Follow our blog for the latest news and reviews from the world of SUP http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blog.asp Gary and Cris from Paddleboard Specialists compare the 2012 Morrelli and Melvin 14' production race board to the late 2011 Surftech 14' Dominator. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=106 Gary, Cris and Scott from Paddleboard Specialists take the new 2012 14' Bark/Laird limited colorway Tuflite out for it's first paddle. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=105 PaddleBoard Specialists owner Gary Stone joins Hobie designer Mark Johnson in Dana Point, California to paddle the all new E-Series. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=104 PaddleBoard Specialists owner Gary Stone joins Hobie designer Mark Johnson in Dana Point, California to paddle the all new E-Series. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=103 Our good friend Connor Baxter claims the crown at the 2011 Battle of the Paddle http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=102 Think you're too old to try Stand Up Paddling? We have a feeling this video may help you reconsider. Thanks to our friend Virginia for showing us that SUP really is for everyone. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=101 The Surftech B1 is the the ultimate board for those looking for durability. The board is actually coated with plastic instead of traditional epoxy. We witnessed this technology taking a beating at the Outdoor Retailer show. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=100 Take one part Laird Hamilton, one part Joe Bark and you have a concoction for great Stand Up Paddle boards. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=99 Beautiful! That is the first thing that comes to mind when seeing the new Hobie 2012 Bamboo Elite race series. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=98 Chris Aguilar of Soul Surf Media produced this great video of our Midwest Stand Up Paddle Festival. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=97 Debbie Garten of Paddleboard Specialists tests the new Amundson Aquaglide TR 11'4". http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=96 Thanks to everyone that came out to the first annual Midwest Stand Up Paddle Festival. We had approximately 130 participants and close to 70 racers enjoying the 3 mile rec course and 6 mile open courses. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=95 Want to give SUP a try? We have some great opportunities for you to get out on the water and experience Stand Up Paddling. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=94 We really love the all-water/surf boards that we carry from NSP. They are comfortable, and easy to paddle. Now you can get that same comfortable feel with the new NSP 14' Cruiser. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=93 Matt Lennert is a man on a mission. He is planning a 50 mile Lake Michigan crossing on a Stand Up Paddle Board. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=92 One of the most versatile and beautiful paddles we have seen, the Sawyer Rip is a go-to for someone that wants an adjustable without the extra weight. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=91 In our continuing series of posts on all-water boards we compare the Amundson 11'3" with the Starboard Blend 11'2". http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=90 Hard to believe it is only one month until the biggest standup paddle event the midwest has ever seen. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=89 As more and more races add 14' classes we've seen quite a few new boards come out in the last year. We're really excited to offer the Coreban 14' Alpha. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=88 The Quickblade Flyweight is a brand new paddle designed specifically for lightweight paddlers. With an 83 sq inch blade it is ideal for paddlers up to 150 pounds. The 100% carbon ultra small (1") diameter shaft maximizes comfort and shaft stiffness is perfect for lighter paddlers. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=87 If you're a larger paddler and are looking for a super stable board, we have many options at our shop. Two of our favorites for big paddlers are the Starboard Atlas and the Surftech Universal. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=86 In our second installment of our series of posts on all-water boards we take a look at three of our favorites. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=85 In this first video in our series of all-water boards, we tested the Naish Nalu 11'6", the Amundson Aquaglide 11'6" and the brand new Bic Jungle E-Comp 11'6" . http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=84 The Amundson Aquaglide TR and the Tahoe Zephyr are two standouts for the paddler that wants a versatile and stable board for touring and even an occasional race. In this video clip PaddleBoard Specialists owner Gary Stone compares the features of both boards. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=82 We are really excited to be working with the Henry Vilas Zoo again this year to bring you Paddle for the Polar Bears. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=81 We had the wonderful opportunity to paddle with two of our great customers this week. Cindy and Brad little came down from Duluth, MN to pick up a new board. PaddleBoard Specialists owner Gary Stone took both Brad and Cindy out for a nice morning paddle and gave some tips on paddling technique. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=80 We caught up with Mike and Will of SUP the Coast while at the Carolina Cup. These guys are truly inspiring. They are paddling the entire East Coast from Key West to the Eastern Seaboard in order to raise awareness of veterans issues and ocean cleanup. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=79 Sea to Summit SPT Lockable rack tie downs are a unique system that combines stainless steel reinforced webbing tie-down straps with an integrated keyed locking system to protect your valuable gear from theft. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=78 We are always looking for ways to improve our stroke technique. This video clip from Quickblade is one of the most thorough and inventive that we have seen . http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=77 PaddleBoard Specialists owner Gary Stone is headed to Wrightsville Beach, NC this weekend to experience the Carolina Cup. The Carolina Cup is the Mid-Atlantic's Premier Stand Up Paddle Race. