Tandem Paddle Boarding Behind a Boat

Stand up paddle boards are very easy to stand on while being pulled behind a boat. Compared to getting out of the water wake boarding or water skiing, paddle surfing with a ski rope is a cinch. Stand on your board and hold the rope while the boat gradually picks up speed. It's that easy.

Of course there can be wakes and waves and other bumps to knock you off your board, but overall, it's a lot easier than you might think. And if you want to be more careful you could kneel or sit on your paddleboard.

The boat we were on didn't go very fast or make much of a wake, so we couldn't let go of the rope and free-ride, nonetheless we made it fun.

In fact, after a few passes around the lake, we were ready for some tricks. Isabella and Judy Shasek teamed up with Al Patterson for some tandem riding. They even made falling fun!!

Note: Board is a Takayama 11'6" and the adult's waist life jackets are the trim and don't get in the way of paddle surf tricks.

www.StandUpPaddleFlatwater.com
Thank you for buying your SUP gear from us, we appreciate your support.

Ready for a 13 mile Race? Register for the Round the Rock Stand Up Paddle Race in Mercer Island, Washington

Got a note from Mike Mudd telling us about this new stand up paddle board distance race circumnavigating Mercer Island on Lake Washington. Their are two courses offered, a 13 mile full course or a 2 1/2 mile short course.


This race sounds like a lot of fun. Remember to get your gear or any last minute accessories from us at Stand Up Paddle Flatwater, we appreciate your business and support. www.StandUpPaddleFlatwater.com

WHEN: September 27, 2009
Registration: 8 a.m., Race Time: 9 a.m.
WHERE: Mercer Island, Washington
WHAT: Stand up paddleboard distance race of either 13 miles or 2 1/2 miles
WHO TO CONTACT: info@roundtherock.com
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We got this note from the race founder and organizer, Jeff Underwood telling us more about how the first annual race is shaping up:

Randall,

As a SUP-addict, I check out your site frequently. I'm organizing a SUP event for the end of September on Mercer Island, WA. I'm wondering if you can give a plug or provide a link to our site on your blog?

I hatched this event with the idea that it would be a small fun 13 mile paddle around the island, and the mansions that line its shores. Seemingly overnight, it has ballooned to be a big event, with corporate sponsors jockeying for position! Our site only went live on Wednesday and we already have competitors pre-registered from SoCal and Florida!

Anyway, all proceeds are to benefit Surfrider Foundation, and it should be a terrific event.

There's a shorter race of 2.5 miles for those who may be intimidated by the 13 miler.

Please feel free to forward this info. anyone who may be interested.

Paddle on,

Jeff Underwood,
Organizer
'Round the Rock Stand Up Paddle Race

Rogue 7th Annual Longboard Classic and SUP Surf Contest in Newport, Oregon

This is a last minute reminder for anyone who is planning on either long boarding or stand up paddle surfing in this fun contest. Save room for lunch. The Rogue Brewery serves hot coffee and snacks in the morning and gets the BBQ grill going for lunch. Non-alcoholic beverages are available as well as Newport's finest hand crafted ales.

Note: If you need help getting your gear to the beach, volunteers run trucks from the jetty to the surf venue.

WHAT: Rogue Brewery's "The Gathering" 7th annual Longboard Classic Surf and SUP Surf Contest
WHEN: Sept 12th and 13th,
WHERE: South Jetty, Newport, Oregon.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: August 28th. NO Beach entries, no exceptions.

CONTACT: e-mail contact is: Stacey@rogue.com

WHERE TO CAMP: The campground at South Beach State Park in Newport is almost full so get your site ASAP.

Read about last year's contest on our blog entry. We posted a video of the conditions, let's hope this year is sunny and no 30 mph winds!! (Like the photo from the 5th Annual Rogue Gathering Surf contest.)

www.StandUpPaddleFlatwater.com
Thank you for buying your SUP gear from us, we appreciate your support.

Sixty "Shasek Style" is the New Forty

Who has time for stand up paddle board racing, SUP surfing, hiking, biking, traveling, exploring, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, inventing, whipping up wonderful parties, sailing, marketing, being an entrepreneur, best-grandma-ever, wife and friend?

