Cape Town South Africa Downwinders

It's been forever since I added something to the blog!  It's been a busy few months with the holidays and the move to a new office in SF.  I want to share this video on my blog because these guys are pioneers in the DW world.  They do a very good job explaining why downwinders are so challenging and fun.  Really good tips.  Downwinders at the end of the world.

Downwind SUP Skills

When we learn to paddle SUP, we usually start in calm water in a protected area away from wind, waves, current, and boat traffic.  As we progress, many of us venture out into rougher conditions or environments that are wildly different from where we first learned to paddle. Sometimes, we find a certain aspect of SUP that we gravitate towards.  For me, that has been downwind SUP.  I love downwind paddling because I think it combines the best elements of touring, racing, and surfing.

Skills in one area of SUP transfer to other areas of SUP paddling.  A low brace on the river is really no different than a low brace in the surf.  A pivot turn in a race is no different than a pivot turn in the surf.  This skill set overlap is why I think downwind paddling is the most fun and most rewarding.

From racing, we take the following:

• Fitness (both aerobic and anaerobic)
• Stroke technique
• Stroke efficiency
• Turning skills
• Pacing
• Reading the water

From touring, we take the following:

• Weather forecasting and awareness
• Trip planning and shuttling
• Endurance
• Self-reliance

From surfing, we take the following:

• Board control skills
• Paddle control skills
• Bracing skills
• Turning skills
• Venue awareness

Where these skill sets overlap, we find DOWNWIND paddling.  It's not just paddling with the wind at your back, it's open water surfing, and a lot more!

SUP skill set overlap with Downwind in the intersection.

What is Downwind SUP? - Part 3 - Tips

A dozen 13 tips that I hope help you become a downwind expert!

1. We need waves for hydrodynamic lift (Planing). To plane is to SURF!  Surfing is FUN!
2. Downwind boards are planing shapes but function as a displacement shape at low speeds.  They really come alive when on a plane (i.e., surfing a bump) and that is the goal is downwind SUP, to catch waves and get the board on a plane.
3. You catch waves, don’t let waves catch you.
4. Paddle downhill.
5. Keep your head on a swivel.  Look forward, not behind.
6. Downwinding is not straight-lining.  You are often zigzagging when going from one bump to another.
7. Develop two paddle speeds (one for cruising, one for acceleration to catch the bump).
8. Paddle with purpose.  Don't just put your head down and motor the whole time.  Be efficient.  Relax as much as you can, save your energy for short powerful bursts to catch bumps.
9. Alter stance to maintain trim.  This is crucial, gracefully move from parallel stance to off-set stance to surf stance and back again.  You are constantly moving.
10. Develop a solid, reliable low brace.  You will use it a lot!
11. Be aggressive!  Want it more than you fear it.
12. Use small bumps to catch large bumps, and link large bumps together.  The goal is to plane as much as possible.
13. Stay loose.  Find a way to relax, keep your legs soft and just go with the ocean, don't fight it.

Here's a bonus; a video of Jeremy Riggs explaining how read bumps:

Reading Bumps from Paddle With Riggs on Vimeo.

What is Downwind SUP? - Part 2

In part one we briefly looked at planing vs. non-planing.  This time, let's look at some cool pictures and compare the same board and same paddler in both states of being.

Connor Baxter Planing

Here we see Connor Baxter during the M2O race on a huge bump.  Notice how far back on the board he is.  Most of his weight is over his back foot, hands and paddle are low in preparation for a toe-side low brace or a cross tail heel-side low brace.  Sweet!  Over half of the board is out of the water.

 Connor Baxter Not Planing (displacement mode)

Here's Connor near the finish of the M2O race working very hard.  Notice how much of the board is in the water.  Notice his feet placement compared to the first picture.  He's paddling very hard here.  He's one of the fastest SUP paddlers (in any conditions) in the business.

 Jeremy Riggs Planing

This is a less extreme example of planing.  Jeremy Riggs showing beautiful form on a nice Maui bump.  Notice his feet.  He's not way back on the tail because he doesn't need to be.  The board is planing nicely.  Paddle is in perfect position for a draw, a quick forward stroke or a high brace.  Jeremy Riggs is loose, smooth, and so relaxed.

