Maui Bound!

I have been planning this trip to Maui for about 6 months, and am finally going tomorrow! I have also been wanting to get a smaller standup board and I am going to pull the trigger while I am there. My current board is still great, but I want something that I can turn harder, and make more critical drops with. I think I have found the answer! Hopefully there is some swell when I am there. The reports are calling for head high waves, so here's hoping!

Paddle Surf Hawaii's 9'3'' "Ripper"

This board is like a giant blown up short board. When I first started SUP surfing, I thought that it was kinda like long boarding, but this has changed for me. I really have the most fun with trying to really dig in and turn the thing like a shortboard. These "ripper" SUB's are starting gain in popularity. I have never ridden one, so I am thrilled that I will get to rent it first and make sure that I can still stand on it, one, and two that I do like the ride.

I'll make sure to take lots of pictures and give feedback ASAP!

Convinced the Wife to SUP!

It has been almost a year now that I have been Stand Up Paddle surfing. It is such a great sport. I mean anyone can SUP and even if you aren't going to attempt to catch any waves it is a great way to exercise and to involve your self with nature. I have been trying to get my wife to try it for a while now, and this last weekend I got her in the water! She is not super adventurous, so I was stoked that she was willing to try it.

I rented a 10'6'' wide Oxbow from Olympus Board Shop in Hermosa beach. On a side note, ET is a much better shop, but they have stopped renting boards and Olympus only charges $30 per day. The Oxbow was perfect for her, she's only 5'3'', so it was about the right dimensions for her fist time. The paddle they rented was a super cheap P.O.S., but again for the first time it does not really matter.

She started off a little grumpy, but I knew that it was sort of an act, so I ignored her grumblings and just kept explaining what we were about to do.

Is this a great before shot or what? Talk about 1000 words!

Paddling out was a little tougher than I expected, as there was a little shore break and these big, thick boards can be a lot to handle. I decided to leave my board on the shore and help her get outside. I had her lay down paddle with the paddle blade under her chest and handle out past the nose. This was the best way and she got out no problem. I went back to grab my board. I hustled out because she was floating out there alone, and I knew that she would freak soon! Luckily a pod of dolphins came by just then and swam right under her! She was thrilled and much of the initial fear was forgotten.

My bet is that women pick up Stand Up Paddling faster than men for two reasons. One: they listen and don't let ego get it the way of trying something new. Two: most of the balance once standing is in your hips and this is more natural for women than it is for men. She was up and paddled for about a mile and only fell three times! She made my first time out look like a disaster!

Finding her balance.

30 minutes later, a natural!

Look! Dolphins!!!

I like the after picture better! Enjoying the ocean....