DRYSUITS! Must have.

Cold and clear makes for some amazing paddling conditions here in Vancouver but with the cold comes a whole new level of preparedness.

The only way to stay warm, dry and most importantly safe is to get yourself into a drysuit for winter paddling.

I have tried paddling in cold weather wearing just about every combination of gear and for me nothing beats a good drysuit.

Here's my pro argument followed by some responses to common anti-drysuit arguments.

PROS:
If you fall in the water, you can get back onto your board and still be dry underneath.

Reduce the cold water shock you feel when you hit the water.  See link:
http://beyondcoldwaterbootcamp.com/4-phases-of-cold-water-immersion

When you get onto your board to start your paddle you don't have to get your feet wet.

Mobility will never be as good as not wearing the suit but mobility in a drysuit is WAY better than a wetsuit

After your paddle you can take off your drysuit and get into your vehicle fully clothed. No more akward barefoot, towel, freezing in the parking lot situations.

If you paddle two days in a row your drysuit will be dry the next day....or even later that same day.

You will stay in better shape because you will get out on the water more often during the winter.

You will practice your skills during the winter because falling in the water practicing buoy turns isn't such a big deal.


CONS:
Price: Yes drysuits are more expensive than wetsuits but once you get one you will never go back and your comfort and safety are well worth the extra dough. Talk to anyone who purchased a drysuit and I promise that none of them regret spending the money.

Overheating:  Yes, when compared to non-immersion gear you will get warm with a drysuit on.  Sometimes you might even get too hot while you paddle.  Cooling off is never hard.  Just a quick dip into the water and you can bring your temp down and keep on paddling.  Overheating may also occur if you purchase a lower quality suit.  Gore-tex suits provide the best breathability and will reduce heat and moisture build up.

I am a little bit partial when it comes to my brand of choice but I have a lot of experience with Kokatat drysuits and I believe they make the best suits on the market.

Kokatat suits are durable, breathable and full featured.

My suit of choice for day paddles or short fitness paddles is the Kokatat Lightweight Goretex Suit. This suit is the lightest weight and most breathable suit in the Kokatat line. It features Gore-tex socks which is a must have. They keep your feet warm and dry and allow you to wear whatever socks you want underneath. This suit also has a neoprene neck which isn't fully waterproof but is much more comfortable to paddle in and will still keep most water out as long as your not spending long periods of time with your head under.
http://kokatat.com/products/paddling-suits/gore-texr-lightweight-paddling-suit-men-radish-gray.html






My suit of choice for bad weather and expedition paddling is the Kokatat Expedition Suit. This suit has it all.  Pockets, socks, durable exterior and a hood.  Kokatat is also the first company to allow online personalization and customization of your suit.  Check out the website and play around with the GIZMO customizer.  This allows you to custom tailor the suit to your size, choose your fabric options, select your pockets and features and most importantly colour.

I ordered my suit earlier this year and its been great so far.  I went for a conservative blue and black colour option but I am most pleased with the custom fit.  After plugging in my measurements, my custom suit is a medium suit with a couple inches added to the arms and legs.  This makes for a slimmer fitting suit that has enough length for me. In the past I have been using a Large suit which was quite baggy in the legs and torso.

Get onto the Kokatat website and play around with a custom suit for yourself!
http://kokatat.com/products/custom.html

Drysuits for winter paddling are a must have and something I would never be without!

Semiahmoo SUP Classic and BC SUP Cup Points

Awesome day of racing out in sunny White Rock!  As usual, it was a well organized and well run event by Scott and Kim from Sundog with help from their wonderful friends and family.

Leading up to this race I was eyeing the registration list and finding out who was planning on attending. I figured it was going to be the strongest field of racers this season and I was not disappointed. Looking around before the race I was thinking there must be easily 9 or 10 racers that were going to compete for spots on the podium.

I had a chance to review the race course with Scott prior to the pre-race meeting and was stoked to find out it was going to include some turns.  I generally paddle better when I have short-term goals like a buoy to reach rather than a seemingly unreachable finish line that I can't see yet.  I jumped out to a quick start and was not surprised to see Stu Robinson getting off to an even faster start.  We may have been slightly ahead but I knew there were a lot of paddlers battling for position as we sprinted to the first buoy turn.

The course was a three-pronged buoy course with a central buoy that each paddler had to come back to 3 times.  This meant about 6 or 7 buoy turns were included in the course that was just under 10km.  The course design also allowed you to double back on the pack and see who was battling behind or in front of you.  It is a lot of fun when you can cheer on your fellow racers and see who is at the front.

