Southeast Stand Up Paddleboarding (Other relative watersports)

Board Review: Paddling the Fanatic Fly Race on Lake Murray

Allen Hutto — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:17:46 GMT

Board Review: Fanatic Fly Race 12'6"

Length: 12'6"
Width: 30.5"
Volume: 254 liters

I have been paddling a Fanatic Fly Race 12'6" on Lake Murray for over six months now, and have put a lot of miles on it. I really like the board. It's an excellent cruising/touring board for the lake...and it's fast (it does have RACE in the name, after all). The Fly Race has done really well in races around the Southeast. It won the Columbia Canal SUP race and beat a Starboard K-15 in a race in the Atlanta area. But it's not a super delicate and tippy race board, despite its speed.

The Fly Race is a displacement nose style board--the nose is like a canoe or kayak, not like a surfboard--which is ideal for paddling on flatwater. A displacement nose extends the waterline of the board, which makes it faster. It also punches through chop rather than slapping like a surfboard type nose, which steals your energy. A displacement nose really is best for flatwater, but you do lose some surfing ability, which is not really a big deal if you live and do most of your paddling in Columbia, SC. And hey, if you want to surf down at Folly, you can always buy another board!

A lot of paddlers will really value the stability of this board. It's pretty wide for a raceboard at 30.5", which means you don't have to pay constant attention to not falling off the board. That stability also means it's not as tiring to paddle as a narrower board because your legs aren't working as hard. It's also very stable in the cross chop and boat wakes that are so frequently encountered on summer weekends at Lake Murray. The big squared off tail makes the board easy to pivot turn. I've noticed on boards with a narrow tail, like the Starboard Pin, you lose a lot of stability when you sink the tail to pivot the board around.

The Fly Race is fairly high volume at 254 liters, so it has good weight carry capacity. One thing I really like about the volume of the board is that my feet stay dry except on really choppy days. That's a nice thing when you paddle a lot in the winter like I do.

A lot of "race" boards will get a ding if you look at them too hard. Well, Fanatic builds a bombproof board. I used this board in a lot of demo days and lessons last year, and it got slammed into a dock on many occasions by SUP beginners. I cringed at this more times than I can count, but guess what...no dings! I'm still surprised the nose is intact and not banged up. Impressive construction.

I have found that the best standing position in glassy conditions is to have my heels level with the front end of the carrying handle. This gets the nose down in contact with the water (maximize that waterline length) but not so far water comes over the nose. In windy and choppy conditions I move back about 4-6 inches, so the nose doesn't punch straight into a wave. This is a good position for riding wind swell going downwind also.

So, it's a fast, stable stand up paddle board that you don't have to worry about banging up. What more could you ask for a SUP on Lake Murray?

Whitecap SUP Roun' da Island Tour 2012 Update

Danny Johnson — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:02:24 GMT

First Attempt Date: March 24, 2012

Haaay, mon… you betta get roun’ da island before da world ends, mon!

Be a part of Whitecap SUP’s GOLDEN ISLES “Roun’ da Island Tour” SERIES

ROUN’ da ISLAND Series** – 2012 – The Sea Island Tour

It’s an SUP excursion of 17 miles around beautiful Sea island, GA. ANYBODY can do this! It’s about 6 to 7 hours duration. It’s and adventure, an accomplishment, a challenge perhaps. Get in at the beginning of the whole Golden Isles Roun’ da Island Series! This is Tour #1, the shortest of the Golden Isles Series -- accessible to most anyone!!

The route begins with a launch from in front of the East Beach Surf Sailors boatyard on St Simons (at the Coastguard Station), then we paddle northward up the front of Sea island, turning west into the mouth of the Hampton River to Village Creek where we turn south and continue around the backside of Sea island, eventually landing back at our original starting point on East Beach of St Simons at the Surf Sailors boatyard.

