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SUP racing and instruction for improving technique for the stroke

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My first SUP race was the second 'Battle of the Paddle."  I had trained for months and was in pretty good shape.  My beach start was decent, but after the first lap, my body began to to shut down:  first my biceps, then my triceps followed by my shoulders and pecs...then my lower back.   It was not fun.  I remember this little, round Hawaiian man was laughing at me as he paddled right past me.  "You needa technique to paddle mo fasta,"  or something like that.  He was taking these quick, little strokes...it made no sense.  I was clearly, the superior athelete.  But, the harder I paddled, the slower I moved it seemed. I participated in a few more races...and repeatedly got my ass kicked.  The same guys kept winning…
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Whales, sharks, dolphins, sea lions, and big waves by Krista Carlson

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This morning I was talking to Wade about his experience at the Maverick’s surf contest in Half Moon Bay.   He’ll give you all the details, but what struck me was this – people paid $1000 to watch the contest from a boat.  He paddled out on SUP, got a lot closer to the line-up than anyone on the boat, and didn’t pay a dime.  After the conversation, I started thinking about some of the experiences I’ve had on SUP over the years, and how they have changed my life.  In case you’re thinking of taking up the sport, take a moment to consider the world SUP can open up to you. A few years ago, a pod of blue whales set up camp about three miles off the coast of…
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Night paddling in the marina

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Hi blog...it's December and the sun goes down at 5:00.  I've been paddling in the marina after dark.  It's not bad...it's pretty cool, actually.  The water is calm and surprisingly, not cold. The place is pretty well lit.  There is not much going on and it is quiet...all you hear is your blade going through the water.    Anyway, it's good workout.
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Ben and Alice

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Hi Blog.  Today is Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012 I have a new location...it's pretty sweet.  We now launch right from my boat slip on Marquesas Way in Marina del Rey.   You can see it in the background.   For your convenience there are bathrooms, showers, swimming pools and hot tubs.
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Catalina Island to Newport – California State Championship 2012

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It's Monday morning, the 9th of September.  I'm sore from yesterday's race of 26 miles in an outrigger canoe.  Krista and I are packing for Maui for the Pailolo Challenge.  It's a channel crossing that begins at Flemings Beach in Maui and ends in Kanakakai town in Molokai.  Marina del Rey, my team, is not sending a crew - so I will try to find one there. This is the end of the year's outrigger season.  I became a better, stronger and faster paddler...and I figured out some new tricks on becoming a better SUP instructor. Now that summertime is coming to and end, I'll have more time to devote to this blog.
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