nice video of Yellow Bluff Rip surfing

These are some local paddlers ripping it up at Yellow Bluff last week. The endo at ~1:30M is great. I think these guys also compete in kayak surf contests.

http://www.youtube.com/user/ralphjohnson100#p/u/0/9W3HEr7g62Q

Kool Stuff,

  Thanks

Looks like lots of fun and good exercise!  Thanks for posting the link Mike.

I dig the fun they're having out there.  What's up with the stubby-ended paddle?

Looks like a carbon-fiber replica of some old paddle designs. Paddles that look similar were made from wood. Im not 100% sure but I think its a scandinavian design from a long time ago.

What's up with the stubby-ended paddle?

The cameraman looked to be paddling a "tGreenland-style" (Eskimo-inspired) kayak; it might even be homemade. There's a lot debate about the effectiveness/superiority of the traditional kayak and paddle designs, or their modern derivatives (which I think is the stubby). One theory is that narrow paddle blades catch less wind, and they're easier on wrists for touring paddling. Another theory is that the the make less noise when paddling, for hunting. My fav theory is that that's the easiest shape to carve from a plank you find washed up on the beach.

I dig the fun they're having out there.  What's up with the stubby-ended paddle?

Its a greenland paddle. They look kinda cool. I think I am gonna whip one up with some scrap wood I have.

Here is a link to the paddle.

http://rollordrown.com/kayak/woodgp.html

Apparently you can make good time. This guy did a 38 mile round trip to Catalina Island