As usual there was some drafting going on out there but it seemed to be all done with good etiquette and class. I have to give Matt Parker some credit for jumping off his board to pull a weed from Norm Hann's fin.  It would have been easy to let Norm drag that weed around and get tired but Matt showed some class jumping in the help another racer who was ahead of him at the time.  Gotta give Norm credit as well for slowing down to let Matt catch up again.  I go back and forth with my opinions on drafting but when it's done within a group of good competitors and good guys it really just makes the race a bit more exciting and interesting.

The lead pack shifted a few times but as the race progressed the top 3 pulled away from me and seemed to just slowly get further and further.  I paddled with Matt Abbott for a while before he dropped back a bit (which is unlike him) and I ended up finishing the race on my own in 4th place. Lina finished just behind me and I figured if the race was about 2km longer she probably would just got faster and passed me.  Overall, it was a great course with some amazing competitors and an awesome location.

Big thanks for Scott, Kim and the whole Sundog crew for putting together another great event!

The Sundog Semiahmoo SUP Classic was the last qualifying race in the BC SUP Cup Series prior to the finals.  See below for a full list of BC SUP Cup Standings leading into the finals at Jericho beach on August 24th.

If you are on this list you have completed at least 2 races in the same category at the qualifying races.  You may have done more than two but I have added up your two best scores.  If you have any questions or if I have done some incorrect math, please let me know and we can get it sorted out!

Women and SUP

While I may not be fully qualified to discuss the role of women in the sport of SUP I can’t help but notice that there is an abundance of exceptional women in the sport.  Surfing and any racing sport are generally dominated by men.  While the majority of racers are still men, the numbers are a lot closer when comparing to other sports.  

It is great to see that we have a strong female influence in the sport and that there are so many couples that are getting out and paddling together.  One of the many unique and exceptional aspects of stand up paddling is that, for the most part, men and women can use the same equipment.  Unlike many other outdoor activities like mountain biking skiing or snowboarding, couples can share the same equipment to get out and paddle on their own or have some slightly different gear to allow for paddling together.

While there are some big name female paddlers that I could mention like Candice Appleby, Anabel Anderson, Brandi Baksic, Nikki Gregg etc.  It is exciting to see some local women who are leaders in the SUP industry in BC and Canada.  Lina Augaitis, Catherine Bruhwiler, Kristy Wright and Shannon Bell are just a few of the exceptional local ladies in the sport of SUP. I have had the pleasure of paddling with and working with these women and it should be noted that they are doing exceptional things as females and paddlers in the sport.

Lina Augaitis is usually leading the female race pack and also most of the men's pack.  I don’t think she has lost a race in Canada yet and is always finding new ways to push the sport.  She paddled the Yukon River by SUP, competed in the biggest races in the world, island hopped in South East Asia and is currently training to compete in the world famous Molokai to Oahu race.

Catherine Bruhwiler has always been a leader in the women's surfing world but has taken to SUP in the surf capital of Canada, Tofino.  Cath owns her own SUP company, Tofino Paddlesurf, she won her first race this season, she is leading the way for SUP surf instruction and coastal touring on the West Coast.  She has also just finished her apprenticeship to become an Instructor Trainer within the Paddle Canada SUP program.

Kristy Wright is a business owner in Vancouver and leads the SUP Yoga scene.  Travelling around North America to teach SUP Yoga, Kristy continues to be a leader in the SUP scene and gets new people into the sport every day. Kristy has also completed her Instructor Trainer status with Paddle Canada.

Shannon Bell competed for Canada at the World Championships in Peru this year coming in 3rd place in her respective categories.  She is a SUP instructor, competes with all of the boys at local races and is an inspiration to athletes in the sport as well as athletes and Moms!

I wouldn’t say that I overlooked the local female paddling talent but as I was thinking over the past few weeks I tried doing some comparisons to other sports and there is no question we have some exceptional female leaders, paddlers and teachers in the sport of SUP.

I hope that these ladies continue to inspire others to begin paddling, teaching, racing and surfing and pushing their limits in a new sport.  I also hope that more people take notice of how unique it is to have such great female role models in a brand new sport!

SUP Instruction

I have been teaching paddling for a number of years now and it is a very fun an interesting part of my job.  I am always excited to teach, especially running courses with stoked and excited paddlers.  I have added a new section to my blog/website that outlines some of the SUP specific instruction I will be doing throughout the year.  Please check them out and if you are interested in learning some more please get in touch!

