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M A ST H E A D VOLUME 8Nº4

PUBLISHER Reid Inouye EDITOR Ben Marcus COPY EDITOR Mason Thorpe MANAGING EDITOR Lucy Lucille DESIGN First in Flight Creative ADVISORS NUTRITION COACH Scott Estrada YOGA INSTRUCTOR Jeramie Vaine TRAINERS Thomas “Maximus” Shahinian, EJ Johnson

STAFF WRITERS Stone Parker, Jim Freeman, Eric Haka STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Jim Freeman, Eric Haka, Paul Ensyde

STAY WARM. KEEP PADDLING.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Rabbit, top center. Photo courtesy: Rabbit Kekai Archives

ALBERT “RABBIT” KEKAI (1920 - 2016)

LAST OF THE WAIKIKI BEACH BOYS

Where would the paddleboard world be today if it weren’t for inspiration from surfing legends? After all, wave riding is what it is today because of those who inspired others to get out in the water and ride. Legends were born here, from Duke Kahanamoku and the Waikiki beach boys, who honed their trade and gave lessons while inspiring others. Those legends inspired the modern day world of surfing to inspire the next generation. And one, in particular, Albert “Rabbit” Kekai, for over eight decades honed his ability to “hotdog” the waves, which in turn brought others to get out and ride along with him, with or without a paddle in hand. For so many years Rabbit was a staple in Waikiki as a waterman who taught many others to surf, steer a canoe, cross a channel and read the ocean like no other. His knowledge of the sea was something that carried over for three or four generations until he finally couldn’t surf anymore - stopping about three years ago.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

photos: Eric Haka

Photo courtesy: Rabbit Kekai Archives

I always said when abbit ekai passes on to heaven’s outer reefs, so will the era of Waikiki’s legendary beach boys and the waves off the shoreline amongst the big hotels and tourism trade will never be the same. On June 25, several hundred friends, family, fans, students and disciples of Rabbit Kekai gathered on the beach at Waikiki to say Aloha to Rabbit - where Aloha equates to goodbye and love. On the beach were speeches, songs, and memories, with everyone paddling out to Q ueens to scatter the ashes of one of the kings of Hawaiian watermen. Sunny Garcia said: “Rabbit was a tough Hawaiian, but he was generally a super nice guy who always was willing to help people out, and I would say that’s the strength of the Hawaiian people. Hopefully, that’ll continue.”

Brian Keaulana said: “Everything I learned here as a kid, Rabbit would show me. Where the waves break, why they break there, when they break, what’s the tide like, or where holes are. It’s closing my eyes and knowing where everything is at.” unny and Brian two, of thousands of people - awaiian, kama’aina, malahini, haole, Japanese, Portuguese, everything - Rabbit Kekai introduced them to everything that is good about being on the water - on the ocean. Rabbit lived a good, long, adventurous kolohe life, but his passing is the end of an era. Aloha Oe Rabbit

Photos: Eric Haka

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C O NT E NTS V O L U M E

8 N º 4

: : 2016: :

OPENING SHOT

PUBLISHER’S NOTE Aloha to Albert “Rabbit” Kekai (1920 - 2016)

HOW TO Scott Estrada: The Yin/Yang of Bacteria Thomas Maximus: Strengthening Your Weakest Link Jeremy Vaine: Dolphin Pose E.J Johnson: Shoulder Stabilization

AN OBSCURE CORNER OF AN OBSCURE ARCHIPELAGO A SUP Trip to Tonga

DESTINATION: OAHU, HAWAII The Gathering Place

THE KID CAN GLIDE Connor Baxter Owns the Maui to Molokai Race

TRUE NORTH Naish’s Casper Steinfath, Conquering Waters From Denmark To Hawaii

QUIVERS AND WHEELS Martin and Bethany’s GXV Road Warrior

O N T H I S PA G E : C a s p e r S t e i n f a t h c h a s i n g a n Odyssey in Greece. Photo: Alex Grymanis/ Red Bull Content Pool

ON TH E COVE R: C a s p e r S t e in f a t h f i n d s that magic section at a remote point break somewhere in Macaronesia. Photo: Maxime Houyvet STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

H OW TO H EA LT H w ith Scott Estrada

GET CULTURED :: The Yin and Yang of Bacteria

It’s all about the good bugs really-and a few bad too- bacteria that is! You know the biome that resides in our gut as control central of the body’s immune generator. Wrap your brain around the fact that only about 10% of ALL cells in the body are “human” cells. The other 90% are micro bacteria living in their host body: US! About four pounds of our body weight is made up billions of living organisms that hold specific functional duties to keep our whole system in balance. Ideally that balance is about 70- 80% good armies and 20-30% bad guys like yeast, molds and fungus. When these antagonistic bacteria strains

multiply in large numbers and the balance is upset our immunity drops, in ammation increases, stress hormones rise, digestion slows, brain fog comes in: and the list goes on. Never before has it been so valuable to build a strong “no host environment” within our entire body to become non-welcoming for rogue microbes to settle in and multiply. Building the good armies and nourishing the inner environment could be the most biologically responsible practice a human being could engage in.

The first step in building the internal fortress of healthy bacteria is reducing what the bad bacteria feed and breed on: sugars in all forms. Moderation of starchy food intake is key when fostering a healthy bacteria balance for longevity, immunity, digestion and sound mental health. Cutting your sugar dependency might be the best thing you could do on several levels.

Always wise to seek grass-fed sources to lower risk of toxins or anti-nutrients.

Here are my Top Tips for nurturing a strong gut. Eat cultured/fermented foods. Living foods are magic. Eat and drink them regularly. Freshly cultured foods hold high levels of probiotics and enzymes that literally fertilize the inner soil for good armies to colonize and build.

Eat coconut foods. Coconut is one of the densest, most nutritious foods on the planet. The healthy MCT oils are easy to break down, convert to energy and aid in digestion, anti-microbial in nature and fiber rich.

• Sauerkraut • Fermented veggies/kimchi • Kefir (water/dairy/coconut water) • Teas/kombucha • Kvass (fermented raw veggie juices) • Miso • Pickles • Raw milk/cheeses/butter • Tempeh • Yogurt coconut or dairy (plain, grass-fed, organic)

Reduce stress. Chill Out. Get into play mode: outside, off the technology bubble and engaged in something you love to do. This is simple since you’re already drawn to water and paddling is a passion we share. Learn to breathe well. Life will reward you.

Drink Bone Broth. The right combo of amino acids, proline and glycine to help “seal’ a leaky gut and collagen to rebuild healthy cells.

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Eat Sprouted Seeds. Chia, Hemp and Buckwheat are great seeds to sprout to boost fiber, minerals, protein, and healthy fatty acids that all support micro biome balance.

Don’t underestimate the power of a No-Host Inner Environment when it comes to nasty microbes and the damage they can do. Stay on top of maintaining a healthy bacteria balance from head to toe and your digestion will be sound, immunity strong as iron, performance/recovery will soar and mental sharpness your best new friend. Keep Paddling!

Simple Coconut Milk Kefir Blend the water of two young coconuts with the coconut flesh into simple milk. Or find an organic coconut milk you like from the store. One-quart liquid. Add 1 packet of kefir starter culture and stir gently until the culture is fully dissolved. Cover the jar with a coffee filter or cloth, secured by a rubber band. Culture at 72°-74°F for 12-18 hours. TIP: Here’s how to tell your kefir has finished culturing: • Coconut milk will have a sour, less sweet aroma (but will not thicken) • Cover the finished kefir with a tight lid. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two to three weeks. Save ¼ cup to re-culture. • Enjoy this straight out of the glass or added as a smoothie base!

