I'm a Loser

I like stand up paddle races- even if I never, ever win. I know this sounds crazy but I've come to the happy realization that it's more about soaking up the good vibes, positive energy and enthusiasm then coming in at the front to the pack. I may be a loser when it comes to the podium, but in the goofy-smile-spread-across-my-face division, I'm the all time champion- especially when I run into a keiki (child) racer on the course. I'll be dying, my toes cramping up so much it feels like they're trying to braid themselves, and there will be this little racer wiggling to the finish with a paddle that's twice their body length. I'm dying, they're giggling; which makes me realize that the best racer out there is the one having the most fun!

Definitely not a loser!

Farewell Ali'i

I made a tough decision last week.  I decided to sell my Ali'i, my first stand-up paddle board.  It wasn't something I was contemplating at all until I met Kathleen, who is new to stand-up paddling.  She was part of a group of beginners taking a first lesson and I was there to assist.  Paddling out on the water with her brought back memories of when I first started SUPing.  She was a natural, already asking about paddle-surfing.  I recall not even thinking a flatwater paddle lesson was necessary for me when I first jumped on an SUP.  I was amped to get out on the surf.  I saw the same kind of excitement and fire in Kathleen's eyes.  At the end of the lesson she asked about boards and asked if I would keep my ears open for any used SUP boards that may suit her.  It wasn't until I opened my garage to park when I eyed my dusty Takayama Ali'i on the racks.  It was too good of a board to let go, but even more worse to let it sit unused.  I knew that Kathleen would put the Ali'i to great use.  And so I bid farewell to Ali'i, allowing it to create more exciting memories for someone new.

Go to my very first post and you'll see a similar shot.  Kathleen recently moved
back to San Diego from Maui... there goes another surfer to paddle-surfing.

Ohana

I got to hang out with my favorite paddle-people this weekend, the Boga crew. Spending time with them confirmed for me what I love about the brand and why I'm stoked to endorse it. As I sat back in the simmering heat, sipping a Kraken-7, I couldn't help but notice the attention (and crowd) that Boga's boards attracted.  Boards from other brands sat sizzling away on the lake's scorching black sand while Boga boards were in constant rotation. The boards never even got a chance to dry out as one eager paddler after another would walk up and give them a test ride.  At first I thought it was the cool retro colors that made the boards so attractive to the learners.  But then I realized it was so much more than how the boards looked- it was about the feeling of Ohana that the Boga family creates everywhere they go. Ohana, in the Hawaiian language means family, when you meet the crew they make you feel like part of the family. Their boards feel accessible, like anybody can use them- like anybody should use them.  So while other boards were available to demo, it was the warmth and genuine feeling of inclusiveness that drew the crowds to Boga's little section of the beach. More than anything else, this happiness to share, the open feeling of ohana that Boga has created around their boards resonates with my own feelings and worldview. Stand up paddle is all about sharing the fun. To me, that's the true meaning of Boga. 

Watch out world- there's a new generation of standup paddlers on the rise!

Hanging at the Tahoe Nalu

A couple of observations:

1. All-you-can-eat-sushi at Hiro Sushi isn't necessarily carb loading. Although, if you can kill 14 rolls, not all mine (John), then you are definitely some kind of loaded. A great deal at $30/person and really tasty sushi! Hit it.

2. The Tahoe Inn isn't necessarily the Four Seasons. But if you are a tweeker looking for a crash pad, the late 1960's, smoke-stained furniture and perpetually moist carpet coupled with the popcorn ceiling and lack of a/c is just the ticket. Avoid it.

10 mile race going down tomorrow- photos to come.