Advanced Flatwater Paddling Skills Clinic  - $95 per person

This 3 hour course introduces novice SUP Paddlers to the skills needed to progress into more dynamic water conditions. Learn the proper technique for pivot turns, bracing, catching waves and downwind paddling.  This course is also the pre-requisite for becoming a Flatwater SUP Instructor.  Saturdays May 18, June 8, July 13

Stroke Efficiency Clinic: Racing or Touring - $200 per person

Proper technique in your forward stroke will allow you to become a faster and more efficient paddler.  With 1 on 1 coaching and video analysis we can improve your stroke and efficiency on the water.

3 hour sessions available upon request

Paddle Canada Flatwater SUP Instructor Course - $350 per person

Learn the tips and tricks of the trade in this 2.5 day course.  Becoming an instructor will give you a greater understanding of all of the basic and intermediate flatwater skills.  Become certified to teach lessons under the Paddle Canada Instructor program.

May 4,5,11 & June 14-16 in Deep Cove

Ocean Navigation for Stand Up Paddlers - $95 per person

Learn the skills needed to safely navigate and paddle in the ocean.  This course will provide paddlers with the knowledge needed to read marine charts and understand marine weather forecasts.  These skills will make you a safer paddler and allow you to have more fun out on the water. 

May 15 & June 19

Intro to River SUP - $110 per person

River paddling is a great way to challenge yourself in a new and exciting environment.  In this course we will learn the basic skills needed to choose appropriate rivers to paddle and how to stay safe on the water. This half day course will take place in the lower mainland depending on water levels and conditions.

Dates to be confirmed: Late May/Early June

Skookumchuck Rapids:  SUP Surf Course - $350 per person

Have you ever wanted to surf a wave for 5 minutes?  The standing wave at Skookumchuck gives you that opportunity.  Learn the basics of understanding tidal currents and how to safely paddle in this environment.  This multi-day course includes flatwater training and a multi-day trip to the Sunshine Coast to experience stand up surfing at Skook!

Dates to be confirmed: August 2013

Tofino Coastal Surf Weekend Recap

Just got back from almost a week in Tofino.  We had less than ideal weather but I can't complain because it is always a place that makes me feel happy to be there.

The weekend was set aside for our 5th run of our Coastal SUP Surf Weekend in Tofino.  This is a 3 day course run by Norm Hann, Catherine Bruhwiler and myself.  Each course we run seems to get better and better and this one was no exception.  We had excellent students, top notch beach accommodation and the best instructors out there, if I do say so myself.

Norm and I trying to intimidate the crawlers

To give a brief run-down of the course, everyone arrives on Friday afternoon and checks into the house.  This year we are using a beautiful 3 story beach mansion located on the point between North and South Chesterman, equipped with hot tub,  wetsuit drying room and ample sleeping quarters.  Guests of the weekend check-in and get themselves settled in the house, meet other participants and start exploring.  We generally do not run an overly rigid schedule for the course, it is a surf trip after all.

We ran our first evening session on Friday evening and gave our students a run down on the weekend which included plenty of surfing, beachwalks, recovery time and recommendations of where to go and eat during the down time.  We were also able to hand out some great gift bags compliments of our many sponsors and local businesses including: Quiksilver, Starboard, Roxy, Q Energy, Live to Surf, Tourism Tofino, Tofino Brewing and more!




I won't give away too much of the weekend because I can't share all of our secrets but in spite of some very windy conditions we managed to get on the water for 5 surf sessions in 2.5 days.  We had some tired and happy students by the end of the weekend!

SUP surfing in Tofino gives you plenty of options for locations and places to hide from rough or windy conditions.  We chose our beaches to hide from the wind but to also make sure that we were not interfering with other surf lessons or surfers.  We share the beach well but 14 stand up surfers take up a lot of beach space out there.


I want to encourage more paddlers to get out to Tofino and experience surfing and paddling out on the West Coast.  There is no better place to paddle and surf and SUP's are a great way to get out there on the water. When you get into Tofino make sure you check in with Catherine at Tofino Paddlesurf.  She will give you the lay of the land and tell you the best place to go paddle based on the conditions.  She can also rent you some excellent Starboard SUPs that are suited for Tofino conditions.






As more paddlers start to get themselves into the surf it is important to make sure you have the right gear.  12 foot all-around boards are very challenging to handle in all but the smallest surf conditions and so I suggest trying something a little bit shorter.  Boards with a full deck pad also make staying stable much easier and reduces the risk of getting hit by a very hard part of your board.  Coil leashes should not be used in the surf so make sure you get yourself a regular SUP Surf leash that is the length of the board you are paddling.  And don't overlook the difference a good set of fins can make on your board.  You may have a board that paddles well on the lake or ocean with a large single fin but get it into the surf and that large fin makes it tough to maneuver in the dynamic environment. Track down a good set of thruster fins to give your board some extra maneuverability and stability on the water.

