It is trade show season. It just started. We do love to get out and hook up with all of the trade show peeps - dealers, industry friends, and everyone else who pops on in. It is important and helps us keep our finger on the pulse.

It also does a little mental and physical zapping on us all. This time of year we get spread a tad thin, and because we are moving all over the place, we lose a little posting momentum.

This past week I have been in Germany for the Outdoor Show in Friedrichshafen. It was a great show with lots ot chats, and long days ending with a (few) mellow beers. I guess I could write some lengthy report about it, but lets just say my brain is fried, and leave it at the show was a success and, yes, there were lots of cool things.

These signs were all over the place, and were a reminder of the day ahead at the show:

 

“This is my new office” - Justin Kline

All you wrenches out there take notice, headlamps are really usefull at the bench. If it works for an innovative mind like Jeff Jones, I think it will work for you.



via the current issue of Dirt Rag. If you don’t get it, you should. Check it out - it’s a good read.

On Saturday I participated as a support and safety boat for the Manhattan Island Foundation’s New York City Swim Marathon. I was assigned to the Relay Team “The Mexican Chilangos”

The course is a complete circumnavigation of Manhattan Island. 30 miles completed in 8 hours,  no stopping and no breaks. The race started at South Cove Marina, in Batttery Park. We headed around the Tip of the Island, Up the East river, into the Harlem River to the Hudson and back down to Battery Park again.

My Job was to paddle alongside the Swimmers in my team and guide them safely through the course. As a swimmer they can’t really see much so I was their eyes and ears and lifeline.

My team won 1st place in the relay division!

 Passing under the Brooklyn Bridge

 Passing downtown on Hudson

Ricco and his 1st place winning team: The Mexican Chilangos

Some of the guys went to a baseball game to support our local minor league team - the Trenton Thunder.  As you can imagine, lights came in to play. In this case, the Swerve was taken out and turned on. All was great, until they were shut down by the man. Damn the man, man. The Swerve is just too powerful. I guess it makes sense, but still, damn the man.

Latest issue of Urban Velo kicked live yesterday… I was taking a nap. Read it. Then go ride something. As usual, I will be doing laps in the parking lot.

Eric says nah, this works for me just fine:

2 Sea Kayaks
1 Surf Kayak
2 Mounain Bikes


All other camping gear inside. Now he just has to hope he doesn’t get lifted off the ground for take off.

Admittedly, I don’t remember this cereal, but I do like anything that attempts to make wearing a helmet and a light cool for kids. 

As the advent of stand-up paddleboarding has caught the interest of all types of watermen - from New Jersey salesmen to Big Island tube riders - the sport is still, well, different from surfing. Yeah, you’re catching tons of waves, but you also might be catching stink eyes from other bros in the line-up for stealing their waves - unless your name is Laird, then you can do whatever you want. 

If you’re thinking of standing on foam with a paddle in hand, take the quick 7 question Dave Cozzone vs. Laird Hamilton challenge first and plan your entrance into the water accordingly:
 

Living On The Dash: What’s your occupation?
Dave: Director Domestic Sales and Marketing for PTec, full-time Dad.
Laird: Catching big waves, looking good – huh, great.
 

LOTD: Favorite food and drink?
D: Pizza and anything Italian – a nice Pinot.
L: Organic pine nut and wild oat hummus – water (sometimes a Fresca after a big 50-foot day at JAWS).
 

LOTD: How’d you get into stand-up paddleboarding?
D: Watching people who made it look easy – I’m over the whole laying on your stomach thing, plus my arms got tired.
L: I was catching TOO many perfect tubing waves while just surfing regularly and needed more of a challenge. Riding Teahupoo standing up, big challenge but nothing too heavy for me.

LOTD: Paddleboarders in the line-up, thoughts?
D: All I have to say is if you see me honking down a wave, you better get out of the way, fast.
L: Hey, a wave’s a wave – there’s one out there for everyone. Although it seems that I catch more than most. (laughs).
 

LOTD: How do you keep fit for paddleboarding?
D: Dreaming – it works the mind and body. But, weirdly, what really keeps me fit is looking at headlamps and handhelds all day.
L: Eight mile beach runs every morning before sunrise, followed by 2,000 pull-ups, 3,700 ab crunches, six hours in the water, meditation and two strawberry/banana smoothies.
 

LOTD: Advice for first-time paddleboarders?
D: I mean, I’m just starting out, but I’d say keep a mellow state-of-mind and practice your balance. For me, looking at PTec’s new SWERVE all day keeps my eyes trained for quick decision making in the water. Fishing also helps – you really learn how the ocean works.
L: Try it at your local break first and don’t expect fast results – practice is everything. Also, don’t expect to be Laird overnight.
 

LOTD: Biggest paddleboard role model?
D: Laird.
L: Dave.

Disclaimer: The rad Laird Hamilton had nothing to do with this story but inspiring us all to ride big waves. As for Dave, he’s still trying to figure out if wearing a leash is cool while paddleboarding. Good Luck!
                    

but at least Eric isn’t alone waiting for the dam to open… the Swerve is always with him.