surf go to a SUPS friendly beach and have fun there during this swell. Keep it real, keep it safe and you'll keep it fun for all.
Aloha…
Stand Up Paddling to Stand Up Paddle Surf
I haven't done this in a while. Been kind of lazy for the past few years I guess, got used to pulling up and paddling out at Kaulapapa (a SUPS friendly beach). Back in the day (pre SUPS craze) the hand full of us that were Stand Up Paddle Surfing used to paddle up and down the coast and catch waves here and there, I had lowers to myself one winter afternoon!
So today I paddle to paddle surf. The water surface was great for ocean paddling, a tail wind to get me there a few minutes quicker and the sun is already shining. I paddle out past the buoy and take a line to a trimaran that is anchored off my destination spot.
Clear water, clear enough to see the Great White called Jesse James or one of his relatives, and a small small swell. Friends in the line up and a couple of hours of standing around and talkin' story. Good times.
Oh and when you're SUPing together at a practically SUP only beach, on an itty-bitty day, it's uncalled for to call someone off a wave. No worries, we all know you shed the California Waikiki…. Kook.
Paddle with Alooooha! 
A clean suprise… Perfect for Stand Up Paddle Surfing
It's a beautiful day and the ohana and I pack it up and head down to la playa for some sand, sun, and surf. We headed down to our favorite beach, I wasn't expecting much in terms of surf so I brought ol" faithful, my 12 foot Ron House Stand Up Paddle Surfboard.
Conditions were small but perfect… perfect for Stand Up Paddle Surfing… and perfect as in sunny, great shape, long rides to the sand and refreshing water temp. I unload the car and setup the beach. Grab the board and paddle to peak. I would have said, paddle to the line up if there was any but nobody was out, again. 2-3 footers rolled in one after the other for about 20 minutes. The crowd was north on another "more consistent" peak and I was having a blast on my own personal wave machine.
After an hour of one after the other I cruised in and hung with the fam for a few as we enjoyed the summer that all of us have been waiting for. 
Stand Up Paddle Surfing in Great White Shark infested waters
So last year I had a great time Stand Up Paddling with Fluffy the Great White Shark. Affectionately named by Kaulapapa locals. About this time last year big shark rumors and sighting were flying all over the sand and the net. Let's confirm… yep, there are great white sharks in the shallow waters, right off the surf if not in it, right at San Onofre Surfing Beach.
Chuckie P got this great footage of "Jesse James", Fluffy's little brother.
Good day for a LONG Stand Up Paddle Board
These past few days have been great for the BIG Stand Up Paddle Surf boards. What… I though all SUPS boards were big. When the surf is ankle to knee I like to bust out my Ron House 12 footer. This board has been the fun old faithful. I've paddled it 20 miles plus, surfed itty-bitty wind chop and bombed the double overhead stuff on outside reefs. It's the all around stand up paddle length. If you're new to the sport and trying to figure out what size you should consider all these boards can do. If you're menehune size you can go 10.5- 11 feet, most adult males should consider a 12 footer if building a SUPS quiver is not an immediate option.
Today looks like more of the same surf. Small 2-3 feet of we're lucky. Get there before the winds show up. It does look like there is some long period southern energy headed our way. Cross your fingers and keep paddling. Here's what today looks like.
Evening SUPS session
Sunday evening, the sun is out, the wind is calm and the tide is pushing. Papa-G, the Major and myself pack up and make for an evening session. As we drive south the sun starts to disappear and we start seeing signs of more wind than we didn't hope for. We pull up to see small lines, minimal crowd and an almost unwelcoming texture on the surface.
We paddle out and patiently pull through disappearing waves and the transitioning tide waiting for it to settle on the bottom. The sun starts to go down down, wind stopped and the tide settles. Wave height jumps two feet and "juicy" becomes the word of the session. Made some new friends tonight and hopefully was a good will ambassador for the sport of Stand Up Paddle Surfing.
Decreasing south swell. Get it while you can! 
Saturday Stand Up Paddle Surf treat
Usually don't find myself in the line up on Saturdays but the stars and planets aligned and I was able to get wet and SUP before an afternoon appointment. Wave and interval was perfect for a little spot that I like to frequent. 2-4ft surf with no winds until around noon plus the weekend crowd disappeared around 9AM.
Lefts rights and lots of walls. Too much south for this spot and the tides were making it perfect for Stand Up Paddle Surfing. Big deep spot on the main peak was my friend.
So now that today's session is history, what will manana bring??? Maybe 2-3'+ as the new SSW starts to fill in throughout Sunday?? Maybe…. and maybe the sun will come out too!
Happy SUPin' and Paddle with Aloha. (which means don't paddle into a line up and snag the first wave right out the hands of the guy that was sitting there for 20 minutes in perfect position. You know who you are KOOK! I saw the whole thing and you were wrong!)
Mildly windy afternoon Stand Up Paddle Surf
Friday afternoon, the winds are blowing 10+ knots out of the northwest, pua hana for the day…. yeah it's time for some Stand Up Paddle Surf. Lately I've been mingling more with the lay-down surfing scene. Another of my buddies is going to pull the trigger soon and get a SUPS board. Today he had to pull out the longboard and the other guy was on a 6'0" with lots of volume so he could get into this dying south swell. I'm on my 9'6" and could have brought the 12 footer with the crumbly surf.