This is NOT a race. Heck, it ain’t even a rush. We take our time, observe, and appreciate where we are along the way. Rest, refreshment, and lunch stops are in the scheduled estimated total time. It’s fun…and a way to see your world in a different way. (Maybe it’s time to see yourself in a different way, huh?) When we get back, it’s glory time at a cook out in the Surf Sailors lovely boat yard! Sit down—YES! -- get a tall drink, talk about the day with your brothas and sistas.

Sound like something you want to be a part of! You ain’t got but this one life. Do it!

>> Cost is $30 (covers the tee-shirt, snacks, gas and tip for the on-call boat support, food for the after-cookout)

>> Displacement hull SUP’s (touring and race boards) are NOT required; but bigger, floaty boards are a good idea if it’s a planning hull.

>> Whitecap may be able to provide you a board, if needed. Call us early.

>> We will have boat support, not accompanying us but on-call, in case of emergency or threatening weather.

>> There are “bail out” points at the 5 mile and 12 mile point, if you feel it necessary to abandon the tour.

**This event is the re-launching – a new beginning, if you will, of the entire GOLDEN ISLES “Roun’ da Island” Series. Future tours, taking place over the next couple of years, will include one each of the Golden Isles. After this Spring’s Sea Island Tour of 17 miles, we will do Jekyll Island at 18 miles, then Little St Simons at 26 miles, then St Simons Island at 36 miles, and concluding with the big kahuna of Golden Isles – Cumberland at 45.6 miles. The next tour in the Series, after Sea Island, may possibly be later in 2012 or it may be in early 2013. We’ll keep you informed, for sure. Be a part of “the big picture”, as they say – do the whole Series, baby!

Whitecap SUP Roun' da Island Tour 2012

Danny Johnson — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:27:27 GMT

An SUP excursion of 26 miles into the wilds of the Golden Isles!** ANYBODY can do this! It’s an adventure --about 7 hours duration. It’s also an accomplishment, a challenge perhaps. But this distance is accessible to most anyone!! The route is from in front of the East Beach Surf Sailors yard on St Simons (at the Coastguard Station), northward in front of Sea island, past the mouth of the Hampton River, up the front side of Little St Simons, continuing in a circumnavigation of Little St Simons, and then back down the front side of Sea Island back to East Beach at the Surf Sailors boatyard.

>> Cost is $30 (covers the tee-shirt, snacks, gas and tip for the on-call boat support, food for the after-cookout)

>> Displacement hull SUP’s (touring and race boards) are NOT required; but bigger, floaty boards are if it’s a planning hull.

>> Whitecap may be able to provide you a board, if needed. Call us early.

>> We will have boat support, not accompanying us but on-call, in case of emergency or threatening weather.

>> There are “bail out” points at the 6 mile and 19 mile point, if you feel it necessary to abandon the tour.

**Little St Simons is a nature preserve, only accessible by boat, with an exclusive resort on it. It gets very limited visitation. It teems with wild life typical of the coastal low county – and some not so typical. Last year’s Roun’ da Island Tour was a 10 mile longer trek, a circumnavigation around St Simons – 35.9 miles -- that took 11 hours and 20 minutes.

E-Commerce Site is now up and running

Danny Johnson — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:59:37 GMT

Finally our e-commerce site is up and running, check it out at Shop With Us or shop with us on Facebook at Shop With Us on Facebook .

Board Review: Pau Hana Malibu 10'8"

Allen Hutto — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 12:58:00 GMT

Manufacturer: Pau Hana
Length: 10'8"
Width: 30"
Thickness: 4.5"

I have to admit that I had low expectations for this board. However, after paddling it regularly for a month, I have been pleasantly surprised. We were looking for a low-end, entry level stand up paddle board to stock, and the price on the Malibu is hard to beat. It's a soft-top board rather than a hard epoxy board, so a beginner doesn't have to be very careful with it. You can also paddle it in rocky rivers without worrying about dinging the board. That's what really interested me--I have been a whitewater kayaker for many years, and wanted to give whitewater SUP a try. But more on that later...let's talk first about the basic characteristics and performance of the Malibu.

