Stand Up Paddle Surfing Global
UK Premieres of the Oxbow Waterman Experience Film
Next week the sensational film from Oxbow, The Watermen Experience, is coming to the UK and you can attend any of the premieres for free!
The film follows Laird Hamilton, Jason Polakow, Kai Lenny, Levi Siver and Duane Desoto during the winter season of 2009/10 in Maui, Hawaii as they explore new and exciting ways to ride the most intensely challenging waves in the world. [Link]
SPT Locking Roof Rack Straps Review
When you spend a lot of hard earned cash on stand up paddle boards or surfboards you want to know that your investment is not going to be stolen from the roof of your car when you are parked up checking the surf. Lockable roof racks have been on the market for many years now, but lockable roof rack straps are the next logical step in protecting your equipment from theft. [Link]
Cold Chile Waves – Stand Up Paddle Surfing Heaven
Sometime you have to let the pictures do the talking. Our man in Chile, Naish rider Arnaud Frennet has been tackling giant, freezing, lefthand waves at , Punta De Lobos, Pichilemu, while we have been basking in a Northern Hemisphere summer, with small sloppy waves. Pichilemu is regarded as one of the best spots and most consistant spots in Chile to surf. Arnaud takes over the story: [Link]
Nah Skwell 8'8"
Knowing that I only had a few days to try the NS 88 I was hoping for a bit of a let up in the weather, we had the swell but along with it was 15 – 20mph onshore winds. That coupled with pretty much bang on low tides after work meant just one thing at Gwithian. Hideous, dumpy closeouts, (is that three things?). Anyway the forecast was looking better for Thursday, so in true forward planning style I decided to give it a bash mid beach on Wednesday night. [Link]
It's been a while
It's not because I've not been surfing, in fact even while I was vanless I still managed to get out on the ULI Lopez carried in a rucsac on my little Honda 250. Great fun and a fantastic way to stick two fingers up to the principle of 24hour car parking charges recently imposed at Gwithian.(You can't put a pay and display ticket on a motorbike). [Link]
Crossing the English Channel by Stand Up Paddle Board
On Friday 25 June Simon Bassett owner of 2XS / X-train and BSUPA head coach, Matt Argyle BSUPA Ranked 2nd overall 2009 and Jock Patterson, BSUPA champ 2009 set a new record for paddle surfing across The English Channel. The relay from Dover to Calais took just over 5 hours 38 minutes (it took Laird Hamilton 7 hours after he ran from London to Dover !) The record which is currently being ratified should stand as a new relay Guinness World Record. This will be confirmed in the next few weeks. [Link]
Isle De Oleron and Isle De Re, France
Tez tells us about this trip to stand up paddle in France. Having spent a few holidays in the past down in the usual spots of SW France (Biarrtiz, Anglet, Hossegor etc) I thought it was high time that a visit should be paid to the Charentes Maritime area and it's two islands. This is mainly due to the curiosity factor of wanting to compare the conditions you get on those islands to the conditions we get here on our island (Hayling) Plus the fact we both needed a holiday and had never been to this area before. [Link]
Stand Up Paddle Surfing Venice with RRD 27th June 2010
RRD International in collaboration with Nissan and the CITY OF VENICE and participation of INVENICE a.s.d. AICS and Remiera Settemari Venezia is really proud to announce to the family and the world a new incoming great event: [Link]
Hurry up and wait
We are still waiting to hear whether we are going to get the go today for crossing the English Channel by stand up paddle board tomorrow (Tuesday 22nd June). The concerns of the team last week have been realised as the wind looks like it will shift from Northerly to Southerly tomorrow meaning it will be in our faces so we are 50/50 as to whether it is worth an attempt. Trying to convey, across a phone, how a downwinder on a SUP board works has been pretty frustrating. Our main friend has been http://www.xcweather.co.uk which is has proved accurate and an excellent resource. [Link]
Battle of the Paddle Hawaii 2010 Results
Stand-up paddling (SUP) came full circle back to its home of Waikiki, Hawaii, this weekend (June 13th 2010), surpassing every conceivable expectation with the ultimate combination of sport and lifestyle. Over 600 paddlers from around the world gathered for the inaugural Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle Hawaii, presented by Quiksilver Waterman Collection, and thousands turned out to watch. When all was said and done, everyone had a story to tell. [Link]
Review of the Kialoa Methane Stand Up Paddle
We review the Kialoa Methane paddle and find it to our liking. This paddle is slightly narrower than some others on the market, it is targeted at women and surfers, but it has become the distance paddle of choice for a lot of racers. [Link]
BSUPA Event 2 – Roadford 29th May
Following on from the successful first BSUPA race of the series at West Wittering BSUPA are proud to be running the next distance race in conjunction with The Environment Agency and Share the Smile. [Link]
Stand Up World Tour – Anglet, France
Despite struggling with conditions that have gone from pretty classic to completely flat the Stand Up World Tour, in Anglet, France, now has announced the trialists that have made it through the surfing heats and have got into the second round of the main event. [Link]
SAS Crossing – Advice from Laird Hamilton
Well the training had a bit of a bump at the end of February, up until then it was going really well, if a little boring, due to the amount of time spent in the gym. I had lined up a series of 5km running races in February and March at least give me some motivation to keep going, these went pretty well all things considered, I certainly thrashed myself, but I did not beat my personal best that I achieved four years ago, still I was please with completing the races in around 19 minutes.
[Link]
Review of the Surf Tech Bark 14ft Expedition
Oh my God, this thing glides ! This will probably be the first thing that you think when you get your hands on one of these stand up paddle boards. I have moved up from a 12ft board and I was not expecting the extra 2 ft to make that much difference. How wrong can you be. When you first get the board you are looking at something that resembles an oversized gun surfboard. It is 14ft long and 30 inches wide. At the thickest point it is 5 inches. The board comes with ten screw inserts, four of which have neoprene covered handles screwed in, there is plenty of options to pimp the board with water bottle carriers, GPS and cargo nets. The handles are on the front of the board, so the first thing I did was to move them to the mid section where I can use them to help put the board on the rack. The board has two leash plugs on the back, and hurrah, a carry handle that is actually in the right place. Well done Bark/Surftech. It comes with an 8 inch fin. At first we thought that was too small and we should put in a more specific distance fin in, but after messing around with a few different configurations (and hearing Simon cursing behind me as he caught every bit of sea weed going), we went back to the standard Surftech fin which seems to work fine, especially when picking up off shore running swells. [Link]
Review of the Curve Lock Down Soft Roof Rack System
The Curve Lock Down roof rack strap system is an excellent bit of kit. It looks a bit more “technical” than other systems I have used, but it help an SUP board and two surf boards on two different types of car (one with roof bars and one without). It is one of these systems that are described as soft roof racks or soft racks, that do not need an actual rack to work as they either fix onto roof bars or through the doors.
The system comes in a bag that you can sling into your luggage if you are taking a flight. Once you arrive you can have it rigged onto the roof in about 5 minutes.
The first thing that you notice when you open the bag is how well made all the components are. Like all curve kit the quality is very high and all of the straps and pads are solid. The pads are excellent and they will keep you board safe and make sure that the rails do not get crushed. The only thing I would consider is putting a towel inbetween the roof and the straps to prevent sand scratching the roof. The other way of doing this is to make sure that you brush sand off before you put the straps on. A lesson learned there. [Link]
RANTS BIKES SUP'S AND KITES
Anyone that reads this stuff probably has a good idea by now that I have a habit – it's called compulsion. I recognise it and to be honest I celebrate it – my compulsion's are usually born from genuine passion and in my defence there have not actually been that many over the years. Fishing – Rugby – Motorbikes – Surfing – Push bikes – Triathlon and anything involving the sea, not getting bored and staving off wearing pissy smelling fleece jackets that seem to accompany the onset of middle age and terminal tedium. [Link]
First BSUPA event in 2010 UK SUP Series
BSUPA ROUND 1 National series
West Wittering MAY 15/16 2010
Sponsored by 2XS
The first of the BSUPA UK national series for stand up paddle surf and distance. The event will comprise of a surf event in heat format (subject to surf conditions) and a down wind distance race. We have the new board categories for racing of up to 12ft 6" (Stock category) and 12ft 7" plus (Open category). Entry is available to all BSUPA members (new members welcome) -membership is available on the day. There will free test stand up paddle boards for newcomers to try. Also there is a chance to see the latest new paddles and stand up paddle boards.
