Standup Paddle Magazine by Reid Inouye Media

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A D E C A D E O F R E F L E C T I O N : YO L O B O A R D

B O A A

Decade

W IL D:

Reflection

SOMETHING

A REID INOUYE PUBLICATION

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Riviera’s mission is not only to provide the highest quality SUP boards around the world, but also to make our products and processes environmentally friendly. Our latest leap in an environmental friendly direction is our new mold making process which eliminates excess foam waste. Typically 5 SUP boards are cut from 1 large EPS foam block, 33% of which becomes boards while 67% becomes scrap. Riviera’s Eco Molded Blanks are a single pressure mold which leaves zero EPS foam waste. This new process is not only environmentally friendly, but creates a denser foam blank which is stronger and lighter than traditional foam blanks. Another benefit to this process is it allows Riviera to reproduce a consistent desired board shape with 100% accuracy. We are proud to make Riviera SUPs from our Eco Molded Blanks in an effort to help conserve and protect our natural resources.

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:: BIG CYPRESS

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D E ST I N AT I O N FLORIDA

NATIONAL PRESERVE ::

Established in October 1974, Big Cypress National Preserve is managed by the U.S. National Park service. Located in Ochopee, Florida off the Tamiami Trail East, it is a 1,100 mile area of Florida where wildlife runs abundant amongst the rich marine estuaries of birds, alligators and the rare Florida panther.

Jen Hayes, Mindy Quinsey, and Irma Price observe the blue crabs below while boatsman Jack Shealey Jr. and Mark Melancon keep a keen eye for gators. Photo: Freeman

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M A ST H E A D VOLUME 8Nº5

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 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Hugh Gentry, Jake Meyer, Franz Orsi, Filippo Orso, Shelly Strazis, Chandler William Modus Photography, Sean Murphy

STAY WARM. KEEP PADDLING.

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

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

SAFE SUP: RISK MANAGEMENT With more people on SUP’s in the water along coastlines, around the world’s beaches, lake shores and open waters, the rise in injuries and drownings seem to be on the rise. The stoke and excitement supersedes the awareness factor. Lack of precaution for equipment, for weather conditions and the assumption that “everything will be alright” because one’s feeling of standing on water and being invincible takes away the thought process of “Safe SUP”. So what is “Safe SUP”? Even if you know how to swim, have been paddling for several months, can stand on a board or have caught a wave, does that mean you’re safe on the water? Here are several good tips for both your safety and for the safety of others:

There’s nothing wrong with wearing a leash. If you are riding waves and you fall, at least your board has a smaller chance of hitting unassuming beach-goers and hopefully other wave riders. In the ocean or lakes where conditions may change especially in colder waters, a leash could save you from hypothermia or drowning

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from exhaustion trying to reach your board or the shore line. You’d be surprised how fast a board can get away from you in a wind. Don’t be surprised. PFD’s or personal flotation devices are a great way to stay afloat - especially when touring and exploring, racing, or just doing simple family outings on a quick-mile coastal

paddle. Also, assure you have your PFD on correctly and know how to inflate it. What good is it if you don’t know how it works? Avoid attaching it to your board, PFD’s are meant to be worn. Because if your board gets away from you, so will your PFD and then you’re in trouble. Wave riding knowledge. (See our HOW

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

There is nothing wrong with using a leash no matter who you are especially inbigger surf.

TO section of this issue as Ian Cairns gives you insight into Etiquette). Weather knowledge is a really good way to understand what kind of conditions you are going to encounter and deal with before you get to the shoreline. There are weather and wind forecasts for most areas around the world

Even in small surf or open water, leashes can do wonders and save you from a long swim or losing your board.

on the internet. Most quick weather change mishaps usually happen when conditions change. A calm lake can turn into your worst nightmare within minutes, and a flat glassy day at the beach could turn into either a tidal current nightmare or a wild day of crushing waves anywhere in the world. Windguru.cz is a great site for wind indication in your area

and provides a long-range forecast. Finally, ask someone knowledgeable before you paddle out into any body of water. Most water-trained men and women will be glad to give you good, solid, positive advice.

Have fun out in the water but practice risk management understanding Safe SUP every time you paddle out. Reid Inouye Publisher, Standup Paddle Magazine

Personal floatation devices can save you on a lake, open water or when you fatigue. These two are coming in from a long paddle and have adjusted their PFD’s for comfort upon beaching.

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C O NT E NTS V O L U M E

8 N º 5

: : 2016: :

18 OPENING SHOT 22 PUBLISHER’S NOTE SAFE SUP: Risk Management

28 HOW TO

Scott Estrada: Keeping It Clean

Thomas Maximus: Part II Strengthening Your Weakest Link

Jeremy Vaine: From The Toes To The Nose

Solarez: Five Minute Ding Repair

SUP Smart: The Unspoken Code

44 SOMETHING WILD

Iceland’s Seljandsfoss Falls

52 BREAKING RECORDS

20th Annual Molokai2Oahu Paddleboard Championships

60 YOLO BOARD

A Decade of Reflection

82 QUIVERS AND WHEELS

Customize It: Johnson Custom Van Solutions

O N T H I S PA G E : Jack Archer finding some a l o n e t i m e a n d s o m e P u r a Vi d a i n C o s t a R i c a a t C a m p Vi s t a G u a p a P h o t o : M a r k S a l v e t t i

ON TH E COVE R: A m a n a n d h i s d o g , J e f f Archer and Flea, early morning risers. Photo: Jim Freeman STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

H OW TO H EA LT H w ith Scott Estrada

KEEPING IT CLEAN:: ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Nature always provides a way; the solution is always present when we are willing to see it. Activated charcoal’s magic lies in its negative ion charge that pulls the positively charged family of chemicals, toxins, and residues to it, allowing the body to be able rid pollutants and restore balance. While activated charcoal is not an element of nutrients or holds nutritional value, it is a vital tool to greatly help our body perform the organs function at a higher level.

