Matthew Chebatoris Cyril Derreumaux aborted his attempt to paddle solo in his custom kayak, Valentine, from San Francisco, California to Honolulu, Hawaii on… 2 likes. Post not marked as liked2 Matthew Chebatoris “Hey Cyril, what’s the countdown look like?”, I inquired when I answered my phone. “There is a window coming up this weekend”, came the… 4 likes. Post not marked as liked4 PaddleXaminer One place that few people would consider a good location for kayaking is Las Vegas. Instead, its desert climate and environment conjures up PaddleXaminer There’s not much point lugging your own kayak and equipment over to the Bahamas. You can rent everything you need there to set off on your o
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Matthew Chebatoris Traveling and sustainability may sound like a juxtaposition, but with a little planning and some smart choices doing both is definitely within the realm of possibility. Before booking a trip, take into consideration how you’ll get there, where you’ll stay, and how you’ll get around. The environmentally conscious choice may not always be the obvious one and oftentimes it will take a bit more effort on you end. To make things a little easier, we’ve rounded up six tips for being Matthew Chebatoris 5 Ways to Be More Eco-Friendly This Holiday Season With Thanksgiving done and dusted, the holidays are in full swing. Lights are dotting the streets, carols are streaming through the radio and spirits are high. Despite all the well wishes and good cheer, the holidays are a wasteful season. But they don’t have to be. Here at PaddleXaminer, we are committed to protecting our planet and keeping it beautiful for future generations to come. With an eco-friendly NSP Cocomat board u Matthew Chebatoris Review of NSP’s Coco Endless Longboard NSP’s sustainably made Coco Endless longboard rides like a dream. Over the past five months, I’ve tested it in different lineups and conditions and it is by far the best board I’ve ever owned. But don’t take my word for it. Everyone has different opinions and preferences so I spent the summer swapping boards with friends in the lineup. The downside—they didn’t want to trade back. The jury’s out, this board is a winner! Fun in the sun! Th Matthew Chebatoris Environmentally friendly board range from NSP In 2010, NSP launched some of the most environmentally friendly boards on the market: their Cocomat line. The Cocomat technology allows the boards to be light for carrying and paddling yet remain strong and flexible for optimal performance. A lot of us prefer to make eco-conscious choices but we don’t want to sacrifice money or performance in the process. NSP’s Cocomat boards are available at a similar price point to other boards Matthew Chebatoris Examining NSP’s CocoMat Technology Bruce “Buzz” Hansen, a life-long surfer, skater, and all-around waterman saw a need for affordable, durable, versatile, and high performance boards in the lineup. He set out to create a light yet strong surfboard at an affordable price. Buzz worked alongside friends to create a new epoxy technology to bring the board of his dreams to life. Throughout the manufacturing process, Buzz referred to his design in code, simply calling it the “New S Matthew Chebatoris With his decisive win at the Carolina Cup after a grueling back and forth game of cat and mouse in a three-man draft pack with Danny Ching and Connor Baxter for the majority of the race, Travis Grant humbly left an exclamation point on North America’s most important coastal SUP race of 2015. But before the final drone videos recapturing the glory made the rounds on social media, Grant was back home in Hawaii working his full-time “day job” doing boat canvas work fitting uphol
PaddleXaminer Registration is required for this event please follow the instructions below. Prizes for top three trash collectors and a raffle for… 2 likes. Post not marked as liked2 Matthew Chebatoris With Earth Day 2021 coming in hot, what better time to highlight some of PaddleXaminer’s favorite environmentally-friendly brands. From… 2 likes. Post not marked as liked2 PaddleXaminer The Division of Boating and Waterways and California Coastal Commission invite recreational boaters to celebrate Earth Day this year all… 2 likes. Post not marked as liked2 PaddleXaminer The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) announced plans for this year’s control efforts for aquatic invasive plants in the… 1 like. Post not marked as liked1 PaddleXaminer Selk’bag, the original wearable sleeping bag brand, is thrilled to announce the launch of its newest design, the first fully recycled,… 1 like. Post not marked as liked1 Michael Chebatoris CrazyCap uses ultraviolet light to purify water. In 60 seconds the ultraviolet LED light built into the cap will clean and purify the water 1 like. Post not marked as liked1 Matthew Chebatoris Kayak to Klemtu is the colorful story of a young indigenous girl in British Columbia who is determined to honor her late uncle by paddling a
