King & Queen of the Lake Race

You still have a chance to become race royalty...

The second race in the King and Queen of the Lake paddle race series takes place this Sunday, August 15th, at Elk Lake. Registration begins at 9.30a.m. The race starts at 10.30a.m.

This race series offers fun for everyone. There's a short course for paddlers who are new to racing and a longer course for those who are ready for more challenge.

The best two scores of the three races will be combined to determine overall winners - so even if you missed the first race, you still have a shot at being named King or Queen!

The final race in the series takes place on September 26th and coincides with Elk Lake Lodge's 90th year celebration luau.

For further information, check out the flyer, or email Race Director Randall Barna at Randall@Footform.com.

The King & Queen of the Lake Race series is sponsored by:

Pilates & SUP!

The Pilates Connection & Stand Up Paddle Bend have joined forces to bring you a workout that is fun, exciting, and effective...

WHAT: 45 minute outdoor Pilates mat class followed by 45 minute stand up paddle.

WHERE: Riverbend Park (779 SW Columbia Street)

WHEN: Thursdays at 5.30 p.m., starting August 5th.

COST: $25 including board rental. $15 if you bring your own board.

Sign up by calling 541-639-2655 or emailing Info@StandUpPaddleBend.com.

What do you get when you combine two of the most efficient, feel-good workouts on the planet?

Let's find out together!

Experience what SHAPE Magazine calls, "a calorie-torching workout!"

"In ten sessions you will see the difference, in twenty you will see the difference, and in thirty you will have a whole new body." - Joseph H. Pilates

"I must be right. Never an aspirin. Never injured a day in my life. The whole country, the whole world should be doing my exercises. They'd be happier." - Joseph H. Pilates

2010 Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard Race Results

The Molokai Channel upheld its reputation as one of the world's most treacherous bodies of water during Sunday’s Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard Race.

Victory in the stand-up paddle (SUP) men’s and women’s divisions went to Maui’s Dave Kalama (4:54:15) and Andrea Moller (6:00:00), both setting records for their respective divisions. The windy conditions and disorganized waves proved an advantage for Kalama who said, “There are a lots of really good sprinters, but I'm not one of them, so the windy races are what I train for and what I'm built for."

In the men’s traditional paddleboard division, Australian Jamie Mitchell, 33, claimed an unprecedented ninth title, completing the 32-mile distance just four minutes outside of his own record in a time of 4 hours, 52 minutes and 45 seconds. In the women’s traditional paddleboard division, Hawaii's Kanesa Duncan-Seraphin, 34, took top honors for the 8^th time with a time of 6:02:45 - less than 10 minutes shy of the record she set in 2004.

MAJOR PLACINGS:


Men's Traditional Paddleboard:
1st. Jamie Mitchell (Australia) - 4:52:45
2nd. Jackson English (Australia) - 5:07:54
3rd. Joel Mason (Australia) - 5:15:42
4th. Mikey Cote (Hawaii) - 5:17:56



Women's Traditional Paddleboard:
1st. Kanesa Duncan-Seraphin (Hawaii) - 6:02:45


Men's Stand-Up Paddleboard:
1st. Dave Kalama (Hawaii) - 4:54:15



Women's Stand-Up Paddleboard:
1st. Andrea Moller (Hawaii) - 6:00:00

For complete results, go to Pacific Sports Events & Timing.

Find everything you need to SUP at:

Go Jack!

Honorary member of the Stand Up Paddle Flatwater family Jack Gillen is competing in the 14th annual Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard Race tomorrow, Sunday, July 25th.

A true SUP pioneer, Jack has crossed every major channel in the Hawaiian islands on an SUB and is responsible for introducing SUP to Stand Up Paddle Flatwater founder Randall Barna as well as many others.

Your friends in Bend are rooting for you, Jack!

Stand Up for a Clean River!

We’ve noticed quite a bit of litter lining the shores of the Deschutes lately, especially following the weekend… so we’re taking action!

Please join us on Monday night at 6.30 at Riverbend Park for an SUP Clean Up!

Let’s give back to the river that gives us so much – and have fun doing it. Enjoy stand up paddling with friends and stop to pick up litter along the way.

