Last Paddle Out 2012

2012 Santa Paddle

Merry Christmas

Santa and  his helpers

Merry Christmas form City Dock

After City Dock, Santa and the Elves paddled out to Bay Ridge

Santa and Head Elf

Stoked Santa

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Got Boost?

I got a chance to hit the water in my new O'Neill Boost Drysuit last weekend.  When I headed out at 9am on Sunday, the air temp was around 44 and the bay temp was about 48 resulting in some pretty heavy fog.
It wasn't real cold, but there was a damp chill to the air. 

Horn Point Shoal Marker

 Underneath the Boost,  I wore a pair  mid weight polypro tights on my legs and a silk weight top under a mid-weight stretch fleece.  I wore a pair of 6mm boots and a 3 mm pair of gloves.  I was a little overdressed and started sweating as soon as I hit the water.  All of my base layers did what they were supposed to do and wicked that moisture away, and after those 1st few minutes I no longer felt any dampness next to my skin.

Fog Starting to lift

I paddled for a little over an hour by myself, and then was joined by Sarah. Now time to water test the suit!  I lowered myself in to Back Creek doing my best to keep my head out of the water.   Even though I had "burped" the air out of my suit before heading out, as soon I was in the water I ballooned up like the Michelin man.  I could feel the cold through the suit, but was still not uncomfortable in the water. I'm glad I had a leash on as I think it would have been difficult to swim in the suit. Note to self, burp a little more air out next time.  As soon as I climbed back on the  board and started paddling I was nice and toasty again.

Boost gets 2 Shaka's!

When I got home and pulled the suit off, I was surprised on how dry the inside of the suit was, indicating the beathability of the suit was actually pretty good.  I have worn some drysuits in the past that were completely soaked inside from my own sweat.

My initial 1st impression of the Boost is that it works well and is a good choice for someone looking to paddle comfortably in cold weather and water.  I still need to dial in my layering system, but unfortunately I hurt myself surfing on Monday and it maybe a few weeks before I get a chance to give the Boost another test.
East of Maui has a Large Boost in stock,  if anyone wants to check it out.  Other sizes available special order.
Ahola, and happy warm paddling.

Papa Mark

 

Papa's got a brand new bag!

"Come here mama....and dig this crazy scene
He's not too fancy....but his line is pretty clean
He ain't no drag.
Papa's got a brand new bag" - James Brown

  I been paddling a bit this fall, and quite frankly, going for a long paddle in a wetsuit sucks. The new wetsuits are super stretchy and are great for surfing, occasional or short flat water paddles, but after an hour and a 1/2 or 2  hours I thought I was going to die fighting the wetsuit.  I broke down and bought a BAG!
Bags are a loose fitting waterproof / breathable suits designed to keep you dry in the water.  While there are a ton of drysuits on the market, I chose the O'Neill Boost. At $449 it is one of the less expensive suits out there.  Like most drysuits the ankles and wrists are sealed by a thin latex seal.  A reasonable amount of care is required getting into and out of the suit in order  not to tear the seals.  It is best to have help with the back waterproof zipper, but attaching a lanyard to the zipper makes it possible (although tricky) to get in and out  of it by yourself. I'm 6' x195lbs and the XL has plenty of room it, but I don't think I would have been comfortable in a large.
I hope to hit the water with it Saturday.  On the water report coming soon.

Aloha,
 Papa Mark 

Thanksgiving Paddle

Booty Call

Booty Call

Yep, it is getting to be that time of year.  No more trunks and  bare feet.  East of Maui has a great selection of wetsuits, booties, gloves, and hats to keep you warm, safe, and extend your SUP season.

November Glass

TODAY'S SAFETY TIP:   Even in "flatwater" USE A LEASH!.  The last thing you want to have happen in cool water is to have your board get away from you.

SUP'n Sandy

I manged to get to the Avon on the Outer Banks just before Hurricane Sandy washed out the road on Pea Island.  I got in a good day of windsurfing before the conditions just went out of control.  We were stranded in the house due to soundside flooding for a couple of days, but if I had had a board (we moved the truck and board trailer to higher ground), I could have paddled down the streets in Avon. 

