Stand Up Paddle Surf

Paging South South, South Swell you're table is ready...

2010-08-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

After yesterday's Stand Up Paddle Surf session with old faithful I was hoping that I could break out my 9'6" SUPS board and have some fun with a new swell that we've been watching. Another family day outing to the beach!

We roll up and I was excited to see 3-5 feet of swell breaking down the line. Good shape, the ocean had the pre-swell jitters, a lot of movement going on. The nice thing was the crowd had yet to show. The was one other Stand Up Paddle Surfer out there and he was doing his part of sharing the Aloha. Good guy, not a wave hog kook.

As I set up the goods for the ohana I was watching and contemplating. See I also brought my 6'4" short board just in case it was a tweener kind of day. I know I would have had the normal Stand Up Paddle fun but I've been craving a little prone session lately. So I busted out the shortie and had at it.

By the way the water is still freezing. Rubber is a luxury.

Enjoy the swell. If you're learning to Stand Up Paddle Surf go to a SUPS friendly beach and have fun there during this swell. Keep it real, keep it safe and you'll keep it fun for all.

Aloha...

Stand Up Paddling to Stand Up Paddle Surf

2010-08-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

I haven't done this in a while. Been kind of lazy for the past few years I guess, got used to pulling up and paddling out at Kaulapapa (a SUPS friendly beach). Back in the day (pre SUPS craze) the hand full of us that were Stand Up Paddle Surfing used to paddle up and down the coast and catch waves here and there, I had lowers to myself one winter afternoon!

So today I paddle to paddle surf. The water surface was great for ocean paddling, a tail wind to get me there a few minutes quicker and the sun is already shining. I paddle out past the buoy and take a line to a trimaran that is anchored off my destination spot.

Clear water, clear enough to see the Great White called Jesse James or one of his relatives, and a small small swell. Friends in the line up and a couple of hours of standing around and talkin' story. Good times.

Oh and when you're SUPing together at a practically SUP only beach, on an itty-bitty day, it's uncalled for to call someone off a wave. No worries, we all know you shed the California Waikiki.... Kook.

Paddle with Alooooha!

A clean suprise... Perfect for Stand Up Paddle Surfing

2010-08-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful day and the ohana and I pack it up and head down to la playa for some sand, sun, and surf. We headed down to our favorite beach, I wasn't expecting much in terms of surf so I brought ol" faithful, my 12 foot Ron House Stand Up Paddle Surfboard.

Conditions were small but perfect... perfect for Stand Up Paddle Surfing... and perfect as in sunny, great shape, long rides to the sand and refreshing water temp. I unload the car and setup the beach. Grab the board and paddle to peak. I would have said, paddle to the line up if there was any but nobody was out, again. 2-3 footers rolled in one after the other for about 20 minutes. The crowd was north on another "more consistent" peak and I was having a blast on my own personal wave machine.

After an hour of one after the other I cruised in and hung with the fam for a few as we enjoyed the summer that all of us have been waiting for.

Stand Up Paddle Surfing in Great White Shark infested waters

2010-08-12T23:51:00.000-07:00

So last year I had a great time Stand Up Paddling with Fluffy the Great White Shark. Affectionately named by Kaulapapa locals. About this time last year big shark rumors and sighting were flying all over the sand and the net. Let's confirm... yep, there are great white sharks in the shallow waters, right off the surf if not in it, right at San Onofre Surfing Beach.

Chuckie P got this great footage of "Jesse James", Fluffy's little brother.

Good day for a LONG Stand Up Paddle Board

2010-07-31T08:29:00.001-07:00

These past few days have been great for the BIG Stand Up Paddle Surf boards. What... I though all SUPS boards were big. When the surf is ankle to knee I like to bust out my Ron House 12 footer. This board has been the fun old faithful. I've paddled it 20 miles plus, surfed itty-bitty wind chop and bombed the double overhead stuff on outside reefs. It's the all around stand up paddle length. If you're new to the sport and trying to figure out what size you should consider all these boards can do. If you're menehune size you can go 10.5- 11 feet, most adult males should consider a 12 footer if building a SUPS quiver is not an immediate option.

Today looks like more of the same surf. Small 2-3 feet of we're lucky. Get there before the winds show up. It does look like there is some long period southern energy headed our way. Cross your fingers and keep paddling. Here's what today looks like.

Evening SUPS session

2010-07-25T20:34:00.000-07:00

Sunday evening, the sun is out, the wind is calm and the tide is pushing. Papa-G, the Major and myself pack up and make for an evening session. As we drive south the sun starts to disappear and we start seeing signs of more wind than we didn't hope for. We pull up to see small lines, minimal crowd and an almost unwelcoming texture on the surface.

We paddle out and patiently pull through disappearing waves and the transitioning tide waiting for it to settle on the bottom. The sun starts to go down down, wind stopped and the tide settles. Wave height jumps two feet and "juicy" becomes the word of the session. Made some new friends tonight and hopefully was a good will ambassador for the sport of Stand Up Paddle Surfing.

Decreasing south swell. Get it while you can!

Saturday Stand Up Paddle Surf treat

2010-07-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

Usually don't find myself in the line up on Saturdays but the stars and planets aligned and I was able to get wet and SUP before an afternoon appointment. Wave and interval was perfect for a little spot that I like to frequent. 2-4ft surf with no winds until around noon plus the weekend crowd disappeared around 9AM.

Lefts rights and lots of walls. Too much south for this spot and the tides were making it perfect for Stand Up Paddle Surfing. Big deep spot on the main peak was my friend.

So now that today's session is history, what will manana bring??? Maybe 2-3'+ as the new SSW starts to fill in throughout Sunday?? Maybe.... and maybe the sun will come out too!

Happy SUPin' and Paddle with Aloha. (which means don't paddle into a line up and snag the first wave right out the hands of the guy that was sitting there for 20 minutes in perfect position. You know who you are KOOK! I saw the whole thing and you were wrong!)

Mildly windy afternoon Stand Up Paddle Surf

2010-07-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

Friday afternoon, the winds are blowing 10+ knots out of the northwest, pua hana for the day.... yeah it's time for some Stand Up Paddle Surf. Lately I've been mingling more with the lay-down surfing scene. Another of my buddies is going to pull the trigger soon and get a SUPS board. Today he had to pull out the longboard and the other guy was on a 6'0" with lots of volume so he could get into this dying south swell. I'm on my 9'6" and could have brought the 12 footer with the crumbly surf.

I think the wind ran off most of the crowd cause when we rolled up the line up was light. The waves were 3-4ft and soft, inconsistent but playful. We all had a fair amount of good rides. The sun broke out after about 45 minutes of surfing. Great way to end the week and start the weekend.

Saturday SUPS

2010-07-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

It finally feels like a summer day here in San Clemente. The ohana and I head down to the beach to spend the afternoon down by the water. We grab our piece of of sand, the keiki gets his buckets and sand tools, momma has her beach chair and I slide out through the channel to catch some waves.

The line up is pinched together on this one peak, close to thirty guys. Long boards, shorts boards, soft top boards and now one Stand Up Paddle Board. The wind is blowing in such a way (combined with the funk in the tide) that the rights have an almost non-makeable section where the pack is sitting. And if one was to sit on what looks like it would be the shoulder, it would actually be the perfect spot to connect. So I choose to pick up "the leftovers" and NOT stand in the middle of the lineup.

So, these "left overs" are actually the place to be. Lefts and rights come in and it doesn't take long for the crowd to see that they're about 50 feet in the wrong direction. They move over so I cruise to a spot I little less inconsistent but with nobody there. Size wise it was a little bit bigger and every once in a while one connected right through the line and I ended up paddling a long way back :-)

After my wonderful SUPS session I hang with the boy building sandcastles. Life is good.

Remember to Paddle with Aloha and be a King not a Kook!

Stand Up Paddle Board

2010-07-05T23:31:00.000-07:00

The title should be more like Happy 5th of July, not Stand Up Paddle Board, but what--ever. And since I'm rambling, I ate way too much this weekend.

So anyways, it's no secret, but if it is I'm not going to spoil it. Everybody is stuck in traffic and headed home from the long weekend... this year sponsored by the SEC.gov Everyone except those I was out with this evening enjoying post fireworks summer time lines. Me and one other Stand Up Paddler were sharing waves with a handful of locals.

Oh and we could use a little more sun to go with these waves, and a little less eddy please.

But really, Happy Birthday America!!! Be sure to recognize the ongoing battle for our freedoms, the cost associated with them, and may God continue to bless us.

Getting SUP religion after church

2010-06-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

Ran into an old friend from back in the day at the Shoreline today. We quickly planned a surf for the afternoon. The reports were not in our favor but sometimes good things happen to those who just show up. Today was one of those days.

