Isle takes 2^nd Place in 9 mile Santa Barbara Downwind Paddle Board Race

The Santa Barbara Downwinder is an annual stand up paddle board race event from UCSB campus point to downtown Santa Barbara put on by the crew at Blueline Santa Barbara. They are a super cool SUP shop in downtown SB and always worth a visit if your in the neighborhood. As a graduate of UCSB I figured what better excuse than to head back to my old stomping grounds and put the new 12’6 Isle race board to the test on a long distance race.

The race takes place in the middle of the day at 3pm to catch the wind.  The idea is to ride the swells formed by the highs winds at your back all the way to the finish. Sounds like fun huh? Only one minor problem. This year we had a glassy start then onshore winds blowing against us the entire 9 miles. Couple that with cross chops of multiple swell angles and hot weather and you have a recipe for one grueling race.

The race had a small turnout due to many other events going on that weekend so in total we had about 25 competitors. Not a big turnout by any means but a great time nonetheless. Once the horn blew the top finisher in the 12’6 class was off and never slowed down, he was not to be caught. So it was a battle for 2^nd between me and another guy and I basically went head to head with him the entire race. He would pass me and I would pass him back and forth over 9 miles till he finally pulled away in the last leg. And just as he pulled away a female paddler powered up from the rear and overtook both of us in the last mile. Amazing effort by her.

By the time we rounded the final buoy to make our final approach into the Santa Barbara Harbor I turned on the afterburner and now going with the swell heading towards shore the shape of the new race board and nose rocker began to grab the swell and I quickly passed my nemesis in the final minutes of the race and almost caught up to the female paddler to finish at 2:07:25 for second place in the 12’6 male division and third overall in 12’6 as the female paddler clocked in at 2:06:40. The first place finisher came in at 2:03:30 and he powered the entire race, hats off to him!! Eric Williams was his name and the female paddler was Coco Antoinette.

When I came in for the last leg I was literally exhausted, couldn’t feel my feet, my legs were cramping, sun burnt, grunting , groaning and wanted to give up. It showed me long distance upwind racing in open ocean is serious business but when it was all said and done it was a great feeling to finally cross the finish line. The days following the race you feel really really good and getting back on the regular paddle board to surf its like you feel a little stronger than before. Racing for sure steps up your surf game.

The Blueline crew organized some tasty food and ice cold Land Shark beers for the finishers along with some cool caps and tees for the race. A cold beer never tasted so damn good!

In the days following the race we managed to score some cool paddles in the SB harbor, great surf at campus point and also a beach called sands beach behind the UCSB campus. It was pretty classic as Sands beach is typically a really terrible wave and we couldn’t believe our eyes when we walked around the corner to find peaky offshore overhead surf with even a few barrels. It was literally the some of the best Sands I had ever seen and I lived at USCB for 5 years.  The beach also had a bunch of topless females and come to find out they were all exchange students from  France. I kept asking myself is this UCSB or the French Riviera?

Santa Barbara truly is an amazing place and has it all! Great people, great waves, great places to paddle and great nightlife. Any excuse to go back and I am taking it! Hopefully next year we get the WIND at our backs!!!!!

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Isle Inflatable Paddle Board Spotted in Costa Rica

Have you ever paddled a waterfall in Costa Rica?  Thanks to Marc and the crew at Isle Surf and SUP we were recently lucky enough to embark on a new adventure in Costa Rica with the 10′ inflatable SUP.  Upon boarding in San Diego we were lucky to not only check in the inflatable but also fortunate enough to have the baggage fee waived. Making it transportable and easy to travel with the new inflatable.  Excited to arrive in Santa Theresa we only had one more obstacle, getting the surfboards and SUP on the small single engine plane from San Jose to Tambor, along with six bodies and everyone’s luggage.  Without hesitation the airline was able to fit all of the luggage, surfboards and inflatable SUP.  Whew!

