Standup Paddle Magazine by Reid Inouye Media

::: BOAR D B U I LD E R: : JOE BARK

TH O MA S MA X IMUS : :

CROSSBOW TURN

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 4

QUIVERS & WHEELS:

Corey & Magda Cooper of BOTE are

THE

Pack It And Rack It

B OT E T R AV E L L E R O N T H E D E A D L A K E S

DEAD LAKES WATERS CALLED WRIGHTSVILLE East Coast Watermen, Waterwomen and Waves VOL7Nยบ4 / USA $10.95

A REID INOUYE PUBLICATION

T R AV E L L E R

GLIDE TOURING GTW/GS 11’6”x 291/2”

GLIDE TOURING GTW/GS 12’0”x 30”

GLIDE GTW/GS 12’6”x 30”

GLIDE GTW/GS 14’0”x 29”

GLIDE GTW/GS 14’0”x 30”

GLIDE SERIES Touring/Fitness/Racing

Fast and easy-to-paddle, Glide and Glide Touring boards are a great fit for a wide variety of riders. Specially engineered to provide enhanced directional stability, the Glide Series boards are phenomenal at building and maintaining speed. Built to last with performance you will never outgrow, the Glide boards transition seamlessly between flat water and open ocean conditions and are a great fit for touring, racing and fitness. See why Naish Glides stand the test of time. Check out the full technical specs online at NaishSUP.com. Get inspired! Download the wallpaper at: NaishSUP.com/ThisIsYourMoment. NaishStandUpPaddling

2016SUP_SUPJournal_Glide.indd All Pages

NaishSUP

Photos: F. Berthuot

THIS IS YOUR MOMENT.

BREAK FREE.

Pacific Boardsports LLC

pbs@naishsails.com

(509) 493-0043

6/11/15 6:51 PM

APEX 4-R SERIES 14’ - 12’6

ELITE TOUR 12’6

sup_mag_v7N2.indd 2

VENTURE SERIES 12’6 - 10’4

ATR II SERIES 12’2 - 11’ - 10’

EVA-LUTION 11’ - 10’6 - 10’

SPORTSMAN DAY TRIP AIR

10’9

8’

TOUR 12’6

TOUR ADVENTURE COASTER 10’6 10’ 10’8

CMLB SERIES 9’8 - 9’

CM PRO SERIES 9’4 - 8’10 - 8’4 - 7’10

5/4/2015 1:20:08 PM

sup_ma

:20:08 PM

@hobiestanduppaddleboards #hobiesup #haveahobieday

AUSTRALIA & S. PACIFIC

BRAZIL

EUROPE

USA & GLOBAL

Hobie Cat Australasia E: sales@hobiesup.com.au T: +61(0)244418400 www.hobiesup.com.au

RocketSports Ltda. E: alex@rocketsports.com.br T: +55 11 99106-9696

Double V E: contact@sunshort.com T: +33 (0)6 29 12 36 46 www.hobiesup-europe.com

Hobie Stand Up Paddleboards E: sup@hobie.com T: (949)240-5105 www.hobie.com

sup_mag_v7N2.indd 3

5/4/2015 1:20:10 PM

Y O U O N LY L I V E O N C E â&#x201E;¢

12’6” x 25.5” / 12’6” x 27.5” / 14’ x 25.5” / 14’ x 27.5”

[844] YOLO-BOARD | YOLOBOARD.COM

o Photo: cott ha

Riviera BUMP - PERFORMANCE SUP Paddle he P paddle features a raised car o er eave arou d its shaft ivi it a te tured feel for i creased rip ed i arou d the lade for dura ilit a d comes sta dard ith our hokehold a dle for comfort a d added tor ue i our stroke. he P paddle has a et sa d ish to add eve more rip save ei ht a d ive it a stealth look. vaila le i . . . lade idths.

Ryan Helm paddling to a 12th place finish on his 14’ x 25” Carbon RP-Raceboard and 8.0” BUMP Riviera Paddle in the 2015 Carolina Cup 13.2 Mile Elite Graveyard Race.

CARBON RP-RACEBOARD RP-12’6” x 26” RP-12’6” x 28”

Silver

Lime

RP-14’0” x 25” RP-14’0” x 27”

CHOKEHOLD Handle

rivierapaddlesurf.com

18 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nยบ4 2O15

D E ST I N AT I O N WEWAHITC HKA, FLO RIDA

: : DEAD LAKE S : : Magda and Corey Cooper take a little break from their trek through the wilderness of Dead Lakes. To paddle and explore where no one has taken a board and paddle is a time of constant discovery. What’s below, alongside and above you heightens your sixth sense, while your mind also perceives the vibes of nature’s beautiful eyes.

Photo: Sean Murphy

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

M A ST H E A D VOLUME 7 Nº4

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

OIP TEAM RIDER: EJ

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

STAFF WRITERS Jim Freeman, Eric Haka STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Jim Freeman, Eric Haka

NEW! ■ ■ ■

NEW!

Tested & Proven by Champions around the globe! Environmentally Friendly. Specifically made for the materials used in the construction of surfboards, SUP’s and OC’s.

CHAMPIONS TRUST

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Sean Murphy SALES sales@standuppaddlemagazine.com 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

HIGH PERFORMANCE SURF PRODUCTS

ONITPRO.COM 818-681-8736 INFO@ONITPRO.COM

facebook.com/standuppaddlemagazine instagram.com/standuppaddlemagazine twitter.com/supmagazine pinterest.com/spmagazine FIVE PERCENT OF SALES FROM THIS MAGAZINE GO TO PERPETUATE HAWAIIAN CULTURE AND AWARENESS OF THE LIVING EARTH ISSN 2372-2274

15Naish

STROKE SMARTER, NOT HARDER Introducing the new 2016 Naish Paddle Collection. Engineered for maximum performance and heightened durability, the 2016 line strikes the ideal balance between strength, power and flex. Using cutting-edge materials and shaping techniques, each paddle features a refined construction and precision blade shaping and are available in a variety of sizes to optimize your stroke. Whether for touring, racing, wave riding or all-around use, Naish paddles offer unmatched performance, quality and value.

WAVE LE PRO PERFORMANCE WAVE

RACE LE PRO PERFORMANCE RACE

ERGO GRIP = Filament-wound reinforcement in critical areas

PRECISION CUT CNC HD CORE KAHOLO

= Absolute precision shaping

PERFORMANCE RACE /TOURING/WAVE

NEW HEAVILY REINFORCED ANTI-TWIST VARIO SYSTEM = Easy length adjustment + perfect blade/handle alignment

HELE ALL-AROUND/CRUISING

75% CARBON PRE-PREG SHAFT = Optimized resin content + lightweight + durable

ABS RAILS MAKANI RACE/TOURING/WAVE

= Built in blade edge protection

ALANA WOMEN’S ALL-AROUND

KEIKI KID’S ALL-AROUND

Pacific Boardsports LLC . pbs@naishsails.com . (509) 493-0043 Get more info: visit NaishSUP.com

PUB N O T E

DIGGING

22 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nยบ4 2O15

DEEPER

INTO THE

LIFESTYLE

The paddleboard market is constantly evolving and growing globally—a reminder to get out, get up and get with it. As human beings needing to escape the daily rigors of work, bills, traffic, electronics and life’s emotional attachments (responsibility), this lifestyle called “water time” is a form of release that connects us to nature. It’s quality time to free the mind of all the rigors of life, whether paddling to the center of a lake, down a river, out to a kelp bed or alone on the ocean. Connect to life’s purities and your days will be filled with more smiles. Reid Inouye Publisher Standup Paddle Magazine

On a lonely West Coast surf break, Billy Sean makes his Art in Surf FUN4ALL board live up to its name. Photo: Freeman

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

C ON TEN TS V O L U M E

7 N º 4

: : 2015: :

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

HOW TO Scott Estrada: Sea Veggie Nutrition Thomas Maximus: Crossbow Turn Jeramie Vaine: Revolved Lunge Pose Tom Jones: Pushup Alternative

