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!

Creating the Ideal Workout Regimen

To create the ideal workout regimen you must first consider your goals (be specific), time frame (short-term and long-term) to reach your goals and how much time you are able to commit to reaching those goals.  Your goals must be attainable and reasonable.  Otherwise, you just set yourself up for failure.

It is important to check your progress.  Don't be afraid to modify your goals if you need to or if you don't want to compromise your goals, then you need to be able to commit more time to reaching them.

Here is my new workout regimen:

SHORT-TERM GOAL: to improve my speed by 5-minutes in completing 4-miles on my Takayama every couple months.  (I know... doesn't seem like a lofty goal but for the time I'm able to currently commit, I think this is reasonable.)

LONG-TERM GOAL: to register in the 2011 Battle of the Paddle and be a top 3 finisher in my division. (I know... this one is a lofty goal but I'm over-confident after what happened at this year's race.)

Reality Check at the Hennessey's Race on how important proper training is.

WORKOUT REGIMEN: Mon- paddle 3 miles, Tue- run 2 miles, Wed- paddle 4 miles, Thur- run sprints, Fri- paddle 5/6 miles, Sat- rest or surf, Sun- rest or surf.

I'll keep you posted on my progress.