COMMUNITY + CONSERVATION + CONNECTION!
For Paddlers, By Paddlers!
[ This Benicia Race article is part of a series of Race Previews where we spotlight and showcase different racing opportunities for us to enjoy. ]
With a storied history, the WaveChaser Series is a wonderful part of the NorCal Race scene. Much like the SoCal Winter Racing Series, this group of races lasts from Fall until Spring, and gives paddlers the chance to race each other at various locations. With multiple courses at each to ensure each paddler has something they can tackle, you can't go wrong when you register and attend. Plus, the social scene is a big part of the community and you will certainly go home with more friends when when you arrived.
Maybe 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.
Cali Paddler is thrilled to have had the chance to interview one of California's premiere outrigger paddlers about one of the most popular craft folks are entering more and more in races. We are talking about Will Reichenstein, and rudderless canoes, (V1s). You aren't gong to want to miss this, so let's get started!
Hi Will, as someone who paddles every craft we can get our hands on, the rudderless canoe (aka the V1) has had a lot of mystique. We know it is popular in Tahiti, and some of the races we watched online show us that some of the top paddlers in the world race them. That said, we have tons of questions and likely some misconceptions about the rudderless canoe (va'a) and so are grateful to have your help in sharing your stoke and knowledge on this craft. Where would you like to begin?
Another Dam Race (ADR) - Parker Arizona
For those of you who haven’t paddled Another Dam Race (ADR), you are probably wondering what it is all about. So, having gone last year and gotten the first hand experience, we wanted to share with you some answers to common questions that we had, and you might too.
Imagine back to the energy and courage needed when you did your first race. You were nervous, pumped up and probably had butterflies in your stomach. Now imagine if you were listening for the starting horn to begin but relying on someone with a remote control to steer your craft. Why? Because you were totally blind! This just happened. And we are so completely inspired by this and can't wait to share below exactly what took place this past weekend in Newport, Ca. We interviewed RJ De Rama, the Executive Director at Makapo Aquatics Project and got the scoop. Enjoy!
We know paddlers do some extreme things to hone in their performance and allow them to train at their best. Every so often we reach out to paddlers such as one of our Team Ambassadors Jordan to pick their brain as to what THEY do? Well, Jordan had something we were interested in learning more about. Both in how it affects him, and what it took to set it up in his home. So with no further adieu...
Oh, the glorious challenges of endurance racing! As any athlete knows, the human body can only perform for so long with no fuel before breaking down. In the outrigger 9-man season - the true endurance portion of the outrigger year, it's not uncommon to be out on the water for over 3 hours, and thus it is very important to eat wisely.
If you have never been out for a significant amount of distance, the lack of preparation can be a shock to the system. One of the major differences in a long paddle is that DURING the race you have a significant amount of time to rest, refuel, re-hydrate, and catch your second (or third) wind over the long event.
Paddler fueling preferences come in all varieties - which one are you?
Cali Paddler is proud that its borders extend well beyond state lines. Much like water, we meander throughout the world looking for fun events, challenging races, and scenic places to be on the water. And so this past week, we were stoked to have the chance to see what all the fuss is about regarding "The Gorge". So check out our little recap about why this event, venue and scene is unlike any other, and why we can't wait to attend in years to come!
The SundayX3 Race series, also known as SundaySundaySunday, is entering its 5th summer. A three part summer series of races that has focused on the paddlers and their wants and needs vs. big corporate direction. The result is a family friendly, competitive, and well-organized race that keeps on getting better each year.