BOARD BUILDER: JOE BARK

THE DEAD LAKES TRAVELLER: Exploring One of Florida’s Intracoastal Waterways

WATER CALLED WRIGHTSVILLE Life on the Water

QUIVERS & WHEELS

O n t h i s p a g e : The farther you get from the big city, the more the countryside towns bring a deeper connection to a time when life was much simpler. Stocking up on food supplies and the essentials of survival means stopping at the local mom-and-pop store. Old times meets the new Traveller. Photo: Sean Murphy

O N T H E C OV E R : Corey Cooper of B OTE Boards couldn’t be more at home with a chance to reflect on the water. Photo: Sean Murphy

24 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

H OW TO H EA LT H w ith Scott Estrada

SEAWEEDS :: The Ocean’s Bounty Seaweeds are one of the most overlooked foods, especially here in the Western world. That’s right, the ocean’s vegetables are some of the most powerful, nutrient-dense, mineral-rich and protective nutrition sources we can ingest. When the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki suffered nuclear fallout from the attacks of WWII, many were in part protected by the high intake of seaweeds, mainly kelp. Seaweeds have an incredible ability to bind to heavy metal residue and safely remove it from the body. The abundance of trace minerals they contain, like the water they flourish in, feed every cell in our body and help to detoxify, balance and calm the entire system. The high iodine content is especially beneficial for the thyroid and adrenal glands and immune system, and the production of balanced hormones.

On a commercial level, kelp is probably the most widely known and available of all seaweeds; it’s very rich in potassium, iron, iodine, B6, riboflavin and fiber. Organs are able to perform at a higher level when mineralization is increased, and a regular intake of seaweeds helps create this experience. When the mineralization is lower in organs, they aren’t able to remove toxins and rejuvenate as well. Since iodine is the main driver of the thyroid gland, keeping it stocked with healthy iodine allows it to function well and regulate weight levels as a part of a healthy lifestyle. Many people struggle with thyroid dysfunction and don’t understand the importance of iodine and sea veggie nutrition in general.

OTHER GREAT SEAWEEDS ARE: • • • • • • •

Nori Dulse Wakame Hijiki Arame Sea palm Bladderwrack

26 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

As the sun rays penetrate mineral-rich sea water, the magic of photosynthesis creates chlorophyll, the blood of and plants and sea plants. We then support and cleanse the mini-ocean inside with abundant amino acid proteins, electrified trace mineral salts, and immunity-boosting polysaccharides (long-chain sugars). Try adding seaweeds to soups or cut small pieces into salads or veggie dishes for a boost in nutrition. Or, instead of using tortillas or breads, make your own wraps with nori sheets (used for sushi) for a high dose of minerals, protein and fiber!

SOURCING NOTE: Don’t assume all seaweeds are

“clean.” They can and do get contaminated from polluted seas and radioactive elements. Find clean sources from Arctic or Southern Hemisphere waters, or other wild harvesting operations that take measures like testing for contaminants. Small, regular amounts of this ocean bounty in your diet can boost overall health and well-being and add to your longevity. Hopefully the stoke and care for the waters we paddle on will sustain the life in them and ultimately sustain us for generations to come.

**PADDLE TIP: Try using a small wad of nori like some would tobacco, in between your gum or cheek, while on a longer paddle or race, and notice how your mouth stays moist. You get the benefit of absorbing consistent amounts of dense minerals like sodium, magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium and amino acids, plus chlorophyll to feed your blood and muscles when they need it most.

For more on this and other health- and nutritionrelated topics, email Scott Estrada scott@risesup.com.

Photos: Wicked Fotos

rivierapaddlesurf.com

HO W TO TRAINING with Thomas “Maximus” Shahinian

CROSSBOW TURN:: Whether you’re a recreational paddler or a seasoned racer, learning and improving your ability to efficiently turn your board is a skill that requires practice. While most beginners learn to change their board direction by simply back-paddling, there are turning techniques that are much faster and efficient, namely the crossbow turn, the pivot turn and variations of these techniques. In this installment we’ll discuss the crossbow turn, which is effective while stationary or with momentum approaching a turn buoy, allowing the paddler to maintain their stance and reduce the risk of falling.

Stationary Right-hand Turn: With your paddle on the left side of the board, initiate the turn by bending your knees to lower your stance and improve balance. Begin to sweep your paddle across the front of your board while rotating with your core and shoulders, as you maintain your original hand placement on the paddle. [Note: Left-hand turns begin with the paddle on the right side of the board.]

Lift the blade of the paddle up and over as the nose of the board approaches your paddle blade and then reinsert as soon as possible to continue the wide, sweeping stroke.

Once you’ve rotated and twisted as far as you feel comfortable, set the blade in the water. Begin to uncoil your body’s rotation while maintaining a lowered stance, promoting a wide, sweeping arc as you pull the nose of the board toward the set paddle blade. [Tip: When approaching a turn with momentum, set the paddle blade face at a slight angle away from the board between the 1 o’clock and 2 o’clock positions. Use the paddle blade as a rudder to steer the board into the turn before uncoiling.]

Continue the sweeping stroke as far back behind as you can while rotating the board with your firm stance. When the technique is performed correctly, a paddler can easily change the direction of their board 180 degrees in one motion without re-inserting the paddle.

NOTE: This is an abbreviated overview of the crossbow turn technique, significantly expanded upon in individual and group paddle clinics with Thomas Maximus.

Riviera team rider Thomas Maximus has more than 18 years of experience racing outrigger canoes. He has competed in more than 150 SUP races since 2008, resulting in more than 80 first-place wins and multiple course records.

28 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

MORE POWER LESS FATIGUE Our Variable Flex Profile stores and releases energy to maximize the power and efficiency of your stroke. Get fit for your handcrafted, high performance paddle at azteksup.com

H OW TO YOG A w i t h Je ramie Vaine

TWIST AND EXPAND::

Revolved Lunge Pose

The hips play an important role in paddling, but they rarely get the love they need. This variation of Lunge Pose will focus on stretching out psoas and hip muscles while strengthening quadriceps and gluteus muscles. The twisting portion of this pose simulates the twist from the paddle stroke and increases balance and core awareness. Due to the deep twist involved, it should be added later into your warm-up.

From a standing position, step forward, keeping your knee behind your ankle. Keep your weight equally spread between your back and front legs, with your core engaged and your spine straight. Ground your front foot down and put your weight in the balls of the back foot. Raise your heel and press into it as if you were pushing against a wall; the weight will be in the ball of your foot.

1 Lower your opposite hand to the ground (if your right foot is forward, lower your left hand). Place your hand directly below your shoulder. Now shift your weight into your hand and both feet. Keep extending out through your back heel and the crown of your head.

2 Hold this pose for three to five breaths on each side. You can integrate it into your second or third round of sun salutations before hitting the water. This is also a great pose to use after a short warm-up paddle before a race.

3 Your core will stay engaged as you reach your opposite arm straight to the sky (if your left hand is down, reach your right hand high to the sky). As you raise your arm up, slide your shoulders down your back and away from your ears. This will allow you to deepen the twist and stretch into the psoas and hips.

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 jvaine1@gmail.com.

30 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nยบ4 2O15

H OW TO T R A I N I N G with Tom Jones

HALF PUSHUP ALTERNATIVE:: For those who are just beginning to strengthen and train, and for those who struggle to do a full pushup, try this kneeling alternative with a deck of cards. There are three reasons you may need this technique:

You lack strength. If your arms, chest or core can’t handle the strain of doing a regular pushup, doing them on your knees helps to reduce the load. You are recovering from an injury. Regular pushups can be hard on the muscles; a reduced load makes it easier to work out during recovery. You have musculoskeletal problems. If you have weak wrists, shoulders, knees or a weak back, you will find that the lightened load of the pushup on your knees is easier on your joints.

When you’re down on the ground, place the deck of cards in front of your chest, flipping the first card over. Whatever number shows on the card (if it is a face card, the number is 10) is how many repetitions you will perform. Set your knees hip-width apart, legs crossed at the ankles. Be sure your hands are set slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Depending on your strength and experience, your hands should be angled in a way that feels comfortable to you.

