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Written by Reid Inouye
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Sunday, 06 June 2010 19:29 |
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One of the easiest ways to redirect your board from the stand-still position is the simple “triangle turn.” I saw Ikaika Kalama do this last summer and it took me months to figure it out. By learning the concepts behind these simple steps, you may figure this out in minutes. I call this a triangle turn because you are simply drawing a triangle in the water with your paddle blade and redirecting yourself.

1 // Start by keeping your feet in the parallel position with your paddle flat to the back of your board, about 12 inches from your feet. Simply push out toward the front of your board as far as you can reach by pushing with your bottom hand forward while pulling with your top hand. The nose of your board will start to pull toward your outreach as the tail of the board spins out.
 2 // With your paddle out from your board, pull your bottom hand toward the nose like you are trying to flatten the blade along the rail. Once again, feel your board spin toward your right side.
 3 // With your paddle back in the stroke position, push forward and pull back with your top hand. Your board will have turned at least 270 degrees from the starting point. With more practice in flat water, you should be able to redirect it into a full 360-degree spin.
WITH PRACTICE YOU SHOULD LEARN THIS STROKE IN DAYS, NOT MONTHS.
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Written by Kialoa Paddles
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Monday, 17 May 2010 10:53 |
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Un-topped paddles with full carbon shafts are available in two height ranges: SHORT and LONG.
SHORT: A short, un-topped paddle can build paddle sizes of 66”—76” ONLY, covering people who are approximately 5’—5’8” tall.
LONG: A long, un-topped paddle can build paddle sizes 76”—86” ONLY, covering people who are approximately 5’8”—6’8” tall.
WARNING: Do not cut sizes shorter than specified range. Due to the taper in the shaft the T-top will NOT FIT if you cut any carbon shaft down more than 10 inches.
 1 // sizing: First determine the size for your customer by adding 6”—10” to their overall height. If your customer is more frequently in the surf, lean toward the shorter end of the range for quicker maneuverability on the waves.
 2 // Cut paddle to desired height. For the carbon shafts, we recommend a band saw or wet tile saw. For the aluminum shafts, a hacksaw is fi ne. Make sure it is an even cut to allow the T-top to rest fl at. Do not clamp tube/shaft in a vise on a carbon shaft as this may cause it to collapse.

3 // Lightly sand outside of shaft where it will be inserted into the T-top. This creates texture to which the glue will adhere.


4, 5 // Insert the foam plug into the end of the shaft until flush with the top of the shaft.
 

6, 7, 8 // Use regular setting two-part epoxy glue. Coat the inside of the T-top as well as the sanded portion of the shaft to be inserted into the T-top and coat top of foam plug. Make sure to use an adequate amount of glue to ensure an air-tight seal. Failure to do so may cause water to leak into the shaft.
IMPORTANT: Orient the flat side of the T-top facing the front of the blade (the side with logo sticker). After firmly pressing the T-top into place, look down the shaft to ensure the T-top is parallel to the blade.
 

9, 10, 11 // Excess glue should seep out from where the T-top meets the shaft. Clean excess glue from around the seal with a paper towel. An even amount of glue seeping out from the T-top is an indication of a good seal. If none seeps out it is likely not enough glue was used.

12 // Stand paddle upright, stabilize the blade so it won’t move, and let it dry overnight.
FOR FURTHER HELP CONTACT KIALOA PADDLES AT: 541.382.5355 OR EMAIL:
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Written by Ekolu Kalama
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Friday, 30 April 2010 19:57 |
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As told to Standup Paddle Magazine by Ekolu Kalama

The distance or power stroke is basically used by canoe paddlers when doing long runs, racing across open oceans or waterway sprints. By using the proper technique, applying power to your paddling and engaging your entire body into the stroke, you will be able to apply pressure against the competition and allow yourself quicker times when doing point-to-point paddling.
1 // In this shot, Ekolu will combine his 6’3” height with his paddle length of 87” to reach out to the furthest point he can. This will set himself up for a powerful stroke. Notice how his left hand extends over the right side of his board. He will also be using his left lat, abs, back, shoulders, and arms to pull himself into the upright position. The same holds true while paddling on the other side.
2 // Now, you can see him leaning into a 75-degree angle, applying full body pressure instead of using just his arms while his top hand is actually rotating in a circle as he strokes. On his right side his top-hand rotation goes counter-clockwise and on his left side he rotates clockwise. At this point he already has momentum and can fire off each stroke at a pretty rapid pace without struggling to find a constant rhythm or applying more energy than he should.
3 // Now it is time for the recovery, Ekolu is upright again with his blade angled in the feather position. He will direct his attention into the next stroke while maintaining his speed. If he wants to maintain speed, he minimizes power into his next stroke. If he wants to increase speed, he will push harder into it. For Ekolu, speed means he will be decreasing his race time and will be overtaking other paddlers.
The distance stroke also makes for a higher-quality paddle workout. Done correctly, it will make you into a much stronger paddler. |
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Written by Fox Lach
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Saturday, 10 April 2010 00:28 |
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There are several ways to carry your board. Some are easy, some are for more experienced paddlers.
The Carry Handle Slot The easy way out is the slot. If you have purchased a board with a center slot, it’s pick up and go. When selecting a board, make sure you can lift it from the side. A slot is good if you can handle the weight, less so if you can only carry the board 20 feet from lift off.

A slot is good if you can handle the weight.

Shoulder Carry Shoulder carrying is an all-around technique to use with any board. If you’ve been paddling for a while and want to advance your SUP carrying technique, follow these tips. Be careful if there’s wind.
1 // Finding the center, lift from the back so you can leverage the board with balance.

2,3,4 // As you lift your board from hands, slide it to your upper arm and balance it from outside the shoulder and head.
 

5,6 // Once balanced, you can now kneel down to pick up your paddle and head out to the water. Do not use this technique in the wind. If you are a novice paddler, establish this method in knee- to waist-deep water to prevent board damage.
 
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Written by Fox Lach
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Wednesday, 07 April 2010 00:35 |
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If you are trying to improve your paddle stroke for speed and power, Jim Terrell from Quick Blade Paddles has some easy tips for you.

1 // CATCH: The beginning of the stroke, when the blade first enters the water. Be sure to drive the blade deep into the water before pulling. Extend to a comfortable reach but don’t try to over-reach.

2 // POWER PHASE: The driving of the board forward, past the submerged paddle blade. Be sure to concentrate on driving yourself past the paddle blade, not pulling the blade through the water. Use your upper body and shoulder rotation for power and use your arms as extensions from the shoulders. Your body is more powerful than your arms. Try to keep your top hand over your bottom hand during the pull to allow more strokes per side. The paddle is most efficient when it is vertical or has a positive angle, like at the beginning of the stroke. The power phase should finish at your feet when standing. Pulling back too far will only cause deceleration between strokes.
 
3,4 // EXIT: The end of the stroke, when the blade is released from the water. Take your paddle out at your feet. This will allow you to start your next stroke sooner and the board will not decelerate as much between strokes. Be sure to exit by dropping your top hand downward, not by lifting the lower hand up. This is a more relaxing way to exit and will also help get the blade out of the water clean and fast.
 
5,6 // RECOVERY: The return of the blade back to the start of the stroke. Point your thumb forward on the recovery to allow the blade to “feather” on the return. This will allow the blade to be in the most aerodynamic position on the recovery. This is particularly important when paddling into the wind. Loosen your shoulders (don’t shrug) on the recovery to give your body a relaxed feeling in between strokes. Don’t rush it—a nice, smooth recovery will help the next stroke be more powerful. |
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