Weekend Plans: Surf, Paddle, Surf, Friends, Surf...

I like to keep it simple. I like surfing, I like friends, I like eating good food, I like surfing and eating with friends... So here's what's on my plate (get it?) for this weekend:

1. The Paddle For the Cure, Newport Beach, May 5th: I'm hoping to hook up with my Boga Family for this great event. The P.F.T.C benefits breast cancer research and awareness. Every year I participate in the Race for the Cure here in San Diego so paddling for the cure is right up my alley. Get yourself to Newport and be a part of something special.

2. Surf the DogPatch: Well, shoot, since we're going to be in the neighborhood, might as well get in a session at one of the most fun places to surf in all of California- the 'Patch! Look for the Boga Bullet (we might actually be bringing along the whole Boga quiver- give 'em a shot), the blazin' hibachi and the chili dogs. Don't be afraid to come on by and say Hi!

Check Out My Rack

I have a ton of toys, including a quiver of stand-up paddle boards.  I like to keep my things organized and finally had the chance to create a much needed wall-mounted rack. There are some prefabricated rack systems available online but the prices are steep. In addition, I'd have to buy 2 or more sets to hold my entire quiver. The only thing left to do was make a trip to Home Depot and create my own board storage solution.

I'm so glad I decided to take on this project.  It ended up being fun and it's satisfying to stand back and check out my rack. It took about an hour to install and cost me a total of one hundred and seventy bucks.

First step: a blank wall wide enough for your longest board.
Attach two 2x4 planks vertically about 4 feet apart,
making sure you attach them to a stud.

Second: I used 1/2" floor flanges, look for them in the plumbing department.
You'll need a pair for each board.

Third: Attach 1/2" x 24" pre-cut, threaded, black steel tubing.  The black steel is
cheaper than the galvanized tubing.

Fourth: Cut insulation foam to fit the length of the tube.

Fifth: I attached the next set 16" above so that I could easily
slide in my boards without removing the fins.  You could
probably put them closer together (see photo below) if space was an issue.

My Boga family now happily living on my rack.

You can see how far out under the board
the rods go.  I'm sure the 18" rods
could work but I decided to pay a few
extra dollars to get the longer ones.

If you love your boards, take some time to design and build a racking system for your quiver. There's nothing worse than giving your favorite stand up board a land-ding when you accidently drop a kettlebell on it (don't ask). And, it's like a piece of art- every time I walk into the garage, I get to admire my rack with total satisfaction. Believe me, if you saw my rack I know you'd like it :)