Standing Room Only NZ Issue Three

Hydration pack, dog float coat, sup wetsuit and much more!

River Riding...

your next challenge?

issue issue 31

Meet Annabel Anderson Kiwi World Champ

Smart Phone your Paddling Paddle Christchurch Beginners Guide to SUP SUP Yoga

Sharing your board SUMMER 2012/13

free throughout NZ

77 Barrys Point Rd, Takapuna,

Auckland

36 Customhouse Quay,

Wellington

2/1030 Ferry Rd, Woolston,

Christchurch

EDITORIAL

No matter where you’re paddling in the country, you’re likely to be hoping for a long, hot summer, or at least one that’s an improvement on last year’s!

With more and more paddleboarders taking to the water this summer, the sport will undoubtedly face greater safety scrutiny.

And because there will inevitably be regional variation in the policing of Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs), we recommend that until the sport hears otherwise, you check out your local bylaws and abide by them. As we highlighted in the previous issue, there are a number of different products on the market.

Consequently, there’s no need to endure a cumbersome PFD that hinders your paddling.

For those of us heading into the surf this summer, we have another chance to demonstrate our practical understanding 4 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

of surf etiquette and hopefully develop a greater relationship with surfers as a result.

If you’re into racing, it will be interesting to watch the development of the 14’ class alongside the performance of all the new boards, as the top brands introduce their new designs. It’s also encouraging to see the country’s biggest weekly race series introduce junior, social and various race board categories.

Our journey around the country over the winter months has introduced us to more inspirational people within the sport, as well as paddleboard events run by Waka Ama NZ. At these events we experienced great atmosphere, great sportsmanship, family participation and respect. Paddleboard events that adopt these values will surely encourage more people to get involved with the sport.

There are still those who approach us on our local beach and ask about the sport – if it’s difficult and what it feels like. More often

SRONZ – Cam to Ham 2012

than not we invite people to try, to give it a go. You never know who you might meet or encourage by taking the same approach. By the same token, we encourage you to support your local paddleboard stores and services.

So, let’s celebrate the passing of winter and swap the wetsuits for the warmth of the sun’s

rays. What better way to enjoy the summer than from the deck of a paddleboard.

And wherever you paddleboard this summer, enjoy every moment and be safe. Take lots of photographs and share your experiences through SRONZ.

SRONZ Team

Editors

Contributing Photographers

Emma Comrie-Thomson Phillip Russell

Walk on Water NZ, Shann Miller, NZSHRED, Christchurch Paddleboarding, Anna ComrieThomson, Troy Huston, SUPSNZ, Liquid Stixx, Sharlene Winiata, BOPSUP, Team Jolly, StandUp Takapuna, Dawn Fumage, Kitesports Christchurch, Sharon Share, SRONZ, Abel Tasman Paddleboarding, The University of Auckland and Kiteschool Ltd.

Sub Editor

Paul Comrie-Thomson Contributors

Kirsten Wilton, Andy Fuller, Mark Jackson, Justine Quarrell, Mike Cann, Dave, James Bradshaw, Hiria Rolleston, Shamus, Bill Dawes, Victoria Stuart, Steve Stewart, Gabriellle Douglas, Chester Burt and Jase Johns.

Front cover: SRONZ – Marcus Hansen – Watersports Fanatic, SUP Team Rider, Cam to Ham 2012. page 5

contents 7

SRONZ Donation Fund 2012

8

Short Strokes

13

New to Stand-Up Paddleboarding?

16

River Riding

28

Smart Phone your Paddling

31

Introduction to Fins

34

Meet Annabel Anderson

37

SUP Yoga

40 Stretching 46

Travel to Paddle

50

Dave the SUP Addict

52

Stand-up Fishing

56

Sharing your Board

65

Upcoming Events

66

Community Paddle Groups SRONZ

Designer

SRONZ is printed by

Graham O’Neill Design Solutions Ltd Enquiries

For advertising and editorial enquires: info@standingroomonlynz.co.nz

Conditions of entry to SRONZ competitions: Prizes cannot be redeemed for cash, exchanged or transferred. Employees of SRONZ, associated

And is printed on FSC paper stock.

sponsors and their immediate families and agencies are not permitted to enter. The decision of the SRONZ Editors is final.

Standing Room Only NZ (SRONZ) is an independent magazine committed to promoting and celebrating stand-up paddling in New Zealand. We aim to inform and connect New Zealand’s stand-up paddling community and assist in the growth and popularity of the sport by encouraging safe and responsible participation.

6 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

sronz donation fund 2012 Standing Room Only NZ Board Donation to MERC In conjunction with our premier partner Sanderson (www.realvitamins.co.nz) SRONZ provided the Sir Peter Blake Marine Education Recreation Centre (MERC – Long Bay, Auckland) with two full paddleboard packages (board, paddle and leash), as well as a series of lessons through its board donation fund.

MERC is a registered charitable trust and the country’s leading provider of marine education, recreation and conservation programs for children. MERC introduces marine-based education programs to primary and intermediate school age children, many of whom have little or no experience of beach, sea and marine environments.

With over 14,000 (mostly pre-teen age) students attending the centre each year SRONZ’s donation was warmly welcomed by MERC General Manager Paul Grace who said, “This is such a generous donation. MERC has had an incredible demand from children and parents for paddleboarding to be added to our teaching list. We are extremely grateful to all those who helped make this happen” SRONZ would like to thank StandUp Takapuna and the Red Paddle Company for their help with this donation and also Point Paddlers, who will provide MERC’s instructors with paddleboard training.

Mark Jackson of StandUp Takapuna also donated a board on behalf of the family of the late Mark Thomas who loved both the top and the depths of the ocean.

SRONZ

The boards were presented to MERC and will be ready for use this summer.

MERC Board Members Professor Mark Orams, Christine Rankin, Auckland Councillor Michael Goudie and General Manager Paul Grace SRONZ hopes to continue this initiative and make an annual donation to a charity or group. We would be happy to hear from anyone around the country who would like to nominate a recipient and from companies or individuals wishing to assist with the fund.

Please contact us on: info@standingroomonlynz.co.nz to get involved.

For more information on the Sir Peter Blake Marine Education Recreation Centre visit: www.merc.org.nz

page 7

Team Jolly

short strokes

London 2012 Sailing Gold Medalists Jo Aleh, Nathan Handley and Polly Powrie

The 30th Olympiad was one of the most successful for NZ with 13 medals (six Gold, two Silver and five Bronze). In issue two we featured some of the NZ Olympic team members who paddleboard. Their results were: Jo Aleh and Olivia ‘Polly’ Powrie (coached

by Nathan Handley) – 470 Women, GOLD J P Tobin – Mens RSX, 7th Susannah Pyatt (Hansen, Hazard) – Women’s Elliot 6m, 9th Mike Dawson – K1 Canoe Kayak Slalom – semi finalist, 15th Sara Winther – Women’s Lazer Radial, 20th

NZ Stand-up Paddleboarding Association Update: By the time you read this the NZ SUP Association should have its foundations laid.

The incorporation procedure for the association is just being finalised as we go to press. Visit www.nzsupa.co.nz to see where it’s at, what’s happening, and how you can get involved!

8 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

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Samoa - Troy Huston

SRONZ SUPer clinic

Our ‘experts’ cast an eye over your stand-up paddling related problems and provide free prescriptions...

SRONZ

BACK UP Many people have told me that stand-up paddleboarding is good for the back. But I am finding it really hurts my lower back. Not when I’m just cruising, but as soon as I start going for it, it really causes me some grief. Am I doing something wrong, or is it just a myth that paddleboarding is good for the back?

Adrian Cobb by email Stand-up paddleboarding is generally very good for the back, since when done correctly it helps strengthen and tone the all-important core and lower back muscles, in a very lowimpact way. If done incorrectly, it can indeed cause problems. The fact that you notice the pain when you are ‘going for it’ gives a large clue to the possible cause. Next time you’re out paddling, check that you’re not still actively ‘pulling’ the paddle shaft through the water with your bottom hand once it has passed the line of your body, and is now starting to come up out of the water. Better still, get someone to video you, so you can observe your own technique. If there are splashes of water coming up off the blade as it leaves the water, 10 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

then we’ve probably identified your problem.

