Paddle Board Events

Mauna Lani Bay & Hulakai Present First-Ever Sup Race for Fitness

KOHALA COAST, HAWAII – Hawaii’s popular health, fitness and outdoor lifestyle resort, The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, is teaming up with local stand up paddle board and ocean sports company, Hulakai, to present the first-ever Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Race For Fitness on Saturday, September 24, 2011 on Hawaii Island’s spectacular Kohala Coast.

The race, which will be part of an ongoing paddling series, is set to become one of Hawaii’s biggest SUP events for all ages and levels.  SUP Race for Fitness is about celebrating the heritage of SUP in Hawaii and its evolution as one of the fastest growing water sports and fitness workouts in the world.

One and two person outrigger canoe paddlers are also invited to participate.

The seven mile race will start from either Kiholo Bay or Kawaihae Harbor depending on the wind direction come race morning.  The direction will be announced at a pre-race briefing held at Hulakai’s flagship store.

The finish line will be on the shores of Mauna Lani Bay where the after-race celebration and awards ceremony will also be held.

General Manager of Mauna Lani Bay, Brian Butterworth said that “SUP Race for Fitness is an opportunity to bring together Hawaii’s many paddling enthusiasts for a fun, social event and for visitors to the island to enjoy the pristine beauty of the Kohala Coast from a different perspective. It’s about getting outside, being active and embracing Hawaii’s ocean lifestyle,” he said.

Prizes will be awarded for the top three finishers along with category winners. Each participant will have their race time recorded.

To enter the first-ever SUP For Fitness and for further information, contact 808-887-1091 or visit www.hulakai.com

WHAT: The inaugural Stand Up Paddle Race For Fitness

WHEN: Saturday, September 24, 2011. Participant briefing at 7:30am. Race at 10am.

WHERE: Kohala Coast, Hawaii Island.

Meet at Hulakai flagship store. The Shops at Mauna Lani. 68-1300 Mauna Lani Drive.

COST: $15

BRING: Your own board or outrigger canoe and paddle.

AWARDS:  Held at The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, 68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive. Complimentary parking.

ENTRY & FURTHER INFORMATION: Contact 808-887-1091 or visit www.hulakai.com

The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is recognized as one of Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Hotels” for 2011 and is also on the Conde Nast Traveler 2011 “Gold List”.  It is the only independently-operated resort on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii and has maintained its original owners since its opening in 1983.  Mauna Lani Bay is also one of the smaller resorts on the coast giving guests an intimate, timeless Hawaiian experience that is personalized and pleasantly unscripted.  It is Mauna Lani Bay's cultural and environmental programs that make it truly stand out from others and which has earned it the reputation of one of the “World’s Top Earth-Friendly Getaways”. Mauna Lani Bay is committed to delivering aloha in everything it does and as such takes a stand against hidden resort fees.  It is home to the famous CanoeHouse restaurant, the Hawaiian inspired Mauna Lani Spa and the championship Francis H. I’i Brown Golf Courses. Mauna Lani Bay has formed a partnership with a group of pro triathletes, who help the hotel spread the message of enjoying a healthy and active lifestyle.  The resort is a member of the Preferred Hotel Group recognizing the world's best independent luxury hotels and resorts.

For reservations call (800) 367-2323 or visit www.maunalani.com

Submitted by Bree Dallwitz, Director of Public Relations for The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows

http://www.hawaiireporter.com/mauna-lani-bay-hulakai-present-first-ever-sup-race-for-fitness/123

Spots open for Gerry Lopez Standup Paddle camp in Mexico

Photo from livepuntamita.com

If you’ve always wanted to give Stand Up Paddle surfing a try – but are intimidated by the crowds here in So Cal – here’s an unforgettable trip where you can learn from the best.

Sun Country Tours has just announced the dates for the next Gerry Lopez Stand Up Paddle Surf Camp in Punta Mita, Mexico, one of my new favorite surf spots on the planet.

You might remember the story I wrote a few months back for our travel section about Punta Mita, where I ran into the group – many from O.C. – taking the yoga/SUP lessons from the legend. Here’s an bit:

Surf legend Gerry Lopez stood next to me on stand-up paddleboard, watching a bump in the ocean grow as it inched toward us.

