BOGA Does It Again

BOGA has a myriad of fun boards and I recently got to add this one to my quiver:

This is the new version of the 9'2" BOGA Bullet.  It's 9'5" by 30", so it's a little longer and narrower than its predecessor.  I took it out surfing at the Dog Patch today and had a blast!  I had an awesome surf session on this thing.  It's such a fun board.  It really wants to move and it's so easy to maneuver.  And the board was definitely catching people's attention because a few of the guys on the water had to come by and ask me about it.  It must be the fire red... just my style.

Here I am wiping down my new baby after a fun day in the surf!
I can't wait to take it out again!!!

Tahoe-Nalu part II

I loved the energy that was resonating throughout the Tahoe-Nalu event! Everyone was having a good time and was excited about SUP. The competitors were fired up, yet there was a great sense of comradery even if they were rivals. It's always about winning but even if you weren't at the top of the list, you felt like a winner by simply participating. The crowd made everyone feel like winners by cheering on every racer, including the lonely last ones.

The Elite race started at 1:30 pm under the blazing 85*-90* weather, as if it wasn't
bad enough for those who just came to visit and had to acclamize to the altitude.

Danny Ching finished with a huge lead.  Second place came in almost 2 minutes
behind Danny.  And check out that pivot turn.  He does it in one step.

The Elite race was stacked. That was the fastest 6-mile race I've ever witnessed. Of course, Candice Appleby takes the women's division finishing in 40:27 and Danny Ching, no surprise, takes the men's with 35:21. Watching the Elite race gave me a renewed motivation for racing. I took copious mental notes as I studied the racers when they paddled by (I had an awesome view from the pier.) Yesterday I tried to implement and mimic some of what I saw. To my surprise, I made a huge improvement in my time. Granted, it was a perfectly glassy day. I'll continue with the same technique and hope it creates the same results in wind and chop. If so, I may tell you my secret.

Candice Appleby stayed next to one of the keikis during the Grom race to motivate her.

I especially enjoyed watching all the families in action. Each member of the Clark family (John, wife and 2 daughters) joined in on the fun. I was told about John's incident from last year's race when the winds were blowing hard creating huge swells that you could surf. It was his first race, he fell on his board face first, cracked both front teeth but continued to finish the race. He was given the Inspirational SUPer award.  John wore a helmet with a GoPro camera through the entire event.  He filmed everything and everyone.  Watching John's excitement throughout the entire event was contagious.


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The Heat in Tahoe

This past weekend I spent in Lake Tahoe at the Tahoe-Nalu SUP event. I heard all the stories about last year's event-- cold, blown out, and disorganized so I arrived with little expectations. I didn't expect a huge crowd and hoped it wouldn't be as bad as it was last year. On the contrary, the weather was beautiful, the lake was glassy for the race and there were a ton of participants and spectators.




Previously, I've only traveled to Tahoe for snowboarding. I didn't even bother checking out the lake because there was no reason to. With SUPing, you better believe I'll be back during the summer months.

Many families were in attendance. It was great to see so many people trying SUPing for the first time, especially children. I was happy to represent BOGA, who had their demos constantly being picked up for trial by newbies and veterans alike. BOGA boards were catching everyone's attention. (But beware for impostors! I heard someone came out with a line that looks way too similar. Go with the real deal please.)




Here's a pic of team BOGA: (L-R) Trish, Ben, Dino, Me and Dave. An awesome crew of people (including myself :)




There was so much going on at the Tahoe-Nalu that I can't possibly write about it all in one post. Look forward to more stories and photos, including the Elite race.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Lake Tahoe

Heading to the Mountains

I flew in to Sacramento yesterday for work. Typically I wouldn't be too excited to be here but this trip will save me some drive time tomorrow as I head towards the mountains. Tomorrow I'm being picked up by a friend to go to the Tahoe Nalu. It will be my first time to be in Tahoe during non-snow season. I've only been to Tahoe for snowboarding. I'm sure it's just as beautiful this time of year. I'm a little worried about how I'll do racing in the elevation- thin air and cold water. Hopefully the race won't be blown out like I heard it was last year. In any case, I'm excited to finally compete in an event that my sponsors, BOGA, will be present at. BOGA is a NorCal company. This is my first SUP race in their hood. I'm happy to represent. BOGA has a great line of SUP surfboards that are fun for any level, and affordable. Check out the boards on their website www.bogaboards.com