Think of your body as one giant straight line. Your butt shouldn’t be sticking way up in the air or sagging. (If you are having this issue, clench your butt and tighten your abs so your core will be engaged. This should help your alignment.) You should be looking slightly ahead, not straight down. Looking up keeps your body in line.

Go down till your chest touches the deck of cards. Keep your elbows drawn in to your sides as you come to the ground and push back up. Keep note of when your elbows start to fly out; that is a sign your body is tiring. Inhale on the way down and exhale on the way up. Pause slightly and then explode back up until you’re in the same position. When you have completed the repetitions, turn the card over and repeat with the number on the next card. Once you have built strength and can accomplish this exercise with ease, you can move on to the full pushup.

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

32 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

ahead... Get Faster with SUP Erg!

FEATURES INCLUDE adjustable resistance onâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;board computer reactive instability platform

k ayak pro .c o m /sup 914.740.5055 sa les @ kaya kpro.com

danny ching world no. 1 sup racer world champion

kaya k p r o . c o m / s up

Ian Vaz, Hawaii. Photo: Bruno Lemos

B OAR D BUILDER

THE REAL DEAL:

JOE

Joe Bark has been in the business of building high-performance paddleboards for more than three decades, first as a leader in the prone paddle world and then during the explosion of SUP about 10 years ago. Today, he does both and is busier than ever, blowing foam for all kinds of custom watercrafts while constantly putting out new designs for the global brand Surftech, as well as guiding his sons into the trade. This blue-collar board builder still has the passion for building fast crafts for those around him because the man himself still has the passion to lay it all out on the water. Joe Bark is the real deal. Of his first big paddle, Bark says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;My first channel crossing was 1976 or 1977, when I was in high school. Two friends and I borrowed 11-foot lifeguard rescue boards off of the lifeguard truck on a Friday night. That night at midnight, we headed to Catalina. At 5 a.m., we started our paddle

36 /SPMagazine / VOL 7NÂş4 2O15

(Left), Joe Bark during the 70â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paddling the Catalina crossing, (right), today some 30 plus later still mowing foam in his office.

BARK STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

B OAR D BUILDER

38 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nยบ4 2O15

back and didn’t see land until we were 50 yards off of the cliffs of Palos Verdes because of the heavy fog. The paddle was harder than we anticipated because the boards were made for surf rescue and not for distance. But in the end, it all worked out. When we got close to finishing, we put the boards back on the boat and swam to shore. We then climbed the cliff and walked to our friend’s house to sit in the hot tub and listen to music. I knew I would paddle the channel again.” “Since then, I have been lucky enough to finish the Catalina Classic 32 times, with 20 more Catalina channel crossings between the Rock to Rock race and the Paddle Run Paddle crossings, totaling just over 50 crossings. I have been able to finish four Molokai2Oahu races solo and hope to be able to continue racing Molokai for a while.” “Crossing the channel, whether it be Molokai or Catalina, always gives you a good feeling. We started paddling on flat days to stay tuned up for surfing and just got hooked on it. As a board builder, I owe it to my customers and friends to give them the best I can give to all who ride or paddle my boards. The only way to do that is to feel the boards at different lengths of time on the board. After one hour, three hours, and six hours on the board, it will respond differently, as the paddler is beaten down and loses power and stability and conditions change. Learning how paddleboards perform in different conditions cannot be learned in a shaping room or on a computer; it must be lived in the water.” “I have always tried to surround myself with great friends and wonderful people, so paddling has become the center of this. Surfing, diving, fishing and paddling have all brought many great people into my life—it has become a huge family. I am always trying to build a faster board and I do this by learning from paddling myself and listening to other great paddlers’ feedback. Paddleboarding has been around forever but has been unnoticed and somewhat underground because there were no paddleboard stores, few races, and no paddle magazines. But there has always been

a crew of people paddling. When SUP came around, more people hit the water and started to see the guys paddling without a paddle and wanted to give it a try. Surfers and swimmers can jump on a paddleboard and figure it out in 30 seconds.” “About seven years ago, Rainbow Sandals’ Sparky [Longley] and the legendary Gerry Lopez gave us board specs to use as classes for the Battle of the Paddle while this great

sport of stand-up paddling was exploding. Since then, paddling has expanded to almost every body of water and there are many happy and fit people because of it. New companies have popped up; some are still here, and others have come and gone. But in those early days, there was a shortage of boards, paddles, board sizes and classes, and shapes were all over the map with some real junk out there. The Battle

of the Paddle set standards on classes and brought it all together. Now most boards look almost the same, and there is no shortage of boards and paddles. In fact there is too much inventory in some warehouses that needs to move before it’s outdated. Paddlers are much smarter on a purchase now and want the real deal, not a knockoff board that will not last. Paddlers have gained skills and want a board that will hold value and to be able to move forward when the time comes to step up to a new board that fits their skill level. I see the future of paddling and SUP to be huge, with fitness, self challenges and expeditions leading the way. The big races—like the International Surfing Association’s World Games, which his webcast—will always keep everybody on the edge of their seats. We can continue to keep tabs on the sport’s progress.” “Regarding prone paddleboarding, it has always had a steady growth, but now SUPers, swimmers and surfers are buying boards in all parts of the country to stay in shape and cross train. I have never seen such a competitive group of paddlers at every race in both stock and unlimited classes. Molokai, Catalina Classic, Carolina Cup, Jay Race, Davenport, Rock to Rock, Cold Hands, Chattajack and so many others are all proneheavy races with competitive racers traveling to compete with other paddlers from around the world. Plenty of SUP paddlers came from the paddleboard scene before SUP was here and are now drifting back to race both SUP and paddleboards to cross train. The number of big-wave surfers that have been paddling for years or are now getting into the sport is amazing and races are being sold out for sign-ups as soon as they are posted.” “The downwind race scene has grown as of late; everyone is finding the good wind locations . We have worked on design to fit all different conditions, including downwind. As of now, we have the prone 12-foot Surftech Bark Commander that smashed the record in the Molokai2Oahu race and the Catalina Classic.” In his fifth decade as a devoted waterman,

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

B OAR D BUILDER

“MY FIRST CHANN CROSSING WAS IN 1976 OR 1977 WHEN I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL.

Left to right: The 80’s through 00’s. Decades of crossings Catalina, Molokai and still more horizons to come, for a true waterman with passion and stoke.

Bark says about his family, “As for the next generation of family paddlers and builders, my son Jack and my youngest, Sam grew up in the shop, on the water, on a board or an escort boat. Both Jack and Sam shape on their own and for Bark, along with doing research and development on new boards. Jack has always been surrounded by older

40 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

paddlers, whom he has watched for years, and has been able to pick up on the good vibe and future of the sport. He really loves being in the ocean, whether he is paddling, surfing or diving. He is very involved with all aspects of the company. Besides shaping and going to school, he helps out with the Bark gear and soft goods and helps out with design as well. I

see Jack being involved with Bark Boards for many years to come, not only because it is a family business but because he has such a deep love of the sport.” Prone paddling is growing and bringing fitness and happiness to more and more people, which is so exciting to see. Paddling has people who paddle solely for fitness and will never

NNEL TWO FRIENDS OF MINE AND I BORROWED 11-FOOT LIFEGUARD RESCUE BOARDS OFF OF THE LIFEGUARD TRUCK ON A FRIDAY NIGHT.”

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

B OAR D BUILDER

ON HIS SO N “HE HAS BEEN INVOLVED WITH ALL ASPECTS OF THE COMPANY. BESIDES

Left and right: Jack and Joe Bark after logging miles of paddle time in and countless variations of water, are able to put that knowledge into their shaping.

42 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

N J ACK, SHAPING AND GOING TO SCHOOL, HE HELPS OUT WITH THE BARK GEAR AND SOFT GOODS AND DESIGN AS WELL.”