You are literally ‘pulling water uphill’! Not only is this extremely inefficient – pulling the blade up through the water weights your heels and actually has the result of pulling the board down into the water – it also really crunches the lower back. The release phase of the paddle stroke should be as effortless (and splash-free) as possible. Once the paddle has passed your body, don’t pull the paddle up with your bottom hand, just let it release effortlessly from the water of its own accord.

If that’s not the problem, studying some video of yourself paddling should still be helpful, as it’s a great way to identify any phases of your paddle technique that may be introducing unnecessary twist, tension or bend into the process. Watch other people paddling. If they look good and efficient, they’re probably doing it fairly right, and your style shouldn’t be too different to theirs.

Better still, take a lesson with someone who knows what they’re talking about. Don’t mess with your back – the problem is almost certainly simply down to basic technique and is probably easily sorted, so find out what you’re doing wrong quickly, and put it right.

CORE VALUES I keep hearing about how paddleboarding is great for my core, which is great, I’m sure, but I’ve also been told that it’s important to be using my core when I paddle. This isn’t so great, as I must confess that I’m not altogether sure what it actually is (or where) – other than that it’s vitally important, etc, etc, etc. So, I have absolutely no idea how to use it, and all in all, I’m really rather confused!!

Mandy Hampson by email This isn’t the place for a full description of the core region of the body and its stabilising functions. A quick internet search will give you definitions of Core Stability, but you’ll see, there is some controversy over whether core training is truly the key to solving all back problems, as some of the hype would suggest. But few sportspeople would disagree

that having a strong core and knowing how to use it gives a powerful platform to work from. In paddleboarding, this primarily means getting more power through your paddle stroke. All the power from your paddle has to pass through your body into the board through your feet, so being able to ‘activate’ your core simply means more efficient transmission of that power.

How to activate the core though, is not easily described in words. ‘Sucking your belly button into your spine’ gives you an idea, but it’s more complex than that as there are other muscle groups (pelvic floor etc) that need to be engaged too. A smart move would be to sign up for a Pilates class or similar, and learn all about your core and how to activate it. You’ll then find it’s instinctive (and highly productive) to use your core whenever you’re on your paddleboard.

Troy Houston page 11

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Standup Takapuna

NEW TO STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING?

So, what is this sport really all about? Is it for me? Is it just about wave riding? Where is it going? Will it still be here in ten years time? To answer these and many other typical newbie questions, here’s a quick overview of the sport...

WELCOME TO THE SPORT

is more akin to canoeing or kayaking. Yes, some people take their kayaks out into the surf - but a They say it’s the fastest growing sport in the huge proportion of kayak owners don’t. Some world - and it may well be. Certainly it has race, some go exploring, some fish from them, come a very, very long way in the last five others just use them for fitness. Some do long years. Rewind to the middle of last decade distance, or ride white water, and it wasn’t even on the map, some like to do tricks. Some “ The sheer versatility but now there are millions use them to get away from the of participants worldwide, of the sport is the hustle and bustle of modern hotly-contested international fundamental reason life. For others, it’s more of a competition circuits, hundreds of social thing, a means to meet why it’s not just different brands, and discussion up with other like-minded some passing fad” regarding Olympic recognition. people. And for many, it’s This growth is still accelerating, simply a bach beach toy for as the sport finds ever more niches and areas the family in the summer... to colonise. The sheer versatility of the sport is Well, paddleboarding can do all those things yet the fundamental reason why it’s not just some it offers an extra dimension too. No disrespect passing fad – it works for so many different to our canoeing brethren, but actually, for a lot reasons, and on so many levels. of people, sitting down and paddling around Although stand-up paddleboarding originated (in is actually quite boring. You get a wet bum, its modern form) from the surfing community, it is and if your technique isn’t good, often end up absolutely not just about waves. Its true potential page 13

NEW TO STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING?

with a bad back (and how heavy are those kayaks???). Whereas stand-up paddleboarding, even if you’re going slowly, delivers a much more extensive workout with much less risk of injury, and there’s something hypnotically pleasant about it too. You’re higher off the water because you’re standing, so you have a much better view all round. And you can look down into the water, getting a better view of the bottom particularly if you’re in clear shallow water, or just gazing at the patterns and sparkles of the ripples.

Whatever avenues you choose to explore with the sport, the satisfaction factor never goes away. Even if it’s just a gentle cruise around the lake or harbour, you feel good after a paddleboard session in a way that very few other sports can offer despite what seems like relatively low levels of actual effort and adrenalin rush. Indeed, there’s a theory that because your core muscles are having to work continuously while you’re paddleboarding (and balance is actually a very complicated neuromuscular function so there are a lot of synapses firing), this ever-present effort is triggering extra endorphins, the feel-good chemicals generated from the brain.

So while surfing will always be a part of the 14 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

paddleboarding scene, the cruising, exploring, racing, fishing, family fun and fitness aspects are all just as relevant, and so much more accessible with a board that can be easily transported, and either tossed onto the roof rack or even thrown into the car boot.

Better still, it’s easy. It’s more akin to learning to ride a bike than learning to surf, once you’ve stood up for the first time, you’ve got it.

Everything after that is simply refinement.

Which also means it’s highly accessible; if you can standup, then you can stand-up paddleboard. Be you young, old, fat, thin, 20kg or 120kg, in perfect health or in need of a gentle yet stimulating form of exercise to get you back into good health, it’s just a case of finding the right paddleboard for your requirements.

Here in NZ we’re blessed with more miles of coastline than mainland USA, and some incredible inland waters to explore too.

Paddleboards are the perfect craft for getting out there and making the most of it all. Hopefully, the articles in SRONZ will give you a good idea as to where the sport is at here in NZ, and inspire you to get started. Get out there and give it a go – you won’t regret it. Indeed, it may even change your life.

SRONZ

HOW TO LEARN Anyone with a reasonable degree of fitness can learn to stand-up paddleboard, with appropriately sized equipment and the right wind / water conditions (we’re not talking surfing here; waves should not be tackled until you’ve mastered the basics of stand-up paddleboarding on flat water, even if you’re already a competent surfer). If you don’t have much experience at watersports, are suffering any injuries or disabilities, or maybe just aren’t feeling too fit at the moment, then proper lessons from an experienced instructor will ensure you’re learning the right techniques, on the appropriate equipment, in a safe environment.

We are fortunate to have a good and ever-growing network of qualified instructors and accredited schools in NZ. More details on www.surfingnz.co.nz

SRONZ t-shirts now available on our website www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

Sales & Accessories ◊ Regular Adventure Paddles Lessons ◊ Friendly & Qualified Instructors

0800 480 013 | sales@pointpaddlers.co.nz | Birkenhead | Auckland page 15

down the river with a paddle

Cam to Ham 2012

SRONZ

So you’ve paddled harbours and lakes and done a bit of surfing?

Consider yourself experienced and looking for a bit of adventure?

If this sounds familiar then rivers should be your next challenge!

A stretch of river is graded on an international scale from one-six to reflect the technical difficulty, safety and skill level required to negotiate that particular section. A rating of one reflects a big and slow flowing The key difference in river paddling is what’s river, whereas five will have waterfalls and happening under your feet because as water tight canyons (six is extremely dangerous moves down a river it tumbles and twists over and classified as underwater obstacles “unraftable”). You “ If you need an explanation forming boils, eddies cannot realistically and currents of differing as to why any out-ofexpect to paddle speeds. Additional to control fall into a rocky anything beyond grade what you can’t always three on a paddleboard, bottomed shallow stretch see, are the obstacles and if you think you of water requires a helmet, along the river’s edge. might have a crack at you’re not ready for rivers!” a grade five, well, it’s You need to have good basic paddleboard skills been nice knowing you. before taking on even a gentle river or you’ll This may all sound daunting, but it doesn’t simply find it frustrating. That means having have to be. If you ease yourself into river good balance, a strong forward stroke and paddling you will realise that it all makes the ability to turn your board using different sense and is incredible fun. strokes.

As far as challenges go, paddleboarding on a river means staying on your board and reading the flow. These two aspects alone will test your skill and concentration.

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Liquid Stixx

Tarawera River, Grade two/three.

page 17

Liquid Stixx

down the river with a paddle continued

Aniwhenua River, Grade two/three.