Matthew Chebatoris Due to global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Va’a Federation (IVF) and Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (HCRA) have… Matthew Chebatoris California State Parks today announced that it is taking additional safety measures to reduce crowds and help prevent the spread of… Matthew Chebatoris At least two California paddling events have been postponed / cancelled due to public health concerns related to COVID-19. 10th annual… Matthew Chebatoris March 3rd officially marked the 50-day countdown to the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22nd. What’s more, today also marks the… Matthew Chebatoris The Division of Boating and Waterways along with its partners invite the public to learn how to prevent the further spread of aquatic… Matthew Chebatoris The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is now accepting grant applications to help local public entities enhance safety on… Matthew Chebatoris Each spring the paddling scene in California seems to take off. There is a convergence of seasons as the SoCal Ocean Racing Series tapers… Matthew Chebatoris We’re half-way through the 2019/2020 SoCal Racing Series this week as we head into the long running Hal Rosoff Classic at the Newport … Matthew Chebatoris Lifestyle brand BUOY WEAR has brought a water sports apparel line to market that makes protecting one’s skin while on the water… Matthew Chebatoris Costa® Sunglasses has released Mark Healey’s signature frame, the Sampan. Designed for adventure seekers who live their best life in and… Matthew Chebatoris California State Parks is imposing campfire restrictions due to continued weather conditions, increased fire danger and in cooperation… Matthew Chebatoris California State Parks (State Parks) is alerting the public about park units that may be affected by a potential Public Safety Power… Matthew Chebatoris NOCCO – a leading no carb, branched chain amino acids (BCAA) beverage company based in Europe – has experienced rapid growth in the… Matthew Chebatoris The first annual Harbor Hoot kicked off Saturday, October 12, 2019 in scenic Dana Point Harbor. Organized by veteran standup paddler… Matthew Chebatoris An approximately 19 foot great white shark attacked a kayaker off Catalina Island on Saturday, October 5, 2019. The attack lasted only… Matthew Chebatoris Knog, a market leader in smartly designed outdoor accessories and lights, has introduced an innovative new headlamp. The Knog Quokka… Matthew Chebatoris Recap of SCORA paddlers at Na Wahine O Ke Kai With a field of over 70 entries, there were numerous teams that included SCORA paddlers… Matthew Chebatoris In 2012, professional kiteboarder Sensi Graves launched her eponymous swimwear label, Sensi Graves Bikinis, to meet the demands of her… Matthew Chebatoris World Wildlife Fund (WWF), a conservation organization dedicated to securing a future where humans and nature thrive, will host its… Matthew Chebatoris All companies should take responsibility for their carbon emissions, and consumers have the right to spend consciously on products that…
Matthew Chebatoris With Earth Day 2021 coming in hot, what better time to highlight some of PaddleXaminer’s favorite environmentally-friendly brands. From… 2 likes. Post not marked as liked2 Rebecca Parsons As a woman, it can be challenging finding the perfect outfit for paddling. While they may look great, many suits show too much skin, ride up Rebecca Parsons Founded in 2012, OY Surf Apparel was born from a desire to fill a niche that was missing in the surf industry—stay put swim and workout gear Rebecca Parsons Hannah Reed hails from San Clemente, California, a stone’s throw the beloved surf beach of T-street.
Matthew Chebatoris Cyril Derreumaux aborted his attempt to paddle solo in his custom kayak, Valentine, from San Francisco, California to Honolulu, Hawaii on… 2 likes. Post not marked as liked2 Matthew Chebatoris “Hey Cyril, what’s the countdown look like?”, I inquired when I answered my phone. “There is a window coming up this weekend”, came the… 3 likes. Post not marked as liked3 Rebecca Parsons The Na Pali Coast was everything I imagined it would be and more.
