The Indo Board of Surf - GoofBoard

How, when and why was goof board started?  Does its founder have a surfing background?

For years, I had seen the Indo Board advertised to surfers, but to me it never looked like surfing.  After a friend bought one, I tried it.  It was fun and challenging, but it did not feel like surfing.  The notion hit me that a rail-to-rail motion was the way to go, with a longer, narrower board and roller running parallel with each other.  My crude prototype was a success.  I showed it to friends and they loved it too, so it was too good of a concept not to start a business around it.  The GoofBoard was launched in 2010. 

I started surfing in 1974 at the age of 15 and jumped on the longboard resurgence around 1988.  The GoofBoard has really helped my cross stepping and overall board control.  I give it credit for giving me the skills to surf without a leash most of the time.

How have goofboard sales been so far?

It’s been very well received.  We get glowing comments from customers.  Our business model is to sell online direct only.  I’m sure we could sell more if we chose to sell through distributors, but I prefer the simplicity of the current model.  

What is your target market?

Although boarders of all kinds can benefit from riding the GoofBoard, our target market is surfers and primarily longboard surfers because of the walking aspect.  Another target is stand up paddle boarders as the paddle stance on the GoofBoard is quite realistic.    

Do you sell a lot of these to the inland market?

Yes, we sell a lot within landlocked areas.  It’s common to hear comments about surfers who moved inland and are looking for a little stoke.  We also hear from people that dream of surfing some day and getting a head start with the GoofBoard.  Of course SUP is everywhere, lakes, rivers, etc.  

Where do you make your product and of what type of materials?

The board is made from 11-ply Baltic birch plywood sheets that come from Russia.  The pipes (rollers) are made in California from super-stout recycled materials (a.k.a. cardboard) with a water proof coating applied.  The boards are made in California at the GoofBoard factory.

What is the future for GoofBoard and what do you hope to accomplish in 2014?  Any new products?

2014 will be a pivotal year for us.  Two new models will be released in March.  Both new models are shorter and will ride rail-to-rail AND nose-to-tail using a single pipe.  With a proprietary pipe coating, both boards will have a perfect board-to-pipe “slip-to-grip” ratio that allow for a pivoting motion simultaneous with the rocking motion.   Engineers call this pivoting motion “yaw.”  It’s fair to say that the new models are a Goof/Indo hybrid.  They keep the rail-to-rail motion (and lose some of the walking dynamic), but gain the rocking motion, while introducing the “pivot.”

Armin Brown

www.goofboard.com

Q & A with Jeff Walker aka Wakesurf Dad

Boarders:  When was your first wake surf experience?

Jeff Walker:  Oh I wish that my memory was that good!  It would have been as a kid, before the sport was termed "wakesurfing."  We paddled longboards into the wakes of the ships that traveled down the deep water channel here in the Stockton area.  That would have been in the early 60's.

Boarders:  When and how did you start taking an active role in the sport?

Jeff Walker:  We attended and competed in the 2003 World Wake Surfing Championships in Merced and it was in 2004 that I started getting involved in the promotion of the sport and rule making.

Boarders:  How have you seen the sport evolve?

Jeff Walker:  It's been a wild ride, that's for sure!  In 2013 we have seen the development of two wakesurf tours with multiple stops and contests from what was a single event back in 2003.  The riding has progressed dramatically, yet it is still limited by a number of factors, but we are seeing our athletes develop some amazing tricks and unique styles of riding.

Boarders:  Name and talk about the sanctioned bodies and organizations you have been involved with.

Jeff Walker:  The very first organization that was formed would have been Centurion's efforts with the World Wake Surf Association. I wasn't part of that group, but after the demise of the WWSA I gathered together some of the best and brightest to form the America Wake Surf Association.  I was the first President of that organization and much of what you see today in terms of rules, courses, safety and judging originated from the hard work of that group.  I was a member of the board of directors of USA Wakeboard as that group attempted to create a sports discipline for wakesurfing and those efforts helped develop Wakesurf Nationals.  I was one of the founding members of the Competitive Wakesurf Association (CWSA) and that group continues it's fine work in helping promote the sport of wakesurfing and assisting organizers in staging wakesurf contests. I have also staged contests under the umbrella of the INT League, USA Wakeboard and USA Wakesurf and the WWA.

Boarders:  Where is the sport heading?

