Welcome to the Stand Up Paddle Bend blog. This is our place to communicate with fellow paddlers about the sport we love. Our goal is to provide you with everything you need to have as much fun as possible with SUP!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Stand Up Paddle Board Ding Repair How-To
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Stand Up Paddle Christmas Cards
Available Online & In-Store!
| Find Stand Up Paddle Christmas Cards and Much More at www.StandUpPaddleFlatwater.com. |
We hope you'll have lots of fun using these top-quality cards to share your love of SUP with friends and family this holiday season!
Monday, December 6, 2010
New Stand Up Paddle Clothing Collection Added To Lineup
In search of visuals that would resonate with SUP enthusiasts, the team gained access to archived photographs of early watermen like Duke Kahanamoku and spent hours pouring over books at the Surfing Heritage Museum in San Clemente, California. They also sought inspiration from their everyday surroundings to give the designs a fresh, exciting, up-to-the-minute quality. “We incorporated images we see every time we’re on the water - like paddlers backlit by the sun,” says Cook. For further refinement, prominent stand up paddle athletes were invited to offer feedback.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Winter Surfing on the Oregon Coast
| Dave Eveland Surfing at Otter Rock |
“Winter swells on the Oregon coast can be huge with 20' and larger not uncommon,” says Stand Up Paddle Flatwater founder Randall Barna. “It can be pretty dangerous,” says Central Oregon Community College Surf Club president Shelby Merrick. “I don’t recommend it for people who are new to surfing.”
For more information about surfing the Oregon Coast, visit the Oregon Surf Guide.
Happy Thanksgiving to our Fantastic SUP Community!
Please be sure to check out our Stand Up Paddle Gift Guide -
From stocking stuffers to show stoppers, you'll find SUPer gifts for everyone on your list!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Nelscott Reef Big Wave Surf Contest: Randall’s Recap
The 6th Annual Nelcott Reef Big Wave Classic took place on Tuesday, November 2nd in Lincoln City, Oregon. For the second year, it was a paddle-in event rather than a tow-in event. For the first year, it included a women’s division - the first women's big wave event. One of the stops on the Big Wave World Tour, this year’s event was held in the biggest conditions ever surfed at Nelscott Reef. Waves were 40 foot plus! Kohl Christensen took first place in the men’s division, and Kealla Kennelly won the women’s division.
Randall’s Recap
Yesterday I saw the raw power of nature like never before. The Nelscott Reef 2010 big wave event erupted the biggest waves ever surfed in Oregon. Ron Hill and I got there just as they were launching the first sleds and it was pandemonium. The surge was so high it was picking up those logs that are left up top of the sand (since the last huge storm) and pushing them all around the beach like toothpicks.
The guys in the first sled to go out were very brave and garnered a new level of respect as watermen and sled operators. The walls of whitewater were so high and there were so few opportunities to get out that watching the sleds was as interesting as watching the surfing.
The waves were 40’+ and indescribable. The weather was perfect and comfortable in T-shirts. Light offshore winds made a spindrift off the top of the waves that was as high as the waves were tall. When the break exploded, it was as high as both!
Once the surfers were out there they paddled in to catch the waves. We were amazed that they managed to do this, the skill level unreal! Most of the drops were totally vertical. Positioning and wave selection were critical. Fewer waves were ridden than in a tow-in contest but each ride got more respect. Most of the boards where rhino-guns 10' to 11' with big, thick stringers and multiple fin combinations.
The peak to the south of the contest zone was A-frame and even bigger. Several non-contest tow-in crews were working it and also put on a good show.
I'm glad I had the opportunity to witness such an epic day!
Aloha,
Randall Barna
Check out this video of Big Wave World Tour Director Gary Linden talking about the Nelscott Reef Event:
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Kids Take Up Stand Up!
The most appealing aspect of SUP for kids however, is the fun factor. “My favorite thing is when the water is like glass and you can see things underneath you,” says 10-year old Grace Towle who paddles regularly in California's San Francisco Bay. Towle also appreciates the cross training value of SUP. “It helps me develop arm and belly strength,” she says. “I can use those in swimming, rock climbing, and horseback riding.”
