Photo: Check out the left hander peeling off in the distance... nobody out, nobody going to paddle out... all yours.
Photo: Same problem... nobody to surf with.
Photo: Santi snapping away... save this spot for next time!
Showing posts with label Mainland Mexico. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mainland Mexico. Show all posts
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Travel Pics: Wave potential
We ended up heading north to check out a couple of other spots in the neighboring state of Michoacan. Here's a couple of spots we just passed right on by. If you had the time and inclination, you could surf by yourself everyday down there. Check these out:
Photo: Check out the left hander peeling off in the distance... nobody out, nobody going to paddle out... all yours.
Photo: Same problem... nobody to surf with.
Photo: Santi snapping away... save this spot for next time!
Photo: Check out the left hander peeling off in the distance... nobody out, nobody going to paddle out... all yours.
Photo: Same problem... nobody to surf with.
Photo: Santi snapping away... save this spot for next time!
Friday, October 16, 2009
A Mainland Mex Snapshot
Here's an overview shot... from the camera at the end of my paddle... of the place I like to go to down south.
No high rises, no flashing neon signs with guys hawking time shares and tequila shots- just a fun little wave out in front, palm trees and cold beers. Sure the electricity goes out almost every time it rains and it does get a little hot at times but I'll gladly accept those shortcomings to keep "big Mexico" out of this little corner by the sea.
No high rises, no flashing neon signs with guys hawking time shares and tequila shots- just a fun little wave out in front, palm trees and cold beers. Sure the electricity goes out almost every time it rains and it does get a little hot at times but I'll gladly accept those shortcomings to keep "big Mexico" out of this little corner by the sea.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Killer New Travel Bag and the last of the GEAR GEEK!
If these were available for stand up boards 9'6" and smaller, I'd buy one right now. Check this thing out.
I especially like the part where he chucks the 50lb suitcase onto the board and says, "Oooops". Kind of like when the 300lb United luggage handler plants his size 15 boot right into the guts of your new $1500 stand up board. It'd be sweet if you could stuff an additional prone board in there too.
For better or worse, here it is: The Last of the GEAR GEEK!
19. Ipod and Sony Sound Canceling Headphones: Our return flight out of Zihuat. was brutal... all of Club Med loaded up and each one was packing at least one toddler. Gnarly. At one point, even the four Coronas ("On the house" said the shell shocked flight attendant), couldn't dumb down the cacophony.
At this point, you just want it all to go away... and it does when you slip these puppies over your flaps and redline your 'pod (my recomendation? The SteelDrivers- some of the best bluegrass out there). Instant bliss. The combo is so effective that I peacefully missed out on the projectile vomit episode that went down a few inches behind my head. If you've got the big bucks go with the $400 Bose version but if you're like me, and don't like to travel with things you can't bear to lose, pick up this Sony headset for about $40.
20. and 21. A lesson from two trips ago: Always bring more than one paddle... and pad it up. I use full length paddle bags and haven't had a problem since my first run down south.
20b. Oops, I listed the number 20. twice! No problem, check out the O'neill, SPF 30, long sleeve rashguard. The best thing about this particular model is the back zip. You can stuff all kinds of things in there for a long day of paddling: Powerbars, small bottles of water, car keys.
One thing to remember about rashguards in the tropics, they're not just for sun protection. At certain times of the year, beaches can become infested with jellyfish or, even worse, broken up pieces of stinging jellyfish. The second option is horrible, you'll never see the stinging part before that branding iron burns itself in. Ouch. When it get's bad it can drive you from the water, that's when you'll be glad that you brought the long sleeve version; you've effectively up-armored yourself. Surf on.
22. Tropical Wax: be sure to rewax before you get to your destination. Best spot? The air conditioned comfort of your living room (try waxing up on a hot day in the tropics- no dice) Throw on Beyond Blazing Boards and mix up a gin and tonic. Shoot, it's like date night- just you and your board. It's good to be a grom again- especially on the eve of a surf trip.
Hot tip: Bring a couple of extra bars for the local kids- a little regalo goes a long way down south.
23. and 24. Buy good boards! Here's my trusty travel quiver: 9'4 Stand up and 6'4 quad fish, both boards made by Tim Stamps up in Seal Beach. I'm pretty well covered with what I've got here. The only gap I've got is if it gets super, hollow, heavy and scary. At that point I pull the cap off a couple of Pacificos and plant myself in the shade- it's good to know your limits.
25. FCS 9'6" Stand Up Travel Bag: I haven't found a better bag out there. This one comes with an interior paddle bag and velcro fasteners. The bag is well built, looks good and is big enough for me to stuff my two boards (and the 6'4" is even in it's own bag inside the FCS!) and two paddles inside of it. The inflatable SOMA bag looks good but until they've made a SUP version, this one will be the go-to.
26. DaKine Day Bag: This one's for my 6'4". On my last trip down, I super wrapped the fish in bubble wrap- kind of a pain. Kelly Kraus told me to just stuff it the board in it's own bag and pack it- what a great idea! The big plus is that when you've got to chuck your board in the back of some local's pickup for that once-in-a-lifetime trip to that forbidden, mysto point break- your board will get there intact.
I especially like the part where he chucks the 50lb suitcase onto the board and says, "Oooops". Kind of like when the 300lb United luggage handler plants his size 15 boot right into the guts of your new $1500 stand up board. It'd be sweet if you could stuff an additional prone board in there too.
For better or worse, here it is: The Last of the GEAR GEEK!
19. Ipod and Sony Sound Canceling Headphones: Our return flight out of Zihuat. was brutal... all of Club Med loaded up and each one was packing at least one toddler. Gnarly. At one point, even the four Coronas ("On the house" said the shell shocked flight attendant), couldn't dumb down the cacophony.
At this point, you just want it all to go away... and it does when you slip these puppies over your flaps and redline your 'pod (my recomendation? The SteelDrivers- some of the best bluegrass out there). Instant bliss. The combo is so effective that I peacefully missed out on the projectile vomit episode that went down a few inches behind my head. If you've got the big bucks go with the $400 Bose version but if you're like me, and don't like to travel with things you can't bear to lose, pick up this Sony headset for about $40.
20. and 21. A lesson from two trips ago: Always bring more than one paddle... and pad it up. I use full length paddle bags and haven't had a problem since my first run down south.
20b. Oops, I listed the number 20. twice! No problem, check out the O'neill, SPF 30, long sleeve rashguard. The best thing about this particular model is the back zip. You can stuff all kinds of things in there for a long day of paddling: Powerbars, small bottles of water, car keys.
One thing to remember about rashguards in the tropics, they're not just for sun protection. At certain times of the year, beaches can become infested with jellyfish or, even worse, broken up pieces of stinging jellyfish. The second option is horrible, you'll never see the stinging part before that branding iron burns itself in. Ouch. When it get's bad it can drive you from the water, that's when you'll be glad that you brought the long sleeve version; you've effectively up-armored yourself. Surf on.
22. Tropical Wax: be sure to rewax before you get to your destination. Best spot? The air conditioned comfort of your living room (try waxing up on a hot day in the tropics- no dice) Throw on Beyond Blazing Boards and mix up a gin and tonic. Shoot, it's like date night- just you and your board. It's good to be a grom again- especially on the eve of a surf trip.
Hot tip: Bring a couple of extra bars for the local kids- a little regalo goes a long way down south.
23. and 24. Buy good boards! Here's my trusty travel quiver: 9'4 Stand up and 6'4 quad fish, both boards made by Tim Stamps up in Seal Beach. I'm pretty well covered with what I've got here. The only gap I've got is if it gets super, hollow, heavy and scary. At that point I pull the cap off a couple of Pacificos and plant myself in the shade- it's good to know your limits.
25. FCS 9'6" Stand Up Travel Bag: I haven't found a better bag out there. This one comes with an interior paddle bag and velcro fasteners. The bag is well built, looks good and is big enough for me to stuff my two boards (and the 6'4" is even in it's own bag inside the FCS!) and two paddles inside of it. The inflatable SOMA bag looks good but until they've made a SUP version, this one will be the go-to.
26. DaKine Day Bag: This one's for my 6'4". On my last trip down, I super wrapped the fish in bubble wrap- kind of a pain. Kelly Kraus told me to just stuff it the board in it's own bag and pack it- what a great idea! The big plus is that when you've got to chuck your board in the back of some local's pickup for that once-in-a-lifetime trip to that forbidden, mysto point break- your board will get there intact.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Here's a couple from down south...
I'm going to give my inner gear-geek a rest. We'll wrap up that "What-to-bring-on-a-stand-up-paddle-surf-trip-to-mainland-Mexico" piece next time. How about a couple of surf photos from down south? Sound good to you? Check these ones out. Sure was a good time... can't wait to do it again!
Photo: Mercedes and Chico. Chico is the baby deer that Lourdes (owner/proprietor of the bar/restaurant on the point) found on the highway. Chico roams the point, sleeps with Lourdes' two dogs and comes in every now and then for a little feed from the baby bottle. I'm sure it won't be long before he's ripping the point.
Photo: I'll call it "Up the road", if you've been there you know where it is. A good, fun, non-life threatening wave. Plenty of lonely waves to be surfed if you have the means to paddle away from the ten or so guys surfing the main peak. Check this one out, running both left and right, empty the whole time we were there.
