Standup Paddle Magazine by Reid Inouye Media

L I F E S T Y L E O N A N D O F F T H E WAT E R : :

QUIVERS&WHEELS

S TA N D U P P A D D L E M A G A Z I N E V O L 7 N ยบ 1

CONNECTING WITH LEGEND

J O H N S O N

THE BLUE ZONE

SECOND GENERATION

HAWAIIAN WATERMANTEENE FROISETH

UP AND RIDING A REID INOUYE PUBLICATION

THE BLUE ZONE WITH COLIN MCPHILLIPS AND CREW

We Found Your Sweet Spot.

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GLIDE AIR 12’0”

Photos: F . Berthuot

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Anthony Maltese off the lip on his custom Riviera SUP surfboard using the 8.5” Art Series “Cheetah” print paddle somewhere in Southern California.

Art Series Carbon Fiber SUP Paddles The Art Series paddles are a full carbon fiber Riviera Vantage paddle with graphics applied to the finish. The art series paddles come in 6 different graphic options and 2 blade sizes, 8” and 8.5”.

Anthony Maltese

Crane

Polka

Camo

Pink Plaid

Cheetah

Hippie

rivierapaddlesurf.com

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D E ST I N AT I O N NO SARA

: : C O STA RICA :: Off the northern Pacific Coast of Nosara lies miles of beach breaks and sandbars. Due to the regions proximity to Lake Nicaragua across the border, the winds tend to pull offshore constantly, affecting hundreds of miles of coastline. If the proposed Nicaraguan canal is ever approved, will the air stream remain the same? In this lifetime we may never know what political decisions may have long term consequences for Central America and it’s future generations. For now, this region of the planet is safe, and we pray it remains that way for generations.

Kai McPhillips is only twelve years old but he is an old soul who understands the ocean like his father does. With deep knowledge passed on by Colin, and with the genes of the legendary Phil Edwards, watching Kai ride various watercraft with ease and natural ability, it’s clear that when it’s time to pass the torch, the wealth of knowledge amassed through skill honing and travel will be deep. Riding in the Blue Zone. Photo: James Rees

M A ST H E A D VOLUME 7 Nº1

Sometimes you SHRED...

PUBLISHER Reid Inouye EDITOR Paul Ensyde MANAGING EDITOR Lucy Lucille COPY EDITOR Kersten Wehde DESIGN First in Flight Creative

ADVISORS NUTRITION COACH Scott Estrada YOGA INSTRUCTOR Jeramie Vaine TRAINERS Thomas “Maximus” Shahinian Tom Jones

Sometimes you FALL

STAFF WRITERS Jim Freeman, Eric Haka STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Jim Freeman, Eric Haka CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Denis Rey, Franz Orci, Erik Anderson SALES sales@standuppaddlemagazine.com

All that matters is the ALOHA,

Y’all

EDITORIAL AND CONTRIBUTION CONTACT info@standuppaddlemagazine.com SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

$59.95 includes shipping in the United States of America. Printed bimonthly February, April, June, August, October and December. subscriptions@standuppaddlemagazine.com

S TA N D U P PA D D L E M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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PUB N OT E

THE LAST OF THE BEACH BOYS: RABBIT KEKAI

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Several months ago, I got the chance to visit a friend of mine whom I’ve known for more than 30 years—a man who is a legend in the watermen’s world and has lived life on the beach since the 1920s as a childhood water-rat, beach boy, canoe steersman, surfer and prone paddleboard racer. At age 94, Albert Kekai is one of the last true Waikiki beach boys. Known to most in the surfing world as “Rabbit,” he was light-years ahead of his time in every aspect of the word “waterman.” Today, as he peacefully slept in his bed at a care home along the hills of Diamond Head with Waikiki as a backdrop, it’s only fitting that the reflection of time gave a good visual of the nostalgia brought on every time I looked out toward the ocean. A place where this man grew up and learned the code of his mentors, and one in particular: the legendary Duke Kahanamoku. As he grew into manhood, this highly energetic athlete became the fastest paddleboarder of his time. For about a decade, no one could out-race him. You can add the name Kahanamoku to the list of racers who couldn’t touch Rabbit on the water during his prime. Was he the fastest man on the water? Most definitely, but he had skills beyond years as a board rider, inventing “hot dog” surfing during the mid-1900s. He was one who understood and connected with the ocean. But what do you expect when you live by the name given to you, “Of the Sea”?

Reid Inouye Publisher Standup Paddle Magazine

In his prime, Rabbit Kekai was untouchable: winning various surfing competitions, earning top podium finishes in paddleboard races and steering many Molokai-to-Oahu canoe crossings. Photo courtesy: Rabbit Kekai archives

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C O N T E NTS V O L U M E

7 N º 1

: : 2015: : 22 PUBLISHER’S NOTE 26 HOW TO Scott Estrada: Good Fat, Bad Fat

Thomas Maximus: Paddling Into a

Headwind

Tom Jones: Stability Ball Leg Curl

Jeramie Vaine: Power and Flexibility

34 SPOTS Mauritius: Star and Key of the Indian Ocean

44 EJ LEGEND

Pioneering and Still Paddling

52 GEORGE KELILIKANE

Bay of Dreams

58 SPIRIT & SOUL

Hawaiian Waterman Teene Froiseth

66 THE BLUE ZONE

Living Life to the Fullest in Costa Rica

88 QUIVERS & WHEELS

On this page: Somewhere in northern Costa Rica off the Nicoya coast, an integral part of the so-called Blue Zone, where people live longer than most, stay healthier and enjoy the surreal colors of the Earth. Colin McPhillips, along with with his sons, 12-year-old Kai and 10-year-old Dax, meet up with April Zilg and Jason Colclough for an unforgettable adventure of offshore winds and fun waves. Photo: Haka

On the cover: In The Blue Zone Colin McPhillips applies his longboard skills to his paddleboard. Few can say they’ve won a longboard championship and go out and have fun on his SUP like he has. As a matter of fact, the closest anyone has come are his two boys. Photo: James Rees

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HO W TO HE A LT H w i t h Scott Estrada

GOOD FATS, BAD FATS :: As people are realizing how vital good healthy fat intake can be for performance, reducing inflammation and slowing the aging process, navigating where the best fatty acids are (and where they are not) can be unclear to many people and a source of confusion when trying to make sound choices. It’s hard to fathom the collective damage done to our vital organs from the use of so much refined, stripped-down, highly processed oils used by food manufacturers over the last several decades that now show up in thousands of items. We traded cheap, shelf-stable food made with these unnatural oils for our quality of health and we didn’t even know it was going on.

THE USUAL SUSPECTS

MCT OIL

These fats and oils are the worst choices you can make when buying processed food items or cooking.

This has pure medium-and short-chain fatty acids in a liquid form that are six times more concentrated than regular coconut oil. It supports brain function with ketone formation for efficient metabolism rates and is great for more energy!

LARD (COMMERCIAL)

Consider the life of grain-fed cattle. They’re fed GMOcontaminated grains, put in unsanitary conditions, and given antibiotics and synthetic hormones. The toxic load collects in their fat cells. Lard is nutrientpoor and is usually hydrogenated. No, thanks.

FISH/KRILL OILS

This is high in omega 3’s and good for brain boosting and cardio health, with anti-inflammation qualities. Wild salmon, sardines, mackerel, anchovies, wild trout and small marine krill should be sought. Look for high-quality krill oil in supplement form.

VEGETABLE OILS: CANOLA, PEANUT, CORN, COTTONSEED, SOYBEAN, SAFFLOWER AND SUNFLOWER

These polyunsaturated fats are the most unstable, easily oxidized, inflammatory oils used. Consuming these over many years will not only lower performance but will contribute to many disease states. Most are GMO and refined with chemical solvents, stripping them of any trace of beneficial fatty acids. They also elevate omega 6 levels way beyond the healthy levels needed by the body, increasing inflammation. One’s ratio of omega 3’s to omega 6’s should be, at most, 1:4. Millions of people are living with levels at 20 to 40 times higher than that! Keeping the ratio of omega 3’s to omega 6’s in the healthy range is like anti-inflammatory medicine. These poor, cheap oils must be avoided as much as possible if vitality, performance and longevity are your goals.

ARTIFICIAL TRANS-FATS AND (MARGARINE)

Nothing robs you of brain function, drops your performance and ruins longevity quite like these plastic-like fats. Every organ system is affected negatively from this type of oil. Governments have begun to crack down on their use, but don’t be fooled: They still exist in hundreds of foods and food companies are sly about hiding them in small amounts so they don’t have to be labeled under law.

AGELESS OILS

The following fats and oils promote health, create balance, stimulate fat burning, raise performance, and increase brain function. Source out clean, organic, wild, grass-fed, cold-pressed, virgin versions for the best quality.

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FERMENTED COD LIVER OIL GRASS-FED BUTTER

Always superior to grain-fed butter, the grass-fed version is high in fat-soluble vitamins A, E, D and K; antioxidants; and healthy fatty acids like CLA and omega 3’s.

GHEE

This is similar to butter but all the milk proteins, casein and lactose have been cooked off, leaving just the pure healthy saturated oils. In Ayurveda, ghee is used to cleanse the toxic lymph system, to restore health and create change to: new, vibrant cells. It’s a better choice for those with dairy sensitivities also.