If you want to know what rivers to paddle, your best bet is to find someone in your local white water kayaking club or contact one of the stand-up paddleboard companies offering river trips. Seeking guidance from those with experience is critical as they will know their area well and use various parts of different rivers to up-skill people wanting to get into their side of the sport. Taking a guided trip also means having support on hand when you need it.

A proper permanent kayak-style PFD is an absolute must – don’t think you can get away with a user activated PFD. Falling in while using one of these on a good eddy line, is likely to mean you’ll find yourself being spun along the bottom of the river. With a proper kayak style PFD you can relax and concentrate on recovering your board rather than fighting desperately to keep your head above the water.

Gear requirements are different for rivers, as the risks are elevated when compared to flat water. You need to carefully consider using a leash for example because if the river has overhanging trees there’s a high chance of hidden under-water debris and therefore an increased risk that you may go one side of an obstacle and your board the other. Clearly this is a highly dangerous situation to be in, as even a gentle flowing current can prevent you from freeing yourself. If you are going to wear a leash you’re best to attach it to your Personal Flotation Device (PFD) with a quick release strap, otherwise avoid trees like the plague.

While a helmet isn’t necessary on a wide river, such as the Waikato; when going through rapids, it’s another absolute must that you wear a proper kayaking helmet. Rapids are formed by water moving over and around shallow rocks and therefore a likely place for a fall. If you need an explanation as to why any out-of-control fall into a rocky bottomed shallow stretch of water requires a helmet, you’re not ready for rivers!

18 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

Booties are also a really good idea as rocks and bare feet don’t do well together.

The terrain around rivers also tends to be unforgiving on feet.

down the river with a paddle continued What type of board do I use? You may want to think twice about taking your beautiful shiny 12’6” race board down a grade two river as there’s a good chance it would end up holed when contact is made with rocks. Rivers are the terrain of the inflatable and soft top shorter boards that can be turned quicker in response to obstacles. As with everything there are new ultra-strong materials being incorporated into new products all the time that will mean future boards will be more capable of withstanding a good bash on the rocks. However, inflatables are ideal (especially while learning) as running a river is a blast, not a race. You will fall off!

So, if you think you are ready for river paddling, start on something wide, smooth and slow flowing and progress to wide and fast flowing until you feel ready to take on a river with rapids. Get familiar with reading the river for the best lines to follow, and comfortable with the chaotic movement below your feet. You’ll find that you don’t need to worry about forward movement – the river will take care of that.

That said; a bit of forward movement relative to the current, will give you some stability and steerage. Your main concern should be in getting yourself on the right line on the river and having the board orientated.

When going downstream, avoid getting too close to the banks, as there will be eddies (current moving in opposite directions). If you encounter waves try to ride down the tongue of clear water that will form somewhere on those stretches of the river. On bends, the water will be moving faster on the outside of the bend, but this can also be where the wave action is. Keep your eyes on the water well ahead so you can pick nice lines.

Rapids present an entirely different challenge.

Next issue we’ll look at the skill set required.

River action is available from companies like Liquid Stixx (www.liquidstixx.co.nz) who offer instruction and guided trips to cater for every ability level. Thanks to Kirsten Wilton and Andy Fuller for this intro to river paddling.

Liquid Stixx

“ Running a river is a blast, not a race.

You will fall off!”

Tarawera River, Grade two/three.

20 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

Go into the draw to win a Stand-up Paddleboard Streamer short sleeve full length wetsuit

worth

$219

TO ENTER visit www.bodyline.co.nz sign up for their newsletter and tell us via email what year Bodyline began designing and manufacturing high quality wetsuits.

Email the correct answer to info@standingroomonlynz.co.nz Entries close 31st January 2013. Winner will be notified within 3 working days following the draw. SRONZ Competition conditions apply.

Mctavish-SUP.pdf

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gear & Gadgets Waterproof Housings for Smart phones

Earphones

Smart phones not only allow us to use very useful applications but are also a useful on water safety tool.

Several brands are now making waterproof headphones. One good example is H2O Audio (www.h2oaudio.com) whose core business is waterproof audio accessories.

These earphones aren’t cheap ($70+) but well worth it if you are expecting regular dunkings.

If you’re more confident staying on your board there are plenty of $5-$10 earphones around, which you can just throw away if you accidently take a splash.

One of the main obstacles to taking phones with you while paddleboarding has been the trust in waterproof protection. But over the last couple of years waterproof housings have significantly improved. Most are made to fit almost any size smart phone and many even incorporate earphone jacks.

For iPhone users the Lifeproof (www.lifeproof.com) enclosures are top of the range. The full hard case makes your iPhone slightly bigger but allows full functionality – touchscreen, camera and other buttons all work as normal. The enclosure comes with a waterproof earphone jack, which is intended to be fitted full-time. This feature is great if you regularly take your phone on the water and don’t want the hassle of having to put it in an enclosure before heading out. For those who don’t trust an enclosure the best solution is to use two, one inside the other. There’s virtually no chance of both seals breaking at the same time but we’re not guaranteeing that!

Lifeproof

H2O Audio

Aquapac

24 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

Hydration Packs Other hydration pack manufacturers say ‘You Suck...!’ but the Kolegear waist and backpack pressurised hydration systems ensure you never suck again. By simply biting on the supply tube the fluid from the bladder streams to you. The quick fill pump then refills the pressurised bladder. This latest technology in personal hydration has been tested on paddlers, triatheletes and watermen in Hawaii’s toughest conditions.

Visit www.kolegear.com for more information. Packs are available exclusively at Eastcoast Paddler Ltd, 37 Totara St, Mt Maunganui (07 575 3493).

Reselling enquiries welcome contact info@impelsurf.co.nz

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smart phone your paddling For many of us the Smart phone has become an essential part of daily life and a piece of technology that is constantly being used in new and imaginative ways. And just as they have made other areas of life easier, smart phones can now improve the paddleboard experience. Mike Cann of Walk on Water NZ takes us through his views of one such application - Runkeeper Pro. Applications There’s a huge range of applications currently available and new ones being released all the time. Some of those that can be downloaded free even offer standard features like GPS tracking, logs of speed, pace, total, and distance. The more advanced applications generally come at a price but with that, many more features such as voice coaching to preset goals, interval training, route uploads to an online account, heart rate monitoring and even the tracking of calories burnt to name but a few. Some of the more popular advanced apps include: Runkeeper (www.runkeeper.com), MapMyRun (www.mapmyrun.com), Motion X (www.motionx.com) and Nike + (www.nikeplus.nike.com).

For those apps that keep an online history of your training sessions its worth having a good look at the features before you buy to figure out which one suits your requirements best; once the history builds up you are really tied-in to that particular app.

Runkeeper Pro I have been using Runkeeper on an iPhone for two years and have all my fitness sessions logged (my point about being tied-in).

Fortunately Runkeeper is constantly improving their application and has remained in the top three of all online reviews over the last few years.

Before commencing a session the start screen shows the setup page. At the moment ‘Rowing’ is the closest activity to SUP but until they catch up, acceptable for now. You can choose a playlist from music player and I’ve found the choice can significantly influence 28 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

the speed, distance and most importantly for me, my pace in minutes per km. There is also the option to check the map and see the exact route you’ve taken. You can actually do this for any session logged in the history and by comparing similar sessions, check out your progress and see how much damage that one-week off ‘with excuses’ has done!

Runkeeper also has a lot of additional information and functionality built into the website, which you can log onto with your own online account. Every session can be analysed in further detail, tracks exported to Google Earth or details uploaded to Facebook, Twitter etc. By linking with friends and training partners using the same app you’re able to compare yourself against others. It doesn’t end there as you can also link in additional apps that track your sleep, nutrition, weight etc.

my performance on the day. The workout is my own custom interval paddling workout and goes like this – a five minute warm up then a repeating two minute at normal pace followed by 20 second sprints – for me this simulates a session catching waves. At the start of a session a 20 second sprint is easy and almost seems pointless but after an hour it feels much harder.

I’ve frequently caught myself telling the nice lady on the voice prompt to “sod off” when she tells me to sprint again! During the session the nice lady announces my speed, distance and pace so I can gauge how I’m doing. If I’m close to my personal best these prompts are very motivating and make me push much harder!

After a session the nice lady tells you all the stats so you can see how you’ve done.

