It’s still early in this process, but we’ve got an impressive lineup. I don’t know yet which and how many boards each builder will provide, but it’s clear we’ll have great representation. Below is the list of companies that have responded positively so far. If you have a favorite builder that isn’t mentioned, let me know, I’m sure we missed some, and I’m still waiting to hear from some folks. I’m sure many are being careful, after all, who wants to pay freight both ways to send a board to some guy they never heard of. Here’s the list in no particular order:
C4
Jimmy Lewis
Sandwich Islands Composites
Hobie
Starboard
Bill Foote
Blair
Hawaiian Island Surf and Sport has agreed to help receive and store the boards (thanks Lenny) assuming we don’t flood the place with big sticks. I’m going to have to rent a couple of vans, the Funmobile isn’t going to hack it. Assuming two boards from each builder we’re already looking at 14 boards, plus I’m going to add in a few standards like my Ku Nalu and Jimmy Lewis 11er.
I’m still looking for testers. I’m certain I can recruit the people I need once I get back on the island. But I want to have as much of this nailed down as I can as soon as I can. I’m also looking for administrative help–I’ll need people to record who has what board and for how long, collect the surveys, dole out the boards. I’ll be shooting board and helmet cam video and herding cats, Diane will be shooting boards and people, but I could use someone with a long lens and good surfing knowledge to take stills in the water. I’m going to have someone for security–I don’t want these boards wandering off. It’s bound to be a bit chaotic, but fun.
I’ll also be doing interviews and feature stuff from any of the builders that show up and the testers. I’ll try to get some SUP luminaries, we’ll see. Most of these guys are hard to nail down, they have their own schedule driven by wind, wave and water. If Jaws is going off there’s no way they’ll hang out and try a few production boards. Not even for a free lunch.
man o man does that sound like it’s going to be fun. maybe i should plan my first ever vacation to hawaii around it. btw, what did you decide about paddles, still going to test em too?
Nice lineup Bill. Going to be a hell of an undertaking. Herding cats is right.
I want pictures of you in the helmet cam. I’m going to have to call Diane.
Bill
I don’t know if you’ve contacted South Point, but the Bonga Perkins SUP has the s-rail design. I’d dearly love to know how that compares with the other boards. Thanks, I don’t mean to be pushy here at all. But this is an incredible opportunity you’ve created.
Did you call Jim at Tropical Blends Hawaii yet? He’s got a bunch of boards. i.e. Angulo, Bernhardt, BC, etc. How about Infinity Surf, Boardworks or Surftech?
Bill – Did you finalize the dates for this yet? What hotel do you suggest?
February 15th. There’s a cheap hotel near Kanaha in Kahului called the Maui Beach Hotel. It’s not in a tourist area at all–right near the airport, but handy to Kanaha and I bet you could get a really low cost room there.
Srfnff — please keep the recomendations coming. I’ll get in touch with South Point.
Evan–I assume Tropical Blends is a shop? I’ll get in touch with them. Do you have an email address for them?
tropicalblendsllc at hawaii.rr.com
The owner is Jim
Bill
Have you contacted Infinty? http://www.infinitysurfboard.com/stand-up-paddle/
I met a guy after surfing yesterday who has the 11′ Rad Noserider based shape. He really likes it and it’s a sweet looking board. The website has good info.
Also…will your comparisons include the differences between day/distance paddlers vs. surfing SUP’s? It is becoming readily apparent to me that one could easily have a three board quiver: one for distance paddling; one for surfing; and one in between.
Thanks,
gary