Jeff Walker:  Personally, I think that we will need to see some changes to continue to see growth within the sport.  If you've ever watched a wakesurf contest, it's pretty boring.  You will have your favorite riders and it is always great to see their runs, but the other 7 hours . . . not so much.  I think we will see efforts to make the riding more exciting to watch, initial efforts will focus on making the runs quicker, but that will ultimately fail to create better riding or better tricks, just MORE folks doing the same thing.  Eventually, someone will experiment with a different format or vision that will generate the enthusiasm and interest that will sustain further growth within the sport.

Boarders:  Are there any limitations in your opinion upon the sports growth?

Jeff Walker:  Well, there are quite a few compared to say wakeboarding.  We need specialized locations and water depth typically has to be greater than 10 feet.  There are tons of man made lakes for wakeboarding that don't offer wakesurfing a great venue.  We need specialized equipment, folks can wakeboard behind just about any boat, I/O's aluminum jonboats, etc;  we are limited to fairly pricey inboards with huge fat sacs and pretty specific wakesurf boards.  So those things, will hamper the overall growth of the sport in comparison to say wakeboarding; however, the almost meteoric rate of growth will continue as more folks become aware and try it.  We have seen dramatic increases in the number of contests and plans to continue them through 2014 and beyond.  We have seen dozens of new manufacturers offering products in 2013 and there will be more in the years to come.  Those increased offerings make it both wonderful and difficult for consumers.  There are so many options that it is sometimes hard to make a choice!

Another limitation is that competitive judging will continue to be an issue that limits growth of the sport.  Current systems force all riders to ride exactly the same, despite claims to the contrary.  At some point, someone will develop a system that encourages freedom of style and the ability for riders to develop unique tricks that we have not seen yet.  That will require, no doubt, a complete dismantling of the existing judging infrastructure and a change in perspective from the existing who does the best of old school tricks, to who can CREATE the best new age tricks.  Judging is stuck in "years past."

As I wrap this up, I want to thank Boarders Mag for the opportunity;  I appreciate their fresh perspective on the sport and I am honored to be included in the short list of folks that have had an impact on this great sport of ours.  Thanks so much also to your readership and for taking the time to read my interview!

Jeff & Judy

Jeff & Judy Walker receiving their award at the 2013 championships for best event of the year. 

Check out the Walkers blog about all things wakesurfing & technological innovation at:  www.flyboywakesurfing.com

By: Tyler Marshall

Nectar Sunglasses - Signs surf giant Jamie O'Brien

Nectar Sunglasses 

Jamie O'Brien aka JOB 

Nectar Sunglasses is excited to announce that surfer, Jamie O’Brien, has signed on to represent Nectar. Jamie continues to push the limits of surfing and always showcases his talents on the North Shore of Hawaii and worldwide. Nectar has released Jamie's Signature Series "Mahalo" sunnies. Sean Holmes, co-founder of Nectar Sunglasses said, “Jaime represents the sweet life 110% , and that is what we’re all about. We are stoked to have him on the team and are excited to build this partnership.” Check them out at NectarSunglasses.com.

A couple awesome videos of JOB wakesurfing a yacht & flowboarding with pro surfer buddies on their trip across the US this year to experience all the different surf cultures and board sports! 

Boarders Mag Top 4 Things to do this Winter

Boarders Mag Top 4 Things to do this Winter:

1. Flowboarding-  Have you ever tried it?  Along with the growth in popularity of cable parks for wake boarding, flowboarding has really started to emerge on the scene in the last five years with several new indoor surfing spots throughout the country providing a surf-like experience year round.  Flowboarding is wake skating with a surfing vibe and although most flowboarders claim that it is "not surfing" the similarities are identical to surfing for the first time:  nervousness, shakiness, being uncomfortable and not knowing what to do, meanwhile balance is the key and big wipeouts are inevitable.  Keeping your balance in check, laughing with friends, spraying buckets and a skate/surf like feeling that won’t break your bank puts flowboarding on the top of our list.  Shown here is a double flowrider at Fantasy Surf in Orlando, Florida.  This is the practice spot for big name pros like Sean Silveira, Nick Nguyen and Chuck Wright.