The workout automatically uploads to the Runkeeper website from where you can look back over your session and see at any time page 29

smart phone your paddling continued Runkeeper Webpage For most, including myself, the basic functionality of these apps will be enough. There is no doubt in my mind that with frequent use, these apps will help motivate users to improve performance, fitness and health. And knowing you have a good safety aid on board with you is a big plus. For those that like to get away from it all and hate the idea of receiving phone calls whilst out paddling‌well that’s what flight mode is for!

30 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

FINS

SRONZ

are you ‘Finatical’?

The much underrated, under-appreciated, misunderstood, underutilised, and until now under developed accessory to standup paddleboarding is the fin. The little appendage(s) at the tail of your board; the device that helps you track straight on flat water, limits slide while surfing, creates speed, maneuverability and control. Mark Jackson of StandUp Takapuna kicks off our introduction to fins.

focused mainly on the center fin; the type found on a cruising or race board. In following issues we’ll expand on these fin facts to bring you up to speed, in the groove and help you understand the what, where and why of fins to get the most from whatever board you ride.

FINS. What are they good for?

Basically, this is the relationship between how long and how wide a fin is and where it’s ‘fattest’ or ‘thickest’ point is. A tall skinny fin, generally found on race boards, is described as having a high aspect ratio.

To start, perhaps think of things this way – change your downhill skis for cross country skis and straight away you’ll notice the difference. It can be the same with a fin.

Before we get too ‘finatical’ about fins lets cover some of the fundamentals, starting with a glossary of basic terms and explanations

Fin Glossary Aspect Ratio: a measure of how long and slender a fin is from fin root to tip.

Chord: the distance between the leading edge of the fin and the fin’s trailing edge.

page 31

53 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna, Auckland (09) 486 6229

Improve your Social Schools

7 DAZE OF SUMMER SCHEDULE MAD MAX MONDAY: All day long Hire a board for half price and do your own thing. $15 for 1hr: $25 for 2hrs: $35 for 3hrs TUTORIAL TUESDAY: 530pm - 730pm After Work Action with I.S.A. licensed instructor Mark Jackson to learn all the tricks and treats of racing.

Venue: Takapuna Boat Club. Includes Board and Paddle of your choice, race jacket and pictures $19.99 WAITEMATA WEDNESDAY 2hr tour of the wonderful Waitemata. All equipment provided including wetsuits $45 THURSDAY NIGHT SPECIAL: 6pm - 8pm PADDLE AND PIZZA sponsored by Sal’s Pizza. Includes 2hr lesson, tour, photos, and race and a chance to ride ALL our new model SUP boards. End with 50% off Pizza at Sal’s $35 T.G.I.F. (Thank God It’s Friday) Book a group of 10 people or more and it’s $15 each for 1hr. Includes all equipment and a FREE lesson SATURDAY IN THE PARK All day board hire. All equipment included (board, paddle, leash and safety vests) $99 SUPPA DUPPA SUNDAY A variety of specials including: • Paddle Play Day: 1hr class for the kids 12 years and under $25 • Family Pack: 2 Boards, 2 adjustable paddles for 2hrs. Includes life jackets and wetsuits if needed $69 • Hooked Up: Hire a SUP Fishing board with all the gear $35 for 1hr

GET UP STAND UP WITH STAND UP TAKAPUNA

For more details see our website www.standuptakapuna.co.nz Early booking essential (All schedules subject to weather change)

FINS continued Basically, the chord of a fin is a description of its ‘foil’ or wing like shape in relationship to its outline shape.

Depth: simply how long the fin is.

Depth primarily relates to hold or stability, so a deep high aspect fin will hold the board making it go straight and fast. A shorter more ‘swept back’ fin will hold less allowing the board to slide and release for surfing maneuvers.

Flex: how much a fin bends, twists or distorts from its original shape when put under load or pressure.

A race board fin needs to be stiff to give better speed, drive and quicker response. A wave board needs a softer more flexi fin that will be more forgiving and ‘slippery’ permitting a snappy, whipping feeling.

Fin Base: the portion of the fin intended to fit snugly with a fin box to limit unintended movement, while providing a means of adjustability in the longitudinal direction.

Generally, the longer the base, the greater the drive and acceleration a board will have out of a turn.

Fin Box: the channel on the board into which the fin base is placed, typically with a channel that allows longitudinal adjustment, while restricting side-to-side movement.

Foil: the cross-sectional profile shape of the fin.

Rake or Sweep: the hooked or curved shape of the outline of a fin.

Swept back vs. more straight up and down relates to how a board will turn or pivot. Curvy swept back fins will have a longer smoother turning arc, good for riding waves. Fins more straight up and down tend to turn tighter.

Hopefully this basic intro to the world of fins will help you appreciate we’re talking art, science and technology and agree that – Fins; what are they good for? Absolutely everything!

We haven’t by any flex or sweep of the imagination covered everything but in future

issues we’ll expand on the glossary for wave boards and look at fin manufactures, fin types, materials, fin placement and selection. We’ll even show you how NZ’s legendary boat and board builder Kevin Trotter has designed and built some ingenious home grown fins; some made out of paper... that’s right... paper fins, and they work ‘fintastic’ !!! page 33

Annabel Anderson

With some sensational race results here at home and on the world stage, Starboard International Rider Annabel Anderson has just notched up another fantastic victory at the Stand-up World Series Finals (Turtle Bay, Oahu), where she was crowned Stand-up World Series Champion for 2012 and is now without question our top women paddleboarder, or perhaps simply our top paddleboarder!

She’s repeatedly pushed and beaten many of the best male paddleboarders proving that brute strength isn’t a factor in success but rather incredible skill and athleticism. With a schedule that keeps her out of the country for much of the year there are likely to be many who just see her at the start of a race. By the time most of us finish she’s already left for another commitment.

So, we put a few questions to Annabel via email!

What is your professional and sporting background?

I grew up with a variety of different sports, riding horses, tennis, athletics, ski-racing, triathlon plus many more. Following university I pursued a marketing career in NZ and the UK. What drew you to stand-up and when did you first give it a go?

I first tried SUP after the Auckland to Fiji yacht race back in 2008. It was not a matter of ‘being drawn’, more like ‘thrown’ on a board.

What are your goals in stand-up?

Goals on a performance level are specific and only relevant to the individual working to achieve them. My goal is to continue to share the sport with new people around the world, to continue experiencing the most incredible places and adventures imaginable, 34 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

to challenge my mind of what I am capable of and to help inspire others to do the same.

At a basic level, my goal is always to spend more time in or on the water doing what I love, across a variety of water sports.

For young paddlers in NZ, who may aspire to become a professional, what would be your guidance and the pathways as you see them?

At present there are no formal pathways and are unlikely to be any in the foreseeable future.

My advice to any young person in NZ with sporting ambitions regardless of the sport is that you have to be more determined than anyone else, see obstacles (i.e. traveling/ finances) as opportunities and to simply be better at the basics than anyone else. A bit of hard work and training ethic goes a long way and if you aren’t doing it, you can be sure that someone else is.

SUPSNZ

You mix with the best paddlers in the world, how do you describe the paddling scene in NZ to them?

Everyone who knows where I come from wants to come and visit. NZ is one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ bucket-list destinations.

At the moment it’s a wonderful hidden secret that we should keep on the ‘down low’ for a while longer.

It’s been great to see you compete in a number of events in NZ over this last summer, what was the most memorable experience and why?

NZ is and always will be home. The NZ SUP Festival was a highlight beating every male over the course of the weekend. I never set out to do this; it simply showed that my training and preparation for the international season was on track. Making the semi-finals of the SUP Surfing at NZ Surf Nationals was also a highlight. Maybe at some point in the future Surfing NZ will recognize girls, which will be a major step for the sport as it will encourage more females to be a part of it and thus raise the standard. page 35

Annabel Anderson continued Where are your favourite paddling locations in NZ? NZ is blessed to be a nation of two islands, surrounded by ocean, scattered with thousands of river tributaries, lakes and inland waters. All are amazing in their own special way. The southern lakes of Wanaka and Wakatipu and the Hauraki Gulf are high on my list.

Who would you think is a NZ paddler to watch both in the race and surf scene?

New people are coming into the sport all the time and you are only ever as good as your last event. I think the next person to watch for will come from outside the sport given the young nature of it in this country and as more true ‘athletes’ come into the sport.

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What can NZ learn from the way the sport / events are run in other parts of the world?

