Back on the right coast

Stand UP Paddle Rental

It's been awhile, I think I'll start all my posts this way from now on, since it's usually a while.  I had a good time SUPin' it up on the left coast.

Found a little spot to rent some Stand Up Paddle gear from.  Super friendly, reasonable $$ and the SUPS board did the jobby-job (it wasn't like I was chasing huge surf).

If you get a chance and you're in the Destin/ Fort Walton FLA area stop by Liquid Surf and Sail.  Actually one of the guys in the boat below was dating one of the wahines from the shop, always a smaller world than we think.

I spent the afternoon out in front of a friends hotel chasing wind chop breaking over a shallow sand bar.  The water was warm, comfortable and fun.

It was the first time I'd been in the water down here.  Surprisingly, some of these little wind chops provided a long ride, some right onto the sand.  Oh how Stand Up Paddle Surfing is so much fun…. anywhere.  On a Stand Up you get a better perspective on whats happening down below you.  So, let's see, in the few hours I was on the water I saw sharks, dolphins, feeder fish of all kinds of crazy bright colors, large very sushi-like fish and rays.  Too cool.

Definitely a blast.  Looking for more excuses to visit besides friendly people, good food, and the beach.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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.

Paddle with Aloha

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!"