Reality Check

As soon as I think I have my confidence level up, she (the ocean) gives me a reality check to put me back in my place.  She tests me every now and then to see if I'm worthy for a ride and to humble me so that I always remember who's boss.  I thought I was ready for a set wave and was brought back down to reality in a quickness.  I catapulted in front of my board and was sucked under like being tumbled in a washing machine.  Once I came up for air, another wave was about to crash on top of me.  I was in the impact zone... familiar territory and NOT fun.  I was freaked out and was done for the day.  My legs couldn't stop trembling.  I wasn't sure if it was the cold, or fear, or both.

Random photo: taken at Garden of the Gods in Colorado.  

Advice from an experienced SUP surfer: "Charge It!"  He was watching me and said that I looked like a deer in headlights when I stalled at the lip.  You can't hesitate.  Make the decision to do it and just charge though.  Easier said than done, huh?  I believe it's good advice though.  I'm not saying we need to just be gung-ho without being smart or safe about things.    But when I make the decision to do something, including catching a head-high wave, I need to go at it 110% with no hesitation.  My new mantra has just changed from "Zero to Sixty" to "CHARGE!"

A Woman Can Never Have Enough Pairs of Shoes

I received the best pair of shoes for Christmas!  I'm not ashamed to say that I am a "shoe whore".  I love shoes and have a closet-full of shoes that could challenge Imelda Marcos.  And even with all the shoes I have owned in the past years, I have never owned a pair as special and unique as my newest pair.

These are the O'Neill Psycho, 3mm round toe boot.  They are a stylish ankle-length and have a great gripping sole.  I used them SUP surfing yesterday.  They kept my feet warm so I didn't feel as cold as I usually do.  After a while, you forget that you have a pair of booties on because they are so comfortable.  My only issue was water filling the boots but next time I'll pull my wetsuit over the boot and I think that should solve this issue.  Surprisingly, they were pretty easy to put on and take off.  Without the boots, my feet would get so numb from the cold water.    I highly suggest getting a pair of boots if you plan on surfing throughout these cold winter months.  I'm also planning on getting a hood and possibly a fleece-like lining to keep me warm.  I'll keep you posted!

My First Christmas Present

My family celebrates Christmas Eve so I probably went to bed around 2:00 am last night, or shall I say this morning.  Do you think that stopped me from getting up at 6:00 am this morning for an early Christmas surf?  Okay yes, I got up at 7:00 am instead.  It wasn't an ideal day for surfing-- gloomy and small surf but it was still great being out there on Christmas day.  Everything went pretty smooth and easy until...

Glad I painted my toenails yesterday :)

I somehow acquired a nasty cut on the bottom of my big toe.  I didn't notice it until I saw all the blood on the pad of my board.  I continued surfing for a while and it continued to bleed.  It wasn't painful until I finally got out and the stinging sensation kicked in (or maybe my foot wasn't numb anymore from the cold water).  I couldn't let it ruin the routine trip to breakfast after surfing so we taped it up.  Painters tape works well but any would have done the trick.

It's not a huge cut but deep enough to cause some throbbing pain.  Basically like a huge paper cut on my toe.  The toughest part was cleaning the sand out of the wound.  Ouch!  I'm hoping that this is as bad as it gets with my surf injuries but I have a feeling that it's only the beginning.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

Wishing everyone peace, love and friendship 

during this holiday season! 

Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones 

and happiness all through the new year.

The Wacky Adventures of Liza and Mary

I enjoy water in all of its forms.  When it's cold, windy and rainy in San Diego, I rather head up the mountain and take it in it's frozen state.  I wanted to take advantage of the storms this week and head out to the snow.  I have one female friend who is always game to travel on a sometimes not-so-well-planned-out journey, even if it may be a risky undertaking.  We knew that the storms were raging in Nor Cal and took it as an opportunity for an adventurous trip to Mammoth.  Little did we know what we were in for...

Here I am trying to attach the inside portion of the snow chains.