What is Downwind SUP? - Part 1

I've done a few downwind lessons and guided runs with people who are relatively new to this aspect of SUP and I've usually walked away thinking "something got lost in my message and I'm not sure what it is."  I don't like this feeling at all; mainly because I want to be a good instructor, but just as importantly, because I want them to feel what I feel!  I want them to know that feeling and to love it like I do.  So, what's missing?  It hit me one day when driving home from work.  Some people don't know WHY they are downwinding.  They think they are out there for the sole purpose of paddling with the wind at their back because it's faster and easier.  That's not it though, that's just a tiny piece of it.

They are out there to get their board on a plane and keep it there.  The "why" is to feel the surge, the hit of speed that only occurs when riding a wave.  That's what we are trying to do, we are trying to ride waves.  Period.  When we are not on a wave (or bump) we are resting a bit and looking for another one.

If you have downwinded before (and caught a bump) then you know what planing is.  If you have surfed before then you definitely know about planing.  If you have ridden in a high performance ski boat, fishing boat, or pleasure craft then you know what planing is.  Look at the picture below.  This is planing.

Pleasure boat planing.  Look at how much of the boat is out of the water, look at the smiles on their faces!  Why are they smiling?  One reason is that Donzi wants to show you how much fun their boats are, the other reason is that planing means going fast and going fast is FUN.

Let's think about planing the next time we are out in windy conditions.  Sometimes, there's just not enough wind to create the wave energy to get on a plane.  To get the board the board to plane, we need power to create speed.  Speed creates lift, lift creates planing.  Planing creates fun.  Imagine if the Donzi in the picture only had a 25 HP outboard, it would never plane.  What a shame!

One of the best downwind boards on the market, the SIC Bullet.  This is a planing shape, specifically designed for catching and surfing bumps.

  At rest and at low speeds, both the boat and the board are in displacement mode (i.e., not planing).  At high speed, they plane.  The boat gets on a plane pretty easily from it's big V8, in contrast, we cannot plane under our own power, we need lots of help.  We get that help from wave push and gravity when we catch a bump in the ocean or a wave on the beach.  It's energy, and we need it!

Here are some points about planing.  I don't claim to know anything about hull shapes or physics but I know what feels good and I think these points help to explain what planing is:

• When at rest, a vessels's weight is supported entirely by buoyant force. Simply stated, a vessel will float or remain buoyant when it's weight + cargo weight is less than the weight of the water is displaces.  It's all good. This is us 99% of the time.  This is displacement mode.

•  At high enough speed, the reactionary force of the water pushing up on the board is great than the force of gravity and the board will plane.  When on a bump, the horizontal force is converted to vertical force upwards.  This lift also decreases the wet surface area of the board and thus reduces friction which helps the board accelerate.  To plane, a speed boats needs a powerful engine, a sailboat needs good sail area, and we need a wave!

It part 2, let's look at the anatomy of a board on a plane and a board in displacement mode.

(Stolen from Area10 on the StandupZone where he is explaining what he considers "planing"):
Well, certainly you can do what I call "surge-riding", which happens quite a lot with raceboards that don't plane easily - you are definitely getting a push but you are sitting high on the bump and going at the same pace as it. But what I think of as downwinding is an experience that is pretty much indistinguishable from surfing: the board is moving far faster than the bump and this allows you to plow over the bump in front and into the next trough, and so on. The board feels loose and free, and is throwing up spray at the sides and you need your foot over the fin to move it around to avoid poking the nose into the bump in front. So I don't know if that is what you'd call planing, but that is what I'm aiming for in my downwinding. You can connect bumps by turning and following the direction of the troughs, or you can do it by getting so much momentum up that you are skipping over them, and that's when the real excitement happens, to my mind.


(Additional commentary from my buddy Daniel Alvarez:  Jeff Burton it's a nice article. It's hard to say much more without getting really technical about hull speeds, weight to power ratios and prismatic coefficients 
smile emoticon. In sailing we refer to most boats as 5 knot shit boxes. Most sailboats can't escape their displacement hull speeds no matter what you do. Enter the ultralight revolution that started in Santa Cruz which designed much lighter boats with big spinnakers to allow them with some swell assistance to sustain prolonged surfs. Sounds familiar? The Santa Cruz ultralights were the original downwinders and popular with many of the offshore downwind races. Now they can be a hate mission going upwind in a blow. SUPs are effectively 5 knot shitboxes under all but perhaps some elite paddlers. So if we want to go faster we need help. Our sail area is pretty limited (though it feels humongous when paddling upwind) so wind alone is not sufficient to get us going that much faster. But gravity is. Being at the top of a wave can provide enough force (with some aggressive paddling) to get the board on a plane and enjoy a nice surf. So on a good downwind run, you can get the exhilaration of surfing without getting worked. Though I have to say, as a longtime windsurfer I sometimes wonder why I'm paddling in a blow. I guess it is just a different feeling and challenge connecting with the waves.)