“Paddle, paddle, you got it,” the “Pipeline master” said in a gentle, encouraging tone.

I dug my paddle deep into the ocean’s clear blue surface, trying to maintain my balance, and the wave picked the board up under my feet. Soon I was gliding down the line clutching my paddle with Lopez, one of the best tube riders and most respected surfers in the world, behind me. A party wave. Until I nearly nailed the guy sitting on the inside, and I bailed out of the wave to avoid a massive collision.

It would be my last wave during a magical surf trip to Mexico that introduced me to an upscale and unexpected side of our neighboring country – a coastal haven that gave me a newfound perspective on a region that has suffered blows to tourism and its image over the past few years.

That was a trip I’ll never forget.

Mark your calendars, the new dates are for Oct. 20 – 22. The cost for the 3-day clinic – where you’ll take yoga classes each day hosted by Gerry, get personalized lessons and have many cocktails in between – is $1,395. That cost doesn’t include flight or accommodations.

Here’s a bit more of a description about the trip from organizers:

After a unforgettable day on the water, evenings will be filled with dinner and social functions including a slideshow of Gerry’s life in surfing.  Clinic Director, Dennis Oliphant proclaimed, “This is a awesome opportunity to learn from one of the greatest surfers of all time. In fact, it is truly a chance of a lifetime for those wishing to learn or improve standup paddle surfing and their overall health and wellness, as Gerry epitomizes the wholeness of a healthy surf lifestyle.

Gerry will offer personalized standup paddle (SUP) instruction, as well as lead morning yoga classes and the clinic will explore water lifestyle with discussions including diet, yoga, longevity and Gerry’s own philosophy. This clinic is the ultimate invitation for those who want to improve their Paddle Surfing alongside one of the greatest surfers of all time.

Spots are limited, sign up here.

For more information on the Gerry Lopez Paddle Surf Lifestyle Clinic contact: Dennis Oliphant, 800-770-2161 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

The clinic is limited to just twelve participants and includes:

7:00am – Yoga Stretching Session

8:30am – Breakfast on the rooftop

9:15am – Get ready to surf – equipment tweaking, Q and A, etc.

9:30am – Morning session begins

1:00pm – Lunch

3:00pm – Afternoon session begins

5:00pm – Free time to practice/surf, sunbathe or relax.

6:00pm – Land session – Various topics (equipment, surf etiquette, technique, etc.)

7:00pm – Dinner

8:30pm (20th) – Talking Waves, slideshow by Gerry

Posted in: Beach culture • Events • SUP • Surfing

http://beach.orangecounty.com/2011/08/23/spots-open-for-gerry-lopez-standup-paddle-camp-in-mexico/38683/

Duke's Oceanfest 2011 Sup Show

Paddle Surfing : SUPZilla - 25 feet long, 11 paddlers, unofficial world record.

Credit: Bernie Baker

HONOLULU - August 26, 2011 - Stand-up paddling (SUP) took center-stage at the 10th Annual Duke's OceanFest celebration in Waikiki today, with a super-charged series of showcase events in the Go Pro Presents C4 Waterman SUP Surf-Off & SUP Race. Stand-up paddling, now widely and wildly accepted around the world, was invented by Waikiki's original Beachboys, none more famous than Duke Kahanamoku himself.

Above: SUP Surf-Off Finalists L to R: Kaleopa'a, Willis, Vierra & Napoleon

Credit: Bernie Baker

Today's competition covered the gamut from serious surfing and speed-sprint courses to a little SUPZilla tomfoolery (pictured at bottom) thrown in for good record-setting measure.

World class SUP racer Connor Baxter sliced and diced the sprint field; Alika Willis posted a heart-warming surf win; and a hearty workout was had by all aboard the world's largest SUP board 'SUPZilla' as it engulfed the Queens Surf lineup en-route to posting an unofficial world title: Most surfers to ride a wave on one SUP board - 15.

But hype and hilarity aside, the day belonged to Alika Willis, who demonstrated how a passion for the ocean can change your life - something Duke Kahanamoku effectively shared with the world.

Willis entered his first SUP competition at Duke's OceanFest two years ago. He came close to last, but won the prestigious C4 Waterman "Spirit of Duke" Award for sportsmanship and heart.

