C4 Waterman Field Report #34

• Where: Pailolo Channel, Hawaii
• When: April 26, 2008
• What: Kai Wa’a/Smith Builders, LLC Maui to Molokai Challenge

Mid April marks the beginning of the paddle sports racing season in Hawaii. As the winter surf season ebbs to a close, it’s time for the C4 crew to join all the canoe, surf ski and paddleboard enthusiasts in gearing up for a summer full of training, races, and plain ole holoholo larks.

After spending the past four paddle seasons shaping and designing open ocean stand-up race boards with Brian Keaulana, Todd Bradley, Archie Kalepa, and Karel Tresnak, I was keen to get the new C4 Vortice XP out in some ripping trade wind bumps and point that baby downhill.

So I was stoked when my Molokai Channel partner, Archie Kalepa, rang up to invite me to paddle with him in a race across the Pailolo Channel to Kaunakakai on Molokai. Arch is more or less the godfather of stand-up paddleboard racing, being the first guy, back in 2004, to take on the 32-nautical-mile Kaiwi Channel standing up.

Now that dozens of Vortice racers are springing from of Karel’s molds, this will be the first year Archie and I can train on identical boards; we are both keenly anticipating this year’s Molokai crossing, knowing that if the trades are smoking’ we have a design that gobbles up bumps like M&Ms.

On Maui, race day dawned in a voggy calm. The forecast insisted trades were on the way, but as we motored to the start point at D.T. Fleming Beach in the Kalepa Kai, Archie’s tricked-out Radon, it was soon apparent that the bulk of the stand-up contingent had been spooked away by the glassy, unruffled ocean. Well, maybe the 5-foot north swell had something to do with it, too…

But by the time the start horn blared the wind was visibly increasing, and already bursts of popcorn were sprouting out to sea. A nightmarish vision of a 6-hour death march over sticky calm water abated; we could begin to relish the thought of 4 hours of constant ’scoots’ and runs.

Heading due west from Fleming Beach, the first leg served up an hour’s battle with a more northerly wind component. Luckily the prevailing torque of the bumps continually squeezed us up to windward, thus allowing us to hold our westerly line toward the finish line at Kaunakakai Harbor, 23 nautical miles distant.

By mid channel the wind veered more easterly, seemingly funneled and refracted around the islands of Lanai and Molokai. I can’t tell you how much fun it is to settle into a pace miles out to sea, with the wind squarely abaft and no other contestants harrying your tail. By hour two Archie and I had settled into a regimen of trading 20-minute turns on the Vortice XP. Watching Archie from the Kalepa Kai, I was gratified to note that he was able to constantly keep the nose pointed downhill. That is what you want to see; in contrast, paddleboards that tend to go pitch-up usually wallow on the crest of a bump and often stall out before you can push it over and start scooting downhill.

By Kamalo Point the wind was churning up perfect surfing bumps—-tight, steep, and close together. The run of the chops settled into a ‘basket-weave’ pattern, the kind that overlap and let you hop right-to-left- and left-to-right from wavelet to wavelet in long railroading runs. At this point we were stoked to be routinely stitching together 5 waves per run.

Nearing the finish line at Kaunakakai Harbor, the wind died somewhat, but the chops still kept pushing us along. We hove alongside open class solo paddleboard hellman Keoni Watson, the lone paddleboard entrant, as he slurped his last bottle of protein sludge on the way to a splendid 4:10 race time.

Archie steamed past the finish buoy at the tip of the wharf to secure for us a time of 4:07, which we figured pointed to an average paddling speed of about 6 or 7 mph. An hour later the only other relay team, Tiare Friedman and Mele McPherson, scooted in on their new Vortice XP with a very respectable time of 5:06. Minutes later, solo stand-up paddlers Mike Madsoon (on an F-16) and Jack Gillen (on a Ku Nalu) came ashore with times of 5:11 and 5:18, respectively.

At 23 nautical miles, the Maui to Molokai race was an ideal warm-up for the Molokai Challenge on July 27th—–you could call it a Metric Molokai. It’s long enough to find out what you’re made of, yet short enough that it doesn’t lay you out for days afterward. ….And as any stand-up paddleboarder knows, having the wind on your back and the bumps puckering everywhere like grenade craters is manna from Heaven.