After 2 different attempts at installing mandatory snow chains --the first loaned by a friend was too small (the sizing on the bag is definitely wrong!) and had to drive back to Bishop only to purchase another set that was too big!!  Don't ask.  At this point, I was going to somehow make it work and not have to drive all the way back to Bishop again.

Mary and I ghetto-rigged these snow chains.  We made due with what we had.
The rubber in the inset was not part of this snow chain set.

We finally got the snow chains on and passed the safety check point (how??) at around 10:40 am.  We noticed that as we were driving toward Mammoth Mountain, many were headed away from it.  Should we have taken this as a sign?



When we finally arrived in Mammoth there was a Snow Storm Warning and possibility of road closures, meaning that if we didn't immediately turn around and head out, like many people were doing, we may risk being stranded in Mammoth.  I didn't think that was such a bad thing.  Mary, on the other hand, wanted to get back to her hubby and kiddies that evening.  Bummer.

We arrived just in time for the afternoon sessions at 12:30 pm.  Of course, there were only a couple of lifts on the Canyon side that we were at because the groomers couldn't keep up with the snow.  So we decided to head over a bit to the other side of the mountain.  Those of you who snowboard know that sometimes it will take traveling across to various ski lifts to get back to where you started.  To add more excitement to our day, the last ski lift we were in line for to take us to the top so we can head back to the other side of the mountain where our car was, closed!  We had to walk across until we hit another run that we could board down.  Ugh.  Walking on tons fresh powder in snowboard boots is not fun.

Our 8-hour drive home was another story but I'll save you the grueling details.  It definitely was an experience we'll always be reminiscing about.  Always good times Mare!!

Until Liza and Mary's next adventure.. Ciao.

A Journal for Surfers

Many of us already own one of those free tide books you can get at many surf shops.  These typically show simple charts displaying the daily tide changes.  But this is not your typical tide book:

This TIDELOG for Southern California charts tides, currents, moon, sunrise & sunset, planets and even meteor showers.  I will be using it as a journal as well by writing a brief summary about each of my surf sessions on the appropriate date.  By doing this, I'll learn which conditions are ideal for me while recording my progress.

This tidelog even has an explanation on how the moon and planets affect the tide.  It's very informative (maybe more than some of us want to know) but it helps to learn about what affects the tides and eventually know how to tell if surf conditions may be right for you even without a tide book.

Lucky Me... A Visit to The Shaping Tree

Welcome to the Stamps Shop in Seal Beach

How awesome is it that I was able to get a personal tour of the Stamps Shop by THE man himself, Tim Stamps.  When I arrived, he was shaping out a custom board, with googles and mask on, covered with foam dust.  I got to see each of the processes involved with making a surfboard!  I'm sure you can tell through my excitement that it's something I haven't witnessed before.  I was stoked to be able to watch the guys shaping, painting and glassing the boards.

Tim Stamps showing me the proper way to install the pad on a SUP board.

I first met Tim at the Sacred Surfboard Expo in SD this summer.  He is such a down to earth guy and definitely knows a thing or two about creating custom boards.  He's been shaping boards since he was a teenager.  He shapes all types of surfboards, including stand-up.  If you ever find yourself near Seal Beach, drop by the Stamps Shop and you'll be showered with hospitality.  But watch out for their guard dog...

Here's Cowboy guarding the Shaping Tree.

A New Line of SUP Boards from NorCal

Check it out!

I just received a new toy from Boga Paddleboards, a new company in Northern Cal producing stand-up paddle boards.  This is their 9'2" Bullet.  I surfed Coronado this past weekend on this fun board.  The Bullet made it an easy transition from my 11' longboard to this shorter board.  It's 32"wide so I was able to get through the whitewater with ease, as opposed to some of the usual struggles I have being pounded by the incoming surf.  This board is definitely stable, perfect for a new surfer.  It was easy to catch waves and surprisingly zoomed through the water with speed.  If you're a longboard surfer or just a new surfer wanting to try a shorter board,  the Bullet will give you the stability and drive for a sweet surf session.  Stay posted as I continue to use my Boga.  I'm sure it will help me progress with SUP surfing.