The Malibu is 10'8", which means that it is on the short end of the scale for my recommendations for SUP in Columbia and Lake Murray (see my earlier post about finding the right board for conditions around the midlands). The 30" width and 4.5" also mean that it is in the mid-range as far as paddler weight capacity. I would say 185 lbs. would probably be about the maximum paddler weight I would recommend. The board is relatively light and an easy carry for most people. The board looks good with its blue and white striped deck.

Jumping up on the board, the first impression is that this is a very stable stand up paddleboard. The Malibu has a flat bottom and the volume is carried all the way to the bottom with its sharp rails; this gives the board a solid steady feel under your feet. The EVA deck covering gives very good traction.

Paddling forward, the Malibu does accelerate more slowly than an epoxy board, and the top end also feels lower than an epoxy board. It's no speed demon, but I was able to paddle a mile up the Saluda River against current and the wind without trouble.

You may have noted in the pictures that the board has a tiny fin, which is also fairly flexible. The manufacturer apparently did this so the board could be paddled in shallow and rocky areas, and this is certainly a good feature for whitewater and Columbia rivers like the Saluda, Broad, and Congaree. The board has a standard fin box, so the stock fin can be replaced with a larger one for better tracking. That being said, the Malibu with the stock fin is not a strong tracking board. I found myself getting in about 3-4 strokes before changing sides, and the nose does wander some without corrective strokes. A beginner may find that the stock fin does not provide the tracking they want, and I would definitely recommend a larger replacement.

The upside of the Malibu's small fin is that the board is very maneuverable. A cross bow turning stroke will whip the board around almost 180 degrees. The maneuverability is nice when paddling up small creeks and exploring. Pivot turns are a little odd because the board is soft and somewhat flexible: moving to the tail will spin the board around faster, but it doesn't really lift the nose that much!

My real interest in the Malibu was in paddling some whitewater. This is where, for me, the board really shines. The construction and small flexible fin means you don't have to worry about hitting rocks, which is a big deal with our very shallow rapids in the Saluda, Broad, and Congaree. The board's stability is very helpful when current is pushing against the board--you still need to be careful about edge control, but it's not as critical as with a couple of other boards I've tried. The maneuverability and stability make eddy turns a pleasure.

The best feature of this board, as far as I am concerned, is that the Malibu loves to surf a standing wave in whitewater. The wide flat profile gives plenty of planing surface and the sharp rails provide excellent water release, making this board capable of surfing fast standing waves we have on the Saluda. If you look at the Malibu from the side, you can see that the nose has a good bit of rocker, which means that the nose doesn't quickly pearl on a standing wave. Waves that just aren't that much fun in a whitewater kayak can be a blast on the Malibu, and I have really enjoyed paddling it.

The Bottom Line
The Malibu provides an excellent and inexpensive entry level board for a beginner if you add a bigger fin. It's very stable and no need to worry about the kids knocking a hole in it while crashing into the dock. For an experienced paddler, the Malibu offers the opportunity to enjoy paddling Columbia rivers without worrying about rocks, and it's a great whitewater board. While we don't have large standing waves here like the rivers up in the mountains, we do have some that are still a lot of fun to play on. Who says you can't surf in Columbia?

Columbia/Lake Murray: Finding the Right Board

Allen Hutto — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 20:22:00 GMT

Everybody knows that finding the right board is key for enjoying SUP. However, there are a lot of beginners who simply aren't sure what "the right board" is. For example, I saw a guy yesterday who was having a lot of trouble staying up on the board he was on. Wasn't his fault...the board simply did not have enough volume to provide the stability he needed, and it was a pretty narrow board. Now, he was a beginner, and if he had been an experienced paddler and wanted more of a performance surfing board, he might have been okay. So, "the right board" can change, depending on what you are going to ask of it. In this post, I will try to provide some assistance in finding the right paddleboard for conditions found on Lake Murray. I am going to make some gross generalizations (and assume the reader is a beginner), but here goes...

