Easy to carry,  Easy to use, Fun to paddle, – A great SUP package!

At Sup The Bay, we like to race and surf SUPs, in other words we often ride pretty radical boards made of carbon or fiber glass. So testing and paddling an Inflatable SUP is far from the usual for us. Advance Elements sent us the Hula 11 for review about 8 weeks ago. Since then we have tested the Hula in various conditions, lake, small rivers and the San Francisco Bay. The Hula 11 is offered in a very complete package,  it includes: Pump with Pressure Gauge, Hi-Quality Duffel Bag, Repair Kit, Valve Adaptor, 3 Removable Tracking Fins. The price of the Hula 11 is between $700 and $799 depending on the configuration(extra seat, sail,  paddle).

Hula 11 package, bag, pump, board, fins, duffel bag

One of the great thing about the Hula 11 Inflatable SUP is that it can fit in the trunk or on the backseat of vehicle, or even on the rack of a bicycle, or motorcycle. It is easy and fast to inflate, it takes only about 3-5′ and to insert the fins. This is barely more time than unstrapping a board from the roof of a car.

The Hula 11 is stable and surprisingly fast,  it is a fun board to paddle. The Hula 11 can be used as on flat water. When paddling at Castle Lake,  I did multiple laps around the lake and I didn’t notice much difference with a fiberglass SUP. Obviously no need to worry about hitting rocks, branches or docks thanks to heavy-duty PVC. The Hula 11 Inflatable SUP is made of High-Pressure Drop-Stitched material and a double layer of heavy duty PVC Tarpaulin for ultra stiff performance and superior durability. The deck of the board features a large foam traction pad and 7 d-rings for gear tie down, optional kayak seat attachment, and leash attachment.

We specifically liked the D-rings that make it easy to tie-down a bag, fire wood or a strap. The Utility of the board is excellent. The traction pad is very good and while we didn’t try the board surfing, we tried it on the river and it felt very good to have a sure footing. In addition the D-rings are great for attaching a cam-strap and that is very practical when paddling down a creek or for a little one to have something to hold on to.

6 D-rings on the bow

D-ring close-up

Traction foam

The Hula 11 is a must own if want to paddle in a variety of situations, river, lake, mer, some surfing. It is easy to haul around and also no need to worry about durability like a fiber glass board. The Hula 11 is great for families, since the board can be handled by children without worrying about them damaging it. Also on lake or pool the Hula 11 can be used as swimming platform… Also if you are planning to only paddle 10-15 times a year, then the Hula 11 is a board for you.

little feet under straps

bottom and fins

Features

High-Pressure Drop-Stiched material allows for ultra stiff performance.
- Double-Action hand pump with Gauge included.
- Raised board tip increases performance.
- Large traction foam area for improved grip and comfort.
- Double layer outer skin for superior durability.
- Light-weight, Compact, and Durable.
- Hi-Quality Duffel Bag.
- Stainless steel D-rings – 7 total.

Specifications

Model AE1010
Color White/Orange
Length 11’
Width 30”
Weight 23 Lbs. (10 Kg)
Person/S 1
Max.
Weight 250 Lbs. (113 Kg)
Folded Size 19” X 9” X 34”

Naish Stand Up Paddle Boards

When talking about water sports and board sports, there’s a name that resonnate like no others:  Robie Naish. The Windsurfing legend, Kiteboarding pioneer,  Mr Naish has been exploring and pushing the limits of water sports in Hawaii for more than 30 years now. Naish has taken his experience building windsurfer and kiteboards to the fast growing sport of Stand Up Paddle. Thanks to great designs, great shapes and solid constructions, the Naish’s boards are some of the best SUP boards you can get today. And it is no surprise that SUP Champions Chuck Paterson and SUP surfing prodigy Kenni Lanai ride and paddle Naish boards.