GRASS-FED ANIMAL FAT

Cows are plant-based, as are bison, elk and deer. Their fats, and especially the marrow, are high in nutrients, proteins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Poultry fat is higher in omega 6’s and should be eaten in less quantity (if you eat animal flesh).

COCONUT OIL

This is best for cooking since the saturated fats content is the highest and most stable in higher heats. It supports fat burning, thyroid function, balanced blood chemistry, hormones and brain function. It contains antimicrobial properties and fatty acids like those in breast milk.

This is extremely nutrient-dense and rich in fat-soluble vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. The fermentation process helps retain the oil’s benefits, more so than modern distillation methods. Green Pasture (greenpasture.org) is a company using traditional means to produce the highest quality you can get. This is the only brand that tests for mold, heavy metals and other contaminants.

CACAO BUTTER

Plant-based, nutrient-dense fat from raw chocolate (cacao) is rich in fat-soluble iron, chromium and magnesium. It regulates healthy blood pressure and supports the whole cardio system. Raw cacao is one of the top 10 superfoods on the planet and its fatty acids help make it so.

OTHER HEALTHY SOURCES OF PLANT-BASED FATS:

Pumpkin Walnuts Avocados Macadamias Olives/olive oil seeds Chia seeds ` The goal is to include as m`any healthy fats/oils for a full variety of benefits. Choose the ones that work for your eating style, but be willing to try ones you never have. You just might be surprised by what you like and the way you feel. Here’s to fueling your active life on the water with the most nutrient-dense fuel ever: healthy fatty acids!

For personal coaching on this subject, email Scott Estrada at: scott@risesup.com

HO W TO YOG A w i t h Je ramie Vaine

POWER AND FLEXIBILITY: CRESCENT LUNGE POSE:: We all want to move freely through the water, just as our sea creature friends do. But how do they move so elegantly through the water? By utilizing power and flexibility. Crescent Lunge is a great warm-up or cool-down yoga pose, and it does not matter if you are going out for a Sunday cruise with the family or hitting the start line for the race for which you trained all off-season. This pose will strengthen and build endurance in your quadriceps and gluteus muscles while opening up the hips and psoas. It will also expand your chest, shoulders and lungs, all while improving your balance. It is the paddlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pose.

Start on your knees, with about two fistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; distance between them. Extend up through the crown of the head to create a long, straight spine.

Shift your weight onto your right leg and step your left leg forward, keep a 90-degree bend in your knee. Extend out through the crown of the head and lengthen your spine, if you feel something here, stay in this pose; this is a low lunge and has great benefits.

Ground down through your left foot and slowly rise onto the right ball of your foot. If you become unstable, place your hands on the ground. Raise your hands overhead, slide your shoulders away from your ears and rotate the pinkie fingers inward, as if you are holding a beachball.

Drop your arms down to make 90-degree bends, pushing your hips and chest forward. Roll your shoulders up to your ears and then slide down your back. Lengthening them away from your ears while squeezing your shoulder blades together as if you were squeezing a tennis ball between them and open your heart towards the sky. Hold this pose or any modification for 3 - 5 breaths. Exhale your breath out, straighten back up, lower the knee down and switch sides. This is my go-to for a pre-paddle warm-up.

Jeramie Vaine is a BOGA team racer and yoga instructor. He shares his knowledge and the benefits of yoga at clinics, demos and races around the country. Contact him at jeramie@bogaboards.com.

HO W TO TR A I N I N G w i t h Tom Jones

HAMSTRING CURL ON STABILITY BALL:: This exercise will help strengthen your hamstrings, glutes and core, and will help improve stability, strength and balance, all of which are necessary when paddling.

1 Lie on the floor with your arms at your sides. Place your heels on the ball and raise your hips so your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to heels. Press your palms flat against the floor.

4 From the starting position, lift your body up in the air and put all your weight on the foot that is on the st ability ball, squeezing your glutes. Hold for a second. Keep your opposite leg straight up in the air.

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2 Bend your knees and raise your hips to pull the ball toward you, squeezing your glutes, then roll it back without dropping your hips to the ground. If it is too difficult on your toes, switch to rolling the ball with your feet completely flat.

3 Lay on your back on the ground with your feet extended in front of you.

5 Bend your knee while keeping the opposite leg straight in the air.

6 Slowly straighten the bent knee, keeping the glutes and core tight, till you are back in the starting position. Bring the raised leg down and place both heels down on the ball. Perform repetitions till failure.

Tom Jones is a passionate paddleboarder, Sun Protection Zone Ambassador, two-time Muay Thai MMA world champion and ultra marathon runner. His personal workout routine involves cross-training all three for lifestyle and health.

HO W TO TRAINING with Thomas “Maximus” Shahinian

PADDLING INTO A HEADWIND:: One of the benefits of stand-up paddling that has contributed to the explosive growth of our sport is that it’s relatively easy to learn and begin paddling with just a quick lesson. In our pursuit to perfect the paddling stroke, we need to learn and practice a few different techniques that vary depending on conditions. (i.e.: flat-water, headwind, crosswind, downwind, water, et cetera). In this installment we’ll be discussing techniques for paddling into a headwind. [Note: These techniques have been abbreviated and are further explained and demonstrated in individual and group paddling clinics with Thomas Maximus].

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Bend your knees and hinge forward at your waist to lower your stance and minimize wind resistance. (Some advanced paddlers are able to get lower by grasping the shaft with their top hand to further reduce wind resistance while still maintaining an effective stroke.)

Keep the front/bow of the board pointed directly into the wind within a few degrees to enable you to continually alternate strokes on both sides while avoiding fatigue and one-sided paddling against increased wind resistance from drag, to correct your course.

Shorten the recovery phase of your paddle stroke to minimize the loss of forward momentum between strokes. Practice both “long” and “short” power strokes to determine which is most effective for you and the conditions. Rotate your top hand/paddle forward as the blade exits the water to slice through the wind on the recovery phase.

When weather conditions change dramatically, fatigue can set in and you may be unable to avoid dangerous conditions if you’re unable to make headway. It’s important to practice and remember that a paddler can dramatically improve their progress by paddling on their knees or laying on top of their board and paddling with their hands with the paddle blade locked beneath their chest.

Riviera team rider Thomas Maximus has over 144 SUP races under his belt since 2008 and actively does individual and group paddle clinics.

Ryan Helm SUP surfing his 7’6” x 26” Riviera pro-model, the “Whirling Dervish”, with the BUMP R8 Carbon Fiber SUP Paddle somewhere in Mexico.

rivierapaddlesurf.com

Mauritius is one of the world’s

top luxury tourism destinations. It possesses a wide range of natural and man-made attractions, as well as a tropical climate with clear, warm sea waters. My wife Andrea and I travel differently but both enjoy the great hotel services in Mauritius, going from the south to the north of the beautiful island. Our plan is to travel

Mauritius: (Star & Key of the Indian Ocean)

“Stella Clavisque Maris Indici”

by Denis Rey Photos by L. Baizeau

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Up close and personal, Andrea and Denis feel the power of the Grand River South East Waterfalls.

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It’s an express ride when catching the bumps and swells of a downwinder.

“Our paddleboards allow us to reach parts of the island where no tourist can reach. It is proof of the fantastic feeling of freedom that SUP can offer.”

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Departing from the Hotel Preskil, inflatables make for great and easy SUP travel and adventure.

with our inflatable 14’ Astro touring boards. Our only luggage fits on our boards: dry bags, a few clothes, and we are ready. We are excited about what awaits us: large lagoons offering what is necessary for both safe paddling and enjoying the unstoppable downwinders. The island of Mauritius was uninhabited before its first recorded visit by Arab sailors during the Middle Ages, and then the Portuguese, who named it Dina Arobi and Cirne, respectively. The Portuguese did not stay long. It was colonized after that by the Dutch (1638–1710), the French (1710–1810) and the British (1810–1968). The island finally got its independence in 1962, and it became a republic in 1992. Mauritius is located some 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) off the southeast coast of the African continent, in a rich tropical environment along the vegetation in the mountainous areas. When traveling to the island, you will find it multiethnic and multicultural, with IndoMauritian (people of Indian descent), Creoles (of African descent), Sino-Mauritians from the Hakka, and Cantonese sub-ethnic/linguistic groups. Most Mauritians are multilingual; they speak Mauritian Creole, English, French and Denis returns from his first exhilarating ride around Preskil lagoon.

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Sunset paddling through the city of MahĂŠbourg makes for an enchanting evening paddle.

Denis gets as close as he can to the power of the falls on the Grand River South East Waterfalls.

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A perfect place for Andrea to contemplate the beauty of the cliffs, almond trees and wildlife on the Grand River South East Waterfalls

Fresh oysters and beer at Le Barachois ease the hunger pains after a good day’s paddle.

The color of the Tamil Temple adds to the richness of the scenery.

Cantonese. We decide to pace our trip by paddling from hotel to hotel. When we land in Mauritius we head to Preskil Beach Resort, located on the southeast coast of the island, just 15 minutes from the airport. We are embraced by the warm trade winds, more commonly known as alizes. This makes us smile, as it is ideal for our upcoming downwinders. Preskil is a beautiful four-star hotel in the historical village of Mahébourg (pronounced my-boor), minutes away from the marine park of Blue Bay. After checking in, we unpack our gear, inflate the boards and decide to go for a long day, exploring the river that enters Mahébourg. Mahébourg is the colorful capital of the Grand Port District, with a rich atmosphere that still reflects its Dutch and French colonial past. As foreigners traveling with inflatable SUPs, we invoke curiosity and invite waves from other people. On our paddle, we get the chance to meet fishermen back from their workday, preparing their boat for the next morning. Kids are swimming alongside the river and ladies are preparing meals. This makes for rich scenery. Combine that with the sounds of the town, bridges with old buses, kids’ laughter, the smell of food, fishermen talking and people playing dominos under the shade of a splendid tree! The image is worth a thousand words. By sunset, our paddle has enriched our day and we slowly paddle back, savoring the last rays of light.

