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) 276-4431x216
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.


View Larger Map

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