I think the wind ran off most of the crowd cause when we rolled up the line up was light. The waves were 3-4ft and soft, inconsistent but playful. We all had a fair amount of good rides. The sun broke out after about 45 minutes of surfing. Great way to end the week and start the weekend.
Saturday SUPS
It finally feels like a summer day here in San Clemente. The ohana and I head down to the beach to spend the afternoon down by the water. We grab our piece of of sand, the keiki gets his buckets and sand tools, momma has her beach chair and I slide out through the channel to catch some waves.
The line up is pinched together on this one peak, close to thirty guys. Long boards, shorts boards, soft top boards and now one Stand Up Paddle Board. The wind is blowing in such a way (combined with the funk in the tide) that the rights have an almost non-makeable section where the pack is sitting. And if one was to sit on what looks like it would be the shoulder, it would actually be the perfect spot to connect. So I choose to pick up "the leftovers" and NOT stand in the middle of the lineup.
So, these "left overs" are actually the place to be. Lefts and rights come in and it doesn't take long for the crowd to see that they're about 50 feet in the wrong direction. They move over so I cruise to a spot I little less inconsistent but with nobody there. Size wise it was a little bit bigger and every once in a while one connected right through the line and I ended up paddling a long way back 
After my wonderful SUPS session I hang with the boy building sandcastles. Life is good.
Remember to Paddle with Aloha and be a King not a Kook!
Stand Up Paddle Board
The title should be more like Happy 5th of July, not Stand Up Paddle Board, but what–ever. And since I'm rambling, I ate way too much this weekend.
So anyways, it's no secret, but if it is I'm not going to spoil it. Everybody is stuck in traffic and headed home from the long weekend… this year sponsored by the SEC.gov Everyone except those I was out with this evening enjoying post fireworks summer time lines. Me and one other Stand Up Paddler were sharing waves with a handful of locals.
Oh and we could use a little more sun to go with these waves, and a little less eddy please.
But really, Happy Birthday America!!! Be sure to recognize the ongoing battle for our freedoms, the cost associated with them, and may God continue to bless us.
Getting SUP religion after church
Ran into an old friend from back in the day at the Shoreline today. We quickly planned a surf for the afternoon. The reports were not in our favor but sometimes good things happen to those who just show up. Today was one of those days.
What was suppose to be an hour session turned into a couple hours 'cause the waves and conditions were just too good to get out. I was on my 12 foot Ron House old faithful and having fun but really was missing my 9'6"… cause "rip so hard". My buddy was on his log (non SUPr… soon he'll cross over)
Anyways, didn't do much catching up, just a lot of "catching". It was more of a surf rotation, one after the other. Yes, that sounds like we caught a lot of waves, and we did, but no wave hoggin' was going on. There was plenty of waves and nobody really out. Good times, good stuff!
rip so hard
Too much fun. That's how I should always start a Stand Up Paddle Surf post.
I remember when it happened. Back side smack of the top, I can still feel the board get loose. Not that I'm some kind of power surfer but I tend to break fins, always the same one, always on back side snap off the top. Almost every board I have I've had to had the fin system, fin box, fin re-glassed. Right hand trailing fin. Mikey I'll be calling you!
Paddle with Aloha!!! 
Today's SUPS office
Here's the view from today's stand up paddle session. The sun was out earlier, it was a beautiful morning sunrise. Wave action 2-3 feet with some fun lines to be had. Shared the south side with Dennis and another SUP'r who paddled over. The wind was finally blowing the right way, good times.
I’d forecast today to be smaller than th past couple days, but size doesn't matter. However if the sun comes out expect crowds. Paddle with Aloha.
- Posted in the sun 
lunch time stand up paddle surfing
The first day in a long time that the sun came out before noon. I was hustling to get some work done and get down there for some recharge. A buddy and I cruised down with the hope to surf but the intentions to just go check it out. After about 10 minutes we decided to paddle out just because it was a beautiful day.
On the paddle out we were welcomed with a set that seemed like it wouldn't give up. I stood in the inside paddling waiting for an opening. Once out there the wave machine continued. Gotta love the south swell. What a surprise session.
June gloom with waves plus SUPable surf
Slept in past sunrise, slow start out the door and had to run a quick errand before driving down to the beach chancing the winds/ tide combo yet still hopeful for a Stand Up Paddle session. The weather lately has been gray plus AM winds plus negative tides, if on Hawaii's 9th island (Vegas) I might as well write them a check with those odds.
I pull up and act as if I'm going to watch it before I go out. As I catch myself thinking that thought I backup and drive down to my spot (yeah I have a spot). With the low tide and exposed reef I choose to leash my 12 foot Ron House SUP Board. The classic old faithful. The crowds light on the south peak but they must have been giving away gold on the point just to the north, stupid crowded!
Paddled out and had some fun waves. Lefts, rights and about 20 minutes where the wind laid down and the faces cleaned up.
The big set for my session started marching on the horizon so I took it on myself to be the welcome wagon. Especially since the one other guy hanging out with me was stuck on the inside. I greeted the 5 foot swell with an Aloha and cruised back to my spot. Walked out in the sand, showered and started the work day.
So know I watch the winds hoping for a repeat…. with less winds.