Imagine Connector Review

I walked into 101 Surf Sports yesterday to get some new fins for "previously loved" SIC Recon surf SUP and got to talk to David Wells a little bit about quad fins and also about new downwind boards showing up on the market.  In addition to the new rough water board from Focus (the Bluefin) we also talked about new Imagine Connectors which are beautifully strung to the ceiling of the shop away from sweaty hands of people like me.  If you are in the market for a new 14' DW board you have to check this one out.  Since the beginning of time, SIC has owned the downwind board market but you have to stop and take notice of this one from Dave Kalama and Imagine.  For one thing, it looks fantastic.  The new models are full carbon and come in two different widths.  Imagine could have taken the lazy way out and copied a SIC Bullet template but they didn't.  They created something entirely different (take a look at the rocker on this thing).

I have not yet had the pleasure of paddling one but if I do, I will be sure to write about it on this blog.  Here's is a nice blog post from the Joel Yang and the Village of Stoke about this board.  Sure sounds like a winner to me.

Picture from the Village of Stoke blog showing the rocker of the (previous model) board and needle nose.

SUP Downwinders on Tomales Bay

Tomales Bay is a great place to enjoy the thrill of downwind SUP.  Spring winds generally come from the NW which will generate some nice bumps down the length of Tomales Bay.  Beautiful landscape, warm(ish) water, abundant wildlife, absence of boat traffic and other hazards, make Tomales Bay an ideal location to surf whitecaps.  If you have never gotten your board to plane then you are really missing out!  Downwinding combines the best elements of surfing, racing, and touring. If you want to try it, go to Tomales Bay.  It's always best to go with some experienced people.  You can find them by joining the DownFrienders group on Facebook.

In the meantime, take a look at the map showing some important locations on Tomales Bay.  Enjoy all that Tomales Bay has to offer but please be smart!  Check the forecasts, go with small group, match the conditions to your experience and fitness level, and always wear a leash and PFD.

Northern California Downwinder Season!

Ladies and Gentlemen, it's here.  The wind.  The wind is here for real (the Tomales Bay buoy showed 28 mph at around 4:25 pm).  Today I'm sitting in my home office working, and there is a contractor here cleaning lint from my dryer.  I'm constantly checking facebook to see who is doing what today and where they are doing it.  Some are doing a "Windy Wednesday" with the Barbary Ghost, some are on Tomales Bay, some are just surfing little bumps on the river.  Me?  Just working.  A little sad that I'm missing out for sure but I know this is just the beginning.  There are many "SUP Safari" adventures aboard the Ghost, the Davenport race, and Tomales Bay runs with my DownFrienders. My friend Matt Palmariello and I are even running a three day downwinder camp on Tomales Bay in about three weeks.

Let the downwind season begin!  I can be patient.  I know there are plenty of bumps for everyone. Surfing for miles at a time with no line-up, no waiting, and no problems.  Not a care in the world.

Clif Organic Energy Food Review (Pizza Margherita)

Now that I'm in my mid 40s, I have a better understanding of how my body works and what I need in order to feel right.  I love taking my lunch to work because I can snack any time and I can eat lunch any time too.  It's nice to have that freedom.  In school, I remember being hungry before lunch a LOT.  I wonder how much better my grades would have been if I were allowed to eat throughout the day?  Do you know that foggy feeling?  Confused, irritated, angry, frustrated feeling?  Not much fun.  Ever "bonked"?  I have a couple of times.  Pretty scary.

While paddling, I always have some emergency calories stashed in my PFD.  I keep two GU packets in my right pocket.  In a pinch, I can even consume them without water.  I also like to keep some Clif Shot Bloks in my chest pocket.  I like these because they are more fun to each, like big gummy bears.  I really like the Margarita flavor.  Citrus is good too.

I like gels, they pack a nice calorie punch and some have caffeine, but I get tired of the syrupy taste and texture.  Sometimes you just want to taste some real food!  I was at REI the other day and found something new, Clif Organic Energy Food and picked up two packets of Pizza Margherita.  I was so curious to try it, I ate the first one in the parking lot.  I have to say, the flavor was interesting, like eating flavored tomato paste or pizza flavored baby food.  If you are a picky eater you might not like it but I thought it was okay.  Not great, but pretty good.  Sometimes you just want something that tastes like real food and not Karo Syrup.  I really liked the twist off cap too, very easy to do while on the water.  Give it a try, you might like it!  

