CARLSBAD: Pair plans to paddle from San Francisco to Coronado

February 13, 2012, 6:07 pm

    

 

Clay Walking Eagle, left, and Tim Warner carry their paddleboards recently to the Agua Hedionda Lagoon in Carlsbad. The two men train daily for an upcoming 470-mile, stand-up paddleboard expedition from the Golden Gate Bridge to the San Diego-Coronado Bridge.  JOHN KOSTER | For the North County Times

When the going gets tough, stand-up paddleboarders and extreme athletes Clay Walking Eagle and Tim Warner will be past thinking about the miles of ocean that lie ahead, the inconsistent, choppy waters of March, the sore arms, the bright sun, or the extreme fatigue.

They'll be thinking of somewhere else.

Africa, maybe. A small village, perhaps, where a well of cool, clean drinking water awaits its first visitors.

Walking Eagle and Warner, both of Carlsbad, are gearing up to paddleboard nearly 500 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to the San Diego-Coronado Bridge in an effort to raise awareness for Charity: Water, a global nonprofit that raises money to install wells in underdeveloped parts of the world.

"The cause will keep us going," said Walking Eagle, a native of South Dakota who has spent the past few years in Carlsbad working as an artist and wedding photographer.

He, like Warner, is a self-proclaimed adventurist. Both longtime surfers and kayakers, who started paddleboarding four months ago, said they love the ocean, the uncertainly and the thrill of the ride.

When they tossed around the idea of a "boys' trip" along the coast, both knew it would have to be something more. The enjoyment alone wouldn't get them through, Walking Eagle said.

"Just doing this alone would not be fulfilling," he said. "It's the cause."

On March 1, the duo is slated to paddle into the San Francisco Bay, 100 yards to a mile offshore, and head south. The plan is up to 20 miles a day, depending on the weather and ocean conditions. They'll be followed by at least two people on personal watercraft, toting replenishments and encouragement. They predict the voyage could take a month.

At least 10 cameramen will document the journey. The anticipated product, the "Bridge to Bridge" film, will also help raise awareness and to inspire people, the men said.

"Our hearts will be pounding once we enter the San Francisco Bay," said Warner, a native of South Africa who spent several years as a relief worker in Africa. "That's where I became so passionate about the water crisis."

The goal is to raise enough money ---- $5,000 ---- to build one well, but they don't intend to stop there.

"That's just a basic well for 100 people," Warner said. "Ten thousand dollars is a larger, longer-lasting well."

To train for their expedition, they have spent the past few months mastering stand-up paddleboarding, a sport that requires balance and strength to paddle through water while perched on what resembles a supersized surfboard.

Some days they hit the calmer waters of Agua Hedionda Lagoon in Carlsbad, paddling around a loop several times to master their stroke without having to worry about waves and the uncertainly of the ocean. Some days they'll head off the coast to see what lies ahead.

"I remember telling Tim once, every time I'm paddling and I don't want to go on anymore, I remember why we're doing this," said Walking Eagle, who calls the ocean training a killer.

When they need to, they take small breaks and stretch on their boards. Sometimes, to gain more strength, they work out at a local gym.

Over the course of training, they've picked up some corporate sponsors, providing everything from their canteen-backpacks to new paddles.

Warner said he doesn't expect the trek to be easy, despite the high-tech paddles and special fins on the board to make things smoother.

"Our goal is to get in the water every day," he said. "No matter what."

A percentage of proceeds from dinners served from 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 29 at Catch Restaurant in Carlsbad, 660 Carlsbad Village Drive, will benefit the nonprofit Charity: Water.

To donate or to learn more, visit www.bridgetobridgefilm.com.

Copyright 2012 North County Times. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

10 common mistakes made by SUP rookies

February 10, 2012, 5:13 pm

Shared via http://supconnect.mylocallineup.com/SUP-How-tos-Techniques/10-stand-up-paddle-rookie-mistakes.html

Mistake # 10 - Delicate Board

Mistake # 10: Not realizing how delicate the board can be / Dropping a paddle board on the concrete:   Stand up paddle boards are made of various materials often including foam and fiberglass. Be careful and treat your board like a baby.  If dropped it can get chipped or cracked.  P.S. Heed the counsel of common maintenance signs that say, “Slippery When Wet.” Make sure you have a good grip on the board when coming out of the water!

