Every been curious about what it is like to paddle an inflatable SUP? Want to know the impressions of one from someone who is used to fast race boards and traveling far on paddles to explore as much as possible? Well, look no further, because we just finished a 10 day trip with lots of paddling, various conditions, and all sorts of water types. Check out our impressions of the 10' XTERRA board. What did we like, and not like? And did it pass 'the family test'?Companies that 'get it'!
Paddle Articles
CP Review - Inflateable SUP from XTERRA
Every been curious about what it is like to paddle an inflatable SUP? Want to know the impressions of one from someone who is used to fast race boards and traveling far on paddles to explore as much as possible? Well, look no further, because we just finished a 10 day trip with lots of paddling, various conditions, and all sorts of water types. Check out our impressions of the 10' XTERRA board. What did we like, and not like? And did it pass 'the family test'?10 Tips to be a Better Paddler
We here at Cali Paddler are always striving to be better, and have more fun, on the water. Whether it is related to fitness, technique or attitude, there are many well documented ways to becoming a better paddler. However, some ways to improve your SUP, Prone, Outrigger Surf-Ski or Dragonboat performance are not as commonly known as others. We wanted to share the following top 10 tips to help you paddle better, and open up our Cali Paddler Treasure Chest of Secrets....to YOU! Enjoy
CP Review - SUPerior by Motionize
A review of the SUPerior motion sensor by Motionize. You might have heard about this product with their recent collaboration behind the innovative force at QuickBlade who will be embedding this sensor in QB paddles. Pretty cool! In our case, the stand-alone product is what we have our hands on and we are excited to see how the product not only helps us analyze our stroke and paddling effort when paddling SUP, but improve it! Does it get in my way when I switch sides? Was the weight noticeable? Was it easy to setup before, and use during a paddle? I was excited to get on the water and see how it stacked up against other products.
Prone Paddleboarding - A closer connection to the water
If you have ever thought about trying prone, and wondered what the draw is. Or been intimidated from horror stories about how it is cold and hardcore...then this article is for you. Join us as we share our impression of prone paddleboarding as a total newbie that has paddled other craft. How is it compared to SUP and Outrigger? Why is it growing in popularity now, after being around so long before SUP was trendy? And most importantly, did we enjoy it? Find out here...
How to replace an OC1 Rudder Cable
Elements of Recovery - A Na Pali Bucket List Story
Little did I know that a chance to paddle in a race I have dreamed about doing for 6 years would come along. And that I would be able to resume a paddling addiction that had been threatened in the year prior due to injury.
California's Best Places to Paddle - The Bucket List of Top Paddles
The 7 Wonders of the (Cali Paddler) World! We are big fans of paddling in our amazing state. And over time, we have found there to be certain paddles that are so amazing, that everyone should have them on their bucket list. So, with New Year's resolutions and inspiration always being shared, we decided to come up with this list.
The places listed are amazing, and something only paddlers can experience. For each one we reached out to a local expert in the region to get tips and insight so that when you launch to check it off your list, you have a positive experience. Enjoy, and be sure to thank each person below and visit their websites.
SoCal Winter Series Preview - Oceanside Becky Stuart Invitational
This series of race previews is an 'unaffiliated' effort to share experiences from each of the races that comprise Southern California's Winter Series of Races for OC1, OC2, Surf-Ski, SUP and Prone Paddlers. - This week we spotlight the Becky Stuart Memorial! 95% ocean. Fun jetty condition finishes. A great opportunity for those looking to take on some ocean racing.
And be sure to check back for other race previews as they come up this winter. Gonna be a fun season! NorCal, if anyone is interested in contributing similar paddle and race previews, we'd love to team up!
Tide Tips Every Paddler Should Know
Get answers to several common tide questions and super helpful tips to make sure you are well prepared, and picking the best course during your next paddle. Remember, geeking out on paddle topics goes well beyond technique and equipment. It includes knowing the water we paddle too.
Whether you are steering a 6 man outrigger canoe, or paddling your SUP along jetties during a race, your speed can be directly affected by the tide. So, knowing what is happening, why and when, will make you a better paddler.
Whether you are steering a 6 man outrigger canoe, or paddling your SUP along jetties during a race, your speed can be directly affected by the tide. So, knowing what is happening, why and when, will make you a better paddler.
The White Canoe (a story of a Molokai Hoe crossing)
[This was written by Team Writer Clarke after his Molokai Hoe journey across the Ka'iwi Channel in October 2014. Good luck to all the Cali Paddlers who will be taking on this special journey in the coming days and years. ]
I didn’t really set out to do this race when teams were first being discussed months and months ago. In fact it took some pretty amazing support and encouragement for me to even think it could become a reality. But it did. Conditions were described by several local Hawaiian clubs as “challenging” “fun” “rough”. I had some amazing teammates, some were in the canoe, some back home, help get me across. And I will be putting this down as one of those achievements that makes me a better person, nevermind just a better paddler.
Paddle Pledge Non-Profits