Local stand up paddle surfers Neal Gent 2008 BSUPA surf champion from Bracklesham, Bobbie Cooper ladies number two from West Wittering, Holly Bassett Junior 12 year old rider from Itchenor, Matt Argyle from Bracklesham second overall in 2009 and current ladies champion Claire Blacklock will all looking for good results. Stand up paddle surfers from all over the UK will be travelling to compete in the event.
[Link]
Stand Up Paddle Technique – The Boomerang
technique/boomerang/gallery:651:100:1:0 Ivan van Vuuren from Coreban takes us through a move called the boomerang, handy when you see a wave you just have to catch. So you’ve figured out how to get over waves without falling, it’s time to step it up a notch and practice the Boomerang. I’ve been doing them for about 3 years now and found it tricky at first but after a bit of practice it’s a great move that can be performed on waves 2ft or bigger and actually a great way to get on a wave face at the last second and ride the wave… Let’s take a closer look at some of the key points to successfully pulling off the move. [Link]
The aftermath – SUP in Chile after the Tsunami
My name is Arnaud Frennet, for those who don’t know me, I am a Naish rider for both SUP and Windsurfing based here in Chile. As you sure know we have been hit by a devastating 8.8 Earthquake, that was followed by a Tsunami. My family and myself have been very fortunate given the circumstances, despite some material damage (the tsunami reached our house in Punta de Lobos but did not destroy it…too much luck). Unfortunately around us some of our friends and neighbors did not get the same fate and lost everything. We have put all our energy into helping them for recovery. All the Surf, SUP, Kite and Windsurf community has come together to help for recovery. The most damaged area extend from Tirua to Pichilemu, which is the most famous area for those sports in Chile, and for sure one of the most intense on Earth. The tsunami hit many World Famous beaches for those sports like Curanipe, Llico, Matanzas, Pichilemu & Punta de Lobos, just to name a few. [Link]
Funky Puffin sponsors Europe’s toughest SUP race
Funky Puffin, the lifestyle brand that’s growing out of Jersey (Channel Islands), is the 2010 sponsor of the Paddle Round The Pier Euro-Enduro stand-up paddleboard (SUP) race, taking place on July 3rd and 4th 2010 in Brighton, England. Funky Puffin, which produces a range of eco-friendly surf and beach products, has chosen Paddle Round The Pier for its first sponsorship deal outside of the Channel Islands because it is Europe’s largest free beach festival and raises thousands of pounds for charity. The 20 mile charity SUP race in association with SurfAid International is renowned as Europe’s toughest. Competitors will race from Brighton West Pier to Worthing Pier and back in the hope of winning the £1000 prize money for first place in either of the two classes. [Link]
Review of the Kahuna Creations Big Stick
Dave Samuel the man behind Brighton's Paddle Round the Pier festival has been looking for something different to do on his skate board. He saw a Kahuna Creations Big Stick and decided the combination of Stand Up Paddle and skateboarding was something he had to try. Dave tells us about it: [Link]
Mctavish – The shortest time I've ever owned a board.
Getting back in the swing of things now – had a few Sunday, sloppy sessions at Gwithian and had my first full fat beating in the middle of the week. An evening session that had overhead surf and blistering offshores put my lack of paddle fitness to the test. Not nice and I should have known better but it's been pretty desperate and as the clocks had gone back I thought I better make the most of it. WRONG!!
One thing that was definitely right though was going to see Joan Armatrading for the start of her latest UK tour – last time we saw her was 25 years ago and we were worried that her voice may have suffered with time. Not a bit – in fact if anything it seemed even stronger and richer than before and if anything more confident on stage, however she don't say much!!! Nice mix of old and the new 'This Charming Life' album which is a bit rockier. Great stuff and totally recommended – Swear that I spotted Billie Jean King there, might be mistaken. [Link]
MMMmmmnnnn!!
Now that's how you store boards on holiday
And not a single baggage charge amongst them It's strange how fast things can go downhill sometimes, and how soon after your highest high's you get your lowest lows. Our Costa Rica trip was amazing, surfed everyday bar one sometimes twice a day and occasionally three times. Totally ace. But I reckon I sort of peaked in Nosara, and everything since has been cold, wet grey and painful. Here's why. [Link]
John Zapotocky 91 Years Young and the History of Stand Up Paddling
You may be forgiven for thinking that stand up paddling is a new sport, that has probably been around for 4 or 5 years right? Wrong, in fact the roots of our sport go right back to the man who bought surfing to the world, Duke Kahanamoku. How do we know this? Because the man that is the Godfather of stand up paddling, John Zapotocky learn't from the Duke. [Link]
Chris "Guts" Griffiths joins SurfTech Stand Up Paddle Team
Anyone who surfs or stand up paddle surfs in the UK will have heard the name Chris "Guts" Griffiths. Chris is a legend who has been a well known face of surfing for over 40 years, he has won over a dozen Welsh titles, split between longboard and shortboard divisions, he won the Europe pro longboard tour in 1997 and 1999 and had a top five ranking in the ASP in 1996. [Link]
Insane Video footage from the Stand Up Paddle Surfing Sunset Pro
The Waterman's League Stand Up Paddle Surf Sunset Beach Pro was eventually won by Maui local Kai Lenny, and some excellent video footage has been surfacing from the event showing how, on day two, how hard and shifty the waves were. [Link]
Ku Ikaika stand up paddle surf contest looks good for Monday
With the amazing winter season in Hawaii starting to close it looked as if the Ku Ikaika Big Wave Challenge at Makaha Point might not get the swell it needed for the contest to go ahead, however big wave stand up paddle surfers are getting mentally prepared as the word is out that a big NNW swell in the 12-15 foot range is heading in making conditions look good for Monday. [Link]
SAS Challenge 2010 Fitness testing results
Well the verdict is in and the tests are over, well for me and Claire they are anyway. Simon and Jock are yet to be tested. As part of the build up to the stand up paddle across the English Channel John Kelly from the University of Chichester put myself and Claire through a couple of tests to get a verdict on our current level of fitness and in turn that gave us a good idea of how much work we need to do over the coming months. [Link]
Corran Stand Up Paddle Surfs Waimea
Corran Addison, the owner of Imagine Eco stand up paddle boards, is currently in Oahu, Hawaii. While most of us spent valentines day in a more sedate fashion, Corran decided to tackle Waimea, stand up paddle surfing. He tells us all about it. [Link]
Tez's Surf Art
As well as being a contributor to this website and a fanatical stand up paddle surfer (often seen out on the Hayling/Wittering/Bracklesham coast of the UK) Tez is a talented surf artist. We found out about this and asked Tez if he would tell us his story. [Link]
Coreban Fusion 9' Stand Up Paddle Board Test
Ivan van Vuuren takes us through the new Coreban Fusion 9ft Stand Up Paddle board. It looks like a nice board and I hear a rumour that there will be a UK distributor of this South African/Hawaiian based brand. The board is 9ft x 29 1/2 wide x 4 1/2 thick. It has a volume of 148 L. [Link]
Stand Up Paddle World Tour Sunset Beach Pro
The kick off of the Waterman League's Stand Up Paddle World Tour had an anxious build-up, as athletes from around the world would come together to mingle, compete, and inevitably judge and be judged by their respected peers, and the North Shore would be host to yet another event close to others by date, yet distanced by medium… SUP. The Sunset Beach Pro, set to be the most groundbreaking event for this incredibly versatile sport exploding in every direction bears the significance of holding the first event of the Tour in Hawaii at one of its most celebrated breaks. Greeted by 8 – 10 ft perfect Sunset and 32 of Hawaii's most promising talents, the Hulakai Trials has set the standard for World Tour qualification. [Link]
Early Mornings and Armadillos
Now you might be asking yourself 'WTF has a long eared, belly shuffling, ant powered, armoured plated rodent with poor eyesight got the hell to do with paddlesurfing?'