An Exciting Time

You should have noticed that I changed the photo on my banner.  I needed to change it to something that represents me NOW.  My previous photo was of me taking a leisurely cruise on the bay, which I still enjoy every now and then.  But my passion for surfing is bursting at the seams.  I'm so excited for this upcoming year, sounds weird because it's August.  But August is my New Year in SUP and I've made some resolutions.

#1) Charge it! - I've said this before but I'll say it again and again until it sticks.  I just need to start manuevering my board and push myself to try different things so I can figure out what works and what doesn't.

#2) More surf time - This one can be tough because I'm a busy woman but I'll need to make surfing a priority if I want to improve.

#3) Surf trips - A great way to have more surfing opportunities is to make sure our vacations includes surfing.  I love rambling up the coast and exploring new territories for surf.  I did this in South Africa and plan on doing it next month when I go to the Philippines.

Better Late Than Never

I grew up in San Diego, where the sun is always shining and I had unlimited access to beaches a short drive away. My travels to the beach were much different. I traveled pretty light-- no wetsuit, surfboard or paddle. I hate to admit it but when I was younger my tote to the beach only included a towel and sunblock. I was a sun worshiper and hardly went into the water. If I did, I'd most likely come out with my hair still dry. There was a short time in junior high (not long ago) when I was into boogie boarding but most of the time I just liked going past the break and laying on my board enjoying the serenity and soothing movements of the ocean. I look back and think, "If only I knew what I was missing." But I guess it wasn't my time. My time is NOW and I'm appreciating every moment of it. Even at age XX, I still have plenty of time to improve and enjoy my new joy of Paddle surfing. But I wonder: If I started surfing sooner would I be just as graceful as my friend Nathan? I'll get to that point... Just give me a little more time. For now, enjoy this video of one of my new friends from South Africa. He is currently 9 years old and participated in the Canal Races with me. (No, he didn't beat me! Close though.)




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Chula Vista, CA

Time Flies

Boy, time flies when you're having fun!  Today marks my 1 year anniversary with SUPing.  I celebrated with a nice paddle session with my good friend John, who also was the person that took me out paddling for the first time (and has taught me most of what I know).  The year has flown by but I have so many memorable moments and achievements.

I copied this photo from my first blog, which I wrote on my
very first day SUP surfing and caught my first wave.
One year ago.

Just one year ago I committed to SUPing.  I was hooked.  I just wanted to surf.  I was convinced to join the Fun Paddle at the Hennessey's Race and got hooked into racing too.  Since then, I won the surfboard division in my age group for the Battle of the Paddle in Dana Point, which led to my sponsorship with Boga Boards.  I've been in 10 races, including one in South Africa.  I still continue to race for Boga but my true passion is surfing.  Can you believe it?  It was one year ago I went SUP surfing at the Rivermouth in Imperial Beach and caught my first wave.  What a high!  I wanted more.  My surfing has gone from not being able to catch waves to catching waves and progressing with going up and down the face of the wave.  My quiver includes my 11' Takayama Alii (first board), Boga 9'2" Bullet (fun surfboard) and my Boga 12'6" Racer (fast! but working on the motor still) and another Boga surfboard (they rock) and custom Stamps board on the way.  I've already gone on two major surf trips (with many more to come).  I've come a long way with racing and surfing.  And I have the battle scars to prove it!

This year is going to be a great year.  I can feel it!  I continue to enjoy racing because I love the workouts and seeing all my SUP friends at the races.  I may not be at the top of the finishing lists but every race is just a challenge to improve.  I've definitely improved.  And my surfing can only get better.  I already have a couple of upcoming surf trips in the works so please stay tuned for some more fun and adventure!!