RIP currents

Thanks to Bob Pratt of Great Lakes Surf Rescue for turning me on to this video.  So many drownings on the Great Lakes are blamed on RIP currents, and educating people on how to deal with RIPs is the first step to preventing deaths in the water.  

I've been in RIPs on Lake Michigan more times than I can remember, whether getting accidentally caught in them or using them to pull me out through the break when surfing.  Every time I experience one I find myself amazed at how powerful they are.  Even for a seasoned water person, there is simply no swimming against them.  I always imagine how scary it must be for a novice swimmer to find themselves being swept out into deep water with no idea of what to do or if they'll be able to make shore again.  

If you go anywhere near the Lake, watch this video.  You'll learn that RIP's are to be respected, but not feared.  Be safe out there.  See you on the water. 

people doing cool stuff

There are a lot of people doing cool things in SUP these days and I've been drawing inspiration for my own adventures from many of them.  One particularly inspiring athlete is Morgan Hoesterey, paddler for the Bark team.  Her list of accomplishments is pretty amazing already and she's showing no signs of slowing down.  Here's a pic of a hearty bunch of paddlers from Southern California, a few of whom I met at a race last year, that joined Morgan to paddle 22-miles to Catalina Island, run the Catalina marathon, then paddle the 22-miles back home.  Pretty awesome.  Morgan wrote about the adventure on her own blog, so check it out here.  Then come back and tell me what you want to do on the water this year.  I'll see you out there...

our big downwinder

I've finally gotten around to editing the video from last August's big downwinder.  If you don't recall the story, you can get caught up here.

We're having an incredible stretch of warm weather and I'll be on the water this week for sure.  See you out there...

save the date(s)

Things are really shaping up for this summer's MidwestSUP Race series.  Below is a tentative list of races that will be held this summer, and I'm sure there will be more to come.

Most importantly, though, be sure to save the dates of August 11th and 12th 2012 for THE don't miss event of the summer, The Skyline SUP Series and Windy City Waterman Challenge.  As I hinted to at the end of last season, I wanted to do something more inclusive this year, so I've partnered with my friends at Windward Boardshop to host a weekend SUP festival right here in Chicago.  Stay tuned for more details... 

The Tentative MidwestSUP Schedule for 2012:

June 9 - Harrison Township, MI

Sprint & Splash at Lake St. Clair

Lake St. Clair Metro Beach

http://www.sprintandsplash.com/supc.html

June 16 - Benton Harbor, MI

The 2nd Annual Sweetwater SUP Challenge

Jean Klock Beach Park

Third Coast Surf Shop

1st annual "Sup n' Surf" Day

Sheboygan, WI - June 23, 2012

EOS-Expedition Outdoor Supply

June 23 - Cincinnati, OH

11th Annual Paddlefest

Coney Island Park

http://www.ohioriverway.org/paddlefest/

June 30 - Culver, IN

Lake Max Challenge

http://lakemaxchallenge.com

July 7 - Lake Geneva, WI

The Midwest Stand Up Paddleboard Masters

http://www.clearwateroutdoor.com/news-detail-2nd_annual_midwest_sup_masters_-101.html

Clear Water Outdoor

July 14 - Madison, WI

The Midwest Stand Up Paddle Festival

Paddleboard Specialists

July 21

3rd Annual Great Lakes SUP Classic

http://www.hollandoutpost.com/2012/01/16/3rd-annual-great-lakes-sup-classic-july-20-21-2012/

The Outpost of Holland

July 28 - Milford, MI

Detroit SUP Festival

Kensington Metropark, Maple Beach

http://www.detroitsupfestival.com/

Detroit Surf Co.

August 11 - Chicago, IL

The Skyline SUP Series & Windy City Waterman Challenge

Montrose Beach

www.skylinesup.com   

Windward Boardshop

August 18 - Traverse City, MI

TC Waterman SUP Challenge & Expo

http://tcwaterman.com

training inspiration

I ran into this video on Facebook the other day... this guy has come up with some amazing SUP training exercises.  I've added a bunch of these moves into my own training and I can tell you, they are difficult and effective.  And by the way, even if you're not into Stand Up or any other water sports, the body awareness that these exercises develop will make you better at anything you do... Have a look.

back in the gym... and some inspiration from Oxbow

     Well, now that the holiday madness is over it's back in the gym to begin preparing for the 2012 water season.  I'll try to put together a post or two showing some of the SUP specific training I'm doing.  For now I'll just say that it feels great to be back in the gym and working toward a specific goal.  

     I know it's hard to get motivated when it's frigid outside and spring seems so far away.  The clothing company Oxbow sponsors some of the world's top water athletes and they put together this amazing video capturing what it means to be a waterman.  This should help you get re-focused...

merry christmas & happy new year!

Does anyone know where Salzkammergut is?  I didn't get around to looking it up, but apparently Santa's up there taking care of business.  Good for him.  We are also taking care of business, working out butts off at The Beast, as we lovingly refer to it this time of year, so unfortunately there has been little in the way of windy city waterman activities to report on.

Fortunately, a few of my compadres were on hand to take advantage of a nice little swell that came through a few weeks ago.  This is Ed Coyne showing some style on a cool November afternoon.

Look at the shape of these waves!  This is as clean as it gets.  Here's Al Segreti enjoying a classic Evanston peeler.  Great stuff!

So like I said, there's not much happening right now, but don't worry, I'm plotting and planning adventures for 2012 and I will look forward to sharing them with you in the New Year.

Have a fun and safe holiday season.  See you on the water!