Fair point, but it's being able to see stuff like this in the wild – [Link]
Uli Lopez Inflatable Stand Up Paddle board – Costa Rica
December 20th was my last post, such a lot has happened since then it all just seems such a blur now. Since then I managed to get a couple of decent sessions in, one on Christmas Eve on the Bonga with Shane and another on a beautiful New Years day on the 7'8", but to be honest my head was already on the beach at Playa Guiones. [Link]
World Record Attempt for Surfers Against Sewage
Three of Britain’s best stand up paddle boarders met at West Wittering windsurf club at this Friday, 29th January to launch the Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) 2010 Challenge, a Guinness World Record™ breaking attempt to cross the English Channel in June this year that also aims to raise at least £10,000 for SAS’s campaigns and celebrate the organisation’s 20th anniversary. [Link]
Surfers Against Sewage Paddle Across the English Channel
The cat is out of the bag, myself (Matt Argyle), Jock Patterson, Elliot Dudley, Simon Bassett and Claire Blacklock are stand up paddling across the English Channel on a day between 18th – 25th June 2010, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world (so busy that they have a motorway system in place where ships on one side travel one way and the other side travel the other). The distance as the crow flies is 21 miles, however the actual distance will be much more are we weave our way across to France. [Link]
Surfers Against Sewage Challenge Prize Draw
Matt Argyle, Simon Bassett, Claire Blacklock, Elliot Dudley and Jock Patterson are attempting to cross the English channel on stand up paddle boards to raise money for Surfers Against Sewage. We are holding a prize draw to raise money, prizes have been provided by all the riders and their sponsors (Animal, 2XS and X-Train, Naish and Roxy). We have over 20 prizes to give away check out our prize list. So how do you stand a chance of winning some of this lovely stuff ? If you wish to enter each 'ticket' for the draw costs £5, you can enter as many times as you want. Winners will be randomly drawn. [Link]
Mctavish – The shortest time I've ever owned a board.
Getting back in the swing of things now – had a few Sunday, sloppy sessions at Gwithian and had my first full fat beating in the middle of the week. An evening session that had overhead surf and blistering offshores put my lack of paddle fitness to the test. Not nice and I should have known better but it's been pretty desperate and as the clocks had gone back I thought I better make the most of it. WRONG!!
One thing that was definitely right though was going to see Joan Armatrading for the start of her latest UK tour – last time we saw her was 25 years ago and we were worried that her voice may have suffered with time. Not a bit – in fact if anything it seemed even stronger and richer than before and if anything more confident on stage, however she don't say much!!! Nice mix of old and the new 'This Charming Life' album which is a bit rockier. Great stuff and totally recommended – Swear that I spotted Billie Jean King there, might be mistaken. [Link]
MMMmmmnnnn!!
Now that's how you store boards on holiday
And not a single baggage charge amongst them It's strange how fast things can go downhill sometimes, and how soon after your highest high's you get your lowest lows. Our Costa Rica trip was amazing, surfed everyday bar one sometimes twice a day and occasionally three times. Totally ace. But I reckon I sort of peaked in Nosara, and everything since has been cold, wet grey and painful. Here's why. [Link]
John Zapotocky 91 Years Young and the History of Stand Up Paddling
You may be forgiven for thinking that stand up paddling is a new sport, that has probably been around for 4 or 5 years right? Wrong, in fact the roots of our sport go right back to the man who bought surfing to the world, Duke Kahanamoku. How do we know this? Because the man that is the Godfather of stand up paddling, John Zapotocky learn't from the Duke. [Link]
Chris "Guts" Griffiths joins SurfTech Stand Up Paddle Team
Anyone who surfs or stand up paddle surfs in the UK will have heard the name Chris "Guts" Griffiths. Chris is a legend who has been a well known face of surfing for over 40 years, he has won over a dozen Welsh titles, split between longboard and shortboard divisions, he won the Europe pro longboard tour in 1997 and 1999 and had a top five ranking in the ASP in 1996. [Link]
Insane Video footage from the Stand Up Paddle Surfing Sunset Pro
The Waterman's League Stand Up Paddle Surf Sunset Beach Pro was eventually won by Maui local Kai Lenny, and some excellent video footage has been surfacing from the event showing how, on day two, how hard and shifty the waves were. [Link]
Ku Ikaika stand up paddle surf contest looks good for Monday
With the amazing winter season in Hawaii starting to close it looked as if the Ku Ikaika Big Wave Challenge at Makaha Point might not get the swell it needed for the contest to go ahead, however big wave stand up paddle surfers are getting mentally prepared as the word is out that a big NNW swell in the 12-15 foot range is heading in making conditions look good for Monday. [Link]
SAS Challenge 2010 Fitness testing results
Well the verdict is in and the tests are over, well for me and Claire they are anyway. Simon and Jock are yet to be tested. As part of the build up to the stand up paddle across the English Channel John Kelly from the University of Chichester put myself and Claire through a couple of tests to get a verdict on our current level of fitness and in turn that gave us a good idea of how much work we need to do over the coming months. [Link]
Surfers Against Sewage Paddle Across the English Channel
The cat is out of the bag, myself (Matt Argyle), Jock Patterson, Elliot Dudley, Simon Bassett and Claire Blacklock are stand up paddling across the English Channel on a day between 18th – 25th June 2010, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world (so busy that they have a motorway system in place where ships on one side travel one way and the other side travel the other). The distance as the crow flies is 21 miles, however the actual distance will be much more are we weave our way across to France. [Link]
Corran Stand Up Paddle Surfs Waimea
Corran Addison, the owner of Imagine Eco stand up paddle boards, is currently in Oahu, Hawaii. While most of us spent valentines day in a more sedate fashion, Corran decided to tackle Waimea, stand up paddle surfing. He tells us all about it. [Link]
Early Mornings and Armadillos
Now you might be asking yourself 'WTF has a long eared, belly shuffling, ant powered, armoured plated rodent with poor eyesight got the hell to do with paddlesurfing?'
Fair point, but it's being able to see stuff like this in the wild – [Link]
Stand Up Paddle World Tour Sunset Beach Pro
The kick off of the Waterman League's Stand Up Paddle World Tour had an anxious build-up, as athletes from around the world would come together to mingle, compete, and inevitably judge and be judged by their respected peers, and the North Shore would be host to yet another event close to others by date, yet distanced by medium… SUP. The Sunset Beach Pro, set to be the most groundbreaking event for this incredibly versatile sport exploding in every direction bears the significance of holding the first event of the Tour in Hawaii at one of its most celebrated breaks. Greeted by 8 – 10 ft perfect Sunset and 32 of Hawaii's most promising talents, the Hulakai Trials has set the standard for World Tour qualification. [Link]
Tez's Surf Art
As well as being a contributor to this website and a fanatical stand up paddle surfer (often seen out on the Hayling/Wittering/Bracklesham coast of the UK) Tez is a talented surf artist. We found out about this and asked Tez if he would tell us his story. [Link]
Coreban Fusion 9' Stand Up Paddle Board Test
Ivan van Vuuren takes us through the new Coreban Fusion 9ft Stand Up Paddle board. It looks like a nice board and I hear a rumour that there will be a UK distributor of this South African/Hawaiian based brand. The board is 9ft x 29 1/2 wide x 4 1/2 thick. It has a volume of 148 L. [Link]
Uli Lopez Inflatable Stand Up Paddle board – Costa Rica
December 20th was my last post, such a lot has happened since then it all just seems such a blur now. Since then I managed to get a couple of decent sessions in, one on Christmas Eve on the Bonga with Shane and another on a beautiful New Years day on the 7'8", but to be honest my head was already on the beach at Playa Guiones. [Link]
Surfers Against Sewage Paddle Across the English Channel
The cat is out of the bag, myself (Matt Argyle), Jock Patterson, Elliot Dudley, Simon Bassett and Claire Blacklock are stand up paddling across the English Channel on a day between 18th – 25th June 2010, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world (so busy that they have a motorway system in place where ships on one side travel one way and the other side travel the other). The distance as the crow flies is 21 miles, however the actual distance will be much more are we weave our way across to France. [Link]