-Dave Parmenter, 29 April 2008

Aaron Napoleon Wins the Ku Ikaika Challenge

QuikSilverEdition Ku Ikaika Challenge Enjoys Successful Inauguration.World’s First Big-Wave Stand Up Paddle Surfing Event

HONOLULU – (February 14, 2008) – Today’s inaugural QuikSilverEdition Ku Ikaika Challenge, presented by C4 Waterman and Red Bull, was a hugely successful celebration of the waterman heritage, epic surf and aloha that have been Hawaii’s gifts to the world for centuries. Staged in waves that ranged throughout the day from six to 15 feet (wave face heights of 12-30 feet), the world’s first big-wave stand up paddle surfing event was more about gathering together to honor a tradition than it was about winning. The first place winner’s check of $4,000, ultimately claimed by revered Hawaiian waterman Aaron Napoleon (Pearl City, Oahu, 41), was presented on his behalf to the West Side Junior Lifeguard Foundation. Every surfer in the main event received an equal prize check of $350.

Napoleon surfed through a total of five rounds to win the all-Hawaiian final, charging hard through every round and posting one of the event’s two perfect 10-point rides for a huge barrel. Second place today was 24-year-old Keoni Keaulana (Waianae), who was the top-performing member of the highly represented and respected Keaulana family of Makaha. Third place went to big-wave specialist Ikaika Kalama (Waialua, Oahu), and fourth was Kamu Auwae (Waianae).

Of the field of 32 surfers, 24 were from the Hawaiian Islands, four were from California: Scott Bass, Kyle Mochizuki, Chris Mauro and Chuck Patterson; two were from Tahiti: Raimana Van Bastolaer and Arsene Harehoe; and two were from Australia: Jamie Mitchell and Liam Wilmott. There was also one woman in the event: Maui’s Tiare Lawrence.

Above: Aaron Napoleon setting up for the barrel that earned him a perfect 10.
Photo: Sarah Towner towner@coveredimages.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it <!– document.write( ” ); //–>

The top-performing non-Hawaii surfer was fifth-placed Chuck Patterson, 38, (San Clemente, CA), who lost in the semi-finals to Napoleon and Kalama. Patterson posted the other perfect 10-point ride of the contest in round one of the main event. Like Napoleon, he surfed all the way from the trials.

Above: Chuck Patterson (CA) was a standout charger today.

Photo: Sarah Towner towner@coveredimages.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it <!– document.write( ” ); //–>

As the oldest competitor in the final at 41, Napoleon had a well of ocean knowledge to draw from today, both from his own lifetime of experience and as the product of one of Hawaii’s best known ocean-going families. A top-performer over the years in every salt-water sport on offer, Napoleon attributed his success to good genes and just wanting to have fun.

“If you could have been out there and seen how the water and the waves looked from where I was, it was so beautiful, man, I was in heaven,” said Napoleon. “How you goin’ beat one guy (sic) that’s having fun?

“It wasn’t super big, but it was fun.

“My first heat in the trials I kinda really bonked. I told myself that if I get another chance I’m going for it.”

On his perfect 10-scoring, 12-foot wave: “I set it up, pulled in there, had some travel time. I could see the jet-skis in the channel and even though I didn’t make it out, when I came up it seemed like the crowd was in awe. To get the respect, I’m on cloud nine.”

Chuck Patterson followed an identical path to Napoleon through the event, unfortunately falling one heat short of the glory, but not an ounce short on respect earned. Like Napoleon, he only made it out of the trials by virtue of being one of the highest placed thirds (technically only first and second in each heat were advancing, but a couple of vacancies in the seeded main round allowed a couple of top thirds a second shot).

Where Napoleon capitalized on the biggest, most critical waves and a high, racing line, Patterson opted for large open-faced waves and a top-to-bottom sequence of power carves that totally utilized the paddle.

Like Napoleon, Patterson is also an exponent of multiple sports – kite-surfing, big-wave tow-in surfing, snowboarding and skiing. Stand up paddle surfing is his latest passion.

“I’m addicted!” said Patterson, who runs a construction company and cross-trains young athletes when not pursing his own sporting goals. “This new sport is so exciting. It’s as much fun as anything I’ve ever done and it’s the most humbling. It has its glorified moments that leaving you feeling amazing, but then you can turn straight around and fall on a small little bump on the water. It’s a humanizing experience – you’ve just got to get back on your feet and start over. You’re always learning and it’s never boring.”

