Paddle Articles

Cali Paddler Explorations - 3 Days 100 Miles Revisted

Do you like exploration and a little bit of crazy? Join us on this fun and meaningful adventure story. To paddle 100 miles in 3 days. From Santa Barbara to Malibu!

This week marks the 2 year anniversary when some paddling friends got together to go on a little trip. To fulfill a dream of exploring some beautiful coastline. Along the way they were joined by another paddler who prior to the event, they barely knew, but as is often the case with Cali Paddlers, it doesn't take long to become great friends. All of this was for a great cause, to raise money and awareness for three cancer focused non-profit groups through the donations of amazingly generous folks. The concepts of Cali Paddler, community, bonding, appreciation of our water and sport was still far from being talked about. But the groundwork was unknowingly being laid.

Read more →

30th Annual Santa Cruz Paddlefest, Incoming!

Santa Cruz PaddleFest
Cali Paddler is honored to have Teresa Rogerson share with us her stoke about the amazing upcoming event Santa Cruz Paddlefest. An event this special in its history and the paddle diversity it encourages, deserves our attention. As does a proper recognition of waveski, surf kayak, all the pioneering craft and paddlers that have brought us to this 30th anniversary! Don't know about these amazing paddle craft? Learn more here! And to really appreciate them...come out to the event! It is 4 days of EPIC (March 17-20)!

Read more →

SoCal Winter Series Preview - Oceanside Becky Stuart Invitational

Becky Stuart Race
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!

Read more →

MBX 2015 - OC1 Crossing Recap

Monterey Bay Crossing 2015
I decided to really challenge myself and compete in the OC1 category. Looking back, I think a bit of “crazy” came over me when wanting to do the crossing. Training for the race was difficult.  I often trained alone, putting in a lot of early mornings and late nights. Training for more than 2.5 hours was new to me and presented many new challenges that I had to overcome. A lot went in to being 100% ready for the race, from the millimeters of adjusting the ama, to the miles and hours put into training and getting ready. My goal had been set from previous training sessions. I wanted to complete the MBX in 4 hours. I felt ready.

Read more →

A leash. The importance of how to put it on...and take it off!

Leash RemovalLeashes are a hot topic with the recent tragedy at the Gorge. The industry is writing articles about how to get more folks to wear them, and some very valid and creative ideas are being floated (pardon the pun). That said...one safety topic regarding leashes, that I feel often gets overlooked is how to quickly detach a leash. Just like in surfing, there are rare times when you need to detach ASAP. And not doing so can be just as dangerous as not wearing one.

Read more →

Paddler Race Recap: Ta-Hoe Nalu 2015

Tahoe-Nalu
Cali Paddler Marie, took the time to share with us her recent weekend of paddling and racing up at Lake Tahoe at the TA-HOE NALU race. A lot of us have heard great things about this event and wanted to get her thoughts about it since we didn't get a chance to make it there in person. With race divisions for SUP, Prone, Outrigger and Surf-Skis, there is something for everyone...all set in a picturesque setting...our kind of event!

Read more →

Post Paddle Pains

Paddle Pains
Here is a brief recap of some of my favorite pains over the years that I hope you can all empathize with. Not every race or long practice hurts. But some do. Some paddles are 6 hours on the water. Or non-stop intervals until its dark and you can't see. Some are fighting a headwind, jumping out of a chase boat 10 times or pushing yourself way more than you ever have as you are inspired by your teammates. Loading heavy boats, boards, and gear. Some of the paddles are sneaky-oooph....as in, "wow, I didn't think I would be this sore". Some, you know you are in for a long 24 hours of pain. Allow me this therapeutic walk-through.

Read more →

OC1 Essay Content Entry - Justice Martin

The following submission was made as an entry to win a OC1 from an amazingly generous donor, who wanted to see the canoe truly enjoyed, rather than turn a profit. Entrants were asked to submit an essay answering the following:

  • Part 1: “Describe how paddling has changed your life.”
  • Part 2: “How do you plan to use this canoe, and perhaps someday pass it along?”

< View all entries

---

Justice Martin, California

Paddling makes me happy because I’m with family and friends. Paddling also makes me happy because I learn different positions in the canoe. Such as steering calling when to switch sides, engine room, and the person who sets the pace. My favorite position is called steering because I’m multi-tasking. My second favorite position is calling when to switch because it helps me with my cardio. My third favorite is engine room because I learn to put in power.

I have a lot of paddling experience in paddling because I paddled for 7 years it’s the awesome coaches that taught me everything I know about paddling. Paddling is the best sport in the world.

The water changes me because it makes me calmer and it clears my mind.
---

< View all entries

Cali Paddler Connection: Kai Ko'o Paddles

Kai Ko'o Paddles

Introducing the first of our "Cali Paddler Connection" series, where we introduce you to the companies and individuals in California that offer amazing products, services, stores, and share with us paddling history in our amazing state.

Kai Ko'o Paddles (Steve Barnes & James Gonzales)
Cali Paddler's Greggy, went on site with Steve Barnes and James Gonzalez of Kai Ko'o Paddles, a San Diego based Outrgger Canoe and SUP paddle maker. Greggy dove in to what makes them tick, and they let us know what it means to be a Cali Paddler to them.

 

Read more →

← Previous 1 5 6 7

Paddle Pledge Non-Profits