World Record Attempt for Surfers Against Sewage
Three of Britain’s best stand up paddle boarders met at West Wittering windsurf club at this Friday, 29th January to launch the Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) 2010 Challenge, a Guinness World Record™ breaking attempt to cross the English Channel in June this year that also aims to raise at least £10,000 for SAS’s campaigns and celebrate the organisation’s 20th anniversary. [Link]
Stand Up Paddler Slater Trout Signs with Maui Jim
Already his reputation is building up as a world class stand up paddler with his second place at the Battle of the Paddle at the age of 14, now Slater Trout has been signed up by Maui Jim Sunglasses. [Link]
Cabrinha Launch Stand Up Paddle Board Range
Cabrinha have launched a range of stand up paddle boards and a new website to go with it and they will soon be available in the UK and around the world. [Link]
Emerald Isolation – Stand Up Paddle in Ireland
Ireland, the emerald isle, poetic and yet accurate. I have been taking trips to Ireland and surfing for the last 15 years. In that time there have been huge changes over there, the fragile peace that has come to the North, the prolifereation of road building and infrastructure bought about by European Union funds, the rise and fall of the Celtic tiger, the huge amount of house building. Despite all of this, what draws me back year after year, and what stays imprinted on my eye lids is the perfect isolation and the waves ! [Link]
JP launches 2010 stand up paddle board range
JP have always produced excellent windsurf boards, so it is good news that they have entered the stand up paddle board market. Jason Polakow and Antoine Albeau organised a photo shoot with Jérôme Houyvet in Maui as soon as the boards turned up. [Link]
Stand Up Paddler Slater Trout Signs with Maui Jim
Already his reputation is building up as a world class stand up paddler with his second place at the Battle of the Paddle at the age of 14, now Slater Trout has been signed up by Maui Jim Sunglasses. [Link]
Cabrinha Launch Stand Up Paddle Board Range
Cabrinha have launched a range of stand up paddle boards and a new website to go with it and they will soon be available in the UK and around the world. [Link]
Emerald Isolation – Stand Up Paddle in Ireland
Ireland, the emerald isle, poetic and yet accurate. I have been taking trips to Ireland and surfing for the last 15 years. In that time there have been huge changes over there, the fragile peace that has come to the North, the prolifereation of road building and infrastructure bought about by European Union funds, the rise and fall of the Celtic tiger, the huge amount of house building. Despite all of this, what draws me back year after year, and what stays imprinted on my eye lids is the perfect isolation and the waves ! [Link]
JP launches 2010 stand up paddle board range
JP have always produced excellent windsurf boards, so it is good news that they have entered the stand up paddle board market. Jason Polakow and Antoine Albeau organised a photo shoot with Jérôme Houyvet in Maui as soon as the boards turned up. [Link]
Starboard UK Stand Up Paddle Race Team
John Hibbard from Starboard UK released the line up for the Stand Up Paddle Race Team with a massive 29 members ! This wil surely kick start the UK race scene in 2010. [Link]
Stand Up Paddler Jenny Kalmbach Joins Naish Team
Naish welcomes Jenny Kalmbach to their International Stand Up Paddle Team. Kalmbach, 26 years old, has rapidly become one of the world’s elite paddlers in the short three years since she began the sport. Kalmbach grew up in San Jose, Costa Rica and currently resides in Kona, Hawaii. [Link]
Drops Watt 9ft 1" Stand Up Paddle Board Review
A fresh batch of stand up paddle boards have arrived in the UK from Drops in Europe. 2XS took delivery and busted some out for us to test. First up we have the video review of the 9ft 1" Watt. [Link]
Imagine Eco Wave Rider Stand Up Paddle Board Video Review
In October 2009 we spent some time in Cornwall filming some stand up paddle board reviews. This is the Eco Imagine Wave Rider review. [Link]
Nah Skwell Fish Stand Up Paddle Board Video Review
To kick off the new video area of the website we did a stand up paddle board review. We hope you like the new section – there are plenty more videos on the way ! [Link]
Off the Rails – Holiday Head – Round Up
As expected the wheels have fallen off my 6 week SUP Specific plan. Coinciding with the weekend of our works Christmas do, I sort of increased my ratio of rest days to work out days and it was going so well. Having said that it's not been a total loss, I have got shot of the best part of half a stone of lard (7lbs) and dropped a few waist sizes in my jeans PLUS I am now 13 stone something instead of 14 stone something. So that's nice. With the festivities almost upon us it's harder to find the time to disappear for an hour or so, not too concerned as on the 6th January we are on a plane and off to Costa Rica for a few weeks. Board shorts, offshore breezes, and a consistent waist to head high Nosara surf within stumbling distance of my bed. Sorry chaps but I am going to indulge myself here for a moment or two and bask in the glow of some of last years snaps just to get me in the swing of things. [Link]
Sunday's Sheltered Session
Finally this morning after three dry weeks I managed to drag my sorry ass out of bed early enough to check out what was going to be one of the few sheltered spots that would be working. Magicseaweed was giving this for Gwithian – Swell 17ft @ 13secs
Wind 29mph [Link]
SUP in Maui – a local issue or a global trend ?
Recently some big hitters in the SUP world have released this on the standupzone.com website (check out the conversation here) : Because of the rising tensions between surfers and SUP surfers on Maui, we felt that it was our responsibility to create a set of rules that will be used to self-regulate our usage.
[Link]
Join the Starboard Stand Up Paddle UK Race Team !
Starboard have some grand plans for 2010 and they are looking for a team of racers.. [Link]
Blanked on Sunday – Go Row
When is this weather going to change? Seems like we have had three weeks of Westerly storms, fantastic swell but with winds averaging 30mph there have been very few opportunities get in on Sunday. [Link]
SUNDAY'S SESSION – WEIGHT UPDATE
South coast had been blown to bits Friday and Saturday and with a Westerly swell and high winds Sunday was always going to be a run for shelter. I met Shane at 11.00am at one of the most sheltered spots available to us. It was very sheltered!! [Link]
SUP SPECIFIC 6 WEEK INDOOR TRAINING PLAN
Been thinking about this for a while and finally decided to do something about it. Having a body mass index describing me as 'verging on the obese' (such a harsh word) and 'overweight' has made me get my thumb out of my bum and start a structured 6 week pre Christmas training program. The key to this being the pre Christmas bit. Hopefully it will help me fend off the insane onslaught of the food and drink mountain that is about to reign down over the festive period. [Link]
SUP in 1980 – Who is that ?
James Davis is a British stand up paddle surfer, who made a living as a travel photographer. In 1980 James was in Hawaii taking some shots and caught this guy stand up paddle surfing. [Link]
France Part 2 : BIG COUNTRY – SMALL WORLD
Wednesday morning and I stuck to routine, up brekfast and bike it down to the break only to be faced with head and a half plus of bedlam perfection. Clean, offshore, sunny and lines racking up as far as I could see. No-one out. Bollox! Just knowing someone else is there sometimes is all I need. It was pushing up towards high tide and still the beach would not hold the swell. Double bollox!! I had left my Storm rider guide at home and I needed a wooss out wave. Meanwhile back at the Van : (Tonto, disguised as a bucket was feeling a little pale) [Link]
Fat Cornish Bloke in France Part 1
SATURDAY Got the ferry Saturday night, with the swell forecast that we had been watching all week there was a better than fair chance that it might be a bouncy crossing. So the obvious thing would be to settle down for an early and get a decent nights sleep. Straight into the bar then to get stuck into some vin rouge and Guinness. [Link]
British Stand Up Paddle Assocation Champions 2009
The British Stand Up Paddle Association Champions have been crowned in 2009. All the points from the events were totalled up, each competitor had to attend all four events to be eligible. [Link]
187 Miles on a stand up paddle board through the Grand Canyon
Hawaiian veteran lifeguard and big-wave rider Archie Kalepa is no stranger to life-changing experiences. There have been many during his 46 years of life spent in and around the ocean. He never imagined that the fresh waters of inland America would deliver the most astounding experience of all: connecting his native Hawaiian experience to that of the American Indians, and incidentally setting a world record of being the first to standup paddle 187 miles through the Grand Canyon. [Link]
WANTED – A cure for my hunchback lefts!