The vibe on the beach said it all today: no commercial hyp, just an intimate crowd of mostly surf-stoked aunties, uncles and families. There couldn’t have been a better venue on the planet than Makaha Beach – for natural beauty or waves. Located near the end of the road on the West Side of Oahu, Makaha has long been a paradise for surfers, playing host to the first world championships of surfing more than 50 years ago. Not much has changed around here in that time, and those things that did have now come full circle, like the old beachboy style of stand up paddle surfing that proved without a doubt today that it’s back to stay this time.

Ku Ikaika: “Stand Strong”. The name for this event came from the name of the non-profit foundation established last year by supporting sponsor of this event, C4 Waterman. The Ku Ikaika Foundation was established to shine a light on the youth that it encourages to stand strong and make strong, positive choices in life.

Hi-res digital images will be available to registered media affiliates. Please contact Jodi Wilmott: (808) 258-8533.

www.c4waterman.com
www.quiksilveredition.com

THE EVENT:
A benefit for the Junior Lifeguard Foundation on the West Side.

DATE:
January 15 to February 29, 2008.
To be held on the day when wave face heights reach 20 feet.

VENUE:
Makaha Point, West Side Oahu, Hawaii.

FORMAT:
32-man format featuring the world’s top stand-up paddle surfers (24 invitees and 8 trialists from a 16-man trials division to be held on the same day).

PRIZE MONEY:
$4,000 donation to the West Side’s Junior Lifeguard Foundation will carry the event winner’s name. Surfers will share equally in $11,200 prize money ($350 each).

RESULTS

FINAL
1st – Aaron Napoleon, 41, Pearl City, Oahu, Hawaii
(White) – won $4,000 that will be awarded in his name to the West Side Junior Lifeguard Foundation.
Points: 16.83 (two of three judges awarded 10s) total – 10, 6.83

2nd – Keoni Keaulana, 24, Waianae, Oahu, Hawaii
(Black,) – won $350 like everybody else in the main event.
Points: 14.0 total – 7.83, 6.17

3rd – Ikaika Kalama, 28, Waialua, Oahu, Hawaii
(Green) – won $350
Points: 13.5 total – 7.17, 6.33

4th – Kamu Auwae, 28, Waianae, Oahu, Hawaii
(Red) – won $350
Points: 8.9 total – 2.33, 6.57

Top non-Hawaiian finisher: Chuck Patterson, 38, San Clemente, CA. Placed =5th overall after being eliminated by Ikaika Kalama and Aaron Napoleon in the semi-finals.

Highest single wave score: Aaron Napoleon, heat 7, first round of main event – 10 points.
Highest heat score of the event: Chuck Patterson, heat 6 first round of main event – 18.57 out of 20.

SEMI FINALS: 1st & 2nd advance, 3rd place =5th overall, 4th place =7th overall
H1: Kamu Auwae (Black, HI), Keone Keaulana (Green, HI), Brian Keaulana (Red, HI), Bonga Perkins (White, HI)
H2: Ikaika Kalama (Green, HI), Aaron Napoleon (White, HI), Chuck Patterson (Red, CA), Kealii Mamala (Black, HI)

QUARTER FINALS: 1st & 2nd advance, 3rd place =9th overall, 4th place =13th overall.
H1; Brian Keaulana (Black, HI), Kamu Auwae (Red, HI), Raimana Van Bastolaer (Green, TAH), Nolan Keaulana (White, HI)
H2: Keone Keaulana (Red, HI), Bonga Perkins (Green, HI), Duane DeSoto (White, HI), Keone Downing (Black, HI)
H3: Chuck Patterson (Black, CA), Kealii Mamala (White, HI), Rusty Keaulana (Red, HI), Garrett McNamara (Green, HI)
H4: Ikaika Kalama (White, HI), Aaron Napoleon (Green, HI), Dave Parmenter (Black, HI), Sam Pai (Red, HI)