Go here to read the nutrition label

Not bad at all.  Might even taste better warm?  Leave it out in the sun for a few minutes?

4/2 Update:  I just ate the Banana, Mango, Coconut.  Delicious.  It's like a little dessert in a pouch.  Might as pretend you are in Hawaii or Costa Rica while out paddling.  I didn't feel the need to wash it down with water either.  Not too thick, not too sweet. Just right.  I might get a box of these.

Home run from Clif

Epic Weed Deflector Installed

Just installed the Epic Weed Deflector on my SIC Bullet 17. I cleaned the surface with alcohol and applied using only the peel and stick adhesive and some gorilla tape. It should be easy to remove and reposition if required. If it works, I will epoxy it in place. It is close enough to the rudder to fit through the hole in the board bag. Wind in the forecast tomorrow. We shall see!!

Weed Deflector (Eel Grass Ginsu) for my SIC Bullet 17

I picked up this little carbon beauty from the good people at Epic Kayaks. I figure it should work fine on my Bullet. My rudder pulls up eel grass from Tomales Bay like a John Deere pulls dandelions from a little league outfield. I can't have that. Eel grass keeps Tomales Bay healthy, clean, and full of little fishies.  What's good for the bay is bad for my board, it adds a LOT of drag.

I will take some pictures after installation and also let you know how it works.  $20 investment, so what the heck?  I will nickname it the "EGG" (Eel Grass Ginsu), or how about "The Kelp Kutter"?

Carbon Fiber is cool, and sharp.

Sandwich Island Composites (SIC) 2015

Seems like just a couple of years ago, Sandwich Island Composites (SIC) was a relatively small player in the world of SUP board manufacturing.  They were best known for their custom, Maui-made ocean racing and downwind boards, the F-16,  and the Bullet.  Now?  Well, they still make the best downwind boards in the world but they also make flat water racing boards, surf boards, even inflatables.

If you are looking for a board specifically for downwinders, be sure to put SIC at the top of your list.  There are multiple downwind boards in their line-up, including the Bullet 12'6", Bullet 14', and F-14 Wide Glide.  For ruddered boards, take a look at the F-16, and of course the flagship of the downwinder world, the outstanding Bullet 17'4".  Don't be alarmed by the narrow width (26.6 inches), as the standing area is exactly the same width as my 30 inch wide 14 foot board.  On the Bullet, the deck pad extends all the way to the edge of the rail.

Check out the 2015 SIC Catalog to see the whole range:

If you are fortunate enough to live in the North Bay, go to 101 Surf Sports in San Rafael.  They carry the full range of SIC boards.  If you can't drop by or if you are out of the area, be sure to give them a call and ask for David or Tom.  They will take care of you.

What is a Downwinder?

If you have ever tried to explain it to your friends, you know it's pretty difficult isn't it?  It's slighty easier if you try to explain "what is a downwinder" to your friends who paddle.  I think part of the problem is the word itself.  "Downwind" is the direction of travel and "er" describes the action but does not convey what you are actually doing.  Here's my attempt at explaining a downwinder in as few words as possible:

A downwinder is a fast, one-way paddle in a following sea with the goal of getting your board to plane (surf) down the face of a wind wave (bump) by adjusting heading, stroke cadence, and board trim.  The ultimate goal is to catch long glides and link them together so that your board remains on a plane for as long as possible.

I guess that is decent but still does nothing to describe the way it makes you feel.  Close your eyes and imagine being a Norse god thundering through the clouds with the spray on your face, the sun on your back, paddle raised triumphantly into the air after acing an exam on your birthday.  Yeah, like that only better!

Boat Supported Downwinder Trips with the Barbary Ghost

Paddling upwind is a great workout.  It's also a great way to improve your efficiency and technique:  shorter strokes, higher cadence, etc.  In addition, it makes you a smarter paddler because you are always looking for little ways to cheat the wind by looking for little wind breaks like maybe a breakwater, a little point, or even a boat.  The reward at the end of an upwind paddle is a well-deserved downwind paddle.  I figure this is paying your dues; you work hard and then you play hard.

