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Tips for Standup Paddling with Your Dog
With a little planning and practice, stand up paddling can be a rewarding experience for both you and your fury friend!
Here are some tips to maximize fun and safety while out paddling with your K9 passenger:
- Some adventurous dogs will jump right on your board, while other dogs might need a little more time to get comfortable going along for the ride. One technique to get more timid dogs to be comfortable on-board is to keep your SUP in a place the dog can walk and sit on the top to get comfortable in your home, garage or yard, before getting on the water. You can also place a treat on the board in a way that your dog will have to climb on to get rewarded. Doing this periodically with reinforce that your SUP is a fun place to be, and practicing sitting on the board is also advisable!
- Wide and stable SUP’s are helpful when carrying extra passengers and larger dogs. The Huey Inflatable SUP for example has a 390 pound payload and a 34’’ width for exceptional stability even with a larger dog.
- If you have an epoxy board, or your dog has trouble with stability, you can add a stick-on traction pad to the nose of your board. Non-slip traction pads are available in various colors and sizes on Amazon and through online manufacturers like NSI
- Make sure you and your copilot are rocking a life jacket. The handle on dog life jackets can help you pull your dog back on-board if they end up in the water. A brightly colored life jacket will also help you find your dog if you get separated and of course it will help your dog stay afloat if it goes for too long of a swim and gets tired.
- Keep your dog’s nails trimmed to avoid damage to the traction pad and the topside of your board. If you end up swimming with your dog, having their nails trimmed properly can also help keep you from getting scratched.
- Don’t forget to practice! Energetic dogs will be more likely to jump from the board when they get excited, so be sure to stay balanced if your dog has a tendency to jump from the board. When larger dogs move around on the top of your board, be prepared to shift your weight and remain balanced!
Happy paddling and for more information you may want to check out this handy book for more information about paddling with your pup!
The Electrafin saved my honeymoon!
There I was, sitting in the middle of Lake Tahoe on a paddleboard, gasping for a breath, and I was unable to paddle my beautiful wife back to where we started.
Let’s back up a little…
My beautiful new wife and I just arrived in Lake Tahoe for our honeymoon. My wife has visited Tahoe many times before, and had a week full of activities planned for us. Our first morning there we decided to go to Meeks Bay and paddleboard around.
When I woke up that morning I noticed I was having a slight problem breathing. Lake Tahoe is 5000 ft. above my natural elevation, so the air felt a bit thinner up there. I chose not to mention it. So we packed up our beach gear and headed out to Meeks Bay.
Meeks Bay in Lake Tahoe must be one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. The beach was made of this perfect sand, and I have never seen clearer water. After unloading all our beach stuff, I again noticed I was struggling to breathe, and again I chose not to mention anything.
So our spot on the beach is all setup, and we have this paddleboard. My wife and I jumped onto the paddleboard and set off around the lake to look at all the cool rock formations and the amazing houses.
At one point I found a really beautiful area to go swimming, and I decided to dive in and look around. The water was so clear that you could see forever underwater! I'm not sure if it was the temperature or the elevation, but I noticed I could not hold my breath underwater as long as usual. All of a sudden, after swimming for several minutes, I could not breathe, and I just latched onto the side of the paddleboard and gasped for air.
My wife and I were 20-30 minutes away from our beach spot at Meeks Bay, and I was in no shape to get us back there. But that was no problem, because thankfully we had a secret weapon! I climbed up onto the paddleboard, made sure my wife was settled in and hit the power on my ElectraFin.
The ElectraFin® is an Electric motor system made by Current Drives that can mount on any paddleboard. The motor can propel you along at a max speed of 5mph for 2 hours. With the ElectraFin® mounted on the back of my board, I knew we were going to be able to get home safe and sound.
A little while later we arrived back at the beach, and because the ElectraFin® did all the work getting us back, I was able to catch my breath and relax. I really don't know how we would have gotten back without the ElectraFin®, and I'm eternally grateful to Current Drives. I love the ElectraFin® because it provides me the assurance to know I will always be able to get home safely.
Lets Flex!