Eager to try the new inflatable, we loaded up the crew Sunday morning to trek through the jungle on the atv’s to explore Montezuma and its landmark waterfall.  Upon arriving we unloaded the SUP from the backpack, got it ready to roll and started our quick 20 minute hike up stream to the waterfall.  The parking attendants looked at us as if we were crazy.  Never having seen anything like this in a small remote town in the Costa Rican Nicoya Peninsula.  After a nice hike up to Montezuma waterfall we immediately caught the attention of locals and tourists enjoying this breathtaking waterfall.  All the locals kids were amazed and wanted to try out the new inflatable SUP.

I was immediately surprised how sturdy the inflatable was.  We gave all the locals a chance to try it and it was awesome to see the huge smiles on their faces.  It’s not everyday they get to see something like this in their hometown and it almost felt as if we made their day.  After a fun and refreshing afternoon in the waterfall the crew was ready to hike it back down and head to town for a late lunch.

We concluded our afternoon with a frosty Imperial and fresh ceviche in the nearby town of Montezuma.  If you ever get the chance to visit Montezuma I highly recomend it.  The people are genuine and the local fresh fish was to die for.  This day in Montezume will always be in my memory.  With the new Isle inflatable SUP the possibilities of where you can paddle are endless!  Thanks again Marc for making this trip extra amazing with the new inflatable SUP!

About the Author - Marc Miller is the founding partner of Isle Surf & SUP an online retailer of paddle boards & surfboards. He has been involved in board manufacturing, product development and website management for Isle since its inception in 2004. He also writes the Isle Surf & SUP Blog. An avid surfer and paddler for the past 2 decades when hes not in the office he can be found on foreign shores searching for waves and fun.

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Paddle Boarding around Coronado on Isle 12’6 Race SUP

With temps finally climbing back into the high eighties in San Diego it’s was finally time to make what they call “The Loop” around the Island. You really can’t paddle all the way around the Island but you can get pretty darn close leaving on the bay side and coming all the way around  landing on the Pacific side only a few hundred yard across the narrowest part of the island from where you started. It’s as close to a full loop as you can get.

We launched around 9am in glassy conditions from the boat launch park across from the Coronado Shores. With a small lunch the goal was to paddle around halfway and make a stop at one of the small sandy beaches for a snack and power out the last leg.

Paddling in glassy conditions is always easy but the blazing sun starts to wear you down. As we rounded the first leg under the Coronado Bridge the wind started to blow against us along the bay side of the island. This is a LOOOONG STRETCH of about 3 miles and the onshore wind makes it a crawl. Only a slight breeze of 2-3 mph but enough to make you work for each stroke. Couldn’t imagine trying to battle upwind for a long distance in high winds.

As we approached the 4.4 mile mark we beached the boards and got into the sack lunch and waters we packed. A quick break and back on the water for the last 6 mile stretch out the mouth of the San Diego bay near the tip of Point Loma.

As we made our way out of the bay back in to the view of the Pacific side of the Island we were met with a slight north wind keeping the water smooth and wind at our backs for the final stretch. Popping out from behind the backside gave us a unique perspective to see the Island from a unique water level angle you just don’t see every day. The view was amazing incorporating the Hotel Del, Coronado Shores, Downtown Skyline, Coronado Bridge and Mountains in the background all in one frame.  And being a clear and gorgeous day only helped make the view that much better.  A little stop for a few pics and on to the final stretch.

The last leg was fairly easy and seeing the home stretch of the Hotel Del & Coronado Shores come into close view made you paddle all that much harder to finish strong.  As I made my final approach I actually snagged a little wave and rode it all the way to shore. All in all it was a 10.8 mile paddle round trip.

After making the landing on the beach I was greeted by some tourists from Arizona. After telling them about my paddle around the island the mom promptly told her twin daughters to carry my race board to my car in the parking lot. Tired and needing a rest I gladly accepted. A classic end to “The Loop” around the Island.

The Final Stats of the Paddle from the GPS

1st Leg

4.4 miles - 1hr 05 minutes 43 seconds - 14:53/mile average pace

2nd Leg

6.4 miles - 1hr 30 minutes 07 seconds - 14:06/mile average pace.

The New Isle Race SUP Model Should Be in Stock sometime in early June 2013.