All of that is great, don't get me wrong, but there is NOTHING like a downwind paddle.  To have a good downwind run you need a buddy or two to go with you and you need to set up a shuttle.  Here's how that works:

1. Find a good day and time by checking the forecasts.  Hopefully, this day and time will be during the weekend.
2. Find a friend named Ward Figge who also wants to go at the exact same date and time.
3. Meet at Spot "z" (the take out)
4. Load all gear in and on car one.
5. Drive car one to spot "y" (the put in)
6. Hope for good conditions (both wind speed and direction)
7. Downwind to spot "z" and load gear in and on car two.
8. Drive car 2 up to spot "y" and pick up car one.
9. Load some gear into car one and drive away.
10. Meet your buddy Ward at Cafe Reyes for a Farallon pizza and a Scrimshaw.

For this to work, you need all of the things.  Oh, you also need a ROAD!  Okay, there are alternatives like shuttle services (if you are lucky enough to live in Hood River or Maui), or loving spouses who can both drop off and pick up but don't push your luck with this one, trust me - use only in case of emergency.

The best option by far is downwinder by boat.  This solution comes with some additional cost but eliminates so many problems and is so much fun, it's worth every penny.  Not only does the boat replace the cars and all the wasted time driving around, it can also get you into places that are just not accessible by land.  Most importantly, the boat can set you up for a run of nearly any length and in the best direction.  This is a huge advantage.

I met a guy named Drew Testwuide last year who runs the charter boat Barbary Ghost out of Loch Lomond Marina in San Rafael, CA.  In addition to being a super nice guy, he is a very competent boat captain who has really dialed in his weekday afternoon downwinders (called "Windy Wednesdays") and his longer, more intense weekend excursions (called "SUP Safaris").  His boat is equipped with racks for up to six SUP boards of any length and the routes and number of runs are customizable based on the conditions and who's on board.  The boat offers plenty of cabin space if you want to stay out of the wind and warm up, or up top if you want to look around.  There's also a fridge, changing area, and restroom (head). 

To have the best experience on a SUP Safari I recommend at least a couple years of paddling experience, an advanced SUP class like SUP 201, and a little rough water paddling experience.  Some surfing skills come in handy because  you will be moving around on the board a lot, changing direction, and bracing.

Disclaimer:  Drew is a friend of mine and a valuable resource for downwind lovers in the bay area. Drew trusts my paddling and coaching skills enough to let me come along as a guide/coach from time to time on his SUP excursions. 

Here is a typical SUP Safari:

1. Register online and then meet at Loch Lomond Marina at a specific time. 
2. Load board, paddle, PFD, and change of clothes on the Barbary Ghost.  Niko (the dog) will usually great you with a friendly bark but will not offer much help loading, though he will fetch your paddle if you happen to drop it off the dock!
3. Once everyone is loaded, we have a pre-trip safety talk and also discuss the route(s).
4. Drew motors the Barbary Ghost out into San Francisco Bay looking for the best wind and the best route (which includes a safe place to splash boards and then pick up at the end of the run).
5. Everyone goes in one at a time and waits for the last person to launch.
6. And they're off!  Everyone goes at their own pace.  The goal is to catch as many glides as possible, even linking one glide into the next.  Keep the board the planing as long as possible.
7. During the run, Drew is shadowing the group, monitoring three VHF channels (14, 16, and 72), communicating with the guide, taking pictures, and preparing for the pick up.
8. At the pick up, people and boards are loaded, smiles are smiled, fists are bumped, and tales are told.  Snacks are snacked and drinks are drank as the boat goes back upwind for another run or two!
9. At the end of the last run, everyone changes into dry clothes and goes up top to see the sunset and have a snack and a drink while enjoying a trip down San Francisco Bay back to Loch Lomond.  We have fun recounting the best runs, the best falls, and the best glides.  For me, the ride back is a peaceful, relaxed, slightly exhausted feeling of gratitude and thankfulness with just a hint of sadness that it's over.  A bit like the last day of a wonderful vacation.

It sure beats driving doesn't it?  Check out some of the pictures from our last SUP Safari.  The wind was not that great on this day but we were lucky enough to have a pro photographer on board!  

Game plans are discussed shortly after leaving the marina on a warm August 30th.

Drew and Niko try to activate their wind-making super twin powers.

Gail is a strong paddler and is stoked to be on her first DW run!

Though not much wind here, it served a good warm-up.

I'm feeling a little bummed by the lack of wind from the Richmond Bridge to the Marin Islands. :(

Change of Plans:  We re-load and prepare to go on a wind hunt.  It's out there somewhere and we are going to find it.