7-year old Amanda Kardol who paddles regularly in the Columbia Gorge enjoys being able to spend time on the water without coming in contact with river reeds, which she isn’t a fan of. “I feel safe on my board. I can float all alone up there without touching the green stuff,” she says. Amanda’s 5-year old sister Olivia hasn’t started stand up paddling herself but says she loves riding along on the nose of her mom's board.
Stand Up Paddle Flatwater carries several great kids' SUP boards. Any little SUPer would be thrilled to find one under the tree this year!
Besides Stand Up Paddle Journal Junior of the Year Slater Trout, other up and coming SUPer stars include:
17-year old Zane Schweitzer of Maui, a windsurfer who has finished impressively in several international SUP surf and race events.
15-year old Connor Baxter, also of Maui, winner of the 2010 Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest.
17-year old Kai Lenny, winner of the 2010 Stand Up World Tour.
12-year old Riggs Napoleon, the youngest person to cross the Molokai channel on a stand up paddle board (or any non-motorized watercraft).
17-year old Kialoa team rider Bobbie Cooper of Britain.
17-year old SUPBend team rider Isabella Barna who consistently finishes among the top in Pacific Northwest SUP events.
Check out this video of prominent young British SUP athlete Bobbie Cooper with her Kialoa Pipes Paddle:
Check out this video of Riggs Napoleon, mid-way through the 2010 Molokai 2 Oahu Paddle Race:
To help your child develop balance, strength, coordination and water skills through SUP, check out Stand Up Paddle Flatwater's excellent ramge of kids' stand up paddle boards.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Attending the World Series on a Stand Up Paddle Board!
Many premium SUP boards
are discounted for a limited time only!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Stand Up Paddling Provides Landlocked Surfers a Temporary Fix
A couple of weekends ago Stand Up Paddle Flatwater introduced members of Central Oregon Community College’s newly formed surf club to stand up paddling on the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon. All participants agreed that, although less intense, flatwater SUP provides a connection to nature akin to that experienced surfing.
“It’s like you’re walking on water,” says club president Shelby Merrick. “The world of deadlines and trivial concerns that our society amplifies -- being out on the water removes you from all that.”
Stand Up Paddle Flatwater will support the COCC Surf Club by providing discounts to members. The shop is also a place for surfers to pick up gear they’ll need when they do get to go surfing like booties, ear plugs, and wax.
Alert!
We're offering special fall pricing on many premium SUP boards
for a limited time only!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Danny Ching Stand Up Paddle Technique DVD Review
Friday, October 8, 2010
Surftech Blacktip Now Available Online and In Store... $749 out the door with a paddle and a leash!
The Surftech Blacktip is a great intro board. It performs well. It’s super-durable. And most importantly, it’s extremely affordable - $749 out the door with a paddle and a leash!
The Blacktip is a board we can feel good about selling… and you can feel good about buying. Here’s why:
- It’s manufactured by Surftech, a company known for its fine craftsmanship, revolutionary construction methods, and overall commitment to excellence.
- It has a stiff core and three stringers to prevent the buckling and flexing that's a big problem with other soft boards.
- With its damage-resistant bumpers and water-barrier seal, the Blacktip is ultra-durable.
- The thoughtfully designed shape delivers very good stability and speed for the price.
- The strength and durability factor make it a fantastic choice for the rapidly growing number of whitewater SUPers.
- With its smooth nose rocker, the Blacktip is a blast in small surf.
- It’s great for kids – very difficult to damage.
- It’s nice to have on hand for family and friends.
- It’s super-light and very easy to transport.
We’re thrilled that Surftech has released a quality board at such a friendly price point! Come on in and check it out. Or buy the Surftech Blacktip now at our secure online store. Free shipping. No sales tax.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Family Access Network’s Fall Harvest at Anjou Spa on Thursday!
Please join us on Thursday for a special family-friendly evening promoting art, music, and well-being. All proceeds benefit Family Access Network (FAN)!
Hosted by the wonderful Anjou Spa and Salon, the Fall Harvest will feature:
delicious hors d’oeurvres and a no host bar by Typhoon!
work by local artists Sarah Mikolowsky, Kaycee Anseth, and K. Cyr
music by DJ Lucius
coupons from Stand Up Paddle Bend
much more.