Check out their complete line of boards at bogaboards.com

A Good Day to Miss the Water

What a great day to miss going into the water!  I just got back from the Chargers vs Chiefs game.  Honestly, I haven't been able to keep up with football this season because of my new focus on Stand-Up Paddling.  Nowadays, I think and breathe SUP.  But today I took a break from it.

Today was a great day for taking my kid to her first NFL football game.  It was a great sunny day.  The game was sold out.  We tailgated with some friends in their RV and watched the Chargers kick some but-tay!  A shut-out game if you missed it!  Go Bolts!

Tis The Season... For Colds and Flus

It's that time of year when the drop in temperature hits and many San Diegans are caught sniffing and coughing.  Nobody likes to be ill.  When I'm ill all I want to do is crawl into my warm bed and sleep.  The worst of it is that it takes you away from being active and stand up paddling.  Today's Yahoo News recommended a few antidotes to boost your immune system and they happen to be things I regularly intake.  I'm not bragging (yes, I am) but I rarely get sick.  Aside from staying away from contagious individuals, always washing washing hands or using anti-bacterial lotion, try the following:

Vitamin D- may help the immune cells identify and destroy bacteria and viruses that make us sick. It's recommended to take between 1,000IU to 2,000IU to help boost your immune system. Eat salmon and fortified milk for Vitamin D.

Green Tea- I drink it almost daily.  It contains the potent plant antioxidants, Polyphenols, that provide immune boosting effects.  Don't put milk in your green tea because it will bind with the polyphenols and make them ineffective.

Probiotics- These are popular nowadays.  You'll find it in yogurt.  Probiotics suppress the growth of bad bacteria but may also activate the immune system.  Make sure you purchase fermented dairy products with the "Live and Active Cultures" seal from the National Yogurt Assn.  This guarantees that the product contains a minimum amount of two beneficial bacterias.

Don't fall for the popular gimmeck and take Airborne.  It contains all the vitamins needed for your immune system to function efficiently: Vitamin A, C, E, Zinc, Selenium but the mega doses in Airborne can be more harmful than helpful.   

So try these tricks and hopefully you won't catch a "bug".

Questions to Ponder

Should I purchase booties,
even if my friends say they won't paddle with me if I wear them?
Will I need a thicker wetsuit for this Winter season?
Will training with a wider blade help improve my strength and speed?
Should I go snowboarding in Park City, Utah,
when Southern Baja takes just as long to get to?
Does the 5 hour energy drink really work?
How does Kiwi go that fast?
Where can I get a pair of big muscular arms like Brandi Baksic?
How long until I stop having so many questions about SUPing????

Guest Blogger: Through My Daughter's Eyes

Since my mom's discovery of stand up paddling in Maui, I noticed so many changes in her lifestyle and attitude. In Maui, she was so intrigued by the locals who were paddling, she was inspired to try it out herself. My mom has always been the kind of person to fight to reach those ever so distant dreams. However, she is also the person who thinks not placing in your first race is unacceptable. For all the things we do, like snowboarding, volleyball, even traveling, I have never seen her be more passionate than stand up paddling. Her perseverance is exceptional. She aspires to paddle everyday to improve on her speed and surf skills.

From going to competitions, watching my mom practice and even attempting to paddle myself, I've notice how much stand up paddling has stemmed. It has spread to the rest the world. Paddle boarding is a huge investment and at first I was against my mom buying a board. But I caved when my mom told me that unlike surfing, you can paddle anywhere you go. All you need is water. I liked how whether it's an ocean, bay, lake, river or even a pool, all you need is a board, paddle and a smile to have a fun workout and hobby. I am proud that my mom has found a exhilarating sport that is fun and different.

Paddlers versus Puppies??

The day after Thanksgiving-- Turkey Paddle Race on Fiesta Island

Yesterday's U-T (aka Union Tribune) had an article on the local page entitled, "Pet Owners Pitted Against Paddlers".  Apparently, paddlers and dog owners have been debating with the City on the blueprint for future recreation facilities for Fiesta Island.  The two groups are in disagreement with the current plans.  It has caused a delay in the process, which was introduced in 2005.