These “wastes” are getting in the way of robust health, longevity, and better performance. For thousands of years, medical traditions from the Chinese system to the Indian Ayurveda system to even modern Western medicine have used activated charcoal to mop up toxins through a process named “adsorption,” meaning “to bind” rather than “absorb.” It is available globally as a general detoxification tool. It’s been used traditionally for emergency toxin removal in cases of poisonous snakebites, high exposure to chemicals, drug overdoses, and food poisoning. When carbon items like wood or coconut shells are burned at high temps and activated with steam removing all the oxygen from them a highly adsorbent material is produced with an enormous surface area of tiny pores; just two grams of activated charcoal has roughly the same size as a football field! Millions of these pores with their negative electrical charge attract, bind and capture chemicals, poisons, heavy metals, bad intestinal gasses, and all sorts of contaminates with a positive electrical charge that hinders our performance and organ function for safe removal from the body. BEST USES FOR ACTIVATED CHARCOAL:

PERFORMANCE TIPS: • Take it when you eat out at cafes, restaurants and where the foods may not be the best quality • Take after a night of too much alcohol • Take it if you suddenly feel moody or tired • Just before landing from a long plane ride • Take if you feel an upset stomach before a workout or training session • Take when your joints ache

General detoxification: Whether from highly processed foods to tainted water to synthetic compounds in personal care items and even the air we breathe it’s always wise to flush the system and help the body rid waste periodically or at time of high exposure and stress. Chronic exposure speeds up the aging process and leaves us more vulnerable and under performing. A once per month practice of taking charcoal or as needed will help to keep your brain sharp and aid your system in its natural ability to remove residues. Relieve gas, bloating and digestion distress: Millions of people globally are suffering from a poor functioning GI tract and in turn a lower immunity from the gut imbalance. As yeasts, molds and fungus increase in numbers and excrete acidic waste charcoal can help sweep up the mess and bring relief rather quickly. Bad breath, body odor, skin ailments: Things like bee stings, mosquito bites, spider bites, rashes, athletes’ foot, poison ivy and many other inflammatory responses can be helped significantly with charcoal. After a mosquito bite or bee sting, mix one capsule of activated charcoal with ½ tablespoon of coconut oil, and dab on affected area. Reapply every 30 minutes until itching and discomfort are gone. As activated charcoal stains nearly everything it touches, wrap with a bandage.

Brushing teeth: Using one charcoal capsule on a toothbrush will help clean the mouth and gums of plaque buildup and promote a balanced Ph level preventing gum disease while helping to remove stains and whiten teeth. Two to three times per week is good to promote sound oral health. Anti-aging: Activated charcoal uses include helping prevent cellular damage to kidneys and liver, as well as supporting healthy adrenal glands. It’s imperative to cleanse toxins and chemicals routinely from the body. Activated charcoal benefits major organs by helping the body flush out the toxins and chemicals that cause the damage. Aging is a natural part of life, but due to the toxic load we are exposed to through food, homes, workplaces, and our environment, to prevent pre-mature aging, we must aid our body to get rid of them. For activated charcoal use, take two capsules per day after exposure to nonorganic foods, heavy meals or after contact with other toxins. This supports better cognitive function, a reduction in brain fog, better kidney and liver function, and a healthier digestive tract.

***Always a good practice to drink a large glass of water with charcoal to help move through the body*** Where to find good quality activated charcoal: Some charcoals are made from undisclosed substances. Look for well-reviewed brands. I like the Upgraded Coconut Shell Activated Charcoal from the Bulletproof® site: www.bulletproof.com less than $20 for 90 caps. Warnings: Deemed safe for most individuals. Activated charcoal uses mentioned here have exceptions. It’s always good to be aware of any medical conditions such as intestinal bleeding or blockages, holes in the intestines, chronic dehydration, slow digestion, or a recent abdominal surgery, as they may affect how activated charcoal reacts in your body. Additionally, activated charcoal can interfere with the absorption of nutrients, supplements and interfere with prescription medications. Take activated charcoal 90 minutes to two hours before meals and supplements. Never take activated charcoal with prescription medications!

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

RYAN HELM

Photo: Heifara Navarro

SUP Surfing his Whirling Dervish Pro Model with 7.5” BUMP Paddle.

WHIRLING DERVISH 7’6” x 26” & 8’0” x 28” Taylor Rambo working together with Riviera team rider Ryan Helm has refined the Whirling Dervish shape into the ultimate Performance SUP Surfboard that operates well in any condition.

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HO W TO TRAINING with Thomas “Maximus” Shahinian

STRENGTHENING YOUR WEAKEST LINK :: Part 2 EYES FORWARD, BREATHE, STACK YOUR SHOULDERS, PADDLE VERTICAL

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 continue focusing on individual components.