The street in front of our rental house.

 After a couple of days, the water receded  enough to get our  gear and we had a couple of pretty good windsurfing days, but the surf was still way to big for me to think about going out in the ocean, and still too windy to SUP on the Sound.

Avon Pier Monday afternoon.

By Thursday the wind  the waves had dropped, and I got in a nice SUP surf session just north of the motels in Buxton.  I was a little apprehensive that my new Naish Mana 9'5"  might be a little tippy for my 195 pounds so I opted for the 11' 6" Naish Nalu and had some nice long rides in knee high surf.

9'5" Naish Mana

 Friday  the waves were about the same size as Thursday, and I christened the new 9'5".  My fears were completely unfounded. While it felt a little smaller than the published 190 liters, I had no problem paddling out through the shore break and the waves. It was super easy to catch waves with, make the drop, then turn and go down the line .I'm totally stoked on the new board.

Making the drop

However, I went the wrong way and got closed out!

   The trip was a little bitter sweet. We were fortunate to have made it to Hatteras and come through  Sandy  OK. It was a bummer that our friends couldn't make it down to join us.  We feel somewhat guilty that after the storm,  we were out playing while so many people both on the Outer Banks, and even more so, up the coast in Jersey and  New York were dealing with so much  loss and destruction. 

Pool and hot tub at the Lighthouse View in Buxton took a beating.

The next time you  go Stand Up take a second to be thankful for everything you have, and send some positive vibes and aloha to all the folks up and down the East coast for a speedy recovery in the aftermath of Sandy

Such a change from just a few days earlier

MId October Update

Wow! I can't believe it is mid October and I haven't updated the blog in a month.

We've still been getting a ton of days on the water, but with the early darkness we have wrapped up our Tuesday night paddles.   Mostly we are paddling early in the morning before work or on our days off.

Early Morning Session

The shop is getting geared up for snowboard season, but we still have a ton of  Sup boards instock- ALL ON SALE! 

14 Bark Dominator Sale $1899

We have everything you need to stay warm and safe for paddling this Fall.  Let our experienced staff help put you in the right gear to keep you on the water.  The Fall colors on the water are spectacular!

Carr Creek 10/17/12  8 a.m 

BOAT SHOW!

US Power Boat Show

Last  week we worked the US Power Boat Show selling the Naish Inflatable Stand Up Boards.

While I can't tell you these boards are as stiff or deliver the performance of a fiberglass board, these boards are awesome.  They are quite a bit more rigid than the early generation inflatables, it takes 5 minutes to blow them up, and when you are done, let the air out and put them back in their bags.  How easy is that? If you have been putting off getting into SUP for either storage or transportation issues , now you can do it Standing Up too!    

Naish One 12'6"  Performance and Portability!

SURF EXPO 2012

 
Sarah and I spent  several days in early September in Orlando at the Surf Expo Trade Show. 
 East of Maui has been attending these shows and similar shows for many years. It is part of our job. It is how we keep on top of the newest and best products. It is where we place our orders for the following season. It is business.  It is a lot of work. We get to see old friends.  We get to meet new friends.  It is a lot of fun!

 The sign outside in front of the Orange County Convention Center says "Welcome to  Surf Expo
 The Global Watersports & Beach Lifestyle Tradeshow".

I've never really thought about it as a lifestyle, it is just what I do and who I am.  I guess I'm lucky that I get to do what I love for my job.  At the same time, owning a boardshop is a  job.  Dollars and cents.  Sometime the lack of dollars doesn't make sense, but  I'm  proud of East of Maui Boardshop, and I'm  proud that  we continue offer the best product knowledge and expertise in the business. I'm proud of the brands we sell, and proud of all the people we have turned on to our  watersports and beach lifestyle.

ALOHA- Mark B

We attended the demo the day before the show.  Sarah getting ready to start the 1st ever Bic Wing One-Design SUP Race

. 