"In the proposed general-development plan, paddlers would get a designated space on the island to store and launch their vessels.  Vocal dog owners, who have formed the group Fiesta Island Dog Owners, or FIDO, have been using the island since the 1970s.  They say accommodating paddlers would mean the reduction of fenced, off-leash land to about 87% acres from its current 93." (SD Union Tribune, November 29, 2010, page B1)

I know this will sound biased being a paddler myself but I really don't see any debate.  5 acres is all the paddlers need to provide parking, restrooms and storage facilities.  The dog owners will still have 87 acres to have their dogs roam free.  Plus, paddling promotes good health and fitness.  We can't deny that to our children such as this little cutie pictured below.

6-year-old attempting to cruise at the Turkey Paddle.

Tubed in Florida!

Probably not the tube you were thinking of but close enough, eh? 

Shobu... Where Are You When I Need You?

I could have put a Shobu to great use during this trip.  A Shobu (show up and blow up) is an inflatable stand-up paddle board.  It's less than 50lbs and would have been worth the $25 check-in fee.  We cruised Lake Dora on my Uncle Phil's pontoon.  The entire time I was wishing I had an SUP board as we skimmed the glassy waters.  My Uncle Phil and Aunt Ida live on the lake's edge.  There are five large lakes in close proximity to each other.  They are connected by narrow channels.  There are many people who ski and wakeboard on these lakes.

This is a view of one of the channels we traveled through.  There are a variety of plants, trees and birds.  Something I should mention that may sway you from paddling in these waters are the alligators.  We ran into a couple of them on our cruise but I was told that they don't attack unless they feel threatened.  I would think the chances of being attacked by one is the same as our chances of being attacked by a shark in the Pacific.  I may be wrong.

This gator was probably about 6' long.  Hmmm... on second thought, I'm not sure if I'd feel confident paddling next to this guy.  If it wasn't for these inhabiting the lakes, SUPing would be a perfect sport for these Florida lakes.  

Stand-Up Paddlers Needed in Florida

I visited world famous Cocoa Beach in Florida hoping to find strands of surfers lined-up to catch some waves.  Not today.  The surf was small and congested with tourists, rather than locals.  It was a bit overcast on this day but it didn't stop the visitors from sunbathing and wading in the Atlantic.  

I thought to myself, "This would be a great opportunity to get people to check out SUP surfing."  The could even go past the small break and do some ocean paddling, where they may run into dolphins and manatees.  Many tourists would be hyped-up to be able to go home and tell their friends about their new found sport.  That's what happened to me when I was in Maui.  But I guess in order for this to happen, you'd need a sample of SUP surfers out in the water to display how easy and fun the sport can be.   No surfers here... Stand-Up Paddlers needed in Florida.

I'm not really sure what all the hype is about this Ron Jon Surf Shop.  Perhaps, this is where it originated.    They are only located in the East Coast.  It's a massive store with everything you can think of that may be surf-related.  They even had Christmas ornaments perfect for the surfing family.

I'm not much of a shopper nowadays but these caught my attention:

Ron Jon had a wide variety of surfboards.  Almost all of the upstairs portion of the store (which is huge) was filled with all types of surfboards.  As I continued through the overwhelming number of boards, I ran into a section of stand-up paddle boards!  Okay, Florida does get it.  This was my first day out of seven in Florida.  New mission for Florida: find stand-up paddlers.

Turkey Day in Florida

Hanging out with Kelly Slater on Cocoa Beach where he first learned to surf.  Yes, it's a beautiful, sunny day out by the beach here in Florida, unlike the weather currently at home in San Diego where it is overcast and rainy.  Here I am taking notes on his unique style that has won him 10 World Titles.  Okay, I know I don't look as graceful and wicked as Slater yet but I'm working on it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Rewards for Getting Up Early to Surf

I'm never troubled with getting up at 6AM to get ready for a morning surf.  I'm always revving to go.  It's the best time to get out in the water.  You can easily find parking, there usually isn't a crowd of surfers in the line-up AND you finish just in time to eat a hearty breakfast!