Sean Silvera

2. Surf Set Fitness- the ultimate workout for inland surfers or for anyone wanting to get that toned out beach body.  Surf Set Fitness hit the scene big after being backed by Mark Cuban on the hit reality t.v show Shark Tank and today there are locations throughout the US providing several types of intense workouts on patented Surf Set balance boards.  Throw in some techno music and a giant projection screen playing your favorite surf movies and after a couple weeks of paddle strength and balance exercises you will be ready to head to the beach.  Shown here is City Surf Fitness in Dallas, Texas offering yoga inspired classes along with their patented Beach Body Bootcamp and a City Surf comprehensive exercise routine four to five classes a day.

3. Indoor SUP Yoga- Along with the onset of stand up paddle boarding around 2008 there have been several new activities within the yoga world including "SUP Yoga," or yoga on top of paddle boards. Most paddleboard companies today are offering some sort of SUP Yoga class and have now moved indoors during winter months at local community pools and activities centers. SUP Yoga takes your focus one step further, similar to Surf Set Fitness, because you are on top of a moving object. Although you are not outside in a serene setting the plus is that your boards are not being affected by windy conditions making indoor SUP Yoga an ideal place to get started and a great activity to try in the offseason. DFW Surf in North Texas has teamed up with yoga giant lululemon to continue its SUP Yoga classes in the offseason months at local indoor pools like this one at The Colony Aquatic Park.

4. Travel. Surf.-  The best thing for your soul. Go out of your norm. Meet people.  Explore. While we are all about surfing within we understand that the within could not be possible without the real thing; so what about a real surfing adventure on the coast or overseas? No passport, no problem, you could head to Puerto Rico to legendary Rincon. On a tight budget? Try heading to Costa Rica. Looking for a great surf spot and a place to stay nearby?  Then check out our buddies at Wavecation, waves + vacation = Wavecation, your source for surf travel online at wavecation.com.

By: Tyler Marshall

Q & A with Chris Kinsey - Shred Stixx team ripper

Photo: AJ Aguirre

Boarders: What're you up to this offseason?

Chris: I'm pretty busy with school this semester. Other than school I like to hang out with my friends and stay active. I haven't been riding much. However, I am absolutely making up for it in the gym. 

Boarders: Where do you go to school and whats your major?

Chris: I go to Baylor University and I'm majoring in entrepreneurship. 

Boarders: How old were you whenever you got hooked on wakesurfing?

Chris: I started wakesurfing in 2004 and I've been hooked ever since!

Boarders: Who's a rider you look up to and why?

Chris: I've always looked up to Josh Sleigh. I've never met him but I would watch video of him whenever I first started riding. The things he was doing back then were crazy. He's definitely a pioneer of the sport. 

Boarders: What're your plans for 2014? 

Chris: For 2014 I plan on traveling around and attending many contests. I plan making this upcoming season similar to last season, but with more events and more wins. 

Boarders: What's going on with ShredStixx? Anything new going on? 

Chris: Yeah Nick is doing a ton of R&D with custom boards. He's doing so many different things that I haven't ever seen before. He's working with a lot of carbon fiber and stringerless designs. 

Boarders: Any comments on Baylor upset by Oklahoma? 

Chris: No comment...

Boarders: Where's your favorite spot to ride?

Chris: My favorite spot is Lake Nasworthy. It's in my hometown of San Angelo. 

Boarders: Why did one of the best wake surfers not compete in 2013 Worlds? 

Chris: I couldn't attend the 2013 worlds last year because I wasn't invited. The invitational criteria seems very unclear and inconsistent. I would have loved to go though! Maybe next year! 

Photo: AJ Aguirre

Photo: AJ Aguirre

Photo: AJ Aguirre

Sponsors: Shred Stixx , Tige Boats 

Special thanks to awesome photographer AJ Aguirre for the photos from the Tigé Endless Wave Tour - Wake The Desert.

Chicken! Paddleboarding French Bulldog

Remember Chicken the paddleboarding French Bulldog from the first issue of Boarders Magazine? You can get an exclusive look at paddleboard phenomenon, and cutest dog ever, Chicken in his new calendar benefitting the French Bulldog Network.  Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home French Bulldogs in need from commercial breeding kennels, import brokers, public shelters, private rescue groups, owners, and Good Samaritans.  "Our organization is comprised solely of volunteers who nurture and foster these dogs, as well as provide education and training. Our goal is to place healthy and happy French Bulldogs into forever homes.

http://www.frenchbulldogrescue.org/

Please donate $20 for a calendar  to help Chicken and FBRN towards their goal of selling 250 calendars.... in-turn giving $2500 to the French Bulldog Rescue Network! 