Judy Shasek, does all of these things and does them well. And this year, everyone that knows Judy from around the country is part of her birthday celebration, including the readers of Bend's alternative newspaper, The Source Weekly.

Judy is celebrating her sixtieth birthday year 2009 with a bucket list of adventures and a blue tote bag she holds for the camera for at least one photo documenting each adventure she pursues this year.

Stand up paddle surfing this summer in Tofino, Canada, in this photo Judy is about to change paddle hands and do a drop-knee cutback. We love this girl!!! We can hardly wait to see how Judy redefines seventy!

Note: Judy is on a Amundson Aquaglide 11'3". This stand up paddleboard has great trim for surfing and isn't bad on flatwater paddles. Judy came in 2nd (first on a surfboard style board) at the 2009 Tahoe Nalu Stand Up Paddle Race at Lake Tahoe, California last weekend in her age group - 60 and up!

Group Photo: The Bend, Oregon, Stand Up Paddle Flatwater crew after the 2009 Tahoe Nalu race. Judy has her blue tote bag along with bragging rights for coming in 2nd for women age 60 and up. L-R: Randall Barna, Isabella Barna, Judy Shasek, Cristina Acosta, Ed Shasek

www.StandUpPaddleFlatwater.com
Thank you for buying your SUP gear from us, we appreciate your support.

Race Event: Tahoe Nalu Stand Up Paddle Race - Bend, Oregon Award Winner!

The Tahoe Nalu stand up paddle seven mile race event this past weekend on Lake Tahoe, California was fantastic! There were 188 boards on the starting line for the mass start. The chop created by that many paddlers as they churned over the start line was enough to make the start more challenging that expected.

This inland flat water SUP paddle race truly was a trend-setting event and great experience. Two Oregonians were called up for trophies, Karen Wren from Portland, Oregon was second in the open race-board class and Isabella Barna of Bend, Oregon, (wearing the pink rash guard in the race photo) was first in the stock surfboard class. Good job!

Our local Bend, Oregon paddle company, Kialoa Paddle owners Dave and Meg Chun, had a booth on the beach at the Tahoe Nalu race event with examples of their gorgeous carbon fiber stand up paddle line. All of the Bend, Oregon stand up paddle racers were using Kialoa paddles during the race event. Thanks Dave Chun!!!

The race conditions were good with a very light, warm wind. The race started at 9:30 AM. The top winners were in at 57 minutes and our paddlers ranged from about 1:27 to 1:36. There was a lunch and a paddle shirt included in the race fee as well as some very lucky raffle tickets that won most of our group some awesome gifts. (You are lookin' good in those glasses, Eddie!!)

We highly recommend you give this paddleboard race a try -- it was a lot of fun and really worth the trip.

Photo: L-R Judy Shasek age 60 (2nd in women, stock boards age 60-70); Isabella Barna, age 15 (1st in women's stock surf boards); Randall Barna, age 59; Cristina Acosta age 49 (3rd in women's age group 40-49, stock surf board); Ed Shasek, age 59.
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Get your race gear at www.StandUpPaddleFlatwater.com, and remember to bring a life jacket if you're going to be doing any other paddling on Lake Tahoe as it's required. We appreciate your support! Thanks!

Stand up Paddling for a Cause - Farm Sanctuary

NOTE: Sept. 29, 2009 - John successfully completed his paddle along with his step-daughter. Several other paddlers kept them company for portions of the event.

What to eat for sports performance is often a subject for endurance athletes, and now that the group of stand up paddle boarders that are paddling in distance events and races is growing like crazy, the science and art of nutrition is part of our sport. Beyond the talk of sport gels, liquids and bars there are other conversations about food that connect with our daily lives.

This particular connection between food and paddling came to us through an unexpected contact. Meredith Turner, the PR person for Farm Sanctuary sent us a note about John Merryfield and his goal to raise funds for Farm Sanctuary, a non-profit farm animal sanctuary. John is paddling the 72 mile circumferance of Lake Tahoe over a three day period to raise money for his cause.