What was suppose to be an hour session turned into a couple hours 'cause the waves and conditions were just too good to get out. I was on my 12 foot Ron House old faithful and having fun but really was missing my 9'6"... cause "rip so hard". My buddy was on his log (non SUPr... soon he'll cross over)

Anyways, didn't do much catching up, just a lot of "catching". It was more of a surf rotation, one after the other. Yes, that sounds like we caught a lot of waves, and we did, but no wave hoggin' was going on. There was plenty of waves and nobody really out. Good times, good stuff!

rip so hard

2010-06-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

Too much fun. That's how I should always start a Stand Up Paddle Surf post.

I remember when it happened. Back side smack of the top, I can still feel the board get loose. Not that I'm some kind of power surfer but I tend to break fins, always the same one, always on back side snap off the top. Almost every board I have I've had to had the fin system, fin box, fin re-glassed. Right hand trailing fin. Mikey I'll be calling you!

Paddle with Aloha!!!

Today's SUPS office

2010-06-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

Here's the view from today's stand up paddle session. The sun was out earlier, it was a beautiful morning sunrise. Wave action 2-3 feet with some fun lines to be had. Shared the south side with Dennis and another SUP'r who paddled over. The wind was finally blowing the right way, good times.

I'd forecast today to be smaller than th past couple days, but size doesn't matter. However if the sun comes out expect crowds. Paddle with Aloha.

- Posted in the sun

lunch time stand up paddle surfing

2010-06-16T18:02:00.000-07:00

The first day in a long time that the sun came out before noon. I was hustling to get some work done and get down there for some recharge. A buddy and I cruised down with the hope to surf but the intentions to just go check it out. After about 10 minutes we decided to paddle out just because it was a beautiful day.

On the paddle out we were welcomed with a set that seemed like it wouldn't give up. I stood in the inside paddling waiting for an opening. Once out there the wave machine continued. Gotta love the south swell. What a surprise session.

June gloom with waves plus SUPable surf

2010-06-15T20:14:00.000-07:00

Slept in past sunrise, slow start out the door and had to run a quick errand before driving down to the beach chancing the winds/ tide combo yet still hopeful for a Stand Up Paddle session. The weather lately has been gray plus AM winds plus negative tides, if on Hawaii's 9th island (Vegas) I might as well write them a check with those odds.

I pull up and act as if I'm going to watch it before I go out. As I catch myself thinking that thought I backup and drive down to my spot (yeah I have a spot). With the low tide and exposed reef I choose to leash my 12 foot Ron House SUP Board. The classic old faithful. The crowds light on the south peak but they must have been giving away gold on the point just to the north, stupid crowded!

Paddled out and had some fun waves. Lefts, rights and about 20 minutes where the wind laid down and the faces cleaned up.

The big set for my session started marching on the horizon so I took it on myself to be the welcome wagon. Especially since the one other guy hanging out with me was stuck on the inside. I greeted the 5 foot swell with an Aloha and cruised back to my spot. Walked out in the sand, showered and started the work day.

So know I watch the winds hoping for a repeat.... with less winds.

Don't be a kook! Paddle with Aloha

Saturday morning Stand UP Paddle fun in the crowd

2010-06-05T12:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday AM. Swell is here but it's Saturday and I wanna go Stand Up some fun waves with a little juice on it. So I cruise to a spot that breaks off a rock reef that has some new sand in it. The tide is good, wind is good, crowd is overwhelming... and I'm the only Stand Up Paddle Surfer.

I paddle through the line up and get a couple hecklers, but they're bruddahs from the past so it's all good and in fun. However I get that vibe from others, they don't understand that I come packing Aloha.

Watching the sections come and go I paddle over to a spot that no ones really at on a wave that is make-able only on a SUP. Right after right after right. I'm riding my 9'6" and having fun smacking it on the bing bong! The fin configuration is loose which makes for a lot of fun.

Another wonderful day in the water. Sorry no pics, the skies are too gray.

Morning SUPS session?

2010-05-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

I don't even remember the morning Stand Up Paddle sesh it was so good. Too much to recall.

King and Queen of Dogpatch May 8th, 2010

2010-05-07T16:33:00.000-07:00

Rainbow Sandals is putting on their 2nd annual King & Queen of Dogpatch tomorrow. It's a great event and a good time for all to have. It's a must see Stand Up Paddle Surf event. Show up early to get your spot at San Onofre's surfing beach, not the camp grounds on the bluff.

Stand Up Paddle without the paddle

2010-05-06T12:20:00.000-07:00

This morning's May gray was in full swing and south wind from our local eddy but the good news is the south swell had enough energy to entice me enough to "paddle" out. A good friend was camping down at a favorite spot of mine and she put out the invite to come down for a morning SUPS session. So I invite another buddy and we get down there early enough for the cold and the wind to make us sit and watch longer than usual.

We're looking a couple of breaks from the camp site and wondering what's the best of the worst right now. A couple of other friends (wow... friends all over) are already paddling back from their Stand Up Paddle session. We went over and asked them how it was and they said, "it's getting better." Ok?

We're still watching where they paddled from, cause that's where we wanted to surf. BUT, this left out in front is calling our names practically. We decide to surf right there, only problemo for me is there is a NO SUPS rule where this left is working, grrrrr. So I ditch my paddle and take my 9'6" Stand Up board and have a lay down session with all the other scrappers out there. And it was the call.

Then the sun comes out, wind dies for about an hour and the waves we're lining up perfectly. We get out with smiles on out faces, jump in the warm showers and get treated to hot chili with BBQ spicy sausage. The way it should be.

SUP back on the water

2010-03-01T17:39:00.000-08:00

I've been land-locked for the past 30 days. Why? Don't ask. Well... I guess not completely land-locked, I've been able to get out on the water and sail a couple days this past month. However there has been no Stand Up Paddle Surfing for me.

Still needing to keep a dry ear and going stir crazy with all the swell we've had this past month or so I figure I can go play it safe and make a couple laps down at Dana Point Harbor. So confident I don't even bring my wet-dry bag for the baggies.

The tide was going negative and the wind was blowing out of the west around 8-12kts. It was a good afternoon for a workout. I was up for at least a couple laps, still feeling my couple hour workout from this morning. The first lap was downwind the outside channel and upwind against the tide through the mid-channel. Everything was going fine until I rounded the corner where the Harbor Patrol station is. Between the negative tidal movement and the wind it created a weird eddy/ vortex thingy. It didn't really click until I went to dig and it felt like my paddle hit air and I followed up with a splash. I remember thinking to myself, "I just fell in...what the..." And then, "glad I didn't bring my iPhone for tunes..."

It was warm enough that I was pretty much dry by the time I reached Danalina and started lap number dos. This time I paddled down and back on the outer channel. The wind was better for the workout on the way back up.

There was nobody else out, really surprising. Oh it's Monday...

Paddle with Aloha

Small and brrrrr

2009-12-17T06:53:00.000-08:00

Super high tide, itty itty bitty surf and cold air. What the heck I'm I doing to here? Was it this morning's sunrise?

Nope, but it was a bonus. I figured I'd show up a little early and Stand Up Paddle Surf a couple itty bittys before Rainbow Sandals an the gang show up. They are having a photo shoot for this year's King and Queen of Dogpatch.

- Hoku out

Location:Pendleton,United States

Big outer reef SUPS bombs

2009-07-26T08:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning more bombs to Stand Up Paddle Surf. By accident of incident most of our local crew ends up on an outer reef that only breaks when it's really big. As a matter of fact the inside reef only breaks when the ocean is pumping some juicy swell. There we a couple of guys towing in the day before.

Originally three of us squeaked the shore break and paddle over to a left working off one of the semi-submerged rocks. We cruised over there for a couple of waves but were watching another spot. After seeing a steady stream of incoming surf we paddled over and to much our delight were greeted by most of everyone we Stand Up Paddle Surf with at Kaulapapas.

It was pretty fun dialing in a spot you never get a chance to surf a lot, or ever. It took a minute, but we realized where we needed to be and start to have some real fun. Sliding down these faces were a blast. Big open faced waves on a Stand Up Paddle Board is good.

The tide started to feel in and it became difficult to paddle into. We cruised in to battle the shore break again. This time the tide was higher and it was dumping on the sand/ rocks. Trying to negotiate this was on my 12 footer was anything but graceful. I think some of it was after having so much fun outside I didn't care. I pulled in to one, made a bad judgement call, took a couple thumpers on the head and let it drag me across the beach. I little rock rash and sand in the shorts never hurt. It got so bad the Rangers closed the lot down because of the water and beach coming up on the parking lot.

We drove by today and you would have never known that the bombs of yesterday were even there. The swell is backing off everywhere. I actually broke out my short board, found some of my favorite rights and craved my initials in a couple.

Hope everybody had as much fun as I did.

Oh and here is some video of SUPS at the Wedge.