WHAT: SUP Clean Up

WHERE: Meet at Riverbend Park, 779 SW Columbia Street

WHEN: Monday, July 26^th, 6.30 p.m.

Rental stand up boards are available at Stand Up Paddle Bend.

Call 541.639.2655 to reserve one.

Group SUP Tonight

Join us for a group SUP tonight!

We’re meeting at 6.30 at "the beach" (Riverbend Park).

If you have any questions, please contact Info@StandUpPaddleBend.com.

WHAT: Group Stand Up Paddle

WHEN: 6.30 tonight, Friday, June 23rd

WHERE: Riverbend Park, 799 SW Columbia Street

Rental SUBs are available at Stand Up Paddle Bend.

Call 541.639.2655 to reserve a board.

Full Moon SUP on the Deschutes River Tonight!

Watch the sun set and the moon rise while stand up paddling the Deschutes River tonight!

Join us for a full moon (or close to it) SUP! We’re meeting at 8.00 at Riverbend Park.

If you have any questions, please contact Info@StandUpPaddleBend.com.

WHAT: Full Moon Paddle

WHEN: 8p.m. Tonight, Thursday, June 22^nd

WHERE: Riverbend Park

Bend’s Best SUP Spot

People are always asking us where the best place is to launch for a Deschutes River SUP. Our answer is always Riverbend Park (799 SW Columbia Street).

The sandy beach there has the vibe of a surf spot. It’s not uncommon to see an assortment of stand up boards lining the shore. The gentle slope makes it easy to carry boards to and from the water and provides plenty of room for several paddlers to launch at once. There aren't any rocks to navigate around or reeds to get tangled up in and it’s at a wide spot in the river so the current’s not too strong. The parking lot is nice and big and has a friendly atmosphere. In addition to the sandy beach, there’re also large grassy lawns to hang out on before and after paddling. Clean bathrooms are also located right there in the park.

Our favorite time to paddle is around 6.30 in the evening, when the heat's eased off a bit and most of the floaters have cleared out. It’s a very peaceful, rejuvenating way to end the day. Beavers and otters often pop up to say hi.

If you want a workout, warm up by going downstream first, then turn around near the Bend Outrigger Canoe Club (well before the spillway) and paddle upstream to Healy Bridge, then turn around and cool down by paddling (or floating) back to Riverbend. Another option is to just paddle up to Healy Bridge and back as many times as you wish.

We’re there almost every night and often bring extra boards for people to try. There’s no need to wait for a designated night to paddle, just show up at the spot and you’re very likely to meet fellow SUPers to paddle with.

See you at the “beach”!

Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race

The annual Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race takes place this Sunday, July 25th. Considered by many to be the world championship of paddleboard racing, the event includes both SUP and prone paddleboarding champions from around the world. The athletes' skills will be tested by the 32-mile crossing of the Ka'iwi Channel. At its deepest point the channel is over 2300 feet deep. This creates a funnel effect that shoots billions of gallons of seawater between the islands each hour. Combine this with trade winds and the channel creates seas that can range anywhere from 8 feet to 15 feet on an average day and upwards of 20 feet on an extreme day. Because of the danger the Ka'iwi presents, each athlete is required to have an escort boat and support crew to accompany them across the channel. The first stand up paddleboard and prone paddleboard athletes across the channel will be crowned champions.

For more information, visit the Molokai2Oahu website.

Stand Up Featured in the New York Times & Wall Street Journal Today!

Today's editions of both the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal featured prominent articles about the explosive growth of stand up paddling. The New York Times article focuses on Bend, Oregon local Gerry Lopez and includes a picture of the surfing icon stand up paddling on the Deschutes River right here in town.

Check out the articles by clicking the links above.

Find all your SUP gear at:

SUP Group Update!

In response to feedback, the Friday SUP group will meet at 6.30 instead of 4.30 at Riverbend Park today, to accommodate for those of you who work until 5.00. As a bonus, this way we may be able to listen to the Steve Miller band while we paddle! Again, if you have any questions, please email Info@StandUpPaddleBend.com.

We hope the last minute change doesn't inconvenience anyone and, of course, you're more than welcome to do your own thing!

New Launching Spot for Weekly Friday Group SUP!

The weekly Friday SUP group will start at Riverbend Park, today, Friday, June 16th at 4.30 pm.

