Recognition for Design!

ART - WHO KNEW?

Just serves to remind you that one can never know where interests will turn up.  Last place I'd expect to see our stand up paddle boards would be in an Art/Design publication.

Of course a thank you has to go out to all of those that make it happen.  I think Arne Knudson at Giddy Machine is first on the list.  Arne is responsible for the lion's share of the design work.

We are fortunate that so many have helped along the way.

If you'd like to see more in the way of SUP board design, and more of Arne's work, check our website at www.tropicalblendsurf.com.

We also carry a full line of Stand Up Paddles!

Our push in Europe continues with these kinds of efforts.  It's a grass roots program headed up by Marco Juliot and Jacques Chauvet.  There is huge competition for the attention of the stand up paddler there so every little bit helps!

Mahalo for all your great work guys!!

Stoked!

The beauty of stand up paddle surfing is that it's fun on any size wave.  You don't need the best beak in town to put a smile on your face.  And really, it's just about having FUN.  If it makes you feel good, then it is good.

Might take note of Greg's paddle.  A bit longer through the body of the blade and relatively narrow throughout.  If you were to look at this blade closely, it's curved from neck to it's tip and then "cupped" from side to side.  In the world of SUP paddles, this one is unique.  The idea came from many years of surfing and realizing just how well you do when cupping your hand and using your forearm.   There's more on this paddle here.

All forms of stand up paddling are good for you so,  if no waves where you live, no worries!  Get out there and do some touring or find a course and track the distances to help you set up a good exercise plan.  There are SUPs made for all sorts of conditions.

SUP Surf Short

Tropical Blends Hawaii #1

Earlier this year, we set out to gather footage, both still and moving, to provide content for our new website.  We already had quite a bit of surf and SUP "history" but wanted to add something fresh.  So we called the boys in from France knowing that they'd definitely liven things up.

They arrived to find early winter swells and the North Shore surf scene in full swing.  As we talked the project through, our goals seemed to gel.  Rather than going after the biggest surf we could find, impressive as that is, we decided to stay within the bounds of reality for most folks.  The idea was to provide images that allowed the majority to place themselves in the shot.  A tall order when you're looking at big Pipe!

Photo by Jay Yamada at Liquid Motion Photography

Only the very capable can put themselves in this type of shot!  So we went after scenes where a potential or average stand up paddler could relax and enjoy the thought of being there.  Check the link above and you'll get an idea.

As the days turned to weeks, their stay seemed to go by way too quickly.  I was enjoying the additional "energy" these young guys brought with them.  Everything was about having fun.

Martin and John stayed focused on getting the shots while Marco looked for every opportunity to make the situation fun.

In the end, I think we got the shots and everyone had a really good time.  Looking forward to our next adventure!  Thanks for all the hard work guys!!

Stand Up Paddle Surfing in Hawaii

Stand Up Surf Etiquette

Stand up surfing in Hawaii is a blast, but it’s important to develop a good understanding of the unspoken "rules" or expected surf etiquette before venturing into a surf line-up.  In a series of posts, we'll do our best to give you a foundation to work from that's designed to keep you and those around you happy and healthy.

Most Hawaii SUP surfers learned to prone surf long before their first paddle out on an SUP.  This previous experience makes them inherently aware of what it means to be a polite and courteous surfer whether on a prone or stand up board.  They also understand the importance of developing their skills such that they are up to the task at hand.  On the other hand, those that are new to the sport may not have the same skill or understanding.  So let's take a look as some of the very basics and move on from there.

Making Friends

All surfers, stand up or prone, seem to have a protective gene that somehow makes them less than receptive to an additional player in an already crowded line-up.  So take a pause and sit down off to the side and do your best to watch from afar before wondering right into the pack.  Yes the water belongs to all of us but showing a little respect for those already there goes a long way towards quieting our hunter gather instincts.

Work your way in slowly by taking a couple of the smaller ones that seem to go by unnoticed.  This helps you warm up and get into sync with the flow of things.  As the focus shifts from the "new" guy, you show the needed skills to handle yourself and have demonstrated a little aloha, next thing you know your in.  

Enjoy the ride and remember a little aloha goes a long way towards making friends in the water.

Be sure that you are very confident with your ability to control and manage your equipment  before paddling out.

SUP=Transportation

Take A Look Around

Most regular surf breaks on O'ahu are crowded.  However, there are quite a few outer reefs that remain just out of reach.  Further out means a longer paddle and in many cases that's enough to keep things quiet.  

Here's an opportunity for the SUP surfer to find some fun without disrupting the flow.  What would be a great distance to the prone paddler, is really just a warm up for the stand up guy.  So venture out and find that little break that no one else seems to be interested in.

If others show up, share the aloha!  There are waves enough for all.