For info on this or other health/nutrition topics email Scott Estrada scott@risesup.com / Instagram: @scott_estrada

Photo: Scott Shannon

Ryan Helm Paddling his 14’ RP-Downwinder with 7.5” BUMP Paddle.

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HO W TO TRAINING with Thomas “Maximus” Shahinian

STRENGTHENING YOUR WEAKEST LINK :: Part 1 We’ve all heard the analogy that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. The holy grail of an efficient paddle stroke is an elaborate synchronization of movements and muscle groups that rely on multiple components engaged and disengaged at precise moments. Before discussing the complexities of the system, we’ll begin focusing on individual components.

Prior to setting your blade at the catch, you’re still within your recovery phase of the stroke. Therefore utilize this time with a relaxed, slightly open grip to avoid forearm cramping while extending your reach, as you begin to initiate setting the blade and the board’s forward momentum allows you to close your grip effortlessly before you begin the pull/power phase of the stroke.

We’ve discussed in previous articles the importance of setting and loading your paddle blade. Here’s another analogy to help illustrate a deliberate catch: Reach into a bowl of popcorn and remove your hand quickly while attempting to grab the biggest handful of popcorn as possible! Try it again - except this time once your hand is submerged in the bowl, close your grip removing it with less haste while concentrating on feeling the kernels interlock together to enable you to grab a huge handful of popcorn. Developing a feel for the water is paramount to achieving an effective catch!

Once you’ve set and loaded the blade at the catch, shift your hips back toward the center-line of the board and begin to transfer your body weight through your top hand onto the paddle. Look closely at the top paddlers who have mastered this technique and you’ll notice their boards appear to rise up in the water as they initiate the pull/power phase of their stroke as they transfer a portion of their body weight from the board to the paddle.

Try hanging from a chin up bar for as long as possible with your arms slightly bent and then completely straight. You’ll learn that you fatigue much sooner with bent arms! So why inhibit the length of your reach and fatigue sooner with a bent arm as you begin the pull/power phase of your stroke? Bend your arm after you’ve initiated your large muscle groups to complete your stroke and prepare to cleanly exit the water.

NOTE: This is an abbreviated overview of the “Paddle Stroke” technique and significantly expanded upon within individual and group paddle clinics with Thomas Maximus. Email Maximus@FirstTeamXtreme.com to schedule a clinic at your local shop.

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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 over 80 first-place wins and multiple course records.

H OW TO YOG A w i t h Je ramie Vain e

ALL ABOUT THE SHOULDERS ::

Dolphin Pose

tand-up paddleboarding is an amazing, low-impact, full body workout. rom our toes to our fingers, numerous muscle groups are utilized to paddle. owever, our shoulders are an important piece to the puzzle of a safe and efficient paddle stroke. They are involved in all the phases of the stroke - catch, power and recovery - and need to be taken care of before and after our time on the water. Dolphin pose is a great way to help our shoulders as well as other key parts of the body used in SUP.

Start in a tabletop position: hands below shoulders, knees below hips. Lower down onto the forearms, making sure the arms extend straight out in front of the body, elbows bending at 90 degrees and shoulders are directly above the elbow. The legs will bend at the knees and go directly behind the body and the toes will stay curled.

3 On the exhale of the breath, engage the core and raise the hips towards the sky and the knees will float off the ground. The feet will stay at hip width, two fists apart, and the body will make an upside down v shape like downward facing dog.

As the hips float into the air, ground down with the forearms and hands. The elbows will be at a 90 degree bend, shoulders directly over the elbows, just as when the knees were on the ground. The head will hang heavy, releasing tension from the neck and back, the hands and forearms will stay active. The thighs will rotate inward as if a pillow or block was being squeezed by them.

To move into a deeper variation of this pose, walk the feet towards the elbows. This will begin to lengthen the backside of the legs - the hamstrings. As the feet move closer to the shoulders, make sure the elbows stay below the shoulders and not fall out to the side. The hands and forearms will actively pull back towards the feet, engaging the upper back and shoulders. Stay in this pose for three to five breaths and it can be integrated into any warm up or cool down. It will increase flexibility and strength as well as relieve stress and calm the mind.

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.

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H OW TO T R A I N I N G with EJ Johnson

SHOULDER I N J U RY P R E V E N T I O N :: The Importance of Shoulder Stabilization There are a large number of muscles involved in optimal shoulder function. The rotator cuff (RTC) muscles are vital for the normal joint mechanics of the shoulder. The RTC is also a common area of dysfunction. It consists of only four muscles: the suprahinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor. Many shoulder injuries are preventable by strengthening the RTC and scapular musculature while maintaining joint mobility and stability. Which is why it is important to perform the right types of exercises and avoid poor technique faults and training methods. This is also crucial in performing a correct paddle stroke. Any overhead carry exercises are also productive for trunk stabilization.

INSTABILITY This occurs when the shoulder joint deviates out of its normal position: the humeral head moves out of the glenoid fossa. This can be a minor shift in movement, which is called subluxation but can progress to a more serious injury. Individuals who suffer from an instability problem will experience pain with active elevation of the arm and may feel as if the shoulder is slipping or moving out of place.

A word of caution: If there is pain or inability to hold a kettlebell, you should stop exercise immediately and seek medical advice.

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2 0 1 6

HOT SPOT

TONGA TO NGA

AN OBSCURE CORNER OF AN OBSCURE ARCHIPELAGO

Pete Cox and Benny Brown paddling over from the boat to the deserted lineup at Stop Over Island.

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PHOTOS AND STORY BY SCOTT MCKERCHER

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

HOT SPOT TO NGA

“Tonga?” said the guy at the airport departure desk. “Is that in Africa?” You’d think a guy who worked at an airline would have better geographic knowledge than that. Sure if I said Fiji or Tahiti his eyes would have lit up and said, “A south seas holiday, you lucky bugger.” But Tonga has slid under the radar regarding what’s cliché d as a tropical paradise. And that’s just the way Whale Discoveries like it. The Sheen Family of Dave, his wife Tristan and their two children Kai 17 and Dior 14 have been living in this surreal world for quite some years now, having spent the majority of the kids’ lives roaming the planet’s oceans on various yachts. (The longest they’ve lived on dry land in a proper house was one year)

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On a deserted island you can act a little whacky. Couple of beers and a picnic basket to explore Stop Over island.

I hadn’t seen much of Dave apart from casual brief encounters back in his old and my current hometown of Margaret River in Western Australia. But when the mail came through with a couple of pics asking if I wanted to try to organise a group of SUPpers to visit, my answer was a most definite yes. aving spent years alone out here surfing, the idea was that UP could be the perfect marriage with their whale watch business. The waves of Tonga are still hollow and quite powerful, but New Z ealand gets in the way and blocks a fair bit of the swell that’s hitting Tahiti and Fiji. So the diehards can have their Cloudbreak and Teahupoo with 50 other frothing surfers, while Dave has been quite content to be surfing alone, but not lonely, perhaps until now. Tris was quite interested as to how Dave handled having to surf with someone else, as the move to bring people out wasn’t a decision that was made whimsically. The main island isn’t set up for mass tourism either, with most of the bricks and mortar going into churches rather than big hotel chains, but that isolation from the mainstream is also something of the allure of this little Pacific outpost. It’s just so out there in so many ways. Our group met up at Sydney airport with a couple of beers. Old mates were catching up and new friendships being born. Pete Cox was based in Bali for many years before it all got too hectic and moved back to East Oz . With Pete was Benny Brown, a builder from over that side as well.