Don’t be a kook! Paddle with Aloha 
Saturday morning Stand UP Paddle fun in the crowd
Saturday AM. Swell is here but it's Saturday and I wanna go Stand Up some fun waves with a little juice on it. So I cruise to a spot that breaks off a rock reef that has some new sand in it. The tide is good, wind is good, crowd is overwhelming… and I'm the only Stand Up Paddle Surfer.
I paddle through the line up and get a couple hecklers, but they're bruddahs from the past so it's all good and in fun. However I get that vibe from others, they don't understand that I come packing Aloha.
Watching the sections come and go I paddle over to a spot that no ones really at on a wave that is make-able only on a SUP. Right after right after right. I'm riding my 9'6" and having fun smacking it on the bing bong! The fin configuration is loose which makes for a lot of fun.
Another wonderful day in the water. Sorry no pics, the skies are too gray.
Morning SUPS session?
I don't even remember the morning Stand Up Paddle sesh it was so good. Too much to recall. 
Stand Up Paddle without the paddle
This morning's May gray was in full swing and south wind from our local eddy but the good news is the south swell had enough energy to entice me enough to "paddle" out. A good friend was camping down at a favorite spot of mine and she put out the invite to come down for a morning SUPS session. So I invite another buddy and we get down there early enough for the cold and the wind to make us sit and watch longer than usual.
We’re looking a couple of breaks from the camp site and wondering what's the best of the worst right now. A couple of other friends (wow… friends all over) are already paddling back from their Stand Up Paddle session. We went over and asked them how it was and they said, "it's getting better." Ok?
We’re still watching where they paddled from, cause that's where we wanted to surf. BUT, this left out in front is calling our names practically. We decide to surf right there, only problemo for me is there is a NO SUPS rule where this left is working, grrrrr. So I ditch my paddle and take my 9'6" Stand Up board and have a lay down session with all the other scrappers out there. And it was the call.
Then the sun comes out, wind dies for about an hour and the waves we're lining up perfectly. We get out with smiles on out faces, jump in the warm showers and get treated to hot chili with BBQ spicy sausage. The way it should be. 
King and Queen of Dogpatch May 8th, 2010
Rainbow Sandals is putting on their 2nd annual King & Queen of Dogpatch tomorrow. It's a great event and a good time for all to have. It's a must see Stand Up Paddle Surf event. Show up early to get your spot at San Onofre's surfing beach, not the camp grounds on the bluff.
SUP back on the water
I've been land-locked for the past 30 days. Why? Don't ask. Well… I guess not completely land-locked, I've been able to get out on the water and sail a couple days this past month. However there has been no Stand Up Paddle Surfing for me.
Still needing to keep a dry ear and going stir crazy with all the swell we've had this past month or so I figure I can go play it safe and make a couple laps down at Dana Point Harbor. So confident I don't even bring my wet-dry bag for the baggies.
The tide was going negative and the wind was blowing out of the west around 8-12kts. It was a good afternoon for a workout. I was up for at least a couple laps, still feeling my couple hour workout from this morning. The first lap was downwind the outside channel and upwind against the tide through the mid-channel. Everything was going fine until I rounded the corner where the Harbor Patrol station is. Between the negative tidal movement and the wind it created a weird eddy/ vortex thingy. It didn't really click until I went to dig and it felt like my paddle hit air and I followed up with a splash. I remember thinking to myself, "I just fell in…what the…" And then, "glad I didn't bring my iPhone for tunes…"
It was warm enough that I was pretty much dry by the time I reached Danalina and started lap number dos. This time I paddled down and back on the outer channel. The wind was better for the workout on the way back up.
There was nobody else out, really surprising. Oh it's Monday…
Paddle with Aloha 
Small and brrrrr
Super high tide, itty itty bitty surf and cold air. What the heck I'm I doing to here? Was it this morning's sunrise?
Nope, but it was a bonus. I figured I'd show up a little early and Stand Up Paddle Surf a couple itty bittys before Rainbow Sandals an the gang show up. They are having a photo shoot for this year's King and Queen of Dogpatch.
- Hoku out
Location: Pendleton,United States 
Big outer reef SUPS bombs
Yesterday morning more bombs to Stand Up Paddle Surf. By accident of incident most of our local crew ends up on an outer reef that only breaks when it's really big. As a matter of fact the inside reef only breaks when the ocean is pumping some juicy swell. There we a couple of guys towing in the day before.
Originally three of us squeaked the shore break and paddle over to a left working off one of the semi-submerged rocks. We cruised over there for a couple of waves but were watching another spot. After seeing a steady stream of incoming surf we paddled over and to much our delight were greeted by most of everyone we Stand Up Paddle Surf with at Kaulapapas.
It was pretty fun dialing in a spot you never get a chance to surf a lot, or ever. It took a minute, but we realized where we needed to be and start to have some real fun. Sliding down these faces were a blast. Big open faced waves on a Stand Up Paddle Board is good.
The tide started to feel in and it became difficult to paddle into. We cruised in to battle the shore break again. This time the tide was higher and it was dumping on the sand/ rocks. Trying to negotiate this was on my 12 footer was anything but graceful. I think some of it was after having so much fun outside I didn't care. I pulled in to one, made a bad judgement call, took a couple thumpers on the head and let it drag me across the beach. I little rock rash and sand in the shorts never hurt. It got so bad the Rangers closed the lot down because of the water and beach coming up on the parking lot.
We drove by today and you would have never known that the bombs of yesterday were even there. The swell is backing off everywhere. I actually broke out my short board, found some of my favorite rights and craved my initials in a couple.