The best way to learn is to take a course so please visit Catherine at Tofino Paddlesurf or sign up for our next Coastal SUP Surf Weekend. Our next course will be held in Tofino on October 25,26,27.

Happy Surfing!

Board Review: Starboard 8'2 x 32" Astro Wide Point Inflatable

Inflatables have improved greatly over the past couple of seasons.  It is easy to disregard inflatables as an inferior option, or an option only for those who have no storage but some of the newer inflatables with better materials, designs and pumps perform admirably in dynamic conditions.

I spent a couple of days surfing the Starboard 8'2 x 32" Astro Wide Point Inflatable and was impressed with the performance.  I have surfed inflatables before and not been too impressed.  I found the older inflatables too soft to surf.  They tended to bend and flex when I wanted to turn and would flop down the wave instead of carving on the rail.  The new Astro Wide Point solves those issues with some simple and effective design changes.

The Astro Wide Point inflates to 18 psi which makes it very rigid. Most inflatables are only suggested to reach 12-15 psi which will still flex when you hit the waves.  The Astro Wide Point also has a much more surf specific shape which allows it to perform much better in the surf. A narrow nose and tail with added rocker give it more maneuverability and performance turning.

I was critical going into the session and expected some give when I paddled out into the surf.  The pointed nose pierced through oncoming waves and the board was stiff enough to punch through and over the foam.  When I dropped into waves I expected some 'flopping' but I was able to step back on the tail and drive a good bottom turn on the rail.

I haven't got it into bigger surf but based on its performance over the past couple of days I expect it will do just fine.  Make no mistake, a fiberglass board will perform better in most conditions but for a board that folds into a small backpack that you can stuff into your trunk its pretty darn good.

I would recommend this board to anyone looking to get out into the surf who doesn't have the extra storage to pick up a second board.  It's a great board to bring on a surf trip because it doesn't take up extra space on the roof and can be used as a backup board if your board isn't right for the conditions.  The inflatables are also great boards for kids as they can jump on them, bash them into the sand or drag them across the street without damaging them.

Starboard makes a few inflatable surf shapes in different constructions.  They make all of the inflatables in a 'fun' construction which is a little bit thinner and less expensive.  The 'deluxe' construction is thicker, stiffer and inflates to a higher psi for better performance.  Check out Starboard's website for a full list of their inflatable products.

http://star-board-sup.com/2013/products/boards/#astro

Tofino Coastal Surf Weekend

This March we will again be offering our Coastal Paddle Surf course in Tofino, B.C. Over the three days our course teaches you how to catch your first wave on your sup, improve your existing paddle surf skill set and provide a framework to make good decisions in a dynamic ocean environment. At the same time, you will enjoy the stunning west coast and the beauty of Tofino from our beach side accommodations. As certified instructors with years of surfing and coastal experience we are committed to your success on the waves and safety in the ocean. Nothing makes us happier than seeing people catch their first wave on their paddleboard. Enjoy, relax, have fun, and learn to paddle surf.

DATES: MARCH 15-17th, 2013
LOCATION: TOFINO, B.C.
PRICE: $525+hst
INCLUDES: Paddle Canada SUP Coastal Surf certification, Beach side accommodations, Video Analysis, Coastal Surf Swag Bag sponsored by Quiksilver, FCS, Tofino Brewing and more.
*Board and wetsuit rental packages available.
** Contact norm@mountainsurfadventures.com to confirm your spot and receive a detailed itinerary.

Tofino, British Columbia: Reigns as the jewel of Canada’s west coast. The stunning beauty and ecological diversity of Tofino’s location in the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is the source of all activities. Imagine, all in one place, fishing, kayaking, whale watching, bear-watching, bird watching, camping, hiking, storm-watching and First Nations cultural touring. Surfing is big here, and Tofino was named the best surf town in North America in Outside Magazine’s 2010 Editors’ Choice awards.

COASTAL PADDLE SURF INSTRUCTORS:
Norm Hann: Norm is a sponsored Canadian paddleboard athlete and racer with Boardworks Surf Canada, a Quiksilver Waterman Ambassador and Paddle Canada SUP Instructor Trainer. Based in Squamish, B.C. Norm runs Mountain Surf Adventures which focuses on coastal expeditions and standup paddleboard instruction. Norm has also been active in the conservation and protection of the Great Bear Rainforest and the British Columbia coastline through his Standup4Greatbear Organization.