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

B OAR D BUILDER

“I PADDLE NOT O HELPS ME BUILD race, as well as paddlers who love the races and train all year for them. I see the future of paddling growing and more races popping up every weekend in new locations. Paddling is a family affair for the Bark family. Being able to paddle the Catalina Channel with all four of my children has been very special. Having

44 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

my wife, Aimee, run the business with me and be our support at all times and at every single race, ties both our family and our business together. Paddling is great to stay in shape and have fun, and the friends you meet in the water are amazing. I paddle not only because it helps me build a great board by being on the water,

but because I love it.” And with that said, another board finished, and a new guard of watermen cultivated, Joe Bark will continue to look for new channels to cross and new horizons to charter, in keeping with the stoke and tradition of a board builder.

ONLY BECAUSE IT D A GREAT BOARD BY BEING ON THE WATER, BUT BECAUSE I LOVE IT.” STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

THE

DEAD LAKES TRAVELLER Earlier this year, I came across a photo from the Dead Lakes in Wewahitchka, Florida, and I immediately knew that I would have to visit at some point. It’s a two-hour drive from my home in the Panhandle of Florida, and a complete 180 from my regular scenery. Everything I’ve seen made the place look like a cross between Jurassic Park and a scene from The Lord of the Rings. I just needed to find the time to go paddle it. At BOTE, we had been diligently designing a board suited for the journeyman and

BY MAGDA COOPER PHOTOS SEAN MURPHY

46 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

explorer. When it came time to do some testing for our new board, the Traveller, I knew exactly where I wanted to go. The Dead Lakes seemed like a perfect fit. With two kids and a business to run, it is sometimes hard to get away for even a day. My husband Corey and I loaded up the SUV early one morning and headed toward the Dead Lakes. We took the scenic coastline most of the way before having to veer north. Once in town, we made a quick pit stop at a market to pick up some essentials like water, snacks and beer before heading out on the lake. For me, going to a new place for the first time is always a little nerveracking. Maybe it’s the mother in me, but about a million questions run through my head: “Is there public parking? A boat ramp? Do I need a permit?” Thankfully, the businesswoman in me did her homework and there was plenty of parking and a fully functioning launch site. My

48 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

nerves turned into excitement for what was to come. Pictures of the Dead Lakes do not do it justice. The uniqueness and beauty can only be realized and felt in person. It was quite the change from the white-sugar sand beaches and emerald green and blue waters that I’m used to, but a welcome one. I lost cell coverage somewhere along the way, but it was killer to not be constantly buzzed with emails and calls. I was able to focus on the things that were directly around me. There were huge waterlogged cypress trees, giant catfish skulls and hand-size spiders everywhere. Other than the Dead Lakes, Wewahitchka is known for Tupelo honey, and the buzzing sound from the bees is very much present. It’s almost like a living white noise machine. Getting boards from the top of our SUV to the water used to be somewhat of a hassle, but the Traveller features our new Travelink

PICTURES OF THE DEAD LAKES DO NOT DO IT JUSTICE. THE UNIQUENESS AND BEAUTY CAN ONLY BE TRULY REALIZED AND FELT IN PERSON. STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

50 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nยบ4 2O15

“BEHIND EVERY BEND THERE WAS A NEW PATCH OF TREES TO EXPLORE.”

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

52 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nยบ4 2O15

system. With a few simple clicks and little effort, my board goes on my shoulder, my hands are free to carry my gear and I’m on the water, ready to paddle the lakes that I longed to explore. While I’m not afraid of many things, I am terrified of sharks and alligators (funny, considering my choice of hobbies). And while I respect both creatures and know that we are in their environment, I still can’t help but freeze up if I encounter one. As we were putting in, a group of men were having lunch at the picnic tables by the launch. This probably wasn’t their first time visiting the lakes. They were there to do some bass fishing (the Dead Lakes are the No. 1 place for bass fishing in the state of Florida), and they kindly reminded me to watch out for the gators. They confirmed my fears that there are gators in the lakes, but I got a little relief when they said it was nothing in comparison to some of the other lakes they’d been to. Thankfully I quickly forgot about the chance encounter of a gator and was pulled into the beauty of the scenery on the Dead Lakes. Our gear for the day included large bags containing hammocks, a change of clothes, water, snacks and, of course, beer. Who doesn’t paddle with beer? Lugging around a bunch of gear on the deck of your board can be a small pain in the ass! Of course, this was part of the testing. If we were going to design a board to fit adventurers and travelers, then it had to hold gear, and comfortably. On this day, we were the test subjects, and we had lots of beer! We paddled the whole day and covered as much ground as we could. We had no clue where we were going. Behind every bend there was a new patch of trees to explore. Each and every tree trunk looked different, and each was its own piece of art. Waterlogged, swollen, dead, submerged, infested with spiders and all totally surreal.

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

“THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT PADDLING INTO THE UNKNOWN

THAT OPENS YOUR MIND AND BRINGS OUT THE BEST EXPERIENCES.”

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

“I HAVE EVERY INTENTION OF FINDING MORE OF THESE HIDDEN SPOTS THAT I CAN TRAVEL TO AND CONQUER IN A DAY.”

56 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

There is something about paddling into the unknown that opens your mind and brings out the best experiences. You don’t feel every paddle stroke. You become numb to any distance you travel, mostly because your mind is occupied with processing all the beautiful scenery and trying to figure out where you’re going. The main channel at the Dead Lakes is deep and clean of stumps and debris, so while staying in it, we were able to paddle without the worry of catching a fin on a hidden stump. And trust me, this place is a hidden-stump city. I was wearing a GPS watch at the request of one of the board designers. They specified that I paddle some in open water to obtain some speed data on the board. Needless to say, I was extremely cautious… did I mention alligators? After making our way down the channel, we discovered an area of tree canopies. This is where the true beauty of the Dead Lakes is. There really is no other way to be able to navigate into the canopies but on a paddleboard. For all I know, we could have been the first people to enter some of them. Around midafternoon it started sprinkling (that’s what we call a light rain in the South) so we made a stop under the cypress canopy. We hung our hammocks to have a place to relax. Having little sun and being slightly damp, it became chilly, so we started a stump fire and hung out for a few hours. Hidden from anyone who passed, the mood was surreal. It made me not want to leave and go back to civilization. A few boats passed, only a few feet from us, but had no clue we were there. We were completely hidden from reality. It was the first time in the last few years that Corey and I had gotten a chance to get away from everything and relax on the water for the day. However, my short attention span got the best of me and I was itching to see more. So before long we packed up the hammock, put out the fire and headed farther into the lakes to see what else was out there. I kept trying to go farther and farther, because I was dying to see all of the secrets the Dead Lakes holds. While there was still more to be paddled, we had to face reality and get back to the launch site and the kiddos. Before turning around we got some last-minute playtime on the boards. The sun had started to peek out and warm us a little so I decided to do a little risky swimming… and get my heart rate up from reptile fear! We made it back to the launch, pulled the Travellers from the water (the boards and the people!) and headed back to load up the SUV. Getting on the road before dark allowed us to see some of the backroad scenery while re-entering civilization. Something tells me that no matter how many times I go back to the Dead Lakes, I’ll always discover something new. The Dead Lakes is honestly one of the coolest paddles we’ve ever done. In total, we only covered about eight miles, but we did it in leisure and became fully captivated by our surroundings. With my busy schedule, traveling becomes harder and harder, and day trips are all I can squeeze in. The Traveller was built for just that: travel. I have every intention of finding more of these hidden spots that I can travel to and conquer in a day. I’ve lived on the beach for close to 10 years now, and I am making it a goal to visit a new place each year that is not directly on the coastline.

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

CALLED

WATERS T

en years ago one would never have imagined this sleepy old “surf-n-fishing” town would become a true paddleboarding haven, but thanks to the grassroots approach of tirelessly hardworking watermen and waterwomen, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, is a bustling paddle community. Whether you surf, SUP or prone, the opportunity is there, based on Mother Nature’s call. This is home to the Carolina Cup, the largest paddleboard race on the East Coast. For the last five years, its heroes have strung together a series of successful top-caliber race events for the last five years. Today, these watermen and women still get on the water to surf, fish, paddle or

58 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

Wrightsville’s water towers—solid reference points and distance gauges that make ocean knowledge just a little bit more accessbile—act as lineup markers and distance points for the true watermen and waterwomen of this region.