You work up a good appetite with SUPing in the morning and I always try to reward myself with a good breakfast.  Since I started Stand-Up Paddle Surfing, I have been able to hit up some great breakfast places.  I'm a little leary about giving away some of the names of these restaurants because I'd hate for them to get overcrowded when I'm there (some already are) but these are gems you'll find out about them sooner or later if you're a regular in the beach areas.  I'm not going to give them all away at once.  No way!  You need to earn this valuable info by keeping up with my blog.  So today, I'll let loose on a favorite in La Jolla.  This place is located right up the hill from La Jolla Shores-- COFFEE CUP.  It's an understated, small restaurant located on Wall Street.  Don't blink or you might just miss it.

Here's what I ordered this past weekend:

I ordered the scrumptious Coffee Cup French Toast.  This is not your typical order of french toast!  They are reminiscent of warm cinnamon buns, topped with blueberry puree and powdered sugar.  Yummy!  If this isn't enough to fill you up (boys), you can order eggs and potatoes on the side.  Other delicious items on the menu include Blueberry Banana Pancakes, a Power Breakfast Burrito, Zen Breakfast and for the big boys-- Roast Beef Hash and Eggs.  Next time you're in La Jolla for a paddle, try the Coffee Cup and let me know what you think!

Who Said, "It Never Rains in Southern California"?

So what... we had a little rain today.  Big deal.  It's not going to stop me from getting out and paddling.  It was actually pretty fun getting out on the choppy water.  The surf was small so we headed for a nice long paddle.  I tried out my friend's 9'2".  We headed upwind for a bit, ran into a couple of sea lions along the way and then always the fun part, turned around and rode little bumps downwind.

If I'm going to improve my game, I can't just go out on the "perfect" days.  I actually like going out on days that challenge me.  What better way to improve your skills?

Protect Yourself from the Harmful Sun Rays

I enjoy being out in the sun but I also don't want to increase my risk for skin cancer.  It's difficult to avoid the sun if you enjoy outdoor sports.  The best thing to do is protect your skin from the harmful UV rays by covering up and wearing sunscreen.  There are so many types of sunscreens out there.  I always get the ones with the highest SPF (sun protection factor) for both UVA and UVB rays.  Most sunscreens only protect against UVB, which are the rays that cause sunburns.  You need to find one that also protects against UVA because these rays are the ones that lead to melanoma, aka skin cancer.  Opt for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.  The best UVA protection is zinc oxide.  The white stain it leaves on the skin like plaster isn't cute but I'd rather sacrifice a couple of hours of non-cuteness than to a lifetime of it with wrinkled skin and/or melanoma.

Here is a photo of the sunscreen that I use:

I know it says kids but typically the sunscreens with the highest SPFs are made for children.  It will still work on an adult you know!  This one is very water resistant and won't run into your eyes when you get wet.  I choose to use a different sunscreen on my face because my facial skin is sensitive.

This one is also waterproof, sweat resistant and hypoallergenic.  It's a non-greasy, lighter formula so that it doesn't clog my pores.

Few reminders to protect your precious skin from the sun:

• reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours;
• still apply sunscreen when it's overcast.  This is the time when many people get sunburned;
• wear long sleeves if you can;
• wear a hat.
• when you're out of the sun moisturize with a hydrating lotion.

San Diego Outrigger Invitational Paddle Race

I have to admit it was a little nerve-racking setting my stand up paddle race board amongst the many oc1 and oc2 vessels.  All I could think about was how one of those beautiful, streamlined beasts can easily knock me off my sup during the race.