Photo: "Out in Fronts" doing it's thing. Super long and really fun.
Photo: Mercedes and Chico. Chico is the baby deer that Lourdes (owner/proprietor of the bar/restaurant on the point) found on the highway. Chico roams the point, sleeps with Lourdes' two dogs and comes in every now and then for a little feed from the baby bottle. I'm sure it won't be long before he's ripping the point.
Photo: I'll call it "Up the road", if you've been there you know where it is. A good, fun, non-life threatening wave. Plenty of lonely waves to be surfed if you have the means to paddle away from the ten or so guys surfing the main peak. Check this one out, running both left and right, empty the whole time we were there.
Photo: "Out in Fronts" doing it's thing. Super long and really fun.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Packing for a stand up travel trip: Part III
Hey! I'm back. Here's a bunch more info about my travel rig, trying to finish this up to get to some trip photos... maybe even a little video clip.
6. 15' Thule straps with the rubber covered, cinch-cam. Stand up boards are trouble when it comes to racking them with standard soft racks. Our wide boards tend to eat up all the webbing- leaving nothing for the boards of your travel mates. The problem is compounded when you're traveling with more than one paddle board. Here's my solution: Skip the fancy soft racks and buy a pair of these. When you're ready to roll, just throw the boards directly onto the car's roof, stack the boards in two rows, run the straps over whole mess and completely through the windows, cinch 'em down and your in there. On this trip we transported four surf boards and my stand up without a problem.
Tip: I like the Thules because the ratchet cam seems a bit higher quality then what you'd find at, say, Walmart. Also, Thule's straps come with a cool rubber covering that keeps that metal cam from knocking a dent in the side of your car (or an incisor from your jaw) when somebody tosses that little metal wrecking ball over the pile of boards.
7. Lee Child novels: My surf trip reading list doesn't include nail biters like Anna Karenina or The Scarlet Letter. I need something a little more accessible. My "go to" choice? Lee Child's Jack Reacher series. In a nutshell: violence, intrigue, espionage, bad guys who've got it coming them and super cool fight sequences centered around elbow shots to the Adam's apple and ear drum busting head slaps. If you like it down and dirty and need to know why the first squeeze of the 9mm Steyr requires a fourteen pound pull, this is the series for you. Perfect surf trip reading.
8. Future Fins: My new infatuation? The Futures Gerry Lopez SUP thruster fin set. Get yourselves some of these, they do it all- especially in head high to overhead surf. I also never go anywhere without my G10 Scimitar 3/2/1s; if the surf gets small I pop these things in for an instant small wave speed gain. I'm a little conflicted with where I'm at with my middle fin when running the 3/2/1s so I usually bring the Futures 7" cutaway style center fin and a 6" FCS offering and switch them back and forth until I'm totally confused. Fin's will mess with your mind- find a couple of sets you like and play with them.
Tip: Be sure to bring an extra finbox screw and plate- these do get lost, stripped or broken, be sure you've got yourself covered.
9. Box of Kool-Aid individually packaged drink mix and a box of EmergenC individual drink mix packets: Staying hydrated is easier when it tastes good and the EmergenC keeps me in the vitamins (even if I'm really just peeing them away). I mix one Kool Aid packet and one EmergenC packet in my Nalgene bottle, stash it in the fridge and drink it throughout the day.
Tip: No, Vodka and EmergenC don't make a tasty cocktail.
10. Liquid Pepto-Bismol: Yes, the tablets are lighter, don't leak and work well. For me, though, nothing says I'm going to coat, soothe and relieve that stew of chorizo, jalapeno and horchata churning in your gut like a bottle of original pink. As soon as that thick sludge slides down your throat you know you're going to make it through the night... or your three and a half hour plane flight home. Believe me, don't leave home without this stuff.
11. Mosquito net: Light weight insurance against the longest, most miserable night of your life. I used mine on this trip and was snug, happy and extremely satisfied to see those sneaky little bastards bumping against it all night long. Hah.
Tip: Throw a shoe string or a short length of twine into your mozzie net's bag- you'll thank me when it comes time to hang that thing up.
12. Telescoping 8' fishing rod and reel set: All carbon, high quality travel rod. This thing's slick, made for legitimate fish handling and available at compactfishinggear.com I picked up the Mobistick, haven't used it yet but I'm excited to try it out.
About half way done with this stuff... Check back for more!
6. 15' Thule straps with the rubber covered, cinch-cam. Stand up boards are trouble when it comes to racking them with standard soft racks. Our wide boards tend to eat up all the webbing- leaving nothing for the boards of your travel mates. The problem is compounded when you're traveling with more than one paddle board. Here's my solution: Skip the fancy soft racks and buy a pair of these. When you're ready to roll, just throw the boards directly onto the car's roof, stack the boards in two rows, run the straps over whole mess and completely through the windows, cinch 'em down and your in there. On this trip we transported four surf boards and my stand up without a problem.
Tip: I like the Thules because the ratchet cam seems a bit higher quality then what you'd find at, say, Walmart. Also, Thule's straps come with a cool rubber covering that keeps that metal cam from knocking a dent in the side of your car (or an incisor from your jaw) when somebody tosses that little metal wrecking ball over the pile of boards.
7. Lee Child novels: My surf trip reading list doesn't include nail biters like Anna Karenina or The Scarlet Letter. I need something a little more accessible. My "go to" choice? Lee Child's Jack Reacher series. In a nutshell: violence, intrigue, espionage, bad guys who've got it coming them and super cool fight sequences centered around elbow shots to the Adam's apple and ear drum busting head slaps. If you like it down and dirty and need to know why the first squeeze of the 9mm Steyr requires a fourteen pound pull, this is the series for you. Perfect surf trip reading.
8. Future Fins: My new infatuation? The Futures Gerry Lopez SUP thruster fin set. Get yourselves some of these, they do it all- especially in head high to overhead surf. I also never go anywhere without my G10 Scimitar 3/2/1s; if the surf gets small I pop these things in for an instant small wave speed gain. I'm a little conflicted with where I'm at with my middle fin when running the 3/2/1s so I usually bring the Futures 7" cutaway style center fin and a 6" FCS offering and switch them back and forth until I'm totally confused. Fin's will mess with your mind- find a couple of sets you like and play with them.
Tip: Be sure to bring an extra finbox screw and plate- these do get lost, stripped or broken, be sure you've got yourself covered.
9. Box of Kool-Aid individually packaged drink mix and a box of EmergenC individual drink mix packets: Staying hydrated is easier when it tastes good and the EmergenC keeps me in the vitamins (even if I'm really just peeing them away). I mix one Kool Aid packet and one EmergenC packet in my Nalgene bottle, stash it in the fridge and drink it throughout the day.
Tip: No, Vodka and EmergenC don't make a tasty cocktail.
10. Liquid Pepto-Bismol: Yes, the tablets are lighter, don't leak and work well. For me, though, nothing says I'm going to coat, soothe and relieve that stew of chorizo, jalapeno and horchata churning in your gut like a bottle of original pink. As soon as that thick sludge slides down your throat you know you're going to make it through the night... or your three and a half hour plane flight home. Believe me, don't leave home without this stuff.
11. Mosquito net: Light weight insurance against the longest, most miserable night of your life. I used mine on this trip and was snug, happy and extremely satisfied to see those sneaky little bastards bumping against it all night long. Hah.
Tip: Throw a shoe string or a short length of twine into your mozzie net's bag- you'll thank me when it comes time to hang that thing up.
12. Telescoping 8' fishing rod and reel set: All carbon, high quality travel rod. This thing's slick, made for legitimate fish handling and available at compactfishinggear.com I picked up the Mobistick, haven't used it yet but I'm excited to try it out.
About half way done with this stuff... Check back for more!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Travel Gear Part II plus a Mainland Surf Pic!
Photo: Surf has been super fun and today it started building.... gonna be interesting tomorrow!
Here's a little more info on my travel gear:
4. Hand towel: Big beach towels are heavy, take up room and don't dry too well in humid tropical surf spots. A hand towel will get the job done. The downside to it is it makes the beach change a little interesting.
5. Sanuk slip-ons: light, comfortable and fast drying these are the perfect back ups to a pair of flip flops. On the plus side they cover your foot for night time mozzie protection and if you have to slip them on and off for the TSA guys, you're into and out of them in a flash.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Quick Mainland Surf Report
Hey Folks- after a little messing around with my new netbook (yes, I did contemplate going fully postal on it and beating it on a palm tree) I'm up and on the 'net.
Quick down south surf report: Been here two full days now and have surfed seven different times. The surf has been super fun- chest to head high, glassy in the morning and a bit choppy in the afternoon but smoothing out nicely by sunset. Water's beautiful- high seventies- possibly more. The kind of water temp that is absolutely comfortable when you first hop in... at 7am. Like a nice warm blanket.
Crowds? Super light. Maybe ten/fifteen guys in the water during the prime morning surfing hours. So much space though- I've surfed every morning session by myself up near the rivermouth. Funny how lemming like surfers are. If there's any easy to reach peak, you can bet everybody will head right to it. Easy enough for me to paddle right on past and surf by myself. Good, long, warm water surf.