These are the main parameters that you look for in a board:

Length: this dimension governs two performance characteristics of the board--tracking and speed. A longer board tracks better (goes in a straight line) and is faster. On flatwater like the lake, those are two things you want because you are going to spend most of your time going in a straight line. Better tracking means you aren't continually switching sides every 2-3 strokes to keep the board going straight, so it's more efficient and less tiring. Also, when I say "faster", that is true, but "glides better" is perhaps a more appropriate term. That means you are putting less effort into keeping the board moving, which means you can go further with less effort. The maximum length on most recreational SUP's is going to be 12'6". You do see boards longer than that, but they are almost exclusively race type boards. My opinion is that there is really no reason to have a board shorter than 10'6" on the lake. I would recommend a board in the 11'-12' length for most people using it around Columbia and on Lake Murray.

Width: this dimension has the most effect on stability. A wider board is more stable. However, you don't want it too wide because it may become inefficient for your size and--more annoying--you will constantly be smacking the side of the board with your paddle. My recommendation for most people here is going to depend on size. If you are a big guy (over 200 lbs.) you probably will want a 31-32" wide board. Smaller paddlers will generally want a board in the 30" range.

Thickness: this measurement is going to be connected with volume, but is measured at only the thickest part of the board. A pretty good measure of weight-carrying capacity. Most boards will be in the 4"-5" range. Heavier paddlers, of course, will likely want a thicker board.

Volume: the easiest way to think about this is how much space is contained in the board. You can equate this measurement with the "floatiness" of the board. The more volume, the more weight it can float...which is true. Keep in mind, however, that volume is subject to significant variances caused by the length and width of a board.

The Bottom Line: what's the right board for Lake Murray? For a woman paddler weighing 135 lbs., I would say a 11'X30" board. For a 200lb. guy, a 12'X32" board. Those are "ball-park" estimates, and subject to paddler preference, The best advice I can give you? Paddle as many boards as you can before you buy. Don't forget that Whitecap SUP does demo days at the lake with a very wide variety of boards for you to try.

Why Stand Up Paddleboard Instead of Kayak in Columbia?

Allen Hutto — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 01:19:33 GMT

In my first post, I answered the question of "can you stand up paddleboard in Columbia". Now, let's look into the WHY of paddleboarding in the Columbia/Lake Murray area. There are lots of people who kayak in Columbia on the lake, Saluda, Congaree, etc.--why not just get a kayak? I believe I can speak to this with some authority because there are 5 kayaks in my garage right now. So, why not just be satisfied with a kayak?

Simplicity. The only thing you need for getting on the water with a SUP is the board, paddle, and life jacket. To take my touring kayak out on the lake, I have a 60 lb. boat, paddle, life jacket, sprayskirt, bilge pump, and paddle float. It takes a lot longer to get all this stuff off the car and get into the water, put the skirt on, etc. In one trip from the car, and without damaging my back, I can get my SUP to the dock and jump on and go.

Weight. See 60 lb. kayak above. My SUP weighs 25 lbs.

Exercise. Paddling a SUP is more of a full body and core workout than paddling a kayak.

Going to the beach. Almost every SUP can be used to surf waves. It's a whole lot easier than doing it on a regular surfboard, and you can better surf typical small SC waves. Of course, you can also surf big hurricane swells at Folly Beach if so inclined (one of my favorite things).

Saluda River whitewater just got a lot more interesting. I got a little bored with kayaking on the Saluda several years ago. Not that it's a bad river at all, but Millrace and Pop-Up are about the only real entertainment. Paddling a SUP in whitewater takes it to a whole other level. All of a sudden, Class II rapids are interesting again...

There you have it. I don't mean to knock kayaking at all. Like I said, there are 5 kayaks in my garage right now. There are also certain things that a kayak does better, like paddling to a barrier island and camping out. And as of yet, there aren't any tandem paddleboards!

Can You Stand Up Paddleboard in Columbia, SC?

Allen Hutto — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 01:26:00 GMT

When I got my first Stand Up Paddleboard, I got some odd looks. People would ask what it was, and then say "you do that in Columbia?" Yes folks, believe it or not, Columbia, SC, the heart of the midlands, "Famously Hot", is a great place to SUP. We have a very large lake only 15 minutes from downtown, three rivers that actually go through downtown, as well as the Columbia Canal. We've got open water, flatwater, whitewater, and only 2 hours to some Folly Beach surf. And now, Whitecap Stand Up Paddleboards is operating in Columbia to bring you the best SUP gear. So, can you Stand Up Paddleboard in Columbia? You betcha!