My mind was more at ease after paddling out to the starting line, which was about 1/2 mile out.  The SUP competitors lined up on one side and the oc, kayaks and surf skis on the other.  The race was 4.5 miles.  The sun was beaming and the winds were low.  Perfect conditions for a race.  I borrowed a friend's race board.  It was my first time using it in the ocean.  I only had a couple days to take it out in the bay before the race day.  Lesson learned: Get to know your board well before a race if you want to do well.  What this means is that you really need more time on a board to get to know its idiosyncrasies.  This board definitely moved differently than my 11' Takayama surfboard that I have been racing.  Also, the lighter weight and shape of the board made it a bit tippier.  I think it's a good idea to try different boards to get a feel for what you like and don't like.  This way, when you invest in an expensive race board, you know you're getting the right one for you.

I raced In Memory of my Auntie Lilly from Pearl City, Oahu, who unexpectedly passed away last week.  It was when I visited her this past July that I learned about Stand Up Paddling and jumped on the craze when I returned home.  I feel that this was her gift to me and will always think of her when I'm paddling.    

Try It... You Might Like It

Okay, I'm usually not the type of person who follows the pack.  I like to do my own thing and if others want to follow, that's their perogative.  But in this case, I might be considered a follower.  I was convinced by a friend who supported her sales pitch with evidence that got me hooked.  I'm sure you've probably heard about these or have even seen them.  It's the new craze in all sports. 

These bracelets contain a halogram that is said to help balance your energy.  When you wear the bracelet, you gain more power, balance and flexibility.  Also, it is said to improve circulation, stress tolerance, reduce inflammation and improve sleep.  My friend was able to convince me to buy one by doing a few tests (flexibility, strength and balance) on me without, and then with the bracelet.  I showed improvements on each test with the bracelet on.  So I bought one.

This is my second day wearing the bracelet.  I haven't noticed a difference in my general everyday energy and strength.  I did use it paddling 4-miles and found that I shaved a few minutes off my usual finishing time.  But I guess this could be due to better wind and tide conditions as well.   I already hear the skeptics saying, "It's a psychological thing".  Yeah, it can be... and I'm okay with that.  If wearing this bracelet will improve my performance for SUP racing, then it's well worth the $30.

Fueling for Peak Performance

As I'm preparing for my next race this Saturday, the La Jolla Invitational hosted by the SD Outrigger Club, I'm thinking about how drained I was competing in the Battle of the Paddle.  I want to avoid "hitting the wall" as they call it in marathon running when the competitor runs out of "juice" (energy).  As needed for all endurance races, I have been carb-loading so that I'll have enough energy throughout the race.  

It's important to start a high-carb diet even before you carb load.  You should increase your carbohydrate intake beginning a week before the race and to at least 70% of your dietary requirements (carb load) 3 days before the race.  The body stores carbs as glycogen in the muscles, which is released as energy during a race.  (I have a BA in Kinesiology, specializing in Athletic Training but this doesn't automatically make me a superb athlete.)

Typical complex carb loading diets include pasta, rice, cereals, fruits and vegetables.  I'll be eating pasta daily for the next few days before the race.  Let's hope that this diet improves my energy level for this race and therefore, improves my finishing time.  I'll share my daily carb-loading diet in a future post.

SUP Storage Solutions

Where do you store your board at home?  I place mine on the garage floor, on a portion which is covered with foam matting.  It's really not a bad spot to put it until someone happens to drop something on it (hasn't happened yet).

So, I started researching storage options and this is what I came up with:

These come in pairs.  You can purchase them in a horizontal arm as well. Online they cost around $69/ pair.  It's pretty simple to put up on a wall and comes with the few screws you need to install them.

If you don't have the wall space, another option is a ceiling mount.  This is out of the question for me because I don't have a reasonable spot to hang them.  Plus, I would think you would want a ceiling low enough to easily put up and take down the board, especially if you use them often.  These also cost around $69.

I was just about to spend the cash on a wall mount storage solution but saw these inexpensive options on the beach:

Saw Horse Workbenches fold flat and are easily portable.  Not a bad deal for only $20 at Home Depot.  Keep in mind that if you do decide to use a couple of horses to lay your board on, you need a decent amount of floor space.  If you are handy, you can make your own stand-up paddle board stand with pvc pipes.  I thought this might be a fun project and am planning on spending the $20 to make my own.  I see quite a few people using these types of stands out on the beach to keep the sand off their boards.  Another creative option I saw on the beach was simply the use of two step stools.