MAIN ROUND
H1: Kamu Auwae (White, HI), Keone Keaulana (Green, HI), Craig Davidson (Black, HI), Kamaki Worthington (Red, HI)
H2: Brian Keaulana (Red, HI), Jamie Mitchell (Green, AUS), Keone Downing (Black, HI), Scott Bass (White, CA)
H3: Bonga Perkins (Red, HI), Raimana Van Bastolaer (Green, TAH), Ekolu Kalama (White, HI), Archie Kalepa (Black, HI)
H4: Duane Desoto (Black, HI), Nolan Keaulana (Green, HI), Buzzy Kerbox (Red, HI), Kainoa McGee (White, HI)
H5: Rusty Keaulana (Black, HI), Sam Pai (White, HI), Noah Johnson (Green, HI), Arsene Harehoe (Red, TAH)
H6: Chuck Patterson (Green, CA), Dave Parmenter (Red, HI), Blane Chambers (Black, HI), Chris Mauro (White, CA)
H7: Aaron Napoleon (Green, HI), Garrett McNamara (White, HI), Robby Naish (Black, HI), Mel Puu (Red, HI)
H8: Ikaika Kalama (Red, HI), Kealii Mamala (White, HI), Liam Wilmott (Green, AUS), Todd Bradley (Black, HI)

Trials
H1: Kamu Auwae (Black, HI), Scott Bass (Green, CA), Liam Wilmott (Red, AUS), Kyle Mochizuki (White, CA)
H2: Ekolu Kalama (Red, HI), Kainoa McGee (Green, HI), Blane Chambers (White, HI), Nalu Froiseth (Black, HI)
H3: Sam Pai (Red, HI), Chris Mauro (Green, CA), Chuck Patterson (White, CA), Bunky Bakutis (Black, HI)
H4: Garrett McNamara (White, HI), Kealii Mamala (Green, HI), Aaron Napoleon (Red, HI), Tiare Lawrence (Black, HI)

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Media Contact: Jodi Wilmott, Ocean Promotion, in Hawaii Email: <!– var prefix = ‘ma’ + ‘il’ + ‘to’; var path = ‘hr’ + ‘ef’ + ‘=’; var addy94437 = ‘oceanpromotion’ + ‘@’; addy94437 = addy94437 + ‘hawaii’ + ‘.’ + ‘rr’ + ‘.’ + ‘com’; document.write( ” ); document.write( addy94437 ); document.write( ” ); //–>n oceanpromotion@hawaii.rr.com <!– document.write( ‘‘ ); //–> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it <!– document.write( ” ); //–>

About QuiksilverEdition:
QuiksilverEdition’s commitment to stand-up paddle surfing is multi-layered involving event sponsorship, athlete development and design & innovation. Some of the planned events include SUP clinics in Florida and the Great lakes, open event fundraisers in Laguna Beach and Long Island, NY and The QuiksilverEdition Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race. QuiksilverEdition has assembled some of the top stand-up paddle surfers in the world including Bonga Perkins & Jamie Mitchell.

QuikSilverEdition, a division of Quiksilver Inc, is inspired by the waterman lifestyle. Whether surfing, paddling, canoeing or just spending quality time with family or friends talking story, QuikSilverEdition is a great looking, comfortable and stylish compliment to the best moment of our lives. QuikSilverEdition is a premium sportswear brand built for the man who is looking for a more refined alternative to today’s youth-driven surf companies. It is an authentic brand that embodies the rich heritage of Quiksilver’s legendary wave and mountain culture.

About C4 Waterman:
Founded by Hawaii’s Brian Keaulana, Todd Bradley, and Mike Fox, C4 Waterman brings together over 100 years of ocean experience to create the C4 Waterman brand of wave-riding tools and equipment. Sharing a passion for ocean sports, the drive to excel and a desire to share the waterman’s spirit, C4 Waterman’s state-of-the-art paddles, stand-up boards, paddleboards and accessories are the modern evolution of the ocean-based lifestyle that originated in Hawaii.

Ku Ikaika Challenge is ON

QUIKSILVEREDITION KU IKAIKA CHALLENGE
Presented by C4 Waterman & Red Bull
The world’s first big-wave stand up paddle (SUP) surfing event.
A benefit for the Junior Lifeguard Foundation on the West Side.

DATE:
January 15 to February 29, 2008.
To be held on the day when wave face heights reach 20 feet.

VENUE:
Makaha Point, West Side Oahu, Hawaii.

FORMAT:
32-man format featuring the world’s top stand-up paddle surfers (24 invitees and 8 trialists from a 16-man trials division to be held on the same day).

PRIZE MONEY:
$4,000 donation to the West Side’s Junior Lifeguard Foundation will carry the event winner’s name. Surfers will share equally in $11,200 prize money ($350 each).