Matthew Chebatoris Cyril Derreumaux aborted his attempt to paddle solo in his custom kayak, Valentine, from San Francisco, California to Honolulu, Hawaii on… 2 likes. Post not marked as liked2 Matthew Chebatoris “Hey Cyril, what’s the countdown look like?”, I inquired when I answered my phone. “There is a window coming up this weekend”, came the… 3 likes. Post not marked as liked3
Matthew Chebatoris Talking Paddles with Jim Terrell Choosing the most appropriate blade size for your paddle is an important, yet simple task facing all… Matthew Chebatoris Quick Tips to Stay Hydrated While Stand Up Paddling Should you or should you not take water with you when stand up paddling? This is a… Matthew Chebatoris Downwind paddling: A conversation with Sonni Hönscheid If standup paddling is to be considered a niche sport, then downwind paddling is a… Matthew Chebatoris A version of this article in Japanese is available at the conclusion of the original text. The Japanese version is made possible through… Matthew Chebatoris Paddling safely The flat water confines of a harbor or marina are often where many first time stand up paddlers receive their… Matthew Chebatoris The popularity of inflatables continues to experience widespread growth throughout the paddling community and for good reason. Inflatable… Matthew Chebatoris Proper board maintenance is an important, yet often overlooked aspect of owning a stand up paddleboard. Many paddlers, particularly those… Matthew Chebatoris Here’s the dilemma: You’re looking for your first paddleboard and you are suddenly bombarded by boards. All-around boards. Wave runners!… Matthew Chebatoris Using a FCS Connect fin on your stand up paddleboard makes inserting and removing your fin a quick and easy procedure. No tools are… Matthew Chebatoris Choosing a SUP There are a number of options facing consumers interested in purchasing their first SUP. The list of brands is seemingly… Matthew Chebatoris Stand Up Paddling is the fastest growing watersport in the world for good reason. It is fun and accessible to a wide range of people on… Matthew Chebatoris The SUP Leash A leash is an essential piece of gear for all stand up paddlers. It will prevent your board from drifting away and out of… Matthew Chebatoris Flip Flops on Board Many SUPs designed for recreational paddlers come with bungee straps up front for stowing small items such as a water… Matthew Chebatoris Choosing a SUP Paddle Newcomers to the sport of stand up paddling are faced with an important question, regardless of whether they are… Matthew Chebatoris Water in Your Paddle Shaft Under some circumstances, it is possible for water to make its way inside the shaft of your SUP paddle. In… Matthew Chebatoris Is your SUP paddle to long? Changing your paddle’s length does not require you to purchase a new stand up paddle. As Quickblade Paddles… Matthew Chebatoris Easy Steps to Repair Your Paddle Blade A nick or ding on your paddle blade is not the end of the world. Carbon fiber blades are not…
The words decrepit, scummy, trashy, joke, have all been synonymous with the Los Angeles River ever since the Southland’s once wild riparian path was ingloriously channeled and lined with concrete by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1930s. The decision to channel and concrete the river was taken in reaction to a series of floods in the early 20th Century. The floods during this period caused widespread destruction, but the advantages achieved by enforcing the unnatural reconfiguration of nature had the long term effect of stifling one of the region’s most vital natural resources.
Enter Infinity SUP frontman Dave Boehne. In 2009, a good two years before this author had ever heard of stand up paddling, Dave Boehne spontaneously charted an urban course along the Los Angeles River, becoming the first person to paddle a SUP through the concrete jungle. Adopting the role similar to that of an intrepid explorer, Boehne’s voyage was an important contribution to generating broader awareness to the plight of the Los Angeles River in popular culture. His trip was documented at the time, but with the rapid expansion in popularity of stand up paddling there is an intrinsic value in revisiting Boehne’s early adventure to remind the current generation paddlers of the achievement.
BlackFish in the Water
Fast forward to 2015 where Infinity SUP went back to the future. Dave Boehne brought along a few Speed Freaks this time around to keep him company, and boys on the BlackFish stand up paddled a section of the newly christened Los Angeles River Recreation Zone. Though now closed for the season, two sections of the Los Angeles River were open for public use this past summer. Dubbed the Elysian Valley River Recreation Zone and the Sepulveda Basin River Recreation Zone, the areas provided approximately 4.5 miles of public access along the river.
The recreation zones are part of a pilot program undertaken by the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority to incrementally revitalize the broader catchment basin into a 51 contiguous mile stretch of public recreational space lined by parks and greenbelts with the goals of enhancing the quality of life for the city’s residents, improving water quality and promoting public health. “All the revitalization is just a building block to filtering clean water and ultimately to keep the ocean cleaner as well”, said Boehne. “The community can rally behind and be proud of the LA River and it can be a focal point for the city.” For more on the Los Angeles River Recreation Zone, visit lariverrecreation.org.
Infinity SUP is a family owned business in Dana Point, California. Founded by legendary shaper Steve Boehne in the early 1970s, the company has consistently evolved through the decades to remain on point in projecting the trends of our time.