About the Author - Marc Miller is the founding partner of Isle Surf & SUP an online retailer of paddle boards & surfboards. He has been involved in board manufacturing, product development and website management for Isle since its inception in 2004. He also writes the Isle Surf & SUP Blog. An avid surfer and paddler for the past 2 decades when hes not in the office he can be found on foreign shores searching for waves and fun.

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On April 28^th, Isle Surf joined up with the ladies of the SUP Chicks in San Diego for their Beginner Paddle Clinic fundraiser on Mission Bay for The Stand Up For the Cure in Newport Beach this May 4^th. The SUP Chicks brought down eight of the best instructors in San Diego and taught over forty people the basics of Stand Up Paddling. After their instruction, Oscarito’s and Leilani’s Café offered up some amazing food while a group jammed out on their Ukuleles.  We were stoked to be involved and spread the love of Stand Up Paddling to all those involved!

For more info on the SUP Chicks, check out the SUP Chicks Facebook Page

To find out about The Stand Up For the Cure, check out their website

About the Author - Marc Miller is the founding partner of Isle Surf & SUP an online retailer of paddle boards & surfboards. He has been involved in board manufacturing, product development and website management for Isle since its inception in 2004. He also writes the Isle Surf & SUP Blog. An avid surfer and paddler for the past 2 decades when hes not in the office he can be found on foreign shores searching for waves and fun.

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Interview with San Diego Surf & SUP Photographer Ryan Holden

Browsing the Facebook feeds one day I noticed some really cool water shots of people on paddle boards and barrel shots. After connecting the dots I ended up finding the guy behind the camera.  His name is Ryan Holden and he is lives here in San Diego and is out shooting photos all the time.  Getting a good photo is no easy job let alone a photo of a moving object or wave in the water while swimming holding a camera. Here is a little Q & A about the man behind the photos and some of his favorite shots.  Ryan Holden of Ryan Holden Imagery. Enjoy

 Isle Surf and SUP takes a minute to chat with Ryan

Question: Where are you from originally and how did you get started shooting water photography?

I’ve lived in San Diego my entire life.  Born and raised.  I had always been around the beach.  That’s the great part about our city, we can go there year-round.  Photography had always been a small hobby of mine.  When my girlfriend bought me a GoPro as a gift, jumping into the water with it was the natural progression, I guess.  I would swim out while my brother and friends paddled out on surfboards or SUPs.  I was capturing images of them no one else was.  We would get home and I would share the photos online.  Pretty soon I was having so much fun, I wouldn’t wait for them and would hit a sunrise session on my own and shoot empty barrels for a couple hours.

Question: Whats type of equipment are you currently using?

I have a GoPro Hero3 Black Edition and a Canon Rebel T3i.  The Canon has a long reaching zoom lens on it.  I can get some really nice photos from a pier or point, depending on the beach.

Question:  What are you favorite things to shoot?

My favorite shooting subjects are surfers.  I’ve had some great times meeting new people and sharing a passion for the water.  And really, that’s what this is all about.  Everyone is out in the break waiting for the next swell to surf, shoot, or spectate.  When the conditions aren’t ideal to ride, I’ll shoot barrels in the shore break.  There are very few days when the beach can’t offer a great photo opportunity.

Question: If you could put together a dream location to shoot photos where would it be?

There are so many amazing spots around the world with some amazing photographers capturing the local breaks.  I’ve seen some inspiring images coming out of Australia recently.  I’d love to head south and wake up to the sunrises I’ve seen in some photos there.

Question: If anyone is interested in getting some of your prints or your photo services how can they reach you?

While my new site is under construction, the best place to reach me and see some of my images is on Facebook facebook.com/ryanholdenimagery.  I also post images each day on Instagram instagram.com/ryanholdenimagery.   I really enjoy the interaction I have with the people on those sites.  I’ve met and gotten in contact with a good number of people there, all with my photography!

Question: I heard you have a photo project running.  True?

I currently have a personal photo project running throughout the year.  My goal is to photograph one surfer each week to post online.  You can search for photos I’ve posted with #52Surfers.  If anyone out there is looking to get a couple of shots of themselves in the water, get in contact with me!

Question: Closing statement?

I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me.  A big thanks to you and Isle Surf for the love!