Sunset in the mangroves

We depart from the Preskil the next day at 9 a.m. after enjoying the great breakfast buffet. Our gear is packed and we set off for our next destination. Twenty kilometers north is Le Barachois Hotel. On the water, wind conditions are prime. The direction is perfect. The wind is blowing a light 10 knots. Within an hour of being on the water, we reach the lighthouse island, close to the biggest reef pass in Mauritius. In the past, it was the only place where the galleon ships could reach the land from the lagoon side. We swim and paddle with dolphins, making this an incredible experience! After stopping to hydrate, we keep on moving to our destination. We are closer to the shore now, alongside the villages. We go through mangroves before we finally reach the quaint Le Barachois in the setting of the Vieux Grand Port in Anse Bamboos. The hotel consists of a restaurant and 16 Creole-style bungalows built on stilts that offer breathtaking views of the marine environment and its surroundings. To top it off, the hotel grows the finest oysters. We eat and drink beer with gusto. What more could we ask for? We relax for a spell before deciding to go farther, exploring the rivers and mangroves until sunset. We start the next day at 10 a.m. The wind is blowing the ideal direction and it’s even stronger than the previous day, about 25 knots. At its largest part, the lagoon is quite deep and offers a chance to utilize the wind with some great bumps and even some little swells. These are fantastic surfs and great, long glides. It’s a sunny day. It looks

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Crystal blue waters of Mauritius—you can’t help but smile.

“The mountains surrounding the coastline contrast with the blue, green and crystal water. One could easily claim this is paradise lost!”

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Shell sculptures, a common sight

A glimpse of the traditional fisherman boats at the Trou d’Eau Douce beach.

The present meets the past at this traditional Chinese store.

like another day in paradise. The mountains surrounding the coastline contrast with the blue, green and crystal water. One could easily claim this is paradise lost! After an hour of fun paddling, we enter the Grand River South East Waterfalls. Blowing hard and splashing water, we grip our feet to the board, trying to get as close as we can to the volume of heavy water rushing down. We are surrounded by cliffs and tropical almond trees, and see flying foxes. Our final-day destination is Trou d’Eau Douce, which is still another 20 kilometers away. Mauritius has so many great places to experience; we press forward. Île Aux Cerfs (“Deer Island”) is probably one of the most visited locations in Mauritius. The island is the property of a five-star hotel, Le Touessrok. It is surrounded by mangroves and has some of the most beautiful beaches. Luckily for us, that day, few tourists are there. We approach the island via trails through the mangroves. Our paddleboards allow us to reach parts of the island where no tourist can reach. It is proof of the fantastic feeling of freedom that SUP can offer. Six kilometers from Île

Aux Cerfs, we arrive at Trou d’Eau Douce, where our partner, MTPA (the tourism board of Mauritius), is waiting for us with a minivan. He drops us at my friend Alois’ boarding house. The day is full of reminiscing, good food and good company. With a fond farewell to Alois, who waves at us as we disappear into the lagoon, we find the morning wind already quite strong and the weather a bit cloudy. We don’t mind. We have quite a long way to go to Centara Hotel. The paddling is intense with some great surfs. We pass by some of the most beautiful hotels on the coastline. It’s funny to see how people are still amazed to see us cruising on our boards. The people are surprised to hear about our travel plans. On the way, we pass by our old house, from when I worked in Mauritius. We also stop by Le Saint Géran, one of the oldest hotels on the island. We meet my friends, who are still working on the boathouse. They offer us some free monoski runs—intense and physical! When we get back to our boards, the paddles feel very heavy in our hands. Leaving, we spy a Tamil Temple facing the ocean. Located on a tiny little island inside the lagoon, it is offering a piece of STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

Friends met while paddling in the lagoon at l’Ile Au Phare

“We swim and paddle with dolphins, making this an incredible experience!”

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A wonderful breakfast at the Centara Hotel: perfect preparation before the long day’s paddle

serenity. Ganesh seems to welcome us and wish us a good glide. And it is a good glide as we arrive at the Centara Hotel around 4 o’clock. It is a brand-new hotel located at the end of the Roches Noires (“Black Rock”) lagoon. It’s very modern and offers an incredible view of the lagoon. Check-in is quick because we dropped our boards at the boathouse on the beach. It’s always funny and pleasant to arrive at a hotel this way, when everybody else’s mode of transportation is more typical: mini buses or private taxis. The following day, we take the opportunity to drive the very useful and funny buggy car offered to us by the hotel. We load the boards on the buggies and drive. It makes for a good adventure as we lose our way in the labyrinth of sugar cane, but nothing deters us from finding our way to some secret beaches. We inflate the boards and swim in the lagoon. This is the main gist of our day, cruising with the buggies or cruising with SUP, from land to sea. Centara is a great hotel that is accommodating to families who want to enjoy countless activities, great beaches and fantastic food. With five days under our belt, it is hard to believe we are on our last day—this will be the last leg of our journey by SUP. The final destination is the LUX Resort and Spa Hotel, located in the far north part of the island, Grand Gaube. Departing from Roches Noires at 10 a.m., we don’t dally, as we have quite a long way to go. The wind has slightly changed direction, and we will have to paddle more or less on one side for quite a long time. After almost two hours of persistent paddling, we stop for a while on Amber Island. The place is uninhabited with barely anyone coming for a visit. The exception is the one or two fisherman boats that we see. We stop and share a few words about their catch of the day. We explain to them where we are coming from with our funny embarcations, which is French for “watercraft.” They laugh at us and say we are crazy. It’s far from here, they say! They are very curious about the boards, and almost don’t believe when I say they are inflatable. Our ultimate traveling gear is a wonderful way to experience adventure. And it always creates a buzz. It is such a fantastic tool for discovery. The journey is about to end. Within two bays, we enter the Grand Gaube Bay, where the LUX Spa Hotel is located. Beaching at the hotel around 3 p.m., we enjoy the remainder of the day, as the next afternoon, we fly back to Reunion Island. Even though it is the end, we are happy, always looking ahead to more adventures, travel and discoveries.

THANKS TO OUR GREAT PARTNERS: MTPA, Preskil Resort, Barachois, Centara, Centara Azuri— we got the chance to have an exceptional luxury SUP travel adventure. HOW TO GET THERE: Fly Air Mauritius: airmauritius.com

PLACES TO STAY: Preskil Beach Resort (Southern Cross Hotels Mauritius): preskilresort.com CENTARA HOTELS: centarahotelsresorts.com/destination/mauritius-hotels.asp LUX HOTELS MAURITIUS: luxresorts.com/en/ hotels-in-mauritius FOR MORE INFO ON TRAVEL TO MAURITIUS: tourism-mauritius.mu/ STARBOARD REUNION: facebook.com/starboardreunion or email reydenis@wanadoo.fr

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Legend PIONEERING & STILL PADDLING

STORY BY PAUL ENSYDE

PHOTOS BY SEAN MURPHY

During the early days of the SUP explosion along the California coast, there were only a few paddlers who dug into the pureness of standing on a board with paddle in hand to explore the waterways. When racing came around, Ernest Johnson fell right into place to become one of the sport’s leaders in both style and personality—as well as a really fast racer. Back then, everyone easily identified with the man, with his long hair and inked body art. Johnson was there—along with his beautiful wife, Andie. From the first time you meet him you know you’ll never forget him. He’s unmistakably EJ. “So, how did I get started? I lost a bet on July 4, 2006, and had to try it out the next day on a plastic windsurfer with a dinghy oar, off Beach Road in Capo Beach. Needless to say, it was way harder than I imagined, but I was hooked. I went home afterward and started making my first full-sized wooden SUP paddle, and the rest is history.”

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EJ’s tattoo art define a man with character, integrity and unassuming style.

“Back in 2006, I actually used to ride for Joe Bark, then Ohana Paddleboards, then C4 Waterman for two years. Eventually I was lucky enough to make the Starboard dream team in 2009. I have been lucky enough to travel all over the United States and to some international events, like the Jever Cup in Hamburg, Germany, where Ekolu Kalama took first place. Back then, there was a core group of guys here in California that I remember and looked up to—guys like Chuck Patterson, Kyle Mochizuki, Rob Rojas, Tony Mueller, Jim Terrell and Gene (Tarsan) Smith. Today the groms are leading the way, and I’m stoked to see the

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parents out supporting them, just like a regular organized sport. The training techniques that are available to the youngsters are so great, because there is now a solid formula and foundation guidelines to help them excel quickly. When I started, we had to figure all of this out on our own, and everything was a secret! Since then, almost nine years later, most everything has changed. One of the first things that comes to mind is the bottom design of race boards. Boards used to be very round, like a surf ski or canoe, which was very unstable for stand-up. Since then, flatter bottom surfaces in the area where the rider is standing, and cool features like single and

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I

was a semi meathead for a couple years, which

was a good foundation for a skinny skater rat to gain some muscle. It did teach me good discipline and

especially diet, which is key being an aging athlete.â&#x20AC;?