Welcome our Lake Murry/Columbia SC Affiliate

Danny Johnson — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 22:34:24 GMT

Our first demo day at Lake Murray/Columbia SC demo event was a huge success and thanks to everyone for coming out. Allen is stoked to join the Whitecap team as we have now added this region to the SouthestActionSports Blog. Subscribe and stay tuned to the many upcoming events and Allen will be around for lessons and rentals so if you live in this region and interested in SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) contact him at allen@whitecapsup.com .

St. Simons Island Roun' Da Island Update, WE DID IT

Danny Johnson — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 22:28:57 GMT

Hey we made it ,11 hours 15 minutes -36 miles! The weather gave us a break and allowed to to succeed in our 2'nd attempt around the island. It was not an easy task... cramps, aches and pains, heat and horsefly's to deal with along with an uncooperative current on the southern leg. But we persevered in our endeavor to be the first to make it around in one day, we even did in a half a day, which we averaged 3.5 miles an hour to make it so. We are stoked we did it but it was a chore and not really fun.

Roun' da Island Tour– at St Simons Island, GA (2nd Attempt) Update

Danny Johnson — Tue, 03 May 2011 16:44:00 GMT

May 28, 2011 ~ Roun' da Island Tour– at St Simons Island, GA (2nd Attempt) Update

Hey, mon...it's a complete circumnavigation! 34 Miles around St Simons Island, GA - But dis ain't no Kingston-land clear-water island, bro...it's a south Georgia low-country Golden Isles, mon. It's what we got.. Once again we invite you to participate in person or in spirit -- and a $$ donation to our charitable beneficiaries -- in an adventurous effort to stand up paddle the complete circumference of St Simons Island, GA. Thirty four miles.

It can be done. (Some say it can't, but that's always so, we almost made it last time.) If you got the guts, you will reap the glory.

Charitable beneficiaries: Surfrider Foundation: Low Country/Coastal Georgia Chapter & Wounded Warrior Veterans Project -- Jacksonville/Brunswick

12 to 14 hours on the water. Rest, food, water and other support in route.
Dawn departure, near dusk return from North Hampton Marina
Fair weather only!!!! <> Rain or winds 10mph+ will abort the mission.
"Rain check" fall-back date -- TBA.
Participant fee -- $30 (covers expenses of support boat and personnel, food, ..and the T-SHIRT, dude!)
Event is restricted to Race Boards Only

Make a contribution to the Surf Rider Foundation

Make a contribution to the Wounded Warriors Project

Pay to register to join us here. Details will follow registration

A special thanks to our sponsors; Coastal Kitchen and Raw Bar and Dry Case and all the donations that contributed to our efforts. Its not to late contact us at 912-222-0673 or info@whitecapsup.com for sponsorship opportunities.

Whitecap Stand Up Paddleboarding

Roun' da Island Tour– at St Simons Island, GA (First Attempt)

Danny Johnson — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:20:00 GMT

RECAP: The idea was to bring awareness to the beautiful Golden Isles by circumnavigating St. Simons Island, GA on Stand Up Paddleboards and raise some money for Surf Rider Foundation (Low Country/Coastal Georgia Chapter) and the Wounded Warriors Veterans Project. Many locals say it can't be done, but we think differently, with the right weather, planning, stoke, luck and support it is possible. Hey, mon...it's a complete circumnavigation! 34 Miles around St Simons Island, GA - But dis ain't no Kingston-land clear-water island, bro...it's a south Georgia low-country Golden Isles, mon. It's what we got.. In an adventurous effort to stand up paddle the complete circumference of St Simons Island, GA. Thirty four miles the first attempt was made March 26, 2011. Our credo, it can be done. (Some say it can't, but that's always so.) If you got the guts, you will reap the glory.