Members of our Bend, Oregon stand up paddling group were in Tahoe, California last weekend for the Tahoe Nalu 7 mile stand up paddleboarding race, and we gained a new respect for the water size and conditions that can be present on Lake Tahoe.
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Here's what Meredith Turner has to say about John's endeavor:

On September 11, northern CA-based stand up paddler John Merryfield will commence a 72 mile, three day paddle around the circumference of Lake Tahoe to raise money and awareness for Farm Sanctuary , the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, to support their work to end cruelty to farm animals and promote compassionate living through rescue, education and advocacy. This is a heroic feat of endurance for a wonderful cause. You can visit John’s personal fundraising page here: http://www.firstgiving.com/johnmerryfield

Meredith Turner
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NOTE: Raising money for a favorite cause with a stand up paddle adventure sounds like a win-win. We'd love to hear about any other paddlers with stories about their SUP paddle/fundraising combos.

www.StandUpPaddleFlatwater.com
Thank you for buying your SUP gear from us, we appreciate your support.

Women Love the Core Workout of Stand up Paddleboarding

Laying on your floor doing crunches is no fun compared to the core workout you get when you stand up paddle board. And, engaging your core while balancing and paddling improves your overall fitness and balance skills for other sports.

Stand up paddling is a low impact core workout that is great for men and women. I love to go paddling with my friends and chat while getting a great workout in nature surrounded by water.

So how do you maximize your core movements while paddling? When first learning to paddle it's natural to think of paddling as an arm exercise. To get the most power as you paddle you must engage your core.

Here are some ideas to help you maximize your core strength when stand up paddleboarding:

1. Bend slightly at the waist when you paddle and be sure your knees are soft or slightly bent.
2. Pretend there is a small ball at the top of our diaphragm and in your imagination start compressing that ball so that your core crunch starts at the top of your abs.
3. Because you will be paddling on different sides, your obliques will also be part of the movement. Paddle both sides of your body as evenly as the conditions allow.
   

The photo above is of two Bend, Oregon athletes paddling at Elk Lake, Oregon: Dagmar Erickson, a world title holder Nordic skier and Susan Hopkins, an all-around athlete. Susan is on a Laird 12'1" gloss stand up board. Dagmar is paddling her kayak.

You can rent stand up paddle boards near Bend, Oregon at Elk Lake Resort, Oregon, about a 35-40 minute drive from Bend on the beautiful Cascade Lakes Highway. Read more about Elk Lake and other Places to Paddle near Bend, Oregon.

Purchase your stand up paddleboard gear from us at www.StandUpPaddleFlatwater.com
We appreciate your support. Thanks!

XTERRA Adventures Filmed Bend, Oregon Stand Up Paddlers

The XTERRA crew visited Bend, Oregon for an adventure race and shot some stand up paddle boarding footage on the Deschutes River in the Old Mill District. Thanks to everyone who made it to the XTERRA Adventures photo shoot last fall. We were scheduled to be out of town that weekend and after putting the word out, were relieved to know that many of you local paddlers hit the water for the camera crew.

Some of the local paddlers in the film include: Dennis Oliphant (and his dog), Ron Thompson (and his dog, Lucy), Kerie Raymond, Jason Bowerman and Cptn. Sawdust (aka Bob Jumper). If you see anyone else you know, let me know and I'll put their names on this list.

This stretch of the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon is a favorite fitness paddle for local paddlers. From the Colorado Bridge upstream to the Healy Bridge and back is about a 45-60 minute paddle, just enough for a quick trip on the water. For more information about other great places to stand up paddle around Bend, Oregon, see our places to paddle listings.

And remember -- Buy your stand up paddle boards, paddles and accessories from us. Every purchase helps us to spread the word about this great sport. We appreciate your support.

www.StandUpPaddleFlatwater.com
Thank you for buying your SUP gear from us, we appreciate your support.

No Water to Paddle? Have Fun, Get Fit and Improve Your Stand Up Paddle Skills with INDO Board!

We love our Indo Boards!! When you can't get on the water, get an Indo Board and you'll have fun while you get fit and work on your balance skills. The Indo Board is the perfect balance trainer and exercise equipment for most any fun sport like skiing, snowboarding, surfing, stand up paddling, skate boarding and just ordinary fun stuff.

Buy an Indo Board and you'll get a FREE DVD with examples and exercises to get you started and to inspire you. The DVD has footage of surfers on a wave and then shows how to train for that action on the Indo Board. They also feature examples of gym exercises, skate moves and more.