Hope everybody had as much fun as I did.
Oh and here is some video of SUPS at the Wedge.
Aloha! 
Finally a Big South Swell swell with some SUPS punch
Down at Kaulapapa's, the Stand Up Paddle Disneyland, something was very strange…the surf was overhead… and at times showing almond barrels (one was chasing me backside). Today wasn't the day for the turn and burn technique, I tried it and it didn't work out well for me. A couple good size waves came in and I thought to myself, "I can make this". One late take off under the lip resulted in a personal yard sale. I was on my 12 footer, made the drop but was way back on the tail. With too much board out in front of me I was trying to make it to the bottom of the wave for a bottom turn but the wave demanded I just go straight to jail and not collect $200. The paddle was ripped out of my hands and my watch was ripped off my wrist as I went skipping down the face, fun.
But those were the exceptions to my session. I had a couple fun drops, not too many sets really lined up until the tide filled in, my last wave I likey. There were some bombs that rolled in and I saw some guys and girls draw get some really clean lines, laying on their rails and heavy on their paddles. And when I mean bombs I mean 10-12ft faces on the super sets. I can say that in confidence because Sean Collins from Surfline was commenting at the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach and said that Lowers was "double to triple overhead". We had a HUGE clean up set, I paddled at least 2 stokes maybe three to get over the face.
Buddies caught in the inside, Pastors praying, leashes popping, Tracey take 28 straight waves on the head but still gets out and catches her wave of the day, shuttles to trails, all before 10AM.
So the question is where to stand up paddle surf tomorrow? Weekends at Kaulapapa's can be so blah with the limited parking. "Hmmmmmm", I wonder. (there's a hint in there if you "follow" me.
And send a prayer out for the family that lost a son today at the wedge. I read he got caught up in the jetty and was taken to hospital where he passed away. The article I read also had a video clip of some wedge action from today's swell and there was a dude on a Stand Up Paddle Board dropping in (1:29 minutes). WHAT!?
Paddle safe this weekend.
Wore out
I don't think you're suppose to be this tired before the swell shows up. I'm exhausted already. The beginning of the week I stand up paddled surfed a bit more than I should and then yesterday went for an outrigger paddle of close to 6 miles. This morning when I started my way through the inside I was feeling it.
Going to get my rest tonight. Pretty tired from a combo of this mornings fun welcoming the new swell and the sun draining what remaining energy I had while on the sailboat this afternoon. I need to work more, I'm more rested when that happens.
Stand Up Paddle FOG Surfing
The last two days have been interesting down at Kaulapapas. The morning marine layer was laid on pretty thick. Yesterday more so than today. There were times that we couldn't see 20 feet in front of us. The surf was inconsistent enough that we would had no idea where we were at. Then the sets would pop up through the fog and it would be a mad scramble to make anything work.
Today was similar, except it was clear in the morning, then the marine layer rolled in. It wasn't as thick as it was yesterday but enough that you couldn't see the shore at times. So if you couldn't see any waves I guess there wasn't any….. or was there.
Great White Shark at San Onofre
What an awesome day! Stand up paddle surfing with no waves…. what to do, what to do? Let's go paddle. Just like yesterdays stand up paddle surf session. With all the shark buzz going around here in southern orange county I wanted first hand knowledge. Up until today I hadn't seen up close (I've seen the dorsal and tail fin) and personal the Great White that all my buddies have had chance encounters with.
Stand Up Paddle Surfers have been pushed down to the south end of San Onofre State Beach, exiled if you will, south of dogpatch. The surf is fickle enough down there with all the deep water spots but when the swell is weak and the tide is wrong it's more or less a lake. Point in case today.
I got bored trying to make believe my 9'6" Ron House SUPS board is actually my 12 footer so I paddle out past the "break" and paddle in semi circles. These aren't random, more of a search pattern. Looking to encounter "fluffy" the San Onofre Great White. I pace patiently out there for 20 minutes or so. Staying over the sandy area looking for a shadow to cruise slowly by. Just as I was about to paddle in I see her. (I'm referring to Fluffy as a her).
That dark shadow I've been waiting for is only a few feet away. How cool is this? I'm standing on the water looking down on a Great White shark. She seemed to be as curious as I was. I paddled over a little closer to try and get an idea of how big she really was. All the reports I've heard from friends have been around the 8 foot mark. Again, I was on my 9'6" SUPS board and she was probably a foot shy, nose to tail, of my board.
For about fifteen minutes we played. There were a couple times where she positioned herself in a way that placed me in a precarious position, which I'll admit was quiet spooky. However most of the time I paddled beside her, both watching what the other was up too. As we kept moving I noticed we were getting into the deeper holes near the power plant and she was popping in and out of the camouflage of seagrass.
At this point I was either under estimating the "tiny brain" of this primitive yet advanced predator and/or pushing my luck. I listened to that "soft tiny voice" in my head and backed off.
I paddled back in complete amazement and respect for this creature that sends fear in the hearts of those when they hear the name, Great White shark. She has probably been in the area for years, silently slipping in and out of the line up unknown to those who prefer to catch waves on their bellies.
All this being said. I'm no shark expect and by any means I do NOT recommend anyone try this, especially if you have a tendency to fall while stand up paddle surfing. We all know the capabilities of a animal of this size, strength and reputation… and if you don't flip on the the Discovery Channel. This was my experience and I thought I'd share it. 