Photo Credit: Dan Shugar

Mike Darbyshire: Mike has been outside and on the water for most of his life. Surfing and kayaking led him into the Stand Up Paddleboard world and he hasn’t looked back. In a few short years SUP has given Mike opportunities to travel around North America, explore new places in his own backyard and help develop the Paddle Canada SUP Instructional Program. Mike is an excellent instructor, talented paddler and is stoked on all disciplines of SUP including surf, touring, racing and river; and is excited to share it with whoever he can! He run’s the SUP program at Deep Cove Kayak and is sponsored by Starboard, Kokatat and Werner Paddles.

Photo Credit: Chris Emerick

Catherine Bruhwiler: Catherine is a life long local Tofino surfer who loves to spend most of her time in the ocean. She is a talented surfer with a beautiful style and is an incredible ambassador for her hometown of Tofino, B.C. As a Paddle Canada SUP Instructor she teaches paddleboarding full time through her business Tofino Paddle Surf. When she is not teaching surfing for her brother’s Sepp and Raph or paddleboarding she will be found traveling and surfing with her kids. With her vast experience growing up on the ocean and surfing, Catherine brings a wealth of local knowledge to the course. Catherine is sponsored by Roxy, Level Sixand Aftanas Surfboards.

Training for SUP

How do you train for SUP?  I've been asked this by other paddlers, students in lessons and spectators at races.  I don't even know where to begin with an answer because I really don't know what works yet?

To begin, this is what I see when I look around at the sport of SUP at the highest end.

1. Different body types: Example: Thomas Maximus vs Kai Lenny

2. Different paddling styles: Connor Baxter vs Danny Ching

3. Different disciplines: Technical short course, surf races, downwind, distance etc.

4. Different backgrounds: Outrigger, Surf, Sprint Canoe, Kayak, Wind Surf etc.

SUP does not discriminate against background or body type which really makes it a great sport for anyone to be a part of.  This also makes it really hard to use the top athletes in the sport and copy their training techniques or regimes.  Do you go to the gym and lift weights to build muscle?  Do you paddle all day, every day to build endurance?  Do you use cross training to build all around fitness? Do you use technical workouts monitoring heart rate, calories, intensity to maximize efficiency?  I think the correct answer is different for everybody.

What makes this sport great is the diversity within the sport and I think that training and technique should reflect that diversity.  I think that by taking bits and pieces from top athletes and focusing on your personal strengths and weaknesses anyone can train to be a stronger paddler.   Just because Danny Ching's program allows him to win races, it doesn't mean that is the right program for you as well...but if you have the chance to be a world class Outrigger paddler before starting SUP training that might help in your success.  Just because Connor Baxter wins big races, it doesn't mean everybody should choke down and paddle 200 strokes per minute....Although on the start it is a great way to accelerate.

I am continuing to try out new training methods and techniques and I'm excited to see the results.  I am still learning and I have much more experience to gain but so far, my advice to anyone who is serious about training to becoming a stronger paddler is:

1.  Focus on technique first.  Learn to be an efficient paddler before you hit the gym or start paddling everyday.  All those extra muscles won't help if you can't use them effectively. Find an instructor with a good eye, who asks good questions and helps you focus on your strengths and eliminates your weaknesses.

2.  Paddle Often.  If you only paddle once a week it is going to difficult to build strong paddling muscles.

3. Set goals. Set yourself some achievable goals to keep yourself on track.  These goals do not have to be races or winning.  Set fun goals for yourself that include trips and accomplishments.

4. Use your peers. Friends, Family, Trainers etc.  Having good people around you will help you achieve your paddling goals.  A training partner always makes a hard paddle or gym session more fun. A good trainer will keep you motivated, on track and help you achieve your specific goals.

I didn't want to add this one to my list because it is a little bit cliche, but make sure you are out there for the right reasons.  Paddling is fun and a great way to stay healthy and happy so don't let it be a burden.  Make sure you take the time to go out for a paddle where you barely go anywhere and spend most of the time chatting and laughing.  For example a group paddle with good people last weekend felt like a breeze.  Turns out we went 10km and it felt great!

It would be great to hear some feedback on different paddlers training methods.  Everyone is different so share what works for you!

This year I am enlisting the help of Challenge by Choice(CBC) in Squamish, BC.  CBC has provided me with a personal online training program that is always changing, fun and goal oriented I am looking forward to seeing some results this season. If you are interested in starting a program that is designed for you specifically, get in touch with Jen at CBC.  She knows a thing or two about training, has a great gym, great trainers and is a great resource.