Bic  Wing 12'6"x 30 $1299 .  This is a great board for touring, flat water, or recreational racing at an equally great price!

Laird Sup shaper Bob Pearson showing off the floatation of the new Laird SUP race board.

New Naish MC Race boards.  Naish won the 2012 SUP Brand of the Year! 

We've been a Fanatic windsurf dealer for years.Look for their  SUP's at East of Maui soon!

Inflatables are a great option for anyone with storage or transportation issues.

After the show Saturday, we headed to Cocoa Beach for the Stand UP World Series.  Some of the worlds best paddlers and Florida locals battled overhead surf and strong winds.  Connor Baxter took the win on Saturday.

Lori Wilson Park, Cocoa Beach Fl.

Connor heading in for the win!

Kai Lenny finished  2nd in the long distance race on Saturday, and won the Sprints on Sunday moving into the overall series lead.  Connor and Kai are both impressive young men.

Labor Day Luau and Surf Safari

The shop was closed for Labor Day, and the East of Maui crew spent the day at Assateague surf'n, sup'n, and eat'n with friends.  

New Products

We just got in a couple of cool new products to help you get your SUP down to the water!

SUP Wheels

$139.95

1. No assembly or tools needed
2. •14” Wheels - rolling over curbs and sand
3. • Solid rubber tires - never go flat
4. • Specialized foam covers frame - UV resistant & board safe
5. • EPDM rubber bungee - UV resistant and extremely strong
6. • Aluminum axle - salt water resistant, light and strong
7. • Stainless fasteners  - salt water resistant
8. • Up to 75 lbs (34kg), supports 2 SUP boards on one set of SUP Wheels™  

   (strap required but not included)

1. • Removable wheels - compact storage or carry on board
2. • Flex frame variable width is 15” (38cm) to 12” (30 cm)
3. • Flex frame variable height is  6” (15 cm) to 4” (10 cm)

Big Board Schlepper

Finally an easy way to carry (schlep) your longboard around. It's lightweight, quick & easy.The Stick Schlepper is the latest in longboard carrying straps.This surfboard carrier works great as a substitute for a board bag. It's a simple surf board sling carrying strap that makes carrying your board easy. The Stick Schlepper can also work as a stand up paddle board SUP sling for smaller boards but the ideasl SUP sling is our Big Board Schlepper SUP Strap which also has paddle attachments

The Stick Schlepper Board Carrier Sling Features:

• Comfortable padded shoulder strap with Aloha print.
• Velcro adjustment for different board sizes.
• Easy clip on / clip off straps.
• Neoprene non-slip pad keeps board from sliding out.
• Shock absorbtion system makes longer walks easier. 
• $34.95

Got Race?

Join East of Maui this Saturday at one of the areas biggest SUP races!

The 2012 Watermans Paddle for Humanity returns to Washington DC on Saturday, August 25, 2012. The event features the 5K or 10K Paddle and the addition of a new event -- the Chuck Patterson Signature Series Rally Race. 

Event/Race Descriptions

5K Paddle - WPA Short Course (Estimated time: 30-minutes to 1-hour)

10K Paddle - WPA Long Course (Estimated time: 60-minutes to 1.5-hours)

Choose your distance and then compete against friends or simply paddle for the fun of it. The 5K and 10K results will be applied to WPA rankings.

Chuck Patterson Signature Series Rally Race (Estimated time: 45-minutes to 1-hour)

The CP Rally will consist of 3 laps for the men and 2 laps for the women around a multi-discipline course. The laps will include some kind of additional physical and/or mental challenge and be designed to challenge a paddlers physical performance levels. The alternate portion of the race will be specific to each location and incorporate challenges specific to the region. 

3050 K Street Northwest 

Washington, District of Columbia

Saturday, August 25, 2012

http://www.paddleforhumanity.org

Lianne putting a hurting on Mark B at last weekends Ocean City Race

12'6 Naish Glide Review

 
This is what Naish has to say about the Glide 12'6".  "The Glide 12’6’ is the perfect choice for flatwater adventures, cruising with friends and recreational racing. Compared to longer race-oriented SUP boards, the 12’6” is incredibly fast, but easy to maneuver and carry. The Glide 12’6” has a penetrating vee nose and flat rocker, for exceptional glide. It also features ample width and thickness for great stability."