A sharky fun filled day at San O the Stand Up Paddle Surf way
Smooth as glass this morning and all most as flat. No expectations but fun on days like this. These are the days that make Stand Up Paddle Surfing so much fun… pure fun.
Well if there was one expectation it would be that this guy would see our resident Great White again. G-Money has the most spottings of fluffy the past couple weeks. No fluffy today, just a couple leopard sharks, a couple sand sharks and a good size thresher or blue… hard to tell. 4-6ft long and splashy…. he flicked a little water at K-MO today.
But seriously…. there have been legit shark sightings at San Onofre, one has been a Great White. And I'm not sure about this guys shark story!? So if that kind of thing freaks you out don't get in the water. If you're bleeding at all… don't get in the water. And don't forget this, that where they've always been. Let's get freaked out when we see them on land.
K-Mo doing his thing on the tiny tiny surf… taking a little walk.
Finding the nose….
Executing his patented cut back.
Our wahine for the session, the Abinator!
Half the line up…. smiles for miles.
Hoku out. 
How much more fun could Stand Up Paddle Surfing be?
Not too much more fun! Surfed the low to high tide this morning. The water seemed to warm back up. The waves were playful. Stand Up Paddle Surfing Fun to be had!
*Here’s a SUPS tip… when paddling, keep you feet about shoulder's width a part and try not to bend to far forward. Reach naturally and bend a little at the knees if you want to dig for power. I say this because the past couple times out Stand Up Paddle Surfing I've noticed a few folks struggling with balance while trying to catch waves.
It works try it.
Paddle with Aloha 
Hey we said south swell not south wind
I feel asleep last night to the thoughts of a holding south swell mixed with a little bit of northwest that was on call. I checked the wind before going hitting the rack, nothing. Everything looking good for the morning.
I sneak out of the house early this morning, anxious for some Stand Up Paddle SURFING with the boys. The normal morning gloom was hanging around but as I get off the freeway I see the bumps… and not the good kind.
Park and wonder, "do I paddle out….?" Brad, Tim, Peter, Brandon are there taking there time, chatting it up. The south wind is blowing fairly consistent and the tide is still working it's way back up. We talk story a little and Peter and I say go for it.
We paddle out to Nukes and catch a couple before the rest of the line up comes out. A couple hours of windy, 2-4ft and I'm all pau.
Hanging on the sand with G$, Tracey, Jerry Ann, Brain and Blue we talk story for a bit. Remembering yesterday and all the, "you missed its".
Unfortunately there was one common thread to both conversations, where we cannot surf lately and all the different reasons why. Hmmmmmmmmmm…..
to be continued………. 
SUPS and flying sharks?
Out at whitey's this morning the surf was plentiful. Solid south filled in and made for some fun stand up paddle surf rides. Consistent shoulder high surf, the rights were a little better choice than the lefts. Plenty of swell energy to surf and cut back and forth and back and forth, the old, "I'm going straight!" with style.
The Robs were out there, G$, Jerry Anne, Brian was rippin' and a WHOLE bunch more SUPS'rs. Hung out on the beach for a bit, got some work done and watched the tide flood the break. Saved some energy for tomorrow.
Laddahs…Paddle with Aloha.
Oh and the flying sharks…. apparently their doing their impersonation of the South African Great White breaching. This one isn't as big, only 5 feet. 
Independence Day Stand Up Paddle Surf
Happy Independence Day!!! Fireworks and BBQ. I celebrated with a 5 mile paddle out of Dana Point Harbor with a little bit of help with the Prevailing Westerlies.
It was a fun quick downwinder. The harbor was packed, the beaches were packed and the inshore was fairy busy also. About half way down some guy on a Seadoo jets over to me and takes a snap shot. It was a weird thought that I'd have to keep in eye out for boats as I Stand Up Paddled on the "outside". But I guess it is the Fourth of July.
I hope everybody has a great weekend. Enjoy it and be safe, especially if you're near the harbor.
Hoku out. 
We beat the wind
Showed up around 0630 down a Kaulapapa. From home it looked as if the ocean had a small case of the morning sickies. But when I got down there it wasn't as bad as it looked. The surf was on the small side, 1-2 an occasional 3ft'r would roll in. Lots of riding swells to shore today. The surf was weak but the fun level is always high. Ron House had his new 8'4' Stand Up Paddle Surfboard out. It looks like it would be a lot of fun in a steep wave. Tracey and Blue there, Dennis was out, met a few new SUPSters. Got out of the water as the wind picked up but the reason reason was the tide flood it and there was no juice. 
Stand Up Paddle Surf Treadmill
aahhh by the subject line you probably are thinking some new Stand Up Paddle Surf blowflex invention. Nope, just tons of wind blowing down the harbor channels. It was great for a workout, 12-15kts with gusts. Wind to my back cruising down the long channel was fun. The tide was high enough that I skirted the rocks in the island side trying to stay with the wind swells as they "broke" . I only smacked my paddle once on the rocks… it was shallow. But cruising down the middle would have be boring. Ran in to Dennis (fellow longtime SUP'r), he was low-pro in a surf ski and laughed as we exchange thoughts of the Stand Up Paddle back upwind.