Two years later, 25 pounds lighter, exponentially fitter, and focused on living everyday with aloha, Willis took first place in the SUP Surf-Off.

Rival competitor and fellow-finalist Kalani Vierra knew how hard Willis had worked for it, however, having helped him to train, focus and shed the pounds leading up to today's events.

"Quit soda, quit mayonnaise, quit ketchup," said Willis, speaking of some of his secrets to success. "I gave myself a chance to get healthy and get competitive.

"I never knew Duke but I remember being three years old and being at his funeral. He was aloha. The aloha spirit is very important because it brings camaraderie and sportsmanship to the sport and helps it to grow. Duke Kahanamoku was just like that."

The sportsmanship and camaraderie of Duke's OceanFest continue tomorrow with the Duke's Waikiki Ocean Mile Swim; the Hawaiian Airlines Duke's Legends Surf Classic; and Outrigger Canoe Wave Surfing Exhibition; the Kona Longboard Lager Invitational Beach Volleyball Tournament; the Maui Jim presents 2011 Hawaii Paddleboard Championship (Duke's Race); and the Hawaiian 105KINE Great Hawaiian Luau at the Waikiki Aquarium at 6pm.

RESULTS:

Surfers shown in order of 1st through 4th, from Hawaii unless noted otherwise.

GO PRO PRESENTS C4 WATERMAN SUP SURF-OFF

Surfers listed in order of 1st place, 2nd,, 3rd...

FINAL:

1st: Alika Willis, $300

2nd: Aaron Napoleon

3rd: JP Kaleopa'a

4th: Kalani Vierra

Semi-Finals:

H1: JP Kaleopa'a; Alika Willis; Greg Pavao; Connor Baxter; Tony Moniz; Evann Yamada

H2: Aaron Napoleon; Kalani Vierra; Dave Parmenter; Kamu Auwae; Noa Ginella; Kekoa Auwae

Quarter Finals:

H1: Alika Willis; Connor Baxter; Evann Yamada; Halie Harrison; Vanina Walsh; Ed Wheeler

H2: Greg Pavao; JP Kaleopa'a; Tony Moniz; Sam Pae; Dino Miranda; Mariko Stickland

H3: Kalani Vierra; Aaron Napoleon; Kekoa Auwae; Jen Koki; Riggs Napoleon; Noland Keaulana

Round 1:

H1: Halie Harrison; Evann Yamada; Ed Wheeler; Chad Chapman

H2: Alika Willis; Connor Baxter; Vanina Walsh; Robert Stehlik

H3: Dino Miranda; Sam Pae; Mariko Stickland; Keoa Abbey

H4: Tony Moniz; JP Kaleopa'a; Greg Pavao; Jennifer Lee

H5: Noland Keaulana; Riggs Napoleon; Aaron Napoleon; Kevin Seid

H6: Kekoa Auwae; Kalani Vierra; Jen Koki; David Cordell

H7: Kamu Auwae; Cole Pavao; Keola Auwae; Brett Huf

H8: Dave Parmenter; Candice Appleby; Noa Ginella; Kurt Tolzmann

Go Pro Presents C4 Waterman Surf Sup Race

Racers listed in order of 1st place, 2nd,, 3rd...

Men:

Round 1

H1: Greg Pavao; Robert Stehlik; Ed Wheeler

H2: Connor Baxter; Noland Keaulana; Kalani Vierra

H3: Noa Ginella; Cole Pavao; Kekoa Auwae

H4: Aaron Napoleon; Sepa Napoleon; Kalei Abbey

Semi-Finals:

H1: Connor Baxter; Kalani Vierra; Noland Keaulana; Kamu Auwae; Robert Stehlik; Dave Parmenter

H2: Aaron Napoleon; Cole Pavao; Sepa Napoleon; Noa Ginella; Alika Willis; Keoa Abbey

FINAL:

1st: Connor Baxter, $200

2nd: Noland Keaulana

3rd: Noa Ginella

Women's Final:

1st: Candice Appleby

2nd: Jennifer Lee

3rd: Jen Koki

Juniors Final:

1st: Riggs Napoleon

2nd: Keola Auwae

3rd: Christopher Bluthardt

DUKE'S OCEANFEST

www.dukefoundation.org

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Saturday, August 27:

Duke's Waikiki Ocean Mile Swim

Hawaiian Airlines Duke's Legends Surf Classic.

