Paddle Articles

SoCal Winter Series Preview - La Jolla Invitational

SoCal Winter Race Series
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 La Jolla Invitational! All ocean. Beach Launch. A great opportunity for those first timers wanting to try oc1, surfski, prone or sup.
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!

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California Race Preview - Hal Rosoff Classic hosted by NAC

Hal Rosoff Classic Paddle Race
For this race, we reached out to some our friend Kel Thompson from NAC, to make sure all the history and various race courses is accurate. So much awesome, we didn't want to feed you incorrect data. We also had the honor of getting info from the Rosoff family about Hal which we are stoked to share. And of course, be sure to read our usual Cali Paddler tips to make sure our personal flavor and spice is felt and enjoyed! Enjoy!

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All-Around vs Touring SUP Designs - Which is right for you?

The Difference in Stand-up Paddle Board ShapesMaybe you are getting into SUP, or have a friend who is paddle-curious and wants some tips on what shape of board to get? Well this entry-level article should be a great help as we will break down two main shapes you should be aware of in the stand-up paddle world. All-Around vs. Touring SUP.

The shape of the board you go with will determine much about your water-time experience. And your experience level should play a role as well? Are you new? Wanting flat water? Nervous about falling in? Are you looking to surf or explore? Or are you looking to paddle further, faster, and want something that really pushes your comfort level as you encounter various waterways? It is important to know the difference between paddle board shapes and their pros and cons.

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Prone Paddleboarding - A closer connection to the water

Prone Paddleboard InformationIf 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...

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Cali Paddler Explorations - Del Monte Beach Monterey

Cali Paddler is stoked to continue its exploration and mapping of amazing places in our state to paddle. We welcome back Team Writer Bret Warner as he explores this gem in Monterey Bay...Del Monte Beach

Cali Paddler Explorations - Del Monte BeachThe first place I ever paddled was Del Monte Beach right in front of Monterey Bay Kayaks. OK, that’s actually not true, it was on the Rogue river in an inflatable kayak, but my dad and I loved it so much we signed up for an Intro to Sea Kayaking class the day we got home. At ten years old, I had no idea what a special place I was getting to paddle.  It is protected from surf so knowing how to launch and land in the surf is not a requisite for paddling there. I know that some of us salivate with desire at launching/landing/playing/cavorting in the surf, but sometimes you need the calm start as well.  It is also solidly in a Marine Sanctuary so seeing seals, sea lions and sea otters is a regularity and not an anomaly. Also, if the wind picks up it will almost assuredly be at your back once you turn around, and you can hug the coast enough on the way out that paddling upwind won’t affect you too adversely.

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Santa Cruz PaddleFest - SUP Vet Perspective - Santa Cruz or bust!

Cali Paddler was eager to learn and share about last weeks Santa Cruz Paddle Fest. Our Team Paddler Kristin Thomas is no stranger to epic roadtrips and events in this awesome state, and she was kind enough to share all the amazingness she encountered here! Enjoy.

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Santa Cruz PaddleFest - First-Timer

A lot of folks go into a race for the first time with questions and a whole new level of energy. Last week's Santa Cruz PaddleFest was certainly a fun chance to try something new and be introduced to a bunch of new craft and waters. interviewed Gina De Los Reyes of Santa Barbara, who took her first trip up to this event and that part of our state. Check it out!

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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!

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Sunset SUP - Is there anything better?

Sunset SUP Paddle Session
"As I hit the road with my board strapped to my truck, I roll down the window and breathe in the fragrant evening air. I run through the mental checklist of the days "to-do" list and although I forgot dog shampoo and greens for tomorrow's smoothie, I was pretty darn satisfied with the day's accomplishments. Time to head for a nice sunset SUP sesh."

Join us as you sit at your computer or phone for a few minutes and get a little paddle escape and be reminded how lucky we are to enjoy a sunset on the water...then go out and paddle into one yourself!

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Pacific Paddle Games - What was it like for the rest of us?

Pacific Paddle Games 2015- Start of Women's Prone
By now you have seen recaps of the elite races. Looked at photos of the most crazy wipe-outs, and we have heard about how the pros came to play (and did not disappoint in the least). But our mantra at Cali Paddler is to Be EPIC (Every Paddler in California). And so we took the chance to get a recap from 'one of us' for this years Pacific Paddle Games. Read first hand from Maggie Adams, founder of Blue Paddle SUP, about California's new world stage race in Dana Point.

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