 I paddled the  Glide   briefly a little over a year ago at the Outdoor Retail show.  My initial impression was good, and we have been selling  them to happy customers all summer long.
We've finally  been able to get a 12'6" Glide to put into our Premium Demo Fleet*.  I've  gotten to  to spend several hours on the board the last couple of days, and here are some of my thoughts on this board.
First of all, the Naish description nails it.  At my 195 lbs the board is fast, and very easy to paddle.  Unlike some of the more dedicated  race boards which are tippy at slow speeds, this board is comfortable "just cruising along", and at the same  time it responds  when you put the power  to the paddle.

The AST construction felt super solid under my feet, but carrying the board, it doesn't feel as light as my $2400 carbon race board.  (It does have a super comfortable carry handle)   Not heavy mind you, and at $1649, it would be still be a good durable race board without breaking the bank, or worrying all the time about dinging / breaking the board.  The Naish deck pad is comfortable, and there is light non-skid finish behind the deck pad if you step back on the board for a pivot turn. 

Bottom line, I LOVE THIS BOARD, and can't wait until the next time I get to paddle it. 
 However, having said that,  this board has a lot of floatation and  may not be the best choice for some of our lighter paddlers when the wind picks up or in a heavy side chop, but for anyone 150lbs and up, looking for a fun board to cruise or race, this board is a winner!

L-12'6"  W-30" D-5 -5/8"  Volume 265  Wt. 31 lbs

* Premium Demo Boards are available on a limited basis and only to experienced paddlers. Demo fee $75

sUP Coming Events

August 14th, 5pm-8 

FREE  SUP mini -lessons at Eastport Yacht Club

 This is our final Tuesday night at EYC this summer.  If you have been putting off trying Stand Up, you do not want to miss this event . This event is open to the public.  Reservations not required.  Grab you trunks and meet us there for a great evening of fun! 

 

August 19th 

 2nd Annual Battle on the Bay, 

This is an event that covers all levels of stand up paddleboarding. It is a full day of racing, eating, and enjoying a wonderful day on the bay at Fager’s Island Bar & Restaurant, 60^th St. & the Bay, Ocean City, MD.Proceeds from the event will go to the PJ Aldridge Cancer Foundation and Carol Kerstetter, a local from Ocean City, that is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.

The day will start off at 10am with a 6 mile ELITE Race and 3 mile FUN Recreational Race at 10 :02am. The course will be decided on race day based on current wind conditions to make it ideal for racers. Weather pending, it will be a flat water race with buoy turns and a great spectators event. Cash and prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in each category. Following the morning race, a DASH FOR CASH SUP RACE-a short sprint race with 1 buoy turn will take place. Followed by a fun short distance KIDS SUP Race.

After all the race will be food, drink and awards. 

August 25th

Paddle for Hunanity,  Washington D.C

  WASHINGTON, DC
Saturday, August 25, 2012 @ 8:00 AM

Washington Harbour
Washington, DC

The Watermans Paddle for Humanity is a fun event open to all levels of paddlers. We will be hosting clinics at each event, social paddles, hospitality functions and a paddling expo on the beach where the public can come and experience new products and equipment from the series sponsors and partners.

This year we are featuring a three-event platform, which consists of the 5K Fun Paddle, 10k Competitive Paddle and the famous Chuck Patterson Signature Series Race, dubbed the CPR. Kona Brewing Co. will also be hosting a Friday night meet-and-greet/check-in/registration and Saturday afternoon awards party after the race. 

This is a must attend event for anyone that likes to Stand Up Paddle!  This is the biggest Stand Up event in the  area and YOU don't want to miss it.  

Tuesday Group Paddles every Tuesday (except 8/14) 6pm Chesapeake Ave, Annapolis Md.