NZ will benefit from using standardised event formats and following similar rulings as are being used internationally (specifically in regard to board length and drafting). The voice of athletes that compete internationally on a regular basis would be a solid foundation point to begin with, as we are literally at the coal face knowing the pros and cons of various formats and rules. My wish is for egos and politics to be put aside and decisions to be made, keeping growth of the sport foremost in importance.

You are known to put in a lot of training off the water, if you were only able to choose one type of cross-training what would it be and why?

Understanding that a lot of the time I am not near water due to traveling, a pair of running shoes is an easy traveling companion and you can usually run most places in the world without too much trouble.

Excluding paddle gear, what is the one thing you never travel without?

Communication devices, tools and a repair kit (boys have been known to raid it).

sup yoga

Like yoga, which literally means ‘to unite’ in Sanskrit, and refers to the union of mind, body and spirit, paddleboarding invites a feeling of serenity, while providing a great core-strengthening workout, and a spiritual connection with nature. It’s no surprise that yoga-lovers seem to find themselves drawn to using a paddleboard as a floating yoga mat.

There are also obvious benefits for paddlers in starting to practice SUP Yoga. Creating balance in the body, by developing both strength and flexibility, will undoubtedly enhance your performance on the water, whether you’re a surfer, competitive athlete or complete beginner.

“Yoga on a paddleboard invites a feeling of grace, serenity and the joy of play!” says Ange, a practitioner in Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Qi Gong. Ange has been practising yoga since her teens and completed her Advanced Hatha Yoga training in Vancouver five years ago.

World Champion stand-up paddler Annabel Anderson incorporated intensive yoga into her training over the last year and used heated bikram yoga studios to condition her body for tropical climates. Here in NZ Annabel was also one of the first to introduce yoga postures into her SUP Fitness classes in 2010.

“SUP Yoga incorporates all that I enjoy in life – being surrounded by water, graceful movement and sharing the experience with others.”

Following the interest sparked by the first mass SUP Yoga demonstration led by Annabel at the Starboard Paddle for Hope in 2011, instructors Ange Gervan and Katrina Gavin now offer regular classes in Auckland, that take participants through a sequence of yoga postures in a supportive and fun session.

Ange’s tips: Breathe, smile, enjoy the view and invite a friend to try a session with you!

Katrina Gavin believes that “the focus and mindfulness that is needed to do the asana (physical) practice on a board is fantastic for me. It’s all very well to do Warrior 1 on land, but a totally different experience to do it on a board that’s moving! You have to be totally present – in that moment, finding that ‘stillness page 37

sup yoga continued

SUPSNZ

within the storm’. Which is what a yoga practice is all about. And if by chance I fall in, it reminds me that it really is just a practice and a bit of fun.” Katrina did her yoga teacher training in 2011, and is drawn to SUP Yoga as it combines three things she is passionate about: yoga, moving and living from the core, and the water.

Katrina’s tips: Take it slow, go out on a still day for your first time and remember to work from the ‘ground’ up (on a nice wide, stable board). Press firmly through your feet, take that strength up your legs into your core, then find the expression of the posture – arms in the air!

2. Anchor or leash your board to a mooring to keep you safe and out of the way of other vessels.

3. Watch instructional videos on YouTube or join a SUP Yoga class. I recommend the series of “how-to” videos posted by Sarah Tiefenthaler, the founder of YogAqua in California – recently voted the “best SUP Yoga class” by the LA Times: www.yogaqua.com For SUP Yoga lessons and information check out: Ange Gervan: Relax Revive Yoga on Facebook or www.reviveyoga.co.nz

General tips on getting started:

Katrina Gavin: Fergs SUP School, Okahu Bay, Auckland www.fergskayaks.co.nz

1. Calm water – a quiet marina or sheltered bay early in the morning is ideal.

Natasha Raniger: Orewayoga@gmail.com

38 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

Thanks to Victoria Stuart (SUPSNZ)

Kitesports Christchurch

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page 39 21

stretches for stand-up paddling As stand-up paddlers, we use our core muscles (abdominals and back muscles) to stabilise our body and add power to our stroke. Overloading these muscles through poor technique, lack of spinal flexibility, overuse or lack of adequate warm-up can result in severe pain, the worst type of all being felt in the lower back. Time off the paddleboard, especially during summer is something we all want to avoid. So, rather than dealing with the pain when we begin to feel it, injury prevention should be the aim.

Although focusing stretches on your back and shoulders may not be the first thing on the ‘must-do’ list before heading out for a paddle or afterwards, learning and more importantly, practising some stretches and selfmobilisation techniques can prepare important muscles for use, reduce the risk of damage or help relieve existing lower back pain.

The most important area to consider is above and below the junction between the middle and lower back. The ability to extend the spine backwards through this area is fundamental to good function.

Here’s a great stretch to start with – In the standing position, with legs apart for stability.

SRONZ

* Slightly bend the knees * Place a paddle horizontally across the back below the shoulder blades. * Hold the paddle in place with your elbows bent. * Bend backwards over the pivot point of the paddle, don’t push hips forward. * Gradually move the paddle down your back, repeating the extension at each rib level two to three times, finishing just below the ribs.

Repeat once.

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Christchurch Paddleboarding

TRAVEL TO PADDLE – CHRISTCHURCH contents

Christchurch may continue to be the ‘shaky city’ with in excess of 10,000 quakes but there’s no reason to avoid a visit...

Peacocks Gallop ...especially to paddleboard around its beautiful coastline and waterways. James Bradshaw from Christchurch Paddleboarding takes us on one of his favourite paddles off the Sumner coast.

Sumner is about 40 minutes drive from Christchurch airport and approximately 25 minutes from Christchurch City. Although renowned for its surf culture and great cafes, there are also some fantastic long distance paddles that can be started from the town, on calmer days.

As you drive into Sumner the stunning Moncks Bay will come into view, as well as Christchurch Yacht Club, from where this paddle starts. There is parking at the club, but if you’ve come with others it’s recommended that you offload your gear and then park on 46 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

the street – that way everyone stays friendly with the club!

The club is located where the Heathcote and Avon rivers meet the sea; a good reason to recommend this trip is started on an outgoing tide and then to time the return leg to coincide with an incoming tide. Access to the water here is via a sandy strip of beach, so no problems there.

From the beach head out to Sumner Bar, past what was once known as Shag Rock, and is now more commonly known as ‘Shagged Pile’ after the earthquakes. There is quite a visible channel through the bar, but you still need to have your wits about you and plan the trip on a small surf day.

Once behind the bar, take time to look at where you came from, not only to establish

Christchurch

Featured area

Moncks Bay Christchurch Yacht Club Sumner Beach

Whitewash Head

Sumner

OUT

Taylors Mistake

Boulder Bay

BACK Godley Head

landmarks for the return trip but also to admire the stunning views towards Christchurch and beyond to the Southern Alps. From this vantage point you also get a true picture of the devastating cliff collapse at Peacocks Gallop and the houses that still teeter on the edge (quite sobering). The containers that line the road here are positioned to prevent any further rock falls from reaching the road.

The next point on the trip is Whitewash Head, which is essentially a diagonal paddle of around 1km due east from Sumner Bar, across Sumner Bay. Once you reach the head stay a safe distance from the cliffs, as there are areas that remain potentially unstable due to the earthquakes. You’ll be able to see how much of the cliff has disappeared, as well as the different strata layers. As with any paddle past cliffs, concentration is required to safely negotiate any backwash.

At this stage of the paddle you’re in a prime location to spot blue penguins, seals, Hector Dolphin (the smallest dolphin in the world) or even the occasional Orca – camera at the ready!!

Rounding the headland you’ll get sweeping views of the beautiful Banks Peninsula – named in 1769 after Joseph Banks – the botanist from Captain Cook’s Endeavour.

Banks Peninsula (Te Pataka o Rakaihautu), forms the most prominent volcanic feature of the South Island. In Maori, its name means ‘the great store house of Rakaihautu’, given the abundance of foods of the forests, sea, rivers and skies.