Tonga has slid under the radar regarding what’s clichéd as a tropical paradise. STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

HOT SPOT TO NGA

Just taking turns, feeling out the wave, like going on a first date. 42 /SPMagazine / VOL 8Nยบ4 2O16

Surf and turf, Tonga style: Dave filleting fresh-caught Mahi on the stern of Wildlife, with knife skills passed onto his son Kai who was responsible for most food prep that required a knife or machete.

Dave Sheen looks cool and casual in most situations on and under the water.

I initially had a bunch of people interested from West Oz , but one by one they all fell through with one family or work commitment after another. But the one fella that pulled through was 63-year-old Chris Waterman (Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s his surname, not an overused moniker for someone who surfs) o after the ight and early morning arrival, it was meet and greet with Dave, into the back of a truck and 10 minutes later we were sipping beers on the back of his 53 foot performance Schioning catamaran. A total weapon. atigue finally hit, and we hit the bunks but only a couple of hours later we were woken by the diesel racing up. Straight up on deck to the most insane technicolour sunrise and oil ocean and our adventure began.

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

HOT SPOT TO NGA

Dave Sheen dropping in and feeding it off the bottom.

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Apres beers to celebrate the first surf of the trip. You could say stoke levels were pretty high.

STOP OVER ISL AND Without giving too much away we sailed for a quite a while, but that was in and out of sleep deck side, in bean and board bags. Fatigue quickly vanished, however, when Stop Over Island came into view. I had the feeling I was on Fantasy Island: Insanely beautiful with wrapping reef pass and the chance of seeing another surfer being next to none. o the pleasures of sussing out a new wave for the first time without having to deal with stink eye for arriving with a paddle. Just taking turns, feeling out the wave, like going on a first date. A little apprehensive at first but slowly warming to the occasion. Back to the boat for apres session beverages, soaking up the last golden rays of the sunshine that lit up the island as the golden uid goes down the throat with stories owing. Then the sun set and the food came out and the long day - always the case of the first day of a trip - was over, with the light splashing of water on the gunnels lulling us into slumber. Pretty soon after first light, I was up sniffing for caffeine, and

Capt Dave wasn’t around. Upon asking his whereabouts, I noticed a silhouette stroking into a wave. Obviously, he needed a bit of alone time before the interlopers came to join him. Session two was even better as the slight southerly drift had gone from the day before. Dave was all over it moving around knowing which ones you go deep on, while the rest of us were still pretty much feeling the place out in comparison. Left alone at the end of the session I paddled till my shoulders had only enough left to make it to the boat. The food was waiting upon return to the vessel as we then took off again on route to Base Camp island. Only another couple of hours away we sailed past numerous other islands with Dave full of stories about boating misadventures. Obviously, the dream is a reality of sailing and finding uncharted waves, but the dangers are ever present, with some of the stories reiterating that fact. Which is why I’m so in awe of the Sheen Family as they’ve gone and lived the lives that so many only talk or dare to dream about.

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

HOT SPOT TO NGA

Rapid acceleration to getting overtaken with a quick dose of respect. This wave had some grunt too.

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Pete Cox is an Aussie who spent many years living in Bali, but returned home to Oz. Here he is getting his island style fix.

Benny Brown looks like a biker or bouncer that you wouldn’t want to mess with, which couldn’t be any further from the truth. He’s the nicest surf stoked bloke you’ll ever meet.

HOME ISL AND On our approach to the Home Island, it soon became evident how much of a passion for whales Tristen Sheen has. Upon seeing a whale, we are on it and tracking, waiting for it to slow down as they quite often do here, as they’re not passing by like I see at home in WA. They’re here to hang out and mate, and quite often quite curious about the boat as well so we were told. This day had us finned and goggled following it up and down the reef. But then Dave mentioned that pass we just passed was surfable, and I was over the edge sussing out yet another foreign wave. Coming in from behind I was thinking it looked small and a bit gutless, but these thoughts were rapidly quashed as soon as I stuck my nose over the ledge. Rapid acceleration to getting overtaken with a quick dose of respect. This wave had some grunt too. Once the others got bored of chasing whales they came and joined me, then the tide rose, and the wave just vanished into thin air. It was gone. So we motored the last little bit into the lee of the island where the Sheens have established their land camp over the last couple of years. From the boat, the shoreline looked like a beautiful beach fringed by jungle. But touching land and walking into the forest, you could see just how much work they’ve done. Just the clearing of the sites with machete for the Beach Barn and surrounding showers and glamping tests, veggie gardens, horse paddocks, their little shacks they’ve built for themselves. (Hurricane proof and quick to disassemble.) We were all in awe. Especially when you realiz e that everything was brought in. We had a quick tour and meet and greet by the rest of the people working there. An eclectic bunch of intrepids no doubt. Alece the young boat captain and whale expert; Ash, the free-dive instructor doing her doctorate on environmental something or other helping to set up sustainable waste management on the island and aylie, the outh African teacher of their kids who finished her law degree, and rebelled against her mother to become a teacher in the far-off Pacific. So while I went and frolicked on the right and left in front of the camp as the sun was setting, this well-oiled machine of a team prepped and served food fit for a king, with nothing but the freshest provisions. I thought their son ai was a bit of a psycho at first with his constant sharpening of his machete. But in the fullness of time I got to see why as he consistently used it in some form or another. So not to bore you with the semantics, that was the trip in a nutshell. We surfed and were fed and entertained in an old-world way: Liar dice, cards, pool darts, ping pong and a myriad of other amusements, not reliant on a phone or computer. The whole Sheen family is pretty competitive, me not being that at all!!! It was game on. We were meant to have a beach barn Olympics, which I, unfortunately, had to bow out of due to rupturing the AC joint of my shoulder after a particularly unfortunate altercation with the reef. (So that’s going to have to wait till next trip Kai.) But even jacked up on codeine in quite the considerable pain for four days, it couldn’t dampen my affection for this place. I turned into the film guy, witnessing the other bastards get so many waves, but I wasn’t that affected as I’d had so many up to that point of the trip. However, the last session on the way back at Stop Over had me pinging a bit, as it looked fun, but them’s the breaks, so they say. Back in the rhythm of this so-called reality that I live, I cast back a thought and wondered: Wow, did that really happen?

D E ST I N AT I O N

OAHU HAWAII The Gathering Place

Photo: Eric Haka

The day completes with a paddle at Anahulu Stream in Haleiwa and discovering a massive turtle sanctuary and enjoying the sunset on the water. Photo: Michael Inouye

Photo: Eric Haka

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Photo: Michael Inouye

Race ready at Sunset Beach. Photo: Eric Haka

Imagine boarding a plane from anywhere, U. .A. and catching a ight to a warm, tropical destination where the water is crystal blue and lively. ight women did just that. They came from all over the U. . ome came to see if they could ride a wave, some to learn the true meaning of connecting on water, and for some, the opportunity to get away and feel the culture and discover the meaning of Aloha. But whichever way you look at it, the worst day on the island of Oahu turned out to be a memorable day in the life of these women by land and sea. amata agazine, our sister publication pulled off the first of many camps which were sponsored by BI port. Upon arrival, amp amata participants landed in onolulu and were whisked away by private shuttle to tandup Paddle agazine’s publication warehouse. They received their first taste of aloha from BI UP ambassadors asi ynkowski and Anna Levesque who assisted during the week. P ag’s warehouse consists of a workout facility, the amata oga loft and a holding area for D An early morning hike to Pu’u o Mahuka Heiau overlooking Waimea Bay Photo: Eric Haka

Photo: Michael Inouye

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DESTI N AT I O N OAHU , H AWAII

Photo: Eric Haka

In one days time these eight women will be part of the largest paddleboard race, the Hui O He’e Nalu Paddleboard Race...