Aloha!

Finally a Big South Swell swell with some SUPS punch

2009-07-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

Down at Kaulapapa's, the Stand Up Paddle Disneyland, something was very strange...the surf was overhead... and at times showing almond barrels (one was chasing me backside). Today wasn't the day for the turn and burn technique, I tried it and it didn't work out well for me. A couple good size waves came in and I thought to myself, "I can make this". One late take off under the lip resulted in a personal yard sale. I was on my 12 footer, made the drop but was way back on the tail. With too much board out in front of me I was trying to make it to the bottom of the wave for a bottom turn but the wave demanded I just go straight to jail and not collect $200. The paddle was ripped out of my hands and my watch was ripped off my wrist as I went skipping down the face, fun.

But those were the exceptions to my session. I had a couple fun drops, not too many sets really lined up until the tide filled in, my last wave I likey. There were some bombs that rolled in and I saw some guys and girls draw get some really clean lines, laying on their rails and heavy on their paddles. And when I mean bombs I mean 10-12ft faces on the super sets. I can say that in confidence because Sean Collins from Surfline was commenting at the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach and said that Lowers was "double to triple overhead". We had a HUGE clean up set, I paddled at least 2 stokes maybe three to get over the face.

Buddies caught in the inside, Pastors praying, leashes popping, Tracey take 28 straight waves on the head but still gets out and catches her wave of the day, shuttles to trails, all before 10AM.

So the question is where to stand up paddle surf tomorrow? Weekends at Kaulapapa's can be so blah with the limited parking. "Hmmmmmm", I wonder. (there's a hint in there if you "follow" me.

And send a prayer out for the family that lost a son today at the wedge. I read he got caught up in the jetty and was taken to hospital where he passed away. The article I read also had a video clip of some wedge action from today's swell and there was a dude on a Stand Up Paddle Board dropping in (1:29 minutes). WHAT!?

Paddle safe this weekend.

Wore out

2009-07-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

I don't think you're suppose to be this tired before the swell shows up. I'm exhausted already. The beginning of the week I stand up paddled surfed a bit more than I should and then yesterday went for an outrigger paddle of close to 6 miles. This morning when I started my way through the inside I was feeling it.

Going to get my rest tonight. Pretty tired from a combo of this mornings fun welcoming the new swell and the sun draining what remaining energy I had while on the sailboat this afternoon. I need to work more, I'm more rested when that happens.

Stand Up Paddle FOG Surfing

2009-07-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

The last two days have been interesting down at Kaulapapas. The morning marine layer was laid on pretty thick. Yesterday more so than today. There were times that we couldn't see 20 feet in front of us. The surf was inconsistent enough that we would had no idea where we were at. Then the sets would pop up through the fog and it would be a mad scramble to make anything work.

Today was similar, except it was clear in the morning, then the marine layer rolled in. It wasn't as thick as it was yesterday but enough that you couldn't see the shore at times. So if you couldn't see any waves I guess there wasn't any..... or was there.

Great White Shark at San Onofre

2009-07-15T21:54:00.000-07:00

What an awesome day! Stand up paddle surfing with no waves.... what to do, what to do? Let's go paddle. Just like yesterdays stand up paddle surf session. With all the shark buzz going around here in southern orange county I wanted first hand knowledge. Up until today I hadn't seen up close (I've seen the dorsal and tail fin) and personal the Great White that all my buddies have had chance encounters with.

Stand Up Paddle Surfers have been pushed down to the south end of San Onofre State Beach, exiled if you will, south of dogpatch. The surf is fickle enough down there with all the deep water spots but when the swell is weak and the tide is wrong it's more or less a lake. Point in case today.

I got bored trying to make believe my 9'6" Ron House SUPS board is actually my 12 footer so I paddle out past the "break" and paddle in semi circles. These aren't random, more of a search pattern. Looking to encounter "fluffy" the San Onofre Great White. I pace patiently out there for 20 minutes or so. Staying over the sandy area looking for a shadow to cruise slowly by. Just as I was about to paddle in I see her. (I'm referring to Fluffy as a her).

That dark shadow I've been waiting for is only a few feet away. How cool is this? I'm standing on the water looking down on a Great White shark. She seemed to be as curious as I was. I paddled over a little closer to try and get an idea of how big she really was. All the reports I've heard from friends have been around the 8 foot mark. Again, I was on my 9'6" SUPS board and she was probably a foot shy, nose to tail, of my board.

For about fifteen minutes we played. There were a couple times where she positioned herself in a way that placed me in a precarious position, which I'll admit was quiet spooky. However most of the time I paddled beside her, both watching what the other was up too. As we kept moving I noticed we were getting into the deeper holes near the power plant and she was popping in and out of the camouflage of seagrass.

At this point I was either under estimating the "tiny brain" of this primitive yet advanced predator and/or pushing my luck. I listened to that "soft tiny voice" in my head and backed off.

I paddled back in complete amazement and respect for this creature that sends fear in the hearts of those when they hear the name, Great White shark. She has probably been in the area for years, silently slipping in and out of the line up unknown to those who prefer to catch waves on their bellies.

All this being said. I'm no shark expect and by any means I do NOT recommend anyone try this, especially if you have a tendency to fall while stand up paddle surfing. We all know the capabilities of a animal of this size, strength and reputation... and if you don't flip on the the Discovery Channel. This was my experience and I thought I'd share it.

A sharky fun filled day at San O the Stand Up Paddle Surf way

2009-07-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

Smooth as glass this morning and all most as flat. No expectations but fun on days like this. These are the days that make Stand Up Paddle Surfing so much fun... pure fun.

Well if there was one expectation it would be that this guy would see our resident Great White again. G-Money has the most spottings of fluffy the past couple weeks. No fluffy today, just a couple leopard sharks, a couple sand sharks and a good size thresher or blue... hard to tell. 4-6ft long and splashy.... he flicked a little water at K-MO today.

But seriously.... there have been legit shark sightings at San Onofre, one has been a Great White. And I'm not sure about this guys shark story!? So if that kind of thing freaks you out don't get in the water. If you're bleeding at all... don't get in the water. And don't forget this, that where they've always been. Let's get freaked out when we see them on land.

K-Mo doing his thing on the tiny tiny surf... taking a little walk.

Finding the nose....

Executing his patented cut back.

Our wahine for the session, the Abinator!

Half the line up.... smiles for miles.

Hoku out.

How much more fun could Stand Up Paddle Surfing be?

2009-07-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

Not too much more fun! Surfed the low to high tide this morning. The water seemed to warm back up. The waves were playful. Stand Up Paddle Surfing Fun to be had!

*Here's a SUPS tip... when paddling, keep you feet about shoulder's width a part and try not to bend to far forward. Reach naturally and bend a little at the knees if you want to dig for power. I say this because the past couple times out Stand Up Paddle Surfing I've noticed a few folks struggling with balance while trying to catch waves.

It works try it.

Paddle with Aloha

Hey we said south swell not south wind

2009-07-07T16:26:00.001-07:00

I feel asleep last night to the thoughts of a holding south swell mixed with a little bit of northwest that was on call. I checked the wind before going hitting the rack, nothing. Everything looking good for the morning.

I sneak out of the house early this morning, anxious for some Stand Up Paddle SURFING with the boys. The normal morning gloom was hanging around but as I get off the freeway I see the bumps... and not the good kind.

Park and wonder, "do I paddle out....?" Brad, Tim, Peter, Brandon are there taking there time, chatting it up. The south wind is blowing fairly consistent and the tide is still working it's way back up. We talk story a little and Peter and I say go for it.

We paddle out to Nukes and catch a couple before the rest of the line up comes out. A couple hours of windy, 2-4ft and I'm all pau.

Hanging on the sand with G$, Tracey, Jerry Ann, Brain and Blue we talk story for a bit. Remembering yesterday and all the, "you missed its".

Unfortunately there was one common thread to both conversations, where we cannot surf lately and all the different reasons why. Hmmmmmmmmmm.....

to be continued..........

SUPS and flying sharks?

2009-07-06T15:04:00.000-07:00

Out at whitey's this morning the surf was plentiful. Solid south filled in and made for some fun stand up paddle surf rides. Consistent shoulder high surf, the rights were a little better choice than the lefts. Plenty of swell energy to surf and cut back and forth and back and forth, the old, "I'm going straight!" with style.

The Robs were out there, G$, Jerry Anne, Brian was rippin' and a WHOLE bunch more SUPS'rs. Hung out on the beach for a bit, got some work done and watched the tide flood the break. Saved some energy for tomorrow.

Laddahs...Paddle with Aloha.

Oh and the flying sharks.... apparently their doing their impersonation of the South African Great White breaching. This one isn't as big, only 5 feet.