Eyes forward: It’s critical to maintain your gaze forward the majority of the time you’re paddling especially with the recent popularity of GPS, heart rate monitors, speed coaches, cameras, et cetera attached on top of the board causing paddlers to stare downward. It’s a fact that your balance is improved while looking up toward the horizon, but it’s also important to sight your course, other paddlers, obstacles, turns, etc., along with bumps, currents and boat wakes that can be advantageous during races.

Breathe: One of the most beneficial components of the stroke to increase your overall performance and often overlooked is simply breathing! Often during high stress or exertion, paddlers tend to hold their breath, which inhibits aerobic performance and accelerates your heart rate. Practice deep rhythmic breathing, and inhale through your nose during the recovery phase of your paddle stroke and exhale through your mouth during the power/pull phase of your stroke.

Stack your shoulders: How we set up our bodies prior to a paddle stroke predetermines the effectiveness of our paddle blade and the muscles that are engaged to apply power. Stacking your shoulders forces you to utilize rotation, while engaging larger core muscle groups, initiate an efficient paddle stroke by raising the pivot point to your top hand allowing you to set the paddle with nearly straight arms, reducing lower back fatigue, along with minimizing porpoising.

Top hand over bottom: The paddle blade is most effective when it’s vertical. Straight up and down coupled with directing all the force we apply to be directed backwards. Maintaining the paddle shaft vertically will also minimize the yaw effect of the board and allow you to take more paddle strokes on each side while traveling on a straight course.

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 Vaine

FROM THE TOES TO THE NOSE::

Modified Side Plank Pose

Known as a core workout or sometimes even called an upper body work, stand-up paddling hits more of the body than it gets credit for. Paddling requires us to engage many muscle groups - starting with our feet and working all the way up the body, even including our head. When we start to paddle efficiently we notice how proper muscle engagement allows our time on the water to be more enjoyable and beneficial. Side plank pose is a great pose to connect with many of the paddle muscles, helping to strengthen them. But along with strengthening the muscles, this pose also helps to open up the back body lines, legs and hips.

Start in a tabletop position: hands below shoulders, knees below hips. Extend your right leg long behind you, roll the foot down on the ground with the toes facing perpendicular to the body. Swivel the left leg towards the left, keeping the knee under the hip.

3 Shift the weight to the left hand and bring the right hand to the hip. The left hand should be directly under the left shoulder. Encourage the hip towards the sky, while extending through the pinky side edge of the right foot. The crown of the head and the right foot extend out in opposite directions, encouraging length through the back body.

As the balance and strength increase, raise the right hand toward the sky. The right shoulder will be directly over the left and the hips will continue to rise up. If you need more bring the gaze towards the right finger tips, but be mindful not to let the hips sag toward the ground.

This is the modified version of Side Plank Pose. Hold this pose between three and five breaths - it can be added to the warm up or cool down sequence as it is a complete body warm up. When the strength and balance increase you can begin to explore the full expression. See the next issue for the tips on the full expressions and other modifications.

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 I P with Solarez

FIVE MINUTE DING R E PA I R ::

It happens. It’s inevitable at some point and time in the life of your board that it will get a ding. Dings can be repaired and in fact it’s fun to fix them and do it right, if you know what you’re doing. Solarez has an epoxy ding repair kit that makes fixing that ding achievable in five minutes. Here it is in six easy steps.

1 Clean the ding area and remove debris from the ding cavity. Remove any broken fiberglass that is pushed inward, into the ding. With 60 grit coarse sandpaper, sand the fiberglass around the ding area extending 1/2” beyond the ding cavity. Sand extremely well, until the fiberglass gets “furry.”

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2 With masking tape, lay tape outside the sanded perimeter to have at least 2” of tape extending around the half-inch sanded perimeter.

3 With masking tape on one edge of a piece of plastic sheeting down on a one edge with the tape, so it can flap entirely over the ding area and past the taped area. Slowly lay the plastic over the wet Solarez and smooth with the stick to prevent air bubbles.

4 Add more product if necessary then gradually apply a little more pressure to flatten out the Solarez so it fills the cavity and overflows ever so slightly into the taped-off perimeter.

5 Holding the plastic sheet down flat, expose the repair site to sunlight for about two minutes. If the ding is especially deep, it is beneficial to intermittently shade the repair site so as to extend the curing out to five minutes or so. This will reduce heat caused by the photochemical reaction.

6 After the ding area has cooled off - about five minutes - carefully peel off the plastic sheet to reveal a smooth glossy repair. Very little sanding is necessary, if at all. Remove the masking tape. If you need to sand an edge or excess resin, use the two wet sand sheets in the kit then polish it for a nice clean look.

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

H OW TO T R A I N I N G with Ian Cairns

S U P S M A RT :: The Unspoken Code Of Etiquette In The Lineup

“I was hassled by an older surfer for simply paddling past him. That escalated into an altercation and that inspired the realization there needs to be a real effort on behalf of SUP surfers to inter-relate better with regular surfers before there is a full-scale war for waves. It’s already crowded out there and surfing has barely settled down after the longboard revival. Now you have a new group of arrivals with a more potent paddling machine, many of whom have no history in the surf, or understanding of established etiquette rules as surfers see them. It can only lead to a bad place and I want the SUP world to recognize this and learn the ropes before it blows up into World War III.” —Ian Cairns, former world champion surfer, SUP enthusiast

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Empty Lineup Find a peak with the fewest surfers out. Always spend time on the beach surveying the surf and selecting the wave you want to ride. This gives you the chance to find a wave with the fewest surfers on it, so that, from the get-go, you are reducing the potential for conflict.

STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

Photo: Michael Tavares and Zack Hughes

H OW TO T R A I N I N G with Ian Cairns

S U P S M A R T ::

Paddle out around the break Because you have been watching, you have seen that there are sets and lulls and that there are channels that run out around the breaking peaks. Paddle out in the channel during a lull. If there are constant sets of waves and the paddle out is too hard, find an easier wave to ride.

Do not get in the way of a rider on the wave When you’re paddling out always look for a rider on a wave. He has right of way, so try to let him surf past you rather than paddling into his path. Getting run over is not fun, can cause injury, damage to your board and is a major no-no in surfing.

Wait your turn Because you know who is out and who needs waves before you, you can easily figure out when your turn in the rotation for waves is about to come up. You get one try at this. If you screw up this wave, you’re done for good, so make sure you make the wave and surf it good.

Give waves away Sometimes, even if it’s really your turn, give a good wave to someone else who looks hungry. Often they will paddle just to test you, so back off and generously let them go, but make sure you both know that you’re just being cool and generous. It’s a rare occurrence and will build goodwill.

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Do not bail your board If you’re caught inside of a set of waves, you need to learn to kick your board over the wave, rather than bailing out. Bailing sends your board over the falls and it may hit someone behind you. Kicking it over probably means the board will be next to you, as you come up. If there are further set waves, turn the board to the beach, look for people that you may hit if you get pushed to the beach and hang on the tail of the board to control your equipment without letting it go. Another idea is to hold the leash as close to the tail of the board as possible and pull the board through the whitewater.

Check who’s in the lineup As you paddle out, survey the lineup to see who is out already. These guys are in front of you, in line for the next waves, so be cool and remember them. Make sure that you identify the alpha dog in the pack. He is the one you may have problems with, so you need to be ultra respectful and surprise him with kindness.

Call sets Because you’re standing, you can see the set waves coming before anyone, so tell the crew that a set is coming and which wave is better. In this way, you dish up some good waves to the crew and they start to think you’re not so stupid, not cool yet, but not so bad.

Sit down and talk Constant paddling through a crew in the lineup is seen as threatening to the surfers, so chill out, sit down and wait for your turn. This makes you human and not an eyesore and you may actually start up a conversation with some of the guys out there. There is a lot of interest in SUP, but it’s not cool yet, so don’t be offended if no one wants to know all about how awesome your board is etc. Just be sociable.

H OW TO T R A I N I N G with Ian Cairns

S U P S M A R T ::

Be aware of your wave count As you get a few waves, be really aware if you’re getting too many of the really good waves. It’s easy to do and you start to look like a wave hog, which is exactly the opposite of our intention. Get a few good ones and move along. That will make you some friends for next time you’re out there.

Do NOT drop in If someone is already riding the wave, don’t even paddle for it, don’t hover on the top of the wave, don’t take off in front of someone and flick out and certainly don’t ride a whole wave and stuff someone in the whitewater. If you do this you’re back in the doghouse and may be asked to leave.

Always control your equipment Bailing your board is bad form. Try to paddle over waves, or launch your board over the whitewater, but do not dive and let the SUP wash in on the whitewater to the end of your leash. Every surfer sees a SUP as a dangerous object and thinks of us as kooks bailing their boards. This adds fuel to the fire. Learn how to hold onto your leash near the tail of the board to pull it through waves. Be really careful of others in the lineup if you fall riding a wave. Hitting another surfer in the lineup is instant dismissal and adds fuel to the surfer debate that SUP boards should not be out there.

Increase wave count by catching wide waves If you’re smart about your paddling and really scope a lineup, you may find that there are good wide or deep waves that are not readily available to the surfers in the primary lineup and this is the way you can increase your wavecount considerably, riding waves that before had gone un-ridden. To do this you will really need to sharpen your spin and go skills, but once you get this dialed, you’re on your way to getting way more waves, without ever impacting impacting the established lineup and the surfers out there.

Do NOT back-paddle Be super aware of who is out, where they are and whose turn it is for the next ride. Do not paddle around someone sitting and waiting for a wave. It is considered very aggressive in regular surfing. You’re on probation and this will get you serious heat and a trip to the beach.

Be aware of surfers paddling out when you’re riding As you’re paddling for a wave, scope the length of the wave for any surfer who’s paddling out, who may potentially paddle in front of you. Although the surfer riding the wave has priority, you’re on a SUP and will be in the wrong if there’s a mix up, because you’re on a SUP. So, be vigilant to avoid any impacts or close calls with surfers.

Move around to other peaks Do not wear out your welcome. Get a few waves and move on. There are usually many other waves in a surf area, so get a few and move to another peak and practice your magic on this new crew of surfers. This is a sign of respect and will be recognized and rewarded with future bonus waves.

The lineup is a close-knit community Most surfers go to the same spot over and over and they become “locals” out there and make friends and acquaintances with the other surfers who frequent the break. You can be part of this local crew if you’re cool, friendly, don’t hog waves, generally understand and respect the locals and don’t act like the average SUP kook. Have fun out there!

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OCEAN EVERYTHING...