Photos: Michael Inouye

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Mahina Chillingworth, Race director of Hui O He’e Nalu Paddleboard Race with the women of Camp Samata. Photo: Eric Haka

testing of over 100 SUP boards and a general lounge area. It was here they got a second dose of aloha: swag! The gear bags were Sea To Summit Sprint Drybags and humbu Adventure backpacks filled with everything from Cobian sandals, shoes from Astral, leggings from Mahiku, Virus International, lipins urf kins, Teeki, helta ats, e ekt eyewear, GoMacro bars, Skoop plant protein nutritional supplement, bikinis and swimwear from Anita and Gypsea. Stream2Sea provided them with protection from the sun, and Bug Protector provided them with that- bug protection. One of the best things about the personal care items was they could count on them being organic, reef safe and environmentally safe. Safety gear was provided by MTI Adventurewear with PFDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for everyone. Minutes away from the facility the women got their first taste of Ala oana Beach Park, for their first paddle clinic. The paddle clinic featured a surprise guest; their instructor was none other than this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s runner-up Molokai2Oahu winner Travis Grant. The reality is setting in that not only are they in paradise, but they are going to be in for some real surprises daily from the celebrity team, the goods but also the daily clean organic meals and the Hawaiian 7 -day forecast. After the paddle clinic Eric Keawe orchestrated the Hawaiian blessing and welcomed the women to share in his culture with an opening Pule. Dinner was shared with Travis and Eric at one of the hidden gems of Oahu, a Vietnamese vegan Photo: Michael Inouye

Photo: Michael Inouye

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DESTI N AT I O N OAHU , H AWAII

(below) Paddle Clinic with Travis Grant at Ala Moana Beach Park Photo: Michael Inouye

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Sunset paddle on the North Shore. Photo: Michael Inouye

Photo: Eric Haka

organic cafe, imple oy. The days are long, filled with much to remember. Up early, it helps to start the day with a shot of organic espresso or a custom latte or Americano. Breakfast is light but filling and mornings commence on the mat with a quick yoga session with Anna. very day the local forecast dictates the day’s activities. A good start is basic water training with asi and Anna and the amp amata staff. The phrase, “circle island” describes the trip to the base camp house with a variety of stops. A drive to the Pali Lookout while heading to the windward side of Oahu and feeling the ana power and spirit). At the Pali Lookout, one can experience m.p.h. winds that blow up the face of the mountain range where ing amehameha the Great won his battle to conquer the island. ircling round on the windward side the tour stopped at hinaman’s at. Along the way, we discover the North hore fruit stands. xotic fruit such as tart apple bananas, starfruit, dragon fruit, coconuts, sticky mangoes, and creamy cherimoya naming a few to wet the palette. Basecamp is a five-bedroom house on the North hore of Oahu, across from harks ove with a full view of the auai channel. orning water conditions are checkable from the lanai with the trade winds stirring. unsets are picture perfect. As the week progresses it’s all about being on the water, feeling the water, knowing the water, and prepping for the main reason of being on the North hore. In one days time these eight women will be part of the largest paddleboard race, the ui O e’e Nalu Paddleboard ace, aka the ui Independence Day ace. It’s a fun race where anyone and everyone participates: children, families, adults, newcomers and even those with more experience. The women have the chance to pre-walk through the

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DE ST IN ATI ON O A HU , HAWAII

Going over the logistics before hitting the water for a first time SUP surf session. Photo: Eric Haka

Photo: Eric Haka

...it’s all about being on the water, feeling the water, knowing the water... course, then stand at the starting line at unset Beach. The following day it will be transformed with a massive amount of paddlers. unset Beach is known for its big waves during the winter but beautiful blue calmness of summer. They stop at the midway point on land, at the infamous Banzai Pipeline and end with a stop at the finish at Waimea Bay. The experience ends with familiarizing themselves with the last paddle stretch of the race launching from hark’s ove and simulating the course line to the finish at Waimea Bay. orning of the races no jitters, no fear as the magazine safety team had everyone set and in place with specific instructions as to course management and making sure TI P D’s are worn and that they know how to use them. And they have their OW IT race leashes. Three and a half miles and a whole lot of fun while learning about how awaiians put on an authentic race with a Pule prayer). Along with plus participants for the short course, the air is charged with excitement and anticipation of a super fun time. ahina hillingworth puts on this race with several things in mind: safety, family and taking care of every participant: where everyone is a winner and where the culture is embraced while the wind from Waimea Valley blows pure aloha along the people who embrace the land, water, and vibe of the event. ach year this race grows in numbers. The evening ends with dinner on the green at Lei Lei’s at Turtle Bay esort and watching fireworks. ace day is over. ompleted. The competitive nature has been discovered for the first time in some or just the satisfaction that they could do it. There is no down time as in the early morning mist Waimea Bay beckons and the call is answered. The scene, this time, is different than the previous day. It is early enough that it is empty and relatively quiet. alm, clear waters give everyone a chance to decompress. Across the bay, they paddle to a spot called ump ock, a -foot high rock that rises out of the water. The daring make the leap into the water with its pool-like soft sand bottom deep enough to cushion the landing. Before noon the crew head to Waikiki for UP surf instruction with two awaiian watermen: dmund Pestana and Leleo inimaka. Tired but satisfied by the sixth day they were contemplating how fast these seven days passed. The last two days are spent getting in the water as much as possible soaking up the salt from the ocean as they feel it, connected with it, running through their veins. The last evening is spent where it all began at Ala oana Beach Park with dinner on the beach and a closing Pule on the water. The day of departure bags are packed, and most is made of the remaining time with getting in the water for an early UP surf session. ome catch their departing ight with saltwater on their skin. It was a chance to experience water time with true watermen and experience awaiian aloha spirit while learning to connect with lively waters whilst building friendships that will last a lifetime. If you wish to come join us for a amp amata experience go to, samatamag.com and sign up for newsletter updates.

No better place to learn to SUP surf then Waikiki waterfront. Photo: Eric Haka

Grounding on land before getting in the morning water session. Photo: Michael Inouye

An experience to remember paddling with Diamond Head in the backgroud. Photo: Eric Haka

THE KID CAN

G L I Seven Years, Seven Time Winner M2M

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D E B Y PA I G E T U R N E R PHOTOS BY KAREN BAXTER

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IT’S JULY 2010 and Rodney Kilborn of Handsome Bugga Productions puts on an SUP Race across the Pailolo Channel. Maui2Molokai is a twenty-seven mile downwinder. Among the watermen who are racing is an unknown: a boy of fifteen, weighing about pounds and approximately 5’5”. The media described him as scrawny though his mother described him as a skinny kid, who had just got his braces off. ither way, the kid looked out of place amidst these grown men with their muscles and brawniness; men like Dave alama, kolu alama, Livio enelau and ark aaphorst. e was unassuming, and he let his actions speak. The headline from for read, “The 15 year old that no one knows – beats out the elite class of downwind paddlers.” This unknown was Connor Baxter. ast-forward to , that year old has turned into an accomplished young man: The reigning champion of M2M for the past seven years. You could say Connor Baxter owns this race. It’s his. Connor Baxter is no stranger to crossing the channels between the Hawaiian Islands. When he was eight years old, he crossed the Pailolo channel between Maui and Molokai on a sailboard: “It was an event sponsored by Youth in Motion that I competed in every year after that,” Baxter said. “The event was to raise money for the less fortunate kids in Molokai and I would bring over all my old clothes and sporting equipment to give away.” Back then onnor didn’t train, he just did it for the pure fun of it and the exhilaration. The inaugural race holds the most significance to onnor as he was the only kid in the pack. The initial challenge of this race is leaving aui: There is not much wind, you’re in the lee of the island, it’s at water and no one likes at water. veryone was on sixteen or seventeen-foot boards. Karen Baxter remembers that even Alan Cadiz was on an eighteen and then there was Connor on a fourteen footer. “I remember looking at all the other racers and they were so far ahead of onnor I felt a little sad, thinking this poor kid has been left in the dust.” But her opinion was soon to change. As they approached the middle of the channel, that’s where the wind showed up and Connor started doing what he does best: catching the bumps. All of sudden he was catching up and without realiz ing what happened next he was next to Dave Kalama and close to Kamalo. Dave Kalama remembers what happened next: “Later there was a moment after Connor got about a hundred yards on me that I thought I’d better make a move or it was over for good. So I really went to work and, in my opinion, really started to y.