KELLY'S REEF THROUGH FADING LIGHT Mooched up the road to Watergate on Saturday Night and met up with Ritch and Matt. Judging from the sea of knackered faces the waves were well worth having and the BSUPA finale had waves!!! Looks like a good time was had by all who entered. I caught some of the results on the SUPGlobal forum through some form of live feed. Impressive. [Link]
SUNDAY'S LOOKING GOOD
Really flattered about the SUPGlobal thing but it sort of gives me a bit of a dilemma as well. I keep thinking things like, 'What can I write for the next post?' and 'How often will they want stuff?' and 'What do I know about anything anyway?' [Link]
Snugg Wetsuits, SUP Global and Asparagus
Welcome to a new section of the website, which is actually where we started back in a cold January 2007 – with a blog. First off I am excited to introduce Steve Coram, if you have not come across his blogging before you will enjoy this (and I promise you its not because there was nobody else available!). I bumped into Steve earlier this year at Gwithian beach in Cornwall, where we went off on a distance paddle on an Uli SUP board and talked all about stand up paddle surfing. Steve loves the sport and brings a humorous and irreverent style to SUPGlobal – welcome aboard and over to you….. [Link]
Starboard UK Stand Up Paddle Race Team
John Hibbard from Starboard UK released the line up for the Stand Up Paddle Race Team with a massive 29 members ! This wil surely kick start the UK race scene in 2010. [Link]
Stand Up Paddler Jenny Kalmbach Joins Naish Team
Naish welcomes Jenny Kalmbach to their International Stand Up Paddle Team. Kalmbach, 26 years old, has rapidly become one of the world’s elite paddlers in the short three years since she began the sport. Kalmbach grew up in San Jose, Costa Rica and currently resides in Kona, Hawaii. [Link]
Drops Watt 9ft 1" Stand Up Paddle Board Review
A fresh batch of stand up paddle boards have arrived in the UK from Drops in Europe. 2XS took delivery and busted some out for us to test. First up we have the video review of the 9ft 1" Watt. [Link]
Imagine Eco Wave Rider Stand Up Paddle Board Video Review
In October 2009 we spent some time in Cornwall filming some stand up paddle board reviews. This is the Eco Imagine Wave Rider review. [Link]
Nah Skwell Fish Stand Up Paddle Board Video Review
To kick off the new video area of the website we did a stand up paddle board review. We hope you like the new section – there are plenty more videos on the way ! [Link]
Off the Rails – Holiday Head – Round Up
As expected the wheels have fallen off my 6 week SUP Specific plan. Coinciding with the weekend of our works Christmas do, I sort of increased my ratio of rest days to work out days and it was going so well. Having said that it's not been a total loss, I have got shot of the best part of half a stone of lard (7lbs) and dropped a few waist sizes in my jeans PLUS I am now 13 stone something instead of 14 stone something. So that's nice. With the festivities almost upon us it's harder to find the time to disappear for an hour or so, not too concerned as on the 6th January we are on a plane and off to Costa Rica for a few weeks. Board shorts, offshore breezes, and a consistent waist to head high Nosara surf within stumbling distance of my bed. Sorry chaps but I am going to indulge myself here for a moment or two and bask in the glow of some of last years snaps just to get me in the swing of things. [Link]
Sunday's Sheltered Session
Finally this morning after three dry weeks I managed to drag my sorry ass out of bed early enough to check out what was going to be one of the few sheltered spots that would be working. Magicseaweed was giving this for Gwithian – Swell 17ft @ 13secs
Wind 29mph [Link]
SUP in Maui – a local issue or a global trend ?
Recently some big hitters in the SUP world have released this on the standupzone.com website (check out the conversation here) : Because of the rising tensions between surfers and SUP surfers on Maui, we felt that it was our responsibility to create a set of rules that will be used to self-regulate our usage.
[Link]
Join the Starboard Stand Up Paddle UK Race Team !
Starboard have some grand plans for 2010 and they are looking for a team of racers.. [Link]
Blanked on Sunday – Go Row
When is this weather going to change? Seems like we have had three weeks of Westerly storms, fantastic swell but with winds averaging 30mph there have been very few opportunities get in on Sunday. [Link]
SUNDAY'S SESSION – WEIGHT UPDATE
South coast had been blown to bits Friday and Saturday and with a Westerly swell and high winds Sunday was always going to be a run for shelter. I met Shane at 11.00am at one of the most sheltered spots available to us. It was very sheltered!! [Link]
SUP SPECIFIC 6 WEEK INDOOR TRAINING PLAN
Been thinking about this for a while and finally decided to do something about it. Having a body mass index describing me as 'verging on the obese' (such a harsh word) and 'overweight' has made me get my thumb out of my bum and start a structured 6 week pre Christmas training program. The key to this being the pre Christmas bit. Hopefully it will help me fend off the insane onslaught of the food and drink mountain that is about to reign down over the festive period. [Link]
SUP in 1980 – Who is that ?
James Davis is a British stand up paddle surfer, who made a living as a travel photographer. In 1980 James was in Hawaii taking some shots and caught this guy stand up paddle surfing. [Link]
France Part 2 : BIG COUNTRY – SMALL WORLD
Wednesday morning and I stuck to routine, up brekfast and bike it down to the break only to be faced with head and a half plus of bedlam perfection. Clean, offshore, sunny and lines racking up as far as I could see. No-one out. Bollox! Just knowing someone else is there sometimes is all I need. It was pushing up towards high tide and still the beach would not hold the swell. Double bollox!! I had left my Storm rider guide at home and I needed a wooss out wave. Meanwhile back at the Van : (Tonto, disguised as a bucket was feeling a little pale) [Link]
Fat Cornish Bloke in France Part 1
SATURDAY Got the ferry Saturday night, with the swell forecast that we had been watching all week there was a better than fair chance that it might be a bouncy crossing. So the obvious thing would be to settle down for an early and get a decent nights sleep. Straight into the bar then to get stuck into some vin rouge and Guinness. [Link]
British Stand Up Paddle Assocation Champions 2009
The British Stand Up Paddle Association Champions have been crowned in 2009. All the points from the events were totalled up, each competitor had to attend all four events to be eligible. [Link]
187 Miles on a stand up paddle board through the Grand Canyon
Hawaiian veteran lifeguard and big-wave rider Archie Kalepa is no stranger to life-changing experiences. There have been many during his 46 years of life spent in and around the ocean. He never imagined that the fresh waters of inland America would deliver the most astounding experience of all: connecting his native Hawaiian experience to that of the American Indians, and incidentally setting a world record of being the first to standup paddle 187 miles through the Grand Canyon. [Link]
WANTED – A cure for my hunchback lefts!
KELLY'S REEF THROUGH FADING LIGHT Mooched up the road to Watergate on Saturday Night and met up with Ritch and Matt. Judging from the sea of knackered faces the waves were well worth having and the BSUPA finale had waves!!! Looks like a good time was had by all who entered. I caught some of the results on the SUPGlobal forum through some form of live feed. Impressive. [Link]
SUNDAY'S LOOKING GOOD
Really flattered about the SUPGlobal thing but it sort of gives me a bit of a dilemma as well. I keep thinking things like, 'What can I write for the next post?' and 'How often will they want stuff?' and 'What do I know about anything anyway?' [Link]
Snugg Wetsuits, SUP Global and Asparagus
Welcome to a new section of the website, which is actually where we started back in a cold January 2007 – with a blog. First off I am excited to introduce Steve Coram, if you have not come across his blogging before you will enjoy this (and I promise you its not because there was nobody else available!). I bumped into Steve earlier this year at Gwithian beach in Cornwall, where we went off on a distance paddle on an Uli SUP board and talked all about stand up paddle surfing. Steve loves the sport and brings a humorous and irreverent style to SUPGlobal – welcome aboard and over to you….. [Link]
14 Year Old Slater Trout comes 2nd in Battle of the Paddle
Rainbow Sandal’s Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle turned out to be a very well attended event, with compeititors from all over the world racing and having fun. This year the conditions proved tricky with the competitors battling against the swell and wind as well as each other. There was one stand out from the crowd, 14 year old Slater Trout from Maui. Below is his press release : [Link]
SUPing: An Introduction by a Novice.