CAMP HAWAII 2017

HAW AII 2017

March 9-14, 2017 Honolulu, HI December 11-17, 2017 North Shore Oahu, HI

presented by

standuppaddlemagazine.com/watermencamp

T R AV E L IC ELAND

SOMETHING E X P L O R I N G I C E L A N D ’ S S E L J A N D S F O SS FA L L S

W IL D By Franz Orsi Photos by Franz Orsi and Filippo Orso

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T RAVEL ICE L AND

It is true that Greenland is icy and Iceland is green, but Iceland is also icy, and mountainous and rugged, beautiful, old, modern, hot and cold, mysterious and dangerous. Iceland is many things, and that makes Iceland a good place to go stand-up paddling - have an adventure. In June of 2016, Franz Orsi led an expedition to Iceland with German kiteboarder and paddler Julia Forkel, Italian surfer Filippo Orso and surfer/ photographer Stefano Fiorito: “We traveled to Iceland in the first weeks of June to get full advantage of the extended daylight opportunities.” Orsi and friends went with the Starboard Inflatable Astro boards, ideal for cruising and all around use as well as for whitewater. After the waterfall, Orsi and friends looked for waves along the Iceland coast, using Starboard Surf Pro models, as well as a few Starboard Surfboards, both in carbon construction. Even in summer, the water in Iceland is cold, and the conditions can be sketchy: “It’s imperative to wear the right stuff while surfing in Iceland,” Orsi said. “I got along very well with my 6mm Prolimit hooded wetsuit.”

ICEL AND

IS MANY THINGS, AND THAT MAKES ICELAND A GOOD PLACE TO GO STAND-UP PADDLING HAVE AN ADVENTURE.

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Seljandsfoss Falls is one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Iceland where visitors can walk behind the waterfall and into a small cave. The waterfall drops 60 meters and is part of the Seljalands River that has its origin in the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull. The goal was to launch nearby, check it out and see what kind of paddling opportunities were available downstream: “Seljalandsfoss located in the South Region, right by Route 1,” Orsi said. “It is one of the most famous waterfalls and natural wonders in Iceland. Not so remote but definitely a great place to visit. Later during the trip, we had the chance to get wild and visit some truly remote places. Iceland can get pretty wild.” Seljalandsfoss is at 63 degrees north latitude, where the sun is visible for 20 hours, 19 minutes during the summer solstice - in the middle of June. That’s a lot of light, and it’s an ethereal, beautiful, other-worldly light, illuminating an otherworldly, Hobbit-like world. Hobbit-like, as in beautiful, but with lurking dangers. Iceland is a place that always seems like it’s about STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

T R AV E L IC ELAND

"CLOS E UP IT IS CRAZY TO SEE HOW MUCH POWER A WATERFALL LIKE THIS CAN HAVE.”

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to blow. There is a lot of thermal activity all over the island, and occasionally Iceland does blow large and small: scaring the bejeezus out of hikers, or obstructing international air traffic. The local fishermen think surfers are crazy because to them, going into the water means rapid death. “The most dangerous thing was probably the water falling from 60 meters above my head,” Orsi said. “Close up it is crazy to see how much power a waterfall like this can have. The whole pool sprayed by water and the wind generated by the falls was intense. It is hard to stand on the board at times. Afterward, when I got into the river, I had to take off the fins from my board as the river is pretty shallow there. The ride was potentially pretty long, but I just paddled a few hundred meters past the falls in order not to get lost in the middle of nowhere.” “SUP travel in Iceland is an experience that goes beyond anything we’re used to and something that was unique, different and worth remembering,” said Franz, “The beauty of traveling with inflatables - it can take you anywhere with no limitations.”

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Congrats to all athletes â&#x20AC;˘ July 2017 - Are you Ready?

Prone Unlimited Men Matt Bevilacqua Daniel Shade Matt Poole

Prone Unlimited Women Jordan Mercer Elizabeth Pluimers Kanesa Duncan Seraphin

Prone Stock Men Stewart McLachlan Lachie Lansdown Jack Bark

Prone Stock Women Abby Brown Carter Graves Colleen Tessler

SUP Unlimited Men Kai Lenny Travis Grant Connor Baxter

SUP Unlimited Women Sonni Hoenscheid Annabel Anderson Terrene Black

SUP Stock Men Niuhiti Buillard Danny Ching Travis Baptiste

SUP Stock Women Kerstin Ouellet

BREAKING

RECORDS Photo: Eric Haka

20th Anniversary Molokai2Oahu Paddleboard World Championships

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BY IAN MONAHAN

Athletes at the 20th Anniversary Moloka’i-2-O’ahu Paddleboard World Championships (M2O), presented by Kona Brewing Company, were nature-blessed with the blustery downwind conditions that make the Ka’iwi Channel famous. The elite athlete field of men and women set to lead the charge into the history books was made up of a deep field in the prone division, representing the race’s roots before SUP gained popularity. Head-to-head battles by current and former champions highlighted both the men’s and women’s SUP divisions. Setting records on the waves, Matt Bevilacqua powered to his second consecutive win in 4 hours, 29 minutes, 32 seconds in the unlimited paddleboard category. The 24-year-old Australian’s win crushed the previous record set by countryman Jamie Mitchell in 2011 (4:40:31). Mitchell recorded 10 consecutive wins over his M2O career.

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Kai Lenny breaking away in the final stretch approaching Oahu.

