Pt. Conception

part of this
Jumping in the water at Pt. Conception for the 46 mile paddle back to Santa Barbara. Check out the light house in the background. This point is known for being really rough and nasty year round. The paddle back took us 12 hours and we all had a blast. We did this to raise money for a friend that had terminal cancer. He passed away shortly after. It was an honor to be a part of this event and I was so happy to help his family.

Some more California heat

Most folks I know ask me if we actually catch waves on our big ol SUP boards. Sometimes we do, I say with a grin. They have no idea what they are missing. My friend Steve busting a move at an undisclosed local break.

Michael Robertson

A few people have asked me about the surf pics. Who took the shots and what kind of camera they ask? Well if you look at my early posts, you know, the blurry and fuzzy ones, I took those with my Pentax Optio. It's a small waterproof pocket camera. The clear nice pics were taken by Michael Robertson. He has a big fancy expensive camera and he learned how to use it at Brooks. You can see more of his stuff at www.globaleyephotography.com. I might be able to dig up a few more SUP picks by Michael. If so I will post them.

Sporting some wood

Two of these paddles belong to my kids and one is my back up. Two are made from wind surfing masts and outrigger paddles. The other is made from fiberglass and a wood pole. These worked much better than using an old canoe paddle our an aluminum boat oar.

Old School?

Just two short years ago most guys here in SB were using the 12' "Soft Tops" for SUP. These bad boys are only 26" wide and not very thick. Using one was like tryting to balance on a 9 year old's surfboard after drinking a few beers. Actually I did try that once but that's another story. We also used paddles made from outrigger paddles and wind surfing masts. Our boy Ryan shown here in the pic is still using the Soft Top and homemade paddle and making it look good. Hey Ryan, when you're ready to upgrade, there has been a lot of progress in the SUP boards and paddles the past two years. It's unbeliveable how far this sport has come in that very short time!!

Storm window

"-We'll rail on through to surf and tangair and on down by the sea-The moon she shines the midnight ocean goin down the line-Gavioty, Govioty, O Gavi-oty, Singin and drinkin wine-Camarilla, Camarilla,Where Charley Parker went mad. We'll roll on to L.A-O midnight, midnight, midnight ghost, rollen down the line. Saint Terese Sainte Terese, don't you worry, We'll make it on time, down that midnight line..............Jack Kerouac.

Steve "StyleMaster" Marsh

Not bad for an old fart eh!! And to think we just got into this sport for some flat water exercise.

Sooooo Smooth!!

It doesn't get any glassier than this. Nuff said!!

California Gold

It's easy to forget about all the sore shoulders, ribs and pulled muscles you get from paddle surfing when you score a day like this.

California glass