We'll paddle downstream to Bend Outrigger Canoes (the usual put-in spot), then turn around and go upstream to Bill Healy Bridge, then turn around and go downstream to where we started. Riverbend Park is where the new Parks and Recs building is. The "beach" there provides a nice, easy place for several paddlers to launch at once.

Let's see if we like this new route. Your feedback is welcome.

The weekly group SUP is a great opportunity to socialize and exchange tips and techniques with fellow paddlers.

Hope to see you all there! Please email Info@StandUpPaddleBend.com if you have questions.

Stand Up Paddle Bend Shop-warming Party

Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate the opening of the Pacific Northwest's only dedicated SUP shop!

Results of the First Official King & Queen of the Lake Paddle Race

Thanks to everyone who turned out for the first official King & Queen of the Lake race at Elk Lake on Sunday. Click here to see the results!

King & Queen of the Lake Race Series

The first official race in the King & Queen of the Lake Race series at Elk Lake takes place tomorrow (Sunday, July 11th). Registration begins at 9.30 am.

We had a great turn out for the practice race last week and have heard even more stand up paddlers are planning to come tomorrow!

For more information, check out the flyer.

The King & Queen of the Lake race series is sponsored by:

Stand Up Paddle Bend Grand Opening

Stand Up Paddle Bend is hosting a shop-warming party on Tuesday, July 13th from 4pm to 8pm in conjunction with the Mill Quarter Design District's Annual Block Party.

Come on in and check out our new digs! We'll be offering refreshments and discount coupons.

We're located at:

The Old Mill Market Place

550 SW Industrial Way, #115

Bend, Oregon 97702.

View Larger Map

Odell Lake Pioneer Cup

This year is the 30th anniversary of the Odell Lake Pioneer Cup! The Pioneer Cup started as a canoe race and now also includes almost every other paddle-powered craft you could think of. Stand Up Paddle Flatwater founder Randall Barna convinced the race organizers to add stand up paddle boards in 2007.

The race is a five mile down-winder from the Shelter Cove Resort at the west end of the lake to Odell Lake Lodge at the east end. A barbecue is offered after the race on the deck at the historic Odell Lake Lodge. All entrants will receive T-shirts.

The Pioneer Cup is a great race for first-time racers as well as seasoned athletes. It's a nonintimidating, nonhazardous course that goes straight downwind so even if you just stand there, you'll eventually blow to the finish line! And if you're an experienced stand up paddler, you'll enjoy the challenge of competing against other skilled contestants.

If you want to stay overnight, you can stay at the Odell Lake Lodge Resort or the nearby Forest Service Campgrounds.

WHEN: Saturday, July 31st.

WHERE: Odell Lake, Oregon. Highway 58. About 70 minutes from Bend, Oregon. Click here for a map.

WEATHER: Odell Lake is a high mountain lake. Summer paddling temperatures have been as cold as 49 degrees and as hot as 95 degrees. Be prepared with both cold and hot weather gear!

RACE CLASSES:

Canoe - open, local

Kayak - solo, tandem
Outrigger - solo, tandem

Stand up paddle

For further information, contact John Milandin at 541.782.2815.

Life jackets are REQUIRED. You can find compact life jacket belt packs that are perfect for racing at Stand Up Paddle Flatwater.

For everything you need to enjoy the race, check out

Stand Up Paddle Flatwater.

King & Queen of the Lake Practice Race Results

Thanks to everyone who turned out for the King & Queen of the Lake practice race at Elk Lake on Sunday. It was a beautiful day and a fantastic way to celebrate America’s Independence.

Even though the results of the practice race don’t count towards determining the King and Queen, you may be interested to know that in the Race Course, Randall Barna smoked the other stand up paddle boarders on his Joe Bark 14’ SUP board. Jaye Arney led the pack in the Sport Course on her Aquaglide Amundson 11' Superlight. One of the most exciting parts of the race was watching couple Judy and Ed Shasek approach the finish line neck and neck. Ed beat his wife by a nose on a Laird 11’6”. Judy rode an Aquaglide Amundson 11’3”.

Don’t forget that the first official race in the series is next Sunday, July 11^th at Elk Lake! For more information check out the flyer.

Race results are posted below.