Conner Baxter, Travis Grant and Danny Ching play the drafting game inside the Wrightsville Sound during the Carolina Cup this past spring. The sport’s elite make the annual trek to race the 13-mile loop around the Wrightsville sandbar. They’re joined by a couple hundred men and women, who come to sample what this usually quiet town has to offer. No one ever goes home disappointed.

take a cruise on their boats to the outer banks. They have names such as the Pope, who paddles religiously; Chill, a red-hot surfer who moonlights as a mason during the day; Newkirk, an old pre-civil war generation mainstay; and the Distressed Mullet, creatively fished up by a man named John as in Beausang. And yes, there’s the flipside of the coin that makes up this community and keeps the waters balanced, with the likes of Carolina sweethearts Miss Kimberly James and April Zilg. And of course, there’s more to the Carolina community than just the Cup. A liquid tribe harmonizes on the waters of Wrightsville.

PHOTO ESSAY BY PAUL ENSYDE

VILLE

WRIGHTS

A PICTORIAL

A PICTORIAL After being on this stretch of sandbar for a week, the true beauty of Wrightsville Beach is watching weather patterns constantly change. One day itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glassy, the next day winds blow east to west or vice versa. When the offshores blow and a swell hits, the beachbreaks turn magical, or maybe the wind starts to billow the ocean, creating a pretty solid downwind run. Whatever the case may be, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a place that teaches a true waterman how to prepare for every aspect of riding. And when the fish are running outside the banks or the low-pressure systems start brewing deep water swells, you better have your boat or ski ready to roll.

Perhaps the Wright brothers took notes from soaring seabirds while building their historic aircraft.

On the southern end of one of the many banks, a young couple gets some alone time.

Kimberly James gets in some training time on the Wilmington waterway while taking advantage of the spring sunshine. After racing for more than six years, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seasoned women paddlers.

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

A top-notch judging pool at the Wrightsville Beach SUP Surf Pro-Am, spearheaded by Floridian Girard Middleton and overseen by local resident John Sedaris from North Carolina, did a solid job. Participants enjoyed fun waist-to shoulder-high waves.

62 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nยบ4 2O15

A PICTORIAL The Wrightsville Beach SUP Pro-Am contest, held April 18-19, kicked off a weeklong stay at the Oceanic Pier. A $6,000 purse for participants was sponsored by Hobie Stand Up Paddleboards and Salt Life. This SUP event featured divisions for men, women, amateurs and professional surfers, and brought 130 competitors from around the United States. One division showcased traditional longboard-style surfing on a stand-up paddleboard, a professional division welcomed men and women, and open divisions for amateurs brought out a competitive spirit in the fun, shoulder-high surf. In addition to the cash and prizes, the Newkirk Waterman Award in honor of Haywood Newkirk, Sr. was given to Fisher Grant from Florida, who had the highest combined finish in the pro and longboard divisions.

Florida Izzi Gomez (letf) ripped her way to win the finals while her brother Georgio (right) raised the bar and took first place.

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

Young Mo Freitas flew over from the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii, to sample the East Coast waters in the Pro-Am and the Carolina Cup. He was not disappointed while staying at Haywood Newkirk’s place across from Carolina Paddleboard Company’s shop. He also showed everyone where SUP surfing is headed with a 7’4” x 24” board made by Hawaii shaper Pat Rawson. The bar has been raised and the future is here. Freitas landed a runner-up finish.

64 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

Wrightsville local Anna Blackburn in the women’s finals, learning so much about competition.

Fisher Grant (above)surfed with lightning speed during the event while brother Kieran Grant (below) showed everyone what Florida has to offer on the water.

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

A PICTORIAL The hospitality in this surf town is unlike many around the continental U.S. Locals have an appreciation for whatever swell comes in and when outsiders come to compete it’s always fun to see where everyone stands. The Florida contingent made a big impact, as did Hawaii’s Mo Freitas; SoCal’s Colin McPhillips and his two boys, Kai and Dax; King’s Paddle Sports’ Dave Daum; and Naish’s Chuck Patterson. Jarrod Covington, Chris Hill and the local crew put on an impressive show while everyone was blessed with some fun waves.

Carolina Paddleboard Company’s Jason Colclough rode home waters.

John Sedaris and his staff put on a finely tuned event—must be thanks to his years in Hawaii, when he ran the All-Military Championships at Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point. Colin McPhillips took the win in the Longboard SUP Pro-Am.

Young Jenna Blackburn from Wilmington is the future.

66 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

Chuck Patterson paddled out at the Oceanic Pier after freesurfing almost all day long.

Colin McPhillips did his patented cutback during the finals.

Dave Daum flew out from California to win the Masters division.

Jarrod Covington rode his Ian Balding board to the finals.

View from the Oceanic Pier

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

WATERS

You might have seen him around while wandering through Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach: a distinguished looking Southern gentleman whose ancestors, born and raised in this area, date back to the Civil War, and can tell you a whole lot about the history of this place and their family. The man lives the lifestyle on the water. This fisherman, surfer, SUP adventurer, hardworking state appraiser and family man has seen a lot over the past five decades or so.

BEHIND THE SCENES: HAYWARD NEWKIRK

JASON COLCLOUGH AND THE CAROLINA PADDLEBOARD COMPANY

The Carolina Paddleboard Company is located at the mouth of the bridge from Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach, right next to the beautiful boats docked in the harbor. There, Jason Colclough, who bears a slight resemblance to Kid Rock, is tending to a slammed pre-summer business season. At approximately 1,200 square feet, the store is packed from wall to wall with boards, paddles, accessories and apparel, along with rentals. If you are going to paddle the waters of Wrightsville, this is the newest retail center for SUP and the best place to source equipment. Colclough has a firm grip on the local market all year long.

68 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nยบ4 2O15

UP AND AT ’EM: APRIL ZILG

VILLE

WRIGHTS

CALLED

April Zilg wastes no time in a 24hour day. Rising at 5:30 a.m., she starts her day in a newly built crosstraining facility. An hour later she’s at the boat dock to do a training run on her 12’6” Hobie race board. Then she heads to Carolina Paddleboard Company to take care of business or take some customers out for a paddle run. With all the training she’s done over the last two to three years, she’s quickly becoming one of the East Coast’s fastest paddlers on the water while maintaining a cool smile and the Carolina persona for which many local women are known. Remember the name April Zilg.

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

WRIGHTS

CALLED

WATERS

IAN BALDING SURF AND PADDLEBOARDS Ian Balding has been making boards for more than a decade. The former finish carpenter spends his days ramping up production of both surfboards and paddleboards for the local community, and also does out-of-state custom orders. He traveled and lived in many places, including Southern California and the East Coast, before establishing his home base in Wilmington, and finds the pace and lifestyle fit him well. Most people don’t realize that Balding’s custom wood boards are pieces of art (ianbalding.com); when taken out for a glide, they become art in motion.

THE BIG CHILL: CHRIS HILL We’ve featured Chris Hill (aka “Chill”), a fixture on the North Carolina SUP scene, a few times over the years. A longtime mason who can build the finest of red brick chimneys and custom tile walls and homes, Chill always has one eye on the surf along the coast of the outer banks of this area. He keeps his kids from getting into mischief while his wife, Jennifer, runs the Ohana Paddleboard shop in Surf City, on the outskirts of Wilmington. Living in this region lets Chill really focus on what he loves and stay out of the limelight while getting his water time in, enjoying family life, and being as productive as possible as a businessman running his construction crew and helping Jennifer with the shop. As we all know, there are only so many hours in a day for quality time, and Chill makes the most of them.