Isle: Thanks for chatting with us and for the amazing photos, keep it up and see you in the water! The Isle Crew

Check out some of Ryans Favorite Shots:

About the Author - Marc Miller is the founding partner of Isle Surf & SUP an online retailer of paddle boards & surfboards. He has been involved in board manufacturing, product development and website management for Isle since its inception in 2004. He also writes the Isle Surf & SUP Blog. An avid surfer and paddler for the past 2 decades when hes not in the office he can be found on foreign shores searching for waves and fun.

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The Final 12’6 Isle Race Board Production Samples are in and looking good and very fast! The first shipments should be available for purchase online and in our store sometime in late May 2013. I took the new race model for a paddle to get an accurate read of speed and time over a distance using a GPS tracking app. I typically paddle a regular surf style shape in the flat water a few times a week and have been itching to get on a race style board for some speed. Here is how it went but first the board specifications.

2013 Isle 12’6 Race Board Specifications:

Dimensions:  12’6 x 28” x 6 5/16”

Volume:  246 liters

Weight:  29lbs

Tracking the Paddle with GPS:

I used the Strava App which uses the GPS on the Iphone. This app is designed for running to track speed, route, distance and much more but can be used to track any type of activity even if it’s over water.  Just don’t fall in unless you have a waterproof case!!!

The Chosen Course:

The course I selected was in Coronado California from the boat launch around the Coronado Bridge and back. A distance of 1.9 miles according to the GPS.

Wind & Water Conditions for the Paddle:

The conditions on the day I choose to paddle were very windy.  I was paddling in a bay but the water had a cross chop and wind speed was clocked at 13mph. The wind was blowing from the North West direction. So I was paddling into a cross wind for the first leg of the paddle and a slight downwind side shore on the way back. Once behind the Island of Coronado I was slightly blocked from the wind but still pretty strong flow of at least 5-7 mph gusts. If I was paddling in glassy conditions I imagine my speed would have been increased to over 5mph on average. The wind and slight chop slowed me down quite a bit but I still felt like I was moving very fast as compared to my surf style shape.

The Results:

Rider Info: 36 Yrs. old, Male, 143 lbs.

Distance: 1.9 Miles

Time: 25 minutes 10 seconds

Pace: 12:55 per mile

Average Speed: 4.528 Miles per Hour

Wind Speed: 7- 13mph North West Winds

Conditions: Flat-water with slight cross chop, some smooth water behind the Island due to slight wind blockage.

Race Board Comments:

The Race Board is super-fast compared to a traditional surf style model!  A couple friends paddled with me on the same route at a similar pace on surf style shapes and needless to say I left them in the dust and finished a good 10 minutes in front of them and we all took off at the same time. The race board has tons of glide and slices across the chop with ease.  If you really want speed in the flat water or are considering doing some paddle board race events this season then this board is highly recommended. We should have this model in stock in a few weeks so stay tuned!

Some Screen Shots

Estimated Delivery to our warehouse is late May 2013. Click here for more details and to get on the Pre book list for the Race Board .

About the Author - Marc Miller is the founding partner of Isle Surf & SUP an online retailer of paddle boards & surfboards. He has been involved in board manufacturing, product development and website management for Isle since its inception in 2004. He also writes the Isle Surf & SUP Blog. An avid surfer and paddler for the past 2 decades when hes not in the office he can be found on foreign shores searching for waves and fun.

The post Time Trial & Review of the New 2013 12’6 Isle Race Board appeared first on Isle Surf & SUP Blog.

 Newly expanded and upgraded Isle Retail Store in San Diego!

Our mission was to create an open professional space dedicated to paddle boards and surfboards with the ability to offer our full inventory online to walk in customers so they can browse and buy with the help of our friendly knowledgeable staff right here in San Diego, Isle’s home town.

The Store maintains one of the largest stocks of Paddle Boards & Surfboards in all of San Diego in addition to a full line of accessories all under one rooftop.

We stock over 150 boards at any given time – If you see it on our website we have it in stock!

Buy from Our Retail Store & Save

We offer a $75 In Store Discount Off our online price on any board purchased in our Retail Store.