The Australian phenom Jordan Mercer cruised to an uncontested sixth straight victory in the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unlimited prone category (5:32:42). This win put her on a path to become the winningest woman ever at M20, establishing her own decade of dominance in the sport. In the stock paddleboard category, Stewart McLachlan surged to his first ever win at M2O, beating fellow Australian Lachie Lansdown and two-time champ Jack Bark. McLachlan, 28, now holds the course record at 5:05:31.

Connor Baxter pushing it as he hits China Wall.

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Head-to-head battles by current and former champions highlighted both the men’s and women’s SUP divisions.

All photos: Hugh Gentry

Sonni Hönscheid (above) overpowering Annabel Anderson (below) for the win.

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Australian phenom Jordan Mercer cruised to an uncontested sixth straight victory in the women’s unlimited prone category (5:32:42), putting her on a path to becoming the winningest woman ever at M20, establishing her own decade of dominance in the sport. Travis Grant still finishes strong as runner-up to Kai Lenny.

Jordan Mercer’s elated finish for her sixth win. all photos: Eric Haka

At 18-years-old Abby Brown becomes one of the youngest champions in race history. The American’s time of 6:27:47 was enough to put her over the top of former stock paddleboard champs Carter Graves and Coleen Tessler. Kai Lenny, 23, put his record-setting stamp on M20 by winning the men’s unlimited stand up paddleboard (SUP) race in 4:07:41. Lenny’s win bests that of rival and fellow Maui paddler Connor Baxter’s record of 4:08:08 set in 2014. Lenny also holds the record and title in the stock SUP category where he finished second overall in a time of 4:22:14 in 2012. Matt Bevilacqua, from Australia finishing first overall: 4:29:32

Connor Baxter coming into Portlock after 32-miles of open ocean.

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Sonni Hönscheid, setting her personal best, in her third consecutive win.

“In a single event, this is, by far, the hardest event I’ve ever done in my life.” —Kai Lenny

Sonni Hönscheid, 35, set a personal best in her third consecutive win at M2O (5:01:40). The German champ was just minutes off the unlimited SUP course record of 4:55:02 set by Talia Gangini in 2012. Niuhiti Buillard, 24, from French Polynesia took home the men’s stock SUP title in 4:40:50. The 28-year-old’s win is the third fastest time in the category.

Kai Lenny puts his record-setting stamp by winning the men’s unlimited. Photos: Eric Haka

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GIVE THE GIFT

OF GLIDE WEST MARINE

FOR ALL OF YOUR HOLIDAY GIFTS rEMEMBER, EVERY PADDLER LOVES TO GET A WEST MARINE GIFT CARD

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Plus more than 260 stores nationwide

D e c a d e

Y O BO A Photo: Jim Freeman

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o f

R e f l e c t i o n

L O A RD B

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It’s been ten years since YOLO BOARD began building a brand. Not just

a brand, a lifestyle which has connected people by water from shore to shore around the North American continent, Hawaii, throughout Central America, Asia, and New Zealand. YOLO started with a man named Jeff Archer who first saw Laird Hamilton on a stand-up paddle board and one day realized that for his lifestyle in Florida, which was surrounded by water, SUP was the perfect thing for people in his community. Now, reflecting a decade later, did he ever think that vision in his backyard pond would see growth as it has for the YOLO brand?

Photo: Jake Meyer

The Birth of a Brand

The name YOLO, an acronym for “You Only Live Once”, encourages people to live life to its fullest and to make the most of every day. “It’s an upbeat, positive way to look at life,” Archer said. “and we thought we could build a brand based on this idea. Standing on a board is a great example of making the most of every day.” YOLO was the first paddleboard company in the area. Their growth happened organically and was unexpected. It was exciting to see that YOLO’s backyard was embracing the lifestyle to such a great extent. While Laird did have an impact on Archer, the biggest impetus for getting into this business was an experience in 2006. “My first time on a paddleboard was almost a spiritual encounter,” Archer said. “where I paddled up on a mother dolphin teaching her young ones how to fish. It was such a powerful moment that I felt that everyone should have the chance to feel this incredible connection to nature. And with that, the journey began.” courtesy: YOLO Board

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“Being a part of the Yoloboard tribe is like being a part of a huge family. With all our different skills and quirks, the tribe embodies all the many facets that make SUP a sport for everyone. What draws us all together is our passion for the lifestyle. “You only live once” is more than just the company name, but A WAY OF LIFE.”—

Leah Seacrest

Modus Photography

Jim Freeman

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Photos: Jim Freeman

“I can always rely on the quality of YOLO Boards to keep up with my lifestyle. Being on the water brings a sense of tranquility that I need after a long grueling season. It’s constantly pushing my stability and core training to another level.” -Jimmy Graham, Tight End Seattle Seahawks

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Photo: Jim Freeman

Courtesy: YOLO Board

Courtesy: Modus Photography

Photo: Modus Photography

Courtesy: YOLO Board

Photo: Modus Photography

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Photo: Jake Meyer

Archer remembers that the only person he saw stand-up paddling at the time was local pro surfer, Yancy Spencer. You could count on no one else in northwest Florida having ever seen a SUP let alone hearing of it. “We would go out in the Gulf of Mexico,” Archer said. “and when we would get near the shore, people would converge on us and ask us questions like: ‘What the heck are you doing?,’ ‘What is that thing?,’ ‘How are you keeping your balance?,’ ‘Aren’t you afraid of sharks?,’ ‘That’s crazy!’ We got some strange looks back then.” he laughs. YOLO was a visionary process for Archer: He saw the way kayaking took off like crazy, and he firmly believed that SUP was a natural progression. It was the next new way that people would connect with the water, not to mention the perspective of standing was a different way to experience the water and marine life.