Mistake # 9 - Use Your Body

Mistake # 9: Use your body, it’s not just an arm exercise:  Technique IS important! Regardless of whether you are simply touring around or really getting into the surf, use your entire body. It may take some getting used to, but many people make paddling more difficult on themselves because they try to muscle through the stroke by only using their arms.  Use your core, legs, back and arms making it a full body workout. It will feel more comfortable and you will be much more efficient!

Mistake # 8 - Looking At The Board

Mistake # 8: Looking at the board while paddling:  Many people feel inclined to look at the board while they paddle.  It’s the natural thing to do when you’re getting your “sea legs”. However, you will actually be more stable and better able to feel natural if you look out toward the horizon or at least a few feet in front of yourself.

Mistake # 7 - Not Bailing Correctly

Mistake # 7: Not bailing correctly / getting hit by the board:  Many people try to fall on the board to brace themselves or jump forward over the front tip of the board when they know they're water bound.  This is especially true when going out over waves.  Never fall forward! Fall to the sides and beware that the board may still be coming down when you are coming up out of the water.  Holding an arm over your head as you come out of the surf is a good way to help protect yourself.

Mistake # 6 - Surf That Is Too Big

Mistake # 6: Getting into surf that is too big:  Regardless of being new or accustomed to surf, make sure you tackle small waves, sometimes as little as 1-3 feet, in the beginning. Even some of the most experienced surfers claim that they “got worked” their first time doing SUP.  Take it one step at a time and if you have never been on the water, we recommend that you definitely get on flat water first!

Mistake # 5 - Getting In The Way

Mistake # 5: Getting in the way of surfers / swimmers / experienced paddlers!:   There is an etiquette to surfing! First of all, know where the surfing versus swimming zones are located! Never enter a swimming area!  Once in the line-up, share the waves and understand that it is easier for stand up paddlers to catch them. Do not be a wave hog!  If you’re new to stand up paddle surfing move away from the more experienced surfers and paddle surfers until you can respectfully surf with them and not be just a paddle hazard!

Mistake # 4 - Poorly Tying Down Board

Mistake # 4: Not properly tying down the board on a vehicle:  If you have ever seen a stand up paddle board fly off a car, you know for sure that it was only meant to land on water! It’s not a pretty sight. Have the proper system to support the larger stand up paddle boards.  Read the instructions and always be careful to safely secure your boards.  

Mistake # 3 - Fin Facing Wrong Way

Mistake # 3: Fins inserted in the wrong direction:  This one is classic.  To beginners the direction the fins face is not totally intuitive.  Double check online (just Google it) or simply remember that the tips of the fins should face toward the tail of the board. 

Mistake # 2 - No Leash

Mistake# 2: No leash in the surf: This is a really scary mistake.  Although the best stand up paddlers may not use a leash it’s certainly a requirement for newbie’s.  Not only can you get caught far out as your board heads for the shore, but this can be a real safety hazard for those around you.  Maintain control of the board and PLEASE use a leash in the surf!  It can also be helpful on flat water to keep the board close by in case you fall and take a swim.

Mistake # 1 - The Paddle Is Backward

Mistake # 1: The paddle is backward:  This one tops the charts as the all time #1 rookie mistake. Many have done it and many more will! Just be so kind as to share your knowledge and help others turn the paddle in the right direction.  

This completes our rookie mistakes list for now, but we’re positive you’ve seen many more. We’d love to know what they are and add them to the list which will help all paddlers worldwide have a better experience!

What rookie mistakes can you add to our list?

World Stand Up Tour 2012 Kicks off at Sunset Beach in Hawaii

The event takes place between Feb 4th - Feb 14th on Oahu, Hawaii.

February 7, 2012

2 Stand Up Guys Instructor Ryan Judson launches and Air on his shortboard. Uluwatu Bali, 2011

January 27, 2012, 4:31 pm

 Ryan adds an additional element of knowledge through the experience and influence of his surfing into the sport of Stand UP.