As I rounded into the center channel I got ready for the upwind strokefest that was to be. Ran into Brian (another longtime SUP'r) and like Dennis he choose an outrigger to play in today. Hmmmm. Anyways, I paddled up to the 'Fighting Irish' and flipped a U'y… (not a Uli) and made the downwind run back down the center channel. Came back up the long channel… another butt kicker and finished.
Windy days, good for sailing and SUPS punishment. 
1 Paddle 1 Surf 2 to take me home….
So after working 148 hours the past 10 days and finishing the work in the morning quicker then expected…I had the rest of the day with nothing planned. Time to go get some paddle on.
I text'd a buddy and put out a tweet for a paddle out of Dana Point Harbor grabbed my SUPS stuff and split. After waiting for parking, ggrrrrr summertime, I dropped the old reliable on the water and was headed somewhere out of the harbor.
With the predictable west wind blowing constant I figured a head wind paddle out and back downwind run would be the plan. As I made the turn around the jetty I changed it up a bit. Instead of a true head wind I picked a slight head wind. Paddle by the seals on green, lots of freshie pups, and made a line for old Glory.
As I made the turn around it felt good to have the wind on my back. I picked my line and headed back in. Took the center channel back up to Baby Beach and pau. I had a chance to share a little SUPS Aloha with Crystal before taking off.
I had to catch up on my honey do's and busted a couple out. But I could here the ocean calling me back. So a quick check on the tides, perfect timing… I jump back in the box and hope to catch some K-Papa as the sun goes down. So I spike my perfect water for some good hydration and cruise.
I pull up, three guys out and 2-3 feet of promising fun. And it was. 2 hours of waves and warm water. Stand Up Paddle Surfed in front for a while with Rob. With the tide doing it's thing it was pick and choose wisely or paddle paddle paddle. A few more guys showed up so I decided to solo it down to sharkies. A couple nice long long rides there and figured I catch waves back to my car.
I get out as the sun starts to touch the water and count my blessings. I rinse off, pack up and pick up dinner for me and momma at Pedros.
Low tide marine life
Showed up for a morning quickie. Tide was low, surf 1-3ft (more on the 1footer side). Always a fun paddle out through tide channel. Lots of action in the water. I was stalked by a good size ray all morning, lots of feeder fish, a couple 2-3 foot leopard sharks.
Plenty people out for stand up paddle surfing on a Wednesday morning with no swell. It was nice on the 12 footer, easy paddling, big ol' turns and SUPing the swells… you know the ones that never break. Tides going to be low first thing in the morning manana. Have to chance'em, hope the wind doesn't come up early.
Laddahs,
Don’t be a Kook. Paddle with Aloha. 
Hoku is officially back
Last post 2 months ago. Been in the water a couple few times. Never got around to posting the happenings. Had some great solo sessions with one of my all time SoCal favorite peaks to myself. SUP'd with a bunch of buddies on less than less ok days. Here an hour there an hour.
This morning got a good session in down at Kaulapapa or Ron's Reef or Sharky's or Whitey's or Nukes or whatever you like call'em. I'll call it fun 3-4' occasional 5' with light offshore before 7am turning to a south wind with times of glassiness.
Surfed with Titus Kinimaka, Jimbo, Peter, Finger Lake's own Tracey "Princess of Dogpatch", , B-rad, Dennis the man , Mikey and Jerry-Anne were there. Abz showed up late! What's up with that Abby?
Had some good swim sprints from the outside to shore. It's an extra long swim when white sharky is lurking around. Mahalos Titus for your Aloha!
Nothing to do with Stand Up Paddle Surfing
but worth the laughs… Aloha Hard!
Pre Wind Pre Tide Stand Up Paddle Session
This is the second day in a row of clean surf at —- with only a couple friends, all with paddles, at a great break. The core group of 25-30 lay-down surfers never ventured in our little bit of paradise this morning… and this is the Friday morning crew!?
Funny waves, had a great little left that stood straight up and gave me a classic line to draw. On this wave I wish I had my 9'6" Ron House, I was pushing the 12 footer out there today.
Had a sealion try and drop in on me, a bird fishing off my tail (kind of) and whales! Great morning, good friends, what a way to start the day.
Good luck to all the paddle crossers this weekend. Have a safe crossing.
hoku out. 
Who will be the king and queen of dog patch
This is going to be another great event by the guys who put on the Battle of the Paddle. Here's the press release:
The King and Queen of the Dogpatch
Stand-Up Surf Contest
San Onofre State Beach
May 16, 2009
San Clemente CA – (March 1st, 2009)
The King and Queen of Dogpatch will be held Saturday May 16, 2009 at San Onofre State Beach. This raucous and hilarious stand-up paddleboard (SUP) surf contest will directly benefit the newly formed San Onofre Foundation.
The best stand-up paddleboard surfers from California and Hawaii are anticipated to join local standouts at Dogpatch to surf it out for the King and Queen crowns.
“Having fun is what this event is about and we are going to stumble upon our king and queen. Surfers in this contest will have to display more than pure surfing and paddling ability. They are going to have to show panache and aloha in their style.”
“The event celebrates the Dogpatch and our growing sport. And it’s a chance for us to do something nice for the beach through the San Onofre Foundation” says Rainbow Sandals owner Jay “Sparky” Longley.