The Retail Store Details

• 1500 square ft. & 16 ft. Ceilings – Its San Diego’s Largest SUP Selection!
• Friendly & Experienced Staff – We Surf & Paddle Every Day! No Sale Pitch just good advice
• Large Used Inventory of Surf & SUP Boards
• Surf & SUP Accessories from the best brand in the Industry
• 30 Day Guarantee- If we don’t fit you in the best board return it for an exchange or full refund even after you ride it!

Grand Opening Coming Soon – Saturday May 4^th 2013 - Board Giveaway, Food, Drinks and Free Isle Tee for First 25 Customers – More details to follow as date approaches!

The Location
We are located just a few miles south of downtown San Diego just off the 5 Freeway.  Just minutes away from San Diego Bay, Coronado Island and Mission Beach Aquatic Park so you can hit the water right away with your new board!

Store Address & Contact Info
Isle Surf & SUP San Diego Retail Store
340 West 26^th Suite E
National City, CA 91950
Click Map for Driving Directions

Phone: 619.434.1059
Email: store@islesurfboards.com

Hours of Operations
Tues – Saturday 11am – 3pm PST
Sunday & Monday Closed
*Extended Summer Hours Coming Soon

About the Author - Marc Miller is the founding partner of Isle Surf & SUP an online retailer of paddle boards & surfboards. He has been involved in board manufacturing, product development and website management for Isle since its inception in 2004. He also writes the Isle Surf & SUP Blog. An avid surfer and paddler for the past 2 decades when hes not in the office he can be found on foreign shores searching for waves and fun.

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Thanks to Isle, my husband Matt and I were able to enjoy our honeymoon in Moorea and Bora Bora with our very own, Isle inflatable SUP’s. Until we received our inflatable SUP’s in the mail and saw how small they pack down, we never thought it would be possible to “check” full size stand up’s as regular size luggage. At the airport in L.A., we had to laugh a little as we watched our two inflatable SUP bags complete with paddles and pump, scoot down the baggage belt. Our honeymoon was officially starting!

The flight out of Los Angeles was an easy 8.5 hours overnight to Papeete, Tahiti where we were greeted with heaven scented lays and sent off to board an early morning ferry, escorted by dolphins, to the island of Moorea. Upon arriving at the boat dock, we took a van to our hotel and baggage wise, we were so happy to not be carrying regular SUP’s (which we debated) – the inflatables transported easily from plane to boat to van.

Moorea is insanely beautiful. The mountains are tall, jagged and covered in green. “Lush” is the perfect word for Moorea. It’s teaming with flowers, trees, and vines. We enjoyed the trip around the island, watching the aqua water peak out from behind the palms as we hugged the shoreline towards the northwest corner of the island where our resort was located.

When we arrived, it was still early so our room was not ready and we hit the sandy beach. I could not believe the water colors and fish. I was blown away – and eager to get to our inflatable SUP’s for a better view! Soon, local surfers started to to show up in the lagoon to paddle out to the reef where a perfect left and right wave were breaking. Yes, we were in a good spot. This is about the time I completely stopped thinking about Michigan, discarded my cell phone for the entire trip and completely checked out.

After being upgraded to an over water bungalow (adjacent to the sea turtle sanctuary), we followed the little maze of paths, docks, and bungalows which weaved in and out of land and over water. The bungalows were very secluded feeling. We’d swear we were the only ones at the resort. About an hour after settling in to our bungalow, complimentary champagne and a congratulation card was delivered. These are the sweet little perks of honeymooning!

Days in Moorea went slowly. Sometimes we’d go for an early paddle board session before the wind picked up or we’d go for a run before it got too hot. If the wind did pick up strong enough, we were ready to go kiteboarding in the lagoons and Matt was anxious to make it out to the break. When it was calm, we used our inflatable SUP’s to explore two little motus a mile or so away from the resort. The resort actually did rent SUP’s but there was a small fee and renters were not allowed to leave the lagoon. Using our own SUP’s, we had no limitations so we took advantage of this and explored the amazing reefs and 50 shades of turquoise water. One of our favorite things to do was to pack food and Hinano (Tahitian beer) and paddle out to one of the motus for lunch.