It is easy to forget sometimes that we are at the very beginning with this sport. I am sure most stand up paddlers can recall that first time out on a board, I certainly can (thanks to Andy Cooper for that !) and if you have never tried stand up paddling, but are curious to give it a go this is a great article about that experience. David Waddington, who earlier this year had his first SUP lesson, shares his experience. [Link]
Nah Skwell SUP boards
The great thing about stand up paddle surfing right now is that there are some new brands coming into the market. I had been hearing abou these boards for a while, then at the BSUPA Swansea event I got a chance to see them in the flesh. They are certainly eye catching! When I picked them up I also found out how light they were. SUPGlobal have managed to get one of the 7ft 8" Fish Art boards to have a go on, now we are just awaiting the first autumn swells ! [Link]
James Davis Interview
In January 2009 I was surfing at a very cold Saunton beach. In the line up I could see two stand up paddle surfers. They were having a great time, swapping waves and chatting to the other guys in the line up. [Link]
Embrace the hate – Editorial
This article was going to be called "Fear and Loathing in the line up" then I thought "Fear and Loathing on the internet" was maybe a better title, but finally I thought "Embrace the Hate" was probably better. [Link]
Paddle Round the Pier 2009
Elliot Dudley was in blistering form at this years paddle round the pier in Brighton 0n 4th & 5th July. Following his success in the BSUPA round 2 distance race at Gwithian in June Elliot made the 20 mile race (10 miles upwind and 10 miles downwind) look easy. [Link]
Hamburg Stand Up Paddle World Cup
UK Women's champion Claire Blacklock was invited to take part in the Jever Hamburg SUP World Cup in July 2009, she now reflects on the experience. [Link]
Ekolu Kalama Takes Standup Honors in Molokai to Oahu Race
July 26, 2009 — Ekolu Kalama won the 32-mile Rainbow Sandals Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race Stand Up Paddle division, posting his first solo win in the record time of 5:02:06. The first solo woman SUP-er was Jenny Kalmbach, from the Big Island, in a time of 5:48:31. [Link]
Stand-Up Paddlers join Olympic Athletes for The BLUE Mile – Race for the Environment
Stand-up Paddle Board champions John Hibbard and 6 year old Blue Ewer joined Professional Surfer Ben Skinner, Olympic Medallists and World Record holding athletes on Plymouth’s (UK) historical Mayflower Steps as Paul Deighton, Chief Executive of The London 2012 Olympic Organising Committee fired the starting cannon to one of the UK’s most important races to date, the race for our oceans and environment. [Link]
Hilton Alves – Stand Up Paddle Artist
Welcome to the first article in the art section of the website. Over the coming months we will be featuring artists such as Mike Doyle (first ever professional surfer, artist and avid SUPer) and Paddy Martin (British artist and SUPer). To kick section off we have a look at Brazilian, and O'ahu North Shore resident, Hilton Alves and his collection that will be on show at the Haleiwa Arts Festival. [Link]
Paddle Round the Pier 2009
Elliot Dudley was in blistering form at this years paddle round the pier in Brighton 0n 4th & 5th July. Following his success in the BSUPA round 2 distance race at Gwithian in June Elliot made the 20 mile race (10 miles upwind and 10 miles downwind) look easy. [Link]
The Cape Cod Bay Challenge 2009
Bob Babcock sent over this press release about a 30 mile SUP marathon to support the Christopher's Haven charity. It should be a great event, read on for more details. [Link]
Review of the NorthCore stand up paddle board sling
NorthCore are a British firm that produce surfing accessories. They are also very eco aware and plant 750 trees to off set thier carbon emissions each year. They have now started to produce some accessories for stand up paddle surfing [Link]
Review of the Curve SUP Board Bag
Curve, a company from New Zealand, have become well established for very high quality surfing accessories. We got hold of one of their SUP board bags and put it through its paces. [Link]
Launch of the Stand Up World Tour – the Waterman League
We have got news from Hawaii that the Stand Up World Tour and the set up of the Association of Stand Up Paddle Professionals (A.S.U.P.P.) has taken place. The events are invite only and take place in three locations, Teahupoo, (Tahiti), Ocean Beach (California) and Makaha (Hawaii). [Link]
Third Annual Stand Up Paddle around NYC on August 24th
Once again the Surfers’ Environmental Alliance have organised a 28 mile paddle around NYC in August 2009. The event looks set to be have legends from the surf and SUP world attending. [Link]
SUP Distance World Cup – Germany
The first European stand up paddle distance race with a large prize purse (€10,000) is taking place on July 10th -12th 2009 in the harbour district of Hamburg. Entries are now open. [Link]
Advertise on SUPGlobal
Want to Advertise here ? We have a comprensive set of options for advertising campaigns on our website, from banner adverts, peel backs, advertising features and much more. You can download our 2009 media kit from here: Download SUPGlobal Media Kit 2009(PDF File – 1MB). Contact Matt Argyle for further information about advertising. matt.argyle@supglobal.com or call: 00 44 7740 621023. [Link]
Rail Runner Protective SUP Tape
Claire Blacklock tries out the Rail Runner Tape that protects your stand up paddle board from getting dings in the rail. Having a brand new board that looks so damn good, makes you a little more protective when it comes to how you treat it. Although I have a blade protector on my paddle the odd dint still gets through when your mind is elsewhere (like watching a seal eating a fish!!) [Link]
Review of the MacWet AquaTec Gloves
Claire Blacklock, the current UK ladies Stand Up Paddle Surfing champion recently took delivery of a pair of Mac Wet gloves. Mac Wet are an established brand with clay pigeon shoots, horse riders, cyclists, golf and with certain branches of the military. Andrew from MacWet got in touch with SUPGlobal as he was wondering if the gloves would work for stand up paddle boarding. [Link]
RRD Stand Up Eleven SUP board
Roberto Ricci Designs (RRD) have released an SUP board called the Stand Up Eleven, which you will not be suprised to realise is 11 feet long ! I managed to take this board for a quick distance paddle at West Wittering last month. It is a very stable board, absolutely perfect for beginners to get to grips with paddling, and for them to take into the waves once they have mastered the paddling basics. It has a forgiving softskin deck, which feels good underfoot, and it has a 8.5 inch fin, which means it works well in the surf. [Link]
Zervas and Pepper – perfect music for the summer time.
While cruising the internet for information about the Gold Coast Festival in Croyde, Devon, I stumbled upon what I thought was a familiar name opening up the music on Saturday 20th June in the form of Zervas and Pepper. [Link]
Surfing Australia to hold first SUP National Titles
Australian Titles will this year be decided for the first time in the rapidly growing and now well established discipline of Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Surfing. Surfing Australia announced the inclusion of the Open SUP division into the Country Energy Australian Surf Festival to be run at Port Macquarie during August. [Link]
Indies Trader III Stand Up Paddle Surfing Mentawais, Indonesia.
Sometimes we get a stand up paddle surfing story that arrive on the wire that make us stop and take a sharp intake of breath. That has just happened and we dropped everything get these online. The guys from C4 Waterman have been out on the boat Indies Trader III to do some stand up paddle surfing on some juicy Mentawais waves. As Captain Martin Daly says "I'll let the pictures do the talking !" [Link]
BSUPA round 2 – Gwithian 6th & 7th June 2009
BSUPA is pleased to announce the entry forms for the Second Round of the 2009 Series at Gwithian Beach near St Ives, Cornwall are now online. To be held on the weekend of 6th/7th June hosted by Sunset Surf. [Link]
The 2009 Whitewater Stand Up Paddling Championship
Stand up paddling is a sport that is expanding away from the oceans and beaches. More and more paddlers are using the sport to explore in land lakes and rivers, and it was only a short matter of time before people started taking stand up paddle boards to ride rapids on rivers. We got this press release about a SUP white water competition being held in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Looks like it is going to be an excellent event. [Link]
Fancy a lovely cup of tea ?
Stand up paddle surfers Adam Zervas (C4 Waterman rider) and Carl Coombes (Extreme Acadeamy) have both been doing their bit for charity by taking part in the Big Tea Cosy. [Link]
Results from BSUPA round 1
Round one of the British Stand Up Paddle Association 2009 contest series was held at West Wittering beach over the May bank holiday weekend. The event is part of four contest series held in the UK to find the best stand up paddle surfers in both surfing waves and distance races. [Link]
The BBC film the ulimate tube ride.
The BBC got in touch about a new series that they are showing called "South Pacific". Part of the footage taken for the new series was of Dylan Longbottom surfing. They used a new high speed, slow motion camera, that has taken the most amazing barrel ride footage I have ever seen. [Link]
First SUP Circumnavigation of Hayling Island, UK
Paul Burgess and his paddling buddy Kevin decided to become the first people to stand up paddle around Hayling Island. Paul tells us all about the experience. [Link]
John Hibbard & Anthony Cooper complete 125 mile race
John Hibbard & Anthony Cooper are the first two stand up paddlers to take part in, and complete the 125 mile Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race. Its a huge achievement in terms of stamina and a fantastic first for the two SUPers. John tells us all about it. [Link]
Paddling with the Dragons
Steve Carter, Jay Manning, Claire Blacklock, Mel Chapman and Matt Argyle were invited up to Henley on Thames, location of the famous Henley Royal Regatta, by the Henley Dragon Boat Club. Matt Argyle tells us more : [Link]
BSUPA Event 1 West Wittering – enter now !