Overall Results

Race Course

STAND UP PADDLE

Randall Barna (Super 50)

Jen Kjellesvik

Michael Heidenreich

Win Francis (Super 50)

Ed Shasek (Super 50)

Judy Shasek (Super 50)

Cristina Acosta (Super 50)

Hannah Olson

Jennifer Seelye

OC-1 OUTRIGGER

Cynthia Hahn

Rachel Mavis

Sport Course

STAND UP PADDLE

Jaye Arney

Captain Sawdust (Super 50)

Pam Stevenson

Steve Landry

Steve Morris-Reade (Super 50)

Kerie Raymond

SURF SKI

Craig Mavis

Results by class:

Race Course

STAND UP PADDLE

Women 14’:

Jennifer Seelye

Men 14’:

Randal Barna (Super 50)

Win Francis (Super 50)

Women Race board 12’6” or less:

Jen Kjellesvik

Cristina Acosta (Super 50)

Men Race Board 12’6” or less:

Michael Heidenreich

Women All-Around/Surf 12’6” or less:

Judy Shasek (Super 50)

Hannah Olson

Men All-Around/Surf 12’6” or less:

Ed Shasek (Super 50)

OC-1 Outrigger

Cynthia Hahn

Rachel Mavis

Sport Course

Women:

Stand Up Paddle

Jaye Arney

Pam Stevenson

Kerie Raymond

Men:

Captain Sawdust (Super 50)

Steve Landry

Steve Morris-Reade (Super 50)

Surf Ski

Craig Mavis

Surfing a 14' Bark

I was a bit nervous paddling the Surftech Bark 14' stand up paddle board into the chest-high surf at Pacific City. I had visions of the nose pearling and sending me into the rinse cycle.

We have two other SUBs in our family - a Hobie ATR 11'2" and an Aquaglide Amundson 11'. I'd prefer to surf on one of those but when we're all out at once, the third board in our quiver is the Bark 14.

Actually, on the very first wave I was pleasantly surprised. I stepped back quickly so it wouldn't pearl and it responded beautifully. It angled beautifully on the little beach break wave and rode like a fast cadillac!

Jumpin' up in length to 14' was like de ja vu, reminding me of my first experience surfing a stand up paddle board 11'6" after the 7'11" Gerry Lopez surfboard that I was accustomed to.

It seemed really long and I had to watch out not to catch the nose on anything but there were some really nice features that made it super-fun! It paddled out super-fast and easy, punching through waves better than the wide-nose boards. It also caught waves super-easy and crusing up and down the shoreline was no work at all.

The coolest part is Cristina, Isabella and I were all out at once having a great time!

Aloha,

Randall Barna

Click here to check out the Bark 14'.

Paddle for Cancer (SUP4C)

The second annual Paddle for Cancer takes place on Sunday, July 11th at the Hood River Waterfront Event Site in Hood River, Oregon. Demos and clinics will be given on Saturday, July 10th.
For more information, visit the Stand Up Paddle 4 Cancer website.

King and Queen of the Lake Practice Race

The practice and tune-up race for the King and Queen of the Lake Race series takes place this Sunday, July 4^th at Elk Lake, Oregon.

This is a fun, family race series that includes stand up paddle boards, prone paddleboards, OC-1 outriggers and windsurfers.

There are no entry fees and no prizes… just bragging rights and great “schwag” for finishers.

The scored races take place on July 11, August 15, and September 26 (all Sundays). The best two scores of the three races will be combined to determine the “King and Queen of the Lake”.

There are many classes, including a Sport Class with a shortened course so everyone can participate and have fun!

Elk Lake Resort is hosting a Luau on the evening of the final - September 26th.

The schedule is the same for each race day:

9:30-10:00am Registration at Elk Lake Resort*

10:15am Paddle Race Skippers Meeting

10:30am Paddle Race Mass Start

1:30pm Windsurfing skippers meeting, at Sunset View Beach

2:00pm Windsurfing Start

*Registration is mandatory as is compliance with all laws regulating watercraft.

For more information, check out the flyer.