Gerry Lopez SUP fin set: Simple enough, these fins are HOT. I've used them now in everything from slopey, slow, mushburger point surf to roping head and half reef/point waves. The fins just work- and they're fast. I did have to make an adjustment in fin position for the bigger, faster days; I moved the middle fin all the way to the back of the box to give me a little more drive and sticking power off the bottom.
I'm super surprised at how well the things hold- I haven't spun out once although I did get a little moment of skitteriness on a bigger wave- moving the fin back solved that. I am going to experiment a bit with a six inch fin in the box and see how that goes. Surf is supposed to jump in the next couple of days so that may be a great time to see how it all works out.
Quick down south surf report: Been here two full days now and have surfed seven different times. The surf has been super fun- chest to head high, glassy in the morning and a bit choppy in the afternoon but smoothing out nicely by sunset. Water's beautiful- high seventies- possibly more. The kind of water temp that is absolutely comfortable when you first hop in... at 7am. Like a nice warm blanket.
Crowds? Super light. Maybe ten/fifteen guys in the water during the prime morning surfing hours. So much space though- I've surfed every morning session by myself up near the rivermouth. Funny how lemming like surfers are. If there's any easy to reach peak, you can bet everybody will head right to it. Easy enough for me to paddle right on past and surf by myself. Good, long, warm water surf.
Gerry Lopez SUP fin set: Simple enough, these fins are HOT. I've used them now in everything from slopey, slow, mushburger point surf to roping head and half reef/point waves. The fins just work- and they're fast. I did have to make an adjustment in fin position for the bigger, faster days; I moved the middle fin all the way to the back of the box to give me a little more drive and sticking power off the bottom.
I'm super surprised at how well the things hold- I haven't spun out once although I did get a little moment of skitteriness on a bigger wave- moving the fin back solved that. I am going to experiment a bit with a six inch fin in the box and see how that goes. Surf is supposed to jump in the next couple of days so that may be a great time to see how it all works out.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Mainland Mexico Paddle Surf Trip: My Gear...EXPOSED!!!
These next few posts are dedicated to the gearheads out there... those who love to anyalyze, re-analyze and over analyze equipment and its performance. I'm flying out of here tomorrow for ten days of surfing the left points and reefs of mainland Mexico. Here's a breakdown of my travel kit.
If you're a gear nut you're going to dig this- I give a play-by-play description of what I bring and why. If you're the kind of guy who jams it all into a duffel and sleeps in your board bag you'll be bored to tears. The best part of this whole deal? By the time you see this I'll be 30,000' in the air sinking in to my second beer... enjoy!
1. FCS Leashes: I'm not sponsored by these guys- in fact I pay full retail (well close to full retail- SurfHut, the local surf shop helps me out on equipment) so I've got no bias when I say that these are the BEST stand up leashes that I've used. Check out the yellowing one with the black core, it's survived two trips down to mainland- that's almost a month of continuous (three session a day) use.
That particular leash is battle tested. I've trusted it in double overhead surf where it's been stretched to twice it's length. I've treated it bad, it lives in the open bed of my truck- I just chuck it in the back after each surf. And still, like Old Yeller (pre-rabies) it's never let me down. I've used the others and have reached a verdict: FCS leashes win hands down.
Here's a tip: Buy a new leash before each trip, be sure to switch out your old leash string with new one that comes with your fresh leash- when it gets gnarly, you'll be happy- and so will your board.
2. Patagonia Paddler Trunks: These are basically the only trunks that I own- I've got five pairs of them. If you're like me, meaning you possess a basically square, Torso-Man physique, these are your trunks. They are the most comfortable, durable, best-fitting trunks I've ever had. The inseams are cut a little bit shorter than normal so you don't look like some gangster-vato with your trunks hanging down to mid-shin. The best part is that the trunks have a hanging inner polyester liner (no, it's not a mesh brief-type liner like the shorts you wore in fifth grade) that allows the shorts to slide over your upper leg when your moving around.
Hot tip: Buy the solid black or the dark blue patterned trunks- the dark colors hides guacamole stains, beer dribbles and fish blood. The light green ones look good (I've got a pair) but they get dirty fast and don't stand up to the trunks-as-a-napkin for all meals test. On my two week trip I brought just two pairs of these (and one pair of "go home" shorts but we'll deal with that later)... and wore them the whole time- they're that good.
3. Short sleeve button up shirts: In the tropics, tee-shirts turn into sweat soaked, clingy layers of cotton insulation. If you want to stay cool you need to take advantage of evaporative cooling- and for that function, shirtsleeves are the way to go. Standard wear for me is my white Guayabera- this one's a total crack up. Think more Ernie McCracken (Bill Murray's excellent King Pin character) than Don Johnson; it's got embroidered roses, white on white, running down the front of the thing. Cheesy? Completely. But totally comfortable and there's no better way to fade into the back ground than to sport one while chugging a Ballena at the taco stand.
Hot tip: Throw in a long sleeve version to keep the sun off your arms and the mozzies off your back.
Check back for more (I'm hoping to update from the road).
If you're a gear nut you're going to dig this- I give a play-by-play description of what I bring and why. If you're the kind of guy who jams it all into a duffel and sleeps in your board bag you'll be bored to tears. The best part of this whole deal? By the time you see this I'll be 30,000' in the air sinking in to my second beer... enjoy!
1. FCS Leashes: I'm not sponsored by these guys- in fact I pay full retail (well close to full retail- SurfHut, the local surf shop helps me out on equipment) so I've got no bias when I say that these are the BEST stand up leashes that I've used. Check out the yellowing one with the black core, it's survived two trips down to mainland- that's almost a month of continuous (three session a day) use.
That particular leash is battle tested. I've trusted it in double overhead surf where it's been stretched to twice it's length. I've treated it bad, it lives in the open bed of my truck- I just chuck it in the back after each surf. And still, like Old Yeller (pre-rabies) it's never let me down. I've used the others and have reached a verdict: FCS leashes win hands down.
Here's a tip: Buy a new leash before each trip, be sure to switch out your old leash string with new one that comes with your fresh leash- when it gets gnarly, you'll be happy- and so will your board.
2. Patagonia Paddler Trunks: These are basically the only trunks that I own- I've got five pairs of them. If you're like me, meaning you possess a basically square, Torso-Man physique, these are your trunks. They are the most comfortable, durable, best-fitting trunks I've ever had. The inseams are cut a little bit shorter than normal so you don't look like some gangster-vato with your trunks hanging down to mid-shin. The best part is that the trunks have a hanging inner polyester liner (no, it's not a mesh brief-type liner like the shorts you wore in fifth grade) that allows the shorts to slide over your upper leg when your moving around.
Hot tip: Buy the solid black or the dark blue patterned trunks- the dark colors hides guacamole stains, beer dribbles and fish blood. The light green ones look good (I've got a pair) but they get dirty fast and don't stand up to the trunks-as-a-napkin for all meals test. On my two week trip I brought just two pairs of these (and one pair of "go home" shorts but we'll deal with that later)... and wore them the whole time- they're that good.
3. Short sleeve button up shirts: In the tropics, tee-shirts turn into sweat soaked, clingy layers of cotton insulation. If you want to stay cool you need to take advantage of evaporative cooling- and for that function, shirtsleeves are the way to go. Standard wear for me is my white Guayabera- this one's a total crack up. Think more Ernie McCracken (Bill Murray's excellent King Pin character) than Don Johnson; it's got embroidered roses, white on white, running down the front of the thing. Cheesy? Completely. But totally comfortable and there's no better way to fade into the back ground than to sport one while chugging a Ballena at the taco stand.
Hot tip: Throw in a long sleeve version to keep the sun off your arms and the mozzies off your back.
Check back for more (I'm hoping to update from the road).
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Stand Up Paddle Surf Video: Mainland 2009
Here's a little bit of the point, eats and friends. Check it out:
Find more videos like this on Stand Up Paddle Surfing
All stand up boards were made by Tim Stamps, go check his site at www.surfboardsbystamps.com.
Farmer Dave's (light blue rashguard, yellow and black camo pad on all white board) is on one of Tim's new shapes- it's a 9.0', little bump in the tail, foiled and a bit wider- the thing looks fun, I regret not giving it a whirl.
Big Chad's on a blue railed 10' Viking model- Chad's at least 260lbs- so for all you big boys out there who think you're stuck on some 12' Starboard tanker, there's hope- get a real board. I'm on a 9'4 Viking (235lbs) and Mike's (orange railed SUB on top of the rental car) on a 9'2 Vike.
Here's a tip: order a new board.
Stand up paddle surf lessons in sunny San Diego. This is the summer of the paddle- get out and get up! This summer we are proudly featuring the full line of Isle Stand Up Boards. Now's your chance to paddle Isle's latest and greatest offerings. Stand up paddling is for everyone- come book a lesson with us. We're not a "cattle call" stand up machine- churning out SUP CLONES. We only teach private lessons! For more information click here. Be sure to read about your instructor! Email: john@paddlesurf.net or call 619.213.6622
Find more videos like this on Stand Up Paddle Surfing
All stand up boards were made by Tim Stamps, go check his site at www.surfboardsbystamps.com.
Farmer Dave's (light blue rashguard, yellow and black camo pad on all white board) is on one of Tim's new shapes- it's a 9.0', little bump in the tail, foiled and a bit wider- the thing looks fun, I regret not giving it a whirl.