It was a valiant effort! The day began with a beautiful sunrise, no wind and perfect calm water. The four of us (Lori Green-Hurley, Danny Johnson, Chuck Hardin and Sandra Van Camp)

stroked out the first 9 miles, from the East Beach boatyard to Fort Frederica in good time, working slightly against the tide and just barely behind schedule due to a late start . After a brief on-the-water break at Fort Frederica the tide began to run in our favor helping us reach the Hampton Marina at the north end of the Island on schedule andwe saw only five gators along the way. Thus far we were extremely confident having paddled a total of 21 miles from our starting point in one tide (7 Hours). As we enjoyed a much deserved lunch and rest we began to grow concerned about the freshing wind that we had yet to experience on the back side of the island, but we pressed on feeling great and very confident of doing the whole thing. As we rounded the last, northern most trees of St. Simons proper, we got smacked in the face with an unexpected 15 to 25 mph, SSE wind. This wind direction did not correspond with the forecasted Southwest 10-15 winds which we had expected and would have been less of a nuisance. Despite the unexpected wind we worked hard the next 5 miles or so, making it into the north entrance of Village Creek off the Hampton River between Sea Island and St. Simons Island, before a combination of unfortunate events required us to abort the attempt. It was getting critically late in the afternoon when we mistakenly took a wrong turn into the marsh against strengthening headwinds and currents that put us behind schedule over 25 minutes. Then just as we began the most difficult passage against the unavoidable, powerful out-flowing tide there, Chuck ducked into a small slough to check his GPS and fell off his board right over an oyster bed –OUCH! Cut his hand badly enough to make it impossible to proceed any further and necessitating the call for the rescue boat. We were greatly disappointed after coming so far (between 26 -27 miles), but we didn’t feel too bad. The wind had become the strongest it had been all day, at precisely the worst possible direction, at the worst possible point in the route. It had also become overcast and threatening thunderstorms prompted the original rescue boat to retreat. We probably weren't going to make it even to Gould’s Inlet before total darkness and then we would have that final mile and ½ into the open ocean to get back to the yard.

We are ready for the next attempt...but not quite yet! We know a lot more about what an undertaking this is. (Chuck will not eat oysters until we are successful!) We’re analyzing the tide charts and other factors to pick a good date and will let everyone know. Think about joining us! We know it can be done if we get some better luck with the weather. It will be done, so stay tuned, our next attempt will be announced soon.

Roun' da Island Tour– at St Simons Island, GA

Danny Johnson — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:49:00 GMT

May 15, 2011 ~ Roun' da Island Tour– at St Simons Island, GA (2nd Attempt)

It can be done. (Some say it can't, but that's always so, we almost made it last time.) If you got the guts, you will reap the glory.

Charitable beneficiaries: Surfrider Foundation: Low Country/Coastal Georgia Chapter & Wounded Warrior Veterans Project -- Jacksonville/Brunswick

12 to 14 hours on the water. Rest, food, water and other support in route.
Dawn departure, near dusk return from North Hampton Marina
Fair weather only!!!! <> Rain or winds 10mph+ will abort the mission.
"Rain check" fall-back date -- TBA.
Participant fee -- $30 (covers expenses of support boat and personnel, food, ..and the T-SHIRT, dude!)

Make a contribution to the Surf Rider Foundation

Make a contribution to the Wounded Warriors Project

Pay to register to join us here. Details will follow registration

A special thanks to our sponsors; Coastal Kitchen and Raw Bar and Dry Case and all the donations that contributed to our efforts. Its not to late contact us at 912-222-0673 or info@whitecapsup.com for sponsorship opportunities.

Whitecap Stand Up Paddleboarding

SUP Beach Rentals to Resume in April

Danny Johnson — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 19:46:00 GMT

Whitecap SUP daily beach rentals will resume in April 2011: East Beach, St. Simons Georgia.