My most memorable paddle in Moorea: Moorea is known for sharks so I had been preparing myself for the inevitable encounter which I preferred to experience on a paddle board first before experiencing kiteboarding. My fear of sharks is likely my biggest limitation with water-sports in the ocean, however, I know I need to get over this and was ready to on this trip. On our first paddle, sure enough, I saw a 4′ black tip approaching the side of my board. I felt pretty safe and it looked small so didn’t panic. However, Matt wanted to go in to the shark and ray feeding area now! Normally, you have to take a jet ski or boat to this spot and schedule it but with our SUP boards, we had the freedom to go right now, on our own. We didn’t know if we were in the right spot when we got there but all of the sudden, just like the photos, there were about 20 sharks and a bunch of rays. A guide was feeding them for a family of tourists on a shark feeding excursion. It was incredible. Matt jumped in, he has way less fear than me and has done this before… It took me a while but finally, I jumped in too and even went underwater to swim with them! The sharks didn’t have much interest in us at all. The rays, on the other hand, came right up and swam around our waists and arms. They feel like velvet.

When it was time to pack up for our next stop, Bora Bora, we again were reminded how easy the inflatable SUP’s are to pack. Matt deflated them quickly, rolled them up, and popped them in their bags. To get to Bora Bora, we would be taking an inter-island flight. Unfortunately, they charge for luggage per kilo and have stricter bag size limitations. Still, we were able to fly with the inflatable SUP’s even on these smaller flights. This time, instead of chuckling at the fact that we were checking SUP’s, we were entertained by the chickens and cats running around our gate!

Arriving in Bora Bora is an unforgettable experience. First, the island is striking from the sky, then you land on a small patch of land accessible only by boat (or plane) that is beautiful enough on it’s own to be a vacation destination! The resort staff greeted us again in the airport with lays and water then helped organize all of our baggage so it could be checked on our water taxi. Everything was super easy and our hotel in Bora Bora was up to par with the one in Moorea however it was much more focused on the water.

The water in Bora Bora is the most breathtakingly gorgeous water in the world and paddling is HUGE in Bora Bora – what a great combination. The protected lagoon is a playground for water-sports of all kinds but paddling dominates. Many of the people who worked at the resort, paddled to work everyday and every house we saw in Bora Bora had a full stock of surfski’s, outrigger canoes, and SUP’s in back.

Our over water bungalow maintained our inflatable SUP’s tied to the deck so we could enjoy the convenience of paddling everyday and often more than once a day. The wind was usually too light to kite but just strong enough to give us a good workout on our SUP’s before enjoying a downwinder back to our bungalow. Like Moorea, there were plenty of Motus we could paddle to also. Wherever we went, people were always surprised and then impressed that our boards were inflatable. They thought inflatables paddle boards would be smushy or gigantic. We were even skeptical at first but that changed right away. The inflatables sup boards are really solid and track well. Beyond that, they are light weight and durable. We did hear from some people on the island that inflatables are becoming the board of choice for use on sailboats which seems like a great idea.

On Bora Bora, our favorite place to paddle was Matira Point. The lagoon there is so large, clear, and blue, that the horizon nearly disappears and the sky and water meshed together at times. We never saw any more sharks but there were many rays and colorful fish to admire. The lagoon at our resort offered SUP’s and kayaks but no one except for locals were paddling where we were so again, we were thankful to have brought our own iSUP’s to explore. One other great spot to check out in Bora Bora are the Coral Gardens. It’s another place usually just accessible by boat unless you have your own SUP.

A few days in to the trip, we meet a friend of Matt’s, Moe, who lives in Bora Bora who told us about a SUP race he and his wife were participating in. Both Moe and his wife, Uranui are likely the fastest paddlers in Bora Bora so I was excited to check it out but didn’t think I’d be racing until Matt asked if Moe had extra raceboards… Moe did, and he graciously offered them to us. I was a bit nervous as I haven’t paddled hard lately (it’s winter in Michigan) but Moe wouldn’t take no for an answer. I’m glad he didn’t, the race was awesome and an experience I will not forget. The course and view were picture perfect. The island girls were fast and it was a hard paddle but full of great, positive energy. Everyone thought Matt and I were from the neighboring island of Raiatea during the race so there was a lot of laughing when we said we were honeymooners from Michigan afterward. It was easy to tell why paddling is so popular in Bora Bora. I love the paddle lifestyle everyone there lives and would love to be able to spend more time there!