STAGE SET FOR WORLD’S FIRST
BIG-WAVE STAND UP PADDLE SURFING EVENT

Holding Period Begins January 15 to February 29, 2008

HONOLULU – (January 14, 2008) – The official holding period of the QuiksilverEdition Ku Ikaika Challenge, presented by C4 Waterman and Red Bull, will get underway tomorrow, January 15, and will run through February 29, 2008. The QuiksilverEdition Ku Ikaika Challenge is the world’s first big-wave stand up paddle (SUP) surfing event and will be held at Makaha Point, on Oahu’s West Side.

The QuiksilverEdition Ku Ikaika Challenge will be held on one day when wave face heights reach 20 feet.

Above: Brian Keaulana, Makaha – photo: Allen Mozo

In the spirit of community, as opposed to competition, the event will be a benefit for the West Side’s Junior Lifeguard Foundation (JLF), with $4,000 of the $15,200 prize purse being donated to the JLF on behalf of the event winner. The remaining $11,200 will be equally split among the 32 surfers in the main event with each rider to receive $350. The main event will consist of 24 invited surfers plus eight surfers who advance from a 16-man trials.

The concept for this year’s event was developed by C4 Waterman co-founder Brian Keaulana, who wanted to showcase SUP surfing at the historic venue of Makaha while also giving back to the local community. It was embraced as a natural fit for QuiksilverEdition, a brand built upon adventure, commitment, endurance and style – key components of SUP surfing and the waterman’s lifestyle.

Stand up paddle surfing first surfaced on the shores of Waikiki back in the 1940s and ’50s. The original Waikiki Beachboys blended their favorite sports of outrigger canoe paddling and surfing, utilizing a canoe paddle to both paddle and surf while standing. It was an adaptation made for convenience as it afforded the Beachboys a better view of the Waikiki surf lineup where they assisted tourists in learning to surf and took their photos while doing so.

The sport has enjoyed a rebirth in recent years and has been given a high-energy, modern-day spin: big-wave riding. Utilizing a paddle that is today specifically designed for SUP, surfers maintain an upright position while paddling out to the lineup, paddling into the waves, and then surfing them to shore. The paddle is not only a tool for navigating the lineup, but is also critically employed throughout the surfer’s maneuvers on the wave.

“Stand up paddle surfing has brought the biggest injection of energy to the surf industry in at least 15 years,” says Glen Moncata, Vice President of Quiksilver for Hawaii and the Pacific Basin.

“It’s not just surfing with a paddle. It’s about embracing the sport’s origins and that authentic spirit of adventure that has long drawn man to the ocean, and that’s what makes it a great fit for QuiksilverEdition.”

“Makaha is where it all began,” says Brian Keaulana, of C4 Waterman. “From the Makaha International that opened surfing to the world 50 years ago, to the first ever stand up competition – here at my father’s (Buffalo Keaulana) contest four years ago. This is where all ocean activities exist, so it’s full circle back to Makaha.”

###

Media Contact: Jodi Wilmott, Ocean Promotion, in Hawaii Cell: (808) 258-8533 Email: oceanpromotion@hawaii.rr.com

About QuiksilverEdition:
QuiksilverEdition’s commitment to stand-up paddle surfing is multi-layered involving event sponsorship, athlete development and design & innovation. Some of the planned events include SUP clinics in Florida and the Great lakes, open event fundraisers in Laguna Beach and Long Island, NY and The QuiksilverEdition Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race. QuiksilverEdition has assembled some of the top stand-up paddle surfers in the world including Bonga Perkins & Jamie Mitchell.

QuikSilverEdition, a division of Quiksilver Inc, is inspired by the waterman lifestyle. Whether surfing, paddling, canoeing or just spending quality time with family or friends talking story, QuikSilverEdition is a great looking, comfortable and stylish compliment to the best moment of our lives. QuikSilverEdition is a premium sportswear brand built for the man who is looking for a more refined alternative to today’s youth-driven surf companies. It is an authentic brand that embodies the rich heritage of Quiksilver’s legendary wave and mountain culture.