Entry forms for the British Stand Up Paddle Associations first event in the 2009 series have now been released. Please be sure to enter in advance, as to enter on the day will cost an extra £5 per entry. The event is being held at West Wittering Windsurfing Club, West Sussex. [Link]
Rail Runner Protective SUP Tape
Claire Blacklock tries out the Rail Runner Tape that protects your stand up paddle board from getting dings in the rail. Having a brand new board that looks so damn good, makes you a little more protective when it comes to how you treat it. Although I have a blade protector on my paddle the odd dint still gets through when your mind is elsewhere (like watching a seal eating a fish!!) [Link]
Stand Up Paddle Surfing in Bali, Indonesia
Neal Gent, the British Stand Up Paddle Association surfing Champion in 2008 decided to pack up his board and get on a plane to Indonesia to sample the delight of Bali. He tells us all about his trip and advises on the best breaks for stand up paddle surfing. [Link]
Stand Up Paddle Surfing Cornwall
Tez heads out to Cornwall to get some waves and sample the atmosphere for stand up paddle surfing, did he find it to his liking ? Go west young man, go west… [Link]
East Cape Stand Up Paddle Fishing by Calvin Tom
Calvin Tom runs Board Fisher a website specialising in gear if you want to get into the water on your stand up paddle board and catch some fish. This has me really interested and I asked Calvin if he could tell us about SUP fishing, he sent through a great story and some pictures from his trip to Baja California. [Link]
Review of the MacWet AquaTec Gloves
Claire Blacklock, the current UK ladies Stand Up Paddle Surfing champion recently took delivery of a pair of Mac Wet gloves. Mac Wet are an established brand with clay pigeon shoots, horse riders, cyclists, golf and with certain branches of the military. Andrew from MacWet got in touch with SUPGlobal as he was wondering if the gloves would work for stand up paddle boarding. [Link]
Stand up paddle board subvector, by C4 Waterman, is finalist for SIMA award
Congratulations to our friends at C4 Waterman. Dave Parmenter is a guy who has graced this website alot recently, his passion for Stand Up Paddle Surfing and his ability to shape progressive boards has been recognised by Surf Industry Manufacturers Association, a first for a stand up paddle board. [Link]
The GONG 10ft 2 Greedy Stand Up Paddle Board Review
Matt Smith from Stand Up Paddle Gower has been riding his GONG Greedy for a while and has taken it on his travels to Morocco, he gives us the low down on the board. [Link]
C4 Stand Up Paddle Board – Bomborra
C4 Waterman got in touch about the latest stand up paddle board to come out of Dave Parmenters "skunkworks" shaping room. This is for big wave stand up paddle surfing. [Link]
Ivan Van Vuuren Interview
Ivan Van Vuuren is a waterman through and through. He is a former professional windsurfer (4x South African Wave champion), surfer , longboarder, kiteboarder and TV host of a weekly extreme sports show “XLTV” that airs in 171 countries. He also has a passion for stand up paddle surfing. [Link]
Hydrate and make sure you achieve peak sporting performance
Johanna Shiu continues to look at fitness and performance, this month she considers a vital topic, hyrdation. With so many people training for stand up paddle distance races, taking part in a race or even just out for a recreational paddle hydration is an important topic to understand. [Link]
Indies Trader III Stand Up Paddle Surfing Mentawais, Indonesia.
Sometimes we get a stand up paddle surfing story that arrive on the wire that make us stop and take a sharp intake of breath. That has just happened and we dropped everything get these online. The guys from C4 Waterman have been out on the boat Indies Trader III to do some stand up paddle surfing on some juicy Mentawais waves. As Captain Martin Daly says "I'll let the pictures do the talking !" [Link]
BSUPA round 2 – Gwithian 6th & 7th June 2009
BSUPA is pleased to announce the entry forms for the Second Round of the 2009 Series at Gwithian Beach near St Ives, Cornwall are now online. To be held on the weekend of 6th/7th June hosted by Sunset Surf. [Link]
The 2009 Whitewater Stand Up Paddling Championship
Stand up paddling is a sport that is expanding away from the oceans and beaches. More and more paddlers are using the sport to explore in land lakes and rivers, and it was only a short matter of time before people started taking stand up paddle boards to ride rapids on rivers. We got this press release about a SUP white water competition being held in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Looks like it is going to be an excellent event. [Link]
Fancy a lovely cup of tea ?
Stand up paddle surfers Adam Zervas (C4 Waterman rider) and Carl Coombes (Extreme Acadeamy) have both been doing their bit for charity by taking part in the Big Tea Cosy. [Link]
Results from BSUPA round 1
Round one of the British Stand Up Paddle Association 2009 contest series was held at West Wittering beach over the May bank holiday weekend. The event is part of four contest series held in the UK to find the best stand up paddle surfers in both surfing waves and distance races. [Link]
The BBC film the ulimate tube ride.
The BBC got in touch about a new series that they are showing called "South Pacific". Part of the footage taken for the new series was of Dylan Longbottom surfing. They used a new high speed, slow motion camera, that has taken the most amazing barrel ride footage I have ever seen. [Link]
First SUP Circumnavigation of Hayling Island, UK
Paul Burgess and his paddling buddy Kevin decided to become the first people to stand up paddle around Hayling Island. Paul tells us all about the experience. [Link]
John Hibbard & Anthony Cooper complete 125 mile race
John Hibbard & Anthony Cooper are the first two stand up paddlers to take part in, and complete the 125 mile Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race. Its a huge achievement in terms of stamina and a fantastic first for the two SUPers. John tells us all about it. [Link]
Paddling with the Dragons
Steve Carter, Jay Manning, Claire Blacklock, Mel Chapman and Matt Argyle were invited up to Henley on Thames, location of the famous Henley Royal Regatta, by the Henley Dragon Boat Club. Matt Argyle tells us more : [Link]
BSUPA Event 1 West Wittering – enter now !
Entry forms for the British Stand Up Paddle Associations first event in the 2009 series have now been released. Please be sure to enter in advance, as to enter on the day will cost an extra £5 per entry. The event is being held at West Wittering Windsurfing Club, West Sussex. [Link]
Rail Runner Protective SUP Tape
Claire Blacklock tries out the Rail Runner Tape that protects your stand up paddle board from getting dings in the rail. Having a brand new board that looks so damn good, makes you a little more protective when it comes to how you treat it. Although I have a blade protector on my paddle the odd dint still gets through when your mind is elsewhere (like watching a seal eating a fish!!) [Link]
Stand Up Paddle Surfing in Bali, Indonesia
Neal Gent, the British Stand Up Paddle Association surfing Champion in 2008 decided to pack up his board and get on a plane to Indonesia to sample the delight of Bali. He tells us all about his trip and advises on the best breaks for stand up paddle surfing. [Link]
Stand Up Paddle Surfing Cornwall
Tez heads out to Cornwall to get some waves and sample the atmosphere for stand up paddle surfing, did he find it to his liking ? Go west young man, go west… [Link]
East Cape Stand Up Paddle Fishing by Calvin Tom
Calvin Tom runs Board Fisher a website specialising in gear if you want to get into the water on your stand up paddle board and catch some fish. This has me really interested and I asked Calvin if he could tell us about SUP fishing, he sent through a great story and some pictures from his trip to Baja California. [Link]
Review of the MacWet AquaTec Gloves
Claire Blacklock, the current UK ladies Stand Up Paddle Surfing champion recently took delivery of a pair of Mac Wet gloves. Mac Wet are an established brand with clay pigeon shoots, horse riders, cyclists, golf and with certain branches of the military. Andrew from MacWet got in touch with SUPGlobal as he was wondering if the gloves would work for stand up paddle boarding. [Link]
Stand up paddle board subvector, by C4 Waterman, is finalist for SIMA award
Congratulations to our friends at C4 Waterman. Dave Parmenter is a guy who has graced this website alot recently, his passion for Stand Up Paddle Surfing and his ability to shape progressive boards has been recognised by Surf Industry Manufacturers Association, a first for a stand up paddle board. [Link]
The GONG 10ft 2 Greedy Stand Up Paddle Board Review
Matt Smith from Stand Up Paddle Gower has been riding his GONG Greedy for a while and has taken it on his travels to Morocco, he gives us the low down on the board. [Link]
C4 Stand Up Paddle Board – Bomborra
C4 Waterman got in touch about the latest stand up paddle board to come out of Dave Parmenters "skunkworks" shaping room. This is for big wave stand up paddle surfing. [Link]
Ivan Van Vuuren Interview
Ivan Van Vuuren is a waterman through and through. He is a former professional windsurfer (4x South African Wave champion), surfer , longboarder, kiteboarder and TV host of a weekly extreme sports show “XLTV” that airs in 171 countries. He also has a passion for stand up paddle surfing. [Link]
Review of the Surftech Takayama Alii 10ft 3"
Elliot Dudley is no stranger to the winners podium for surfing and stand up paddle boarding, his sucesses include European Champion 2005, B.L.U. Tour Champion 2005, Welsh Champion 2006, 2nd Place World Noseriding Championships 2006 to name afew. Elliot is sponsored by SurfTech/The Surf Commission and has recently been surfing the Takayama 10ft 3' All'i. He tells us about it : [Link]
Interview with Dave Parmenter and Ted Rutherford
In autumn 2008 Dave Parmenter (ex professional ASP surfer and SUP/surfboard shaper) and Ted Rutherford (C4 Waterman) came over to the UK to visit some old haunts and explore some new places on stand up paddle surfing boards. [Link]
Boardworks Surf opens three new US distribution centers
SUPGlobal visitied the Boardworks warehouse in Oceanside last year, but now the demand for stand up paddle boards and surf boards has enabled them to expand operations. [Link]
The 2009 Whitewater Stand Up Paddling Championship
Stand up paddling is a sport that is expanding away from the oceans and beaches. More and more paddlers are using the sport to explore in land lakes and rivers, and it was only a short matter of time before people started taking stand up paddle boards to ride rapids on rivers. We got this press release about a SUP white water competition being held in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Looks like it is going to be an excellent event. [Link]
Fancy a lovely cup of tea ?