By the 1830’s, Banks Peninsula had become a European whaling centre – to the detriment of local Maori, who succumbed in large numbers to disease and inter-tribal warfare.

page 47

TRAVEL TO PADDLE – CHRISTCHURCH continued contents Once around the headland turn right and head towards Taylors Mistake. The naming of this small bay has been the subject of rich debate but is most commonly attributed to Captain Taylor of the ‘Volga’ who reportedly ran aground here during the night ‘mistakenly’ thinking he was about to pass over the Sumner Bar. This sandy beach is a perfect spot to take a break and admire the iconic Kiwi crib (bach) nestled into the cliffs and the sand dunes – many of which have been there since the 1890’s. Be careful of the shore break here, which can be a bit nasty if there’s a swell running.

When you’ve relaxed at Boulder Bay, it’s time to commence the paddle back across to Whitewash Head and into the protected south-eastern end of Sumner Bay. Paddle past the boat ramp and zone in on the Scarborough Fare Café, which is literally a hop skip and jump from the beach. Here you can leave your boards on the beach, grab a coffee and muffin and sit back and take in the views

Christchurch Paddleboarding

Whether you take up the opportunity for a break or not, the next landmark to head for is the final destination of this trip – Boulder Bay. To reach this spot you’ll pass the headland leading to Harris Bay, which is on the right of Taylors Mistake. As you approach Boulder Bay you’ll see the walking tracks that lead up to Godley Head.

With its sheer 120m high cliffs, long-range guns were added to the fort at Godley Head in the early years of World War II to ensure Christchurch wasn’t defenseless against a surprise attack. In its heyday the fort was staffed by over 400 men and women and was a self-contained community. Today, the area is a haven for mountain bikers with plenty of technical rides and fast sweeping trails.

You may want to mark Godley Head as a place to return to one day but check with the Department of Conservation as the trails are currently closed following the earthquakes.

Scarborough Fare Café

48 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

Once refueled there’s only a short paddle across Sumner Bay and back through Sumner Bar to the Yacht Club. If you haven’t timed it correctly you’ll be against the tide, so make sure you save some energy for the effort required. If your timing is perfect you’ll get a free ride down the estuary and back to the start point.

This paddle will test your endurance, but most competent paddlers shouldn’t find it too difficult.

Trip Facts Distance: around 12kms (depending on your course)

Christchurch Paddleboarding

across Pegasus Bay to the Kaikoura ranges, some 100kms+ in the distance.

Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours (depending on how long you stop for coffee) Essentials Prior to heading out: • Check the weather / tides / swell forecasts • Let someone know your plans • Don’t paddle alone • T ake a phone / water / energy foods / cash (for a coffee) • W ear a PFD / leash and think about wearing a wetsuit, as the water is cool in these parts This paddle can be easily done on an allround board but best suits a wider race board or cruiser, such as a Fanatic Ray. If this paddle is beyond the confidence levels of your paddle group, hook up with others on an organised trip.

For more information on this paddle, or any tours and other paddles around Canterbury, contact James Bradshaw at Christchurch Paddleboarding www.christchurchpaddleboarding.co.nz page 49

need inspiration contents SRONZ there’s SUPer a first clinic time to for stand-up? everything...

WalkonWaterNZ

SUP addict Dave...

Dave the ex-sugar addict, now ex-fatty (well nearly) who recounted his journey off the couch and into the world of SUP in Issue 1, brings us an update on his continuing journey back to fitness and the direction he’s taken his paddleboarding.

I’d definitely class myself as a fair weather, flat water paddler. With less than a year of paddling under my belt I generally only go out when it’s like a mill pond. However, with a bit of peer pressure, I have ventured out a couple of times when it’s blowing on-shore.

Mostly I decline venturing very far, preferring the shelter of the bay because to me the thought of paddling in open water in 20 knots of wind is something best left to the pros and viewed from the comfort of the couch on a big telly!... However, if you search ‘Downwind SUP’ on YouTube, as I did, you’ll see there’s something quite appealing about it – catching long glides 50 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

on wind driven waves, covering miles of distance with hardly any effort (or so it seems). Admittedly, most of the footage seems to be in some paradise, with water temperature of 30 degrees. Perhaps that’s what I find appealing as we sit in the middle of winter?

Anyway, by chance I was asked if I wanted to give this crazy down-winding a go. After making lame excuses, such as, my board is too small, or we can’t get back to where we started, (solid statement I thought as down-winding is a one-way ticket), I was persuaded, even though I knew I’d be going out of my comfort zone.

To be fair my 11’ board would probably have been long enough but a rather large carrot was dangled in front of me; well it looked a bit like a carrot but was in fact a Walkonwater Ground Swell Rider (GSR) 14... a 14’ orange monster of a board.

course, that I was starting to get frustrated and tired. I wasn’t actually getting any of those long glides that the pros make look so easy.

It wasn’t until my tenth or so dunking and the realisation that the water wasn’t 30 degrees, that things began to click.

With heaps of support promised, a sturdy leash and Personal Flotation Device (PFD), I was on my way to a first.

With the wind and sea state picking up, I put in a big burst of frantic paddling and WHOOA, OMG I was off! I thought about playing paddle guitar as the GSR took off and I just stood there beaming and thinking – wow this is what it’s all about – give me more. The experience of glide after glide was something I won’t forget and can’t wait to experience again.

Reservations of stability in open water quickly diminished on the bigger board as we departed Army Bay, at the tip of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, bound for Orewa.

The wind was blowing slightly from the north-east, at about 12 knots, when we set off but was due to increase to 20 knots later in the day. Our course was slightly north of west, which meant a bit of hard paddling northwards before turning downwind to enjoy the glides.

Now, I’m making this sound all too easy, but now that I’ve done it, I can! At the time I was wondering what I’d let myself in for, especially as the conditions were the roughest I’d been out in on a new and unfamiliar board, with the weather due to deteriorate and no destination in sight.

To tell you the truth the first half of this adventure was a baptism of fire and I was glad of the support around me. I was so busy trying to stay on the board, and make a good

Despite touching land a little way off the intended finish point of Orewa, my sense of accomplishment was evident as I was congratulated by the crew for completing my first downwinder! I was stuffed but can now say I’m not always a fair weather paddler.

My name is Dave and I’m a SUP Addict - weight now minus 12kg. Ohhh Yeahh!

For a great 5km novice downriver race check out the Ohau Channel Event in Rotorua on the 24th November 2012.

For more info visit www.liquidstixx.co.nz

page 51

stand-up paddleboard fishing Our paddleboard fishing expert looks at the tricks and techniques for landing bigger fish…

So, you’ve got your gear set up properly (if you missed the fishing safety tips in the last issue, get a back copy or read them online!), you’ve caught yourself a few snapper – and you’re really getting into this paddleboard fishing game. Now you’re thinking about bigger fish... Kingfish – Hapuku – maybe even Tuna. Well, they’re out there to be had. But

catching bigger fish from a paddleboard is a whole different game. Let’s look at some of the primary issues.

Firstly, the odds of landing a bigger fish are stacked in your favour if you’ve already had experience of catching bigger fish. Knowing the feel of the strike, so you instantly know when you’ve hit a big Kingie, as opposed to an

“ Any fish of more than a few kilos will tow you”

52 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

over-exuberant Kahawai; knowing how the fish will run, how they fight and how to play them, is something that only comes with experience.

If you don’t have this experience – well, it’s not hard to find a fishing expert in NZ. Talk to people who’ve (genuinely!) taken big fish. Do your homework. Better still, do some fishing from a boat. When you’ve fought a big Kingie a few times you’ll understand them so much better, and therefore have a greater chance of landing them on your paddleboard.

But still – no amount of boat practise can prepare you for your first big strike on a paddleboard, and the high speed ‘tow’ that follows. I think the fastest I’ve been towed is around 8km/hr (read from my GPS). Any fish of more than a few kilos will tow you. And a decent 5-6 kilo fish is going to be towing you fast enough that if you don’t do the right things and get your line tracking properly, you’re probably going to get pulled straight off the board.

Assuming you’ve survived the initial OMG moment, the very first action is to decide whether to take a knee (i.e. drop down onto one knee), or ride it standing. If it’s a big fish and going hard out, I’ll take a knee, and just lean back into it and let it run. But most of the time I’ll stand up and let it run (the position you adopt will also depend a bit on the width of your board - on narrower boards you’ll need to take a knee more frequently). If you’re not taking a knee, keep low in something like a surf stance. Next (well, pretty much simultaneously), throw your rod tip towards the nose of your board, so that you’re orientated correctly to be towed. This is where having a good rod is so important.

