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.
Companies that 'get it'!
Paddle Articles
California's Best Places to Paddle - The Bucket List of Top Paddles
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.
Cali Paddler Explorations: Drying Up (with Chase Kosterlitz)
We are grateful to have explorers like Chase Kosterlitz, who are not only fantastic paddlers and people, but who are also willing to explore our California waters and draw attention to the conservation efforts that are needed. Chase teams up with Chris Olivias and BIC SUP in this video to explore California's second largest reservoir to see the impact the drought is having on our waterways and paddle playgrounds. Beautiful. Dramatic. Impactful.
"It's hard to paddle (survive) without water. This past June we set out to document some of the waterways hardest hit by the current west coast drought. Here is our story. " - Chase
Help help where’s my ama? (An outrigger paddler tries surfski)
I had the most crazy nightmare. I was out on my outrigger canoe. Looked up at the sky for a second, and next thing I knew when I looked down, my ama was no longer there! Gone. Not there! I panicked that my paddle crutch was gone. Promptly huli’d. And woke up in a cold sweat!
They call them surfskis, and I found it was time I give these speed demons a ride! I mean after all, I have yet to find a paddle craft I didn’t like. Why would this not also be awesome? And beside, trying my luck with my oc1 in the shallows without its ama for 'fun' was mostly just 'wet' (the fun was had by those on the beach laughing at me).
Dragon Newby
The arm tasked with the pull got no rest or reprieve. My muscles burned and my heart was ready to burst from my chest. I had to remember to breathe, but there was no time! It was already over, and the euphoria was bursting through my face.
“What just happened? I want more!” From the shore, I could see friends and family jumping up and down with excitement. I felt like a puppy, and found myself wishing I had a tail to wag happily behind me, as if asking “Was that good? Did I do okay?”
Join Team Writer Megs on her recent journey to the land of Dragons!
Sunset SUP - Is there anything better?
"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!
Dragon Boat - Cali Paddler Answers the Call
"I'm so pumped! I feel like a puppy who's tail is wagging and it won't stop!!!", Megs after her first race.
Earlier this year, Cali Paddler had its first exposure to a Dragon Boat race when we attended the Long Beach Festival in July as a vendor and spectator. We were stoked on what we saw, and invited by many in the community to get in a dragon boat race and learn first hand how exciting it can be. So, this past weekend, we did just that. But rather than just send one or two folks, we entered a whole team, from every walk of paddling life we could find throughout the state. And their response? Read for yourself.
Pacific Paddle Games - What was it like for the rest of us?
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.
Race Recap - MBX 2015 (Monterey Bay Crossing Outrigger Challenge)
An epic race that goes from Santa Cruz to Monterey, along one of the most diverse and lush marine sanctuaries in California, deserves our attention. Join our contributors with their tales of their journey at MBX!
We are stoked to share the perspective of a SoCal Paddler who made the trek to experience some awesome NorCal Waters. A novice oc6 crew who decided to tackle the challenge. And an oc1 paddler who made the crossing and might have been the youngest on record to do it solo.
Enjoy their stories! And be sure to check this out next year in 2016
Paddle Pledge Non-Profits