The Indo Original Training Package combines the "Original" model deck, roller and the IndoFLO® Balance cushion. We started with the Indo Original size set. It was perfect for learning the manuevers, and I still regularly use it. When we were ready to learn surf tricks to try on our stand up paddle boards, we got the next size up board, the Indo Pro.

The Indo Pro is a longer board for longboard surfers who want to learn how to cross step, practice their footwork, drop knee turns, spinners, or just hang out on the tip. It's a heavier board with a larger roller that offers a more intensive workout and is ideal for increasing leg strength. This model is ideal for snowboarders and all terrain boarders as well as surfers (or anyone that wants to be a surfer). Our daughter, Isabella is often practicing her cross-stepping on the Indo Pro.

When you're first trying your Indo Board, a good tip is to have a thick shag carpet on hand to slow down the roller when you are beginning. We highly recommend you give the Indo Board a try. It's a great way to stay in-shape off-season or practice your skills when you have a few minutes in your day. I keep one in my office and will practice standing on it during long phone calls.

Note: Our connection with Indo Board is as an affiliate. This means that when you click on the Indo icon on our site and make a purchase after doing so, we'll get some cash credit for your purchase through that link. We appreciate your support.
www.StandUpPaddleFlatwater.com

NEW! Stable, Performance SUP Paddleboard with Hobie Engineering

This board is magic! The Hobie company started with the founder Mr. Hobie Alter shaping surfboards around fifty years ago. Since then the brand, Hobie has become synonymous with high performance, nature or personal powered watercraft.

 The Hobie 12' ATR is the leader in the 12' all-around board category. Extensive design knowledge and history of the legendary Hobie longboards are behind the engineering of this Hobie SUP board. It glides effortlessly on distance outings and has tie-downs to carry a bag or cooler on your deck. It is even suitable for stock class racing.

The Hobie 12' is very stable and predictable while it delivers high performance maneuvers such as pivot turns and surfing waves. This is a premium board with a beautiful gloss finish on the top and a matte "speed" finish on the bottom. The VERY comfy deck pad is included with the board. You'll be proud to own this board and will cherish it for years.

Hobie 12' ATR Gloss Stand Up Paddleboard Specs:
12' long, 29.5" wide, 4.75" thick, volume 210 L,
Deck Pad has soft section for the feet.
Convenient slot carry handle.
Tie-down inserts on the deck of the paddle board at the front and back to carry essentials.

Buy the Hobie 12' ATR Gloss Stand Up Paddleboard from us at Stand Up Paddle Flatwater. We'll help you choose the perfect stand up paddle and any other paddle board gear you need for your next SUP adventure.
www.StandUpPaddleFlatwater.com

Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race has a Bend, Oregon Connection

Jack Gillen sent us this photo and the note, (Here's) "The owner of rainbow sandals, my wife and some dude from Bend, Oregon." Of course, that "dude" is Gerry Lopez of Bend, Oregon. From left to right are Jay Longley (Sparky), the ever-gorgeous Terry Gillen and Gerry Lopez at the:

13th Annual
RAINBOW SANDALS - MOLOKAI to OAHU PADDLEBOARD RACE
Presented By Honolua.

Jack Gillen entered the race. Here's a photo of him paddling during his 8+ hour race. He was the only solo stand up paddler on a fixed-fin stand up paddleboard.

To get his stand up paddle board to the race venue on Molokai, Jack and his friend Ekolu Kalama paddled the boards from Maui to Molokai three days before the race. Then. . . they raced!

Because of the side-winds during the race, Jack had to paddle on one side the entire course. The other solo competitors were on SUP paddleboards with rudder fins. Rudder fins allow the paddler to paddle on both sides while steering with the rudder rather than using only the paddle stroke to steer. Jack feels that a fixed fin stand up board is pure and true to the sport of stand up. So he chose a fixed fin in homage to Stand up paddling's surfing roots.

Jack came in last in the solo category for his efforts and told Randall that he spent 80% of the race thinking how he would never do the race again.