Race Director: Randall Barna
randall@footform.com
541.389.4547

Sponsored by: Stand Up Paddle Flatwater, Kialoa, & Elk Lake Resort

Fighting U.S. Coast Guard "Vessel" Classification for SUP Boards

In October 0f 2008, the Chief of Boating Safety for the United States Coast Guard (USCG) officially classified stand up paddle boards outside the surf zone as “vessels”. This means all stand up paddlers are legally required to wear or carry a personal flotation device (PFD).

The Human Powered Watercraft Association (HPWA) believes the ruling is seriously flawed because, although PFDs are appropriate in certain conditions, in most cases they are unnecessary and may actually hinder a stand up paddler’s safety.

A stand up paddle board has at least ten times the flotation of a PFD, keeps the paddler out of the water, and allows the paddler to remount after a fall and continue on. PFDs restrict movement and make paddling more difficult. Hence, most stand up paddlers choose to strap their PFDs to the board. In conditions of wind, waves, and tidal flow, PFDs make it more difficult to swim and recover the board. Firmly affixing a leash to both the paddler and the board achieves the highest level of safety.

The HPWA is petitioning the USCG to reconsider the classification and grant stand up paddle boarders the PFD exemption that windsurfers, surfers and prone paddlers enjoy.

To sign the petition and for further information, go to the HPWA website.

Stand Up Paddle Flatwater carries comfortable,  unobtrusive life jacket
belt packs (like a fanny pack) as well as a variety of leashes.

Crossing the English Channel by SUP!

A group of four surfers are set to cross the English Channel from Dover to Calais on stand-up paddleboards in an effort to raise money for clean water campaigners Surfers Against Sewage.

The group aim to break two world records; one for becoming the first relay team to make the 21-mile crossing and secondly for the fastest solo crossing. The current solo record, set by American stand up paddler Michael O'shaughnessy in 2006, is five hours and nine minutes.

The relay team includes last year's UK stand-up paddleboarding champion Jock Patterson, chairman of the British Stand-Up Paddle Association (BSUPA) Matt Argyle, and head coach for BSUPA Simon Bassett. The solo paddler will be longboarding champion Elliot Dudley.

To learn more about this story, visit: www.sas.org.uk.

Columbia Gorge Blowout Includes SUP!

The Columbia Gorge Blowout is taking place this weekend in Hood River and this year it includes stand up paddlers! Our very own Randall Barna is among them!

The Blowout is a classic Central Oregon windsurfing event that’s been ripping up the Gorge for 28 years. It’s a big event, with lots of great activities surrounding it.

The festivities will be held at the Event Site in Hood River, Oregon.

Activities will run from 10am until dusk on Saturday, June 26th, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday, June 27th.

Exact race times are dependent upon weather, so go to http://www.vmgevents.com/gc/schedule.htm or call the Blowout hotline (541.386.5137) after 6.30 am on Saturday, June 26th for further information.

Up and Running!

Stand Up Paddle Bend is up and running! We definitely still have lots to organize but we welcome you to stop by and check out the new digs.

We’re sure you’re eager to get out on the water and enjoy the great weather we’re finally having so come on in and pick up the paddling gear you need to do that. We offer the most affordable, high-quality SUP rentals in town! If you’ve never tried SUPing, we offer free demos. Call or email for further information.

Over the coming weeks (and years for that matter) you’ll see the shop continue to grow. Because rentals are proving so popular, we’re expanding our fleet of high-quality rental SUPs. We also have more of the latest boards, paddles and accessories on the way.

We invite you to be a part of our growth by stopping by to say hi whenever you drive by and letting us know if you have any comments or suggestions.

We want to be the center of the Central Oregon stand up paddle community so let us know your desires and we’ll do our best to fulfill them!

Stand Up Paddle Bend has found it’s new home!

We’ve secured our location! The new home of Stand Up Paddle Bend (also known as Stand Up Paddle Flatwater) is close to downtown, the Shops at the Old Mill, and most importantly, the river!

We’re stoked to have found such a convenient spot for you to pick up all your paddling needs, meet fellow paddlers and check out the latest boards, paddles, and accessories.

The new hub of stand up paddling for the Pacific Northwest is situated at:

The Old Mill Marketplace

550 SW Industrial Way, Suite 115

Bend, Oregon 97702

We’ll begin painting and moving inventory in tomorrow (feel free to stop by and say hi) and be open for business within days!