The Barbary Ghost makes her way from the Marin Islands in search of wind.  Point Blunt Angel Island is our destination.

We head to Angel Island.  Drew, Gail, and I look for the best location to splash boards.

Captain Drew takes a close look at the cove before dropping anchor.

Eureka! We've found it!

Nice little waves starting to organize just off the beach.

I had to dig really deep to catch anything in this section.

Boat wakes from the Ghost work too! Beautiful San Francisco in the background.

I think Gail is enjoying herself.

Yeah, I'm laughing right before I take a swim.

There ever elusive cross-tail low brace caught on camera!

The group makes their way down the eastern shore of Angel Island where the Ghost awaits...

At Loch Lomond, we savor the final moments of the trip just as the sun sets.  Already planning the next adventure on the Barbary Ghost.

New Board Alert! - SIC Bullet 17

Picked up a new board in Fairfield on Tuesday. Cleaned it and waxed it. Will get it in the water this weekend! Stay tuned for a full report.  Will also compare it to an older, custom-made SIC F18.  One is 6 pounds heavier than the other.  Can you guess which one?

9/7/2014 UPDATE!  Took the board out on Tomales Bay today.  Did two little upwind/downwind paddles, not super windy, maybe 10-12 max.  This board is fast.  Changing direction with the ASS system is easy to figure out.  Use the feet the steer and use the paddle for power and bracing.  The board is way more stable than I thought it would be.  I love it!  Perfect conditions today to get a feel.  Just windy enough to have some fun!

On the way home.

Took a few of the stickers off and gave it a good wash and inspection.

This is the thickest board I have ever seen.  Looks to be approximately 6.5 inches thick at the logo.

Very impressive finish on this board.  All of the lines are crisp, logos are perfect, deep rich colors and fades.  The blue paint on this thing is beautiful.  I love blue.  This looks like Cerulean Blue.  Very deep and very rich.  The entire board looks and feels very durable.  Downwind boards take a beating so they have to be tough.  This board is no lightweight at 41.8 pounds.  Despite it's narrow width there is a lot of volume in this board.  The edges between the blue areas
 and white are laser sharp, even at the tail.  

Lots of V in the deck to help shed water.  About 1.75 inches from the ridge to the end of the blue area.

The entire deck area is concave, a really nice touch.

Just behind the handle, the standing area is 21" wide.  The board width is 26.5".

Thickness of the board at the tail, over the rudder.

Thickness of the board towards the middle.

Thickness of the board in the middle.  Can barely get my hands to wrap around.

Thickness at the front tip of the deck pad.

Thickness about 2' back from the nose.

Not sure how well it shows up in the picture but there is a distinct line here.  The rails are glossy but the bottom is more of a matte finish.  This is probably to help reduce the appearance of scratches.  Rails are soft at the nose and gradually get sharper closer to the tail.

Quick inspection of the bottom shows a very flat surface going back to the standing area to a single concave and then leading to either double concave or v from the standing area to the tail.  I need to take another look during the day.

Best Technique Tip for SUP Downwinders

I know this guy named Drew Testwuide, he's become a friend over the past year or so.  Drew is the Captain of the Barbary Ghost which just happens to be the best SUP downwinder support boat on San Francisco Bay.  I'll write more about how this works in another post.  For now, just know that boat supported downwinder trips are dakine.

I feel very fortunate that I'm able to assist Drew with a few of these trips.  In addition to wrangling boards to a from the boat (often in high winds and from pitching deck), I serve as another set of eyes on the water, and even can offer some advice and coaching to first-timers.  Over the past couple of trips, I've tried to think of a tip or two that I can give people on land before getting on the boat or getting in the water.  Many of you may disagree with me here but I consider downwinding to be the top of the pyramid in the SUP world.  Other aspects of the sport merely prepare you for downwinding.  Combine the aerobic and anaerobic training components from racing, the board trimming and wave riding from surfing, the paddle finesse and bracing from whitewater, and the forecasting and trip planning from touring and you have downwinding my friend.  All roads lead to surfing whitecaps.

Okay, on to the tip; the fabulous Nose Draw into Forward Stroke.  First the why.  During a downwind run, we are usually in an off-set or a full surfing stance.  For me, that means I have the best control and most power while paddling on my right side because I am regular footed.  What happens when I paddle on my right side?  You guessed it, the boards wants to go to the left.  In a parallel stance, no big deal, I just switch sides and paddle on the left a few times before switching back to my right.  Not quite as easy on a downwinder.  In an off-set stance or full surf stance, I'm not going to have much power on my left side, that's number one.  Number two is, I'm going to slow down a lot during the transition to the opposite side.  Number three is that I have a really good chance of falling when the paddle is out of the water.  So how can we get lots of strong powerful strokes and braces on our dominant side?  You guessed it.  The nose draw into forward stroke.