Big Chad's on a blue railed 10' Viking model- Chad's at least 260lbs- so for all you big boys out there who think you're stuck on some 12' Starboard tanker, there's hope- get a real board. I'm on a 9'4 Viking (235lbs) and Mike's (orange railed SUB on top of the rental car) on a 9'2 Vike.
Here's a tip: order a new board.
Stand up paddle surf lessons in sunny San Diego. This is the summer of the paddle- get out and get up! This summer we are proudly featuring the full line of Isle Stand Up Boards. Now's your chance to paddle Isle's latest and greatest offerings. Stand up paddling is for everyone- come book a lesson with us. We're not a "cattle call" stand up machine- churning out SUP CLONES. We only teach private lessons! For more information click here. Be sure to read about your instructor! Email: john@paddlesurf.net or call 619.213.6622
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Mainland Mexico: Get Up, Stand Up; Mexico Style Part II
Get Up, Stand Up; Mexico Style Part II
by Mike Garmon
At the risk of having the “wagging finger of shame” swung in my face and being called selfish, I am not going to identify the spot with exact locations. I have been encouraged by those that visit here not to do that. However, as with stories and tales of surf travel go, it’s somewhere on the mainland of Mexico, not impossible to find and with a little imagination, creativity and sense of adventure, you could probably figure it out for yourself.
In this group of guys I was going with, several of them had been down there several times in the past. For Brad, I think it was his 6th or 7th time, so clearly he had an advantage and had an upper hand on local knowledge of the breaks, which was blatantly obvious as the pictures will show him shredding on a Paddle Surf Hawaii 9’-6” All Rounder!
Although there were 10 of us on the trip, only two of us were stand Up Paddle Surfers. I started out on a 12’ Wave Master from Australia about a year ago. It was a good paddling board, but killed me as I attempted to get into the surf line. After struggling with that one, I got a C4 Waterman which my bro Brad was on too. But a funny thing happened at the C4 Waterman demo day at San Onofre. Brad rode some dude’s Paddle Surf Hawaii board, and that was it. We now both ride what we believe are the best and most well made/designed SUP’s on the market. Check out the line of new boards at www.hoenalusocal.com or for lessons and demos connect to www.paddlesurfhawaii.com for all the info. Here you can see me getting into one on my 10’-6” All rounder…..Thanks to Blaine Chambers for the killer designs!
Traveling with SUP’s is pretty much the same as with regular boards, paying special attention to being extremely polite and courteous to the counter people. We flew Alaska Airlines into Mazatlan. Alaska Air is pretty cool, although their rules dictate no boards longer than 115” and no more than 100 lbs, with a one way fee of $75.00. My Paddle Surf Hawaii 10’-4” all rounder measured 124”, so I was paranoid they would stop me from shipping it, but there were no issues, and according to Brad, the same was true for last year. I pretty much just wrapped the nose with my neoprene paddle shirt, removed the fins, (get a Wonder Bolt, there worth the $10.00) duct taped a towel around the tail, put 2 paddles into my Dakine paddle bag and zipped her shut. It’s only about 2 ¾ hours on the plane, and when we arrived, there was no damage to any of the 20-25 boards that we shipped down there. As far as board bags go, I like and use the Ocean & Earth Stand Up Series bag. One of the reasons it is so cool, is the strap is heavy duty, good padding and it unzips all the way!
Getting through Mexican customs takes about 45 minutes, and is no big deal. You are immediately greeted by a couple guys from the surf camp, and they literally take your boards from your tired shoulder and get them to the pretty nice (for Mexico) Mercedes Benz A/C tour bus.
My dad would think this is par for the course, but we were not even in the country for an hour yet, and what do you think happened? Think about it, we’re now all pumped to get to the surf camp, unpack, and get ready to surf tomorrow early. We’re in the bus, pretty much in the middle of nowhere on a toll road outside of the main city when we get, you got it, pulled over by the Federales! It’s a funny story personally, because back in the day, my folks would let me take the motor home to Baja, and every single time I would get pulled over at the San Ysidro border crossing and get sent to secondary inspection….only to continually disappoint the INS dudes.
Anyway on this episode of "As the heart pounds now"I could see the car at the bottom of the hill hassling some other motorist, but we went right on by. Then, in about 1 mile from there, sits another Federale, and he motions for the bus driver to pull over. We’re all like, “nice, break out the wallets”. But after the driver walked down to the cop and showed him his license etc….we took off again. I was pretty relieved as Sinaloa has a long and earned reputation for being a drug trafficking center.
The hosts drive you as far as they can on the paved highway, where you literally exit the toll road on what is definitely the sketchiest off ramp you’ll ever see, as a matter of fact, 99% of people from the states would NEVER even exit there. From there you are greeted with a 12 passenger van and a truck with a trailer to take you into the village which houses the surf camp.
Dirt roads pretty much ruin suspensions in the cars down there, so this 40 minute ride to the house requires an empty bladder and a kidney belt. It’s actually not that bad, but it is not that good either. Ahead is the small shrimp village with a population of roughly 300 people, although the census report is up for debate.
Quiet, humble and right on the water, this little town has a couple stores to hit for soda, cookies and snacks as well as one little restaurant and a dude that sells beer. It is actually owned by one of our boat driver’s father. Although I never ate there, I would bet on it being good, as is evident in the girth of the owner shown here on the right.
Here are a few more photos of some of our crew. Check out Kevin on as he sets up to bash the lip. This was the first day of the trip and it was anywhere from 8’-10’ all morning long. This left wraps, and literally goes for 400 yards. You shred Kevin!
Point of View……Looks like were all clustered up, but we’re not, but it is kind of a cool photo of Brad and I watching one of the Arizona boys just “chillax” on this left. Sweet ride “Turtle”.
Another one of the many thousands of waves Brad caught this week, once again with the assistance of Paddle Surf Hawaii. Photos never due justice to how good it really is. But I can tell you first hand, this wave continues for a ¼ mile, which Brad ripped all the way across the bay. We would leave the house on a 30 minute boat ride at 5:30 am every day after a solid breakfast of Zucaritas, toast, Gatorade and coffee. The reason; See below.
Check out this early morning session….one of many of the killer waves that rolled in during the week we were there. Just looking at it makes me want to get wet! The am boat ride each morning was a gift from God, as you head out across the water, wondering what the day and swell had in store for you. The last day, we actually rode solid 5’ waves for 4 hours and saw a rainbow, complete with a beginning an and end point for at least 15 minutes….if it was not Hawaii, it had to have been Mexico.
Scott, well, let’s just leave it this way; Death wish for the tube! You know what I mean Scott. How was the walk out to the point after that one?
Brad killing it again…..stand up style! Yea Brah! Look at the set behind him. Now you get the feeling for what it was like….they just keep coming, and coming.
As far as travel for Stand up is concerned we all know that Mexico has a boat load of potential. The cool part was the paddle back out. It took at least 30 minutes if you connected all the way across. I saw Brad ride one; connect into a second wave, and eventually into a third. Needless to say he was A.W.O.L. for nearly an hour as he paddled back to the point. Below, using the paddle to get by the section; just another fun left for the author (me) at *##@##*’s!!
Finally, I leave you with is this; Bring lots of leashes. I mean maybe 3 as a minimum. We broke 7 and stretched a few to their max! On the last day, Brad was actually wearing two, just to make sure he would avoid the long swim to retrieve your board…which he unfortunately had to endure more than once. But that’s the price you pay when you’re charging hard, 5 hours a day, every day for a week.
Bieneviedos and adios.
by Mike Garmon
At the risk of having the “wagging finger of shame” swung in my face and being called selfish, I am not going to identify the spot with exact locations. I have been encouraged by those that visit here not to do that. However, as with stories and tales of surf travel go, it’s somewhere on the mainland of Mexico, not impossible to find and with a little imagination, creativity and sense of adventure, you could probably figure it out for yourself.
In this group of guys I was going with, several of them had been down there several times in the past. For Brad, I think it was his 6th or 7th time, so clearly he had an advantage and had an upper hand on local knowledge of the breaks, which was blatantly obvious as the pictures will show him shredding on a Paddle Surf Hawaii 9’-6” All Rounder!
Although there were 10 of us on the trip, only two of us were stand Up Paddle Surfers. I started out on a 12’ Wave Master from Australia about a year ago. It was a good paddling board, but killed me as I attempted to get into the surf line. After struggling with that one, I got a C4 Waterman which my bro Brad was on too. But a funny thing happened at the C4 Waterman demo day at San Onofre. Brad rode some dude’s Paddle Surf Hawaii board, and that was it. We now both ride what we believe are the best and most well made/designed SUP’s on the market. Check out the line of new boards at www.hoenalusocal.com or for lessons and demos connect to www.paddlesurfhawaii.com for all the info. Here you can see me getting into one on my 10’-6” All rounder…..Thanks to Blaine Chambers for the killer designs!
