Leashes 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.
Companies that 'get it'!
Paddle Articles
A leash. The importance of how to put it on...and take it off!
Cali Paddler Explorations: Monterey Penninsula
Cali Paddlers are known for their passion of exploration. A desire to paddle our waters, and pay respects to the amazing wildlife and nature that lives in and near our coastlines. Thank you to Harry Deisroth for this recap of a recent epic journey in the Monterey Bay Area along one of our state's most famous stretches-but unlike 99.9% of its visitors, this is from the water! -C.P.Paddler Race Recap: Ta-Hoe Nalu 2015
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!
Paddler Problems: Dear Diary... <3 Paddy
Dear Diary,Hi, I’m Paddy! I haven’t written to you in a long time – not since my last diary got flung overboard by accident on my outrigger race to Catalina Island.
I hope you don’t meet the same fate! I like to think my old diary is relaxing with my old sunglasses and hats that were also sacrificed to the sea. Maybe some fish are reading my old entries and making grand tales of my adventures.
Anyway, I’m in the middle of another racing season and it has been amazing! Except a couple things...
Post 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.
The Fear Factor - It is officially change season!!
When I first describe change racing to people, the reaction is almost always something along the lines of “that sounds really scary” and "you are really hard core." And you know what? Yeah, it kind of is scary – but only if you allow yourself to think about it. The 'Fear Factor' of change racing, to me, makes it exceptionally exciting and fun. However, there are moments both in practice and in races where every paddler has asked themselves, what the hell am I doing?
Dragon Boat - First Impressions from an Outrigger Canoe Paddler
Ok, I have to admit, Dragon boat was not something I had experienced in any capacity, including watching, before a recent weekend...let alone having even paddled it. But within the last week or so, I have become a huge fan. Yes the races are shorter than I am used to. Yes you only paddle on one side. Yes it's kinda rad! I attended the Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival at Marine Stadium, and had several observations beyond the typical stereotypes I had before.
Cali Paddler Connection: Bob Long and West Coast Paddle Sports
Meet Bob Long of West Coast Paddle Sports and learn a little about the history of SUP in Southern California, and how California is an epicenter for Stand-Up Paddleboarding. We consider Bob one of the most genuine ambassadors to all things SUP related in our state, and are honored to have had the chance to interview him. He discusses who is on the cutting edge of current paddle design for racing, flatwater, and whitewater paddling. Bob also talks about the community of paddling. He gets it!
How a single bottle cap can alter the future...
It is with great pride and honor that I sit here, humbled that Cali Paddler has the opportunity to make our first contribution to the three non-profit organizations we support. It's so rewarding, and so exciting, that within just a few months we are able to start giving back to the community. If you're reading this, please take a second to recognize that you contributed to making this possible.
Your novice season - soak it in
To everyone who is a novice outrigger paddler...you have no doubt received countless months of attention from coaches and thoughtful open paddlers. You have broken down paddling barriers you previously thought impossible ("you want me to paddle HOW far?"). You have pushed your limits and done so for your teammates, your team, and yourself. You have become a paddler!
So, as your novice season gets close to completion, my advice is simple.
Paddle Pledge Non-Profits