The King and Queen of the Dogpatch SUP surf contest is open to everyone. There will be novice and advanced divisions for both men and wahines. Finalist in each division will receive royally commemorative awards and an overall king and queen will be crowned. The event takes place May 16 with first heat in the water at 7:00am. For event entry information go to rainbowsandals.com.
Dogpatch is a well-known paddle wave and family area for San Onofre surfers. It is located at the far south end of the San Onofre State Beach surfing area. The towers of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station are near by.
For more information:
Event Director: Barrett Tester
Tel. (949) 276-4431×216
Events@rainbowsandals.com
www.Rainbowsandals.com 
welcome back welcome back welcome back….
oh yes, it felt good to be back in the water. and what better place than —–. it's my spot, has been ever since i was a kid, when i camped there every spring and summer weekend back in the day, when i was lifeguard and today. 2-3ft with a playful wind, tide was going out, another 4 people out, and i had the point to myself, and a hand full of dolphins. it's been a while, lots of people wondering where i went. my reason, my new son! but i'm back in the line up again and can't wait until the next session. time to burn the baby wieght 
The Battle Of the Paddle
Stand Up Paddle Surfing's "The Battle of the Paddle" is less the three weeks away. Rainbow Sandals is going all out and putting on a first class event. This event is for the racers and for those watching. It's going to be a great time and you should either participate or come and hang out. This is one event that you'll be sorry you missed out on. Invite your friends and come say Aloha! Saturday, October 11, 2008
October 11, 2008
www.kingzofthecoast.com 
Pre Dawn Paddle
So…excited (not) that it's way too dark at 6:00AM I head down to KPapa's. Wind is howling in the wrong direction but it has been backing off as the sun comes up. I get there and Tracey is already out. Not much in waves but what does come through is really clean, regardless of the wind. The most fun of the morning was paddling with a pod of dolphins for a few hundred meters. One almost takes Tracey down, lucky for her it wasn't that pit-bull sea-lion that has been hunting her down. 
45 Minutes of Fun
Now that the swell has backed down and everybody is back into the "seasonal swing" of things the beaches seem a little more inviting. Anybody that lives next to the water understands this. Better parking, no lines, lighter line-ups…. yeaaa.
It usually happens to most of us right around this time. Just as we're all getting a little tired of the summertime situation, school goes back in session and the fun begins. Today was one of those days. Having the option to stay longer, after 45 minutes of decent surf with limited crowds it was satisfying enough to just get out and start the day off right.
Paddled with Aloha! 
Blah blah crowds
If you look closely there is a guy beach boy style in the background. there's lots of paddles and boards and some standing up, just not all at once. this one qualifies to be posted, solely because of the fun factor!
CrowdSourcing
CrowdSourcing- kind of. Taking that it's a business term and this morning seemed a little more business-like down at our favorite Stand Up Paddle Surf spot. Our humble Kaulapapa is an SUPS friendly sanctuary. Allow me to break it down.
The short board mentality of "I gots it" or the whistling and calling people off waves is not welcomed, by us that Stand Up Paddle Surf here every day whether it's good-n-glassy or big-n-blown-out; nor by the other wave riders and gliders that cohabit K-Papas with us. And it's a sanctuary because unlike neighboring counties where it's not a legal action to go Stand Up Paddle Surf in your backyard, we are limited in these here parts.
Which brings me back to Crowds. Nobody likes it when you roll up with a dozen (or 25) of your buddies. Especially with the burnt out attitudes. This sport is all about the fun, and Kaulapapa's is a wave that facilitates it. It's not Pipeline where there's barely room for one waverider. Don't let the rumors be true, "all of a sudden a SUP'r showed up and ruined everybody's day". Don't be that guy. 
Stand Up Photos from today
More photos from this day click here 
Stand Up Paddle Weekends
Here's the bird's eye from the stand up paddle this weekend. Don't forget to about the Ta-Hoe Nalu Paddle event this weekend.
[Lights Camera Stand Up Paddle Action
This morning we wrapped up the shooting for an international piece on the sport and lifestyle of Stand Up Paddle Surfing. It was an awesome opportunity to share with others around the world the passion and Aloha from some of us here in So Cal. I'd like to give a little mahalos to all that took their time to participate in way shape or form. Mahalos to Ron House , for taking some time from his master shaping of the new 12'6" race boards (for the Battle of the Paddle)…can't wait for those to be finished. And to EJ for his time showing off his beautiful hand made wooden paddles. Brad thanks for volunteering extra boards and equipment for the shoot that never happened…. I won't even go there. Pat from Rainbow Sandals for coming down and surfing with us. Can't forget the local morning lineup; Dennis, Jon, Michael, G-Money, Brandon and out star wahine Tracey.
A special thanks for nothing goes out to the…… ah never mind, it all worked out. If it didn't happen they way it went down we probably never would of got the surf footage we captured this morning…and brah was it good. Right on Jon & Tracey.
Fo’ reals though, a special thanks to my new friends from on the other side of the pond for making this all possible, vielen dank! We look forward to seeing the final production in October!
Sharin’ the Aloha- globally, www.kingzofthecoast.com 
Sweepers Sweepers man your brooms
"Sweepers Sweepers man your brooms" was something I heard while in the Marines deployed on the Navy's vacation cruise ships. Funny thing. I've heard the "others" refer to us Stand Up Paddle Surfers as sweepers and had a good laugh with myself. I've read other non SUPS blog sites using the terms sweepers, janitors, oarers and some other descriptive and colorful names. All worth the chuckle I get but never rating more than that until now. I have to share this one, showing a sweeper. Down in Encinitas they made a "sweeper" statement a while back. I thought it was worth repeating.