70 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

VILLE

THE POPE OF WILMINGTON

As one of the founding fathers of the Carolina Cup, William Pope can tell you the story about how this whole SUP thing got started in Wrightsville. Pope has been here just as long as any waterman and has logged countless miles on the water. But few fish tales could compare with his big story this year: During the Carolina Cup he took a woman out paddling as a favor to his friend, a doctor who offered a thorough check-up in exchange for teaching his wife to SUP. Pope, a 56-yearold who paddles four to file miles a day, five or six days a week, and surfs whenever possible, thought nothing of it, figuring he was in pretty good shape. “A heart healthy test gauges how much plaque you have in your arteries; normal scores range from 0 to 400. I posted a score of a whopping 2650. Holy crap! He worked me in for a heart cath so he could see just how bad it was. The doctor struggled with how, given my physical condition and the fact that I’m on the water almost every day, that much build-up could accumulate. Well, low and behold, this paddler had a right lower artery 100 percent blocked, which in technical terms is a heart attack. No pain and no noticeable signs. Evidently my heart had been blocked for about eight weeks. On my left side I had two arteries that were 95 percent blocked. When three of the

four main arteries are blocked it is called a Widowmaker for obvious reasons. The cool thing: When he did the procedure, the doctor found the right lower side had already found a path around the blockage and was functioning (the body was healing itself). He put two stents in the other two. Heart issues run in my family, but no one ever thought twice about it where I’m concerned, because I’m so active. When the doctor checked the efficiency of my heart it was equivalent to the heart of a teenager pumping at 70 percent, which is why I had no symptoms and, amazingly, no heart muscle damage. By the way, on the afternoon before the procedure I did my normal paddle loop of 4.25 miles in 52 minutes. With three of the four main arteries blocked they should have found me floating face-down in the river. I believe there is a story to tell here. Lots of people paddle for different reasons, and I found one of the best reasons ever! First off, if it weren’t for my love of paddling, I most likely would not have been here. Secondly, this sport connects so many of us and we have to look out for one another. Most of us only get one chance at life but by the grace of God I have been given a second!”

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

Call it a recreational fellowship among people of all ages, including first-timers excited to be on the starting line for the big race. The event is a solid way to show people what racing and the SUP community are all about, 3 mile race is the Harbor Island, 6 miles is called the Money Island race and the Graveyard is 13 mile, this way paddlers can choose a race that fits their skill set.

72 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nยบ4 2O15

A PICTORIAL

JOHN BEAUSANG

THE CAROLINA CUP The Carolina Cup has become one of SUP’s most important races, bringing together the top racers from all over the world during spring and connecting paddlers from throughout the East Coast. The Wrightsville Beach Paddle Club and its founding members started this event as a way to showcase their Carolina hospitality, and John Beausang has worked tirelessly to elevate the event, luring just about every elite SUP athlete to the quiet beach community. More than 600 participants from 30plus states and 12 countries run the 3-, 6- and 12mile courses. This year, Travis Grant, an Australian residing in Hawaii, topped the men’s division, and New Zealand’s Annabel Anderson won the elite women’s course. Of course, the big winners are the everyday paddlers who traveled from Massachusetts, Maryland, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi and even Texas. Everyone’s a winner and they all walked away with a smile and a medal.

John Beausang, the man behind the scenes and a prone long-distance course racer this year, planned everything, not knowing how the weather would be. Huge carnival tents had been set up for the weekend awards and after-party on the lawn of the Blockade Runner Hotel, race headquarters and the perfect venue for meetings, as well as great lodging for travelers and a 24/7 place to make small talk with other paddlers over breakfast, lunch or dinner. STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

A PICTORIAL THE CAROLINA CUP

The beach side of the Blockade Runner Hotel was the starting and finish point for the 12-mile pro class race, with 12’6”, 14’, prone board and outrigger canoe divisions. As usual, it became a battle between the four main guys. Winner Grant was followed by Maui’s Connor Baxter, Danny Ching from California and Tahiti’s Georges Cronstedt. The ever-changing conditions went from a perfect downwinding start with some great open-ocean bumps to a cross-current on the left turn into the sound. A calm, glassy turn back out to dead-lake-like conditions helped those who conditioned well enough to hammer to the finish line. As the East Coast scene continues to grow, so does the physical training of the new athletes and their knowledge and ability. Boards are more fine-tuned to ride anything Mother Nature throws at them.

JOHN BEAUSANG 74 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

JOHN A PICTORIAL THE CAROLINA CUP

A cat-and-mouse game: Connor Baxter pulls the train while Travis Grant takes advantage and drafts. Danny Ching strategically waits, and once the three of them are leading the way he makes his move. Danny turns back out to the channel into the open ocean. For spectators along the sound of Wrightsville, it’s a great opportunity to get a glance at the racers’ expressions and stroke techniques while cheering and rooting their SUP superstars, realizing these are the best at the sport.

76 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

BEAUSANG

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

JOHN

With half of the race left, some of the fastest paddlers in the world—from Florida, California, Tahiti, Europe and just about everywhere in between—keep their focus and stay hydrated.

This year there were more than 200 female competitors, making it one of the largest races on the East Coast. As the sport side of SUP continues to gain momentum, so will women on the water.

THE CAROLINA CUP

78 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

BEAUSANG

Rounding the turn from the ocean into the sound is yet another group of cats and mice taking turns leading the pack. This 6-mile stretch is never an easy one because it usually turns into a flatwater battle and either your hanging with the pack or dropping off the radar.

During the awards ceremony Robert Love (center) accepted the Most Inspirational Award for doing the 12-mile Graveyard race with only two weeks of racing under his belt and volunteering the whole week he was in Wrightsville for the Cup. John Beausang, Robert Love and Mark Schmidt enjoy the awards party at the Blockade Runner Resort.

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

VILLE

WRIGHTS

CALLED

WATERS 80 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nยบ4 2O15

A PICTORIAL

C L O S I N G This part of the Carolinas features many sanctuaries and sandbanks to discover and explore when not on the water. Constantly changing with the seasons, swells and winds, these discoveries are a reminder that although the Carolina Cup has put this place on the map (along with tireless guys like John Beausang, Mark Schmidt, Greg Ford, James Bain and other local surfers), this is still a sleepy rural community of hard-core watermen and waterwomen. They live for and appreciate every day, and as the conditions change, so does their discipline. That’s probably why they are so grounded by the seven-day forecast, the Atlantic Ocean, and the winds that billow the dunes, the sands and the waters called Wrightsville.

Get out to one of the island sandbars via boat and anchor it on the inside sound. Take a quick trek toward the Atlantic Ocean— chances are there’s no one out and some waves will break. Locals are led by Hawaii’s Mo Freitas, along with Georgio and Izzy Gomez.

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

BLOCKADE RUNNER HOTEL Looking for the best place to stay while visiting during the Carolina Cup or the Wrightsville Beach Pro-Am, well look no further as this place is a perfectly centralized location for your stay on the island. The parking-lot side is home to flat waters and the 3- and 6-mile race courses for the cup. The Atlantic

VILLE

VISIT

WRIGHTS

CALLED

WATERS Wrightsville Beach Museum

PLACES TO

STAY Ocean side is home to the start and finish of the 12-mile Graveyard race. There’s also a pool, bar and inside dining whether you want breakfast, lunch or dinner. Make hotel reservations early if you palant to enter the race, as the Blockade will fill fast with racers from all over the world.

RATING: Four stars LOCATION: 275 Waynick Blvd., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 RESERVATIONS: 910.249.4605 WEBSITE: blockade-runner.com

EAT LUNCH THE FISH HOUSE GRILL Next door to Carolina Paddleboard Company’s store sits the Fish House Grill, a great place for lunch. The ahi sandwiches are great. Just ask Hayward Newkirk who will order a sand and fries and have it delivered to his board just 50 feet away.