The really cool thing about the Naish line is that they offer four different styles of Stand Up Paddleboards, in various length and tops:
• The Glide Series, for flatwater touring and racing.
• The Nalu Series,  all-around long board versatility.
• The Hokua Series, performance short board style SUPS.
• The Mana Series, short wide and stable for easy surfing.

Hokua 9.6"

Mana 10.0" AST

Race board Naish

Nalu 11.4" AST

Supthebay.com now offers the entire Naish line of Stand Up Paddleboards. Boards can be tested and seen at our demo center in Sausalito at Sea Trek. You can then purchase the model of your choice directly from us. In addition in the upcoming weeks we will be reviewing various boards from the Naish line and go more in depth in their riding charachterisics.

Our favorites are the:

• Naish Catalina 12.6″ Carbon race board, $1829. Ideal for racing in flat water or the open ocean. A great board for the money.
• Naish 17’0, $2699. Perfect for taking advantage of the summer winds in the Bay Area or along side the Pacific coast. Hawaii tested!
• The Nalu 11.4″ or 11.6″, $1249. These SUP boards are just amazing flat water paddling, beginners and small wave surfing. We have been riding this board at Sea Trek for almost two years and they rock!
• The Mana 10.0″, $999 (soft top version). If you are going to Bolinas or Santa Cruz and want to start practicing Stand Up surfing, that is the board you need. I would take it too Mexico too!
• The Hokua 9.6″, $1599 (bag included). For the more serious and experienced surfer, carve down the wave without having to get a ride every 15′. Go Stand Up!

All these boards are available for demo and purchase directly from us, you can email, or visit our online shop for more info.

The Almost 4th of July Decker Loop SUP Race, that You Don’t Want To Miss. Join us on Sherman Island near Rio Vista for a fun Decker Island loop race.  6 miles for the pros or a 2 mile short course for the families and novice. Nice crowd, friendly atmosphere and BBQ.

Classes: 6mi Decker Loop Race: Unlimited/ 14’0”/ 12’6”

2mi Fun Race: Surfboard Class *3 boards make a division

When: July 3, 2011

Where: Delta Windsurf and Water Sports Co.

3279 Sherman Island Rd.

Rio Vista, CA 4571

Time: 9:00 am Skipper’s Meeting

10:00 am Start

Hosted SUP Happy Hour at Covewater in Santa Cruz this Thursday with the world’s top female paddler, Candice Appleby!  Stop by Covewater Paddle Surf Thursday eve (6-7) for pupus, beverages, and a talk with three-time Battle of the Paddle champion and female SUP ambassador Candice Apppleby and last year’s Jay Race winner, Anthony Vela!  Registration for the Jay Race and Covewater Classic available as well.  More info in the link below.

http://covewatersup.com/preracehappyhour

This was my first introduction to SUP racing last year; and to date it is still one of the best race I have attended. Great course, beautiful scenery, challenging conditions, nice folks and an amazing barbecue at the end. Last year Scott barbecued some wonderful Oysters on the beach in Stinson. The Shore to Shore paddlerace, SUP& paddleboards is back June 18th. Any types of boards welcome, bring your leash.

Race starts 9am
Pre-register at livewatersurfshop.com
Registration begins on site at7:30am
Shuttle service begins 7:00am

Download entry form

Deep in the heart of Sonoma, the Russian River winds its way through breath-taking scenery from Lake Mendocino to the Pacific Ocean. This spring, the heat is being turned-up with the launch of the Great Russian River Race.

The Russian River has a rich history in hosting river events, dating back to 1908. In this tradition, Russian Riverkeeper, River’s Edge and Sonoma County Regional Parks Department will host the inaugural Great Russian River Race.

What’s Happening

On May 7th, the Great Russian River Race will attract some of the world’s top canoeing and kayaking athletes, local adventurers, social paddlers and corporate teams to race in two separate events.