 Buy the calendars here: Chicken's Calendar 

A new word in Boarders vocabulary: SNUPBoarding

A new word in Boarders vocabulary:  SNUPBoarding:  Snow plus SUP plus Boarding.  The idea of taking a paddle board and snowboarding with it was developed last year by Wolfgang Leeb who runs a SUP Center in Europe called Salzkammergut.  Wolfgang also developed a clothing line as seen here called SUPSkin.

Special thanks to Mirja Geh photography.  Check out SUP Skin and SNUPBoarding in our December digital issue.

Kaley Sparling- Mrs. World far from Toddlers & Tiaras

Hidden away in the Boise, ID pro wakesurfer Kaley Sparling received an unexpected knock on her door from her neighbor three years ago. Kaley’s out-going, friendly natured spirit, and beautiful complexion had compelled her neighbor to approach her about participating in pageants. A new world to her considering she had never competed in a pageant before but she was up for the challenge and started working on her platform. For those of you, like me, that aren’t familiar with pageant lingo the contestants “platform” is the cause they support and speak about. Kaley’s platform is childhood sexual abuse prevention, as it is something she is passionate about. 

Very different from your normal pageant girl, she has an addiction to board sports that stems from her husband Jimmi, who has always been passionate about board sports. She caught the addiction herself too after starting to wakesurf with him in 2008. In 2009, after practicing a few times a week behind their Centurion Enzo for a year, she signed them up for the NWWSA wakesurf competition and made the drive up to Seattle where Jimmi took first place at the event. Always supporting each other’s dreams and goals, Kaley would start competing in pageants the following year too.

Hosting the 2013 World Wakesurfing Awards

Kaley & Jimmi Sparling

Photo not owned by Boarders

Kaley's husband Jimmi at 2013 Worlds

Kaley airing out!

Photo not owned by Boarders.

What does it take for a relatively small town girl to become Mrs. World?

Taking on pageants in Idaho to claim the state title of Mrs. Idaho was the first step to moving on to the national stage to compete for Mrs. America. The pageants are judged by the following: 50% of your score is based off the interview with judges while the other 50% comes from they way you carry yourself in your evening attire and swim wear. Kaley competed against 51 other contestants on the national level earning first runner up for Mrs. America. When it came time to head to China to compete for Mrs. World, the other contestant was unable to go and Kaley happily stepped up for America and boarded a plane to China to go claim the title of Mrs. World. After two weeks in China, Kaley returned to the US with a new accomplishment and the title of Mrs. World! 

Photo not owned by Boarders

How many pageant women do you know that snowboard, ride flowboards, SUP, compete in wakesurf events, and have on their resume: “ announcer of the 2013 World Wakesurf Championships”? Just Kaley! Also, Jimmi brought home skateboards not too long ago and is teaching Kaley and their 2 children Jack Danger and Madison to skateboard as a family. The wakesurf world is very lucky to have awesome people like the Sparling's to help grow the sport we all love & we look forward to the future with them and their kids pushing the sport too!

Kaley would like to thank her husband for always supporting her & her wakesurf sponsors for all of their help! Centurion Boats, Soulcraft Boarding, & Agenda Surf!

On Stage at the Wakesurf Awards

Kaley with her Soulcraft Teammates

Photo: Tim V. Walker

Announcing World Wakesurf Championships w/ Todd Gaughan from Centurion Boats

By: Danny Braught

Trevor Miller - SUPRA SWELL SURF SYSTEM -

CLEAN CUSTOM SHAPED WAVES WITH SUPRA SWELL SURF SYSTEM

Clean custom shaped waves crash into convenience with the Swell, a next generation surf system from Supra Boats. The convenience of transferring side to side without moving ballast or people is only a small part of Supra Swell Surf System performance. Two sculpted surfer-inspired wave styles, improved handling and visibility as well as VISION touch dash integration and customization will completely elevate your expectations of wake surfing. Precisely designed and built entirely of stainless steal, the Swell system is another example of of passion meeting precision in Supra Boats. Surf clean custom shaped waves with Supra Swell, available on 2014 Supra SA and SC models only.

Pro Wakesurfer Trevor Miller shredding the Swell surf system.