LOCATION: 1410 Airlie Road, Wilmington, NC 28403 TELEPHONE: 910.256.3693 WEBSITE: thefishhousegrill.com

DINNER THE BENTO BOX Chef Lee Grossman is an all-American guy with a talent for understanding international flavors. Since 2006 Lee has wowed the Wilmington locals and dishes up the finest sushi around. Chef Lee gets a 5-star rating for food quality and artistry. Bento Box has the freshest fish brought in from all over the world. You won’t be disappointed. If you like it hot and spicy, tell him you want the TurboCharged Brad Howard roll. LOCATION: 1121-L Military Cutoff Road, Wilmington, NC 28405 PHONE: 910.509.0774 WEBSITE: bentoboxsushi.com DINING HOURS: Mon - Wed 11:30-9:00 Thu-Fri 11:30-10:00

82 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

AN EVOLUTIONARY BREAKTHROUGH IN PADDLING. Prone + SUP with one board. The only paddleboards featuring a built-in paddle design.

prone2paddle.com | info@prone2paddle.com | @prone2paddle P2P_SUPMag_81915_v1.indd 1

8/19/15 11:13 AM

QUIVERS & W H E E L S CHRIS BRACK E T T

By Paul Ensyde

PACK IT AND RACK IT WITH CHRIS BRACKETT Owner, South Lake Tahoe SUP S O U T H L A K E TA H O E , N E VA D A

84 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nยบ4 2O15

South Lake Tahoe Paddleboard CEO Chris Brackett has a way of hauling things around. Whether it’s to El Dorado Beach in Lake Tahoe or a drive down the backside of the Sierras on the US Route I-395 with his “kid” crew (son Josiah) to check out Uncle Mike Muir’s digs in Dana Point, the trek is made with some wheels with flavor. In his heyday, in the booming home-construction days of Tahoe, Brackett was building lake houses and hauling supplies across town in his fleet of trucks and running a crew from job site to job site.

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

QUIVERS & W H E E L S CHRIS BRACK E T T

“THIS 1960 F250 4X4, MADE THE SECOND YEAR FORD’S FACTORY PRODUCED 4X4 TRUCKS, IT’S DEFINITELY NOT FACTORY ANYMORE!” That’s when he found his dream machine. He takes control of the road on this rebuilt Ford 250 Pickup. He says about his wheels, “This 1960 F250 4x4, made the second year Ford’s factory produced 4X4 trucks, it’s definitely not factory anymore! It has been quite a project over the last 12 years and there’s still more work to do. At least she is up and running.” SPECIFICATIONS INCLUDE Specs: 552 c.u., Ford Motorsport block, 608 hp, 688 ft. lb. torque with a fivespeed NV4500 and an Atlas transfer case. Dana 70 within the rear, high pinion Dana 44 in the front. Disc brakes all the way around. Built to tow and haul some pretty hefty loads.

86 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

Get Your Super On

Photo by Heather Jackson

This is Brittany Parker. Brittany is our hero.

She’s so cool that sometimes we find ourselves staring off into the water, wondering to ourselves, “why can’t we be more like Brittany?” We’ll work on that. In the meantime, at least we can help her get her super on with our powdered superfood blends. Maybe you eat organic veggies like it’s going out of style. Maybe the closest you’ve come to eating something green recently was the last time you fell off your board and swallowed some seaweed. We don’t judge. Either way, everyone can benefit from a Skoop of turbo-charged phytonutrients and adaptogenic herbs. We even have plantbased protein to turn you into a lean, mean, river-wavecrushing machine.

Intrigued? Go to healthyskoop.com and get yourself a

super sample box for just ten bucks. Or go all in with a big bag and take 25% off with code SUP25. And if you’re ever in the Boulder area, stop by the Skoop intergalactic headquarters and meet our team—8 humans, 3 dogs and counting.

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

healthyskoop.com

QUIVERS & W H E E L S CHRIS BRACK E T T

With this summer’s forecasted heat and the anticipated high number of visitors to South Lake Tahoe, don’t be surprised to see this ’60 Ford Pickup cruising down Highway 50 fully packed, racked and stacked.

88 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

BRACKETT WITH HIS “KID” CREW [SON JOSIAH BRACKETT] TO CHECK OUT UNCLE MIKE’S [MUIR] DIGS IN DANA POINT...

QUIVERS & W H E E L S BRAD HOWARD

By Jim Freeman

THE 832 CREW President, Howard Building Supply WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA

Brad Howard has the perfect waterman’s toys for a paddler. When we checked out his quiver, none of his boards had a ding or scratch. Due to his business in construction and homebuilding supply, he keeps all his boards safe, protected and free from elements that could harm them. His quiver compound is also home to the “832,” the name of his crew of watermen (as well as his house address). Brad decided if Danny Ching could have 404, he could call his crew the 832. A couple of them have commemorated this by proudly sporting an “832” tattoo while those with a dislike of needles go with the tee shirts that Brad printed up. In reality the original members of the 832 crew are actually the founders of the Carolina Cup: Brad Howard, William Pope, Mark Schmidt, Haywood Newkirk, James Bain, John Beausang and Chris Curry, who had to drop out early. Since founding the Carolina Cup, the group has expanded added Josh Gore, Chad Niccoll and Mike

90 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

QUIV E R •

6’6” Larry Mabile swallowtail “Mini-Simmons”

•

8’11” Andreini “Vaquero”

•

8’8” Andreini “Double-Ender”

•

9’2” Andreini “Vaquero”

•

9’4” Eavey “Noserider”

•

11’2” Hobie Terry Martin “Legacy”

•

10’ Bing “Feral Pig”

•

15’ Bark Downwind Prone

•

9’10” Cooperfish “Mello Yello Modelo”

•

16’6” Bark Unlimited Prone

•

10’2” Cooperfish “Hornet”

•

18’ Bark Unlimited Prone

•

12’ Andreini “Glider”

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

BRAD HOWARD HAS THE PERFECT WATERMAN’S TOYS FOR A PADDLER. Medwedeff. These watermen are known for setting the pace. Initiation involves being able to keep up with the crew, whether fishing and paddling, prone paddling a 5-, 9- or 12.5-mile loop from the compound, or just jumping on the boat and heading to the outer banks or sandbars when the surf comes up. You can count on seeing almost the entire group paddling together in the early morning, or on Brad’s boat on one of many surf breaks, hooting it up. “832” is more than a number; it’s a close group of friends that enjoying living on the edge of life.

92 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

CUSTOM BOARD BAGS

HANDCRAFTED CUSTOM BOARD BAGS FOR THE SERIOUS SUP ATHLETE

Made in the U.S.A.

.A.

midnightproducts.net • midnightproducts@sbcglobal.net Anaheim, CA Since 2006 • 714-630-1377

te 77

Anaheim, CA Since 2006 • 714-630-1377 midnightproducts.net • midnightproducts@sbcglobal.net

et 77

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

E E

QUIVERS & W H E E L S S E AN P OYNT E R

By Paul Ensyde

BRINGING HOME GOLD TO THE USA Professional SUP Athlete SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

94 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nยบ4 2O15

History repeated itself when Sean Poynter and Izzi Gomez took top podium places at the International Surf Association World Standup Paddle and Paddleboard Championship in Sayulita, Mexico, this past spring. Poynter put on an electrifying performance during the entire event and won the final against a stacked array of competitors from across the world, while Gomez surfed far beyond the caliber of her nearest competitor. Says Poynter of the magic board he rode to gold: “I took my 7’4” x 25.5” to Mexico and ended up winning on that

POYNTER’S QUIVER IS SIMPLE: •

9’8” x 30”

•

7’4” x 25.5”

•

7’8” x 25”

•

12’6” x 26”

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

board. As for the event, the ISA World Championship is really the best event that I get to compete in so I will definitely be planning on competing in the event for many years to come. Let’s just hope I can continue to qualify for it. And while this event is done, there’s more going on for the remainder of the year: World Standup Tour events, SUP wave clinics and various other ways to help SUP wave riders improve their surfing.”

96 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

“I TOOK MY 7’4” X 25.5” TO MEXICO AND ENDED UP WINNING ON THAT BOARD.”