When you hear the word “Flex”, the first image that comes to mind might be some grunting bro sitting in front of a mirror at a gym, wearing a ripped tank top flexing in the mirror. No one wants to see that, bro! That being said, when Current Drives hears “Flex” we think “to flex and adapt to any situation”.
If you are not familiar with Current drives, we offer the Electra which is the first universal conversion kit to turn any normal standup paddle board into an electrically assisted paddle board. The point of this is to fight currents, strong head winds or go further and faster on your clean, silent, and electric paddle board.
Now, let’s go back to flexing. Here at Current Drives we wanted to make our Electrafin faster and more efficient. We wanted the ElectraFin to adapt and Flex to the users needs. Our solution was to literally make the Electrafin Flex! Well, kind of. Current Drives created a new advanced prop that can fold or collapse its blades, making it much more hydro dynamic. When the ElectraFin is off, or at a low speed, the new prop will fold back, causing a significant reduction in resistance compared to a standard fixed prop. As the speed is increased on the ElectraFin, the centrifugal force acting on the prop causes the blades to open up.
Basically what this all means is the new ElectraFin prop can flex and adapt to you - the paddler! When you want to turn off the ElectraFin and go on your own strength, the prop will fold in, resulting in less drag. When you want the Electrafin’s help, just increase the speed and the prop will open up and push you along your merry way.
If you are interested in finding out more about our new flexing prop, go to our website where you can learn more and purchase.
Why standup paddle board?
Summer is just around the corner and chances are, if you live even remotely close to some sort of body of water, you’ve heard of the growing craze of Stand Up Paddleboarding or “SUP” as it is often referred to in the industry. Water sports and activities are no longer restricted to traditional boaters and yachters, and SUP is one of the many ways to branch out.
SUP is an easy, cost-efficient way to participate in a variety of activities. Unlike boating that is often restricted to larger bodies of water, paddleboards can be taken anywhere. With boating there is a process of getting the trailer hitched up, launching, finding a place that is big enough yet not too crowded. With SUP, it’s simply grab and go - all you need is a paddle and board. This is a great way to experience diverse water activities from home on a regular basis or to take on weekend camping trips. Whether you prefer cruising with your SUP buddy (attachable beer holder), SUP yoga, fishing, racing, or the entertainment of a motorized paddle board, there are options for all needs and interests.
If you’re still questioning portability - yes, they are bulky enough that chances are they won’t fit in the trunk of your sedan. However, roof racks are inexpensive and easy to install. Another option, is now inflatable SUP’s. These boards collapse down to the size of a large backpack that are easily transported in the trunk of a car. To use, pull out a pump and fill with air, and you’re set. Whichever board you find yourself drawn to, Stand Up Paddleboarding is the perfect activity to add to your summer.
How to Buy the Right Equipment for Paddle Boarding
What is stand up paddle boarding? Paddle boarding is a water sport that requires players to stand on surfboard like boards and use rowing instruments called paddles to push themselves along in order to catch waves.
Why should someone participate in stand up paddle boarding?
- The sport is a full body workout, providing great cross training.
- Standing at your full height on the water can facilitate great views under and above the water.
- About 73% of paddlers said they paddle board for the exercise; 59% said it's a great bonding experience with friends and family; and 39% stated they are in it for the excitement and adventure.
What equipment is needed to paddle board?
A paddle board
While earlier it was said that the board is "surfboard like," A paddle board is not a surfboard. Length and width of the board are most important things to look for when choosing a paddle board.
- Length
The length of the paddle board depends on where you're going to be paddling. If you are going to regularly be in the unpredictable ocean, you require a different style of board then someone paddling on a lake.
Boards under nine-feet are the kind you want for surfing. Boards between nine- and 12-feet are good for all around use if you will be paddling in many different types of waters. Boards over 12-feet are best for racing. - Width
A board that is 29- or 30-inches is known as a narrow board and is better for racing, because it is faster. However, it is not recommended you start on a narrow board, because it is not very stable.
A board that is 31 inches or longer is a wide board and is easier to stand on.