Traveling with SUP’s is pretty much the same as with regular boards, paying special attention to being extremely polite and courteous to the counter people. We flew Alaska Airlines into Mazatlan. Alaska Air is pretty cool, although their rules dictate no boards longer than 115” and no more than 100 lbs, with a one way fee of $75.00. My Paddle Surf Hawaii 10’-4” all rounder measured 124”, so I was paranoid they would stop me from shipping it, but there were no issues, and according to Brad, the same was true for last year. I pretty much just wrapped the nose with my neoprene paddle shirt, removed the fins, (get a Wonder Bolt, there worth the $10.00) duct taped a towel around the tail, put 2 paddles into my Dakine paddle bag and zipped her shut. It’s only about 2 ¾ hours on the plane, and when we arrived, there was no damage to any of the 20-25 boards that we shipped down there. As far as board bags go, I like and use the Ocean & Earth Stand Up Series bag. One of the reasons it is so cool, is the strap is heavy duty, good padding and it unzips all the way!
Getting through Mexican customs takes about 45 minutes, and is no big deal. You are immediately greeted by a couple guys from the surf camp, and they literally take your boards from your tired shoulder and get them to the pretty nice (for Mexico) Mercedes Benz A/C tour bus.
My dad would think this is par for the course, but we were not even in the country for an hour yet, and what do you think happened? Think about it, we’re now all pumped to get to the surf camp, unpack, and get ready to surf tomorrow early. We’re in the bus, pretty much in the middle of nowhere on a toll road outside of the main city when we get, you got it, pulled over by the Federales! It’s a funny story personally, because back in the day, my folks would let me take the motor home to Baja, and every single time I would get pulled over at the San Ysidro border crossing and get sent to secondary inspection….only to continually disappoint the INS dudes.
Anyway on this episode of "As the heart pounds now"I could see the car at the bottom of the hill hassling some other motorist, but we went right on by. Then, in about 1 mile from there, sits another Federale, and he motions for the bus driver to pull over. We’re all like, “nice, break out the wallets”. But after the driver walked down to the cop and showed him his license etc….we took off again. I was pretty relieved as Sinaloa has a long and earned reputation for being a drug trafficking center.
The hosts drive you as far as they can on the paved highway, where you literally exit the toll road on what is definitely the sketchiest off ramp you’ll ever see, as a matter of fact, 99% of people from the states would NEVER even exit there. From there you are greeted with a 12 passenger van and a truck with a trailer to take you into the village which houses the surf camp.
Dirt roads pretty much ruin suspensions in the cars down there, so this 40 minute ride to the house requires an empty bladder and a kidney belt. It’s actually not that bad, but it is not that good either. Ahead is the small shrimp village with a population of roughly 300 people, although the census report is up for debate.
Quiet, humble and right on the water, this little town has a couple stores to hit for soda, cookies and snacks as well as one little restaurant and a dude that sells beer. It is actually owned by one of our boat driver’s father. Although I never ate there, I would bet on it being good, as is evident in the girth of the owner shown here on the right.
Here are a few more photos of some of our crew. Check out Kevin on as he sets up to bash the lip. This was the first day of the trip and it was anywhere from 8’-10’ all morning long. This left wraps, and literally goes for 400 yards. You shred Kevin!
Point of View……Looks like were all clustered up, but we’re not, but it is kind of a cool photo of Brad and I watching one of the Arizona boys just “chillax” on this left. Sweet ride “Turtle”.
Another one of the many thousands of waves Brad caught this week, once again with the assistance of Paddle Surf Hawaii. Photos never due justice to how good it really is. But I can tell you first hand, this wave continues for a ¼ mile, which Brad ripped all the way across the bay. We would leave the house on a 30 minute boat ride at 5:30 am every day after a solid breakfast of Zucaritas, toast, Gatorade and coffee. The reason; See below.
Check out this early morning session….one of many of the killer waves that rolled in during the week we were there. Just looking at it makes me want to get wet! The am boat ride each morning was a gift from God, as you head out across the water, wondering what the day and swell had in store for you. The last day, we actually rode solid 5’ waves for 4 hours and saw a rainbow, complete with a beginning an and end point for at least 15 minutes….if it was not Hawaii, it had to have been Mexico.
Scott, well, let’s just leave it this way; Death wish for the tube! You know what I mean Scott. How was the walk out to the point after that one?
Brad killing it again…..stand up style! Yea Brah! Look at the set behind him. Now you get the feeling for what it was like….they just keep coming, and coming.
As far as travel for Stand up is concerned we all know that Mexico has a boat load of potential. The cool part was the paddle back out. It took at least 30 minutes if you connected all the way across. I saw Brad ride one; connect into a second wave, and eventually into a third. Needless to say he was A.W.O.L. for nearly an hour as he paddled back to the point. Below, using the paddle to get by the section; just another fun left for the author (me) at *##@##*’s!!
Finally, I leave you with is this; Bring lots of leashes. I mean maybe 3 as a minimum. We broke 7 and stretched a few to their max! On the last day, Brad was actually wearing two, just to make sure he would avoid the long swim to retrieve your board…which he unfortunately had to endure more than once. But that’s the price you pay when you’re charging hard, 5 hours a day, every day for a week.
Bieneviedos and adios.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Stand Up Paddle Surf Travel Report: Mainland Mexico
Reader Mike Garmon recently returned from a deep south, mainland Mexico paddle surf mission. The guys were the first to stand up paddle this particular left hand point break- as you can see they scored. Here's the first part of Mike's report:
Get Up, Stand Up; Mexico Style
by Mike Garmon
In March of 2007, I was invited by my friend Brad to join a group of surfers who were putting together an October trip to mainland Mexico. I immediately said yes; not knowing, or caring, how much it was going to cost or where exactly we were headed. All I was dreaming about was the opportunity to ride roping left hand points on my stand up board.
Although I’d spent the last thirty years surfing the beaches of Newport and Huntington, I’d only been stand up paddling for about a year. But I'm hopelessly hooked on this surfing variant. Honestly, I’ve been swallowed whole by the paddle surfing monster! So when Brad offered me a spot on the trip, I jumped at it. I was excited to put my skills to the test in some solid, mainland Mexico surf.
As it turns out, of the sixteen original trip members only ten were still signed on when October rolled around. Six guys had to drop out- victims of our nation's recent economic calamity. I really only knew Brad. The other guys were his crew, friends of his from Rock Harbor Church in Costa Mesa.
After talking a little more to Brad, I learned a bit more about what we were getting ourselves into. My knowledge of our destination had been limited to casual conversation. My last Mexico trip was to Puerto Escondido several years ago. Puerto is a heavy place to surf and I was uneasy about going through that gnarly of an experience again.
Although we weren’t going to Puerto this time, I’m familiar enough with surfing mainland Mexico to know that there are many, lower key spots that can be just as nasty as the Mexican Pipeline. Although many stand up paddlers are charging big barreling surf with super progressive approaches (notably Hawaiians on the North Shore of Oahu), I wasn’t quite ready to put my life on the line for a couple of seconds of glory.
Still anxious about the trip, I began investigating on my own. I found an internet link for our destination. I spent hours analyzing the site, checking out things like where we’d sleep and the waves we’d soon be surfing. Seeing what we’d be dealing with definitely helped. But what really helped were the surf photos; the beach break looked good- but the point, well, the point looked absolutely perfect. My feelings evolved from anxiety to anticipation and as October grew closer that anticipation became unbridled excitement. I was going nuts!
Check back soon for Part II
Get off the sofa and come learn to stand up paddle surf with us in sunny San Diego. All the cool kids are doing it! Set up your private lesson today: 619.213.6622 or john@paddlesurf.net
Get Up, Stand Up; Mexico Style
by Mike Garmon
In March of 2007, I was invited by my friend Brad to join a group of surfers who were putting together an October trip to mainland Mexico. I immediately said yes; not knowing, or caring, how much it was going to cost or where exactly we were headed. All I was dreaming about was the opportunity to ride roping left hand points on my stand up board.
Although I’d spent the last thirty years surfing the beaches of Newport and Huntington, I’d only been stand up paddling for about a year. But I'm hopelessly hooked on this surfing variant. Honestly, I’ve been swallowed whole by the paddle surfing monster! So when Brad offered me a spot on the trip, I jumped at it. I was excited to put my skills to the test in some solid, mainland Mexico surf.
As it turns out, of the sixteen original trip members only ten were still signed on when October rolled around. Six guys had to drop out- victims of our nation's recent economic calamity. I really only knew Brad. The other guys were his crew, friends of his from Rock Harbor Church in Costa Mesa.
After talking a little more to Brad, I learned a bit more about what we were getting ourselves into. My knowledge of our destination had been limited to casual conversation. My last Mexico trip was to Puerto Escondido several years ago. Puerto is a heavy place to surf and I was uneasy about going through that gnarly of an experience again.
Although we weren’t going to Puerto this time, I’m familiar enough with surfing mainland Mexico to know that there are many, lower key spots that can be just as nasty as the Mexican Pipeline. Although many stand up paddlers are charging big barreling surf with super progressive approaches (notably Hawaiians on the North Shore of Oahu), I wasn’t quite ready to put my life on the line for a couple of seconds of glory.
Still anxious about the trip, I began investigating on my own. I found an internet link for our destination. I spent hours analyzing the site, checking out things like where we’d sleep and the waves we’d soon be surfing. Seeing what we’d be dealing with definitely helped. But what really helped were the surf photos; the beach break looked good- but the point, well, the point looked absolutely perfect. My feelings evolved from anxiety to anticipation and as October grew closer that anticipation became unbridled excitement. I was going nuts!