About C4 Waterman:
Founded by Hawaii’s Brian Keaulana, Todd Bradley, and Mike Fox, C4 Waterman brings together over 100 years of ocean experience to create the C4 Waterman brand of wave-riding tools and equipment. Sharing a passion for ocean sports, the drive to excel and a desire to share the waterman’s spirit, C4 Waterman’s state-of-the-art paddles, stand-up boards, paddleboards and accessories are the modern evolution of the ocean-based lifestyle that originated in Hawaii.

INVITEES:
Archie Kalepa
Bonga Perkins
Brian Keaulana
Bruce “Cito” DeSoto
Craig Davidson
Dave Kalama
Dave Parmenter
Duane DeSoto
Ikaika Kalama
Jamie Mitchell
Jamie Sterling
Kamaki Worthington
Kelly Slater
Lance Hookano
Leleo Kinimaka
Luke Egan
Mel Puu
Raimana Van Bastolaer
Rob Machado
Robby Naish
Rusty Keaulana
Titus Kinimaka
Tom Carroll
Vetea “Poto” David

16 TRIALISTS:
Buzzy Kerbox
Chris Mauro
Chuck Patterson
Derek Doerner
Ekolu Kalama
Garrett McNamara
Kainoa McGee
Kalani Vierra
Keone Downing
Keone Keaulana
Kyle Mocaizuki
Noah Johnson
Nolan Keaulana
Tiare Lawrence
Todd Bradley
Tony Moniz

C4 Waterman Teams up with Tropic Surf

On a recent boat trip to a secluded corner of the Maldives world renowned watermen Brian Keaulana and Todd Bradley teamed up with Tropicsurf’s Ross Phillips to experiment with the latest developments in ocean technology. Their goal was to brainstorm future plans for a series of waterman courses in Australia in 2008.

The Waterman Experience Weeks will be the very first of their kind open to the public and will commence early next year in Noosa, with the Maldives and Hawaii on the itinerary for late 2008. Designed for the regular surfer, the courses will focus on developing waterman skills and increasing overall ocean confidence so participants will not just be able to ride a wave, but really understand it. The program will be action packed with stand up paddle, tow-in, jet ski rescue, hydrofoil, underwater relaxation techniques, ocean swimming in challenging conditions and more.

With a Diploma of Teaching in Physical Education, a Graduate Diploma in Outdoor Education and twenty years experience as a surf educator Ross Phillips has earned himself a solid reputation in the industry. Coupled with Brian Keaulana who was once described by surf journalist Dave Parmenter as “without a doubt the greatest all-around waterman alive”, they make a formidable team.

On their recent Maldives trip they road tested a variety of equipment from the latest hydrofoil fins to stand up paddleboards ranging from 9’6 to 11’0. Body surfing, breath holding, jet ski driving training, towing and rescue techniques were also a major focus. “Professional water safety is an important service that Tropicsurf offers to our guests. So it’s been awesome to have Brian here with us fine-tuning our risk management processes. He’s undoubtedly the best in the business and his wealth of real life experience has proven invaluable in polishing our systems and training our guides” Ross Phillips, Tropicsurf CEO.

Brian Keaulana and Todd Bradley from C4 Waterman (www.c4waterman.com) were in the Maldives to film a stand up paddle instructional video but they got a lot more than they bargained for with solid 6 to 8 foot surf and not another single surfer for the entire trip. Brain Keaulana said, “This was probably the best surfing trip I have ever taken in my whole life. And I’ve been everywhere. It was not just the surf; it was the whole ambience, the culture the customer service. We’ve been treated way beyond what I’d expected like we were part of the family.”

This is what Tropicsurf does best and this service will be a major focus of the Waterman Experience Weeks. And for those with outstanding talent and enthusiasm the courses will also be part of a Tropicsurf recruiting drive – with Ross and his team keen to add coaches who will become part of this exciting new venture with the opportunity to travel the world.

Established in 2002 Tropicsurf provides guided luxury surfing holidays for all abilities. Tropicsurf pioneered surf travel in the outer atolls of the Maldives, with Ross the first to surf many of its breaks and constantly discovering new and remote locations.

For more information on Tropicsurf, and other surf tours they offer, check out their website at http://tropicsurf.net.

