Row for the Cure

Please join me in the Row for the Cure!

Susan G. Komen for the Cure in San Diego together with University of California, San Diego Women's Crew will host the 9th Annual Komen San Diego Row for the Cure at North Ski Beach, to be held on Mission Bay, Sunday October 31, 2010 at 7:00am.

Entry fee is only $25 for a Stand-Up Paddler.  For more information: www.rowforthecure.com

I hope to see you there!

Who Says Size Doesn't Matter

This girl knows from experience that size definitely matters.  Length definitely makes a difference and girth may or may not give you what you need.  Experienced SUPers know what I'm talking about.  Don't deny it-- different paddle lengths and blade widths need to be considered dependent on what you're trying to achieve.

Granted, I've only been SUPing for almost 3 months now but since I started my journey in August, I've regularly paddled and SUP surfed various conditions.  I'm not an expert but I know what has been working for me.  This is what I found:

-My first paddle that I purchased was the Kanaha Quick Blade paddle with the fiberglass blade.  In my previous blog, Perfect Paddle for a Female, I mentioned that I liked feeling the tug when I pulled the blade through the water.  Well, that was before I started paddling long distances.  I learned from the Hennessey's Race that it was exhausting pulling that big blade through the water for 3-miles.  I borrowed a friend's Kialoa paddle with a slightly narrower blade for the Battle for the Paddle and I felt much better after completing the 4+-miles race.  Also, the Kialoa had a carbon-fiber blade and although the difference in weight doesn't seem like much, you'll appreciate the difference after a long paddle.

Here is an example in the differences you can find in blade sizes.  

-Typically a paddle length is measured by extending your arm straight up, where you can comfortably hold on to the handle.  This is the length that my red Quick Blade was measured and what I used for the Hennessey's Race.  After the race I noticed that my lower back was aching from having to bend far forward to extend my reach.  By using a longer paddle for the BoP, I alleviated the pain and made my stroke more efficient.  On the other hand, I found that I paddled better with a shorter shaft for surfing so that I could do quick short strokes.

The paddle on the left I use for cruising.
The paddle on the right I use for long distances.
I just ordered a slightly shorter than the QB paddle for surfing.

I just ordered a Kialoa Methane to be cut slightly shorter than my Quick Blade for surfing.  Another detail that I found that I prefer is the shape of the shaft.  I like the feel of the oval shaft on the Kialoa versus the round shaft on the QB.  Also, I was always putting wax on my QB shaft because it got too slippery when it was wet.

I hope that reading about my experiences has convinced you that size does matter and don't feel guilty having more than one.

All In the Family

SUPing is a sport for anyone.  The great thing about SUPing is that it can be done in just about any body of water-- bay, lake, ocean, even a swimming pool if you wanted (although it would probably be quite boring).  The best thing is that everyone in the family can be involved, from your elementary student to grandpa (assuming his fitness level is well enough).  Here is my kiddo paddling out on the bay for the first time.  I'm excited that she is showing interest in the sport.  Having both of us involved in the sport means more paddle time :)  

"By George, I Think She's Got It!"

Yesterday I surfed Dog Patch again.  After Friday's visit, I knew what I needed to do and was ready to catch some waves.  I needed to paddle hard and stick my stance (I was starting to do this moonwalk thing.)  Anyway, after receiving my trophy paddle the day before, I was feeling confident.

This was my best surf day thus far.  I caught more than a handful of waves.  I felt in control, unlike the other times I've caught waves and felt like the wave was controlling me, rather than me riding the wave.  I'm definitely not an expert but here are a few basic tips for any new SUP surfers:

• Start paddling as soon as you see a wave forming behind you;
• Get your momentum moving forward in a straight line toward the shore by paddling hard;
• As the wave is curling, paddle even harder;
• Keep paddling until you drop in;
• Hold your stance until you catch the wave and then you can adjust your feet;
• Stop paddling once you catch the wave;
• Don't freak out and prematurely bailout (which I found myself doing);
• Enjoy the ride!