Legends are not built by hype; they are molded by how they live, their interactions with peers and those things that really matter and the things they care about and how they connect on the water.

“I’m in my garage woodshop 4-5 days a week, building anything from custom furniture to earrings. And I still produce the finest in wooden paddles for the person who wants to feel the soul of the wood.”

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EJ is one of the most creative craftsmen. He can recycle any piece of wood and transform it into a magical artwork. Wood paddles, cutting boards, bed frames and earring, and he could probably build a custom house if he really felt like it. The legend is masterful and creative in his thinking room.

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“Living in San Diego

with great waves and

endless paddling, I will keep on keepin’ on!”

double concaves, make for higher stability and faster speeds. The changes to the surfing side of SUP have been the greatest of all, allowing riders to do moves considered unthinkable just a few years ago. The paddles have also changed in leaps and bounds, from shapes and heights to surface areas and geometry. I am lucky enough to have the woodworking skills to have gone through the evolutionary process of R&D to have come up with my version of the perfect paddle, which is the “EJ” Performance Series, produced by the awesome company YOLO Paddles in Florida. That project has taken off over the last two years. In 2014 YOLO produced more than 15,000 paddles; this year they expect to build 20,000. At 51 years young, having gotten bilateral knee replacements this last spring, I still enjoy racing and challenging myself to inspire others by way of example, always being stoked and sharing what I have learned over the past eight years. I could train harder than I do, but since my knees are new, I spend more of my time SUP surfing, as that is why I originally got into this killer sport.” You did so many things before this life, bodybuilding being one of them. How did that come about and what’s the big difference between that and racing, both being competition? Are there other things you’ve done? “Ha, I was a semi-meathead for a couple years, which was a good foundation for a skinny little skater rat to gain some muscle. It did teach me good discipline for training and especially diet, which is key, being an aging athlete. I was and still am a drummer, playing in signed metal bands in the past. Now I love reggae music. I’m currently looking for the right project here in San Diego.” You also do a ton of woodwork, a past trade that you’ve mastered. What kinds of projects are you working on? “Yes, unfortunately I had to get a job back in the day, when all I wanted to do was surf. All kidding aside, I loved being a finish carpenter for the last 25 years. I’m in my garage woodshop four to five days a week, building everything from custom furniture to wooden earrings. I still produce the finest in wooden SUP paddles on a limited basis, for the person that feels the soul of wood.” Your status is becoming legendary. What’s next for you moving forward as a man in his 50’s “If that is so, I am truly honored and humbled! I will focus this coming year on doing some travel in the U.S. to meet and greet and set up more YOLO paddle accounts, and spread the overall love of SUP to the public. I also want to finally do the Molokai2Oahu race in a team effort, as a bucket list check-off!” Finally, some motivational words, perhaps? Living in San Diego with great waves and endless paddling, I will keep on keepin’ on!”

More than a legend, EJ is just one of the guys when you hang out with him. He’s a real down-to-earth, sincere, chill kind of human being. But give him a Keystone and a pair of drum sticks and he’ll roll with the best of them.

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B AY O F

ou don’t have to be a star paddler to inspire people to change their lives. It doesn’t matter how young or old you are; you simply show up at your local beach and get out there, and curiosity brings out the best in people. This is the case for George Kelilikane, or “Uncle George,” as he is affectionately known, who has inspired people around the world to discover his sanctuary on the westside coastal town of Waianae on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. His message on the water is so powerful, it has changed and inspired both the young and old. Today, thanks to Uncle George, people the world over know Pokai Bay as the “Bay of Dreams.”

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DREAMS A PROFILE OF A HAWAIIANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GIFT OF THE OCEAN BY PAUL ENSYDE

George Kelilikane has inspired more than 7,000 people to get up and walk on water. Photo: Haka

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People from all over the world have discovered the Bay of Dreams. Photo courtesy: George Kelilikane

Far right and middle: Weekend fun and pristine waters; calm, flat bay for most of the year make for a great place for SUP yoga. Far right: People frequently sit on their boards and watch the local marine life have breakfast. Photo courtesy: George Kelikikane

“It was during the Nanaikapono Protestant Church annual church camp at Nanakuli Beach Park. We were camping and one of the guys from church brought two paddleboards, put them on the sand and told everyone that the boards were there for everyone to use. My challenge was, I was 49 years old and 300 pounds, so I watched for a few days. Then on the last day of camp I took a board onto the water without a paddle, laid down on it and paddled around using my hands. As I was paddling around I started thinking about all the years that I surfed. From 2 to 26 years old, I surfed. I stopped because of work and family. But as I was paddling the SUP board around, I started thinking that I could use SUP to get back to the surf. So I got my first paddleboard and headed to Pokai Bay at 6 a.m., before the sun came up and anyone could see me. I taught myself how to get up in the dark and by the time the sun came up I was paddling around the bay.”

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Why Pokai Bay? “It is where I grew up, and also where I learned to SUP. It’s the only sheltered bay on Oahu’s west side, which makes for ideal conditions for first-time paddlers. The views of the mountains are awesome and on most days you can see the bottom of the bay, so it’s easy to see the wildlife: fish, turtles and, if you’re lucky, even some spinner dolphins. The sandy shore makes entry easy with the SUP boards and is also great for the kids. The bay has very little current so that makes for a safe swimming environment. And you’re only a five-minute paddle away from some waves at Rest Camp.” Do you see a lot of local people from West Oahu utilizing the bay? “Yes, because there is so much to do. You can paddle the flat water of the bay. You can go over to Rest Camp and surf. The local canoe clubs paddle out to either Makaha or Maili Point because the launch is safe and easy. And when the dolphins are looking for schools of fish, paddlers head to the outside of the bay and paddle with the dolphins.”

During the winter months, to the right of the bay is a friendly, fun spot where locals take to the waves. Be careful and respect the residents who ride out here. Photo courtesy: George Kelililkane

What has SUP done for you? “The physical health benefits; it’s a total body workout. SUP has the ability to work all of your body or parts of your body. You can adjust your stroke, adjust your stance and adjust your body position to work different parts of your body. The mental health benefits come from quiet time on the water. I call it ‘me’ time. SUP gets us to a place where we can quiet our minds so we can reflect on the challenges of our life and celebrate the victories. People’s lives are so busy, they need a quiet place to be. First and foremost, SUP has helped me to bring the joy and fun of surfing back into my life. It helped me to lose more than 60 pounds, bring down my blood pressure and remove the challenges of diabetes. It also gave me quiet time to understand that I needed to make lifestyle changes.” How did “Bay of Dreams” came about? “Because I lost weight and beat diabetes, I felt like God gave me this gift called SUP that extended my life. That gift wasn’t mine to keep; I needed to give it away. So in March

2010 I went to Pokai Bay, put my two boards down on the sand, lifted up my hands, and said, ‘God, I’m here to give away free SUP lessons for your glory.’ Then I asked him for help getting the people to me at Pokai Bay, then people started coming. As far as the name ‘Bay of Dreams’ came to be, it’s because my favorite movie is Field of Dreams. ‘If you build it, they will come.’ I wanted it to let me build relationships with people, and hopefully be a positive light in their lives.” How many people have you gotten on the water, and where have they come from? “Seven thousand free lessons up to this point. From the U.S., Canada, Germany, Australia, Japan, Italy, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Brazil, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Israel, Costa Rica, Greece, Sweden, Estonia, Colombia, New Zealand, Austria, Puerto Rico, Norway, Switzerland, France, Denmark, Croatia, Kenya, Ireland, Netherlands, Spain, Argentina, Czech Republic, Thailand, Poland and STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

SUP has helped George develop a healthier lifestyle while offering the same to so many others in many forms of healing. The Hawaiian ocean has been a source of healing for centuries. Photo: Haka

India.” From different walks of life? “Employed, unemployed, adults, kids, foster kids, military groups and family, schools, churches, challenged adults, organizations, dance teams, summer camp programs.” How do people find out about the Bay of Dreams? “Most people hear about the Bay of Dreams by word of mouth and Facebook. Some have seen videos or read articles about it. When people leave, they are so happy, they cannot help but talk to everyone about their experience at the Bay of Dreams.” What inspires you to do this? “That fact that I have all the parts of my

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body. No missing pieces because of diabetes. And that I help people to bring change into their lives. But mostly because God gave me SUP as a gift that changed my life.” You are all about giving—giving people the true simplicity of life, helping them connect to nature, to the water and especially westside Hawaiian waters. It’s a pure source to those who understand it. Do you ever stop and think about how many people you’ve inspired and how many lives you’ve impacted? Has anyone ever come back and told you that you have changed their life? “All the time. I was about nine months into the start of Bay of Dreams, uploading pictures from that day’s lessons, when I saw a picture of a person who shared with me that

