PaddleXaminer is a veteran owned publication based in Los Angeles, California. We provide stories, gear reviews, and news for adventurers on and off the water.
© PaddleXaminer 2023 – All Rights Reserved
The 2019 California OC-6 racing season came to a close this month with the annual Catalina Channel Crossing. The season ran just over five months from April to early September and is divided into three components: Iron Season – which concluded with the California State Championship in late June; Sprint Season – takes place in July and is a bit of a dying breed here in California; 9-man Season, which involves a crew of nine paddlers and an escort boat. Practices took place in the evenings and weekend mornings, therefore the gear I wore was impacted by the time of day as much as the time of year.
Paddling with the Vaikobi VDRY Vest and Shelta Raptor V2 hat.
Vaikobi VDRY Vest: Designed with a highly breathable, lightweight shell and mesh interior, the Vaikobi VDRY Vest proved to be a game changer during evening OC-6 practices in April and May. The water in Southern California isn’t warm and when you combine the cold water with a practice slot from 5:30 pm to sundown, there isn’t a lot of heat left in the day to keep your body warm. Gone were the days of racing from the canoe at the end of practice to put on warm, dry clothes. The Vaikobi VDRY Vest proved to be the perfect outer layer to keep the wind and ocean spray at bay.
Shelta Raptor V2: My go-to high performance sun hat for all of my outdoor pursuits. The Raptor V2 is my favorite Shelta Hat due to its extraordinary ability to wick away moisture and keep me cool while paddling. The narrow brim width is perfect for paddling and helps block ocean spray as well as the sun’s harmful rays. I don’t go on the water without it.
Vaikobi VCOLD Flex shorts.
Vaikobi VCOLD Pants & Shorts: I’ve been wearing Vaikobi’s VCOLD paddling pants for years and picked up a pair of their new VCOLD Flex shorts this season. I wore the VCOLD pants through June before I transitioned to the shorts. Even then, I know I pulled on the pants for at least one cold and overcast Sunday morning practice later in the year. Vaikobi’s VCOLD pants and shorts are hands down the most comfortable, performance driven paddling gear on the market today.
Vaikobi VCOLD Base Layer.
Vaikobi VCOLD Base Layer: A thin athletic cut long sleeved top that can be easily layered with other gear. This was another essential item during cool to cold evening workouts in April and May. I’ve been wearing my Vaikobi VCOLD base layer for years. It’s the perfect item for taking the chill out of the air during cold paddles.
Vaikobi VCold Paddling Vest
Vaikobi VCOLD Vest: Made from a similar construction as Vaikobi’s VCOLD pants and shorts, the Vaikobi VCOLD Vest was another go-to item for keeping me warm during those cold and wet evening practices. The best part about the VCOLD vest is it can be layered up or down depending on the conditions. I wore mine as a stand alone top, beneath my Bluesmiths hydrophobic paddling shirt, on top of the Vaikobi VCOLD Base Layer, and with the Vaikobi VDRY Vest. The Vaikobi VCOLD Vest is without a doubt one of the most versatile pieces of paddling gear around.
Vaikobi VCOLD Top: When the air and water temperature are cold and I know it isn’t going to get any warmer, I reach for my Vaikobi VCOLD Top. I have an older style that has been superseded by the VCOLD Flex and VCOLD Hydroflex, but it still gets the job done. While this model is no longer available, the overall durability of the construction of this top speaks to the quality of Vaikobi’s product line.
Bluesmiths Lane Hydrophobic Shirt: I’ve been wearing the same Bluesmiths Lane Hydrophobic shirt for at least four years. I like it so much I regularly rinse it in a bucket, hang it up to dry overnight, and wear it again the next day. What makes it so good? The hydrophobic construction doesn’t retain any water. When paddling in cold water, this means you don’t end up with a cold, soggy shirt by the end of practice (or realistically, once the first wave rolls up over the gunnel of the canoe).
