Paddling efficiency and alternative positions

Stay off the drugs!

Thanks for your candor. I LOVE the standing position of SUP, and in fact that is what drew me to SUP. I merely want to expand upon what SUP already has in spades over kayaks. Given the freedom of alternative positions on a paddleboard (yes, some of them akin to kayaking or canoeing), it's clear there are diminishing reasons to even be in a kayak. I know a number of kayakers who are not drawn to SUP because they think it's too sketchy balance-wise. Why not give them an alternative, while not giving up anything? Alternative positions can expand the horizons of Paddle Boarding, bringing in those who are drawn to its freedom.

Using the "Saddle" is very comfortable - much more than standard kneeling, while offering a fast and efficient option in windy or wavy conditions. If you wanna surf, just Velcro it further forward. By the way, a kayak paddle is alot faster than a standard SUP paddle, especially in headwinds and surf.

Have you thought of modifying a Hobie mirage drive and fitting it to Sup,then we can have stand up pedal...

I'm glad I'm proving to be worth a chuckle. Most new ideas are, and I must admit the video merits a good laugh.

Paddleboarding is in its infancy, so why not figure out how to make the sport even more awesome, by adding to its bag of tricks? Is it possible that in a strong headwind you would not enjoy a lower and more efficient stance? I guess speed and fluidity aren't what attracts some to Paddleboarding. If so, kayaks will still hold the speed card.

Waxer,

I guess that makes sense - that the unique position of SUP is the main attractive feature. Apparently I'm in the minority - one of those who see SUP as the best option for getting out on the water, but who aren't necessarilly convinced the standing position is the best solution for all conditions. I love the open deck and ease of movement on paddleboards, so why not augment the time-tested standing position with other possibilities? What I hate about kayaks and canoes is the singular movement and body position. I want to be able to tailor my paddling position and style to the conditions. Just head out with a convertible paddle and employ all four positions, or not.

Needless to say the future of SUP will include a variety of styles - racing, surfing, etc. Maybe "VPP Paddleboarding" would be the appropriate rubric, as a subset of Paddleboards, not of SUP. At least I won't be the only one out there, as there are a number of paddlers here that are enthused. Judging from that, it appears kayakers are the ones that will adopt VPP, not pre-existing SUP-ophiles

Goatman,

Point well taken about not trying to be the fastest, and not being bothered by wind. The block of foam in the video has actually morphed into more of an adjustable platform, but yes, blocks of foam are germane in kayaking. I guess it's more of a new sport or sub-sport I'm working on. Perhaps if I were in the bike industry I would be fixated on making my road bike change into a mountain bike. I think I'll still hammer away at this, but not with any delusions that I am going to convert SUPers.

I have gotten some interest from racers, as they recognise that by getting lower their boards could be even narrower (and thus faster). I must admit, I do want to go fast, while tackling all conditions and not being bothered by the wind. Too tall an order?

Only in America

Goatman ,you've got to be joking. NO ONE chooses C1 over K1. C1 is something you do as a dare or to win a bet. "look at me, I'm kneeling in a barge with only half a paddle,woo hoo. Geez, bad memories of paddling a pryon slalom c2 with Log brother upfront a Brady's lake course in Tassie(did you ever compete there?).

hi, i see the effeort you have put in, but i can't see the point- standup is standup

i would like to see you work on better stances/techniques, different paddle types- that sort of thing.

Hey goatman, I recon I was at Brady's in about 1980 paddling k1(badly). That big stopper about halfway down ate me up every time. Brady's was kind of our local run with the Forth river course and Rowallan runs even closer. Tasmanian canoe club ran the whole thing and white water was realy big in those days. We had maybe 20 of the most awesome rivers within 1 to 2 hrs of home ranging from grade 2/3 to death defying cataract gorge. And it wasn't unusual to have 30 paddlers turn up on Tassie winter mornings to brave the elements. And amazingly all done in olymp 6 and Pryon river.

fair enough, point taken.

a few guys laughing at ya might change their minds when they are beening blown out to yonder on a wind change. a spare kayak paddle and a little pad stored on to the board could be very handy.

actually makes sense if you've ever been caught out
cheers

kaj I,m with you on this! on a long paddle trip this could be a life saver.

the advantage of less windage is great.

a design idea from down -under,

for this I only want 10 percent off all future profit

make the seat hinged , and the box big enough for a six pack of beer with enough room for a cold pack.

cheers man keep on doing it .

Indeed that is what I was referring to in the video when I said the module could be cavitied out for storage. I didn't want to focus on this, as apparently mentioning comfort or ease is verboten on SUP forums The module can also hold the blade/handle for convertible paddles, although I'm also working on a system that allows for easy adjustment of standard SUP paddles without using heavy/weaker telescoping mechanisms or resorting to kayak paddles. The module in the video is an early iteration - current versions are much more comfortable and foldable.

Although the prone position for dealing with headwinds works, it's nowhere near as comfortable or efficient as kneeling on a seat.

What I'm proposing is obviously not for everyone, but any feedback is appreciated. Again, my primary aim is to expand upon the already great flexibility SUP offers, not limit options or steer things in a vastly different direction (certainly not to the inferior realm of the kayak). Be on the lookout for more mirth-inducing videos. I haven't made a living as an inventor by being afraid of detractors.

Next time I see you struggling in a headwind I will paddle blithely by humming a tune. I don't care it it looks gay - so does C1, but they sure go fast. It all comes down to what you're used to. You paddle your way and I'll paddle mine, but I don't think there's a single person out there that would claim sticking to stand up exclusively will get you over the finish line quicker. What's wrong with admitting that headwinds are a buggger in the stand up position? We acknowledge it when riding a bike, and hunker down. Why not do the same on a board?

its about safety if 'needed' imo