Outrigger Canoe Wave Surfing Exhibition.

Kona Longboard Lager Invitational Beach Volleyball Tournament.

Maui Jim presents 2011 Hawaii Paddleboard Championship - Duke Race.

Hawaiian 105KINE Great Hawaiian Luau at the Waikiki Aquarium, 6pm.

Sunday, August 28:

Outrigger Hotels & Resorts Surfboard Water Polo, Kapahulu Breakwall

Kahala Waterman's Challenge, Fort DeRussy Beach, 3pm.

In Hawai'i we greet friends, loved ones and strangers with Aloha, which means with love. Aloha is the key word to the universal spirit of real hospitality, which makes Hawai'i renowned as the world's center of understanding and fellowship.

Try meeting or leaving people with Aloha.

You'll be surprised by their reaction.

I believe it and it is my creed.

Aloha to you.

Duke Paoa Kahanamoku

Stand-up paddleboard contest to make waves in Brevard

By Tammy Roberts

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A new kind of surf contest is coming to the Space Coast, thanks to one beachside company.

Riding His Waters, an Indialantic-based paddleboard business, will host the 2011 Summer SUP Throwdown surf contest Saturday, Aug. 27 at Boardwalk Beach.

The first-ever event will feature paddleboarders in three divisions: men's, women's and youth 15 and younger.

"To my knowledge, this contest is the first of its kind all together in the state," said Hans Wagner, owner of Riding His Waters. "Were expecting participants from throughout Florida. This is a really cool way to support a charity, while uniting the paddleboard community for a fun, family-friendly day."

The event, which will take place in the ocean in the town of Indialantic, is set up like a surfing contest, featuring various rounds or "heats."

Participants will be judged on their style and performance on the waves and advance in the contest until the top winners in each division are determined.

The funds raised during the event will be donated to NANA's House, a nonprofit, private Christian home for neglected, abused, needy and abandoned children in Brevard County.

With roots in Polynesian heritage, stand-up paddleboarding, also known as "SUP," is quite popular on the West Coast, but has emerged along the East Coast in recent years.

A longtime dream of his, Mr. Wagner founded his Christian-based company last July and has since provided eco-friendly paddleboard adventure tours and lessons to people of all ages throughout Brevard and beyond. He does so primarily in the Indian River Lagoon, as well as the Sebastian Inlet area, Mangrove Canal and Banana River.

One of the most common misconceptions of stand-up paddleboarding is that it's difficult to do, Mr. Wagner said.

"When in reality, it's a sport that people of all ages can perform with absolutely zero experience," he said. "You can take the average Joe, couch potato, and put him on a paddleboard, and he can do it 15 minutes."

Stuart resident Phil Galdys became involved in the sport four years ago and paddles everywhere from Volusia to Palm Beach counties in the river, as well as the ocean.

"I met someone at a sandbar with a paddleboard, asked if I could try it and have been addicted ever since," Mr. Galdys said. "Personally, I haven't perfected surfing waves. I much prefer long-distance paddles. Occasionally, I will have amazing encounters with manatee, sea turtles and dolphin."

Unlike other sports, paddleboarding is not this elite club, Mr. Galdys said.

"I enjoy participating in the events like this because the community of people associated with this sport are warm and enthusiastic to teach the ropes to any newcomer," he said. "I encourage everyone to find a local rental shop, grab a board and take a quick lesson. You will be standing in seconds."

A surfer for the past 25 years, Mr. Wagner took up paddleboarding five years ago and has also been hooked ever since.

"I think for me, the joy of watching someone experience the sport for the first time and the feeling of standing on water like never before, is what I enjoy most," he said.

The 2011 Summer SUP Throwdown surf contest will be Saturday, Aug. 27 at 8 a.m. at Boardwalk Beach in Indialantic.

Entry fees are $30 per person and include a contest T-shirt. Stand-up paddleboards are available for $20 for the day, in addition to the entry fee.

To register, to become a sponsor, or for more information, contact Hans Wagner at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (321) 720-1559.

http://www.myhometownnews.net/index.php?id=83638