At the end of our stay in Bora Bora, we deflated our SUP’s and packed them up again but this time, it would be for the long haul back to Michigan. What started out as a once-in-a-lifetime, honeymoon only, bucket-list trip, has now become something we are going to try to repeat many, many times and we will be bringing Isle Inflatable SUP’s every time we go.

Thank you ISLE!!!!
Stephanie

Available in 12’6” & 10’ lengths they come complete with paddle, board, fins, traction, handle, pump and FREE USA Shipping starting at $699.00

You can order your Isle Inflatable SUP Boards here!

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All Isle 2013 SUP Models have been upgraded to the patented LIFT SUP handle so you will never stress or strain carrying your paddle board again.  Invented by two California paddlers fed up with the traditional handle who knew there had to be a better way to transport a paddle board.

What is the LIFT SUP handle?

The patented LIFT SUP handle is a fully retractable deck handle that quickly and easily pops out of the deck of your board giving you a full handle to grip and wrap your fingers around.

Watch the Video

Benefits of Lift SUP Handle over Traditional Handles:

The LIFT SUP handle greatly reduces the stress and fatigue caused by traditional handles on the fingers, hands and forearms especially with the transport of heavier larger paddle boards. In addition to the reductions of fatigue the LIFT SUP handle also provides a point of leverage over your sup so you can easily enter and exit from vehicles, docks or other tight spaces with little fatigue or stress.

Specifications of the LIFT SUP Handle:

• Shear Strength load of 473 Pounds – This means you can put up to 473 pounds of sideways force and it will not break the handle.
• Tensile Strength load Of 840 Pounds – This means you can pick up a paddle board weighing up to 840 pounds when its lying flat and it will not break the handle.
• Made in the USA from extra strong polycarbonate and fiberglass
• Unless your paddle board is made from lead you will find it almost impossible to break these handles!

Can I Use it to lock up my Paddle Board?

Yes and with the high tensile and Shear strength listed above the handle takes a significant amount of force to snap. Of course if a thief wants to get creative anything can be stolen but this creates a lockable barrier for thieves not easily broken.

What does Isle Surf & SUP have to say about the LIFT SUP handle:

“The LIFT SUP handle is literally night and day from a traditional grooved handle. It’s an amazing difference and literally makes for a fatigue free carry of your board. On some of the larger models getting around corners, off the dock and off a vehicle was always tricky and required rests or grabbing the board over your shoulders. Now it’s a snap with the extra leverage offered by the LIFT SUP handle. And the quality is top notch! They really put in the R & D and research to get it right! “  Co-Founder Isle Surf & SUP – Marc Miller

About the Author - Marc Miller is the founding partner of Isle Surf & SUP an online retailer of paddle boards & surfboards. He has been involved in board manufacturing, product development and website management for Isle since its inception in 2004. He also writes the Isle Surf & SUP Blog. An avid surfer and paddler for the past 2 decades when hes not in the office he can be found on foreign shores searching for waves and fun.

The post Isle 2013 SUP Models Outfitted with patented LIFT SUP Carry Handle – Learn More appeared first on Isle Surf & SUP Blog.

Paddle Boarding is spreading like wildfire from the coast to major cities across the United States.

Here is a list of 5 major US cities where if you uttered the phrase “Paddle Boarding” just 5 years ago the town residents would have given you a look of confusion. Today its very different as the SUP scene continues to expand to all places surrounded by water. Here is a quick guide on each city with information on paddle board rentals, sup tours and best places to paddle.

#1 – Paddling Boarding Austin Texas

#2 - Paddle Boarding Chicago Illinois

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About Chicago:  A city surrounded by the clam waters of Lake Michigan and one of the most impressive skylines in the business with the Hancock Building Towering over 100 stories (1,127 ft).  With a bustling nightlife and waterfront there is never a lack on things to do from museums to jazz clubs to strolling the many parks. Or if its baseball season check out the Cubs at world famous Wrigley field.

