SUP With That?
STAND UP PADDLE DEMO DAYS!
Sup Bro I hear you say? Well, we have decided to run a few demo sessions of Stand Up Paddle. This sport is great for your fitness and an unreal alternative for those flat days, Sup is also great fun in the surf once you get the hang of it. Just ring the shop on 03 3842-789 or email shop@exitsurf.com if you are interested. We are able to provide all the gear, but if you have your own you are welcome to bring it along. Times and dates will be advised once we have the numbers firmed up
Celebrity Surf Stars Showcased in Stand Up Paddle Competition.
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (July 27, 2008)--- In 40 minutes, Corona and Surftech put stand up paddle surfing in front of an estimated 100,000 people, taking the sport a giant leap forward in the consciousness of the surfing and non surfing public alike. The inaugural Corona Stand-up Paddle Surf Challenge took center stage on Sunday, the final day of the Honda U.S. Open of Surfing as a star studded cast of some of surfing’s most notable heroes took to the water on a selection of Surftech stand up paddleboards for a single 40 minute, winner take all heat.
Competing in the event were some of the most notable names in surfing including current WCT competitor Timmy Reyes, four-time Women’s World Champion Lisa Andersen, legendary North Shore pioneer and shaper Mickey Munoz, former pro surfer and star of Endless Summer II Pat O’Connell, Hawaiian charger Kala Alexander, Australian transplant Jesse Faen, pro longboarder Rocky McKinnon and the 2008 Surftech SUP shootout winner Jeremy Portfilio.
But it was Maui’s Noah Shimabukuro, riding his Surftech built 10’3” Takayama SUP, who put on a spectacular showfor the crowd as well as the judges. The US Open Longboard finalist showed his comfort on the production stand up paddle board, navigating Huntington’s challenging beach break conditions and finding long open faced waves to combine noserides with powerful cutbacks and weightless floaters, even shooting the legendary HB pier on one particularly long ride. The result was a combined score of 16 out of a possible 20 points to take first place. Fellow competitor McKinnon, took second, showing his home break knowledge by picking off some of the best waves in the heat and using his paddle to carve precise turns off the top. From powerful carves to new school floaters, stylish rides were had by all competitors, but it was Mickey Munoz who garnered the greatest support. Legendary among surfers for his eternal stoke, Mickey was clearly a crowd favorite, fueling the stoke of both the live and online spectators as he caught clean rides showcasing how his classic style translated perfectly into this newform of surfing.
The Corona Stand-up Paddle Surf Challenge marks the first time stand up paddle surfing has been seriously showcased in conjunction with a high profile surfing event. The constant action combined with the notoriety and diversity of the competitors made it a popular component of the Honda U.S. Open of Surfing. Look for standup paddling to continue to gain momentum as Surftech and Corona support the sport’s growth and bring new events to the market in 2009.
For more information or to view classicimages from the event check out www.surftech.com.
S.U.P = STAND UP PADDLE SURFING!
Q: What is Stand Up Paddle Surfing?
A: It's like longboard/malibu surfing except you stand up for the whole session and use a paddle to get around, usually the boards are at least 10 ft long and thicker and wider than a regular longboard.
Q: Why use a paddle?
A: Using a paddle you can get around to different parts of the break quicker, explore the coastlines and use the paddle to perform turns.
Q: Does it mean I can catch more waves?
A: Yes, but you should share the waves with others. And remember you are carrying a paddle which can cut another surfer up quicker than a Ginsu knife so be careful out there!
Q: Do you have to do it in waves?
A: Nope. In Fact SUP (as it's known) is great for flat water too (as in the Estuary) and is really good for all round fitness. Hmmmmmmmmm something to do on the flat days I hear you say.
Q: What type of boards are available/Can I just use my Mal?
A: Ideally you want a purpose built SUP board, but a superwide longboard may do the job. We suggest the Southpoint Bonga model the Southpoint Timpone model and the Surftech Liard.
Boards cost in the region of $2000 - $ 3000 depending on size and construction.
Q: What paddle do I need?
A: A one bladed paddle with a T Bar grip at the top. The paddle should be cut at a length that is roughly 5 inches taller than you, or the easy way is do the old Hawaiin Shaka above your head and that's the height you'll need. Cut the paddle down to size with a hacksaw and use some araldite glue to fix T bar to shaft
Q: Can I try SUP ?
A: Come down to the store to see about a demo.