We caught up with Trevor Miller to find out more about his experience riding the Supra Swell surf system. 

"Getting to go down and ride with Amy and Shane with Supra was an amazing experience. They were super nice and very excited to show me how they hoped to influence the Wakesurfing world with their new surf system.

From the first moment of seeing the new system on the trailer I could tell it was something new and different. The supra surf system is not like any other system I have seen. The Swell system has the ability to throw a super clean wake, something I have always missed with some of the other systems.

The new surf system will prove to be one of the most adjustable wakes out there. You will be able to take it from a mellow well rounded skim wave to a heavy and deeply barreled wake." - Trevor

Here are the two style of waves Trevor is talking about. On the left is the rounded skim wave and on the right is the steeper surf style wave.

Learn more about all the unique feature and advantages the Supra Swell surf system has to offer at http://supraboats.com/swell.  

Glide SUP- Keiki kid durable SUP board.

Glide SUP announces the release of the Keiki kids stand up paddle board.

The Keiki kids board is designed specifically for young paddlers. The Keiki features the patent-pending Glide Surface Shield for maximum durability. 

Salt Lake City, Utah, 11/1/2013 – Glide announces the release of the Keiki kids specific stand up paddle board. The new Keiki is 8’4” long, 28” wide, and weighs 15 lbs. Manufactured in our Salt Lake City facility and featuring Glide’s patent-pending Surface Shield construction, plant based bio resigns and recyclable EPS core the board is aimed at the younger generation of paddlers. This SUP is designed to perform in all conditions and water types while lasting for years under the strenuous abuse caused from family use. “With the growing number of young paddlers, there is a growing market for a long lasting versatile stand up paddle board that is shaped and engineered for their smaller frames and weights” stated Glide lead shaper and designer Ken Driscoll.

“Glide’s Keiki is made using our GSS construction. All of Glide’s boards are made in the USA using plant based resins and low VOC recyclable EPS cores. The patent-pending Surface Shield coating provides a maximum level of protection to the board; it is designed to handle rock impacts, paddle strikes, and drops. 

The Keiki is designed to handle kids up to 120lbs and only weighs 15 lbs. Featuring Glide’s custom, full-sized deck pads and FCS self regulating vented handle, the Keiki is a great addition to any families quiver of boards.” 

“We designed the Keiki to meet the growing needs of family paddling groups. Our goal going into this project was creating a small, lightweight, durable, and affordable board. Via our domestic factory, we designed and tested the Keiki and came up with this solution: a kids board coated with GSS, made with lightweight eco friendly materials for a retail of $625.00. I am glad to say, we blew our goal out of the water!’

Only Glide can produce a board that is kid-strong, kid-sized, and kid-priced. The Keiki kids board can be tested and purchased for a low retail price of $625.00 through our network of dealers and distributors, email inquires to info@glidesup.com

For additional information, contact;

Ryan Mullen

Glide Paddlesports, LLC.

888-927-9405

801-447-6940

Ryan.mullen@glidesup.com

www.glidesup.com

Glide SUP is the largest manufacturer of Stand Up Paddle and Surfboards in the Americas. Based in Salt Lake City Utah, Glide handcrafts each board using modern surf and SUP manufacturing techniques. Only the highest quality, eco friendly products are used in the manufacturing of our boards. Our biomass certified resin and locally produced EPS cores are easily recycled so our impact on the environment in minimal.

Official Press Release- THE SUPER AIR NAUTIQUE G21

NAUTIQUE ANNOUNCES THE SUPER AIR NAUTIQUE G21

Posted On: 11/15/13

ORLANDO, FLA (November 15, 2013) – Nautique is thrilled to launch the Super Air Nautique G21 featuring the same groundbreaking G-Series hull design that has taken the wake world by storm.

After dominating the market, awards, tournaments, market surveys, and every other way the past year with the Super Air Nautique G23 and G25, customers all over the world have been asking Nautique to build a 21 foot version of the now coveted G-Series boats. Based on those requests, Nautique is thrilled to introduce the new G21.

The G21 has many of the same features as its 23 and 25 foot sisters. And more importantly, it has the amazing G-Series wake. The industry is already raving about this new boat:

“With the G-Series boats, Nautique has changed the landscape of the entire watersports industry. It’s no wonder that Nautique has been voted Manufacturer of the Year for the past two years by their peers,” stated Performance Ski & Surf owner Bill Porter.