SUP has united the local community, no matter how young or old you are and no matter where you’re from. That’s what aloha is all about. Photo courtesy: George Kelilikane

before going out on the water she had some things that were heavy on her heart, but once she got to that quiet place, she was able to make peace with it. Once I saw that picture I started crying because I didn’t really know why God had chosen me to do this. Sometimes it’s overwhelming. When a man who had three tours to Vietnam hears my story, then goes paddling and comes back, gives me a hug and tells me ‘I love you man,’ after know me for an hour, that’s overwhelming. When a young lady tells me the quiet she had on the water gave her a chance to say goodbye to her father, whom she lost six months earlier... and for six months she would stare at the walls of her apartment, wondering if she was ever going to move on, that’s overwhelming. To have a mother write me a letter three months after leaving the bay and tell me before she came to me, her daughter was depressed and

in a dark place, but because I helped her to overcome the challenges with SUP, she’s active again and enjoying life, that’s overwhelming. I get messages and comments and emails weekly from people around the world—from last week, last month, last year—telling me how my story and SUP changed their lives. But what I enjoy most is the hugs. Those hugs are ‘I love you Uncle, thank you so much for changing the way I feel, the way I think and the way I will be going away from here.” In a world of fast-moving media, how does one find Uncle George? “Facebook.com/bayofdreams. Most people don’t know that you can see the page even if you’re not on Facebook. Some people just Google ‘Bay of Dreams,’ go to the page, and call or email me.” STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

Teene

Froiseth stands with the second Hot Curl surfboard ever made. His father Wally helped pioneer and innovate surfing back in the early 1900s and helped lead the way to what surfing is today. Photo: Haka

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Spirit and Soul: H a w a i i a n Waterman

Froiseth Looking out to the point at Makaha Beach, a solid waterman eyes the sets approaching. He’s not just any beachgoing recreational paddler, but one with both knowledge gained via trial and error and wisdom passed down from the generation before him. But the man with the wry, unassuming personality quietly stares, visualizing and timing waves before paddling out. He has a wealth of knowledge of reading and riding the Hawaiian waters as a second-generation waterman. After building a lifetime of it all, the 6-foot-3-inch Hawaiian Teene Froiseth is living the lifestyle of the sea. “I was born in May of 1952. During birth, my mom was trying to push out my big head while my father surfed big Castles,” laughs Froiseth, whose name means “spirit, power within.” “We lived on Tusitala Street in Waikiki, just off one of the main roads off Lilioukalani Avenue. Neighbors were surfing legends Uncle Georgie Downing and Uncle Able Gomes.” It was an interesting time back then, growing up with a father who is part of surfing and canoe paddling history. His innovative surfboards, race canoes and systems are still used today. “They were crazy-good times hanging out as a kid, being around the creativity and athleticism of all these legendary watermen. At the time, everyone was basically experimenting and trying to improve having fun on the water. And catching and eating fresh fish and turtles. I just couldn’t help but glean knowledge from these men and women that loved the ocean and dedicated their lives to surfing, canoe paddling, fishing and, most importantly, sharing with everyone their aloha.” “As for what I learned from my father, now 94 years of age… it was probably the pure joy that he got from surfing and canoe paddling, whether it was surfing uncrowded big Castles (over a quarter of a mile outside Waikiki); riding huge Makaha Point; or paddling or crossing the Molokai Channel from Molokai to Oahu during the 42-mile Molokai Hoe with his canoe club.”

Riding Makaha is not just surfing; it’s a backyard lifestyle just a stone’s throw away from his home. Photo courtesy: Mana Photography

From top: Doing the 32-Mile Molokai-to-Oahu race is a crossing that connects you deeper to your roots; Makaha is home, with deep blue water, warm days and a purity you won’t find anywhere else. Photos courtesy: Teene Froiseth

“We were fnding out that the ftness aspect of the sport was really f irming up our core and helping us lose weight.”

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Teene means “mana” or “spirit.” Photo: Haka

“As a kid I hung out at the Waikiki Beach Center, surfing Baby Queens and Canoes then graduating to Queens, Cunha’s, Pop’s and Ala Moana Bowls. Sometimes we’d take the straw beach mats and use them as sails to ride the offshore breeze out to the lineup, then roll them up and catch a wave in, or take a canoe paddle and paddle a big rental board out and catch waves. I’m not saying we were the first to do it; we just kind of did windsurfing and SUP in an elementary form way back in the 1960s and early ‘70s.” “My father, Wally, moved to Hawaii in the early 1900s at age 3 with his mother. He is of German descent. My mother, Moku, was born on

Maui and is Hawaiian Swedish. And my sister, Luana, who has guided Waikiki Surf Club for decades now, is an intense and driven canoe paddler. Waikiki Surf Club is also where I started paddling in my early teen years, trying to hone my canoe skills, starting out in the No. 5 seat and moving toward the front of the canoe. I got as far as the No. 2 seat but what I really wanted to do was steer... I was tall and lanky, so I was being groomed to stroke.” “As for Waikiki Surf Club, my father’s influence is immeasurable. Canoe building, canoe patching, working with the Waikiki Surf Clubs and helping with the International Surfing Championships at Makaha…

The Hot Curl surfboard is a part of the history and evolution of surfing during the 1930s. It was patched after Wally Froiseth was dropped in on outside Waikiki during a large summer swell at Castles. He had to swim all the way to the Kapahulu Groin, where the Waikiki Wall now stands. The collision was with a Hawaiian waterman named Duke Kahanamoku. Photos: Haka

they really helped start professional surfing in Hawaii. Professionals from all over the world would come to Makaha. That event was also where Hawaii’s professional surfers were—the ones who grew up beach boys. Watermen like George Downing, Russ Takaki, Roy Folk, John Kelly, Fran Heath, Woody Brown, Henry Lum, and the next generation: Paul Strauch, Fred Hemmings, Butch Van Artsdalen, and Peter and Lucky Cole.” “And while surfing was still evolving with design, my father helped design the Hot Curl boards with friends John Kelly and Fran Heath. Dad was reshaping that era in the 1930s, from wide tail, wooden boards to a more narrow tail that would hold into the steeper part of the wave, thus the ‘Hot Curl.’ “He and Uncle Georgie [George Downing] even made wooden fin boxes in those days to fit a removable wooden fin just when the short board revolution was about to explode. They made fiberglass fin boxes for the boards they were taking to Puerto Rico for the World Contest in 1968. These wooden fins had tabs in the front and back where screws went into holes in the fiberglass fin box. There were two sets of four holes in an 18-20-inch box and the fin could be placed in four different locations in the fin box. After those adjustable, removable fin boxes showed up in Puerto Rico, when Dad and Uncle Georgie pulled their

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boards out of their bags, guys ran for the phones and were calling back to California to tell their friends about it. The era of prone paddleboarding started to grow in Hawaii and so did professional surfing. Hawaii was the place for R&D once again in the mid-1970s and Froiseth was right there, involved, and not just watching it happen.. “I graduated from Kalani High School in Hawaii in the mid-1970s. I was just a couple of years younger than surfing legends Reno Abellira, Jock Sutherland, Jackie Eberle and Jimmy Lucas, and I saw the good times of the ’60s. It was wild being in high school back then. And the ’70s were wild too, with the hippie drug culture and surf culture coming together. Surviving those times and getting into the ’80s,… that was the gateway to paddleboarding as a cross-training activity for surfing, when the waves were too small, similar to what Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama were doing just before the SUP explosion. As kids we had paddleboard races on Christmas day in Waikiki. The Diamond Head 6-Mile race for men was one of the heaviest all-out sprints. George Downing gets credit for reviving prone paddleboarding in late ’70s, with Cline Mann, the Outrigger canoe club and his stock paddleboard division. The legal specifications for prone boards back then specified that they had to be 12 feet long and a minimum of 20

“As for Waikiki Surf Club, my father’s inf luence is immeasurable. Canoe building, canoe paddling, working with the Waikiki surf clubs and helping with the International Surf ing Championships at Makaha they really helped start professional surf ing in Hawaii.”

pounds. After checking out a guy name Jack Linkes’ EPS foam and epoxy custom board in a local lifeguard championship in Waikiki, a couple of us discussed it with a friend Edmund Pestana. I took a block of EPS to local shaper Steven Ing, who was building fishing boards out of EPS and epoxy resin. We made three ultralight prone paddleboards and took them to a local 5k race at the Outrigger Canoe Club and did really well, especially on the downwind legs. Unfortunately, we were disqualified for not meeting the specs and I personally got scolded from my Uncle George, who said we were cheating and would ruin the sport. But everyone who saw the boards and felt them had their minds blown, like Laird Hamilton and Buzzy Kerbox, as well as brothers Victor and Gerry Lopez, who went back to Maui and made super-nice prone boards built out of EPS foam and epoxy resin. They were using it already in custom sailboards for surfing and speed record boardsailing. What it did was evolve paddling into an ultralight division. Now, no specs for weight exist for either prone paddling or SUP.” “The resurgence was pretty big in the late ’70s through ’80s. There were a bunch of races in the summertime in Waikiki, put on by the Outrigger Canoe Club, and a summertime Triple Crown Series on the north shore of Oahu was huge. Several events—such as the Turtle Bay to Sunset, Sunset to Waimea Bay and Waimea to Haleiwa—

were dominated by guys like Kiki Spangler, Brett Goodfriend, Aaron Napoleon and Chris Moore (Carissa Moore’s father), then followed into the ’80s by watermen like Brendan Shea and Charlie Walker.” “I had to pay bills so I worked as a lifeguard. I started with the city and county lifeguards in 1977 and retired around 2008. As a parttime contract lifeguard I worked weekends at Sandy Beach and could be placed anywhere around the island when on call. You get a lot of experience at all the different beach types this way, and when I finally got a full-time position at Sandy Beach five days a week I was able to train daily and consistently, surfing or bodysurfing if there were waves and diving when flat. Sandy Beach on Oahu’s east side was wild back then, with the Gotcha Pro surfing event and more than 10,000 people on the beach. That place can be extremely dangerous as there are sharp reefs and heavy winds, waves and currents. I saw and dealt with so many neck, back and joint injuries on the Sandy Beach shore break, as well as a mix of surfers, bodyboarders and bodysurfers, scuba diving accidents, gnarly traffic accidents, women giving birth, drug overdoses and gang fights.” And how did this waterman finally make the crossover to SUP? “The first time I tried it, the board I borrowed was too narrow. I was getting out of shape sitting behind a desk as a lifeguard captain. It STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