What you choose is very important. How well you will progress in your paddle boarding really does depend on whether you get a carbon fiber paddle board paddle or one made of fiberglass or some other type of material. Fiberglass and carbon fiber paddle board paddles are the most common paddles.
Fiberglass and carbon fiber paddle board paddles
Fiberglass paddles are a lot more flexible and a little heavier than carbon fiber paddles, although they're not as strong. However, both are fairly stiff, which is good, because you want as little flexibility as possible when paddling. Both of these materials are fairly lightweight, but carbon fiber is the lightest. This is beneficial if you're paddling long distances or you're paddling for a long periods of time.
If possible skip the low performance plastic and aluminum pedals and go straight to fiberglass or carbon fiber. Also, the paddle needs to be about 10 inches longer than you are.
Of course there are other things that you may need, like a wet suit or a pump, but these are good to start with. As with any sport, do not expect to be amazing at the very beginning. Learning the proper stances and methods and techniques can be frustrating. Even initially standing up can be difficult, but keep trying, and you will get the hang of it. Keep an open mind and listen to experts, who will help you out. Paddle boarding is a whole community of people, who look out for one another when they're out on the water. Of course, the quickest way to learn anything like this is to get an instructor. To make it even easier on yourself when starting out, begin learning on a lake. Ocean paddle boarding is an entirely different way of paddling, but lake paddle boarding can be just as exhilarating.
Electric Folding Kayak combines portability and utility for enhanced user experience
Last month we launched a promotion highlighting a kayak packaged with our ElectraFin drive system. This was not just any old kayak but a lightweight folding kayak manufactured in San Francisco by late stage startup, Oru Kayak.
We first tried an Oru Kayak in Seattle's Lake Union a few years back and were impressed with the design and functionality. The flat bottom section of the Oru Kayak provides an ideal mounting location for the ElectraFin Stick-on fin box, which uses VHB pressure sensitive adhesive to securely fasten to the bottom of the kayak. Installation is quick and easy and everything needed to attach your ElectraFin is included in this specially designed kit:
The result of this Made in America combo package is the lightest electric kayak in production which provides users with these key benefits:
1) Lightweight and portable. 44 lbs complete. OruKayak Bay+ is 28 lbs. ElectraFin is 16 lbs. Two kayaks and drive systems can fit in the trunk of a compact car.
2) Fast Setup. Kayak is setup within minutes and the ElectraFin can be attached in less than a minute for most users.
3) Hybrid System. Paddle as little or as much as you want. Just like an electric bike allows you to bike more, you are able to spend more time on the water doing more activities.
4) Evens out the playing field. Experienced paddlers and novice paddlers can go together and travel at a speed comfortable for both.
5) Reduced boundaries. Windy days don’t stand in your way, and the Oru Kayak cuts through chop and tough conditions.
6) Carry more gear: Carrying heavier and cumbersome gear is made easier with propulsion.
7) Stability. The fin increases the stability by acting as a keel and the inherent stability of the Oru Kayak makes for a highly stable ride. The battery mounts low inside of the hull.
To learn more, be sure to check out the introduction and installation videos below or reach out to us with any questions at 1-800-686-8592 or email us at sales@currentdrives.com
Stand Up Paddle Boarding Through the Years - A Brief History & Its Popularity Today
Imagine a hybrid between kayaking and surfing that is both a great source of exercise and undeniably fun. Take elements from your favorite water sports and combine them into one easy-to-learn activity, and you have stand up paddle boarding. Although this activity is still relatively new, there’s no question as to why this sport is rising in popularity. Over 21.7 million Americans enjoyed stand up paddle surfing in 2014 alone and the trend continues to grow. How did stand up paddle boarding come about? Experts say it has existed for decades but came to prominence in the 2000s where it evolved into the sport that’s recognized today. Its earliest roots trace it back to the 18th century when native Hawaiians paddled along the Pacific from island to island. The modern applications of stand up paddle boarding, or SUP as some call it, emerged in the mid-20th century with the radical popularity of surf culture in the 1960s. The shores of California first welcomed SUP in 2005 where it caught on instantly among the locals. Today, SUP has spread across the country and is enjoyed by millions of people.