Independence Day Stand Up Paddle Surf

2009-07-04T14:52:00.001-07:00

Happy Independence Day!!! Fireworks and BBQ. I celebrated with a 5 mile paddle out of Dana Point Harbor with a little bit of help with the Prevailing Westerlies.

It was a fun quick downwinder. The harbor was packed, the beaches were packed and the inshore was fairy busy also. About half way down some guy on a Seadoo jets over to me and takes a snap shot. It was a weird thought that I'd have to keep in eye out for boats as I Stand Up Paddled on the "outside". But I guess it is the Fourth of July.

I hope everybody has a great weekend. Enjoy it and be safe, especially if you're near the harbor.

Hoku out.

We beat the wind

2009-07-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

Showed up around 0630 down a Kaulapapa. From home it looked as if the ocean had a small case of the morning sickies. But when I got down there it wasn't as bad as it looked. The surf was on the small side, 1-2 an occasional 3ft'r would roll in. Lots of riding swells to shore today. The surf was weak but the fun level is always high. Ron House had his new 8'4' Stand Up Paddle Surfboard out. It looks like it would be a lot of fun in a steep wave. Tracey and Blue there, Dennis was out, met a few new SUPSters. Got out of the water as the wind picked up but the reason reason was the tide flood it and there was no juice.

Stand Up Paddle Surf Treadmill

2009-07-01T22:04:00.000-07:00

aahhh by the subject line you probably are thinking some new Stand Up Paddle Surf blowflex invention. Nope, just tons of wind blowing down the harbor channels. It was great for a workout, 12-15kts with gusts. Wind to my back cruising down the long channel was fun. The tide was high enough that I skirted the rocks in the island side trying to stay with the wind swells as they "broke" . I only smacked my paddle once on the rocks... it was shallow. But cruising down the middle would have be boring. Ran in to Dennis (fellow longtime SUP'r), he was low-pro in a surf ski and laughed as we exchange thoughts of the Stand Up Paddle back upwind.

As I rounded into the center channel I got ready for the upwind strokefest that was to be. Ran into Brian (another longtime SUP'r) and like Dennis he choose an outrigger to play in today. Hmmmm. Anyways, I paddled up to the 'Fighting Irish' and flipped a U'y... (not a Uli) and made the downwind run back down the center channel. Came back up the long channel... another butt kicker and finished.

Windy days, good for sailing and SUPS punishment.

1 Paddle 1 Surf 2 to take me home....

2009-06-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

So after working 148 hours the past 10 days and finishing the work in the morning quicker then expected...I had the rest of the day with nothing planned. Time to go get some paddle on.

I text'd a buddy and put out a tweet for a paddle out of Dana Point Harbor grabbed my SUPS stuff and split. After waiting for parking, ggrrrrr summertime, I dropped the old reliable on the water and was headed somewhere out of the harbor.

With the predictable west wind blowing constant I figured a head wind paddle out and back downwind run would be the plan. As I made the turn around the jetty I changed it up a bit. Instead of a true head wind I picked a slight head wind. Paddle by the seals on green, lots of freshie pups, and made a line for old Glory.

As I made the turn around it felt good to have the wind on my back. I picked my line and headed back in. Took the center channel back up to Baby Beach and pau. I had a chance to share a little SUPS Aloha with Crystal before taking off.

I had to catch up on my honey do's and busted a couple out. But I could here the ocean calling me back. So a quick check on the tides, perfect timing... I jump back in the box and hope to catch some K-Papa as the sun goes down. So I spike my perfect water for some good hydration and cruise.

I pull up, three guys out and 2-3 feet of promising fun. And it was. 2 hours of waves and warm water. Stand Up Paddle Surfed in front for a while with Rob. With the tide doing it's thing it was pick and choose wisely or paddle paddle paddle. A few more guys showed up so I decided to solo it down to sharkies. A couple nice long long rides there and figured I catch waves back to my car.

I get out as the sun starts to touch the water and count my blessings. I rinse off, pack up and pick up dinner for me and momma at Pedros.

Low tide marine life

2009-06-24T21:41:00.000-07:00

Showed up for a morning quickie. Tide was low, surf 1-3ft (more on the 1footer side). Always a fun paddle out through tide channel. Lots of action in the water. I was stalked by a good size ray all morning, lots of feeder fish, a couple 2-3 foot leopard sharks.

Plenty people out for stand up paddle surfing on a Wednesday morning with no swell. It was nice on the 12 footer, easy paddling, big ol' turns and SUPing the swells... you know the ones that never break. Tides going to be low first thing in the morning manana. Have to chance'em, hope the wind doesn't come up early.

Laddahs,

Don't be a Kook. Paddle with Aloha.

Hoku is officially back

2009-06-17T17:45:00.001-07:00

Last post 2 months ago. Been in the water a couple few times. Never got around to posting the happenings. Had some great solo sessions with one of my all time SoCal favorite peaks to myself. SUP'd with a bunch of buddies on less than less ok days. Here an hour there an hour.

This morning got a good session in down at Kaulapapa or Ron's Reef or Sharky's or Whitey's or Nukes or whatever you like call'em. I'll call it fun 3-4' occasional 5' with light offshore before 7am turning to a south wind with times of glassiness.

Surfed with Titus Kinimaka, Jimbo, Peter, Finger Lake's own Tracey "Princess of Dogpatch", , B-rad, Dennis the man , Mikey and Jerry-Anne were there. Abz showed up late! What's up with that Abby?

Had some good swim sprints from the outside to shore. It's an extra long swim when white sharky is lurking around. Mahalos Titus for your Aloha!

Nothing to do with Stand Up Paddle Surfing

2009-03-31T21:17:00.000-07:00

but worth the laughs... Aloha Hard!

Pre Wind Pre Tide Stand Up Paddle Session

2009-03-27T19:04:00.000-07:00

This is the second day in a row of clean surf at ---- with only a couple friends, all with paddles, at a great break. The core group of 25-30 lay-down surfers never ventured in our little bit of paradise this morning... and this is the Friday morning crew!?

Funny waves, had a great little left that stood straight up and gave me a classic line to draw. On this wave I wish I had my 9'6" Ron House, I was pushing the 12 footer out there today.

Had a sealion try and drop in on me, a bird fishing off my tail (kind of) and whales! Great morning, good friends, what a way to start the day.

Good luck to all the paddle crossers this weekend. Have a safe crossing.

hoku out.

Who will be the king and queen of dog patch

2009-03-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

This is going to be another great event by the guys who put on the Battle of the Paddle. Here's the press release:

The King and Queen of the Dogpatch
Stand-Up Surf Contest
San Onofre State Beach
May 16, 2009

San Clemente CA - (March 1st, 2009)

The King and Queen of Dogpatch will be held Saturday May 16, 2009 at San Onofre State Beach. This raucous and hilarious stand-up paddleboard (SUP) surf contest will directly benefit the newly formed San Onofre Foundation.

The best stand-up paddleboard surfers from California and Hawaii are anticipated to join local standouts at Dogpatch to surf it out for the King and Queen crowns.

“Having fun is what this event is about and we are going to stumble upon our king and queen. Surfers in this contest will have to display more than pure surfing and paddling ability. They are going to have to show panache and aloha in their style.”

“The event celebrates the Dogpatch and our growing sport. And it’s a chance for us to do something nice for the beach through the San Onofre Foundation” says Rainbow Sandals owner Jay “Sparky” Longley.

The King and Queen of the Dogpatch SUP surf contest is open to everyone. There will be novice and advanced divisions for both men and wahines. Finalist in each division will receive royally commemorative awards and an overall king and queen will be crowned. The event takes place May 16 with first heat in the water at 7:00am. For event entry information go to rainbowsandals.com.

Dogpatch is a well-known paddle wave and family area for San Onofre surfers. It is located at the far south end of the San Onofre State Beach surfing area. The towers of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station are near by.

For more information:
Event Director: Barrett Tester
Tel. (949) 276-4431x216
Events@rainbowsandals.com

www.Rainbowsandals.com

welcome back welcome back welcome back....

2009-03-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

oh yes, it felt good to be back in the water. and what better place than -----. it's my spot, has been ever since i was a kid, when i camped there every spring and summer weekend back in the day, when i was lifeguard and today. 2-3ft with a playful wind, tide was going out, another 4 people out, and i had the point to myself, and a hand full of dolphins. it's been a while, lots of people wondering where i went. my reason, my new son! but i'm back in the line up again and can't wait until the next session. time to burn the baby wieght

The Battle Of the Paddle

2008-09-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

Stand Up Paddle Surfing's "The Battle of the Paddle" is less the three weeks away. Rainbow Sandals is going all out and putting on a first class event. This event is for the racers and for those watching. It's going to be a great time and you should either participate or come and hang out. This is one event that you'll be sorry you missed out on. Invite your friends and come say Aloha! Saturday, October 11, 2008

October 11, 2008

www.kingzofthecoast.com

Pre Dawn Paddle

2008-09-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

So...excited (not) that it's way too dark at 6:00AM I head down to KPapa's. Wind is howling in the wrong direction but it has been backing off as the sun comes up. I get there and Tracey is already out. Not much in waves but what does come through is really clean, regardless of the wind. The most fun of the morning was paddling with a pod of dolphins for a few hundred meters. One almost takes Tracey down, lucky for her it wasn't that pit-bull sea-lion that has been hunting her down.