“I have had the opportunity to ride behind the new Super Air Nautique G21.. There is not a wake in our industry close to the G-Series,” commented professional wakeboarder Shuan Murray.

“Being tasked to find tow boats for the Hyperlite sales force, I only had one goal; get our guys the “Gold Standard” of boats, get them a G-Series by Nautique. I’ve been anxiously waiting what’s upon us now, the G21. Congratulations Nautique, innovation continued,” stated Hyperlite?s vice president of marketing Greg Nelson.

“Wow, Nautique has hit it out of the park again… It is amazing what they are doing with their new boats and particularly this new G21,” commented professional wakeboarder Mike Dowdy.

“Our customers have been asking for a 21 foot version of the G-Series and Nautique has delivered. The G21 is going to be unstoppable in my area,” stated N3 Boatworks owner Mark Dougherty.

“The Nautique team is excited to launch the all-new Super Air Nautique G21 as part of the incredibly successful G-Series. Wakeboarders around the world who have been asking for it, and we are happy to deliver,” stated Nautique CEO Bill Yeargin. “Our incredible team has done an amazing job revolutionizing the industry with both the award winning G23 and the G25. The Super Air Nautique G21 will build on Nautique’s industry leading reputation – no one else is close!” Yeargin added.

To read President/CEO Bill Yeargin’s Nautique Insider blog about the all-new Super Air Nautique G21, please visit nautique.com.

QuickBlade Paddles - New V Drive Paddle

Introducing the new V Drive Paddle from Jim Terrell and Dave Kalama - two of the biggest names in Stand Up Paddling are once again redefining the sport..coming soon from QuickBlade Paddles. Check out this short video for a sneak peak at one of our new paddles.

http://www.quickbladepaddles.com

Holy Hyatt! - AEM's Know Your Flow

Holy Hyatt!

The Hyatt Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio, Texas recently installed a Flowrider Single on their 300 acres of property to go along with the many other 5 Star amenities that they offer, such as beautiful golf courses, fine dining, relaxing spa services and more! The Flowrider is reserved for hotel guests only and is managed by their Hyatt Flow Pro, Matteo Hernandez, a respected competitive rider.  However, ever since they welcomed Sean Silveria with open arms for their Grand Opening over Memorial Day weekend, they have become a part of the Flow World and were eager to host an event that would bring some of the best riders from around the country to their wave. There is no better way to do that then to throw down cash money/prizes to draw the riders attention and that’s exactly what they did, dishing out over $6,500 in awards.

The Hyatt Hill Country Flowrider hosted its Inaugural Flow Down competition but needless to say it did not appear to be their first rodeo.  The resort staff welcomed a solid crowd of flowboarders and spectators from various parts of the country, including the current World Champions Sean Silveira (Pro Flowboard), Nick Nguyen (Pro Bodyboard) and 15-year-old Female & Juniors sensation Xana Nash.

Xana Nash Kickflip

“Thanks to the sponsors, in conjunction with AEM Management and Hyatt Staffing, the event went off without a hitch and provided a lot of excitement for the in-house guests.” Said Silveira, as he was stoked to be back to the Hyatt. 

Sean claimed the top spot in the Pro Flowboard divison and placed third in Pro Bodyboard as he was in prime form and looking more than comfortable on the wave.  It may be of no surprise that Sean claimed first place, but the young and talented Xana Nash made him put together solid runs before she just let him go home with the $500.  Nash also had to keep off Nick Nguyen has he put together a solid stand-up effort. Nguyen, known for his bodyboarding, claimed first in the Pro Bodyboard division as the young up and coming shredder, Nathan Boykin put the pressure on.

“The Hyatt is fantastic! The wave is really fun. I had a blast riding and can’t wait to make a trip back”, mentioned Nash as she placed second in Pro Flowboard and first in the Women’s division. Nick was excited to return to his home state of Texas, “It is always cool to come home, there are a lot of good riders in Texas and it’s awesome to see so many of the Hyatt employees taking interest in riding the Flowrider!”

In addition, shout-outs are in order to all competitors who came out to the event, along with the fabulous staff at the Hyatt for laying out the red carpet and putting on a show! Looking forward to a sizzling summer Flow Down, Yeehaw!