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

QUI VERS & W H E E L S ING O RAD E MACHE R

By Eric Haka

OF CHICKENS AND QUIVER Co-Owner, Mahiku Apparel N O R T H S H O R E O F O A H U , H AWA I I

Ingo Rademacher got out of the Hollywood rat race several years ago and is digging life as a waterman and helping run his company, Mahiku, with his wife, Ehiku. It’s a 24/7 job with lots of water time and board R&D—he has to admit, it beats the grind of living in L.A., where he did a long stint on General Hospital and had a pretty good run to the semifinals on Dancing With the Stars.

•

YOLO surf models: 8’0”, 10’2”

•

10’6” YOLO All-rounder

•

1997 10’6” Aussie style prone paddleboard

•

12’6” SUP custom X-Racer (shaped by Kevin Seid and Ingo)

•

12’ YOLO Fisher

•

17’4” SIC V2 Bullet Molokai race board

•

18’6” Surf Ski

•

18’ prone unlimited board

•

14’ YOLO Orange Crush 25.5”

•

14’ Custom X-Racer V2 race board (designed for rough/flat water and shaped by Kevin Seid and Ingo for YOLO)

•

12’6” Yolo Predator

98 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

QUI VERS & W H E E L S ING O RAD E MACHE R

“I started surfing SUP in 2006 in Malibu. I didn’t really start racing until 2011 and now it’s my main workout; I race as much as possible. I’ll do the annual Turtle Bay to Waimea Bay race, every 4th of July race, and a few U.S. mainland race events, usually on my 14-footer. That’s my go-to board.” “Fourteen feet is great. I loved designing the X-Racer, but the Unlimited is more fun for me, mostly because of my size and weight.” As for whether it’s easier to raise his two boys, Peanut and Pohaku, or all his chickens, he says, “Chickens mostly take care of themselves, and take care of pests while giving us eggs.” And maybe one day those birds will outnumber his quiver.

WHETHER IT’S EASIER TO RAISE BOYS OR CHICKENS, “ CHICKENS MOSTLY TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES....”

100 /SPMagazine / VOL 7Nº4 2O15

A G O T ITH

YEMEN

V O M

T! A MA

YOGcompact than R U re re YO d mo o sto

OR is lighter asnare easierdte board F T I i P ard TF ng, w le SU e bo .

b lo EC addl yoga flata th a PREFus™ standdusp. Spevylor.’.s.NinO RACKl!yWdiesigned for Ind boar ACK rfect Our hard QUICK P s™ is pe r a l du regu nsport. he In tra se, t o n and d roun and

SEVYLORSUP.COM

*Indus™ board fits standard yoga mat 24"w x 68" h.

Designed & Tested in Hawaii Made in USA Enjoyed Worldwide

TRAVIS GRANT 2013 M20 Solo World Champion Elite OC-1 & OC-6 Paddler Sweet Waterwear Ambassador Gold Coast, Australia / Honolulu, HI

Honolulu, HI

sweetwaterwear.com/mens

888-275-1625

Samata_Ad_Spread_11_14.qxp:Layout 1 11/8/14 1:04 PM Page 1

Go Custom! At Indigo-SUP our boards are made from the ground up starting with the shape adjusted to suit your size and riding skills. Why blend in with the rest when you can make a ride as unique as you. Custom & Stock versions available in 12’6” and 14’. Hand made in the USA.

Reach beyond the shore...

indigo-sup .com faceb o ok .com/indigosup

X Form Series uses anatomically patterned construction based on muscle mapping and circulation patterns within the body. The NeoSkin stretch fabrication assists with core support, endurance, and focuses on key muscle groups needed for peak performance.

viru sintl.com

FernandoStalla | VTEAM Athlete

World Champions BLUE CARBON: LIGHTEST WEIGHT, QUICKEST RESPONSE, STRONGEST BUILD

TRIDENT PERFORMANCE SPORTS INC., CANADA/USA Ph: 866 929 9626 e-mail: info@tridentsports.com Photographer : Reed and Brian Bielmann

With light, durable award winning performance designs, Starboard continues as the trendsetter and world leader.

ALL ROUND 12’0”X 12’0”X 11’2”X 10’5”X

36” 33” 30” 30”

ATLAS EXTRA ATLAS BLEND DRIVE

SURF BIG BONE

PRO-PERFORMANCE

11’2” X 36” 10’0” X 34” 9’5” X 33” 9’0” X 33”

AVANTI WHOPPER WHOPPER HERO

10’5” X 32” 9’5” X 32” 8’10” X 32” 8’8” X 32” 8’2” X 32” 11’2” X 32”

WIDE WIDE WIDE WIDE WIDE WIDE

9’8” X 30” 9’0” X 30” 8’5” X 30”

ELEMENT CONVERSE POCKET ROCKET

WIDE POINT

SURF 30”

POINT POINT POINT POINT POINT POINT

9’0” X 29” PRO 8’5” X 29” PRO 8’0” X 29” PRO 8’0” X 28” PRO 7’7” X 27” PRO 7’4 X 25.5” PRO 7’1” X 24” PRO

Most models available in Blue Carbon, Wood, AST Electric and Starshot.

INNOVATION

RACE

EXPLORING

SURF / ALL WATER 8’6” X 31.5” 8’0” X 31.5” 7’8” X 30” 7’4” X 30” 7’2” X 28” 6’10” X 26.5” 6’9” X 23” 9’5” X 29” 9’0” X 28.5”

HYPER HYPER HYPER HYPER HYPER HYPER HYPER NUT NUT

NUT NUT NUT NUT NUT NUT NUT

ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL

STAR STAR STAR STAR STAR STAR STAR STAR

14’0” 14’0” 14’0” 14’0” 12’6” 12’6” 12’6” 12’6”

X X X X X X X X

28” 27” 25” 23” 28” 26” 25” 24”

17’4” 14’0” 14’0” 12’6” 12’6”

X X X X X

27” ACE GT 25” ACE 23.5” ACE 25” ACE 24” ACE

CHOPPY WATER

FLAT WATER

14’0” X 23” 12’6” X 25”

SPRINT SPRINT

14’0” X 30” 14’0” X 30” 12’6” X 31.5” 12’6” X 30” 11’6” X 29.5” 10’6” X 29.5” 9’6” X 29.5” 12’2” X 32” 12’2” X 30” 11’6” X 29.5” 12’10” X 33” 12’0” X 33”

EXPEDITION ELITE TOURING ELITE TOURING ELITE TOURING ELITE TOURING POCKET TOURING POCKET TOURING FREERIDE XL FREERIDE PADDLE FOR HOPE STEALTH SPORTSMAN

KIDS

ASTRO INFLATABLE RACER

12’6” X 28” ASTRO RACER 14’0” X 28” ASTRO RACER 12’6” X 26” ASTRO RACER

EXPLORING

14’0” X 31” ASTRO TOURING 12’6” X 31” ASTRO TOURING 11’6” X 30” ASTRO TOURING

ALLROUND

9’5” X 36” 11’6”x30” 11’2”x40” 11’2”x40” 11’2”x32” 10’0”x35” 11’0”x34” 9’6”x36” 8’6”x33” 12’0”x34” 12’0”x28”

ATLAS BLEND DRIVE WIDE POINT CLUB WHOPPER 18’6”X60” 11’2”x33” SURF 10’0”x35” 9’0” X 30” ASTRO CONVERSE

12’0” 11’2” 10’5” 10’5” 10’0”

X X X X X

33” 32” 30” 32” 35”

ASTRO ASTRO ASTRO ASTRO ASTRO

SPECIALTY ASTRO ASTRO ASTRO ASTRO ASTRO ASTRO ASTRO ASTRO ASTRO ASTRO ASTRO

10’6”X 24” ALL STAR JR. 10’6”X 25” ASTRO JR. 7’4” X 25.5” PRO (KID)

SUP POLO PFH EXPLORER YOGA40 YOGA CROSS OVER YOGA DASHAMA STREAM CROSS OVER STREAM X-STREAM SPORTSMAN OCEAN RESCUE

ASTRO STARSHIP ASTRO ATLAS ASTRO WHOPPER