45 Minutes of Fun

2008-09-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

Now that the swell has backed down and everybody is back into the "seasonal swing" of things the beaches seem a little more inviting. Anybody that lives next to the water understands this. Better parking, no lines, lighter line-ups.... yeaaa.

It usually happens to most of us right around this time. Just as we're all getting a little tired of the summertime situation, school goes back in session and the fun begins. Today was one of those days. Having the option to stay longer, after 45 minutes of decent surf with limited crowds it was satisfying enough to just get out and start the day off right.

Paddled with Aloha!

Blah blah crowds

2008-09-05T20:08:00.000-07:00

If you look closely there is a guy beach boy style in the background. there's lots of paddles and boards and some standing up, just not all at once. this one qualifies to be posted, solely because of the fun factor!

CrowdSourcing

2008-09-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

CrowdSourcing- kind of. Taking that it's a business term and this morning seemed a little more business-like down at our favorite Stand Up Paddle Surf spot. Our humble Kaulapapa is an SUPS friendly sanctuary. Allow me to break it down.

The short board mentality of "I gots it" or the whistling and calling people off waves is not welcomed, by us that Stand Up Paddle Surf here every day whether it's good-n-glassy or big-n-blown-out; nor by the other wave riders and gliders that cohabit K-Papas with us. And it's a sanctuary because unlike neighboring counties where it's not a legal action to go Stand Up Paddle Surf in your backyard, we are limited in these here parts.

Which brings me back to Crowds. Nobody likes it when you roll up with a dozen (or 25) of your buddies. Especially with the burnt out attitudes. This sport is all about the fun, and Kaulapapa's is a wave that facilitates it. It's not Pipeline where there's barely room for one waverider. Don't let the rumors be true, "all of a sudden a SUP'r showed up and ruined everybody's day". Don't be that guy.

Stand Up Photos from today

2008-08-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

More photos from this day click here

Stand Up Paddle Weekends

2008-08-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

Here's the bird's eye from the stand up paddle this weekend. Don't forget to about the Ta-Hoe Nalu Paddle event this weekend.

View Larger Map

Lights Camera Stand Up Paddle Action

2008-08-12T16:51:00.000-07:00

This morning we wrapped up the shooting for an international piece on the sport and lifestyle of Stand Up Paddle Surfing. It was an awesome opportunity to share with others around the world the passion and Aloha from some of us here in So Cal. I'd like to give a little mahalos to all that took their time to participate in way shape or form. Mahalos to Ron House , for taking some time from his master shaping of the new 12'6" race boards (for the Battle of the Paddle)...can't wait for those to be finished. And to EJ for his time showing off his beautiful hand made wooden paddles. Brad thanks for volunteering extra boards and equipment for the shoot that never happened.... I won't even go there. Pat from Rainbow Sandals for coming down and surfing with us. Can't forget the local morning lineup; Dennis, Jon, Michael, G-Money, Brandon and out star wahine Tracey.

A special thanks for nothing goes out to the...... ah never mind, it all worked out. If it didn't happen they way it went down we probably never would of got the surf footage we captured this morning...and brah was it good. Right on Jon & Tracey.

Fo' reals though, a special thanks to my new friends from on the other side of the pond for making this all possible, vielen dank! We look forward to seeing the final production in October!

Sharin' the Aloha- globally, www.kingzofthecoast.com

Sweepers Sweepers man your brooms

2008-08-11T13:01:00.000-07:00

"Sweepers Sweepers man your brooms" was something I heard while in the Marines deployed on the Navy's vacation cruise ships. Funny thing. I've heard the "others" refer to us Stand Up Paddle Surfers as sweepers and had a good laugh with myself. I've read other non SUPS blog sites using the terms sweepers, janitors, oarers and some other descriptive and colorful names. All worth the chuckle I get but never rating more than that until now. I have to share this one, showing a sweeper. Down in Encinitas they made a "sweeper" statement a while back. I thought it was worth repeating.

And "oarers"....is that all you got!?

Paddle with Aloha sweepers.

Lucky number seven

2008-08-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

This morning we did a seven mile Stand Up Paddle. It was a really enjoyable experience. Not a blistering pace, had a couple pit stops, tried to surf an outer local reef without putting holes in the bottom of out boards, you know who you are. It was a blast. It didn't seem like 7 miles until you picked up the board. Good fun. And it was a pleasure meeting all the new faces.

Paddlin' with Aloha

Happy 808 Day

2008-08-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

For all the Hawaiians out there, you know.

Today was quite the adventure. Lots of challenges and fun. The surf started out decent, small inconsistent and overcast. Then the sun came out, surf picked up, cleaned up and had nice shape. I'd call it 2-3' but it was implied today that I have a broken measuring stick. And apparently a poor thermometer because the water is always warm to me.

We're up to something over here at www.kingzofthecoast.com, not sure what but it is good. Stay tuned for the goodness.

Who's the man!?

Awesome hand crafted custom exotic wood paddles.

So what's up with the video crew? What are the Kingz up to...... da da dahhhhh....

Small Surf Small Stand Up Paddle Surf Board

2008-08-06T21:21:00.000-07:00

Summer seems to finally be here. The coastal eddy has lifted for us the past week almost. Days are warmer. We've had some pretty decent swells for the most part of the summer. Today seemed more summer-ish than lately. Ron House had a new little toy, see pic below. Looks like fun.

Here's a couple more from this morning. Click for more SUPS photos

Beautiful Monday Morning

2008-08-05T20:32:00.000-07:00

So it's Tuesday and I'm still thinking about yesterday morning. Sunny- hasn't happened in a while, small fun little waves and small crowd. Fun fun stand up paddle surfing fun.

laddahs- hoku

Paddle with Aloha

SUPS South

2008-07-31T19:05:00.001-07:00

We've had a pretty good summer when has come to waves. This morning was another wave filled morning. The south showed up over night and greeted us with brownish water and fast lines. Today's phase that payz was "wave selection". Outside bombers had some corners on them, my first wave was a couple feet over head and fast enough to make me up. Inside was tons of fun, as usual. I just took more "on the head" than usual. More in Stand Up Paddle in store bright and early. See you in the water; KPapa.

Paddle with Aloha

Stand Up Paddle Surf Relations

2008-07-28T20:50:00.000-07:00

Two by two we paddled to the waves. There was a great response to us SURFING in the line up with the rest of the wave sliders. Everyone was stoked, we were spotting the sets for the line up. This is what the spirit of the Sport of the Kings is all about, Aloha. Everyone was having fun, no attitudes, just good fun. And this is not a heavy Stand Up Paddle Surf spot.

Others see Stand Up Paddle Surfers having the ability to catch a lot of waves. I agree, however, I know most of the waves I surf are passed up by the packed line-up, and I see a lot of my fellow Stand Up Paddle Surfers do the same. As a matter of fact, I'm seen most of the time sitting on the inside of the short boarders and having a blast. I do not deny that there are KOOKS in the Stand Up Paddle Surf community, just as there are KOOKs on long boards, short boards, boogie boards, in cars on the freeway, etc, etc, etc. That's just there attitude in life. There are a bunch of bitter souls in this world and when they see everybody but themselves having fun they boo-hoo and poop themselves. It's the Sport of the Kings, we can only expect others to hold themselves to a higher standard.

So Aloha to all you Kings that share the wave wealth. Stand Up Paddle Surfers, long boarders, short boards, and all the others who have a love of the slide. And to the kooks who don't get it, we'll pray for you.

Paddle with Aloha. Peace out.

Shark Week

2008-07-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

If you see a decline in the lineup this week it could be of the mental terrorism of sharks on the Discovery channel this week.

And since we're talking about shark week, find the humor in this if you will. Found it on surfline.com:
"Alert: If it wasn't bad enough with the recent spate of shark incidents/sightings, mother nature has now decided to flank us from the rear - two young mountains lions have identified by authorities as roaming the hills together on Camp Pendleton. Keep you eyes open!"

Fun from yesterdays SUPSession

2008-07-25T21:49:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun shot from yesterday's Gerry Lopez and Ron House Stand Up Paddle Surf demo. Hoku helo on the Ron House Hoku Honu custom. This was taken by Kevin- mahalos for the shots. More of his shots will be posted on www.kingzofthecoast.com shortly.