Getting monster glide after monster glide, I started to gain some ground back, but just not enough, so that’s when I conceded and realiz ed that this kid can really glide.” They ran into Ekolu who had gone way south. Connor and his escort boat watched Ekolu coming up damn fast from the south. When you turn into the channel at Kaunakakai you think you’re home free, but the headwinds meet you and on the escort boat there was doubt the skinny kid could fight back and push forward against the wind and the at water into the harbor to the finish line. It was by a few seconds that onnor beat kolu that first year. Before the race Karen had gone to Costco and bought a big box of eese’s candies, motivation only a mother’s love would do. he told onnor: “ ou win this race you get this entire box of Reeses.’” which happened to be Connor’s favorite. She didn’t really

“THIS WAS THE FIRST YEAR IT STARTED AND IT GAVE ME THE SPARK FOR NOT ONLY THIS CHANNEL BUT MY ENTIRE STAND-UP CAREER.” think he would win the race but at least it would be a nice consolation priz e. When onnor crossed over that finish line and the escort boat was within talking distance, Ekolu came across the line next and the two were going through the congratulatory tradition onnor stopped and yelled: “ om I get the box of Reeses.” Ekolu stopped in disbelief and looked at this scrawny/skinny kid:, “Box of eeses ou just won four thousand dollars!” onnor replied, “I just want the box of Reeses.” That’s all he was thinking about. With seven consecutive winning M2M titles, we asked onnor what goes through his mind each year. “This is such an epic run. One of the best channels in the world for a straight up downwind event and I love

surfing bumps or me this has become one of the easiest to prepare for because I know I’m going to have fun. Every year the conditions may be different but the guarantee of having bumps to surf are there. Of course the longer I hold the record, the pressure to win and keep the streak is there. But I think that helps me win every time. “ Every year Connor can depend on a newcomer who enters the playing field intent on winning and giving him a run for his money. But with his dad on his crew Connor believes that he has the line dialed. Connor shared with us his most vivid memory from each year: : This was the first year it started and it gave me the spark for not only this channel but my entire stand-up career. I had no expectations going into this event. I was 15 – and had been going out on some downwind aliko runs with ark, Livio, eremy, cott, Andrea just having fun. But they definitely pushed me by going with them. And connecting the dots just seemed to come naturally. Getting to stand on the podium after that event with kolu, Dave, Livio, and ark was a surprise – and at the same time an incredible experience. : It was a great battle with Dave Kalama but we talked to each other as we caught our glides along the way. The conditions that year were awesome. The wind was cranking – and the waves were good. About 1 ½ hours into the crossing we were in the deep, deep blue in the channel. I was connecting small bumps and then connected to a 5-foot swell that started to break. I was all the way back on the tail of my 16-foot board and the nose pearled – water was up to my knees. I came to a complete stop and the board and I did a complete ip. I thought for sure my board had broke into two pieces. When I came up the first thing I saw was the worried look on my parents’ faces – then I looked at my board – and it was in perfect condition. So on with the race. This was also the first year that odney Kilborn put on the Triple Crown of SUP – with the M2M as the third event. And I won the Triple Crown. : This was another great battle with Dave Kalama – third year in a row. The conditions this year were epic. The wind and current lined up perfectly – and being side by side with Dave pushed me. We just had glide after glide of the most perfect downwind conditions. We traded places so many times, I thought for sure he was going to win. And then I would connect a few glides and be way out in front. This is the year I set the record time of 2:55:46! Also, this was the second year of the Triple Crown of SUP – with the M2M as the third event. And I won the Triple Crown.

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“AS ALWAYS - I STILL HAD A LOT

2010

2011

2015

2016

: This was the first year that Travis Grant did the . We were together in the beginning of the race. But I managed to pull away before Kamalo and won by over four minutes. : This was a great year for competition with Dave alama returning, Travis Grant competing again and ai Lenny competing for the first time. Great conditions as always and I won by over two minutes. : att Nottage surprised me in the first hour. I wasn’t

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expecting him to be right next to me, but I held my line. When we got into the channel and I started catching bumps I started to pull away. I won that year by over seven minutes. This year was harder conditions. Light winds – especially during the first half of the race. As always I still had a lot of fun doing this channel! : This year Travis Grant did the event again and it was great to have him push me as always. It was a hard race, with Travis and

OF FUN DOING THIS CHANNEL!”

2012

2013

2014

THE CHRONOLOGICAL FINISH TIMES FROM 2010 (15 YEARS OLD) TO CURRENT:

2010 3:28:51 FINISH TIME:

2011 2012 FINISH TIME: 3:10:44 2:55:46 FINISH TIME:

(SET RECORD)

2013 3:09:57 FINISH TIME:

me going back and forth – and it reminded me of when I was racing with Dave Kalama. Travis and I also did a little talking on some glides. I was still able to come out on top. This year the weather predictions were pretty bleak. We thought there was going to be too much north wind. But conditions in the beginning of the race were actually solid. More wind than normal – and more bumps to catch right from the beginning. At the end of the run the winds got really light – but I had taken a slightly south route

2014 FINISH TIME: 3:04:31

2015 3:13:12 FINISH TIME:

2016 2:58:51 FINISH TIME:

so I had more wind than others that went too close to Molokai. All in all it was a great run – with my time only a couple minutes shy of my record back in . So stoked for my overall time and position considering the conditions. And I can’t wait for next year.” First and foremost Connor always is thankful to his family and his girlfriend for being there through the good and the bad.

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magazine layout.indd All Pages

6/9/2016 3:10:04 PM

Throwing a shaka while training in a blizzard. “Under scorching tropical sun or in a freezing arctic blizzard - the stoke of the shaka is all the same.” Photo: Steinkopp Productions

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TRUENØRTH TRUEN TRUE N N A I S H ’ S C A S P E R S T E I N F AT H , C O N Q U E R I N G W AT E R S F R O M D E N M A R K T O H A W A I I

B Y S T O N E PA R K E R

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ø Casper on his way to a mid-winter training session at the beach in front of his house: “Sometimes the coldest part of a session is walking to the beach and being buffeted by the freezing wind chill!” Photos: Steinkopp Productions

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SCANDINAVIANS HAVE LONG BEEN AN ADVENTUROUS, TRAVEL-HUNGRY PEOPLE. Leif Erikson and his band of sturdy men island hopped from Europe to the New World around 1000 A.D - five centuries before Columbus showed up. And once the Vikings decided sail power wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t for sissies (Vikings rowed!), they made themselves a holy terror throughout Great Britain and Europe, all the way to the Middle East. Traveling the world is daily in the life story for Casper Steinfath. From his home in KlitmĂ¸ller - aka Cold Hawaii - Denmark there is never a dull moment. His agenda and life are busy: Race events, SUP surf comps, and photo shoots for Naish and his other sponsors. At 22, Steinfath is young, armed and ready for whatever, every day. But what makes this traveler who competes on the world tour tick, what keeps him rolling forward?