GROWTH OF THE BRAND

In the early years, YOLO had a 12’ Original. It was a surf-style SUP that was multi-faceted for everything - from fishing to racing, to surfing and exploring. Over ten years, YOLO has advanced to 20 different models for a variety of disciplines.

photos: Modus Photography

Reminiscing, Archer says, “In the early days, the SUP industry included all brands, and it felt like one big family. All the brands were in it together to help build the sport. Once the popularity of SUP grew, companies grew apart because they were working to build their brand but it is still a great group of people who share a love of the water, and I love any chance to catch up with them.” When YOLO began to branch out in the late 2000’s to the Pacific Coast, they were able to visit with their friends at Hobie and took the cue from them to build a lifestyle brand and not just a paddleboard brand. Hobie is still to this day one of the companies that inspire them most. YOLO’s community race events (YOLO Board Relay Series) began in 2008. The YOLO crew was made up of big-water enthusiasts: lifeguards, headed up by Aussie Waterman Gary Wise

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photo: Jim Freeman

photo: Jim Freeman photo: Jim Freeman

photos: Modus Photography

and they helped in building the race series. The Relay Series’ primary objective was to introduce more people to paddling. When YOLO started the event nothing like this had ever been held. The Series took place in a coastal dune lake, on calm, flat water, so it was ideal for beginners. Many of their paddlers have participated all nine years: “The real reason for holding this event was to thank our local community for supporting our company. Without them, we would not be where we are today. So we continue this tradition with a ‘company picnic’ with teams of three paddling around a short course, followed by food, drink, music and community. YOLO’s growth in Florida happened fairly quickly since they were one of the first manufacturers in the state. From there, they expanded up the East Coast and west into Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. After that, they started shipping all over the United States. Archer attributes much of their brand expansion to the relationships they have

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“YOLO equals PURA VIDA”

-Alvaro Solano, Vista Guapa Surf Camp

photos: Jim Freeman

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Photos: Jim Freeman

formed with key people. Meeting individuals who share the same enthusiasm and passion for the sport is what makes successful partnerships. Vista Guapa in Costa Rica has been hosting YOLO SUP Experience tours for many years now. YOLO Board dealers, both national and international have a close working relationship with the company and were drawn to YOLO because of the reputation and philosophy..

IMAGING AND BRANDING

The family-friendly, inclusive position that they take works for them, with their tagline, “Join The Tribe!” Welcoming all shapes, sizes, and athletic abilities allows for more incredible experiences, stories, and friendships. “There is nothing better than turning a person on to this sport who never thought they would be able to do it,” Archer said. “People tell us all the time how much fun paddleboarding has brought into their lives. The best part of the job is that we sell fun. High-profile individuals have gravitated towards us on their own because they relate to our message. We are very fortunate to have tribe members and ambassadors who are professional athletes, actors, and other business and entertainment figures. It’s been such an honor having these types

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STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

photos by Shelly Strazis

of people want to be part of our journey.” YOLO Board has one of the best creative teams in the world, and they pay attention to detail with imaging and graphic design. Jake Meyer has been their graphic designer since the early days. He has worked closely with Archer from the beginning to shape the brand image. “All of our people work together to make the company successful,” Archer shares. “Shout out to Mitzi, Betsy, Bill, Jack, Kyle, Josh, Renita, Jessica, Jameson, Shane, Justin, Andrew, Curt, Lauren, and Sydney. Our YOLO team is incredible, and it is because of their efforts that we are celebrating 10 years in business.”

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photos: Sean Murphy

“YOLO is an eclectic group of people from all walks of life- not asking for anything but giving. This is what the brand is all about.” — EJ JOHNSON, PADDLE DESIGNER Every detail matters when you are growing a brand, and Archer’s team takes each step very seriously. Managing all the spokes on the wheel takes careful consideration, money management, production, design, and marketing. Diversification has kept their growth and cash flow solid over the years. Investing early profits in real estate that support their stores and distribution has been a solid building block for YOLO. New joint venture projects in real estate development and product expansion are also a top priority. Archer expresses: “The one thing that we want to keep consistent in all of these ventures is the high level of quality in everything that we do.

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Photo: Sean Murphy

“As everyone knows paddle boarding is relatively new, so it’s funny to think that being just ten years in an industry makes you a veteran. I don’t believe we realized it at the time, but in the early days we weren’t only building a brand, we were also part of developing the sport from the beginning. Because I grew up surfing, it was a challenge at first to wrap my head around where SUP fit in the water sports world, so it’s been a fun ride figuring it out and seeing my designs evolve over the years. At the end of the day I think we can attribute YOLO Board’s success to our decision to create a lifestyle around our products, “YOLO” isn’t just an acronym to us, it’s the way we live our lives every day, the non-Drake way of course.” — Jake Meyer, YOLO Graphic Designer

Photo: Sean Murphy

Doing it right is more important than doing it first.”