Check back soon for Part II
Get off the sofa and come learn to stand up paddle surf with us in sunny San Diego. All the cool kids are doing it! Set up your private lesson today: 619.213.6622 or john@paddlesurf.net
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wrapping one in Mainland Mexico...
Stand up surfers have a ridiculous advantage on the point breaks. Especially the big, well defined, water-flowing-from-top-to-bottom-like-a-river peelers. If you're crawling (lay down paddling) it's a long slog uphill after a run down the point. On a stand up board it's an easy cruise back with an excellent view. If you've got your skills down, and feel comfortable paddling in ocean chop and swell, there really is no better way to surf a good point. Stand up paddling takes the drudgery out of it and once you've surfed it our way- there's no going back. Except for another long one!
Photo above: The big left point breaks of mainland Mexico are well suited to a stand up surfing approach. Combine a glassy left-handed peeler with a hot goofy footer on the right board and sparks are guaranteed to fly. B.H., pre-bionic hips, lighting one up in deep Mexico.
Learn it, live it, love it! Stand up paddle surf lessons in San Diego- be one of us, cross over to the dark side- infuse your life with instant cool! Private stand up lessons will get you out on the water with confidence. You'll learn everything you need to know to paddle surf safely and correctly. Give us a call: 619.213.6622 or email john@paddlesurf.net
Come join us in deep Baja California! All inclusive paddle surf adventures for the summer of 2009. Read more.
Photo above: The big left point breaks of mainland Mexico are well suited to a stand up surfing approach. Combine a glassy left-handed peeler with a hot goofy footer on the right board and sparks are guaranteed to fly. B.H., pre-bionic hips, lighting one up in deep Mexico.
Learn it, live it, love it! Stand up paddle surf lessons in San Diego- be one of us, cross over to the dark side- infuse your life with instant cool! Private stand up lessons will get you out on the water with confidence. You'll learn everything you need to know to paddle surf safely and correctly. Give us a call: 619.213.6622 or email john@paddlesurf.net
Come join us in deep Baja California! All inclusive paddle surf adventures for the summer of 2009. Read more.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
A couple things to dream about...
These will get you thinking:
A lonely Baja point break, unnamed (by me at least) with only one guy on it. That's Tim Hatler, owner of Palapas Ventana surfing to a crowd of none at a spot somewhere within a hundred miles of his home. We're doing the research now and we hope to offer all inclusive stand up paddle surf trips down to Tim's place. No gear hassles in the airport- just get on the plane. We'll provide boards, paddles, tacos and tequila. Check back for info!
The story here is that this wave reels off for two hundred more yards. And the question you have to ask yourself is this: Knowing that you're going to ride this thing 'til your legs feel like oatmeal, and knowing that you're going to crank more turns on this one wave than you'll push around in a year back home- the real question is... do you have the balls to pull in right off the top? Are you steely enough to set that rail, get low and suck yourself up into that hole? Or do you play it safe and dodge the barrel? Do you got the guts? Well do you, punk?
Now there is more to tell about the spot featured here (and in the photo above). And, evidently, a lot more to see too. Here's the man with the secrets- and the photos- and if we put enough pressure on him he might just give it up. At least we're all hoping he will!
Stand up paddle surf lessons. Scientifically proven to make you more attractive to the opposite sex. Sign up now- you never know when you might need the attention! Specializing in private, stand up paddle surf lessons in San Diego. Call us at 619.213.6622 or email john@paddlesurf.net
Want to learn to paddle surf in the warm waters of Southern Baja? Interested in stand up paddle surfing Baja but don't want to carry a stand up board through a crowded airport? Click on our Surf Adventures Link on the right side bar (blue tile ad) to learn about our July of '09 stand up paddle surf trips to Baja California.
A lonely Baja point break, unnamed (by me at least) with only one guy on it. That's Tim Hatler, owner of Palapas Ventana surfing to a crowd of none at a spot somewhere within a hundred miles of his home. We're doing the research now and we hope to offer all inclusive stand up paddle surf trips down to Tim's place. No gear hassles in the airport- just get on the plane. We'll provide boards, paddles, tacos and tequila. Check back for info!
The story here is that this wave reels off for two hundred more yards. And the question you have to ask yourself is this: Knowing that you're going to ride this thing 'til your legs feel like oatmeal, and knowing that you're going to crank more turns on this one wave than you'll push around in a year back home- the real question is... do you have the balls to pull in right off the top? Are you steely enough to set that rail, get low and suck yourself up into that hole? Or do you play it safe and dodge the barrel? Do you got the guts? Well do you, punk?
Now there is more to tell about the spot featured here (and in the photo above). And, evidently, a lot more to see too. Here's the man with the secrets- and the photos- and if we put enough pressure on him he might just give it up. At least we're all hoping he will!
Stand up paddle surf lessons. Scientifically proven to make you more attractive to the opposite sex. Sign up now- you never know when you might need the attention! Specializing in private, stand up paddle surf lessons in San Diego. Call us at 619.213.6622 or email john@paddlesurf.net
Want to learn to paddle surf in the warm waters of Southern Baja? Interested in stand up paddle surfing Baja but don't want to carry a stand up board through a crowded airport? Click on our Surf Adventures Link on the right side bar (blue tile ad) to learn about our July of '09 stand up paddle surf trips to Baja California.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Stand Up Paddle Surf Trip Report: Puerto Vallarta Part III
Part III of Tim's Puerto Vallarta Stand Up Paddle Surf Trip:
PaddleSurf: How did you find a boat to take you there? How much did it cost and how long of a ride was it?
Tim: We got our boat at the village of Punta Mita. There are several surf shops on the main street along the water. Several people came up to us when we got there asking us if we wanted to rent a boat. During the off season it seems they are hurting for business and there was no problem getting the boat. We were charged $80.00 (split 4 ways) for the boat. We were on the water about 4 ½ hours. The trip from the launch site to the Cove where we surfed takes about 15 minutes. You pass El Farro (that wasn’t breaking). If you headed the other way you it would take about 10 minutes to get to the reef break called La Launcha. The hotel is about a 10 minute taxi ride from Punta Mita…The cost of the taxi was $20.00 round trip…(split 4 ways)
PaddleSurf: If you were going down with just the boys to surf your brains out how would you do it differently?
Tim: Its hard to say since we hit it so good. Just a couple of things to keep in mind if your going there for a surf trip. First, go off season…the rates we paid are less than ½ of what my daughter and her husband are paying in January. Also, Burros only breaks on a south swell so you need to be there from late spring to early fall when you have the best chance of having those southern hemi storms working for you. (on my prior trips to the area we went fairly early spring and did not catch nearly as good a swell).
PaddleSurf: Where did you rent the board from? Do they plan on increasing their selection and inventory of SUBs? Why did they have that board there?
Tim: I found the board on the internet and rented it from the Coral Reef Surf Shop. The shop is on the road from the airport to the hotel and is owned by David Sinclair. He was great to work with! The board I rented was a new Joe Blair….a 9’10” quad. It came with a new Werner paddle. The cost was $175.00 for the week and they DELIVERED THE BOARD TO THE HOTEL the day I arrived and then picked it up the day I left! It was great equipment, great service and I still have a hard time believing I was lucky enough to score that deal!! I’ve e-mailed David since I got back and he indicated that he will soon be receiving a few more SUP’s with the goal that he would be the main rental guy down there…I hope that works out since I plan on going back next year!!
PaddleSurf: Any funny stories or interesting happenings?
Tim: Funny stories…well let me just say that there were a couple of Canadian charter groups at the hotel…and those folks were fully committed to having a good time!!
PaddleSurf: Did you eat the worm?
Tim: No, but at may age I felt a few times like the worm ate me!!
Thanks Tim for an excellent summary of a Puerto Vallarta paddle trip. I know I'm going to log that one for future reference. You've got the info now get out there and get some!
Stand up paddle surf lessons in San Diego- you want 'em, we got 'em! Give us a call and get on the water this weekend: 619.213.6622 or john@paddlesurf.net
Want to read some testimonials from satisfied Paddle Surf Lesson clients? Click Here and scroll down!
PaddleSurf: How did you find a boat to take you there? How much did it cost and how long of a ride was it?
Tim: We got our boat at the village of Punta Mita. There are several surf shops on the main street along the water. Several people came up to us when we got there asking us if we wanted to rent a boat. During the off season it seems they are hurting for business and there was no problem getting the boat. We were charged $80.00 (split 4 ways) for the boat. We were on the water about 4 ½ hours. The trip from the launch site to the Cove where we surfed takes about 15 minutes. You pass El Farro (that wasn’t breaking). If you headed the other way you it would take about 10 minutes to get to the reef break called La Launcha. The hotel is about a 10 minute taxi ride from Punta Mita…The cost of the taxi was $20.00 round trip…(split 4 ways)
PaddleSurf: If you were going down with just the boys to surf your brains out how would you do it differently?
Tim: Its hard to say since we hit it so good. Just a couple of things to keep in mind if your going there for a surf trip. First, go off season…the rates we paid are less than ½ of what my daughter and her husband are paying in January. Also, Burros only breaks on a south swell so you need to be there from late spring to early fall when you have the best chance of having those southern hemi storms working for you. (on my prior trips to the area we went fairly early spring and did not catch nearly as good a swell).