Stand up paddle surfers Adam Zervas (C4 Waterman rider) and Carl Coombes (Extreme Acadeamy) have both been doing their bit for charity by taking part in the Big Tea Cosy. [Link]
Results from BSUPA round 1
Round one of the British Stand Up Paddle Association 2009 contest series was held at West Wittering beach over the May bank holiday weekend. The event is part of four contest series held in the UK to find the best stand up paddle surfers in both surfing waves and distance races. [Link]
The BBC film the ulimate tube ride.
The BBC got in touch about a new series that they are showing called "South Pacific". Part of the footage taken for the new series was of Dylan Longbottom surfing. They used a new high speed, slow motion camera, that has taken the most amazing barrel ride footage I have ever seen. [Link]
First SUP Circumnavigation of Hayling Island, UK
Paul Burgess and his paddling buddy Kevin decided to become the first people to stand up paddle around Hayling Island. Paul tells us all about the experience. [Link]
John Hibbard & Anthony Cooper complete 125 mile race
John Hibbard & Anthony Cooper are the first two stand up paddlers to take part in, and complete the 125 mile Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race. Its a huge achievement in terms of stamina and a fantastic first for the two SUPers. John tells us all about it. [Link]
Paddling with the Dragons
Steve Carter, Jay Manning, Claire Blacklock, Mel Chapman and Matt Argyle were invited up to Henley on Thames, location of the famous Henley Royal Regatta, by the Henley Dragon Boat Club. Matt Argyle tells us more : [Link]
BSUPA Event 1 West Wittering – enter now !
Entry forms for the British Stand Up Paddle Associations first event in the 2009 series have now been released. Please be sure to enter in advance, as to enter on the day will cost an extra £5 per entry. The event is being held at West Wittering Windsurfing Club, West Sussex. [Link]
Rail Runner Protective SUP Tape
Claire Blacklock tries out the Rail Runner Tape that protects your stand up paddle board from getting dings in the rail. Having a brand new board that looks so damn good, makes you a little more protective when it comes to how you treat it. Although I have a blade protector on my paddle the odd dint still gets through when your mind is elsewhere (like watching a seal eating a fish!!) [Link]
Stand Up Paddle Surfing in Bali, Indonesia
Neal Gent, the British Stand Up Paddle Association surfing Champion in 2008 decided to pack up his board and get on a plane to Indonesia to sample the delight of Bali. He tells us all about his trip and advises on the best breaks for stand up paddle surfing. [Link]
Stand Up Paddle Surfing Cornwall
Tez heads out to Cornwall to get some waves and sample the atmosphere for stand up paddle surfing, did he find it to his liking ? Go west young man, go west… [Link]
East Cape Stand Up Paddle Fishing by Calvin Tom
Calvin Tom runs Board Fisher a website specialising in gear if you want to get into the water on your stand up paddle board and catch some fish. This has me really interested and I asked Calvin if he could tell us about SUP fishing, he sent through a great story and some pictures from his trip to Baja California. [Link]
Review of the MacWet AquaTec Gloves
Claire Blacklock, the current UK ladies Stand Up Paddle Surfing champion recently took delivery of a pair of Mac Wet gloves. Mac Wet are an established brand with clay pigeon shoots, horse riders, cyclists, golf and with certain branches of the military. Andrew from MacWet got in touch with SUPGlobal as he was wondering if the gloves would work for stand up paddle boarding. [Link]
Stand up paddle board subvector, by C4 Waterman, is finalist for SIMA award
Congratulations to our friends at C4 Waterman. Dave Parmenter is a guy who has graced this website alot recently, his passion for Stand Up Paddle Surfing and his ability to shape progressive boards has been recognised by Surf Industry Manufacturers Association, a first for a stand up paddle board. [Link]
The GONG 10ft 2 Greedy Stand Up Paddle Board Review
Matt Smith from Stand Up Paddle Gower has been riding his GONG Greedy for a while and has taken it on his travels to Morocco, he gives us the low down on the board. [Link]
C4 Stand Up Paddle Board – Bomborra
C4 Waterman got in touch about the latest stand up paddle board to come out of Dave Parmenters "skunkworks" shaping room. This is for big wave stand up paddle surfing. [Link]
Ivan Van Vuuren Interview
Ivan Van Vuuren is a waterman through and through. He is a former professional windsurfer (4x South African Wave champion), surfer , longboarder, kiteboarder and TV host of a weekly extreme sports show “XLTV” that airs in 171 countries. He also has a passion for stand up paddle surfing. [Link]
Review of the Surftech Takayama Alii 10ft 3"
Elliot Dudley is no stranger to the winners podium for surfing and stand up paddle boarding, his sucesses include European Champion 2005, B.L.U. Tour Champion 2005, Welsh Champion 2006, 2nd Place World Noseriding Championships 2006 to name afew. Elliot is sponsored by SurfTech/The Surf Commission and has recently been surfing the Takayama 10ft 3' All'i. He tells us about it : [Link]
Interview with Dave Parmenter and Ted Rutherford
In autumn 2008 Dave Parmenter (ex professional ASP surfer and SUP/surfboard shaper) and Ted Rutherford (C4 Waterman) came over to the UK to visit some old haunts and explore some new places on stand up paddle surfing boards. [Link]
Boardworks Surf opens three new US distribution centers
SUPGlobal visitied the Boardworks warehouse in Oceanside last year, but now the demand for stand up paddle boards and surf boards has enabled them to expand operations. [Link]
The SurfAid International (Euro) Stand Up Paddle board endurance race UK.
There are big cash prizes for the 2009 stand up paddle race at Paddle Round the Pier, Brighton, UK. [Link]
The Blade Runner Paddle Protector
The Blade Runner paddle protector is a length of flexible extruded plastic that sits over the edge of your paddle and prevents it, in theory, from chipping the side of your board. I have used a paddle without a blade protector for a year now and the rails of my beloved GONG are starting to look a little battered. So when I bought my brand new board for the 2009 season I decided that I would put on a blade runner to protect it. [Link]
The Tulip Stand Up Paddle Challenge
We got this rather intreaging press release from the Netherlands today, a team of dedicated stand up paddle surfers are planning a challenge paddle amongst the tulips. As tempting as it is to say "tip toe through the tulips", this looks like a fun challenge in an unusual environment. [Link]
Interview with Stand Up Paddle Surfer Adam Zervas
We met up with Adam Zervas at Surf Shop 2008, Adam is also one of the big names in Stand Up Paddle surfing in the Newquay area. He did really well in 2007 at the September Sessions but has been suffering this year with an injury. [Link]
A new stand up paddle surfer joins the Starboard team
Starboard have sponsored Anne Marie Reichman to be a part of their stand up paddle surfing team. Anne Marie is no stranger to watersports having been a Professional Windsurfers Association competitor for a number of years. [Link]
Stand Up and ignite the fire of life !
Naish celebrate 30 years of being in the water sports business this year and they have also released details of their 2009 stand up paddle surf range. [Link]
Stand Up Paddle Surfing Hayling Island
Tez has had an epiphany and loves stand up paddle surfing, but has also discovered the lonelyness of the long distance paddle surfer. One of the advantages of the sport is that access to remote off shore breaks is possible with stand up paddle surfing, however it often means you are surfing alone. Does anyone want to join Tez out at Hayling Island ? [Link]