See ya on the wave! - AEM

DJJamesZ Slaying Waves at Typhoon Lagoon

"What up, this is DJJamesZ. Just got back from a recent trip to Typhoon Lagoon. Typhoon Lagoon is located in Orlando, Florida at Disneyworld. Typhoon Lagoon offers a left, right, and A-frame peak waves to surf. You can get 100 waves a day by yourself or with your friends. When the swell is flat and I'm bored with wake surfing I usually head out there with 1 or 2 friends and surf 450 waves over 3 days. Good way to get it out of your system. Here are some photos and video. Enjoy and go surf it. You can book Typhoon Lagoon online 2 months in advance. "

 "Thanks to Chad Gallagher and Frank Yates for shooting all the video and photos. Special thanks to Pam at typhoon lagoon for always taking care off me and my family . Body glove for being an awesome sponsor. And to the guys behind the wave that have worked with me to make the perfect wave . They told me I've surfed that place more then anyone." 

-DJJamesZ

Why are paddles getting shorter? by Alex Mauer

Why are paddles getting shorter?

 This post is my own opinion I drew from experience. Keep in mind a paddle too long may hurt your shoulders and too short may hurt your back. A good weight workout routine combine with paddle and other cross training will help prevent injury.

Connor Baxter has made the choke down grip popular for a quick speed boost when starting, rounding buoys or just when he needed a quick burst to pass someone. Lately elite paddlers have been shortening their paddle length. Why are they doing it and how short are they going?

Some elite paddlers are shortening their paddles to as much as 3 inches above the head (normally 6-10inch). Shortening your paddle that much changes a few things including stroke rate and your technique.

Obviously choking up on the paddle will force you take more strokes. So using a shorter paddle will cause you to increase your stroke rate & in turn you will have a shorter stroke as well. With your grip on the shaft closer to the blade of the paddle you will have more power in each stroke. The trick is to be able to keep up the stroke rate for duration of the race.

Using a shorter paddle will change your stroke technique a little. Static paddling is paddling with a bigger bend in your waist. This hunched over look will help lengthen you stroke without increasing the length of your paddle. I feel like paddling with a shorter static stroke helps keep your blade in the most effective stroke area which in turn will help increase your speed.

To learn more from professional paddler Alex Mauer check out his blog http://www.alexmauersup.com

AEM's Know Your Flow - 2013 World Flowboarding Championships

AEM’s Know Your Flow - 2013 World Flowboarding Championship --Scottsdale, Arizona

Photo: 13ROZ

(Cellphone Rings):

“I won, dude!” Were the words I woke up to when answering the phone the morning of October 14th, 2013. The 2013 World Flowboarding Championships (WFC) had been completed the day before and Sean Silveira was calling ecstatic to have re-claimed the World Title from friendly rival Brad Spencer while holding off some of the toughest competition the sport has seen thus far in the Pro Divisions. I hope he called his mom first!

Last year, The Soloman Center in Ogden, Utah held the WFC event and this time around 75 flowboarders from all ends of the earth invaded the hot and sandy desserts of Arizona as the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa played host to the 2013 World Flowboarding Championships. The top qualifiers from the (Xana Nash, Brad Spencer and Nick Nguyen) USA, Europe and Asia were seeded into the event to represent their country after earning top spots on the Flow Tour.  In addition, dedicated competitors made the trip and entered for a chance to earn their rankings and throw down for a World Title. Multiple riders stemming from Canada and Australia also made strong showings.

Silveira, a prior 3x World Champion in the Men’s Flowboard Division, couldn’t seem to be more excited about waking up after celebrating his fourth title and enjoying a well deserved relaxing day at the Westin Kierland Resort. “I was so happy to return from China and Ireland in time to make this event. The contest had a great turn out of riders and the hosting venue was amazing!” said Silveira.  

The Pro Bodyboard Division was no easier as Nick Nguyen (3x World Champion) edged out the 2012 World Champion, Daniel Tarapchak and Nick Sanchez by less than a half a point to earn his 4th World Title.  “I am still shocked to win this year! The young kids these days are ripping, I really had to bring out my A game to keep up with them.” Nick mentioned. Nguyen, who has been involved in the sport for over a decade, stated “This was the hardest year of competition by far, I don’t see it getting any easier in the future but I’m looking forward to the challenges” Other rider standouts such as Sean Beckwith, Andrew Shelton and Adam Wildman proved to be a force to reckon with for years to come on the wave.