How does it work?  Remember, If I am paddling on my right side, my board wants to go left so to counteract this movement, I need to pull the board to the right and that's where the nose-draw  portion of the stroke comes into play.  The nose draw pulls the nose to the right just seconds before the forward stroke pushes the board to the left (slightly).  They work together to keep me going (more or less) straight.  Beautiful huh?  This is considered a "blended stroke" where we combine two distinct strokes into one fluid movement.  Now, on my powerful right side, I stand way back at the tail, utilize my blended stroke to maintain speed and heading.  Nice!  When I get lucky and catch a little bump I can use a hanging low brace on the right side for stability (that's a bonus tip, no extra charge).

To help visualize this blended stroke imagine a lazy "r" connected to the rail of your board (on the right side).  The bottom of the "r" is where you are standing, while the top of the "r" is where you begin your catch. Now take your paddle and trace the "r" using the power face of your blade.  Look at the diagram below.  Try to mix some nose draws (alone) into your paddling to correct your heading.   Once you feel comfortable, start incorporating a little nose draw into your forward stroke from time to time.  See if you like it.  Remember, it doesn't have to be dramatic, sometimes just a little pull is all you need.  I hope this helps you have more success, and more fun on the water.  

Nose draw into forward stroke on the right side in off-set stance.

Downwind Fin Review - (COMING SOON!)

Over the past couple of years I've been trying a few different fins on my Angulo Shaka XLT.  I have finally found one that I'm going to keep on there for a while.  The right fin can make a huge difference in the way your board feels and performs.  Fin design is all about acceptable compromises between stability, performance, and speed.  It's also a little bit of a black art: one part science, one part anecdote, one part looks, and one part personal feel.  Granted, my review won't be very scientific, but hopefully it will give you a place to start if you are looking for a good fin for downwind conditions.  I might do it as a video so I don't have to type so much!  Stay tuned!

I will be reviewing the following SUP fins:

• Larry Allison (Fibre Glass Fin Co.) Ninja
• Larry Allison (Fibre Glass Fin Co.) Gladiator
• C4 Downwind - Todd Bradley Signature
• Futures - CA Downwind

Tell Me Something I DON'T Know

Guideadvisor ranks Tomales Bay as number one kayaking (or SUP) destination in California.

SUP Paddle Shaft to Blade Offset Angle

I enjoy being a part-time SUP instructor.  I feel honored to be able to introduce this sport to people when teaching for Blue Waters Kayaking on Tomales Bay or California Canoe & Kayak on the Oakland Estuary.  The people that stick with the sport will always remember me as the guy who gave them their first lesson just like I remember the guy that gave me my first lesson at Outside Hilton Head about 5 years ago.  

During my lessons, I like to do a little introduction on the beach.  I briefly talk about gear before moving on to what we are going to go and where we are going.  I spend most of the time talking about the paddle, the parts, the length, how to switch sides, etc.  I make sure to show them that the paddle blade is offset from the paddle shaft.  I tell them that this offset helps them pull the paddle from the water to begin the next stroke.  Normally, that is enough.  The point I want to get across to them is that during the lesson, they are going to have their paddle facing backwards!  Oh the horror and embarrassment!  

There's only so much data a person can process while standing on the beach anxiously awaiting their first lesson so I try to keep it brief.  In my head though, there are thoughts of keeping the blade vertical for a longer period of time during the power phase, increased reach, and improved caster, and less board heave.  If I'm not careful, I then start thinking about how my paddles have different offset angles and what that means which leads to thinking about the new Werner Stinger that I tried last weekend with a measly 7 degree offset and why that would be advantageous for whitewater paddling.  I'm slowly learning to keep my mouth shut and to move on with the lesson and not rattle off why the Werner Stinger has 7 degrees, my Werner Nitro and Spanker have 12 degrees, and my KeNalu Molokai has 9 to 6 to 3 (at the tip) degree offset and why I like the Nitro for surfing but it's not because of the angle, it's because of the blade shape and size as compared to the larger and fatter Spanker which looks similar to the KeNalu but I like the KeNalu better for downwinding because it seems to flex a little bit more because of the smaller diameter shaft and how much I like the lighter weight and the way the non-power face of the blade helps me brace blah blah blah.  At this point in their life, they DO NOT CARE ABOUT THAT! 