Ron House Gerry Lopez Stand Up Paddle Surf Gathering

2008-07-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

This morning at Kaulapapas (K-Papas) Ron House and Gerry Lopez in hosted by RPS had a board demo session. There was about 25 SUP Surfers in the water. Different levels of expertise, from Gerry Lopez level to the first time in the surf. Jimmy from Quick Blade was there. Everybody was out having good fun!

Met a lot of new friends out in the water today... Alohaz to all ya'll. The surf was better than the picture tells. Hope to see you in the water again.

Sign up for our Stand Up Paddle Surf newsletter to be the first to see the new boards coming out soon. One resembles the Hoku Honu.

Paddle with Aloha

Momma Mia Bond Stand Up Paddle Surfs!!!

2008-07-24T20:27:00.001-07:00

Kingz of the Coast

Offshore fun

2008-07-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

Surf was clean this morning. Offshore winds and chest to head high waves, a little inconsistent with the tide but it was sooo much fun!

This is from the SC Ocean Festival- Kyle Mo rippin on his Ron House 8'11'. Photo by Pat.

San Clemente Ocean Festival Stand Up Paddle Surf Video

2008-07-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

Ta-hoe Nalu Stand Up Paddle Surf event

2008-07-19T22:14:00.000-07:00

There is a swell running in SoCal. Gerry Lopez is in town this weekend for his movie premier tonight. It's been good fun surfing with you again Gerry. Tomorrow is the SC ocean festival, go check it out!

Just under a month the 2nd Annual Ta-hoe Nalu Stand Up Paddle event is going down. Looks as if its going to be a great event. B-e-a-utiful paddle, totally worth it alone. Hope to see everyone up there.

For more info check out www.kingzofthecoast.com for this event and more to come.

Stand Up Paddle Surfing's Battle of the Paddle

2008-07-17T23:28:00.000-07:00

Before I get in to Stand Up Paddle Surfing's Battle of the Paddle coming to Dohney Beach I have to say, fun surf this morning. More than enough to go around. Waist to occasional chest/ shoulder high lines. Good Fun SUPS fun!

Ok... So the rumors are flying around about the First Annual Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle. Below is some basic info:

October 11, 2008
Doheny State Beach, Dana Point CA

Stand Up Paddle Races for all levels, Elite Race and Age Group Race
$25K Prize Money and plenty of age group trophies
Stand Up Paddleboard & Paddle Manufacturers Expo
Music, Food & Family Fun
Awards Ceremony & Concert the evening of October 11 at the Surfing Heritage Foundation
All proceeds from this event to benefit the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association and Surfing Heritage Foundation

To stay updated make sure you get the SUPS info & events newsletter

Kingz of the Coast.com and Stand Up Paddle Surf

2008-07-16T20:49:00.000-07:00

Wow... big consistent surf today....NOT! But hopefully Hurricane Elida will give us some SUPS fun for the weekend. With the San Clemente Ocean Festival's Stand Up Paddle Surfing Contest this Sunday a good south could make it FUN.

Oh and like the title of this posted hinted...some changes coming soon to the world of www.Kingzofthecoast.com . You'll want to stay tuned fo' sure. Back to work!!

Sunset Stand Up Paddle

2008-07-13T20:34:00.000-07:00

The winds were on it early today, so it was a lazy day. Cruised down to Dana Point Harbor with my wife. We like to hang out by the launch ramp and watch people wreck their stuff. It usually goes down like this; husband goes and gets the truck & trailer and leaves the wife and kids hanging out by the boat. He backs up the trailer up, she does the best she can and it gets crazy from there. Yelling and screaming.... good times.

Anyways, while hanging out we saw a couple guys that had a 6-8ft shark in their bow. Suddenly I felt the urge to go paddle.... weird. So after one stop for some ice cream I grab my Stand Up Paddle Surfboard and head down to the water. It's later in the day on a Sunday and as I drive down the wind is still blowing, the tide is high and the burnt beach-goers are calling it a day.

Head winds blowing, I paddle north and follow the sun's reflection in the water. 40 minutes later I make the turn-around and get ready for the ride back. Same winds now blowing on my back and 2-3 ft ocean swell I make the run south in half the time.

Get back in time to watch another day end with sand in my toes.

Playing around and included a map of the paddle. 40 minutes one way/ 20 minutes back. Good fun. Stand Up Paddle Surf Blessed.

View Larger Map

Stand Up Paddle Surfing on the 4th of July

2008-07-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

This is one of those, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you" moments. Before the marine layer overran the morning line up we SCORED great waves, great conditions, grrrrreat times. Oil glass surface, fun 3-4ft A-frames, clean clean clean lines. Nobody really out considering it was the fourth of July and no injuries to report. We only had an hour to surf so about 7:30 we paddle in. The wind starts to blow, the marine layer swallows the beach, less the a mile of visibility and the line-up becomes the traditional 4th zoo. We leave, there is already a huge line to get in, and we're grinning ear to ear knowing that what we just experienced was a gift from above.

Paddled with Aloha!

Chumming the waters

2008-07-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

Cubito and I get there early. Surfs kinda drained out with the extreme tides but it's showing potential, some nice shoulder high peaks at times. We paddle out and catch a couple fun waves. I'm still diggin' on this 9'6" Stand Up Paddle Surfboard Ron House shaped. It surfs real well and I'm having a blast.

So I catch this wave and do a floater on over the whitewater, come down and go up for another. The board and me are sideways in the soup and I should of just jumped off. But I try and muscle through it cause it's small enough day, when the board gets shot up from under my feet. SMACK my head hits the board, click on the pic if you look close you can see my hairs in the fiberglass and left over skin. Apparently as I try and protect the rest of my head, a little too late, the board slices my arm.

It was a bleeder so I got out. There known Great Whites that hang out where we were surfing this morning so I didn't want to become breakfast.

San Clemente Ocean Festival

2008-07-01T19:09:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder, since it's the 1st of July, that this years San Clemente Ocean Festival is featuring two Stand Up Paddle events. On the 19th is the race and the on the 20th is the SUPS contest. Check out Stand Up Paddle Surf Championship for more info.

This mornings session was on the weak side, but it was still fun. Swell has faded and looks like that's what's left on tap for the rest of the week. Overcast, no surf, upwelling colder water...could be worse...could be.......

Monday morning is best with a little SUPS

2008-06-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

So the tide was "high" and the surf wasnʻt. There were some set waves that came in that made to paddle out the made you paddle back in even faster. It was still the best way to start a new week. Stand Up Paddle Surfing with some friends is good fun.

We were camping this past week. Had a chance to share some stoke with some new friends from San Diego at Dana Point Harbor. April (stand up video) and her husband Eric were camping also so we had a chance to get Eric in the water. He had never surfed nor paddled at all so this would be his first time in flat water on a Stand Up Paddle Surfboard. Once in the water I had him do some basic drills, he got comfortable and I showed him a couple other techniques and boo-yah!!! Another Hoe Hee Nalu addict! How much of an addict you ask? He was so amped on the gliding across the water I hooked them up again with Ron House and Eric picked up his new Stand Up Board and paddle while still on vacation and was able to get some water time. I got some video of husband and wife playing on their new toys. I evened had the pleasure of paddling with her brother Spence and son Dane one afternoon. Stay tuned for the video...who knows whatʻs on it, me wifey was videoing!?

See you in the water - in the morning - aloha!

More Stand Up Paddling at the Harbor

2008-06-20T19:16:00.000-07:00

It was early afternoon and I get a phone call from a buddy wanting to go paddle. His friend is coming down from L.A. and has tried SUPS once before. With the wind and the swell we decided to have fun and head to the flat water. We cruise from baby beach and head over to disappearing beach and mess around. Tony is paddling around and getting the hang of his turning. Cubby and I are working on balance drills and Cub is nailing it. We make a lap around Dana Point Harbor and Tony is up for some more SUPS fun at disappearing beach. Tony started running out of gas so we paddled back over to Baby Beach and called a day... a fun day!

Stand Up Paddling in Dana Point Harbor Video

2008-06-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

Stand Up Paddling the Promise Land

2008-06-18T17:31:00.000-07:00

On the way down to the Promise Land. The fog was in and out but the waves were consistent. Paddled out and caught a couple waves out front. A few waves later we found ourselves at the Promise Land with big racey lefts and rippable rights. Good fun... waves for everybody.

Aprilʻs new Stand Up Paddle Surfboard

2008-06-16T21:24:00.000-07:00

Down at Dana Point Harbor this morning, April was paddling her new Stand Up Paddle Surfboard. We did a lap and went over some basic paddling and handling techniques. Sheʻs stoked with her new Ron House Stand Up Board.

Hooked up with Chris and the Magic for a little talk story. He was sporting a inflatable SUPS board- interesting. No travel issues, deflate and roll it up.

Met a couple or SUPSers, Steve, Dave... wasup!