Cheap rods will let you down. You’ve got to have the right parabolic bend, so that the tips are forgiving. A lot of the soft-baiting stuff, especially high modulus graphite, will break really quickly, so you just can’t point-load them.

Running your rod to the front end of the board will quickly spin you around, so you’ve got to

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University of Auckland

stand-up paddleboard fishing continued

be low and prepared for that. From here on, experience and knowing what the fish is going to do will help a lot. For example, a Kingie’s initial run is straight, long and hard. Then when it starts to tire and you’re getting it in closer, it goes into fast circling directly beneath you. That can be a pretty interesting time when you’re on a board! But again, it’s about having really good gear. If you’ve got a rod you trust you can let the rod tip go down one side of the board and the fish can be on the other – and it doesn’t matter.

As long as you don’t touch the side of the board with the rod and create a pressure point, you’re unlikely to break it.

Ruler not to scale

So now you start bringing the fish in. I’ll nearly always be standing up for the last part of the fight however big it is, because you want to be able to move the fish around, and either gaff it or pick it up. You’ll also be able to see better from a standing position.

One of the great things about paddleboard fishing comes into play now – you don’t have that ‘fish out of water’ point. So many people lose their fish right next to the boat because they grab the leader and lift the fish out of the water, if they’re

54 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

not using a gaff or net. And that’s when it flicks itself free. But with paddleboard fishing the fish just slides straight over the side and onto the board, so you don’t have the same kind of pressures on the fish. It makes a big difference.

Bravo! You’ve caught your first Kingie. Remember your catch sizes though - it’s astonishing how many 74.5cm Kingfish there are out there!

If it’s too small, put it back. And if it’s big enough, welcome to the next fun thing about catching big fish on paddleboards – where to put it!

Stringing them on a line (through the gills) is smart to ensure you don’t lose them if you get tumbled in the surf or swell on the way home (or during the next catch). Ideally you want them on ice as soon as possible after killing them – check out some of the smart catch bags now available.

Next issue, we’ll look at the rather more subtle but equally satisfying art of fly fishing from your paddleboard.

In the meantime, we’d love to hear from you about your own catches and paddleboard fishing experiences, especially if you’ve got some photographs to share.

New Zealands SUP travel specialists

Fiji / Tonga / Samoa / Indonesia / Maldives / Tahiti / Rarotonga / Hawaii ‌ aNywhere!

For more info on our packages and more check out

www.islandholidays.co.nz

Tel: 0800 336660 Email: pete@islandholidays.co.nz

to win a Kolegear pressurised hydration system enter the draw by Liking ImpelSurf oN Facebook Then visiting www.impelsurf.co.nz email us the four brands available from ImpelSurf Ltd. Send your entries to info@standingroomonlynz.co.nz Entries close 22nd January 2013. Winner will be notified within 3 working days following the draw. SRONZ competition conditions apply. page 55

sharing your board

BOP SUP

We’ve all known the joy that shared experiences bring. The versatility of paddleboarding means we can easily share our joy of the sport with others, whether it’s with children or man’s best friend. Just as we are mindful of our own safety on the water we also need to consider the safety of those with whom we share our board.

Phoebe Hawes and passenger Tiani

Together with ensuring children are supervised around water and learn to swim, introducing them to lifejackets when they’re young will hopefully cement the behaviour that wearing one is the best option and therefore something that sticks with them for life.

• Crotch straps should be used for all child sized lifejackets - don’t attempt to put a child in an adult sized lifejacket as they will slip out of it in the water

There are specific considerations for children’s lifejackets and too many variations on the market for us to do a fair review in this issue. But some important key points to remember are:

• Remember children look to adults for appropriate behaviour – wear your lifejacket and they’ll wear theirs

• Seek professional guidance to ensure lifejackets are correctly sized for a child 56 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

• Don’t go out alone with children, just in case something happens to you

• Lifejackets for children can be hired from the Coastguard.

Visit: www.coastguard.co.nz

Dog Float Coats Clearly for most of our furry friends swimming comes naturally. Although there are no official stats for canine drowning in NZ, far too many are lost this way each year: when the dinghy or kayak overturns or the boat sinks, saving the dog inevitably ends up relatively low down on the priority list. Unfortunately, while most dogs are indeed good swimmers, they can tire easily, especially if disorientated and / or trying to scramble up and out of the water to safety, and as their muzzles are low to the water they can quickly fall victim to drowning by water inhalation if struggling in chop or swell. Hence the number of dog ‘float coats’ now available on the market.

It is however, important to understand that none of these are ‘lifejackets’ in the traditional sense – they only offer a small degree of active buoyancy, and will not prevent an unconscious animal’s head from going underwater and drowning. A jacket that could achieve these goals would be unacceptably bulky and restrictive.

With the help of our test team we reviewed a selection of dog Float Coats currently on the market.

Our test team: Loui – Lhasa Apso. Age 4, 5kg - All round Action Man on the water, snow and skateboard.

Oscar – Border Collie Hunterway X. Age 7, 26kg – experienced board rider and active swimmer.

The D-Fa ‘Float Doggy’ Flotation Vest From almost the day Jase Johns from NZSHRED got little Loui, he knew he was going to be an Action Man. He just had that manner about him ... that look in his puppy eyes. Jase first noticed Louis’ nonchalant nature to water when he was getting out after a surf at Curio Bay. When Loui spotted Jase from the beach, he came running out into the waves, to the point where he could no longer touch the bottom. Jase grabbed him and popped him up onto the surfboard. To make it easy, he just pushed Loui in on the board and surprisingly he just stood up straight on the board until the fins hit the sand. Next thing he looked around, and in pure dog-speak Loui mouthed, “Let’s do it again”.

Rather than limiting Loui’s opportunities, Jase decided to investigate a safer way of taking him along on paddleboard missions ... after all, who can handle that face at the window or the gate, as you’re driving off to enjoy yourself in the outdoors that says, “Whatever you guys are up to, I’m coming too!”

Based in Wanaka, the NZ company D-Fa is local for Jase. Their extensive catalogue

Action Man Loui

NZSHRED

www.d-fa.com $129.29

revealed the ‘Float Doggy’ Flotation Vest that after a bit of research seemed to be a great option of Loui. But being a dog of discerning taste nothing was a given before he had his first fitting. Thankfully, once the correct size was found this tailored jacket was an excellent fit and out of the water got Loui’s approval. In the water, the jacket seemed to provide great active float, and significant buoyancy around Loui’s chest, keeping his head above water, without putting undue pressure on his throat.

The reflective detailing keeps Loui visible but isn’t over the top and the handle gives easy and comfortable purchase when he needs a helping hand back on the board.

Overall, this is a high quality jacket that does exactly what it needs to. Follow the website instructions to make sure you get the right size. page 57

sharing your board continued K-9 Float Coat by Ruffwear www.caninespirit.co.nz From $109.95 The K-9 Float Coat by Ruffwear is a premium jacket. A strong, centrally placed handle on the back allows you to help your dog out of the water and reflective trim gives enhanced visibility.

Once the collar section is adjusted to fit, it doesn’t need to be touched again and is easily slipped over the dogs head leaving just two belly clips to secure.

There seemed no restriction to Oscar’s movement in or out of the water. The padded handle is located closer to the shoulder blades of the forelegs, which seemed to make lifting more comfortable for Oscar, as well as his board master.

Overall, a sturdy well constructed jacket. Lots of attention to detail with features such as an attachment point for a light and Velcro retainers to secure unnecessary lengths of strapping, made this the favoured jacket in our test.

SRONZ

SRONZ

58 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

Paws Aboad Life Jackets www.furrkids.co.nz From $57.90 Constructed to provide buoyancy, along with a cozy secure fit, the Paws Aboard Pet jacket features a breathable mesh underbelly for proper draining and drying. The full mesh underbelly with Velcro and double strapping, gives good padding, comfort and strength when lifting your dog from the water. The bright reflective colour provides great visibility.

Despite the three fastening points, this one piece design was easy to fit. The soft construction and mesh underbelly section seemed to suit Oscar and didn’t restrict his movement in or out of the water. The central handle was a little uncomfortable on the hand

when used to lift him out of the water but had a useful attachment for a lead.

Overall, a well constructed light-weight jacket liked and proudly worn by Oscar.