PaddleSurf: Where did you rent the board from? Do they plan on increasing their selection and inventory of SUBs? Why did they have that board there?
Tim: I found the board on the internet and rented it from the Coral Reef Surf Shop. The shop is on the road from the airport to the hotel and is owned by David Sinclair. He was great to work with! The board I rented was a new Joe Blair….a 9’10” quad. It came with a new Werner paddle. The cost was $175.00 for the week and they DELIVERED THE BOARD TO THE HOTEL the day I arrived and then picked it up the day I left! It was great equipment, great service and I still have a hard time believing I was lucky enough to score that deal!! I’ve e-mailed David since I got back and he indicated that he will soon be receiving a few more SUP’s with the goal that he would be the main rental guy down there…I hope that works out since I plan on going back next year!!
PaddleSurf: Any funny stories or interesting happenings?
Tim: Funny stories…well let me just say that there were a couple of Canadian charter groups at the hotel…and those folks were fully committed to having a good time!!
PaddleSurf: Did you eat the worm?
Tim: No, but at may age I felt a few times like the worm ate me!!
Thanks Tim for an excellent summary of a Puerto Vallarta paddle trip. I know I'm going to log that one for future reference. You've got the info now get out there and get some!
Stand up paddle surf lessons in San Diego- you want 'em, we got 'em! Give us a call and get on the water this weekend: 619.213.6622 or john@paddlesurf.net
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Stand Up Paddle Surf Trip Report: Puerto Vallarta Part II
Part II: Still cruising in Puerto Vallarta.
PaddleSurf: What kind of waves were you surfing? Were they rocky, reef or sand bottom? Were there urchins? Any spines in your feet?
Tim: It’s a rock reef break. There is a sandy beach in front of the hotel that provides easy access to the break. On my prior trips we surfed the points near Punta Mita…some of them are a lot more rocky and there were lots of urchins. I didn’t see any urchins this trip but I would definitely recommend reef booties. I used Vibrams this time and they worked great!!
PaddleSurf: What kind of wave is Punta Mita? Soft, fast, sectiony or not a drop of water out of place? If you were to rank it on a scale level where would you put it?
Tim: There are a number of different breaks in the Punta Mita area. Burros was a pretty fat wave with lots of face to work with. Lots of fun!! I have also surfed the big point El Farro…but never caught it really happening…I understand its world class when its breaking. Other really good breaks include the Cove, (I sent pictures) La Launcha and Mystos (an offshore reef that breaks when it gets big). As you go north around the point you hit Sayulita…a quaint Mexican village with a right hand point right in the middle of town…also lots of good restaurants and shopping if you’re with your lady.
PaddleSurf: Were there other surfers out when you surfed? How did they feel about you paddling out on the stand up board?
Tim: The crowd at the Palladium was nominal….maybe 2-6 people max in the water other than me and my friends. Mind you we were there off season so that could change at other times during the year. Most of the breaks around the point are only accessible by boat. When we surfed the Cove this trip we were the only ones in the water.
Check Back for Puerto Vallarta Part III and a whole slew of equipment reports!
Stand Up Paddle Surf Lessons in San Diego- don't be nervous- anybody can stand up paddle! We also offer guided surf paddles and surf paddling lessons and coaching. Give us a call if you're ready to give it a shot, call us: 619.213.6622 or email john@paddlesurf.net.
PaddleSurf: What kind of waves were you surfing? Were they rocky, reef or sand bottom? Were there urchins? Any spines in your feet?
Tim: It’s a rock reef break. There is a sandy beach in front of the hotel that provides easy access to the break. On my prior trips we surfed the points near Punta Mita…some of them are a lot more rocky and there were lots of urchins. I didn’t see any urchins this trip but I would definitely recommend reef booties. I used Vibrams this time and they worked great!!
PaddleSurf: What kind of wave is Punta Mita? Soft, fast, sectiony or not a drop of water out of place? If you were to rank it on a scale level where would you put it?
Tim: There are a number of different breaks in the Punta Mita area. Burros was a pretty fat wave with lots of face to work with. Lots of fun!! I have also surfed the big point El Farro…but never caught it really happening…I understand its world class when its breaking. Other really good breaks include the Cove, (I sent pictures) La Launcha and Mystos (an offshore reef that breaks when it gets big). As you go north around the point you hit Sayulita…a quaint Mexican village with a right hand point right in the middle of town…also lots of good restaurants and shopping if you’re with your lady.
PaddleSurf: Were there other surfers out when you surfed? How did they feel about you paddling out on the stand up board?
Tim: The crowd at the Palladium was nominal….maybe 2-6 people max in the water other than me and my friends. Mind you we were there off season so that could change at other times during the year. Most of the breaks around the point are only accessible by boat. When we surfed the Cove this trip we were the only ones in the water.
Check Back for Puerto Vallarta Part III and a whole slew of equipment reports!
Stand Up Paddle Surf Lessons in San Diego- don't be nervous- anybody can stand up paddle! We also offer guided surf paddles and surf paddling lessons and coaching. Give us a call if you're ready to give it a shot, call us: 619.213.6622 or email john@paddlesurf.net.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Mainland Mexico Again: The Points of Vallarta!
If it takes a boat to get to a surf spot- it's usually going to be good.
It was super cool of Tim from the Stand Up Zone to send me some photos from his last trip down to Puerto Vallarta. I love the submitted photos.It's like Christmas when I check my email account (john@paddlesurf.net) and find goodies from you guys out there. I especially like the homegrown shots- the, "This is a shot of my local break" snapshots that show us your wave in its best or baddest moods. Trip photos, paddles down the river, across the bay or bass fishin' in some farmer's pond- it's all good to me!
I'm hoping that Tim will fill out the lengthy questionaire that I sent him about his trip down Vallarta-way. I wouldn't mind getting the full scoop on what it took to crack that areas stand up paddle nut- and I'm betting that you'd be interested too! How's that for pressure my man?
Photo above: Setting up for a nice bottom turn at a point populated with friends.... sweet!
Stand up paddle lessons in San Diego! We're still at it teaching people from all over the United States how to stand up paddle surf here in San Diego. This sounds ridiculous but if you know California then you know that Fall is the peak of the summer season and it's a great time to hop on a SUP and learn how to paddle surf.
We specialize in private lessons- you can be sure that you'll leave with stand up paddlesurf skills that you can take home with you anywhere you live- on any type of water. Give us a call 619.213.6622 or email us at john@paddlesurf.net and we'll put you on the water today!
It was super cool of Tim from the Stand Up Zone to send me some photos from his last trip down to Puerto Vallarta. I love the submitted photos.It's like Christmas when I check my email account (john@paddlesurf.net) and find goodies from you guys out there. I especially like the homegrown shots- the, "This is a shot of my local break" snapshots that show us your wave in its best or baddest moods. Trip photos, paddles down the river, across the bay or bass fishin' in some farmer's pond- it's all good to me!
I'm hoping that Tim will fill out the lengthy questionaire that I sent him about his trip down Vallarta-way. I wouldn't mind getting the full scoop on what it took to crack that areas stand up paddle nut- and I'm betting that you'd be interested too! How's that for pressure my man?
Photo above: Setting up for a nice bottom turn at a point populated with friends.... sweet!
Stand up paddle lessons in San Diego! We're still at it teaching people from all over the United States how to stand up paddle surf here in San Diego. This sounds ridiculous but if you know California then you know that Fall is the peak of the summer season and it's a great time to hop on a SUP and learn how to paddle surf.
We specialize in private lessons- you can be sure that you'll leave with stand up paddlesurf skills that you can take home with you anywhere you live- on any type of water. Give us a call 619.213.6622 or email us at john@paddlesurf.net and we'll put you on the water today!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Good Manners in Mexico
Just a few last thoughts on my Mexico paddle surf trip:
Stand up paddle etiquette: I was careful to keep a low profile out at the point and at "Reverse Trestles" (RTs, the spot just up the road). The wave at the point was pretty much tailor made for a goofy footed stand up paddler and it could've gotten really ugly; if I wanted I could have owned that place, swooping into whatever I wanted.
Maintaining harmony in those lineups those wasn't too hard. I just practiced good paddle surf manners and thought about how others might be feeling about me being out there. Simple stuff, actually. Here's a couple of examples:
I never paddled past everybody right to the head of the line (top of the point) after snagging a set wave. How'd you like somebody to cut in front of you while your waiting on your personalized license plate at the DMV (here's a good one: SUPGEEK or OARON)? Chances are you'd be pissed off- same for those in the water.
I sat out a set now and then. Sometimes I'd give away a sweet one to a crawler. Charity goes a long way. And guess what? The Wave Karma Counter in the sky is keeping records- I swear mysto-outside swing-wide monster walls came to me with frequency.
On my way back up the point from a long set wave, I'd stop halfway back and hang out for a set or two on the inside. Just to give the guys at the top a chance to surf without me around. Also, you'd be surprised at how many good waves I caught when guys blew it on set waves and couldn't connect to the inside.
Paddle away. On days with a crowd at the peak, especially at RT's, I'd paddle down the beach, past the Main Event Peak to the three other waves that were totally empty. A peak a hundred yards away was firing off it's rocker and completely empty! A simple five minute paddle and I was on my own, living out my own Indo-boat trip fantasy. Don't be afraid to paddle away!