Body Glove 3T Barefoot Requiem Water Shoe
Body Glove 3T Barefoot Requiem Water Shoes: Sure a lot of traditionalists still prefer to go barefoot, but realistically the advantages of wearing the right footwear outweigh the alternative any day of the week. A key component of outrigger paddling is effective leg drive. This means firmly planting your feet. The Body Glove 3Ts allow you do plant your foot with confidence and focus on paddling. They also protect your feet at the end of the race. You also never really know where you might end up after crossing the finish line. Sometimes you might pull up on a sandy beach. Sometimes you are directed to a boat ramp. Sometimes you might have a long walk back to the spot you left your gear. Sometimes you go straight from the finish line to loading all your club’s canoes. Either way, having a great pair of lightweight water shoes will make the journey much more enjoyable.
A version of this article in Japanese is available at the conclusion of the original text. The Japanese version is made possible through a partnership between SUP Examiner & Everything SUP Japan.
Paddling technique tip
Are you a paddler who is fit, but can never seem to keep pace with your friends and always finds yourself finishing a race further back in the pack than you’d like? In paddling sports, regardless of craft, proper paddling technique along with the ability to dissect and understand the components of your stroke will determine how efficiently you are able to paddle and by extension, have a direct impact on your ability to improve your speed and go faster. Professional coaches can spend hours analyzing and breaking down the various components of a paddling stroke. The process can often times be overwhelming and you may walk away wondering what to focus on first.
Throughout my experience learning from various coaches on stand up paddleboards and outrigger canoes one constant stands out regardless of the other nuances of the technique – a quick recovery. “Fast in the air, long in the water,” my outrigger coach will repeatedly call out during practice. The reason behind the philosophy is simple, paddles are intended to be placed in the water and pull your watercraft over the water’s surface. Sure, they look cool in the air when you are poised to execute a perfect catch, but by minimizing the amount of time your paddle is in the air during the recovery, the quicker you will be able to plant it back in the water and keep your hull speed up.
In stand up paddling, the second portion of the phrase “long in the water” may not always apply as you adjust your stroke to the conditions or activity and shorten or lengthen your stroke. Even under these circumstances, however, the less time your paddle is in the air better if your intention is forward progression across the water.
A Common Paddling Pitfall
Be sure you do not get too carried away and “rip” your paddle through the water by pulling too quickly – something I’ve been accused of doing on more than one occasion! Doing so will prevent your paddle’s blade from “locking” in the water and if this occurs, it will not matter how quickly your recovery is because the power phase is shot.
There are many other components to a proper paddling technique, but if you have the patience and are able to take the time to focus on one component at a time I am confident you will see an improvement in the coming weeks and months. It is the little things that will make a measurable difference and by increasing the speed of your recovery you will be able to keep the nose of your board elevated and thereby increase and maintain a faster pace. Give it a try and let me know how you progress.
See you on the water!
The Japanese version is made possible through a partnership between SUP Examiner & Everything SUP Japan.
パドルスピードの向上と維持の仕方
体力はあるけど、なぜか友達について行けない、レースで思うような結果を出せない、なんて経験はありますか？パドリングをするスポーツではボードやカヌーなどクラフトに関係なく、自分のストロークを詳細に分析し理解する事が効率性の決め手となり、さらにはスピードを向上させる力に直接影響を与えます。プロのコーチたちはストロークの動きを事細かに調べ上げるのに多くの時間を費やします。時にコーチからのアドバイスに困惑し、何にフォーカスするべきかわからなくなる時があります。
スタンドアップパドルボードとアウトリガーカヌーで様々なコーチから学んだ経験を通じて、分かったことがあります。それは他のテクニックより群を抜いて大切な事―「クイック リカバリー」 です。「空中では素早く、水中では長く」を私のアウトリガーコーチが何度も練習中に連呼しています。理由は実にシンプル。パドルは水中に置かれて、水面にあるボードなどのウォータークラフトを引くためにあるものだからです。もちろん完璧なキャッチが出来た時の、あの一連の作業はカッコよく見えますよね。でもリカバリーの際、パドルが空中にある時間を最小限にする事によって、より早く水中に戻すことが出来、速く進むことが出来ます。
