The first day of the OR Show is always a good time. I had a blast meeting up with old friends and making new ones. Also it is a great day to be able to get out and try some of the gear that is going to be coming out. One thing that I have wanted to try lately is Stand Up Paddle boarding. We first met up with Steve from Stand Up Paddle Company. He was super energetic and told us to give it a try. Steve’s son gave us the run down and away we went. It was a good time and not that hard. I really didn’t come dressed to get wet so I was hoping not to fall in and luckily I didn’t. The first board that we tried was pretty big. They also had a smaller board that was not as stable but a lot easier to control and navigate.
We then meet up with Kahuna Creations. They are makers of longboards for land not water. They also use a paddle-like stick to push and slow down the board. I have longboarded for a couple years now and this was a great alternative to pushing with the legs.
The last SUP board that we tried was a soft board made by the oZoBoard Company. Their boards were wide and short. By this time the wind had been picking up and the water was getting choppy. It was a different feel from riding the boards earlier on smooth water. But these boards were stable and felt great. Again I didn’t even fall in. Stand Up paddle boarding made a great showing. I didn’t know that there could be so many different makers of boards.
The show was big and there were companies everywhere. We were able to check out some of the new packs from MHM. They are going to be sweet when they hit the market.
It was a great showing for the first day. I am excited for the next few days to meet up and see all the new stuff that will be coming out. Stay tuned for more details.
Here is a video of me coming back in from paddle boarding.
Here are a few other images from today.
Others of us weren’t as lucky not to fall in.
Now that was a blast up there. props to all the people we meet. some of us were not lucky…..thats me in the water.