wasn’t a good experience and I stuck with my longboards and big-wave guns for another two to three years. I got one of those big Laird Surftech 12’1” boards but it was still challenging to paddle. I would paddle up and down the west Oahu coast during the summer months. It was two years later that I learned to surf a SUP at Rest Camp in Waianae and finally graduated out to Makaha with the seasoned SUPers of families like the legendary Keaulanas and Desotos, who had already been doing it from the late 1990s. We were finding out that the fitness aspect of the sport was really firming up our core and helping us lose weight.” “Starting in the mid-2000s I had already missed out on the first SUP races because of a lack of equipment. One day this young lady asked me to teach her to paddle and surf a SUP and I said sure. She was already an amateur longboard and shortboard surfing champion and very disciplined and we started paddling in the summertime. Then she asked me to write an article about her for the Longboard Magazine surfer chick profile. In the conclusion I told everyone to keep an eye out for this girl, because she was taking up SUPing and surfing. The girl was Candice Appleby, and although I don’t take any credit for her hard work, just introducing her to SUP when it all went down was kind of cool because I was already working with Surftech back then.” “Now retired, I am pretty spoiled, living in Makaha in the winter and in other great spots during the summer. This place is year-round. At this point in my life, I’m just living the lifestyle and trying to refine my boards and hopefully continue paddleboarding for many more years. Every day is a new day. One day I could be riding my SUP, my surfboard, go prone, take out my canoe or go for an OC-1 downwind run with howling winds. Any kind of downwind is a fun workout because the intensity level is higher when you are trying to connect bumps and it’s all surfing!” On waterman wisdom: “Find a mentor and listen to him or her. It is not about how good you are; being a real waterman is measured in increments of joy! And when you find that peace and happiness, it’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

Directly behind Froiseth’s house is the most amazing view of Makaha and the lineup, home to waves up to 60 feet tall. Photo courtesy: Teene Froiseth

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“Now retired, I’m pretty spoiled, living in Makaha in the winter and in other great spots during the summer. This place is year-round.”

T H E

BLUE ZONE L I V I N G L I F E TO T H E F U L L E S T I N C O S TA R I CA B Y P AU L EN SYD E

P H O TO S JAM ES R EES AN D ER I C H AK A

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No matter how big or small, anytime you can find empty waves, desserted beaches and offshore days, you are living the surfers dream life. Colin McPhillips setting up for a trim pose on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Photo: James Rees

he Blue Zones are five regions on the planet where the pace is based on positive energy, longer life and connection to quality of life. One region is in Central America and along the Costa Rican coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, where a team of watermen and one woman traveled to meet up with two Floridian ex-pats, Rich Burnam and Erik Antonson, who discovered the area by chance and connected by riding the perfect, uncrowded waters of the Pacific coastline and soaking in Nosara’s richness… riding deep into the Blue Zone. Colin McPhillips, a former world champion longboarder an SUP specialist, and his sons, Kai and Dax, made their way over for a weeklong trip of fun waves and warm waters while the West Coast was freezing. Jason Colclough took time away from managing his retail store, Coastal Paddle Company operation along with fitness instructor/racer April Zilg, escaping the Wilmington, North Carolina cold as well. This would be a trip remembered for a lifetime. For Nosara residents Burnam and Antonson—who have made it a biannual trip for McPhillips to run their SUP camps in Nosara— this was another gathering of watermen and a chance to reconnect around the purity of Blue Zone SUP, a camp they started in hopes of building awareness that life outside your own comfort zone of the United States can feel safe and hassle-free, with perfect, fun waves and an opportunity to refuel via healthy Costa Rican fruits and the local eateries. This is living the life of pura vida. Upon arriving in Liberia Airport in northern Costa Rica, the door opens to the warm air. Light winds blow almost offshore

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Paddle out in unison, Sea turtles are a common sight in this region of the world. Photos: James Rees Before he was a stand-up kind of guy, McPhillips was a three-time world longboard champion. And he can still whip a turn or two at will. Something heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s translated into SUP surfing in both old school and new school style. Photo: James Rees

Dax McPhillips finding his groove in fun little waves less a 3/2 wetsuit. Photo: Haka

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T H E

BLUE ZONE

Clockwise- McPhillips banking a section on his Hobie Surf Raw 7’10”, trying to avoid both the heat and the turtle eggs you observe and be respectful. Jason Colclough riding like an outlaw but blazing with “Kid Rock” speed. Surveying the lineups and looking for piece meal. Photos: James Rees

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Carolina Paddle Company’s April Zilg taking her brand new 7’6” for a slashin’ with some female passion. Photo: James Rees

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Top to bottom; The local residents vultures protecting their turf while turlte eggs pray they won’t be found. Northern Costa Rica is surf haven for sure and 90 percent of the year you’ll find offshore conditions. The food chain finds the local iguana population looking for smaller critters or even an insect or banana peel or to for dessert. Photos: James Rees

due to Lake Nicaragua’s convection toward the Pacific Ocean, as though the powers that created Earth planned on keeping the region from southern Nica to northern Costa Rica offshore for 95 percent%of the year. And being located just south of the equator, cold is not an option. The air is 80-90 degrees and the water temperature hangs 80 almost all year. So what would draw so many ex-pats to Costa Rica, and especially the Blue Zone? Says Rich Burnam, “The attraction to Costa Rica was immediate. My first visit essentially changed my life. I had no idea there was a place this close to the United States, yet so different, that had incredible food, people, beauty, and best of all, waves every day! The idea of going back to the USA and living the ‘standard’ life had very little appeal after finding out living in a place like Costa Rica is actually possible. It takes hard work and a little bit of courage but this place showed me a different, more adventurous life based around surfing is available and can happen. S o as far as getting to Nosara, a big part of this was luck and several pieces of the puzzle coming together... and as luck would have it, fortunately for us, it turns out the ‘Blue Zone’ area of the Nicoya Peninsula is pretty much a dream location for what turned into our business model, Blue Zone SUP.” To understand what the Blue Zone SUP camp is all about is to actually live the experience for a week and feel it. Antonson explains, “Our specialty

Old school, new school, Colin really knows how to mix it up on the water and he has taught his boys well.

Left Kai, right Dax. The one thing you can assure yourself of when hanging out with the McPhillipsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; boys is that they are always ready to ride some waves, they rip on just about any watercraft and when not in the water they are always hungry for some local fixings. Photos: Haka

T H E

BLUE ZONE

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(right) Ex-Patriot and Blue Zone SUP Camp partner Erik Antonson showing some personality at one of his home break waves. Living and loving the dream but also respecting the Nosara community. Photo: James Rees

(here) “Tica’s” or Costa Rican girls have a special beauty within their skin tone, features and personality. Photo: James Rees

is luxury SUP retreats but we also provide mini camps and clinics from time to time. We are growing into a bit of a board riders’ club where people are free to enjoy any kind of board they wish. We all ride different kinds of equipment and encourage our guests to enjoy themselves in the ocean however they choose.” Antonson, Burnam and partner Robert Barbieri started the camp as an extension of Antonson and Burnam’s real estate business, Surfing Nosara, as a way to feel out the Nosara lifestyle, which is the good life. It’s a scenic, green, tropical area, enriched by riding wide-open empty beaches while enjoying the feel of warm air breathing through the pores of human existence. Burnam says the Colin McPhillips Blue Zone SUP camps are special because people get to surf, hang out with, and learn from one of the best in the world. “Colin is a three-time ASP world champion, one of the most stylish SUP surfers, and is a pleasure to spend time around. Nobody loves surfing more than Colin... you will catch more waves during one of our Colin camps than you thought possible and leave with a massive smile.” Blue Zone SUP caters to all levels. The best time to be here is fro November to April, the high season, when

Kai McPhillips mimicking in the shadows of his dad. Photo: James Rees

Elder McPhillips nose riding a sandbar section with maximum speed. Photo: Haka

Rich Burnam riding old school style in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Zoneâ&#x20AC;?.

T H E

BLUE ZONE Who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t love the empty beaches, warm sunny weather 365 and the lifestyle. Its called living the dream for a simple reason. McPhillips on another fun little ride. Photos: James Rees

Golden sunset in northern Nosara. Photo: James Rees

Butterflying the blue zone. Photo: James Rees

April Zilg can hang with the guys and cut some mean coconut water for you. Photo: Haka

Local Tico kids are born to play football with the best of them and gave the McPhillip boys a true lesson in the national sport. Photo: Haka

Slicing his meal, a fisherman about to fillet another meal for the family. Photo: Haka

If you like paddling inland, northern Costa Rica has some great flatwater paddling usually left deserted except for the local wildlife. PHOTOs: James Rees, Others: Haka

The CR people have lived in many of these areas for generations, life is simple, pure, clean and happy in northern beach front.

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Crossing streams are just the ways of life. Good shocks, suspension and four wheel drive is the way to go.