And "oarers"….is that all you got!?
Paddle with Aloha sweepers. 
Lucky number seven
This morning we did a seven mile Stand Up Paddle. It was a really enjoyable experience. Not a blistering pace, had a couple pit stops, tried to surf an outer local reef without putting holes in the bottom of out boards, you know who you are. It was a blast. It didn't seem like 7 miles until you picked up the board. Good fun. And it was a pleasure meeting all the new faces.
Paddlin’ with Aloha 
Happy 808 Day
For all the Hawaiians out there, you know.
Today was quite the adventure. Lots of challenges and fun. The surf started out decent, small inconsistent and overcast. Then the sun came out, surf picked up, cleaned up and had nice shape. I'd call it 2-3' but it was implied today that I have a broken measuring stick. And apparently a poor thermometer because the water is always warm to me.
We’re up to something over here at www.kingzofthecoast.com, not sure what but it is good. Stay tuned for the goodness.
Who’s the man!?
Awesome hand crafted custom exotic wood paddles.
So what's up with the video crew? What are the Kingz up to…… da da dahhhhh…. 
Small Surf Small Stand Up Paddle Surf Board
Summer seems to finally be here. The coastal eddy has lifted for us the past week almost. Days are warmer. We've had some pretty decent swells for the most part of the summer. Today seemed more summer-ish than lately. Ron House had a new little toy, see pic below. Looks like fun.
Here’s a couple more from this morning. Click for more SUPS photos
Beautiful Monday Morning
So it's Tuesday and I'm still thinking about yesterday morning. Sunny- hasn't happened in a while, small fun little waves and small crowd. Fun fun stand up paddle surfing fun.
laddahs- hoku
[SUPS South
We've had a pretty good summer when has come to waves. This morning was another wave filled morning. The south showed up over night and greeted us with brownish water and fast lines. Today's phase that payz was "wave selection". Outside bombers had some corners on them, my first wave was a couple feet over head and fast enough to make me up. Inside was tons of fun, as usual. I just took more "on the head" than usual. More in Stand Up Paddle in store bright and early. See you in the water; KPapa.
[Stand Up Paddle Surf Relations
Two by two we paddled to the waves. There was a great response to us SURFING in the line up with the rest of the wave sliders. Everyone was stoked, we were spotting the sets for the line up. This is what the spirit of the Sport of the Kings is all about, Aloha. Everyone was having fun, no attitudes, just good fun. And this is not a heavy Stand Up Paddle Surf spot.
Others see Stand Up Paddle Surfers having the ability to catch a lot of waves. I agree, however, I know most of the waves I surf are passed up by the packed line-up, and I see a lot of my fellow Stand Up Paddle Surfers do the same. As a matter of fact, I'm seen most of the time sitting on the inside of the short boarders and having a blast. I do not deny that there are KOOKS in the Stand Up Paddle Surf community, just as there are KOOKs on long boards, short boards, boogie boards, in cars on the freeway, etc, etc, etc. That's just there attitude in life. There are a bunch of bitter souls in this world and when they see everybody but themselves having fun they boo-hoo and poop themselves. It's the Sport of the Kings, we can only expect others to hold themselves to a higher standard.
So Aloha to all you Kings that share the wave wealth. Stand Up Paddle Surfers, long boarders, short boards, and all the others who have a love of the slide. And to the kooks who don't get it, we'll pray for you.
Paddle with Aloha. Peace out. 
Shark Week
If you see a decline in the lineup this week it could be of the mental terrorism of sharks on the Discovery channel this week.
And since we're talking about shark week, find the humor in this if you will. Found it on surfline.com:
"Alert: If it wasn't bad enough with the recent spate of shark incidents/sightings, mother nature has now decided to flank us from the rear – two young mountains lions have identified by authorities as roaming the hills together on Camp Pendleton. Keep you eyes open!"
Fun from yesterdays SUPSession
Here's a fun shot from yesterday's Gerry Lopez and Ron House Stand Up Paddle Surf demo. Hoku helo on the Ron House Hoku Honu custom. This was taken by Kevin- mahalos for the shots. More of his shots will be posted on www.kingzofthecoast.com shortly.
Ron House Gerry Lopez Stand Up Paddle Surf Gathering
This morning at Kaulapapas (K-Papas) Ron House and Gerry Lopez in hosted by RPS had a board demo session. There was about 25 SUP Surfers in the water. Different levels of expertise, from Gerry Lopez level to the first time in the surf. Jimmy from Quick Blade was there. Everybody was out having good fun!
Met a lot of new friends out in the water today… Alohaz to all ya'll. The surf was better than the picture tells. Hope to see you in the water again.
Sign up for our Stand Up Paddle Surf newsletter to be the first to see the new boards coming out soon. One resembles the Hoku Honu.
Momma Mia Bond Stand Up Paddle Surfs!!!
[Offshore fun
Surf was clean this morning. Offshore winds and chest to head high waves, a little inconsistent with the tide but it was sooo much fun!
This is from the SC Ocean Festival- Kyle Mo rippin on his Ron House 8'11'. Photo by Pat.
San Clemente Ocean Festival Stand Up Paddle Surf Video