All attendees will receive a $10 gift card to Anjou and be entered into a raffle for prizes donated by CHOW, Angelina Organic Skincare, Lone Pine Coffee Roasters, Stand Up Paddle Bend, and other great local businesses. You need not be present to claim your prize, which means even if you can't make it to the event you can still win something great! Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door – available at Anjou, Typhoon! and Bo Restobar. Ask about group rates.
FAN is a network of community partners dedicated to ensuring that all children in Deschutes County have access to basic-need services so that they can attend school ready to learn. FAN is unique in Oregon in that it provides Family Advocates in all Deschutes County Public Schools.
What: Fall Harvest for Family Access Network
Where: Anjou Spa and Salon, 225 NW Oregon Ave, Suite 3
When: Thursday, October 7th, 6:00p.m. - 9:30p.m.
Why: a great cause, wonderful food and drink, a chance to win awesome prizes from fantastic Bend businesses!
Contact: Anjou Spa, 541.382.1138.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Battle of the Paddle 2010, California - Results & Video
Danny Ching of Redondo Beach defeated 159 of the world’s top SUPers in the Elite Race at the Battle of the Paddle in Dana Point, California yesterday – a 5-mile, 4-lap buoy circuit in and out of the surf that included 100-yard beach sprints between laps. With a time of 57 minutes and 45 seconds, Ching beat out last year’s winner, nine-time world paddleboard champion Jamie Mitchell of Australia. Mitchell came in second with a time of 59 minutes and 36 seconds. 15-year old Slater Trout of Maui came in third with a time of 1 hour and 39 seconds. Ching won $5000, Mitchell $3500, and Trout $2500.
In the women’s division, Candice Appelby of San Clemente came in first (on a Joe Bark race board), with a time of 1 hour and 31 seconds. Brandi Baksic, also from San Clemente, took second with a time of 1 hour, 11 minutes and 3 seconds. Jenny Kalmbach who grew up in Costa Rica and currently lives in Kona Hawaii, came in third. Appelby won $2500, Baksik $1250, and Kalmach $1000.
The Open Age-Group Race highlighted the accessibility of SUP to people of a wide variety of ages and skill levels. The 340 entrants included paddlers as young as 6 and as old as 73.
In today’s Distance Race – a scenic but challenging 10-mile paddle from Doheney State Beach to San Clemente Pier and back, Danny Ching was victorious again (as he was in the Battle of the Paddle, Hawaii in June). Rob Rojas of Laguna Beach took second. In the women's division, Brandi Baksic was the winner, followed by Rachel Brunton and Andrea Moller.
Bend local, Battle of the Paddle co-founder and surfing icon, 61-year old Gerry Lopez competed in every division, placing first in the Distance Race in his age group and second in the 60-69 Age Group Race.
| Rank | Name | Hometown | Age | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Danny Ching | Redondo Beach | 27 | 0:57:45 |
| 2 | Jamie Mitchell | Currmbin, AUS | 33 | 0:59:36 |
| 3 | Slater Trout | Lahaina, HI | 15 | 1:00:39 |
| 4 | Travis Grant | Palm Beach, NA | 27 | 1:00:39 |
| 5 | Andrew Logreco | Honolulu, CA | 26 | 1:00:43 |
| Rank | Name | Hometown | Age | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Candice Appelby | Honolulu, HI | 24 | 1:10:31 |
| 2 | Brandi Baksic | San Clemente, CA | 38 | 1:11:03 |
| 3 | Rachel Bruntsch | Honolulu, HI | 26 | 1:12:59 |
| 4 | Jenny Kalmbach | Kailua Kona, HI | 27 | 1:13:20 |
| 5 | Gillian Gibree | San Diego, CA | 24 | 1:14:35 |
Check out this video of the start of the Elite Race, taken from a competitor's helmet:
Friday, October 1, 2010
Battle of the Paddle this Weekend!
One of the world’s biggest SUP events, this year’s battle will feature more than 700 competitors from all around the world, an exposition of more than 80 diverse vendors, and a series of races and demonstrations for paddlers of all ages and skill sets.