Pumping up inflatables, you realize who the laborers are and who likes to sit around and watch. Jason McCoulough working the pump while Carolina sister April is on standby.

This waterway goes up several miles and discovering the inland waterways gives you the best of all SUP worlds.

Kai and Colin lead the pack back down the river and end up less than 100 feet from some fun lefts of a point.

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T H E

BLUE ZONE

the offshore winds make conditions so clean. May through October is the rainy season and has a bit of stronger surf. June through August is a great time to visit, and September and October are the rainiest. For McPhillips, it was time to show his two boys the lifestyle—living the dream. His older son, Kai, had already been to Costa Rica, but it gave 10-yearsold Dax an educational experience only international travel can offer. “Dax had to wait till he was 10 years old to travel,” explains the three-time world longboard champ, a worldwide traveler since he was 16 years old, who learned the life of wandering the world as a surfer and knows the ins and outs of airports, bumpy roads and Third World living. The two boys made the most of their trip, from riding mini SUPs and shortboards to snagging a few nose rides on Dad’s longboard. It was a diverse crew of watermen. Throw in a game of soccer with the local Tico kids and observation of the resident iguanas while drinking coconut water fresh from the tree, and you have the makings of a definite adventure. As for Costa Rican food, what can you say? The pure fruit juice smoothies, local foods and beverages are as good as anywhere in the world, if not better than most. It was an eye-opening experience, being able to thaw from the Carolina cold spells and actually break in new boards that would have otherwise waited till spring to be tested.

An adventure like this will stoke any waterman and the smiles on the faces speak volumes for what purity they have discovered, not just for the moment, but for a lifetime. Photo: Haka STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

A B O U T

BLUE ZONE S

bluezonesup.com info@bluezonesup.com

Blue Zone is a unique, purpose-built SUP-only surf camp. We’re not just another surf camp that bought a few SUP boards and added a “learn to SUP” option. Blue Zone is 100 percent committed and certified to coach people of all skill levels proper technique, safety and surfing etiquette. We are passionate about guiding more advanced paddle surfers to our world-class breaks.

Our company was founded, built and designed from the ground up by SUPers. We have more than 25 years of local knowledge and surfing experience, which means we will put you on the best conditions each and every day. The camp is specifically designed to accelerate your learning curve without compromising safety. In fact, all of our instructors are CPR/first aid certified. Just because you know how to SUP does not mean you’re qualified to teach. All of our instructors use the same training methodology to ensure that our high standards are maintained throughout your trip.

We’re located on one of the Pacific Ocean’s beach communities of Nosara. Numerous flatwater bays, beach breaks, river mouths and outer reefs are all within a short drive. Playa Garza is a great example. It’s the perfect classroom for learning to SUP. The bay offers a full spectrum of conditions: flat water, small beginner waves and outer reef overhead breaks. After the morning surf session, campers can opt for a midday excursion, such as a coastal paddle, waterfall hike, wade pool swim and beach walk, or eco-river paddle tour. All of our packages include two

planned activities such as an ATV tour, massage or canopy zip line tour. Our chef prepares all the meals onsite from locally grown produce, meat or seafood caught off our shores. We also take the group into town to sample the local restaurants (cost included) and bars. If you want to check things out on your own, no worries; we have several inexpensive transportation options that can take you around town. We’ve been to surf camps all over the world and experienced both the good and the bad. From these experiences, we’ve incorporated all of the best elements into the perfect all-inclusive paddle surf trip.

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QUIVERS & W H EELS ROB ROJAS STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAUL ENSYDE

SO ROB, WHAT’S IN YOUR WHEELS? “This was my very first SUP (pictured above). I bought it in 2006-07. It is a Mackenzie 12’3” paddle board. This board is 26.75” wide by 4” thick by 12’3” long. It was shaped by my friend, Rob Koepsell, in his garage. The name is inspired by his daughter, Mackenzie. He told me the design was based off the old California State Park Lifeguard paddleboards.” “One sunny day I was working on a boat in Dana Point Harbor, and I saw Rob Koepsell prone paddling this very board with his kid sitting on the nose. I had recently asked Ron House about getting a stand-up board but quickly realized I was not financially in the market for one. I think the average price was around $1,500. Anyway, I jokingly yelled out to my buddy Rob, asking if he wanted to sell the board. He said yes. I asked the price. He said $400. I instantly said, ‘Sold!’” “Shortly after that, we exchanged goods for money and I found myself at Doheny Board Supply dropping $300 on a Surftech paddle.” “I remember the very first time I stood up on a board and paddled. It was pure stoke! I was able to see fish along the inside of the Dana Jetty and I was extremely stoked I didn’t

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OF VANS AND HANDSTANDS Rob Rojas SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA A guyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vehicle on land and water usually determines what kind of waterman he is. For Rob Rojas, keeping it real and simple is a way of life west of the I-5 Freeway. A former collegiate swimmer who patrols the Pacific coast for illegal poachers, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a natural fit for him to continue within both realms of water for racing season and riding waves.

On the street, son Conrad hanging out, anticipating another day at the beach and a very modest Rob Rojas enjoying the simplicity of his wheels and course his gymnastic daughter, Julia, pulling a 60-second handstand.

Q U I VE R S & W H EELS R O B R OJAS

have to deal with a sore butt or numb left leg from sitting down in a surf ski or outrigger canoe. I was hooked! In addition, I remember seeing the likes of EJ Johnson and Chuck Patterson paddling around Dana, and I figured if I got into stand-up, I could look like them!” “Bottom line is, this Mackenzie 12’3” is an extremely special and sentimental board to me. It signifies the simplicity of a freshly budding sport. It signifies showing up to races and truly being the oddball. It signifies that euphoric feeling of standing up and taking that first glide. I’ll never part with that board.”

SUP BOARDS

from left to right

• Julia with the Riviera Paddlesurf Scout 5’10” • Conrad with the Riviera Paddlesurf El Tigre 5’5” (Leaning against van, from left to right) • Riviera Paddlesurf Inflatable 10’6”. • Ohana Paddleboards stock prone board • Riviera Paddlesurf 12’6” by 25” • Riviera Paddlesurf 12’6” by 24”, Conrad’s race board

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(on top of van) • Riviera Paddlesurf 14’ x 25” custom race board, aka “Gnarwahlito” (Laying beside van behind hydrant) • Riviera Paddlesurf custom unlimited, aka “Gnarwahl” (longboard in front of hydrant) • DEVOLUTION performance model 9’, made out of some really gnarly, ding-proof space-age epoxy resin and Kevlar-like material • Speargun-Riffe Mid-handle Midrange. Great for slaying just about every fish we have here in California (Laying on ground from left to right) • Riviera Paddlesurf Soft top 8’ • Riviera Paddlesurf Scout 7’ (Julia’s board) • Riviera Paddlesurf El Tigre 8’2” • Riviera Paddlesurf Nugget 8’ • Riviera Paddlesurf El Tigre 7’2”, (Conrad’s board) • Yellow Stroke Maker hand paddles • Voit Black UDT fins • Handplane (a gift from Pete Stirling) • several Gladiator fins designed and made by Larry Allison and Casey Gotcher, aka SUP Gladiator • Riviera Bump Paddles 8-inch • Riviera Art Series Camo Paddle • Riviera Sprout Paddle • I always keep an extra Gladiator or Rojas click-it fin made by Larry Allison in my van as well.

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Q U I VE R S & W H EELS R O B R OJAS

My family consists of my wife of 17.5 years, Christy Rojas; my daughter, Julia; and my son, Conrad. The van is a 2009 Ford E-350 with Pacer steel rims and General Grabber AT2 tires. This van has taken us on many trips back and forth to Utah, Tahoe, Mammoth and Yosemite, as well as along the coast for races, vacations, beach outings, surf trips, dive trips, work trips, carpools and errands. When I bought it in 2010, it had 16,900 miles. Today it has 87,000 miles. The roof is rusting out, the carpets are all sandy, the driver’s side door doesn’t open from the outside and the top red light is

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literally taped on, but the engine purrs like a kitty! One time I pulled up to the St. Regis and had to valet park it. I said, “She’s a little touchy going from second to third, and don’t park too close to that Bugatti! I don’t want a door ding on my van!” So what’s stored in my van? Ooooh, what’s that smell coming from? Oh, sweet! I just found a half-eaten Ramona’s burrito from 7-Eleven, dated 2010, stuffed under the middle seat!! Yes! Seriously, my van is basically a toy shed on wheels. It’s a storage container with a combustion engine. Now, forgive me for

doing a little sponsor plugging, but this is the honest-to-goodness truth: In the cup holders I keep a stash of OX Endurance packets. On the sun visors, I always have a pair of Maui Jims. I always slide my Riviera Paddles down along the left side of the bench seats. I always keep a Riviera Paddlesurf 12’6” inside. I always have a stick of ONIT paddle wax floating around in the door pocket. I keep a half-gallon jug of Watermans sunscreen in the back at all times. I have loads of O’Neill wetsuits and O’Neill 24-7 Lycra rash guards in the rear. I usually keep either a Riviera Paddlesurf 8’ Nugget or 8’2” El Tigre in the car, as well as my boy’s 7’2” El Tigre.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s see, what else? There are extra fin screws and plates in the door, and a screwdriver and Allen wrench set in the door as well. I always have a surf racing helmet in there, and I usually keep several PFDs in the car, in addition to a 3-meter and 1-meter training air ram kite for those windy days. I always have loads of Riviera, Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill and OX hats in the car. Surf leashes? I usually have a minimum of three in there that I know about. What else? I keep a pocket knife handy at all times, and a stash of water. Oh, and quarters! I have lots and lots of quarters! Lastly, I have lots of sand, old towels and socks, and burrito wrappers in my van! [laughs]

Q U I VE R S & W H EELS EJ J O H N SON

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STORY AND PHOTOS: PAUL ENSYDE

OF DRE ADS , BE DS AND S LE DS EJ Johnson SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

When you put EJ’s Sprinter under the microscope, the intricacies of a wood craftsman really showcase who he is. This man’s personality, lifestyle and persona send a message via a loaded Sprinter with a meal dinner area, sleeping quarters and simplicities most people dream about. The only difference is, he’s not dreaming it; EJ is living in it.