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(top left) Spring is in the air! Casper says: “For a Danish surfer there is nothing more refreshing than being able to take your hoodie off after a long winter and release a big smile!” Photo: Lars Gothe

(here) Cutting back at Klitmøller Bay: “Nothing beats a wave at my home break where it all began.” Photo: Robert Sand / PLASMA Surfing

(top right) For some reason this Klitmøller spot is called Fishing Boats: “Playground or workplace?” Casper wondered, philosophically. “I like to think the ocean is both.” Photo: Lars Daniel Terkelsen / Red Bull Content Pool

(Opposite lower right) When they say “Chill out, dude” in Denmark - it’s not funny. Casper at Bunkers Beach, trying to clear the brain freeze before heading for another session. Photo: Steinkopp Productions

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At Vandet Sø, Cold Hawaii, Denmark: “Who said paddling in the winter was easy?” Casper asked. “Making my way through the ice to go train and crossing my fingers I don’t end up doing a Titanic.” Photo: GoPro Selfie

Tell us a little about Klitmøller. Looks like it’s south of Norway, east of Scotland. West of Sweden. It’s coastal. What goes on in Klitmøller? litm ller is a small fishing village on the west coast of Denmark that borders onto the wild and the stormy North ea. or many generations, people used to live from fishing here, but in recent years the village and area surrounding it has become a hotspot for all kinds of surfing and water activities in Northern urope. People come from far away to play in the waves and explore the wild landscape here. ome people call it the old awaii. I don’t quite know about that, but the waves are fun, and the water gets cold What was it like growing up there? What’s your family like? Is there a tradition of watersports there? Growing up in litm ller hardened me in some ways y family always had a passion for playing in the ocean and got me started at an early age. I see now that learning to surf in Denmark was unique, because the conditions were often very rough and it was not warm and nice to be on the beach or decades the mentality in town was that the ocean was a workplace for the fishermen

and not a playground. When the surfing sports came about in the ’s, there were big con icts here between surfers and fishermen because they had different perceptions and ways of respecting the ocean. Today things are more mellow in town, but the watersport scene is still young and very new - I think this is very cool y dad says the atmosphere reminds him of alifornia in the ’s and ’s when he was a kid. Surf? Windsurf? Kitesurf? What came first? I think I was on a surfboard before I could even walk. y dad is from alifornia and has been a surfer all his life, so it was a natural part of my brother’s and my childhood to be on the beach and playing in the waves. I was never really drawn in by the wind sports, but after hanging around with obby Naish and ai Lenny I have been sucked in, and I have found yet another way to have fun on the water. When did you take your first trip out of Denmark? I would have to ask my parents about that one I grew up in a family that loved traveling the world in search of ever-changing conditions whether it STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

“SINCE THE DAY I FIRST SET FOOT ON A SUP BOARD AND HELD A PADDLE IN MY HANDS, MY RELATIONSHIP WITH THE OCEAN CHANGED, AND MY LIFE TOOK A TURN DOWN A NEW EXCITING PATH.”

Along the Peloponnese Coast of Greece, Casper thaws out and trains before engaging in another long season of racing around the world. Photo: Alex Grymanis/Red Bull Content Pool

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ø (here) Shark’s eye view of Casper paddling along the Peloponnese Coast of Greece: “Being engulfed in those magical evening colors makes for a pretty special experience,” Casper reckons. Photo: Alex Grymanis/Red Bull Content Pool

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(right) In Bali with his girlfriend Mette: “It is not only winning the biggest races or catching the largest waves that brings happiness. Enjoying a special moment with the people you love can be just as rewarding!” Photo: GoPro Selfie

be waves on the ocean or snow in the mountains. Before I was two years old, I must have had over ten different country stamps in my passport. I remember growing up and feeling at home in many different cultures! Going to Portugal and the island of Madeira when I was ten years old probably left the biggest impression on me as I was getting hooked on surfing at that point! That was also where I picked up stand-up paddling a few years later. When did you first come to Warm Hawaii? I did not make it to Hawaii before 2012 when I was 19 years old. My travels always took me other places, but after hearing so many legendary stories of the waves and stand-up paddle downwind I was stoked to finally check it out The Naish crew gave me the best welcome to the islands one could ask for. I had so much fun surfing, downwinding and playing around with ai Lenny, ody erbox, and all the aui boys. awaii feels more and more like home now, and I am thankful for every “excuse” I get to go there. What kind of watersports did you do before SUP? I mainly was into traditional surfing before SUP came along. But I also really loved skiing and snowboarding in the mountains. I think all the board sports complimented each other and helped me develop my style across all of them.

(right) Along the Peloponnese Coast of Greece: “Cooling off for a moment in the crystal clear Greek waters. Sometimes I wish I could just breath under water!” Photo: Alex Grymanis / Red Bull Content Pool

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“I THINK WE STILL HAVE NOT SEEN THE PEAK OF THE SPORT, AND I FIRMLY BELIEVE SUP WILL BE ONE OF THE BIGGEST AND MOST POPULAR WATER SPORTS IN EUROPE IN 3-5 YEARS. SUP IS STILL YOUNG, BUT IS HERE TO STAY!”

Casper in Athens, Greece with his weapon of choice: “Ready for another long day of training on the water with my trustworthy Naish 12’6’’ x 24’ Maliko. This board model has become a fixed part of my training - especially in open ocean like in Greece. It is stable and on this board I feel confident to take on pretty much any conditions Mother Nature can throw at me.” Photo: Alex Grymanis/Red Bull Content Pool

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At Sunset Beach during the 2016 Sunset Beach Pro held in February: “We scored some pretty epic conditions and this day was by far my favorite session at Sunset Beach ever. The swell kept pulsing all day and the clean texture of the waves was next level. I couldn’t believe I was surfing such perfect waves with just three other guys out there!” Photos: Brian Bielmann/Waterman League.

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When were you introduced to SUP? I first jumped on a UP board in while on a surf trip to Portugal. I was playing around with my brother and my uncle Tim in some small waves, and we had a blast giving the UP board a go. I trip out when realizing that I have soon been stand-up paddling for ten years. It still feels like I just started yesterday What was the first SUP board you tried? Paddle? How have your boards and equipment evolved from there? The first UP board I jumped on was a ’ ’’ ickey unoz urftech. This was the board my uncle Tim brought with him on our surf trip to adeira, and I still have both the board and the uickblade Paddle that we used the first time. I think the ickey unoz model was the first UP board not just for me, but many other guys I know. It is amazing to look back at how the equipment was back then and compare it to what we are riding today tyles have changed, boards have gotten shorter for the waves, and the race boards are faster than ever now But to me the essence and joy of paddling across the water are still the same as that first time I stood on a UP board, I want it to stay like that

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Why do you think you took to SUP over other water sports? I believe that it was a combination of things that led to UP taking over my life In Denmark the wind and wave conditions are always changing and while short boarding I often got frustrated that the waves were not always big enough. With UP I figured that there were so many more possibilities always to be on the water having fun If it is windy I will go for a downwind, if the waves are good, I will go for a UP surf session and if it’s at - well then it’s still not too bad. I guess UP opened my mind, and its diverse nature continues to amaze me every day Was SUP life-changing? ince the day I first set foot on a UP board and held a paddle in my hands, my relationship with the ocean changed, and my life took a turn down a new exciting path. UP opened up many new doors for me, and it became my ultimate passion. I feel thankful for all the adventures UP has taken me on across the world and the many new friendships it has given me. I can’t image what my life would look like without stand-up paddling now