スタンドアップパドリングでは、「水中では長く」のフレーズは必ずしも適切でない場合があります。状況やアクティビティによってストロークを短くしたり長くしたりするからです。しかし、速く進むことが目的であれば、パドルの空中滞在時間を短くした方が効率的です。
A Common Paddling Pitfall
よくあるパドリングの落とし穴
パドルの際、力み過ぎて早く漕ぎ過ぎないように注意してください。これを私は何度か指摘されています！パドルのブレードをスムーズに水から出す事が出来なくなるので、いくらリカバリーを速く行っても一連の動作がスムーズにいかなくなります。
その他にもまだ沢山パドリングストロークのポイントはありますが、辛抱強く一つ一つの動作にフォーカスしていけば、数か月又は数週間後には上達されている筈です。些細な事で大きな結果が出ます。リカバリーのスピードを上げることで、ノーズが少し上がった状態を維持でき、それによりスピードアップ且つ維持が可能になります。是非一度やってみて私に結果を教えてください
この記事はSUP ExaminerとEverything SUP Japanが共同でお送りしてます。
マット・チェバトリス
SUP Examinerの創設者
元国家安全保障の専門家の一方、冒険家としての人生を謳歌している。これまで外交政策の分野で様々な資料を発表。また、スポーツの楽しさを共有するための場としてSUP Examiner™を設立。現在、妻のカレン、タキシードキャットのマクシミリアンと共にロサンゼルス在住。
#techniquetips #paddling #paddlingspeed #propertechnique #howto #Technique #JapaneseVersion
The West Coast of the United States has experienced a marked increase in the number of California Sea Lion pups stranded on beaches across southern and central California during the first four months of 2015. The sight of distressed marine life along our shores is an emotive topic for those of us who enjoy spending time on the water. Most paddlers have a deep appreciation for the ocean and the marine life dependent on a healthy ecosystem in order to survive. As word of the strandings began to filter through the stand up paddling community in Southern California, SUP Examiner decided to look into the situation and report back to the paddling public.
This is the first installment in a three-part series examining California Sea Lions and the increased number of pup strandings in 2015.
The Life of a California Sea Lion
National Geographic
Like all marine mammals, California Sea Lions are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act. They can be found along a broad stretch of the western coast of North America from Canada to the central portion of Mexico. According to National Geographic, colonies of the intrepid pinnipeds are also located near the Galápagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. Pinniped(s) refers to all flipper footed marine mammals and their adaptation of flippers makes them highly effective swimmers. California Sea Lions have been documented as the fastest swimmers of all pinnipeds, capable of attaining speeds of 25 mph (40 kph). They also have the ability to regulate their heart rate when diving deep which enables them to remain underwater for roughly 10 minutes at a time. In addition to their speed and agility in the water, California Sea Lions are able to rotate their rear flippers into a forward position giving them the ability to mimic a walking motion on land compared to the lumbering, belly rolling of a seal. Another distinguishing characteristic of the California Sea Lions are their external ears – a trait which seals do not posses.
Adult California Sea Lions are between 7-8 ft (2-2.4 m) long and weigh up to 800 lbs (363 kg) for males and 5-6 ft (1.5-1.8 m) and approximately 250 lbs (113 kg) for females. California Sea Lions are carnivores and known to be opportunistic predators feeding on a diet of oily fish such as hake, market squid, mackerel, sardines and anchovies, among other prey. Adult animals are fully independent and not socially dependent on others for food or interaction. When observing groups of California Sea Lions in the wild, the fact some may be clustered together is reportedly no different than if one were to observe a group of people sitting together at a bus stop. They just happen to be sitting together at that moment in time.
California Sea Lions are a common sight for stand up paddlers along the western coast of North America. Regularly spotted in marinas sleeping on docks or untended boats, they may at times appear to interact with paddlers. Although they have a playful demeanor, paddlers should respect the sea lion’s personal space and never attempt to touch a sea lion. California Sea Lions are unpredictable and may become aggressive. They have a sharp set of teeth and may bite if they feel the need to defend themselves or their young. If that isn’t enough of a deterrent, there is also a $10,000 fine for unlawful interaction with marine mammals in the United States.
