Maine Paddling Connection Blog
Paddling is one of the best things in my life so sharing that with friends and family in a beautiful location is the ultimate. My buddy from Boston messaged me about returning to a paddling destination we'd visited together six or seven years ago. I jumped on it and pretty soon we had the plan to rendezvous on the river. He flew in with his girlfriend a day before me.
Read MoreLast week I had the chance to tour on the Focus Cali 14' for five self-supported days on class 1 river. To ready the board, all I did was fit a shorter, smaller flexi fin to deal with rocks (I never touched one) and add four tie-downs to the front deck. I've put miles on this board on flatwater, bumpy water & downwinding but hadn't yet paddled it loaded. Unloaded, it excels as a fast & stable all conditions board that is easy to maneuver and control.
Read MoreI'm still pumped from yesterday's downwind session on the Barbary Ghost. Captain Drew took us out for his first Downwind SUP Safari of the season, and true to his reputation, he hunted down and delivered some bumps for us.
Read MoreI didn't race in the California 100 this year. Not for lack of desire, but rather because I took on the role of Race Director for Rivers for Change, the hosting non-profit group founded by Danielle Katz and John Dye. Although I didn't paddle the 100 mile stretch with 100+ others, I certainly had a weary weekend of my own with late nights, early mornings, highs, lows and everything in between.
Read MoreOne in, one out. Google that and you'll get a few versions of its meaning. It's an unofficial rule that some people follow, like minimalists and dispensaries. In an attempt to downsize and reduce the amount of gear and clutter I call my own, I've applied it to my paddle craft. If I get rid of a board, I have my own permission to get a new one, so that's what I did.
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