World's First Standup Paddle Surfing Series Underway
The world's first
standup paddle (SUP) surfing series kicked off in Hawaii this week at Sunset
Beach, Oahu, with four more to follow throughout the summer. Sponsored by C4
Waterman, innovative leaders in the SUP field, the summer series responds to
the call of a wildfire revival of the old "beachboy" style of surfing with a
paddle. In addition to the surf contests, C4 Waterman will also host two
free SUP clinics in conjunction with events #3 and #5 (see schedule below).
The C4 Waterman Series is part of the annual Steinlager Shaka Longboard tour
in Hawaii, presented by Hawaii Surfing Productions (HSP).
Stop number one drew a strong field of competitors from around the Hawaiian
Islands and was won by Big Island's Leleo Kinimaka. Former professional
shortboarder Dave Parmenter (Makaha, Oahu), now a leading shaper of SUP
boards, was runner-up, and Brian Keaulana and his nephew Nolan Keaulana,
also from Makaha, were third and fourth respectively. The wave of entries is
expected to continue to grow as the series progresses through September,
2007.
The remaining four events of the C4 Waterman SUP series are:
Kaka'ako Beach Park (aka "Flies") - May 19 & 20
Queens, Waikiki - June 30 & July 1 - Free SUP clinic open to the public
Ala Moana Bowls - July 21 & 22
Haleiwa (with a backup town venue of Queens) - September 8 & 9/15 & 16 -
Free SUP clinic open to the public
C4 Waterman received an overwhelming welcome into the surf market when they
launched at the San Diego Action Sports Retailer show in January this year.
The company has been enjoying a tidal wave of interest in the SUP surfing
revival ever since. While honoring the traditions of SUP surfing, the modern
day approach is a varied one. On the waves, the traditional "cruise" has
given way to more crank and carve. Beyond the waves, it is rapidly being
adopted in eco-tourism and as a fitness regime that can be employed on any
open body of water - lakes, rivers, streams and oceans.
The first batch of international shipments of SUP boards, paddles and
accessories will be going out this month throughout Europe, Australia, and
the US.