Advanced and expert paddlers will compete in a class II, 15-mile Bridge-to-Bridge Race from the Alexander Valley Bridge. Intermediate and corporate team paddlers will do battle over the 5-mile Rio Lindo Race, starting north of Healdsburg.

The respective races will finish at the Healdsburg Memorial Bridge, welcomed by the River Race Party. Over $5,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to the winners at the Race Cup Ceremony.

Who Should Enter

The emphasis of the Great Russian River Race is on adventure, competition and fun. Competitors and spectators will have the opportunity to participate in a world class sporting event, while enjoying the surroundings of one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world.

Athletes may use their own kayaks, canoes and surfskis or rent from River’s Edge Kayak and Canoe, the professional outfitter that will manage the river operations, safety and logistics.

The Bay Area of San Francisco is the largest natural harbor in the world. There’s so much water all over, from the delta, to the coast, to the small coves or the bays. Below is a list of our favorite spots for Stand Up Paddle Boarding in the San Francisco Bay Area. Over the next few weeks we will be completing the Spots description with Maps, Itineraries, and tips.

#1) Sausalito – Richardson Bay:

The charming little town of Sausalito is the one of the best gateway to SUP in the Bay Area. It is ideal for beginners with mild conditions in the Richardson Bay. It can be challenging for advanced paddlers with paddles to Tiburon or Angel Island. And it can be extreme paddling out of the Golden Gate, around Alcatraz or Angel Island.

For first timer, the best is to take a clinic, a private lesson or to rent a board at the Schoonmaker beach from our partner Sea Trek. From there depending on the wind, tides and current it is possible to cruise to the House boats, across to Strawberry or to downtown Sausalito.

For most advanced paddlers, it takes about 1h30 to go to the end of the Bay in Mill Valley. Watch for the tide because it can get pretty shallow water. An other trip is paddling to Tiburon and back and that takes about 1h20 total. It is also possible to paddle to Yellow Bluff and back, counting 1h20, it can be a fun and challenging paddle when approaching the Golden Gate.

For Experts and very strong paddlers only, full body wetsuit and lifejacket required. There are many options spiced with waves, currents, swell and surf. From Fort Baker back to Sausalito, Fort Backer to Point Bonita, Rodeo Beach back to Sausalito, Sausalito around Angel Island, or Fort Baker around Angel Island back to Sausalito.

#2) The Golden Gate

#3) San Francisco

#4) The Delta

#5) The Petaluma river

#6) The South Bay

“What Ever Floats Your Board”
Whether you dropped your board loading it on your car, ran into your competitor at last weeks race or had a run in with Jaws while paddling at the Farallons don’t despair I’m able to do your repair.
Free estimates, skilled labor and reasonable rates.

(970) 379-4473 Leave a message for alex
awinh2o@gmail.com

This Saturday, January 15th, the SUP or Stand Up Paddle board series are returning to the Sausalito Richardson Bay. The series are open to anyone with or without SUP racing experience.  Meet at 8.30 at Bluerush Paddlesports in Sausalito (located in Clipper yacht Harbor).

Race starts at 9 am. Numerous prizes available. Are Fuller, Sarrazin, or Banfield going to win an other series?

The mythic Golden Gate Bridge, the link between the dynamic San Francisco and beautiful Marin county. How many of us have gone over the bridge looking at the sailboats, or the ships coming into the Bay? How many  of us have ever wondered what it would be like to be down there on the water?

I had gone under the bridge many times in the past in a Sea Kayak or SurfSki. But last spring I started experimenting Stand Up Paddling under the Golden Gate with the folks from Sea Trek in Sausalito. I’m now hooked, every time there’s some good swell coming in, I get out there to enjoy the Bay, the Bridge, the waves. Obviously it’s not “real” surfing but it’s tons of fun to catch some waves, surf the swell, fall in the water, play with the currents, go from one to cove to the other. One beauty of Stand Up Paddle boarding is really the combination of “surfing”, getting a workout and doing something adventurous just 10 minutes away from home. Continue Reading