Groups of California Sea Lions are known interchangeably as either “colonies” or “rookeries”. The [U.S.] National Marine Fisheries Service estimates the current total population to be approximately 300,000 animals, with a projected annual increase of 5.4%. Within the United States, the California Sea Lion’s breeding rookeries are in the Channel Islands – primarily San Miguel, San Nicolas, Santa Barbara and San Clemente. The species typically gives birth to their young in June and pups remain with their mothers for approximately 11 months before they are considered to be 100% independent.
Outlook
Broadly speaking, the population is not believed to be in jeopardy and the species is not listed as “endangered”, “threatened” or “depleted” under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act. Overall, the population is believed to be increasing, however, there have been periods where the number of California Sea Lions has declined as a result of El Niño events, disease and limited availability of prey due to the ever-changing dynamics in the ocean.
Part Two of this series will take a look at the likely causes of the California Sea Lion pup strandings.
#Environment #CaliforniaSeaLions #California #SouthernCalifornia #Dispatch #Wildlife #sealion #marinemammals #MarineMammalCareCenter
PaddleXaminer is a veteran owned publication based in Los Angeles, California. We provide stories, gear reviews, and news for adventurers on and off the water.
© PaddleXaminer 2023 – All Rights Reserved
PaddleXaminer is a veteran owned publication based in Los Angeles, California. We provide stories, gear reviews, and news for adventurers on and off the water.
© PaddleXaminer 2023 – All Rights Reserved
PROBAR LLC, creator of delicious and convenient, organic whole superfoods that power active lifestyles, will showcase its bright and bold new look and debut two delicious new PROBAR Meal® Bar flavors, Blueberry Muffin and S’mores, at the 2019 Summer Outdoor Retail Market. Attendees of the show are invited to visit the PROBAR® booth, #44073-UL, to see the vibrant new packaging firsthand and be amongst the first to taste the new Meal Bar flavors.
Superfood Performance
“PROBAR® has been a performance fuel leader for years, and our fresh new design better reflects who we are as a brand,” said Jeff Coleman co-founder and CEO of PROBAR®. “We’ve always believed in providing natural, delicious and convenient foods that boost your everyday performance. Our new packaging is vibrant, contemporary and versatile in a way that reflects our lifestyle and our products. We’re also excited to introduce two new summer-inspired Meal Bars. Nothing says summer like fresh blueberry muffins or s’mores by a campfire, and our new flavors bring these delicious flavors to life in a way that doesn’t weigh you down and delivers sustained energy for the adventure ahead!”
Rolling out across the U.S. this summer, PROBAR®’s new look is warm and approachable, featuring a bold and modern interpretation of the Wasatch Mountain range, coupled with images of the whole real food ingredients that make the bars so healthy and delicious. The refreshed logo has an increased emphasis on the word “PRO” to underscore the breadth of performance nutrition the brand now offers for a variety of usage occasions, in addition to better capturing the brand’s essence: PRO nutrition, PRO taste and PRO you.
The brand’s cornerstone product line, PROBAR Meal® Bars are made with real superfood ingredients such as fruits, nuts, and seeds for a naturally delicious flavor. Each bar is carefully blended, not baked, to maintain optimal nutrition and packed with plant-based protein and fiber for a nutritious and convenient meal replacement on-the-go. Already available in 12 crave-able flavors, PROBAR® is debuting two new crowd-pleasing flavors right in time for the return of summer. Additional details include:
-
S’mores – Nothing is more reminiscent of summer quite like a gooey s’more, and this bar puts a nutritious twist on your childhood favorite! Teeming with seeds, nut butter, real fruits and nuts, this bar is a nutrient-packed way to fuel yourself.
-
Blueberry Muffin – A delicious better-for-you take on an indulgent breakfast classic without the guilt. Made with real fruit including sweet blueberries and dates for natural sweetness, this bar is the perfect replacement for your next breakfast.