Shout outs to Flow Tour Director, Greg Lazeras, for all his hard work and efforts through a long season and the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa for hosting the 2013 World Flowboarding Championships on the Kierland Flowrider in Scottsdale Arizona.  We look forward to the 2014 journeys that the Flow Tour will bring!

See ya on the wave! - AEM

Pro Stand up

1st Sean Silvera

2nd Brad Spencer

3rd Quincy Vlitjtig

4th Chuck Wright

Pro Bodyboard

1st Nick Nguyen

2nd Daniel Tarapchak

3rd Nick Sanchez

4th Andrew Shelton

TEAM Results:

1st USA

2nd Europe

3rd Asia

Sean Silvera / Xana Nash / Nick Nguyen

Chuck Wright

Nick Nguyen

Sean Silvera

Xana Nash

Inland Surfer Press Release

Congratulations Jeff Page on your outstanding work & innovation in the wakesurf industry!

Jeff Page accepting his award at World Wakesurf Championship award ceremony.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INLAND SURFER TEAM ATOP THE PODIUM AT 2013 WAKESURFING WORLDS

Bellevue, WA October 7, 2013; With only 5 riders in each pro division qualifying to ride on Saturday the stakes were high with $100,000 in cash as the Inland Surfer team took to Las Vegas, Nevada in search of 2013 World Titles.

Keenan Flegel, reigning World Wake Surfing Champion delivered to defend his title.  Hitting every known surf-style wake surf trick Keenan ended his pass with a frontside 180 popped shuv-it to a surface 180-out followed by a switch backside big spin and finally fell on a kickflip attempt.  At this year’s World Wake Surfing Championship it took a run like that to win it all. 

James Walker, who went into the finals with the #1 seed put on his signature technical display.  A style known only to James who landed surf-style 180 to 540 out, backside 180 popped shuv-it with effortless precision.  With an Aerial 360, Korina 3, and alley-oop to surface 360, air-reverse and surface-reverse, it was enough to take home the 2nd place hardware and $8,000 in cash. 

Veteran Sean Cummings held strong in qualifying throwing together a contest run that shocked the crowds Friday night, only just missing finals.  On his Inland Surfer Sean Cummings Pro Model, Sean threw 180 backside shuv-to-360 combos, switch big spin, frontside 180, stalled 360 and a big spin - impressive but just coming up short. Inland Surfer 2013 Rookie Sebastien Balland of France threw down in the Men's Pro Skim with 180 shuv-its and spins maintained great competition in Friday's preliminaries, placing just outside the final round. 

Caroline Villeneuve, favored to win her first World title with a huge fan base in attendance, enthralled the crowd leading in with a drifter to half-cab 180 and shuv-out followed by an ollie frontside 180 in the flats.  One of the few female riders grabbing all her tricks including a shuv-indy, double-grabbed ollie and just missing her switch bigspin but hitting the frontside 180 shuv-it  it was enough for $8,000 and a 2nd place in the World bragging rights in the Women’s Pro Skim.

Taylor Dorey, the industry’s youngest heelside rider took her Keenan Flegel Pro Skim board all the way to the top of the Outlaw Women's Skim division in 1st place, graduating to the Pros as another Inland Surfer 2013 World Wake Surfing Champion. Already credited with a unique style as one of the most aggressive female riders, big things are coming from Taylor in 2014!  Taylor's father, Inland Surfer supporter and 1/2 of Team Dorey also rode his Keenan Flegel Pro Surf board to the podium in Men's Masters. 

Cortne Kantowski, another 2013 Rookie took the podium boasting the biggest airs in the Outlaw Women's Surf and took it all the way to the podium in 3rd place.  Outlaw rider Zane Montgomery, Inland Surfer’s youngest team rider, held it down for Team Inland taking home 2nd place in Men’s Outlaw Surf with an impressive run on his Flyboy Division board including a body varial, frontside aerials, surface 360 and grabbing everything in sight.

Stay tuned as our team riders and new products hit the wake in 2014.  Big congrats to all our Inland Surfers out there on an amazing year!

Cheers, the Inland Surfer Gang.

My Weekend at the World Wakesurf Championship

Here's a link to a great article by Rachel Marie:  

http://missrachelmarie.com/2013/10/08/my-weekend-at-the-world-wakesurfing-championship/