The multi-lap Elite Race on Saturday offers the sport’s largest cash purse of $25,000. More than 300 challengers are entered, including Battle of the Paddle Hawaii champions Danny Ching of Redondo Beach and Candice Appelby of San Clemente.
The Open Age-Group Race also goes off on Saturday. It’s a fun, moderately challenging buoy course in which entrants can paddle any board they choose. Last year’s Open Age-Group Race had what organizers estimated to be the largest SUP field ever assembled - more than 390 SUPers.
Sunday’s events include a scenic but challenging 10-mile Distance Race and a SUP Surf Relay Race.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
King & Queen of the Lake Stand Up Paddle Race Recap & Results
Held at beautiful Elk Lake, the race series featured a sport class for recreational paddlers as well as a race class for those who wanted more challenge. Courses for both classes were “buoy courses” and included plenty of navigational challenge. “I like races that also involve the brain a bit,” says race director Randall Barna. “It makes it more fun for the racers and spectators,” he adds.
The shorter, easier course and slightly less competitive atmosphere of the sport class opened up the event to less experienced paddlers and attracted many first-time racers. Several reported aspirations to step up to the race class next year.
The race class was further divided into sub-classes according to board type and length. The difference in speed between these sub-classes highlighted the importance of equipment choice for paddlers who are serious about racing. “Events like this help people in their choices when they plan their gear for next year,” says Randall.
In addition to stand up paddle boards, the race series also celebrated other paddle sports vessels including outriggers, surfskis and prone paddleboards. After the race, Kialoa offered demos of their beautiful, innovative, handmade paddles.
Contestants’ best two scores of the three races in the series were combined to determine overall winners in each class. Congratulations to Your Royal Highnesses Lisa Jacobowski, Frank Ring, Jaye Arney, Jen Kjellesvik, and Randall Barna, and thank you to all participants!
Click here for complete race results. Click here for a message from race director Randall Barna.
See more SUP race photos at the Stand Up Paddle Flatwater Gallery and be sure to check out the race video if you haven't already.
Get your SUP race boards and Kialoa paddles at Stand Up Paddle Flatwater!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
King & Queen of the Lake Stand Up Paddle Race Footage
If you want to win races or just enjoy going fast, check out our SUP race boards. They're the speediest SUBs on the market.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
8th Annual Rogue Gathering Longboard Classic - More Pix!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
King & Queen of the Lake - Last Race of the Series is this Sunday... and it looks like the weather is cooperating!
Royal status will be bestowed upon top finishers in each eligible class – with three classes already clinched - congratulations to Randall Barna (Men’s SUP 14’), Frank Ring (Men’s SUP Sport) and Jaye Arney (Women’s SUP Sport). Titles in other classes are still up for grabs.
The King & Queen of the Lake race series is a fun, family race series on beautiful Elk Lake. There's a sport class for those new to paddling as well as a race class for those who want more challenge. The series celebrates a variety of Hawaiian paddle sports including OC-1 outriggers, prone paddle boards and, of course, stand up paddle boards. A windsurfing race takes place later in the afternoon.
9:30-10:00a.m Registration at Elk Lake Resort*
10:15a.m. Paddle Race Skippers Meeting
10:30a.m. Paddle Race Mass Start
1:30p.m. Windsurfing skippers meeting, at Sunset View Beach
2:00p.m. Windsurfing Start
For further information, email Race Director Randall Barna at
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Congratulations Judy!
Judy, who is 61, wore 61 ribbons inscribed with names of fellow cancer survivors as well as people who are currently fighting to overcome the disease. Friends and family members joined her for a lap or two here and there, cheered her on from the shore, and gathered at the finish to congratulate her on completing the roughly 33-mile journey well ahead of schedule.
Although the temperature was below 60 degrees for most of the day, Judy reported feeling relaxed and comfortable during her paddle, and exhilarated at the end. “I don’t feel tired at all,” she said. “In fact, I could do more.”
Members of the community who had contributed ribbons for Judy to wear were visibly touched to see the names of their loved ones on her shirt. Judy provided shining proof that it is possible to become healthy again and stay that way. She’s an inspiration. Thank you Judy!