Join us as we take a cruise around Annapolis BYOB (Bring your own board)

 

BARK FOR SALE $1995

Brand new 2012 Surftech Bark  14' Dominator. Pro-Elite
This board has a couple of very small pressure dings from shipping.
Reg, $2360
SALE $ 1995!

410-573-9463


• Length: 14'
• Width: 27.5"
• Thickness: 7"
• Weight: 26
• Volume: 258

Always a top finisher in any SUP race, this board is not as "tippy" as some of the other race boards currently on the market. Great open water as well as flat water race board.  Perfect for bigger paddlers looking for a fast, easy to use race board.

Sundays Fundays

Stand Up is so much fun.  There is so much to do. Racing, surfing, yoga, or just going out for a late afternoon cruise with your friends.

Sarah crossing the Severn

 

 

 

 

Stand Up board $1549.  Carbon Paddle $339.  Sunsets on the water PRICELESS!

RACE RESULTS

Cheaspeake  Stand Up Challenge
Finish by Class Short Course
Class	Number	Name	Finish Time	Place
Men's  14'  Short Course	3101	Andrew Mergen	1:08:52	1
Men's  12'6''  Short Course	3202	Michael Higgins	0:51:52	1
Men's  12'6''  Short Course	3201	Chris Lee	0:52:32	2
Men's  12'6''  Short Course	3205	Bryan Barton	0:58:03	3
Men's  12'6''  Short Course	3204	Tom Babb	1:00:37	4
Men's  12'6''  Short Course	3203	Eric Astor	1:05:53	5
Men's Surf Short Course	3308	Dan Hextor	1:01:00	1
Men's Surf Short Course	3310	Ryan Lancaster	1:03:30	2
Men's Surf Short Course	3304	Robert Gignlliat	1:04:41	3
Men's Surf Short Course	3303	Trey Lord	1:06:37	4
Men's Surf Short Course	3302	Dan Shanahan	1:06:50	5
Men's Surf Short Course	3301	Clyde Kunst	1:11:31	6
Men's Surf Short Course	3307	Trevor Harney	1:12:01	7
Men's Surf Short Course	3305	Zach Ditmars	1:29:25	8
Men's Surf Short Course	3309	Ryan Sprouse	1:49:03	9
Men's Surf Short Course	3306	Tommy Donahue	1:50:00	10
Women's 12'6" Short Course	3501	Mary Catherine Bain	1:02:10	1
Women's Surf Short Course	3606	Rachel Novak	1:02:44	1
Women's Surf Short Course	3601	Jennifer Callins	1:13:20	2
Women's Surf Short Course	3603	Christi Dant	1:16:03	3
Women's Surf Short Course	3604	Lauren Morrell	1:19:52	4
Women's Surf Short Course	3611	Mary Howser	1:19:58	5
Women's Surf Short Course	3607	Laura Kwong	1:22:23	6
Women's Surf Short Course	3605	Laura Lutkefedder	1:22:35	7
Women's Surf Short Course	3610	Mackenze Heinrich	1:29:07	8
Women's Surf Short Course	3609	Megan Juarez	1:49:13	9
Women's Surf Short Course	3602	Mary Jordan	1:49:55	10
Finish by Class Long Course
Class	Number	Name	Finish Time	Place
Men's  14'  Long Course	7104	Denny Grant	1:23:46	1
Men's  14'  Long Course	7101	Neil Macindoe	1:25:36	2
Men's  14'  Long Course	7103	Nathan Bankson	1:27:59	3
Men's  14'  Long Course	7102	Tim Summers	1:37:45	4
Men's  14'  Long Course	7105	SonYun Boo	1:43:34	5
Men's 12'6" Long Course	7204	Jeff Schmitt	1:30:44	1
Men's 12'6" Long Course	7203	Basil Tydings	1:31:16	2
Men's 12'6" Long Course	7201	Sam Eckert	1:35:06	3