See you in the water, bright in early. K-papaʻS

Hoku out.

Stand Up Paddleboard Surfing Championships

2008-06-12T11:08:00.001-07:00

This event will be held during the San Clemente Ocean Festival on Sunday July 20th. This is the first Stand Up Paddle Surfing Championship ever held during the Ocean Festival. On July 19th the Stand Up Paddle Surf Race will be help, like last year.

As for the Stand Up Paddle Surf Contest, the event is open to everyone! Judging is based on progressive & classic maneuvers and style (50%-50%) and the use of the paddle will be part of the judging criteria. The contest is on the North Side of San Clemente Pier. There is a TOTAL (men and ladies), TOTAL of 24 openings in this event so if you want in you best bust a move. If you got questions contact Jack Sutter, 949.481.1205 or seastheday@cox.net

As for the Stand Up Paddle Surf Race, July 19th, 8:30am 10k. Get your paddle on!! You can register for the race at www.active.com

Last of the swell

2008-06-12T11:03:00.001-07:00

The last swell is still trickling in. Go a get wet if you can. The sun is coming out and itʻs looking like another beautiful day to Stand Up Paddle Surf in Southern California.

Kapaps Stand Up Day Dos

2008-06-11T23:31:00.000-07:00

Check out more Stand Up Paddle Surf

For more Stand Up Videos from the Kingz of the Coast.com

SUPS at Kaulapapas

2008-06-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

more stand up paddle surfing

Friday and some Stand Up Aloha

2008-06-06T20:35:00.000-07:00

Great little nalus that needed to be caught... and they were. Check out www.kingzofthecoast.com for some more Stand Up Paddle Aloha.

SUPS in Forbes Life

2008-06-02T22:07:00.001-07:00

This month's copy of Forbes Life [june 08] is blasting the cover with Laird charging Teahupoo. I wouldn't get to excited...seeing the cover I thought there would be a better spread... page 58 & 59, right after the million dollar Bugatti... you decide. How good is it?

So Laird charging Teahupoo, on a Ron House custom Stand Up Paddle Surfboard, on the cover of Forbes Life. The real question is, why would a beach bum have a subscription to Forbes?

Morning Fun

2008-05-28T07:35:00.000-07:00

Good fun this morning. Conditions we clean with small, small surf. Nevertheless good fun. In the lineup there was some extra smoothness. Gliding on some nalus was the one and only, Gerry Lopez . We had a blast considering the set waves were only chest high. Tracy, Ron, Sparky and Li’a (not sure how she spells it but she’s a local girl I’ll spell it Hawaiian Style) all out enjoying the ocean. With waves like today, Stand Up Paddle Surfing let’s you get out and get wet and surf!

Lesson dos

2008-05-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

I have to make a quick entry on April's progress. The swell started to fill in on Monday morning and there was a lot more motion on the ocean than on Saturday. We paddled out through the "bay" which is a lot less forgiving than other beaches. She was up and paddling looking really comfortable out there. We paddled around for about an hour or so and she was owning it. She's hooked on Stand Up Paddling, next lesson is Stand Up Paddle Surfing.

Paddle with Aloha.

Stand Up Paddle Surf Stoke

2008-05-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

This morning I had the pleasure of spending time in the water with Eric, April & Caleb and sharing the joy of Stand Up Paddle Surfing. This was a great Stand Up Paddle Surf lesson, all three had different levels of comfort and experience in the water.

The conditions were great for the first time in open water. Not much swell in SoCal right now but there was some motion in the ocean. The first time anybody tries to Stand Up Paddle Surf (SUPS) the more calm the water the more better your experience. Now I could write a long blog entry about all the techniques we cover individually to get them up and going but I won't. However the best thing of the whole morning was the ear to ear grins and them feeling that exciting, unique almost indescribable feeling you get the first time you stand up and start to guide on the water. It's a whole different perspective.

Sunset Session

2008-05-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

K-MO and myself scored this evening. Paddled up to one of our fav spots and had a blast. It was small and the tide was creeping up but have Stand Up Paddle Board and have fun. We played on this little corner for a while and then cruised up the coast a little more and ended up on a point going left and right all night. The tide eventually came in a flooded the small surf. We cruised back south and passed a bunch of dolphins. Rob showed up just in time for a quick paddle as the sunset. Just another day to be grateful for.

Small Sunny and Stand Up

2008-05-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

Cali summer comes with warm air, warmer water at smaller waves. Another Stand Up Paddle Surf summer on call if day's like today on lining up. Fun little lines, glassy surface and good friends. Let's pray for some large southern swells so we can bust out the under 9 footers and have some Stand Up fun in some breach break barrels.

See in the water.

Fun past swell

2008-05-04T14:23:00.000-07:00

Plenty of waves to be had these past couple days. I'm tried! No Stand Up Paddle Surf pictures from this swell, everyone was actually surfing this time.

I'll huff and I'll puff

2008-04-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

Says the SOUTH wind!

Da Story

2008-04-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

What's the story with these guys standing up and paddling on surfboards?

There is a buzz in the local waters, Stand Up Paddle Surfing. What is it and where did this come from? Ku Hoe He'e Nalu in the basic, most elementary translation is: to stand-to paddle-to surf-wave. This is surfing, the sport of the Kings (hence "kingz of the coast"). Prior to this year there have been a few newspaper articles written, a couple spots in some of the surfing magazines, maybe a video shot here or there, a blog here or there and one or two websites that give limited information about the sport of Stand Up Paddle Surfing. Now it's a whole new virus and everyone is catching it!

This worldwide segment of surfing known as Stand Up Paddle Surfing was made popular back in the Waikiki Beach Boy days of the 1960's. Stand Up Paddle Surfing, gets the alias of "Beach Boy" surfing from those days in Waikiki when the Beach Boys would stand up on their longboards and paddle with outrigger paddles while taking pictures of the tourists surfing on vacation. Documented "modern" Stand Up Paddle Surfing dates back to the 1940's with the great waterman Duke Kahanamoku and a crew of Beach Boys. However, Hoe He'e Nalu predates even Duke, to the ancient Polynesian paddlers. The roots of royalty are what you experience when gliding and sliding as you Stand Up Paddle Surf. On a side note- the term "Beach Boy" comes from when Duke was a teenager and bailed on school to hang out with the other braddahs down a the hau tree at Waikiki Beach. Duke is known as the father of modern surfing, the ambassador of aloha and the one who made Waikiki "Beach Boys" famous.

So this "new" idea is really one of old and is making a revival. In Hawaii, Stand Up Paddle Surfing is really starting to be seen all over in the islands...and in between them. Hawaiian watermen, such as Dave Kalama, Brian Keaulana, and the others mentioned here, are actively pushing the sport forward with channel crossings, down wind runs and Stand Up Paddle Surfing being added to events like Makaha's Big Board Surfing Classic in 2004. Also in 2004, Archie Kalepa entered the Molokai to O'ahu Paddleboard race as a Stand Up Paddle Surf entry. He finished the 32 mile race in 6 hours. From what can be told he was the first to cross that channel solo by means of Stand Up Paddle Surfing. Laird Hamilton has paddled from O'ahu to Kaua'i, Catalina to Dana Point, the English Channel, even the Grand Canyon, and has Stand Up Paddle Surfed Jaws and Teahupoo.

Currently in Southern California, we are promoting the sport and more importantly the spirit of this regal and majestic Pacific Islander tradition. With the hopes to broaden the perspective of other watermen and water-wahines worldwide. Paddle with Aloha.

More good fun

2008-04-28T18:01:00.000-07:00

Got a break and made a break to the break.... give me a break!? What a great session. Don't want to talk it up but it was unreal. 2-4 ft clean lefts and rights peeeeeling. Little crowd, plenty of waves, warm air, clear skies. Fun! The only Stand Up Paddle Surfer out, called in some sets for the guys that couldn't see'em coming in. Everyone was stoked. Even pulled off some helicopters...good fun. Had to call it when the arms stopped working.

Clean Sunset Session

2008-04-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

Sunday evening....hot day and no surf, so I thought. Grabbed the Stand Up Paddle Board and cruised down to one of my favorite spots. As I'm paddling up some weird-o started yelling and screaming and whisting on the beach like a preteen girl at a Hanna Montana concert (only you know if you actually clicked on that link). Turns out to be a good buddy of mine from the jar-head days and his son.

We talk story for little and he decides to paddle out again cause he knows that he surfs better when he's tried, eh' Kawika!? So we end up at the spot and score some fun waist to chest surf as the sun goes done. Evan, his son, scores a great little wave and is really stoked! Right on Evan....shred the NAR!

As it gets dark I make the paddle back to the car in the warm air. Smiling- life is good.