DVD Shipping Oct 15th

C4 WATERMAN Releases ‘How-To’ DVD “Stand Up Paddle Surfing Hawaiian Style”

HONOLULU – (Friday, October 12, 2007) – C4 Waterman, the leaders in the stand-up paddle surfing market, have teamed up with Premiere Productions to produce Stand Up Paddle Surfing, Hawaiian Style, Volume 1: Basics to Intermediate. This comprehensive how-to DVD for those looking to enjoy the rebirth of SUP “stoke” is now available in select surf stores and on-line at www.c4waterman.com, at the suggested retail price of $24.99. Click here to view a preview of the DVD. Filmed on-location in Hawaii and the Maldives, this entertaining instructional DVD provides background to the sport and takes the viewer all the way from beginning techniques to more advanced tips for the intermediate stand-up paddle surfer. It will soon be followed by an intermediate-to-advanced guide. Some of Hawaii’s world-class watermen, including C4 Waterman’s Brian Keaulana, take you step-by-step from first-time basics to wave-riding, secret techniques, Pro Tips and a ton of insane action and stunning scenery in-between. Bonus chapters include additional action, contests and loads more, featuring high profile riders along with recreational enthusiasts – male and female, young and old. Stand Up Paddle Surfing, Hawaiian Style is the definitive how-to video for this emerging sport. Whether you’re looking to reinvent your fitness workout, step up your flat-water training, or prepare for a season of surf, you’ll get there faster with the information presented in this DVD. Right in time for the holidays, Stand Up Paddle Surfing, Hawaiian Style is a perfect stocking-stuffer for any water enthusiast. Look for Volume 2 around Christmas time. For More Information or to obtain a copy: Please visit c4waterman.com

C4 Waterman in Maldives

C4 Watermen spread stand up paddle skills in Maldives Todd Bradley : photo Allen Mozo

Stand Up Paddle News

C4 Watermen go Troppo over the ultimate waterman destination

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 10 October, 2007 : – - On a recent boat trip to a secluded corner of the Maldives world-renowned watermen Brian Keaulana and Todd Bradley teamed up with Tropicsurf ‘s Ross Phillips to experiment with the latest developments in ocean technology. Their goal was to brainstorm future plans for a series of waterman courses in Australia in 2008.

The Waterman Experience Weeks will be the very first of their kind open to the public and will commence early next year in Noosa, with the Maldives and Hawaii on the itinerary for late 2008. Designed for the regular surfer, the courses will focus on developing waterman skills and increasing overall ocean confidence so participants will not just be able to ride a wave, but really understand it.

The program will be action packed with stand up paddle, tow-in, jet ski rescue, hydrofoil, underwater relaxation techniques, ocean swimming in challenging conditions and more.

With a Diploma of Teaching in Physical Education, a Graduate Diploma in Outdoor Education and twenty years experience as a surf educator Ross Phillips has earned himself a solid reputation in the industry. Coupled with Brian Keaulana who was once described by surf journalist Dave Parmenter as ”without a doubt the greatest all-around waterman alive”, they make a formidable team.

PWC assist : photo Allen Mozo

On their recent Maldives trip they road tested a variety of equipment from the latest hydrofoil fins to stand up paddleboards ranging from 9’6 to 11’0. Body surfing, breath holding, jet ski driving training, towing and rescue techniques were also a major focus.

“Professional water safety is an important service that Tropicsurf offers to our guests. So it’s been awesome to have Brian here with us fine-tuning our risk management processes. He’s undoubtedly the best in the business and his wealth of real life experience has proven invaluable in polishing our systems and training our guides” Ross Phillips, Tropicsurf CEO.

Brian Keaulana and Todd Bradley from C4 Waterman were in the Maldives to film a stand up paddle instructional video but they got a lot more than they bargained for with solid 6 to 8 foot surf and not another single surfer for the entire trip. Brain Keaulana said, “This was probably the best surfing trip I have ever taken in my whole life. And I’ve been everywhere.

It was not just the surf; it was the whole ambience, the culture the customer service. We’ve been treated way beyond what I’d expected like we were part of the family.”

This is what Tropicsurf does best and this service will be a major focus of the Waterman Experience Weeks. And for those with outstanding talent and enthusiasm the courses will also be part of a Tropicsurf recruiting drive – with Ross and his team keen to add coaches who will become part of this exciting new venture with the opportunity to travel the world.

Established in 2002 Tropicsurf provides guided luxury surfing holidays for all abilities. Tropicsurf pioneered surf travel in the outer atolls of the Maldives, with Ross the first to surf many of its breaks and constantly discovering new and remote locations.

www.tropicsurf.net
www.c4waterman.com