This Week: I'm getting excited to head north this Wednesday. I'm going to make a day out of it and paddle San-O early in the morning and then head to Seal Beach to hook up with my friend Tim Stamps. In addition to building some unreal surfboards, Stamps has been crafting some sweet looking paddleboards (check out www.surfboardsbystamps.com). If I get my way I'll be test riding some of his new boards that afternoon. You'll get the full report and lots of photos so check back for that one.
Mid-August: I'll be loading up the truck and trailer and pointing it further north to see what kind of flat water and surf paddling central California has to offer. Once again lots of photos and information to come.
Also: Paddled La Jolla Shores this morning- waves were small but fun, leopard sharks in full effect at the North End. If you haven't been out to see these guys and you're in San Diego make sure you set aside time for this run, it's worth it. I may have to return for some photos of these guys.
And: I jumped in this evening down the street (here in Imperial Beach) and it looks like that little S. Hemi. bump is starting to show up- definitely some size compared to the last two days. Kind of a fun little session on the Sean Ordonez Big Blue (yes, borrowed from the wife) which is now my board of choice- this brings a whole new set of problems to my household. Happy problems I guess, but problems nonetheless (look for the Big Blue's review coming up!). Regardless, I'm getting excited at tomorrow's early a.m. options.
Finally: Hey fin experts, give me some feedback on what you see in the photo above.
The first fin is an FCS "Fatboy". I just had it laying around so I threw it in my wife's board (10'10"). The fin was laying around because I don't like it. I'm a fin idiot but to me, the fin doesn't like to be pushed unless it's up to speed. On the first bottom turn, I can get the fin to "catch" (stall?) when I push with my back foot like I normally like to do. After you get it going down the line it works better- but that first turn needs to be nursed. Am I wrong here? I have a feeling that running it with the two side biters is not how it should be used- but hey, I don't know... so I'm asking you for feedback. What do you know about these type of fins- what are they all about?
Next up is the big Greenough Stage 6 fin, anybody else got one or used one? Give me your impressions of the fin- I'm going to reserve my feelings about it until I hear what you've got to say... so don't let me down!