Men's 12'6" Long Course	7205	Allan Navo	1:45:31	4
Men's 12'6" Long Course	7202	Mike Dant	1:50:24	5
Men's Surf Long Course	7302	Jonathan Moore	1:39:45	1
Men's Surf Long Course	7301	Ash Rahimi	2:01:27	2
Men's Surf Long Course	7304	Pat Donahue	2:25:34	3
Women's 12'6" Long Course	7502	Dawn Ehman	1:33:50	1
Women's 12'6" Long Course	7501	Kathy Summers	1:40:54	2
Women's 12'6" Long Course	7505	Lianne Dunbar	1:44:15	3
Women's 12'6" Long Course	7504	Kate Dowling	1:45:19	4
Women's Surf Long Course	7601	Stevie Donahue	2:15:12	1
Overall Finish Short Course
Class	Number	Name	Finish Time
Men's  12'6''  Short Course	3202	Michael Higgins	0:51:52
Men's  12'6''  Short Course	3201	Chris Lee	0:52:32
Men's  12'6''  Short Course	3205	Bryan Barton	0:58:03
Men's  12'6''  Short Course	3204	Tom Babb	1:00:37
Men's Surf Short Course	3308	Dan Hextor	1:01:00
Women's 12'6" Short Course	3501	Mary Catherine Bain	1:02:10
Women's Surf Short Course	3606	Rachel Novak	1:02:44
Men's Surf Short Course	3310	Ryan Lancaster	1:03:30
Men's Surf Short Course	3304	Robert Gignlliat	1:04:41
Men's  12'6''  Short Course	3203	Eric Astor	1:05:53
Men's Surf Short Course	3303	Trey Lord	1:06:37
Men's Surf Short Course	3302	Dan Shanahan	1:06:50
Men's  14'  Short Course	3101	Andrew Mergen	1:08:52
Men's Surf Short Course	3301	Clyde Kunst	1:11:31
Men's Surf Short Course	3307	Trevor Harney	1:12:01
Women's Surf Short Course	3601	Jennifer Callins	1:13:20
Women's Surf Short Course	3603	Christi Dant	1:16:03
Women's Surf Short Course	3604	Lauren Morrell	1:19:52
Women's Surf Short Course	3611	Mary Howser	1:19:58
Women's Surf Short Course	3607	Laura Kwong	1:22:23
Women's Surf Short Course	3605	Laura Lutkefedder	1:22:35
Women's Surf Short Course	3610	Mackenze Heinrich	1:29:07
Men's Surf Short Course	3305	Zach Ditmars	1:29:25
Men's Surf Short Course	3309	Ryan Sprouse	1:49:03
Women's Surf Short Course	3609	Megan Juarez	1:49:13
Women's Surf Short Course	3602	Mary Jordan	1:49:55
Men's Surf Short Course	3306	Tommy Donahue	1:50:00
Overall Finish Long Course
Class	Number	Name	Finish Time
Men's  14'  Long Course	7104	Denny Grant	1:23:46
Men's  14'  Long Course	7101	Neil Macindoe	1:25:36
Men's  14'  Long Course	7103	Nathan Bankson	1:27:59
Men's 12'6" Long Course	7204	Jeff Schmitt	1:30:44
Men's 12'6" Long Course	7203	Basil Tydings	1:31:16
Women's 12'6" Long Course	7502	Dawn Ehman	1:33:50
Men's 12'6" Long Course	7201	Sam Eckert	1:35:06
Men's  14'  Long Course	7102	Tim Summers	1:37:45
Men's Surf Long Course	7302	Jonathan Moore	1:39:45
Women's 12'6" Long Course	7501	Kathy Summers	1:40:54
Men's  14'  Long Course	7105	SonYun Boo	1:43:34
Women's 12'6" Long Course	7505	Lianne Dunbar	1:44:15
Women's 12'6" Long Course	7504	Kate Dowling	1:45:19
Men's 12'6" Long Course	7205	Allan Navo	1:45:31
Men's 12'6" Long Course	7202	Mike Dant	1:50:24
Men's Surf Long Course	7301	Ash Rahimi	2:01:27
Women's Surf Long Course	7601	Stevie Donahue	2:15:12
Men's Surf Long Course	7304	Pat Donahue	2:25:34