Da Spirit

2008-04-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

The spirit of Stand Up Paddle Surf is simply the Aloha Spirit. The true Hawaiian Aloha Spirit is more than a simple greeting or salutation. It's a mutual, respectful regard towards another. While in the water everyone should practice the spirit of Aloha. Whatever segment of surfing you choose; from body surfing, boogie boarding, short boarding, long boarding, Stand Up Paddle Surfing, to tow-in surfing. It's all wave sliding.

As a Stand Up Paddle Surfer there is a ancient majestic feeling that overcomes you when you glide across the waters and paddle into waves. It's addicting and you'll want more. The Spirit of Aloha balances that desire and impart water wisdom on a true Stand Up Paddle Surfer.

Unfortunately there are a few people out there that are ruining the reputation of the royal sport of Stand Up Paddle Surfing. There are those in the water representing our sport improperly, without the Spirit of Aloha. With the benefit of board design and paddle the ability to catch waves increases with skill. These same individuals have the same impact on the longboard community. Given an advantage, they exercise it beyond reason and ruin the surf session for others in the water. NOT what the community of Stand Up Paddle Surfing promotes.

The Aloha Spirit is of the King of kings as well as the sport of the kings. If you're going to be standing tall you better not ruin it for us all. This isn't about who catches more waves, as kingz and queenz we need to promote the true spirit of life in the water. Live Aloha!

"Try meeting or leaving people with aloha. You'll be surprised by their reaction. I believe it, and it is my creed. Aloha to you," Duke Kahanamoku

Da Surfing

2008-04-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

Surfing. Most of the attention Stand Up Paddle Surfing generates is from wave riding and sliding. It could be the guy standing on the outside of the normal line up scanning the horizon or the wahine doing a front side cutback leaning on her paddle. Either way it will make you look twice.

There are a lot of advantages that Stand Up Paddle Surfing offers to a wave rider. A lot of the buzz that surrounds Stand Up Paddle Surfing is the idea that you can paddle into a wave earlier than the modern laydown surfer. While this is true, we DO NOT promote the wave hog attitude. Just the opposite, as another advantage to Stand Up Paddle Surfing is the ability to see the lines of swells coming towards the pack. As a Stand Up Paddle Surfer you can spot waves and let others know how many are coming and where to be. That's sharing Aloha.

Another benefit is moving from one peak to another. As you scanning the horizon you might see a peak rolling in that nobody would be able to paddle to. As a Stand Up Paddle Surfer you can stroke over in time to catch it deep and make a nice wave that otherwise would go unridden. While on the wave you can use your paddle to stroke through what could be unmakable sections. This makes for really long rides.

Check out the Crowd...? Using the paddle while on the wave is a whole other experience. While making big turns you can drag and lean on the paddle helping you make awesome turns and adding some real old school soul to them.

You can charge any size surf. You can paddle to surf that is rarely ridden. You'll being paddling along your coast and find spots that break on different tides and have it all to yourself. Remember that half the fun of riding the waves is getting there.

With all these added benefits to modern surfing why wouldn't you want to Stand Up Paddle Surf? And remember, because you have these advantages doesn't mean abuse with, Paddle with Aloha. Don't be a kook!

A little southern

2008-04-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

So there is a little south swell trying to show. Tide is filling in right now but it was fun this morning. Dennis was out at a fun spot this morning catching some fun waves. Chest high lefts and rights. Good fun. Happy Aloha Friday.

Laddahs

Afternoon Delight

2008-04-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

2 hours of good fun with good friends with playful waves and clean conditions in the middle of the day with only 5 guys out...what a gift.

Then a good sunset session down at Kualapapa with a bunch of Stand Up Paddle Surfers in the line up. There was one guy with his little girl hanging on the board with him- sweet ohana aloha. Oh and whatever he was cooking for dinner smelled ono. There is a different vibe in the water with a bunch of Stand Up surfers, it's all about having fun.

uh-oh...we're back

2008-04-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

Ok... it's been almost a year. We've been busy and surfing and having fun, just not blogging about it. But we're back with lots of good stuff and with some changes. We're updating the KingzoftheCoast.com site or something like that. Anyways, blah blah blah....

Surf is small in SoCal with south winds blowing... thank you Catalina Eddy. So grab that Stand Up Paddle SURF board go practice in the bump and get some fun.

Laddahs.

12th Annual San-O Classic, A Quicksilver Edition

2007-05-07T11:35:00.000-07:00

Many many mahalos to Allan Seymour and his team, the guys and wahines from Quicksilver and the volunteers for this event. This was the first ever Stand Up Paddle Surf contest on the mainland. We had more than enough Stand Up Paddle Surfers show up and represent this segment of surfing. Packed heats proved that. It was a great turn out and good fun was had by all.

The morning weather and waves we're not the best but we all had a blast and it turned into a beautiful beach day. The above pic is the top six and below are few of the first eliminated. The winner was not present for the pic nor was "Ester Williams", had to be there.

Stay tuned for more. And get ready for the San Clemente Ocean Festival in July. 10k Stand Up Paddle Surf race!

Calling all Stand Up Paddle Surfers

2007-05-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

Wow oh wow WOM...gossip. Seems like there has been some gum flappin' at the knitting groups with a stench of conspiracy and Ben-Gay. RUMOR has it that there is established group of adult "surfers" that associate themselves with a beach called San Onofre and an "Aloha" spirit that is trying to remove the Stand Up Paddle SURF division in the upcoming SURF contest. Since this is a rumor, unconfirmed by anyone associated from this group, yet from a very reliable source, I can only presume reasons why so-called "Aloha" spirited "surfers" would do such a thing.

Regardless, this is a rally cry for all Stand Up Paddle SURFERS. Call, email, forward this page to everyone you know that SURFS with a Stand Up Board and a paddle and get them to register for the contest online ASAP. Unfortunately it seems that this area (San-O) is the only area in the world that doesn't recognize Stand Up Paddle SURFING as...SURFING. Again, let's help educate the local population and show our Aloha as SURFERS by participating in this event. Click here to register.

This is the sport of the Kings, the sport that modern day surfing evolved into. Why wouldn't this group want a division of Stand Up Paddle Surfers and help perpetuate the history and Aloha that they cherish?

Stand Up Paddle SURF with Aloha.

Mini Monday

2007-04-30T21:29:00.000-07:00

Captains log. Monday April 30th. Surf is ankle to double over the knee. Regardless of the size, fun rights to be had by all on Stand Up Paddle Surfboards.

Tracy, Dennis and I, seals and string rays.

Aloha Friday

2007-04-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

3 hours of great surf. Chest to head high with the occasional over head set. Long, long, long rides. Limited crowd, for this place at least. I personally haven't had waves and rides that long at this place since the winter swell in Jan '96. Super fun, super unreal. Laddahs.

Stand Up Paddle Surf Pictures

2007-04-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was sunny and warm.....today was not. This morning the wind was on it, it was gloomy, even though the afternoon wind is blowing the offshore haze still is hanging around. Regardless, there may be time for a Stand Up Paddle Surf session this afternoon.

But as promised from yesterday...here are some shots that K-MO was able to get.

Here's the crowd from yesterday morning, session 1. Remember, clean 2-3 occ. 4 ft warm sunny day in southern california.

(Click on the small pictures to make them larger!)

How cool is it to be in SoCal and have good waves with just your buddies...there is a crowd of people 150 yards to the north of us???

Jim on a lefty...

Chris....

Dennis hanging out with us.

The Speedo Bandito was spotted in the line up. You can choose to click on these...if you feel you need to make the items in this picture larger. Let this be your warning, it might cause temporary blindness and nauseousness. You may need therapy after this one...you've been warned.

...the man, the myth, the legend...

We could hardly contain ourselves from laughing so much from the sight of a neon blue speedo making its way through the line up. It only took a couple of waves that we realized it was not a good idea to share waves with the Speedo Bandito. Poor Kyle just bought his new camera and it's been tainted with shots like this one. Fortunately for us all, neither the camera nor Kyle was injured in the making of these pictures.

Hoku doing the "Hoku".

Tracy is always fun to hang out with.

K-Mo was full of skills on the camera. A self-portrait below.

The Speedo Bandito and a new-kine Soul Arch. (I don't know?)

The line up got better as the day progressed. Especially after the sighting of the Speedo Bandito.

This one is for you Jim, the Bull Dance. See Jim likes the the bull dance. Hoku mid spank and feeling it, doin' the bull dance. You gotta love to have fun with friends. Do it Jim, do it!!!!

Jim not doing the bull dance...but with plenty of opportunity!

Brian showed up later and caught some fun waves.

It's all about having fun........

Mahalos K-Mo for taking all the pictures. You rock man!

Oh my oh my

2007-04-25T22:11:00.000-07:00

Ok today was UNreal. Clean conditions all day, fun small surf. Crazy morining, we have pics, K-MO took some good ones. You'll have to check'em soon. Laters for now.