DAY IN THE LIFE

Knowing the man behind the brand wouldn’t be complete without taking a peek into his everyday routine. You can count on finding Archer on his dock overlooking a bayou off of the Choctawhatchee Bay with a cup of YOLO coffee in hand gathering his thoughts. After getting powered up by a ‘Garden of Life’ shake, Archer heads to the office to take care of the matters of the day, meeting with his office staff composed of incredible individuals who are the heartbeat of YOLO. Archer also tries to get in a paddle or a bike ride every day, followed by grilling out or cooking dinner with his family.

FINALLY

What does the future hold for YOLO? Archer says that they will continue to produce the highest-quality products in the market, continuing to provide the best customer service possible and continue to spread the YOLO vibe. Not only is it important to Archer to make sure that everyone feels welcome in their Tribe but to continue to promote stand-up paddle boarding, because they know the power of the mind-bodywater connection. “Our lives are so busy and fast-paced,” Archer said pausing before continuing. “Paddle boarding gives you the ability to be in-the-moment in a very special way. It enables us to slow down and connect with nature which is so important in today’s crazy world.” YOLO Board is all about the lifestyle, and their mission is to continue to spread the message of community, well-being and discovery. Remember, “You Only Live Once so make it count!” STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

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“It’s an upbeat, positive way to look at life and we thought we could build a brand based on this idea. Paddling on a board is a great example of making the most of every day.” — Jeff Archer

If you would like to be part of the YOLO tribe, visit yoloboard.com or visit a dealer near you.

photo: Jim Freeman

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QUIVERS & WHEELS JO HNSO N C USTOM VA N SOLUTION S

By Mason Thorpe Photo: Paul Ensyde

CUSTOMIZE IT Johnson Custom Van Solutions SAN DIEGO, CA

Johnson Custom Van Solutions will turn your ordinary mode of transportation into a land yacht - a customized, fully equipped luxury craft on wheels to get you where you need to go in style and comfort. Owner EJ Johnson is originally from San Clemente and has been stand-up paddling since 2006. He has many years of experience with owning vans and custom woodworking: “My woodworking background is 30 years deep, starting in home remodeling with some surfers from Capo Beach, then apprenticing with a Scottish cabinet maker. And finally working as a journeyman finish carpenter for a high-end custom home builder in Laguna Beach for 20 years.” Over time, EJ owned a lot of different vehicles - many of them vans of various dimensions: “After owning and traveling in a 2003 Mercedes Sprinter, I realized the value of an efficient diesel van, after owning a gas-guzzling, eight-cylinder version.” In 2016 Johnson decided to combine his woodworking ability with his love of utility vehicles and customize vans in lovely and

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QUI VERS & W H E E L S JOHNS ON CU STOM VAN SO LUTIO NS

extravagant ways: “I wanted to create a van that has the organic/land yacht feel, with warm, exotic wood throughout, which gives natural light and an epic ambiance.” Johnson is aiming for a customer who is a business owner who travels with sample products and conducts meetings in a classy, mobile office: “But I can appeal to any demographic, based on their wants and needs. My experience

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in custom woodworking over my career has made this part of JCVS easier, as I have the tools and the know how to achieve perfection!” Johnson can put all the mod cons into his custom vans: Bed. Cabinets. Water heater. Solar. “We at JCVS can accommodate all phases of any RV comfort on the market, or whatever our customer dreams up! IMO, solar, refrigeration, stove and

Johnson Custom Van Solutions will turn your ordinary mode of transportation into a land yacht. STANDUPpaddlemagazine.COM /

QUIVERS & W H E E L S JOHNS ON CU STOM VAN SO LUTIO NS

sleeping quarters are most needed, but every person’s needs are different. It depends on the needs and climate which the owner will mostly be traveling to.” Converting custom vans takes teamwork, and Johnson has assembled an experienced, talented team of specialists: “I currently use Aluminess Products for all the aluminum exterior appendages, like ladders, bumpers, roof racks and nerfbars. Joe at NTG Racing does all suspension and tires. I have one other trusted person who is the electrical brains behind JCVS: Shaun at Advanced Wiring Services. I also use OZ LED Lights, Cali Bamboo, CRL Windows, Grape and Renogy Solar, FanTastic Fans. We

“I wanted to create a van that has that organic/land yacht feel, with warm exotic wood throughout...” 86 /SPMagazine / VOL 8Nº5 2O16

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make this fun and enjoyable.” Johnson’s latest project is a full buildout of a Ford Transit for Jeff Archer, the CEO of Yolo Board, which he plans to have completed in November of 2016. Typical turnover time for a custom van is “Anywhere from half a day to three months,” Johnson said. “as I do a lot of window and vent installation too, which goes pretty fast.” Johnson’s ultimate ride is a Mercedes 4x4 with a 170” wheelbase, “with a color that blends with nature, interior products made from sustainable products, premium audio and a utilitarian layout which is multi-sport friendly!” Admiring and taking pride in the finished product is Johnson’s favorite part of the process: “From turning basically a steel can into a thing of functional art and the look in a person’s eyes of excitement of a new adventure.”

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Admiring and taking pride in the finished product is Johnson’s favorite part of the process. FOR MORE INFORMATION: WEBSITE: johnsoncustomvansolutions.com FACEBOOK: Johnson Custom Van Solutions INSTAGRAM: Johnson Custom Van Solutions TELEPHONE: (949) 412-6980 EMAIL: johnsoncustomvansolutions@gmail.com

CAMP SAMATA: REJUVENTATION May 26-30, 2017 Oahu Hawaii CAMP SAMATA: ADVENTURE July 1-6, 2017 Oahu Hawaii

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