PROBAR® offers a robust line of plant-based performance foods, including Meal On-the-Go, Protein (formerly Base), Bite, Bolt Energy Chews and live Probiotic Bars. Made with whole superfood ingredients like nuts, fruits, and seeds for optimal nutrition, each PROBAR® product is designed to boost performance, satisfy hunger and keep you energized no matter where your day or adventures take you. All PROBAR® foods are vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten Free and kosher.
PROBAR® foods are available at select natural and conventional retailers nationwide including REI, Whole Foods, Kroger, Albertson’s and online at Amazon.com. To learn more about PROBAR®’s full portfolio of plant-based, whole-nutrition foods, please visit http://shop.theprobar.com/.
About PROBAR®
PROBAR® is the creator of delicious and convenient, organic whole superfoods that power active lifestyles. Co-founded in Park City, UT by avid trail runner, Jeff Coleman, PROBAR® was created with one mission in mind: to craft a plant-based, organic nutrition bar for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts that delivers performance and tastes delicious. All PROBAR® foods, including PROBAR Meal® On-the-Go Bars, Protein Bars (formerly known as “Base”), PROBAR live® Bars, PROBAR Bite® Bars and PROBAR Bolt® Energy Chews are vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten Free and kosher.
Since its inception in 2003, PROBAR® has stayed true to Jeff’s original passion for plant-based whole superfood nutrition as the foundation for optimal performance, and making real food convenient, sustainable and tasty for all. So, whether you’re training for a marathon, mountain biking, hiking or simply need to refuel between work meetings you’ll be satisfied and energized to power through. PROBAR® is available nationwide at natural, conventional and specialty stores as well as online at http://shop.theprobar.com/.
Races intimidate me. Not so much the actual act of racing but finding the venue, parking, and getting my board to the start line. Races are typically crowded and parking is hard to come by. If I wind up finding a parking spot half a mile to a mile away, I’ll be exhausted by the time I get my 12’6” race board to the start line.
In fact, the thought of trying to figure out how to get my board to the water is what prohibits me from paddling a number of desirable destinations. I’ll think of somewhere I’d like to paddle and then calculate the logistics of parking and getting my board to the water and conclude that it is more trouble than it’s worth. Am I taking the easy way out? Maybe. But I just don’t have the upper body strength to carry my board great distances. And if I bring a newbie friend with me then paddling anywhere that requires walking is out of the question.
That was until I discovered SUP Wheels.
SUP Wheels is the world’s leading brand for paddle board transport and is compatible for biking as well as walking. The patented transport systems are able to carry up to two boards, either surf or SUP. The kit comes with the wheels, a bungee, and a comfort handle.
Kits include step-by-step instructions that proved to be a little challenging to figure out. After struggling for a moment, I hopped on the SUP Wheels’ website and found their set-up video to be easy and helpful. Once I had my transport system put together securing the board took less than a minute to load and unload.
Transporting my board on even terrain was a breeze and required me to carry very little of the actual weight of my board. I was able to slip my paddle under the bungee, freeing up my hands. Wheeling the board over the sand proved to be as simple and much to my surprise, the transport system even withstood a rocky slope. I found that setting up the comfort handle was unnecessary but definitely helpful once my board was wet and slippery.
SUP Wheels is a great investment because it opens up a world of paddling opportunities. It allows you to travel greater distances at ease and eliminates the stress of transporting your SUP. I am excited to see just how far my SUP Wheels will take me.
Support PaddleXaminer! All donations will be used to support our ability to continue delivering great content for the paddling community!
[wpedon id=”8705″ align=”left”]
When I first got into standup paddle racing, I didn’t know what I was doing. As a crossover cross-country and track athlete, I thought paddling worked like my previous sport: you paddle harder and you go faster. While this is indeed true, I quickly came to learn that having the right type of board under your feet was essential and soon invested in a raceboard. For years I denied the necessity of a race paddle but last year, I finally bit the bullet and got my hands on a Black Hydro Texcarbon Race Paddle. Let me just tell you, this paddle is fast.