Several days later, Jack was back training for next year. We love this guy!
Here's how the race shook out. Jamie Mitchell claimed the 8th consecutive Rainbow Sandals Molokai to Oahu Paddlebaord. Hawaii's Kanesa Duncan Claims the Women's race.
 Ekolu Kalama Takes Standup Honors . . . READ MORE at Rainbow Sandals;

Read more about Jack Gillen (Terry's husband)

www.StandUpPaddleFlatwater.com

Stand Up Paddle Boarding is a Great Core Workout and Balance Trainer

Stand up paddle boarding is not only a great core workout, paddleboarding can be a whole body workout. (And not just because you left your Big Board Schlepper at home.)

Bend, Oregon stand up paddlers have used their boards to stretch, strengthen and even keep up with their aerobic workout. Doing these exercises on your paddleboard brings balance into the movement, increasing the benefits of your effort. Exercise on your paddle board and your same workout can give you better results. (And when you build up a sweat, jump in!)

Here are a few fun ideas to workout on your SUP board.

Strength Training on your Stand Up Paddle Board:
Jen, demonstrates a perfect push-up on her stand up board. Take some of the standard strength moves out of the gym and onto your paddle board. You'll be surprised at how much more concentration the exercise requires. Here are some of our favorites: Push-ups, Squats, Lunges.

Stretching and Yoga on your Stand Up Paddle Board:
Judy Shasek demonstrates her yoga pose on Hosmer Lake, near Bend, Oregon, one of the many places to paddle in Central Oregon. Yoga is particularly challenging on a paddle board. The most simple pose takes on new difficulty when you're doing it on the water. It's a great way to freshen your approach to your yoga practice.Aerobic Workout on Your Stand Up Paddle Board:
Flat water paddle boarding is an opportunity to play with your paddle speed, and if you go hard enough, you'll be able to get your heart rate to Zone One, the basic level for endurance aerobic training. For many of us more mature paddlers, that can be a pulse rate base number somewhere between 110 to 125. If you're not used to checking your pulse (a hassle to do while paddling), wear a heart monitor until you are familiar with how it feels to be in Zone One while paddling. Here's a photo of Jack Gillen, owner of Wave Chi demonstrating his powerful aerobic paddling technique. Randall of Stand Up Paddle Flatwater has taken Jack's fitness advice into practice and has had great results keeping his aerobic fitness without running or doing other types of typical aerobic exercise.
NOTE:
You'll want a stable board for your stand up paddleboard exercise practice, such as a Laird, Amundson Aquaglide, or one of the other stable flat water friendly boards we sell. Be sure to check out our site. Talk to Randall at 541-389-4547 and he'll sell you the board that's best for you.

www.StandUpPaddleFlatwater.com
Thank you for buying your SUP gear from us, we appreciate your support.

Stand Up Paddling at Elk Lake - Near Bend, Oregon

Places to Paddle Circa Bend, Oregon: Elk Lake in the Deschutes National Forest
Distance from Bend, Oregon: about 40 minutes:
Paddling Season: Memorial Day to first snowfall (Usually May to Sept.) Open for winter activities including snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Elk Lake, Oregon, in the Deschutes National Forest is a step back in time. During the early and mid 1900's, families from the nearby town of Bend, Oregon would travel to Elk Lake and stay for the summer in cabins they often built themselves on Forest Service leased land. Things have changed in one hundred years, but not too much has changed at Elk Lake

Clear, clean water, views of the Cascade Mountains, camping, cabins, sailboating and a charming rustic and historic lodge combine to make Elk Lake a fun day trip or overnight stay. Elk Lake is about a 35-40 minute drive from Bend, Oregon on the scenic Cascade Lakes Highway. Elk Lake covers an area of about 490 acres that's about 75' deep surrounded by a pine forest with views of Mt. Bachelor and the South Sister beyond the tree line.

Elk Lake is a gentle and nonintimidating place to try stand up paddling near Bend, Oregon. The clean lake water is renowned for swimming and doesn't seem to get any algae. Mostly sailboats, canoes and kayaks are on the lake, as well as the occasional distance swimmer getting in some mileage.

Elk Lake Resort rents canoes, stand up paddle boards and kayaks. They have a large dock and rent boat slips for sailboats. There are two swimming platforms by the lodge. Elk Lake Resort also has a restaurant, ice cream and a tiny mini-mart for campers and hikers. (Many Pacific Crest Trail hikers get packages there and stop in for a break).

www.StandUpPaddleFlatwater.com