I can't help but think though, why ARE these paddles "bent".  Where did it come from?  I found a really good article on the Mad River Canoe website that explains all of this a lot more.

SUP Downwinder Tips and Checklist

Downwind paddling is exciting, challenging, rewarding, and incredibly fun.   However, as the excitement factor increases, so do the risks.  Luckily, we have the ability to mitigate most of these risks if we prepare ourselves physically and mentally, obtain advanced training, adhere to safe boating practices, learn about the "four Ws" (Wind, Water, Waves, Weather), have a plan, and always paddle in conditions and venues that match our abilities and experience.  Here are some tips to help you have a fun, safe downwind trip:

1. Maintain good mental and physical fitness.  Downwinding takes a lot of energy, be prepared to work hard. Never paddle under the influence. Seek additional training and continue to refine your skills.

2. Be a weather "expert" and learn how the weather affects conditions in your area and how these conditions may change (sometimes rapidly) throughout the day.  Learn to use online resources for wind and weather forecasts.  Obtain information from various sources (NOAA Marine Forecasts, Buoy Data from multiple locations, etc.) as data points to help paint a picture of what the conditions will be like when you arrive.  Listen to marine weather forecasts and current conditions on your VHF radio.  Do you know what a "Small Craft Advisory" means?  Do you know how "winds 15 knots" vs. "winds gusting to 30 knots" affects your ability put-in, paddle, and take-out safely?

3. Gain some familiarity with the venue by going with someone who has experience there.  Consider how the tides can affect both the water conditions and the put-in/take-out locations.  Have a bail-out plan along with optional put-ins and take-outs.

4. Study nautical charts of the area.  Learn how to find respite from the wind.  Learn the navigational rules of road.

5. Keep your equipment in good working order.  Make sure you are dressed appropriately for the conditions and always prepare for immersion.  Prepare for wind chill.  Check your fin periodically, make sure it is secure.  If your leash is damaged, replace it.  Replace your leash cord (piece that connects your leash to your board) every so often.  Bring adequate food (gels work great for me), water, and sunscreen.  Carry a cell phone in a waterproof case and carry a VHF (marine radio).  Learn proper radio procedure and etiquette.  Consider carrying a tow rig and practice using it in rough conditions.

Wear a PFD on your body, not on your board!  A PFD provides buoyancy, thermal protection, impact protection, and most have pockets for storage (sunscreen, gels, radio, etc.). Many have reflective panels or piping. This is an essential piece of gear and is a Coast Guard requirement.  Learn how to fit it properly.  Have a whistle easily accessible.  This can serve as your Coast Guard required signaling device.

6. Listen to, and respect the advice of more experience paddlers or instructors.  Paddlers of other crafts (like kayaks, surf skis, and outrigger canoes) can make great guides, coaches and mentors.  Take advantage of their local knowledge and ability to read the water.  Reach out to fishermen and locals as a valuable source of information.

7. Go with a buddy and practice communication through hand/paddle signals and radio.  Talk about what to do if separated or in case of emergency.  Leave a float plan with someone and also leave a copy with your vehicle.

8.  Make your final "go or no go" decision based on your data points, the recommendation of your guide/instructor, your on-site observation of the conditions, and an honest assessment of your skills.  Experience creates confidence. Challenge yourself but trust your instincts. If it is too big, too rough, or if you don't feel right about it, don't go. Go have a beer instead and live to fight another day.

SUP Downwinder Checklist:

•        Check weather, marine forecasts, and tide tables before you leave

•        Create a float plan and a bail-out plan

•        Soft Gear List:   thermal protection for your body (wetsuit), PFD,  sun protection (hat, sunscreen), footwear, water, food, container of warm water and a change of clothes left at the take-out

•        Hard Gear List:  Board, paddle, leash, cell phone, VHF radio, cam straps (several in longer lengths for stacking multiple boards).  Make sure cars at the take-outs have straps.

•        If your car is at the take-out, make sure you have your keys!

•        Final “go or no go” decision for each participant.  This type of paddling requires a commitment to the journey.  Paddling upwind back to the put-in can be difficult or impossible.

•        Safety talk - ABCD:  Area (distance, hazards, etc.) Boards (gear and clothing), Communication (hand and paddle signals, radios), Doctor (any medical conditions or concerns)