SUP has changed drastically since its earliest days. The first boards were made of wood and were fairly primitive. Today’s models are fashioned from several different materials. Carbon fiber paddle boards are incredibly sturdy, yet lightweight. Electric paddle board models have motors which propel you through the water. There are even inflatable versions of paddle boards for maximum buoyancy that help the rider stay afloat. Because of the several different types and sizes of boards, anyone can enjoy SUP regardless of age or skill level.
It’s easy to see why nearly 1.2 million tried SUP in 2011 for the first time. Its universal appeal attracts many riders to the water year after year. A main draw to the sport is that you can paddle board on any body of water. From oceans to lakes to rivers, people in many different geographical locations can hop on a board and reap the benefits of SUP. Mainly categorized as a sport, stand up paddle boarding is a great source of exercise. Over 73% of paddlers say they like SUP for its aerobic and muscle-strengthening benefits.
So aren’t you curious to see what all the hype is about? Join the millions of people who fall in love with SUP every day and try it for yourself!
You Won't Believe What One Brave Paddle Boarder Plans To Do!
According to Discovery News, one brave soul plans to paddle across the Atlantic ocean on a stand up paddle board. He has mapped out a route that will take him on a nearly 75 day transatlantic journey from the shores of Africa all the way to the French island of Martinique in North America. Who dares to attempt this feat? Meet Nicolas Jarossay: a French watersportsman with an unquenchable thirst for adventure. He describes himself as an experienced firefighter and lifeguard with a background in water sports and windsurfing. From the moment he discovered stand up paddle boarding, the activity became a true passion.
About 39% of paddlers say they like stand up paddle boarding for the adventure, but Nicolas takes it to the next level. Jarossay plans to complete the 5000 kilometer journey on his specially designed paddle board. This isn't like your typical inflatable stand up paddle boards; his prototype is custom made and weighs over 130 pounds. He’s fashioned the vessel with some atypical paddle boarding equipment, like a manual onboard desalinator to convert the ocean water into drinking water. He’s also equipped his board with a watertight compartment for basic storage and that doubles as a shelter if needed.
Although 2.8 million Americans enjoyed stand up paddle boarding in 2014, Jarossay plans to be the first man to cross the Atlantic ocean by paddle board. In a recent interview, he stated, "I have always said that one day I would make a sea crossing, that I would take off for a while and do something special. In the past six years that I have been practicing [stand up paddle boarding], I have always loved unique challenges. The Atlantic crossing is definitely a unique one as it will be a World's first attempt. I'm already proud to train on my prototype which is the first 'liveable' SUP in the world!"
Although many people do not take it to such an extreme, stand up paddle boarding has gained incredible popularity as both a recreational activity and a sport, with over two-thirds of paddle boarders saying they participate as a means of exercise.
After two and a half months of paddling, Nicolas is sure to be in the best shape of his life. He plans to leave in January of 2016. Good luck to you, Nicolas!
Get Paddle Assist™ and get going with the ElectraFin®
You don’t have to choose between a conventional motor boat or paddle only watercraft any longer. With the ElectraFin® you can have a lightweight personal powered watercraft that doubles as a human electric hybrid. The ElectraFin® is not a replacement for paddling, but a complementary addition to any paddler’s arsenal.
Let’s first consider common challenges with conventional paddle boards. The difficulty of paddling over long distances, through windy or rough conditions can be discouraging for most. It is difficult for those not physically capable and inexperienced to get out and enjoy a touring experience and it can be frustrating for experienced and strong paddlers to go out with their loved ones/friends that have a hard time keeping up. Carrying gear for camping or fishing, doggies, and other passengers makes paddling much more challenging. Paddling is not as easy as it looks but it can be a rewarding experience to go places and get a great workout. You can also get a complete water experience without the hassle of the expenses and logistics of a full blown motor boat or PWC.