What can I do with my paddleboard? Most of us know the answer to that question. I paddle for the workout or to surf or explore. Those are great, but you can do other things with your paddleboard that might add a whole new dimension to your sport and if you are new to paddleboarding, where you can you find the best Paddle Board Reviews to help you find the right board for you.
Paddleboards make great observation vessels. The fact that you’re standing means you have an unparalleled point of view. If you’re fascinated by fish and other marine life, a SUP is great! At the beach I’ve observed sharks feeding on baitfish and hung out with dolphins, manatees, and seals. All from my paddleboard. Back home on the Hudson River I’ve seen crab, bluefish, golden carp, and schools of thousands of fish!
Pro Tip: Keep your strokes gentle so you don’t scare the fish away. Wearing polarized glasses can also cut down on the glare to make your experience even better.
Paddleboards are also great for birdwatching. Not only can you get to some out-of-the-way spots, you can approach very quietly. There are some great waterproof ID guides so you can put a name to the newly discovered creatures in your neighborhood.
If looking at the fish from above isn’t enough, did you also know paddleboards are a terrific snorkel platform? There are many terrific snorkel sites that are out of range for a swim, but not for a paddleboard. All you need is a SUP with some tie-downs for your gear — nothing fancy. Once you go in the water you can tie your board to a convenient mount, or if nothing is around, yourself. (Use a waist leash to keep your legs free.) Your board is now a good visual marker for boats to see you or even attach a dive flag. Whatever you do, don’t leave your board untended. An unexpected wind or current might leave you without a ride home! And make sure your paddle is secure before you begin your swim.
A paddleboard is also a great play platform. A big all-around board works best here. All you need to do is let the kids take the board and… that’s about all you’ll need to do. Just keep an eye on them. Pretty soon they’ll figure out they have a diving stand, king-of-the-hill perch, observation post, splash castle, and whatever else their young minds can think of. I’ve had four of my children and nephews on one board, hand-paddling it up and down the beach. (Why? I don’t know.) Beach rules usually don’t require kids to wear PFDs, but or you might want to put a life vest on your little ones. Be careful that board doesn’t drift into deeper water, which you can easily prevent this by standing nearby and holding the leash. That way the kids can overturn the board to their heart’s content while you’re close by in case anything happens.
Playtime!
Everybody knows that a paddleboard is a great platform for yoga, but what about general workouts? If you use your board for exercise — which many of us do — why not add in some general calisthenics? Try doing sit-ups or crunches on your board. You think planks are tough? Try one while floating! Pushups get a new dimension when your surface is all wobbly, something I learned firsthand via PaddleFit!
As a bonus, the people on shore will be mighty curious as to what you’re doing. You might even attract a crowd. Some people even combine a swim as part of their paddleboard exercise regimen.
Speaking of swimming, a paddleboard makes a great safety boat for swimmers. Open water events require safety boats. Many have to be human powered because the boats operate right alongside the swimmers. Typically these are kayaks, but paddleboards have a few advantages.
The higher vantage point means you can spot a distressed swimmer easier, or one that may have strayed from the established route. (This happens fairly often.) A SUP has a couple of disadvantages though. Part of the job of a swimmer’s escort is to pass food and water to a swimmer. This is a little easier in a kayak because you don’t have to kneel down and potentially lose balance.
BTW, don’t choose a fast, narrow raceboard for this. You don’t really need the speed because even a slow SUP is faster than a swimmer, and the extra stability will help you serve your swimmer better. Tired swimmers can hold onto the nose, but if you ever actually have to do a rescue, make sure you know how to do the board flip rescue. This gets a tired person quickly out of the water.
And in winter, you can use your paddleboard as a sled!
There are also paddleboard games! You can do so much more than race. What about paddleboard tag? You can use the nose of your board to tap another instead of your hand — make sure your boards are tough enough for this! (Inflatables work great!) If you have some floats you can create a slalom course. You can use the same floats as goalposts for paddleboard hockey! Use those paddles to whack a beach ball down a watery field. What about paddle polo? There are accessories that will convert your paddle into a racket. These will test your turning and bracing skills, plus they’re a hell of a lot of fun!
I’m sure there are other fun things you can do with your board that aren’t listed here. Please let me know if you have any ideas and PaddleXaminer will be happy to add them on, with credit to you!