Our Beach rental operation will resume in April 2011. Additionally our guided tours (Marsh, Little St. Simons Island) as well as our SUP wave clinics will begin at this time. We are still operating tours and lesson (by appointment only) during these winter months so please contact us for appointments. At the moment water temperature is 51 degrees so a good 5/3 wetsuit is advisable until the water warms up. We also have a limited supply of wetsuits for rent.

http://www.whitecapsup.com

Whitecap SUP Contest & Events

Danny Johnson — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:20:00 GMT

Having trouble viewing this post? Click here

Whitecap Stand Up Paddleboarding

Spring 2010

E V E N T S

and

We're giving some good stuff away!

Confirm you're on Whitecap's contact list by answering one easy contest question and you're entered in the drawing. Our 3 prize packages:

Werner SPANKER 100% carbon paddle, w/ cover* -- $316 value
<<<<>>>>
"Pro-Peller" Whitecap carbon-hybrid paddle, w/ cover* -- $166 value
<<<<>>>>
"I'm Going Out" SUP accessory kit w 2 dvd's, leash, blade cover, shirt* -- $120 value
(* or equivalent-value substitutes, with some restrictions, if you have already purchased these items from Whitecap.)

"The dreams of youth grow dim where they lie caked in dust on the shelves of patience." Sterling Hayden

Hang out with Whitecap! We'll help you shake off that dust!
SUP makes it possible to have a slice of surfing culture in YOUR life. In anyone's life... Anywhere... Everywhere. And to get this season rolling the right way, we want you to stay in the loop. We got a slate of cool events here, there and yonder throughout the year. And, to be sure the word gets out, we got some stuff to give away in a door-prize type drawing. The only way to get in on it is to confirm that you are on our contact list -- and if you're reading this, you probably are -- and answer our easy contest question: What is the "SUPer Secret Spot" of the Golden Isles? You may do both of these by jumping to this link -- Whitecap SUP doorprize drawing -- and following a few quick, easy steps. This will enter you in all 3 of the separate drawings over the next 3 weeks. Enuf said about that...so go to that page and check it out. You got a pretty darn good chance to win!

Whitecap Stand Up Paddle Boarding on Facebook

Saturday, March 13

"Pre-season SUP DEMO DAY"

East Beach, St Simons Island, GA

A low-key, day-long FREE demo event at the most user-freindly place to try SUP on the southern east coast. Just walk up and try one on for size! Whether you're a first-timer or experienced, we have something to show you. Over a dozen models in several brands. Flatwater and small waves are here. And it's always a beach party when Whitecap is making the scene. Come be with us!

Water will be still be quite cool. Bring wetwear but if you have none, don't let that stop you. We will have some wetsuits on hand you can borrow. If you are an "odd" size, you might want to give us a head's up, though. Plentiful close parking, nice bathrooms.
>> (We will not have wetwear for kids and we reserve the right to restrict or prohibit SUP activities with children on Whitecap equipement.)

April 17 - 18

"The SSI SUPer Festival"
East Beach, St Simons Island, GA

A full-on weekend-long event of stand up paddleboardingactivities. We plan to doit all on this one. Whether you're an experienced standup paddler, a wanna-beneophyte, a veteran lay-down surfer, or even a cross-over paddler from kayaking, or just love the water... and a BEACH PARTY! We'll have somethingfor you. East Beach is a sandbar-protected, semi-open ocean venue. A short paddle(or shuttle in our trailer) away is Gould's Inlet - the easiest place to learn to surfon the southeastern coast! Activities include:

> FREE demo of many SUP models andpaddles

> instruction, introduction to flatwater SUP

> introduction to wave riding, i.e.,SURFING!

> fun, informal SUP races

> tranquil, exploratory marsh floats

> outdoor video screening/cookout Sat.evening

> beach party by day, and

> nightlife...at night (Dancing at Ziggy's)

Come for some or come for all! While the demo andinstruction will be on-going all day long both days, we'll publish a detailedschedule of the special activities closer to the event date.

Activities are all FREE and well supervised for safety.Minimal charge for food only.

Plentiful close parking, comfortable bathrooms, andsuper-easy access to the beach. Events staged out of the St Simons Surf Sailorsboatyard right on the beach!