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sharing your board continued UnderDOG Life Vest by MTI Adventurewear www.caninespirit.co.nz From $89.95 The UnderDOG floatation vest is a jacket that positions most of its buoyancy under the dog’s chest area. This allows the dog’s rear end to sink slightly lower than the forelegs – the natural swim angle of a dog. In turn, this frees the hind legs to swim more efficiently. There is also floatation under the neck so the dog’s head rides comfortably higher above the water line.

Being in two pieces (main body, joined by mesh to a neck collar) the fitting was a little

cumbersome with three clips to secure and although the manufactures blurb says the fit is under the dog’s chest we found it to be more around the belly, which for a dog of Oscar’s shape and size, didn’t seem to be that comfortable, especially out of the water.

The further Oscar swam in this jacket, the more it also seemed to move around - the neck section being particularly annoying.

Robust in construction the fabric did repel water very well.

Whilst in our test this was the least favoured jacket, it is likely to fit a wide variety of dogs, including hard-to-fit bull dogs and other barrelchested breeds.

SRONZ

There’s no doubt that as long as you ensure the fit is good, the extra flotation, visibility and aid to recovery provided by a flotation jacket will undoubtedly enhance the survival chances of your pet.

Remember that dogs are hard to get out of the water once they’re tired or scared.

If you’re likely to try this manoeuvre check that the jacket you select has good and well positioned handles. Unless you have a soft-top or inflatable board, claws will leave marks and scratches and you may need to look into providing some additional sections of high grip material if it’s not already there.

Happy and safe sharing SRONZ

60 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

Thanks to Canine Spirit we have one K-9 Float Coat valued from $109.95 to give away.

Head to their website www.caninespirit.co.nz and answer these three questions: 1) Name Canine Spirit’s two company key values; 2) W hat two colours is the K-9 Float Coat available in; and 3) Name SRONZ’s four legged furry test team.

Entries close 1st December 2012. Winner will be notified within 3 working days following the draw.

SRONZ Competition conditions apply.

Abel Tasman Paddleboarding

SRONZ t-shirts now available in any colour from our website

S U P

Designs available in a range of colours page 61

isa level one SUP INSTRUCTOR course

Approved Surf School

Teaching a sport is always a great way of increasing your own understanding of it, so it’s not surprising that many people consider taking it to the next level, and setting up a business teaching paddleboarding. We take a look at the only instructor qualification currently available in NZ based on The International Surfing Association (ISA) SUP Instructor Certificate While there is currently no requirement for anyone wishing to call themselves a standup paddleboard instructor to hold any qualifications, legislation is in the process of tightening up the whole area of adventure sport teaching and management, and anyone offering adventure sport activities will be required to undergo a safety audit and operate to a professional standard.

instructor, and how good do you have to be?

The instructor qualification available in NZ is based on the International Surfing Association (ISA) SUP Instructor certificate, along with additional material added by Surfing NZ’s presenters. Surfing NZ also award official accreditation to stand-up paddleboard schools that have properly qualified instructors and have met the other operational criteria required.

As a result anyone wanting to charge people for instruction would be well advised to become properly qualified, particularly if they’re new to the world of professional sports instruction. The strong safety-orientated focus of the legislation will mean a new way of thinking is required coupled, with an ability to deal with the associated paperwork!

To date, nearly 70 instructors have been trained across NZ.

So, what do you have to do to become an officially qualified stand-up paddleboard 62 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

The Course The course is an intensive two-day programme taught by a Surfing NZ presenter, covering instructional theory, safety, administration and the techniques for teaching stand-up paddleboarding at basic and intermediate level. It also includes a Surfing NZ Community Lifesaving course and award, which includes a

SRONZ

basic fitness test (run 200m, swim 200m, run 200m).

The course costs $500, which includes comprehensive manuals and all SNZ / ISA membership fees. Successful completion of the course equips you with the internationally recognised ISA level 1 SUP instructor qualification, and the nationally-recognised Surfing NZ Level 1 qualification valid for threeyears, along with the community lifesaving award. The only other requirement to become a practising instructor is that you have a current first-aid certificate.

How good do you have to be?

A comfortable level of basic paddleboarding ability is required – if you’ve been doing it for a while, can paddle at a reasonable pace and handle a board in some chop and wind, then you should be fine. Your course assessor will correct any technique mistakes that you may have. There is no requirement in the flat water course to be able to handle surf and ride waves.

For more information contact supcourses@surfingnz.co.nz If you’ve attended this course let us know what you thought: info@standingroomonlynz.co.nz

SRONZ page 63

64 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

Upcoming Events North Island Hyundai Surf Tour January to March 2013 www.hyundai.co.nz/community/hyundai-surf-tour Auckland Jetts City Surf Series www.citysurfseries.co.nz State Beach Series www.beachseries.co.nz

Starting 15 November 2012

Takapuna Beach Cup www.takapunabeachcup.com Rotorua Ohau Channel 5km down river – down wind race 0800 SUPING (787 464) www.liquidstixx.co.nz Tauranga / Mt Maunganui Maaungatapu Dash tmoccnz@gmail.com

Starting 30 October 2012 22-24 February 2013

24 November 2012

17 February 2013

James (Bhutty) Moore-morial race Pilot Bay, Mount Maunganui 2-3 February 2013 moore-entries@hotmail.com Tauranga Harbour Challenge harbourchallenge@gmail.com

31 March 2012

Wellington www.wellypaddlers.blogspot.co.nz South Island Nelson Tuna e Hoe Ana Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park www.maitahi-outrigging.org.nz Christchurch Surf n Turf www.surfnturf.co.nz

15-16 February 2013

Starting 23 January 2013

Check SRONZ Facebook page for event updates & reminders page 65

community paddle groups

Sharlene Winiata – WellyPaddlers

Welly Paddlers Stand-up in the capital is definitely on the UP. Whilst the racing scene took some time to gain momentum, the recent Winter Paddle Series, which saw seven events take place at different locations around Wellington and the Hutt District, regularly had paddleboarders out number those in other craft, including Waka Ama and kayaks.

Promoting paddleboarding in the region and encouraging event participation has largely been down to the hard work of Glenn Butcher from Wind Warrior in Foxton, Howie Clarke and the hardy group of paddlers from Welly Paddlers.

66 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

Chester Burt of Welly Paddlers believes that the Wellington scene is growing through close partnerships between retailers, event sponsors and groups like Welly Paddlers and will improve further with increased promotion of paddleboarding in general. It’s Chester’s experience that paddlers in the capital are more into the recreational side of the sport.

However, given the turnouts over the last three years, it’s likely paddleboarders will run their own events this summer.

For up to date information on the paddleboard scene in Wellington take a look at www.wellypaddlers.blogspot.co.nz

Hutchwilco Belt Pack PFD valued at $169 To enter, email us photographs of where you’re reading SRONZ. Photographs need to be high resolution. The best photograph, as judged by SRONZ, will win. Email photos to info@standingroomonlynz.co.nz

Entries close 22nd February 2013. The winners will be notified within 3 working days following the draw. SRONZ competition conditions apply.

Kiteschool Ltd, Nelson page 67

community paddle groups raglan sup boarding ‘TWO HOURS OF FREEDOM’ Appreciating that we all need time-out to recharge and better cope with whatever daily life has in store, Raglan SUP Boarding introduced ‘two-hours of freedom’. Aimed at local women, it provides an opportunity for them to try paddleboarding whenever they can free themselves from their busy commitments with family and/or work.

Born on Facebook and by word of mouth, the popularity of the sessions is increasing. Participants enjoy lessons in paddleboarding as well as the company of others whilst viewing the sites of Raglan from the water.

If you’re in Raglan and find yourself needing ‘two-hours of freedom’ / lessons / cruises or hire, or just that female escape, contact Raglan SUP Boarding.

FREE LESSON

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PH +6 4 224 D K S UR F (02 24 35 7 87 3)

W W W.DK SUR F ING.CO.NZ

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Join the Club as a Active SUP member and enjoy great facilities, Join the Club as an Active SUP member and enjoy great facilities, (including weekend summer café) and fantastic paddleboarding. (including weekend summer café) and fantastic paddleboarding.

Contact via www.takapunaboatingclub.co.nz Contact via www.takapunaboating.org.nz

68 www.standingroomonlynz.co.nz

Sharon Share

maritimenz.govt.nz/lifejackets MNZ0029 Standing Room Only FP.indd 1

19/10/12 11:35 AM