Stay tuned!

Paddling Weather Central Oregon Style

Summer's almost here! It was great to see so many local stand up paddlers on the river today!

As the new owners of Stand Up Paddle Bend, my wife and I would like to say hello. We're excited to build upon the fantastic work Randall, Cristina and Isabella have done, keeping people stoked and equipped with their SUP gear.

One of our first steps will be to open a retail location – the only shop dedicated solely to stand up paddle gear in the Pacific Northwest. Stay tuned for more info! Plus, we’re expanding inventory to include a wider variety of stand up boards, paddles and accessories.

You can count on us to provide the most up-to-date info on stand up locations and equipment. We’re committed to being the leaders in flat-water paddling – right here in Bend, Oregon!

We’d love to hear feedback about our site, learn what your needs are, hear about your Central Oregon paddling adventures and see pictures and video of you on the water so please feel free to drop us an email or give us a call!

See you on the water!

Chip Booth

Lainey Booth

StandUpPaddleBend.com

StandUpPaddleFlatwater.com

Things are changing, including the weather!

Hi Everyone,

I think Summer will finally offer a sample this weekend! Please join in for our routine paddle gathering this evening @ 4:30 at the paved parking lot by the Bend Outrigger Canoes and Alder Creek Kayak. It's near the Colorado Bridge at the North end of the Old Mill stretch of the Deschutes. Newcomers are welcome, just ask around for the evenings host (today it's Me) and I'll introduce you to folks and explain the route and any submerged hazards. If you're late, no problem you'll catch the group on the way back and be there at the finish for an adult beverage and "talk story."

The big news is today I will introduce everyone the the new owners and operators of StandupPaddleFlatwater, StandupPaddleBend, and StandupPaddle.blogspot.com. They will continue to honor the heritage of this sport as Hawaiian. Created on the volcano islands, yet there's a strong link to us in Bend as we do it here on the lava-formed rivers and lakes. Chip Booth and his wife Lainey will take the helm and the seamless transition will offer the same great products and service as before. Chip and Lainey have more stoke and enthusiasm for Standup Paddling than I, and that's saying a lot. Chip has surfing in his soul and has lived the lifestyle. His other company Booth Pacific Films has taken him around the world filming surf films, snowboard films and off-road racing, both auto and motorcycle. Chip also builds his own Standup Paddleboards and will show them in the shop along with other new and exciting merchandise. Lainey has a variety of business skills and is newer to the sport, Chip and Lainey were recently married, but she's gained the knowledge quickly and will certainly empathize with other women and newcomers in understanding how to negotiate a SUP board! Their SUP board shop will be the first and only specialty Standup Paddle Board shop in the Pacific NW, they will have a strong internet presence and you can bet there will be a lot of video embedded as well! You will get notices soon of the location and a bunch of events and gatherings. Also, the schedule of new arrivals of long awaited boards, like the Hobie Race 12'6" and the Surftech Bark 14'.

Cristina, Isabella and I appreciate all the kind words we've gotten from you local paddlers. Also, the loyalty and support getting the whole SUP thing going around here. You'll still see us paddling as much as ever, we'll help Chip and Lainey with all their promotions, and we'll be having fun! As Always!

Aloha,

Randall Barna

www.StandupPaddleFlatwater.com

www.StandupPaddleBend.com

www.StandupPaddle.blogspot.com

Friday SUP Paddle Winds and Rain (maybe) are Great Paddleboard Training

Hi Everyone,
Green light for todays Friday @ 4:30 stand up paddle gathering. The forecast is for mild and breezy with showers ending by afternoon in Bend, Oregon. (It looks like they've already ended as of 7:00AM - maybe) It's looking better for paddle boarding this weekend and high 70's by early next week!

Newcomers are welcome. We launch by the Bend Outrigger canoes from the paved parking lot near the Colorado Bridge (by Tumalo Creek Kayakand Bikram Yoga) we paddle upstream to the rapids by Healy Bridge on the Deschutes River and back. Enjoy your adult beverage and talk story afterwards. Cristina, Isabella and I'll be there to greet newcomers and explain the Deschutes river channels, should be interesting after last nights heavy rain!

Aloha,
Randall
www.StandupPaddleflatwater.com