Motor/power boats sit at the other end of the spectrum of convenience and expense. Motor boats require fuel, maintenance, storage, trailers, and a convenient boat launch location making access challenging for most. They generally go fast and can travel many miles on a single tank of gas. There is a lot of convenience and enjoyment for users, however the financial burden of purchase and ownership can dissuade all but the full blown hobbyist and fisherman. You cannot get exercise with this option, and conventional power boats are responsible for point source pollution in waterways, causing damage to human health and the environment.
The same comparison can be made between conventional automobiles and bicycles. One option is low cost, efficient, for shorter trips and easy to own and operate (until you run into a hill, windy conditions, etc!) and the other is expensive to own and operate, fast, longer range, polluting and convenient (until you try and park for dinner on a Friday night!)
Photo Credit: StandUp PaddleBoard World
With the ElectraFin® you don’t have to choose. Just like an Electric Bicycle bridges the gap between car and bike, the ElectraFin® allows you to have a human electric hybrid watercraft with the convenience of motor power without the financial and environmental burden associated with motor boats. You can paddle as much as you want, or use the power system, interchangeably or at the same time. We don’t promote being lazy, we promote being in the outdoors with paddle power and silent electric motor power when you want it. We think having an electric boost makes it that much more fun to keep paddling day in and day out, through wind, with your family and favorite dog pals or for fishing and getting places.
Paddle Assist™ Benefits:
On SUP’s it is easier to stand with momentum. For new and experienced paddlers it can be challenging to maintain balance when not moving, with the ElectraFin® you can keep a more consistent speed.
- You can optimize power consumption to match the speed of other paddlers in your group. Select any speed from 0-100% on the wireless remote. Being able to dial in the power assistance level allows users to match the speed of other paddlers in their group exactly.
- For tour rentals and new paddlers, having power assist allows you to travel much further and see more in the limited tour rental period.
- Fisherman can be challenged when trying to maintain position in a waterway, and they miss out on many fishing activities because of distance to destination and power requirements. With the ElectraFin® you can troll for fish and have an easier time hauling back that big catch!
- Flexible and easy to remove. You can have an electric paddle board one day for cruising, paddle and use power simultaneously for another or you can have a paddle only paddleboard the next by removing the ElectraFin® (in under a minute for most users)!
- Wind gusts and tough water conditions are a hurdle that power can help overcome.
2015: THE YEAR OF SOLAR POWERED PADDLE BOARDS!
Just like the Samsung lithium battery pack used in the ElectraFin, solar energy technologies have matured in recent years and can help you extend your time on the water and more easily replace conventional gas boat motors. With the expansion of solar technology for charging portable electronics we have also seen a huge influx of mobile solar charging devices which utilize folding and thin film roll-up solar cells. The efficiency of solar cells (the ratio of electrical output from the solar cell to the amount of solar energy the cell is exposed to) has also been steadily increasing. This allows users to reduce the footprint of their solar system while still obtaining the same power production as before. The ElectraFin solar charging kit is a plug and play solar charger which uses highly efficient and compact solar cells configured into a foldable travel kit. Each kit is comprised of 8 mono crystalline silicone cells which are wired together to output up to 45 watts of power to charge the 16.8 volt ElectraFin battery pack.
When considering if solar power is right for you and your ElectraFin kit, keep these things in mind:
- Solar panels need full sunlight to work at peak performance. A shadow from your paddle, body, or SUP PUP will reduce its efficiency even if only a small portion of the solar cells are shaded.
- Current Drives recommends only using the solar panel while the ElectraFin system is not being operated and away from any bodies of water to protect the user and system from electrical shorts.
- The 430 watt hour ElectraFin battery pack can take up to 10 hours in full sun to recharge after being completely drained. Alternatively if you only go out and use the ElectraFin for one hour, the solar panel can fully top off the battery in 2-3 hours!
Solar power is an environmentally friendly and fun way to charge up your ElectraFin battery pack, but it can also be really useful when camping or spending time in areas without easy access to a power outlet; A win-win for the environment and the user. With solar energy and lithium battery systems you can now have a lightweight and highly efficient motorized personal watercraft that is easy on the environment and your pocket book.