(bottom image) Crossing the finish line at the Italian Surf Expo at Castillo de Santa Severa, Italy: “This picture was shot as I crossed the finish line in the final race that won me the 2015 European Cup. This was the third consecutive year I won the European Cup and I was beyond happy to achieve this goal after a long summer of racing all over Europe. The castle in the background is the legendary Italian “Castillo de Santa Severa” and on this weekend the castle turned into a huge surfing festival with non stop action.” Photos: Waterman league

How did you get hooked into Naish? The first time I met obby Naish was during my first ever UP race, which was the now legendary ever UP World up in amburg, Germany. At the time I was completely new to the whole UP competition scene, but I was amazed by meeting and racing with guys from all around the world I had zero clue who obby Naish was, but I quickly learned that he was a legend in the windsurfing and kitesurfing world. obby was so kind to let me use his personal board for the amateur race, and I ended up winning that as a -year-old underage competitor rom that moment on obby instantly became one of my greatest heroes and it was a dream come true when he one year later asked me to join him as a Naish team rider Give us a paragraph on your life within a 12-month period starting from January and finishing in December? y year usually kicks off with some “Viking” winter training at home, which includes dodging icebergs, fighting blizzards and searching for waves in the frigid Danish winter landscape. Then when I am just about frozen to the bone, I usually head to awaii for ebruary and arch to compete on the tandup World Tour and chase some big winter waves in the islands. During this time I also lay the foundation for my race season and spend many hours training on my race board. In April I usually migrate to alifornia to fine tune my race form and visit some family. rom then on it’s full speed with competitions all around the world all summer long U A, apan, Greece, Germany, rance, Italy, Brazil, Peru, Nicaragua, exico and the list goes on. Whenever I have a little opening in my travel schedule in the summer, I shoot straight home to Denmark. Being home with family and friends is something one starts appreciating and missing when traveling nine months of the year After being rejuvenated by the long summer days in Denmark, I usually hop back on the plane and get ready for the final part of my season in the U. . I love the August eptember October events in the U. . because they bring the whole UP world together. During November I usually like going on a UP or surf trip and just forget all about racing December I try to spend at home with family and enjoy the holidays surfing where it all began. After hristmas and New ear’s the cycle starts all over Racing, surfing, what’s your favorite thing? Both are amazing and for me, these two sides of the sport are linked so closely together. I love the racing side because it pushes me to my physical limits, but I am a surfer at heart, and I don’t think there is much in the world that ever will beat an epic surf session with my friends Travel, favorite places, favorite race, wave, etc.? I have visited too many great places around the world just to name one as my favorite very place has its charm and is unique in its way. I like that everywhere is different, and it is the global diversity that amazes me. alifornia and awaii are great spots for both racing and surfing, but for me, there is something special about exploring new places. One of my favorite trips ever was to Iceland on a field trip in high school.

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ø A triage of bottom turns, all at Sunset Beach, Hawaii: “Surfing is a dance,” Casper said. “and there is no one I would rather dance with at Sunset Beach than my 8’0’’ Hokua.” Photos: Brian Bielmann/Waterman League

We ended up scoring perfect waves just by chance, and it left a strong mark on me ever since - I want to go back there for more

passport, that allows me to feel at home in any cultural setting and not just in that one culture at home.

What have you seen regarding places and destinations you’ve been to which have opened your mind and your soul? Getting to experience different cultures and natural environments around the world have really opened my perspective on life. Navigating through various cultural and social norms requires that you open your mind to the ever-changing conditions around you. Asia, Latin America, Africa, North America, urope - They are all different and have taught me a lot. I am only missing Australia and Antarctica.

Tell us about your boards, quivers? I like keeping a quiver that has something fun for every kind of condition that other Nature can throw at me ight now my arsenal includes everything from ’ feet race boards to long boards to feet waves UP boards. y go-to board for racing and training is the ’ ’’ Naish aliko model that handles waves, bumps, and choppy water very well. or at water, I use the ’ Naish avelin which glides through the calm water like a missile. or good surf, I like my ’ ’’ okua, but when the waves are a bit slower and mushy, I will grab my ’ Naish aptor that will keep me up to speed out there no matter how small the waves are. y motto when going to the beach is always come prepared

How long are you at home and is there something you do there for training which keeps you in check? During a typical season, I am only home probably three months of the year. I spend most of my year on the road training, competing and exploring the world on my UP. I view traveling the world to follow my passion as something special, but the constant traveling and moving around can take a hard toll on your body. o when I come home to Denmark now and then I focus on just enjoying my time with my family and recharging my batteries. oming home keeps me in check, and the cold Danish temperatures make me excited to go anywhere warm With all the travels you’ve done, what has it done for your outlook on life? It is very easy just to lock on the one way of looking at life like we do in our culture. If I have learned anything from my travels, it is to embrace all the nuances of life and the many different ways of living it. Growing up traveling around the world has given me a type of

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Coming from Europe, where do you see the SUP market at the current moment and where do you see it going 3-5 years from now? ince I first started to stand-up paddling in , I have witnessed UP just explode all over urope UP went from being completely unknown to being the new hot water sport and topic of conversation all across the continent. All uropeans have easy access to some water, and the growth rate was exponential for a long time I see the sport still growing strong and more and more new people grabbing paddles and boards every day. I think we still have not seen the peak of the sport, and I firmly believe UP will be one of the biggest and most popular water sports in urope in - years. UP is still young, but is here to stay

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Ă¸

Casper at Sunset Beach taking the high line and enjoying the pure sensation of speed while racing across this raw piece of Pacific beauty. Photo: Brian Bielmann/ Waterman League

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“...I AM A SURFER AT HEART, AND I DON’T THINK THERE IS MUCH IN THE WORLD THAT EVER WILL BEAT AN EPIC SURF SESSION WITH MY FRIENDS!”

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QUIVERS & WHEELS MARTIN AND BETHANY

By Bethany Smithers. Photos: René Van Pelt

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THE GXV ROAD WARRIOR Martin Burzynski & Bethany Smithers PLANET EARTH

ALASKA TO PATAGONIA: AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

Every day, a mirage of scenic paddling destinations appears on our social media feeds and in publications like this one; so beautiful, yet so seemingly unreachable for the vast majority of us. Destination travel and, specifically, destination paddling can be road-blocked by sheer miles, expenses, and gear transport, among other things. What if we told you there was a way you could live on the road, paddling from destination to destination and do it with all of the comforts of home? You could bring all of your gear, travel on any road, in any season, and experience none of the headaches (or weak hygiene habits) typically associated with the likes of a van dweller. If the popularity of the #VANlife hashtag is any barometer of the lure of living on the road, then it’s pretty clear that the word is out: Accessibility to affordable, adventure-driven travel is something we collectively desire. We all know someone who lives or travels by Sprinter van, camper van or some other model of conversion vehicle. The fact is a robust vehicle that has been retrofitted to accommodate extended travel is an ideal way to bridge the gap between an RV and a daily commuting vehicle. The “tiny house movement” has opened up a veritable Pandora’s box of tinyhomes-on-wheels, each with its distinct set of advantages and drawbacks. The paddling community is full of them. Van conversions have cornered the market for travelers and paddlers who want to take their gear along for the journey - a feat that is impossible for most off-the-rack RVs. In fact, that’s how VANdal, our beloved Sprinter conversion van, built by Outside Van, initially started out: As a decadent way to get Martin’s racing paddleboards across the country without having to spend STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