I had no problems paddling out down there. Nobody shouted me out of a spot and there were no hurt feelings. As a matter of fact, I was told by a local guy that I had really good manners. That was a nice compliment but my vote for Best Manners goes to the ten short board rippers that we ran into from Newport.
These guys rolled up to RT's a little late. They all piled out of their suburban at once. They were a cloud of Hurley board shorts and Volcom hats. The guys ran up to the berm and watched the four of us ripping the head high, crystal blue waves at the main peak. We saw them from the water, an insta-crowd we thought. What a bummer.
But then they did one of the coolest things I've ever seen a group of young surfers ever do; they walked away. They all trunked up and walked down the beach to a lesser peak, which they absolutely tore to shreds, having a great time with all ten of their buddies next to them. These youngsters understood one of the unwritten rules of surf exploration: if you stumble upon a peak that's already being ridden, you find your own damn wave. And if you're traveling in a pack, you definitely don't bum everybody else out by paddling out in a swarm.
These guys could've come right out and dominated the session. They were excellent surfers. We didn't own that peak, it was an established surf spot not some mysto-break that we'd found through diligence and hard work. Somebody had taught these youngsters well, they were clued in. Young as they were, they were self-aware of their presence and understood the impact they'd have on four guys having the time of their lives.
I've forgotten most of the good waves I surfed during that session but I clearly remember the impact of that gesture. If I can similarly blow somebody's mind by being respectful and practicing good paddle surfing manners than I'll do it every time. Hopefully you will too!
Stand up paddle etiquette: I was careful to keep a low profile out at the point and at "Reverse Trestles" (RTs, the spot just up the road). The wave at the point was pretty much tailor made for a goofy footed stand up paddler and it could've gotten really ugly; if I wanted I could have owned that place, swooping into whatever I wanted.
Maintaining harmony in those lineups those wasn't too hard. I just practiced good paddle surf manners and thought about how others might be feeling about me being out there. Simple stuff, actually. Here's a couple of examples:
I never paddled past everybody right to the head of the line (top of the point) after snagging a set wave. How'd you like somebody to cut in front of you while your waiting on your personalized license plate at the DMV (here's a good one: SUPGEEK or OARON)? Chances are you'd be pissed off- same for those in the water.
I sat out a set now and then. Sometimes I'd give away a sweet one to a crawler. Charity goes a long way. And guess what? The Wave Karma Counter in the sky is keeping records- I swear mysto-outside swing-wide monster walls came to me with frequency.
On my way back up the point from a long set wave, I'd stop halfway back and hang out for a set or two on the inside. Just to give the guys at the top a chance to surf without me around. Also, you'd be surprised at how many good waves I caught when guys blew it on set waves and couldn't connect to the inside.
Paddle away. On days with a crowd at the peak, especially at RT's, I'd paddle down the beach, past the Main Event Peak to the three other waves that were totally empty. A peak a hundred yards away was firing off it's rocker and completely empty! A simple five minute paddle and I was on my own, living out my own Indo-boat trip fantasy. Don't be afraid to paddle away!
I had no problems paddling out down there. Nobody shouted me out of a spot and there were no hurt feelings. As a matter of fact, I was told by a local guy that I had really good manners. That was a nice compliment but my vote for Best Manners goes to the ten short board rippers that we ran into from Newport.
These guys rolled up to RT's a little late. They all piled out of their suburban at once. They were a cloud of Hurley board shorts and Volcom hats. The guys ran up to the berm and watched the four of us ripping the head high, crystal blue waves at the main peak. We saw them from the water, an insta-crowd we thought. What a bummer.
But then they did one of the coolest things I've ever seen a group of young surfers ever do; they walked away. They all trunked up and walked down the beach to a lesser peak, which they absolutely tore to shreds, having a great time with all ten of their buddies next to them. These youngsters understood one of the unwritten rules of surf exploration: if you stumble upon a peak that's already being ridden, you find your own damn wave. And if you're traveling in a pack, you definitely don't bum everybody else out by paddling out in a swarm.
These guys could've come right out and dominated the session. They were excellent surfers. We didn't own that peak, it was an established surf spot not some mysto-break that we'd found through diligence and hard work. Somebody had taught these youngsters well, they were clued in. Young as they were, they were self-aware of their presence and understood the impact they'd have on four guys having the time of their lives.
I've forgotten most of the good waves I surfed during that session but I clearly remember the impact of that gesture. If I can similarly blow somebody's mind by being respectful and practicing good paddle surfing manners than I'll do it every time. Hopefully you will too!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Mainland Mexico: A little video.
Funny thing when you find waves- nobody wants to take the time to video tape. My friend, Tucker and I kept saying we'd haul out the water camera but it never happened. Most of our best waves are just logged on the old Betamax located between our ears. Nevertheless, I did manage to shoot some footage of my buddy Steve cruising on my board (I think we'll all bring stand ups next time) and of S. Kennedy nabbing a fun wave on a borrowed long board.
Hope this will give you a feel for the place.
Find more videos like this on Stand Up Paddle Surfing
Hope this will give you a feel for the place.
Find more videos like this on Stand Up Paddle Surfing
Monday, August 25, 2008
Mainland Mexico: And the point out front was child's play compared to this...
We thought our home point was fun- but we'd heard that there was another spot that would make our wave look stupid in comparison. Evidently, within thirty minutes of where we were staying was another wave that was at least five times better than our front yard run.
A friend described how to get to the spot for us. The directions were surf travel classics:"take a left at the pile of burning garbage, then a quick right at where you see the two old men sitting down, if you drive into the river you've gone too far..." literally. Incredibly, those directions were right on the mark and after only a few minor detours (left at the burning garbage, not a right at the running chicken!) and one stop to ask a local, we found this:
If you think that wave is really that long, you're right. It is. And not only long, but fast and grunty. Our home wave could be described as a long board wave, this was definitely not a slow and go situation. What you got here is reverse Trestles, it's Lowers going left. Here's SK working his way out from a four hour session, picking his way through the little cobbles, thankful for the absence of urchins.
Here's the perspective from the bottom of the point, under the shade of a big Popoyo tree, sipping an icy Pacifico, waiting for la senorita to bring you your Huevos Rancheros. Oh yeah, didn't I say that there is a little enramada at the bottom that knows just the type of fuel that surfed out wave riders require? Yep, almost too good to be true. And yes, hours slip by blissfully as you sip cold ones and dream about waves ridden and days still to come...
I guess a professional photographer would critique these shots like this: "Mr. Ashley shows an inability to produce context in his images and is uniquely skilled at the elimination of perspective in his compositions". But I guess us dumb surfers know a good thing when we see it because everybody who looks at this photo and the next says the same thing, "Dude, how hot is that?" Which is both a descriptive expression and a question simultaneously. And that's good enough for me. I speak that language. These two photos are the end section of what is now my favorite wave.
BeachSurf is alive and well! New Stu Kenson Surf Boards Click! Click!
Jump on the stand up paddle surf bandwagon! Come take stand up paddle surf lessons with us in sunny San Diego. We've got a great spot to get you out and paddling safely and successfully. Learn the voodoo trickery of higher order stand up paddling. We're all about hands-on learning and guess what? There's no test at the end of the session! Give us a call at 619.213.6622 or email me at john@paddlesurf.net
A friend described how to get to the spot for us. The directions were surf travel classics:"take a left at the pile of burning garbage, then a quick right at where you see the two old men sitting down, if you drive into the river you've gone too far..." literally. Incredibly, those directions were right on the mark and after only a few minor detours (left at the burning garbage, not a right at the running chicken!) and one stop to ask a local, we found this:
If you think that wave is really that long, you're right. It is. And not only long, but fast and grunty. Our home wave could be described as a long board wave, this was definitely not a slow and go situation. What you got here is reverse Trestles, it's Lowers going left. Here's SK working his way out from a four hour session, picking his way through the little cobbles, thankful for the absence of urchins.
Here's the perspective from the bottom of the point, under the shade of a big Popoyo tree, sipping an icy Pacifico, waiting for la senorita to bring you your Huevos Rancheros. Oh yeah, didn't I say that there is a little enramada at the bottom that knows just the type of fuel that surfed out wave riders require? Yep, almost too good to be true. And yes, hours slip by blissfully as you sip cold ones and dream about waves ridden and days still to come...
I guess a professional photographer would critique these shots like this: "Mr. Ashley shows an inability to produce context in his images and is uniquely skilled at the elimination of perspective in his compositions". But I guess us dumb surfers know a good thing when we see it because everybody who looks at this photo and the next says the same thing, "Dude, how hot is that?" Which is both a descriptive expression and a question simultaneously. And that's good enough for me. I speak that language. These two photos are the end section of what is now my favorite wave.
BeachSurf is alive and well! New Stu Kenson Surf Boards Click! Click!
Jump on the stand up paddle surf bandwagon! Come take stand up paddle surf lessons with us in sunny San Diego. We've got a great spot to get you out and paddling safely and successfully. Learn the voodoo trickery of higher order stand up paddling. We're all about hands-on learning and guess what? There's no test at the end of the session! Give us a call at 619.213.6622 or email me at john@paddlesurf.net
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