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=76 A couple of SUP boards can start to take up a lot of space in your garage. The Gatekeeper wall racks solve this problem by getting the boards up and off the floor. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=75 As soon as we pulled the Starboard Ace out of it's box we knew we were about to experience something different. Starboard shaper Brian Szymanski keeps pushing the boundaries of what a SUP board is. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=74 We truly believe this is the year that SUP hits big across the midwest. That is why we are stoked to be a part of an amazing race series that will finally unite paddlers from all across the midwest. Paddle Board Specialists along with five other shops will be hosting race events in a series that will stretch throughout the summer. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=73 The Werner Bent Shaft is a new leap in the ever evolving sport of SUP. Werner has been in the paddle business for a long time. It is a no-brainer that they would use their huge bank of knowledge from the canoe and kayak world to push the envelope with stand up paddles. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=72 We love the Bark 12'6" Competitor. Until now all of the other 12'6" flatwater/race boards we paddled did not come close. But that was until we tested the new Hobie production race board. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=71 Looking for something to wear when a t-shirt isn't enough and a wetsuit is way too much? The Breeze Breaker is a great piece from O'Neil. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=70 We are stoked to announce the first annual Paddleboard Specialists Midwest Stand Up Paddle Festival set for Saturday July 9th! This will be the biggest Stand Up Paddle event in the midwest. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=69 Fast. That about sums it up. But more than fast, this board is smooth. Joe Bark continues to impress us with his mastery of shaping SUPs. The 14' production model by Surftech is the bigger brother of the 12'6" competitor. Both of these boards have amazing glide and are perfect for both racers and those who just want a cadillac experience while cruising the flats. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=68 We love packing a lunch and heading out on the water for the day. That is why we love this deck bag. It's low profile keeps it out of your way while paddling, and there is plenty of capacity for your gear, food, etc. The Seattle Sports Deluxe Deck Bag offers unique window-view access, high capacity, and light reflectivity. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=67 In this video clip PaddleBoard Specialists owner Gary Stone shows us the new Quickblade Kanaha adjustable 3 piece paddle. The paddle features an extremely well-balanced lightweight design. It has an adjustment range of 8", and the full carbon construction makes it nice and light. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=66 We now have the new Danny Ching race fin by True Ames in stock! The fin could be mistaken for a piece of art with its beautiful bamboo core. The is the design that Danny has been racing lately. Including his win at the Battle of the Paddle. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=65 It's not everyday that Madison, Wisconsin has a Stand Up Paddle pro navigating it's waters. Especially when it is January and the air temperature is only 26. The chilly conditions did not stop Paddleboard Specialists owner Gary Stone and Connor Baxter from venturing out on Madison's Yahara River. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=64 PaddleBoard Specialists had the priveledge or interviewing Kevin Vangritis. Kevin recently purchased a 14' Double Carbon Bark from us, and raced it in the n the 3rd Annual Cold Stroke Classic held in Wrightsville Beach N.C. Kevin finished 1st in his division and had the second fastest time overall. In the following conversation, Kevin tells us about his passion for SUP and some of his impressions of his new BARK. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=63 We're stoked about our exclusive interview with filmmaker Ran Kalif. Below Ran gives us the lowdown on the SUP scene in Israel, along with some great footage of some of the great SUP waveriders coming out of Israel. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=62 We call Madison, WI home. And as owner Gary Stone says in this clip, "Madison is surrounded by water." Which makes it a perfect place for the largest selection of SUPs in the country. Whether you are a flatwater racer, beginning recreational paddler or a wave fanatic, we have you covered. Not only do we have the largest selection of boards, but we pride ourselves on knowing every product we sell inside and out. This gives us the ability to help you make the right choice in board, paddle and accessories. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=61 We taught over 600 new paddlers last year in Madison, WI. One of our go to board lines for all beginners was the Amundson Aquaglide Series. These boards are perfect for anyone looking for an all-around board to paddle with friends on flat water, or take to the beach for a day of playing on the waves. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=60 It's here! The new 404 Danny Ching race board arrived at the shop just a couple of weeks ago. This is the production version of Danny's weapon of choice at the Battle of the Paddle. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=59 Many paddlers have been caught between the choice of a comfortable touring/flatwater paddle and a racing paddle. Now, you can have the best of both worlds in one blade shape. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=58 In the video clip Jim explains the new Choose Your Paddle chart. This brilliantly organized chart shows you how QuickBlade's range of paddles fit your specific body type and paddling discipline. Jim also talks about Quickblade's revolutionary shaft stiffness index. Now Quickblade paddles come with the appropriate stiffness for your chosen blade size and use . http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=57 We had a great time at the Battle of the Paddle last week. It was great to see one of our close friends Connor Baxter. Connor competed in 4 of the 5 races over the weekend. He was kind enough to let us re- post his race recap on our site for all of us to enjoy and to get inspired. http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=56