Seasons: Chicago experiences 4 distinct seasons with hot and humid summer months and temperatures dipping down into the freezing zone in winter. Spring and Autumn are generally mild.

Best Places to Paddle:  Endless flat water abounds but the best views are close to the city center allowing you to soak up the majestic skyline. The best place to launch near the city would be the North Ave beach along the main waterfront.

Paddle Board Tours & Rentals:

www.chicagosup.com
Chicago SUP
1603 N Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL
773.575.4787

$25/hour

Just South of Castaways Bar & Grill On North Ave Beach

#3 – Paddle Boarding Seattle Washington

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About Seattle:  The city of Seattle is a hilly landmass sandwiched between the saltwater Puget Sound fed by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the freshwater Lake Washington to the east. With the Olympic and Cascade Mountains towering above the surrounding waters, the area is an outdoor lovers paradise with a host of activities including paddle boarding, sailing, and hiking year round.

Seasons: With mild summers and cold winters be prepared to utilize a wetsuit in the winter months to protect from the cold weather and winds. Summer can get busy on the waters but any time after September as winter sets in you got it all to yourself.

Best Places to Paddle: Lots of Amazing rivers , bays and beaches. Of course a paddle near the city skyline with the world famous needle is hard to beat. Just a short drive north of the main city is the world famous Deception Pass State Park. Complete with tidal rapids as water rushes in and out of the bays narrow canyons.

Paddle Board Tours & Rentals:

www.urbansurf.com
Urban surf
2100 North Northlake Way
Seattle, WA 98103
206.545.9463

$25 for 2 hours

#4 - Paddle Boarding Salt Lake City & Moeb Utah

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About Utah:  Home of Outdoor Retailer EXPO the worlds largest outdoor trade show its no secret Utah has it all for a recreational enthusiast with its many rivers, lakes and mountains ranges all in close proximity.

Seasons: Utah has a dry semi arid desert climate although it mountainous regions can remain quite chilly year round. The summer months offer up temps in the 80-100 range while winters see things dipping into the subzero range.

Best Places to Paddle:  The Great Salt Lake is the closest body of water to the city center and offers endless bays and inlets.  Little Dell Reservoir located just a short drive outside Salt Lake is a great location for some freshwater paddling and mountain views. To the east Moab City on the Colorado River offers up some amazing paddles of the red rock canyons for the more adventure minded.

Paddle Board Tours & Rentals:

www.moabadventurecetner.com
Moab Adventure Center
225 South Main St.
Moab, Utah 84532
435.259.7019

$95 for 2.5 hours paddle boarding down a calm stretch of the Colorado River

Moeb SUP Tour Details

#5 - Paddle Boarding New York City (NYC) New York

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About NYC:  New York is a city that needs no introduction. Its the financial capital of the world with a bustling day and nightlife. From magnificent buildings and statues, to museums, to parks its never lacking in activities. And its also surrounded by water so it’s the perfect place to hop on a paddle board and see the city from an all new perspective.

Seasons: New York City experiences a humid subtropical climate with warm and humid summer months of temperatures ranging from 80 – 100 degrees and cold and windy winters dipping into the subzero range.

Best Places to Paddle:  With a skyline unlike anywhere on earth you cant miss a paddle along Manhattan Island.  Just watch out for the busy waterways filled with ships, ferries and tugs. Another amazing must do paddle is the Statue of Liberty. It’s a site like no other and be sure to pack a camera to snap off some once in a lifetime shots.

Paddle Board Tours & Rentals:

http://www.nykayak.com/
New York Kayak Company
40 N. Rivers Piers Suite 10
212.924.1327

$50/hour for rentals

About the Author - Marc Miller is the founding partner of Isle Surf & SUP an online retailer of paddle boards & surfboards. He has been involved in board manufacturing, product development and website management for Isle since its inception in 2004. He also writes the Isle Surf & SUP Blog. An avid surfer and paddler for the past 2 decades when hes not in the office he can be found on foreign shores searching for waves and fun.

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