If you wipeout, remember to:

• Hold your arm up to protect your head as you come up from the water.  Your surfboard or paddle may still be bouncing around up there;
• Hold on to your paddle, otherwise, you will have to swim after it once you come up for air;
• If you get caught inside, hold your paddle by the top end.  You'll have an easier time hanging on to it;  (I learned this just yesterday myself.)
• Don't let the wipeout get you down.  Rather, use it as a learning experience and paddle back out!

Priceless...

We arrived to Doheny Beach bright and early.  I was excited to be there and knew it would be a good day.  I noticed Gerry Lopez, legendary surfer, during registration and became giddy like a star-sticken teen.  I had to introduce myself.  I brought his book with me to the event, Surf Is Where You Find It, and asked him to sign it, which he happily did.  I thought that this was the epitome of my day.

The Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle California is the largest SUP event.  The top SUPers in the world come out to participate in this event.  This year there were 160 elite competitors.  Danny Ching, a local from Redondo Beach, took first place overall.


The start of the Women's Elite Race.


I participated in the Open-Race Surfboard Division.  There were 340 individuals in the Open-Race.  The course started on the beach, through the surf, around 4-buoys counter-clockwise that register about 1-mile in distance five-times, then back toward the beach and a run on the sand through the finish.  It was a staggered start and my division had the fourth start.  So by the time I hit the water, everyone was in.  What you get with 340 people circling the same path in the ocean trying to move up front is a ton of carnage.  I wiped out on the get-go in the surf.  This placed me well behind the pack.  I was so determined to catch up that I didn't even mind my half-moon to the world behind me.  I slowly moved my way forward through the trailing pack.  I fell another time when I was cut-off by a racer into a buoy.  I was also literally run over (my left foot and my baby Takayama has the battle scars to show it) by another racer on a long, narrow Bark board causing a pile up with two other racers on my right.  The good thing was that I didn't fall.  At this point, I was just cruising an easy pace and wanted to finish the race with no more falls.  I paced myself the rest of the way behind a woman in a turquoise hat.  I had enough energy to move ahead of her on the last leg.  As I was passing her, she told me that it would be cool to go through the finish together.  Why did I slow down to do that?  I actually believed that we would surf a wave in together like friends... duh?!  We both hit the beach.  I saw her look at me and take a run for it.  That sneaky little @#%!  Lesson learned.  Good thing she wasn't in my division otherwise, I would have really been upset because I wouldn't have gotten this:

I definitely was not expecting this.  We were sitting in the beer garden and decided to take a look at the results.  We walked over, in the meantime, results being said onstage.  My friend, John Ashley (paddlesurf.net), says, "Hey Leez, you got first!  You need to go to the stage."  As I start running over to the stage, my name is announced.  I was so excited, I surpassed the steps and jumped up from the front of the stage.  Uncle Gerry remembered me from the morning and said, "Yeah, you got it!" and gave me a hug.

Entering my first Battle of the Paddle, winning my division
and getting Gerry Lopez to autograph it...PRICELESS!

OMG... Check It Out!

No Fluffy In Sight

The San Onofre domes near Dog Patch this morning around 7am.

I was finally convinced to surf Dog Patch today, as evidenced by the photo I took above of the San Onofre power plants.  Recall my post "WTF" or go back and view the video I posted that day and you'll know why it took me so long to get out there. 

We arrived at Dog Patch around 7am.  While we were getting our gear ready to paddle out, a guy pulls up next to us and mentions the shark.  Ughhh!!  That definitely was not a good time to remind me about Fluffy.  Hesitant, I still paddled out.  My mind got the best of me at first.  I fell in the water and freaked out.  I quickly jumped on my board, heart pounding and hyperventilating.  It took me a few moments to compose myself.  When I finally started surfing, I quickly forgot about Fluffy.

I'm definitely not an expert in reading waves but the conditions were definitely prime for me today.  I had quite a few cheerleaders and/or coaches while I was out in the water.  I think the boys just wanted to see the one lonely girl catch a good wave.  I had a good time and can't wait to get back out there on Sunday!!