QUIVERS & WHEELS MARTIN AND BETHANY

...cool destinations are rarely discovered in a vacuum; they often require a bit of traipsing off-the-beaten path... night after night in a dog-friendly hotel. Fast-forward three years, and we’ve decidedly outgrown the Sprinter van concept for a full-time life on the road (or off-road, as the case may be). Much as we loved VANdal, we knew there were some drawbacks to making a van work in any season, especially if one of those seasons happens to include a winter in Banff. (Though a summer paddle on Lake Louise is definitely on our bucket list). We defined our travel wish-list and realized there were some places our Sprinter van just couldn’t go: Mexico? Nope. Vehicles built after 2006 in

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the US require ultra-low-sulfur diesel, which happens only to sell in the US, Canada, and some Western European countries. Our sprinter was built in 2013. Plus, those roads can get pretty bumpy, and that’s asking for transmission trouble. Canada? Nope. Even as well-insulated as our van was, it was not going to be comfortable at temps below freezing, nor was it going to perform well on snow or trail. Patagonia? Nope. We would want some additional measures of security, better offroadability, more storage, better insulation and, of course, there’s that pesky fuel issue.

After 80,000 trouble-free miles in our van, racing paddleboards and seeking adventure in nearly every state from coast to coast, we learned that our needs were small but very outdoor-centric. And, as any outdoor aficionado knows all too well, gear from bikes, paddles, and boards, to drysuits, kiteboards, and ski gear all takes up a considerable amount of space. Moreover, cool destinations are rarely discovered in a vacuum; they often require a bit of traipsing off-the-beaten-path and away from the tourists to find the gems that make travel so profoundly worthwhile.

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GXV’s rigorous retrofitting process to transform it from military truck to high-end, off-road RV, it was previously commissioned as a troop gun truck for the U.S. military. Thus, it was evident we needed a mobile base camp that could withstand any road, in any weather, and be able to accommodate all of our gear for literally every season: A tall order. Once we consciously committed to a fulltime life on the road and got the ball rolling, everything started to fall into place. We quickly sold our home in Sarasota, Florida, sold VANdal, and Martin said goodbye to a twenty-four-year law practice for lighter work done from the road. The last year filled with seemingly endless research and visits to a host of truck and RV

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manufacturers. Our goal was to create an overland expedition vehicle that would let us bring all our toys, get us on the road less traveled, and reconcile some of the other challenges of full-time travel that our Sprinter van could not. This past May, we decided to purchase such a truck from Global Expedition Vehicles in Nixa, Missouri, one of the nation’s only dedicated custom expedition vehicle manufacturers. The first week of August was spent putting the finishing touches on the truck so

we could embark on our first destinations as full-time overlanders. We like to use the term “overlanding” because the definition is so suitable for the type of adventure travel that defines us: “Overlanding is self-reliant overland travel to remote destinations where the journey is the principal goal.” (Overland Journal). Whether you travel in search of adventure, to experience new cultures or to find solace in seclusion, the ability to be self-contained opens up an endless array of destinations. We know what you’re thinking after

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QUIVERS & WHEELS MARTIN AND BETHANY

one look: “These guys are ready for the apocalypse!” True, but that’s not why this thing is so over-built. Our vehicle of choice in seeking out those magical paddling destinations happens to be a military BAE. Before undergoing GXV’s rigorous retrofitting process to transform it from military truck to high-end, off-road RV, it was previously commissioned as a troop gun truck for the U.S. military. Unless you’ve seen one first-hand, it may surprise you to learn that these types of vehicles are quickly becoming popular as RV-conversions for their stout chassis and ability to bear some serious weight-load and

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traction brunt (while laughing in the face of any typical RV). Not all of GXV’s projects you will find on the BAE chassis, but most are made of similarly big rigs, such as the Mercedes Unimog, known for its off-road capability. The team at GXV then builds a custom cabin made from 2-½ inch thick, three-ply structural composite and attaches it to the chassis, creating a home you can drive anywhere. During one of our first test drives upon picking up the vehicle in Missouri, we decided to do a photoshoot in front of a historic bridge on the James River near

GXV’s operations. Huge boulders seemingly blocked our route to capturing the shot, and any F-550 would have backed up and called it quits. But alas, our truck’s 6x6 drive train rolled over them like they were pebbles. Impressively, even our glass dishes in the cabin’s interior barely rocked. Unique to their operation (and unlike their biggest stateside competitor, Earth Roamer), GXV prides themselves on customization. Every truck is unique and designed to meet the distinct needs of its travelers. Knowing our proclivity for paddle-based sports, for instance, they were all too accommodating in

The team at GXV then builds a custom cabin made from a 2-1/2 inch thick, three-ply structural composite and attaches it to the chassis, creating a home that can drive anywhere. STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

QUIVERS & WHEELS MARTIN AND BETHANY

engineering the best way to store our boards, paddles, and other outdoor paraphernalia. Though to some, the trucks themselves may indeed appear apocalyptic, the benefits of a dedicated overland expedition vehicle supersede the gawks and stares. For starters, we can have a hot shower after a cold weather paddle. In fact, the hydronic heating system will ensure that we have hot water from the diesel engine even if we haven’t been in the truck for a while. Washing those dirty clothes after a long day on the water? No problem for us, because the vehicle comes equipped with a washer/dryer combo, the kind you might find on a yacht. Everyone wants to know about the bathroom and, yes, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention that the truck is complete with a wet bathroom/shower combo, including a Thetford cassette toilet system that doesn’t require an RV dump station. With a full

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kitchen, including three burners, we can make comfort food at any destination with a view from one of three heavy-duty, dualpaned glass windows that hold up to whatever Mother Nature sends our way. Solar panels on the roof keep the battery bank full, and the crew of engineers at GXV even ensured that the solar panels didn’t interfere with our ability to haul multiple paddleboards. Unlike a Sprinter van with its exposed front windshield and side windows, the truck has a locking cab-to-cabin door, so we can completely isolate ourselves in the cabin for safety, stealthiness, and thermal regulation. The piece de la resistance? Dual gear garages encompassing the entire back end of the vehicle are large enough to store a veritable cavern full of equipment: Up to four bicycles, paddle equipment, kiteboards, backpacking gear, fitness equipment, winter items -- and then some -- are all safely locked inside.

Plus, the garage’s ramp door conveniently transforms into a raised patio, giving us a perfect place to lounge and take in the view. And plenty of views are sure to be had as we head back to the Pacific Northwest this fall, drive to Alaska next summer, and then hit the road to Patagonia. When people talk about tiny homes and big lives, we couldn’t agree more. While we could never live this dream in complete minimalist fashion, we are fortunate that this adventure rig affords us the opportunity to travel the world with all of our gear in tow. When we see waves, we can stop and SUP surf. When we see a beach in Oregon, we can drive right onto it and make a driftwood fire. If the powder is good in the mountains, we can camp out even when the weather is sub-zero. Our plans can be cast in sand, so to speak, ever-dynamic and certainly subject to change. To drive, paddle, and explore, collecting experiences along the

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way; that is what drives us. For now, that means not owning a house, and making a tiny house on wheels our home. When life becomes all about the journey and not solely the destination, it’s incredible what experiential treasures you can find in the spaces between. What will we find in the months and years to come? Follow our voyages at @twoifoverland on social media or twoifoverland.com, and learn more about Global Expedition Vehicles at globalxvehicles.com.

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“We are fortunate that this adventure rig affords us the opportunity to travel the world with all our gear in tow.”

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