Kids welcome, but restrictions in SUP activities do apply tochildren, though.

Boards on hand for demo:
(at www.WhitecapSUP.com or click link)

Starboard:
DRIVE

   BLEND
   WHOPPER
   BIG EASY
   PIN (FreeRace)

Naish:
MANA

Fanatic:
   FLY 11'
   FLY 10'6"
   FLY 10'
Mistral:
   PACIFICO   PACIFICO SURF
Amundson: (soon to have)
   11'6"
   11'3"
   SUPERLIGHT 11'
Liquid Shredder
   12'
   10'

Remember, most all of these boards are set up to accept a windsurfing rig and they are excellent -- REALLY excellent -- light wind wave-sailing machines.

John Laing, above, is an instructor for Whitecap who lives on St Simons. He can get you out for SUP lessons or to demo boards most anytime, by appointment. Contact him through www.WhitecapSUP.com
ordirectly at

john@whitecapSUP.com
or at
404-229-9233

Whitecap SUP & Windsurfing
EVENT List 2010

March 13 -- "Pre-Season SUP FREE Demo Day" - at SSI, GA-- see above

April 17/18^th - The SSI SUPer Festival -

at SSI, GA -- see above

May 15/16 - Women's

SUP Experience, SSI, GA

May 22 - ACWA Lake
Windfest - Lake
Monticello, Columbia, SC

June 5 -SUPer River

Experience

-Tennessee River,

Chatt.TN

June 26 - St Simons Surf

Sailors WINDfest, SSI, GA

July 17/18 (or 24/25) - SUP

Bootcamp - St Simons,

GA/N.FLarea

August 5 thru 8^th --

Whitecap's SUP Safari-

multiple locations in S. GA, N. FL

August 20-22 - WaveSailing

Bootcamp - FL

locations

Tba - SouthEast INLAND SUP Championship -Columbia, SC or Chattanooga, TN

October 9-16 - Whitecap

Customers' Annual

Outer Banks Trip

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Whitecap SUP Free Demo Day

Danny Johnson — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 04:07:00 GMT

An informal, day-long event on the beach at the heart of Georgia’s Golden Isles.It’s agreat sand-bar protected venue for flat water paddling and just a short paddle away are perfect small waves on the tidal flats of Gould’s Inlet. It’s aPERFECT place to get an introduction to stand up paddleboarding, or if you’re already experienced, we’ll have many models of several brands of boards available to test drive. (And, of course, you can bring your windsurfing gear if the wind kicks up beyond the paddling comfort level. It’s a very user-friendly venue for both. Besides, almost all these boards have a windsurfing mast base insert or mast track – they windsurf, too! http://www.whitecapsup.com 0r call 912-222-0673

Don't forget Whitecap SUP is the source for EQUIPMENT,INSTRUCTION, and INSPIRATION in the Stand Up revolution.Power to the People, baby -- real people who live real lives in real places – and got to fit surfing into it somewhere,somehow! Our well-stocked demo trailers ramble primarily across the states of the classic SE(inland) and the coastal Low Country of GA/SC. Our stoke reaches ANYwhere and EVERYwhere you can get to us on-line. We believe in fitting the right board and paddle to YOUR unique abilities, desires, and primary water venue. We do it flat and calm, flowing and bumpy, slow or fast – we just like doing it all the time, standing up! Regular free demo events in various locations. Lessons on flat water or waves. Major, world-leading lines like Starboard, Naish, Werner and many others. Follow us on fb, twitter, & flicker. (Whitecap SUP is a sister company to Whitecap Windsurfing, Inc.)

SUP Lessons/Rentals Now Available St. Simons, GA

Danny Johnson — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:08:00 GMT

We now have several boards including Starboard, Liquid, Bic, Fanatic and available for rental on St. Simons Island, GA and also offering SUP small wave and flat water lessons. Contact us at 912-222-0673 or email us at info@whitecapsup.com. Of course we have availability throughout the inland southeast as well, contact us at rentals@whitecapsup.com or lessons@whitecapsup.com with your information. Whitecap SUP