Anyway, I'll keep you posted on the making of my pvc board stand.  In the meantime, I may head over to Ikea to grab a couple of small $2 step stools to use.  Let me know if there are any other inexpensive options out there that I may have missed!

SUPing Attracts New Friends

Check out who I met today!

The Surfing World Mourns

The surfing world mourns the loss of a great surfer, Andy Irons.  He pulled out of a competition in Puerto Rico this week due to illness.  He had a layover in Dallas on his way home to Kauai and was found dead in his hotel room yesterday.  The surfing community was shocked to hear of the news.

Andy Irons had 20 elite victories, 4 Triple Crowns and won 3 consecutive ASP World Titles.  He leaves behind his pregnant wife, Lyndie (due in December), brother and parents.  

Rest in peace.

Traveling with a Blow-Up

I love to travel.  As a matter of fact, I have a few big trips coming up and I'm looking forward to it. But even on the road, you need to make sure all your needs are met and that's where the blow-up can be convenient. It's compact, can be stowed easily on an airplane and in the trunk of a car.  Best part: it takes a few pumps to get it straight and hard. 

By just using one of these

my urges to get into the water, no matter where I travel to, can be satisfied. 



I met this man who was traveling with a Shubu, "Show Up, Blow Up", inflatable paddleboard by Boardworks.  I had my doubts but when he pumped it up, it was pretty sturdy and firm.  It didn't take much time to get it inflated.  To deflate it, you just pulled on a valve to release the air and roll it up.  It's 10' long, 4" thick and made out of durable rubber.  He says that it's great for flatwater paddling but is a little bumpy out on the surf.  I picked up the bag and it couldn't have weighed more than 30lbs.  What a great invention!  I think this is a great investment for a paddler who is always on the go.   

Can you tell which one is the inflatable SUP board?

Gotta Love SD

As if on cue, after a week of on-and-off rain and forecast for a rainy Halloween, I received a beautiful day for paddling.  Yes, I'll take the credit for it.  How awesome is it that on my first day back after my week hiatus, due to an uninvited cold, I am presented with a beautiful, sunny, only-in-San Diego day!

I was stoked to get out on the water because I finally received my Kialoa Methane and I was eager to try it out.  The blade is a little bit narrower than my Quickblade at 8".  The short came with a stock shaft at the length of about 77", which is about 1.5" longer than I wanted.  I decided to try it at that length and just double-sticked the handle until I decide whether to keep it or cut it down to what I originally wanted, 75.5".

I paddled 4 miles today and it was a breeze with the Kialoa.  I was able to keep my pace even when fatigue started to kick in.  Because I kept it at the longer length, I was able to reach out further for a longer stride.  I love the oval-shaped shaft.  It makes it easier to grip and know the position of the blade.  I bought this paddle for surfing.  The intention is to have it cut shorter for quicker strokes to catch waves.  I'll have to wait to cut the shaft until after my next race in two weeks.  I think it may help me improve my time if I'm able to keep my pace throughout the race.  With the Quickblade, I felt like I was stroking through mud on the tail-end of the race when I was getting tired.  Hopefully this won't occur using the smaller Methane.  I'll keep you posted as I train with it for the next couple of weeks.

Where's the Surf?

  Okay, I've been out of commission for the past week from wearing this outfit- minus the jacket

at last week's Costume Party.  Of course, I didn't feel the need to cover up my cute Little Bo Peep costume with a warm, pink, furry jacket even being at an outdoor party during a somewhat cold evening.  Consequently, I ended up catching a horrible cold plus a bonus ear infection.  I rarely get sick so when I do, I'm devastated.