SUP BOARDS

from left to right

9’ x 4” x 30” Yolo Air series 12’6” x 6.5” x 26” Yolo Orange Crush 14’ x 25” x 6” Yolo Flat Water Prototype 14’ x 6.5” x 25” Yolo 2014 model Orange Crush Custom 14’ x 26.5” x 7” Yolo X 2014 Racer designed by Ingo Rademacher

A birds-eye view of EJ’s sleds.

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Q U I VE R S & W H EELS EJ J O H N SON

Dodge Sprinter diesels are the only way to stay economically efficient, especially when doing runs to Baja Mexico. Top: The shelving area for sleeping bags also acts as padding for 14â&#x20AC;&#x2122; race boards. LED overheads will light up an entire campground yet stay battery-life efficient.

Right bottom: Instant conversion, from 1. A seating area on distance trips, 2. Middle fold out. 3. Insta-bed for crashing at night. Simple and functional yet fast and efficient especially after being on the road for 600-800miles non-stop.

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Q U I VE R S & W H EELS EJ J O H N SON

Clockwise from top: Deep drawers will hold a month’s supply of canned goods, water and dried foods, or maybe some paper towels and a drone; the eating area has a custom EJ table leg and floor.

WHAT’S IN YOUR WHEELS? This is a 2003 Dodge 2500 long and tall Sprinter, which gets over 25 mpg and has been all over the U.S. of A., as well as deep into Mexico. • It holds four 14-footers inside, above driver’s head • It holds four boards on the roof with Inno-racks • It has a 24” LED light bar above the slider and two cubes in the rear to accommodate night camping. • Drawers located in the rear are 14” wide and 8’ long, with adjustable dividers that pull all the way out. • The slider area includes an Inno-awning, a table, and two seats with bottom drawers, and it also turns into a sleeper. • It has a Sony and Alpine audio system, with one 12” sub and four 6-by-9-inch speakers. • It has recycled bamboo flooring, interior paddle racks, and enough food, water, tools, axes, saws, stoves and fishing gear to be out of touch for weeks at a time. If you ever met up with the man ask him about his recycled water drinking bottle and his signature portable toilet.

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Q U I VE R S & W H EELS L O C H EG GE RS

LOCH, STO C K AND BA RR E LE D Loch Eggers H A I K U , M A U I , H AWA I I

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We ran a shot of Loch Eggers last year pulling into an overhead barrel. This guy charges with no fear. An Oahu transplant, Eggers lives a pure and simple Maui life. As a true waterman, he’s been flying high on the biggest days in Maui during the winter months, but he’s low-key on the radar screen. The Maui boys know and respect him—just ask guys like Laird. And when he’s zeroed in on a wave, stay out of his way, because once he’s in his zone, he’s Loch’d in. “For paddles, I have a few Naish, QB and some SUP paddles from Bradah Malama Chun, made here on Maui. I actually have the first real SUP paddle Malama made for Laird back in 2002. I also have some canoe surfing steering blades I made. As you can see, I want to showcase all kinds of gear that people have handcrafted to contribute to this sport. Yes, this is a sport in which people are making money, and I am happy people are. The biggest thing for me is that this sport does not lose its cultural identity, which is Hawaiian and Polynesian with some South American roots. I have heard people from different parts of the world tell me that they do not care about surfing being Hawaiian. My response to them is go to Makaha Beach on the island of Oahu and tell the boys your feelings.”

SUP BOARDS

from left to right

24’ “Opelu” four-man surfing canoe 9’ x 27” Bill Foote Gun 9’8” x 27” Bill Foote Gun 10’ Lopez/Naish longboard 9’10” X 28” Naish Hokua Gun 6’8” X 22” Jimmy Lewis twin fin 8’ X 27” Naish Hokua Gun 14’ X 25” Bill Foote Maliko downwind board, a 100 percent speed machine I’m wearing the Spartans board shorts and the Kanaha long-sleeve shirt designed by John Smalley of BlueSmiths

PADDLES

from left to right

Me! I’m holding the first complete paddle made for Laird in 2002 by Malama Chun Assorted paddles: Naish, QB and Malama Chun

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Q U I VE R S & W H EELS J I M B R EW E R

L OOK WH AT ’ S BRE WING IN S AN TA BAR BARA Jim Brewer S A N TA B A R B A R A , C A L I F O R N I A

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Jim Brewer has been to many places and has seen the SUP scene take off, explode, implode and reload. He’s also been to so many places on this planet, he could easily write a book about his travels. He’s paddled with humpbacks on Colombia’s wild Medellin coast, infamous for its drug cartels; ridden freezing-cold waves in Iceland while a volcano exploded; and even paddled alongside elephants in the rivers of Sri Lanka. But these days, more often than not, he’s at home with the boys, getting ready for swim meets and lifeguard competitions, and putting in some rec time. About his quiver, Brewer says, “These boards are the family quiver, which I play with on the water along with my two boys, Kelly and Ben. We live in Santa Barbara and love to surf the remote Gaviota Coast.

SUP BOARDS

from top left

• 12’ Ron House SUP • 9’11” Paddle Surf Hawaii carbon Ripper • 19’ Spectrum Surf Ski • 14’ J7 prone paddleboard • Bark 12’ prone paddleboard • Bennett 10’6” lifeguard sprint race prone board • 9’ Wayne Rich custom longboard • 1950s restored Hobie longboard • a hand-carved wooden Hawaiian alaia board

SURFBOARDS

in the circle, all J7 Surfboards

• all-red, 5’4” single-fin • The other shortboards range in size from 4’11” to 6’ for bigger waves.

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Q U I VE R S & W H EELS TO M O YA S U M UR AB AYAS HI

S UP TOMO Tomoyasu Murabayashi M I YA Z A K I , J A PA N

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Photo credit: By The Sea Island photography/K.KITAJIMA

Tomoyasu Murabayashi, or SUP Tomo, as the SUP race world knows him, has traveled all over the planet in search of waves and the next big race, and as the fastest man on a SUP in Japan. Tomoyasu-san is well seasoned, has several Molokai-to-Oahu crossings under his belt, and is respected by the watermen brotherhood. A huge domo arigato to Starboard SUP, Dove Wetsuits, Teva, FCS, Zen, Camelbak and Overboard for supporting his lifestyle and special thanks to his wife and his family. Thanks to them, he’s able to live the dream. His priority is simplicity. He says, “I have a very simple quiver of boards but they all work unbelievably well.

BOARDS

All made by Starboard

ACE 14’ x 25”, for choppy water and downwind paddles, as well as open water races SPRINT 12’6” x 25”, the fastest flatwater board I have ever paddled, which I also use for quick choppy-water races. Pro Brushed Carbon 7’4” x 25.5” 78L, which I use for small waves to head-high waves in almost any condition. Pro Brushed Carbon 7’7” x 27”, Since I weigh 73 kg, if it’s a windy or big-wave day HYBRID 6’1” × 20” × 2.5”, I use for surfing

PADDLES Pro 112 L, 8’5” x 29” Pro 118 L, 9’ x 29” when waves are overhead “For race paddles I go with a 190cm length like the High Aspect medium, which has a longer, narrower blade with a flatter profile. It’s good for high rotation. I use this for short sprint race. I also love the small Enduro all-round blade design; I use it for most race conditions. I also use a medium Enduro 173 cm, which is the same as my height.”

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Q U I VE R S & W H EELS B A RT D E Z WART

T H E FLYING DUT C H M AN Bart de Zwart Haiku M A U I , H AWA I I B Y WAY O F T H E N E T H E R L A N D S

The question is not, “What crossing has Bart de Zwart done?” The question is, “What has Bart de Zwart not crossed?” He has done many crossings with barely any support crew. Sometimes his cell phone is his lifeline, using it during a stop or completion of whatever crossing he has embarked on. He has even slept on his board when paddling the entire island chain of the Pacific islands, and during his Tahiti adventure that spanned a couple hundred miles. De Zwart simply packs one board and goes the distance solo. One board does it all for this flying Dutchman, whether he’s doing a big distance race or simply paddling a couple hundred miles across a treacherous channel.

BOARD

PADDLE

Starboard, ACE GT, 17’4 x 28”

Starboard Enduro S Carbon, one of the lightest paddles out there. Stable in the water and enough flex (easy on the shoulders) I use it in the waves and in races.

A fast and stable touring board which can be used in races too. I worked great for the open race and just gave me enough stability to get out on the clean up sets at the BOP. It has a very high average speed but is not a sprinter. Good for long distance races, touring and a great downwind board. Catches bumps super easy.

“This is actually a Starboard touring model but I like the way it paddles on the water.”

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