The Nuts & Bolts
Black Project advertises the Hydro as their lightest, strongest, and most technically advanced paddle yet. In an effort to correct poor alignment and combat fatigue and injury, the paddle features a deep Scooped Dihedral shape that holds the water firmly through the power phase, resulting in smooth and efficient strokes.
Due to its shallow 8-degrees blade angle, the blade is shorter than most, allowing paddlers to paddle more aggressively and efficiently. The front side of the blade features a small ridge, allowing for increased strength and enhanced stability.
Another standout feature of Hyrdro paddle is that it is constructed from a Texalium and Carbon shaft. The Texalium has incredible impact resistance, meaning it can hold its own when matched up against shoreline rocks or rough baggage handlers. The textured Texalim shaft allows for a secure grip, while the silver finish works to reflect UV rays, keeping your paddle cool and protected from premature sun damage. The paddle is available in both a standard (29mm) shaft and a slim (26.5mm), to accommodate different preferences.
Thoughtful features include smooth blade edges and a slim-line joint system to reduce drag and prevent damage to your board’s rails. Black Project claims their paddle is the lightest on the market, weighing in at 25-50 grams lighter than traditional race paddles. Available in seven blade options and five shaft options, the Hydro Texcarbon caters to paddlers of all sizes and ability levels.
Our Take
When I first received my Hydro Texcarbon paddle, my out of the box impression was that it was light and sleek. My initial impression upon taking it on the water was that it was fast!
Ringing in at 5’7” and 125 pounds, I am a tall, slim paddler. I appreciate the lightweight and smaller design of the paddle and found that it fared well on both flat water and in the surf. As a newer paddler, the smoothed edges proved to be essential, as I find myself bumping my rails from time to time.
Photo: Jonathan Kemnitz
Although I have yet to experience any standup paddling injuries, I was plagued with injuries most of my running career and hope to avoid a similar pattern with paddling. I appreciate that the paddle is designed to help correct your paddle stroke in an effort to ward off unnecessary ailments.
Without being overtly familiar with the technical features that constitute a good race paddle, I am very impressed with the Black Project Hydro Texcarbon paddle. It is everything I want in a paddle in more and makes me excited to get on the water each day. Top that with the fact that it is the paddle of choice for world champion athletes Seychelle, Olivia Piana, Christian Anderson, and Rai Taguchi – it’s safe to say this is a paddle that has earned its salt.
When Body Glove first contacted me about reviewing their Dynamo Ribcage Water Shoe I honestly wasn’t expecting to love them. I’d owned water shoes before and while it’s always nice to have a good pair in your collection, they’re usually nothing special. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
The Dynamo Ribcage shoes have proven to be the most versatile shoes I’ve ever owned. In the month or so since I’ve had them, I’ve already worn them hiking, paddling, tide pooling, surfing, cliff jumping, in transit, and even on a motorcycle ride. They’re light-weight yet durable, making them the ideal travel shoe. Where once I would have brought multiple shoes for hiking, running, and waterfront activities, I now need to bring only one pair. My bags are lighter and my feet are happier, thanks to the Dynamo Ribcage water shoes.
Bright, flashy colors are super trendy right now be it in footwear, wetsuits, or clothing, and the Ribcage Water Shoe is no exception. This black shoe is highlighted with fluorescent pink and blue, making it fun and stylish for both on and off the water.
Photo: Sarah Parsons
In addition to the rockin’ aesthetic, this shoe is made with molded heel protection, 4-way stretch, easy slip-on entry, and a patented Integrated Drainage System (IDS), making it the perfect shoe for any and every adventure life might throw your way. These shoes are easy to slip on but also have laces, allowing you to synch them super tight so that stay on your feet and rocks stay out. The mesh on the sides makes them super breathable and allows the water to drain easily so you’re not lugging around a few extra pounds of liquid. The support on the bottom is minimal, but is enough to allow for treks over rocky ridges or short runs on the beach.
As a long-time fan of all things aquatic, I give these shoes two thumbs up. Whether you’re a river athlete, a traveler, or simply want a cool pair of shoes for everyday use, the Dynamo Ribcage Water Shoe is definitely worth taking a look at.