So... you're probably thinking, what does all this have to do with SUP?!  Well, being sick I had to force myself to be somewhat sedentary in order to recuperate.  Which meant... no water time for me (boo hoo).  On the bright side, I got plenty of rest, finished some chores around the house, did tons of mind-surfing and finished a great book, "Surf is Where You Find It" by Gerry Lopez.  It's a collection of some of his best surfing journeys and the lessons that came out from them.  If you don't know Gerry Lopez you're not a true surfer.  He is considered "Mr. Pipeline" because he rode it like nobody else can.  It was refreshing to read that even a big wave surfer goes through the same types of fears and concerns that I go through when I'm in the surf.  Granted, there is no comparison to the size of waves I surf compared to the big waves that Uncle Gerry hits but the mindset seems to be the same.  I've learned a few things from him such as the importance of knowing how to read the ocean and playing smart.  I just assumed that big-time surfers would jump into any waves but he reads them well enough to know when it can be a dangerous situation in certain parts of the water.  I've also learned that I have a TON yet to learn about surfing.  I couldn't get past the lingo.  Surfers definitely have their own language when it comes to talking about the surf.  I don't think there is a dictionary for it.  You learn the language when you immerse yourself with experienced surfers consistently and read about it like I do.  Anyway, I highly recommend this book.  It has motivated me to surf even more.  It has motivated me to find SURF anywhere I go.

Reflection

Do you ever just stop what you're doing and completely engulf yourself in the moment?  Do you stop to appreciate the colors, sounds and smells of the ocean?

Truly live life by enjoying the simple things it has to offer.

5 Things to Remember on the Day of the Race

I've already registered for my third race, the La Jolla Invitational on November 13, hosted by the SD Outrigger Canoe Club.  I've explained my workout regimen in my previous post on 10/13/2010.  I hope in the next three weeks this workout regimen will improve my 4-mile finishing time.

It can be easy to get consumed on what needs to be done to prepare for a race but many times what is done the day of the race is neglected.  Here are five things to remember:

Carb-Load
     -Okay, this one isn't a "on the day of the race" things to remember but needs to be noted because it will definitely effect your performance on race day.  A high-carbohydrate protocol needs to begin days, ideally weeks, prior to the race during intense training.  You should carb-Load 72 hours pre-race (4-5 grams of carbohydrates per pound of lean body weight or 80 percent of your calorie intake).
Hydrate
     -Don't forget about hydration especially if you are participating in a long race.  Of course, water is always a good option but for endurance races, sports drinks that include electrolytes and sodium can be a better choice to keep you hydrated and fueled for the long distance.
Warm-Up
    -As an athlete, I was always lazy about warming up.  When I was younger, I was more agile and flexible so I didn't feel any ill effects from not warming up.  Now that I'm a little bit older (don't you dare ask how many years older!) and wiser, I've learned that it's best to increase your circulation to warm up your muscles and joints to minimize injuries and improve performance.
Everyone is Friendly Until the Race Starts
     -Recall my experience from the Battle of the Paddle?  It's you against them until you pass the finish line (if you TRULY are a COMPETITOR).  Some will play mind games with you... don't fall for it.  Stick with your plan.
Focus on Your Primary Goal
     -Stick to your primary goal.  Remind yourself what it is before you start.  Say it aloud to yourself.  I remind myself of my primary goal throughout the race.  For example, if your primary goal is to improve your finishing race time, don't start creating secondary goals when this one starts to get tougher to reach. Basically, don't wuss out and keep your focus on your ONE primary goal.  More than likely, you'll meet it or get close to it.

Rain, Rain, Go Away... Surfers Want to Play

Well, it wasn't exactly pouring today but the gloom and drizzle made it horrible for spectators watching the Dempsey Holder Surf Competition in Imperial Beach today.  It's a local surf competition for all ages and honors individuals and organizations that help keep our oceans clean.

I didn't mind getting a little wet to watch the stand up paddle surf competition.  The competition for these guys were held south of the IB pier where the waves were almost non-existent.  The SUP surfers did the best they could with what they had.

Matt Bagby working this little wave.



John Ashley always making it look so easy.



Kristy Murphy, the only female in the line-up.  You go girl!

First place for the SUP surfing division went to Ross McBride.  Congrats!