Kalavida Surf Shop

2012 Rogue SUP’s now in Stock

We received the first shipment of Rogue Standup Paddleboards this week.  We now have full stock of All-Waters and the new 11’4 and 12’6 Drifter touring boards.  There are three new graphics in the All-Waters;  Forest (*Canadian-only graphic), Vixen and the retro-cool Revert while the new 12’6 Drifter Touring board comes complete with a carry-handle and bungy cord system for attaching gear.  Kalavida has Canada’s largest selection of Rogue SUP’s.  Shop is opening for the season on March 3 but remains open by appointment until then.

Like the Forest? The Forest graphic on the All-Water is a *Limited Edition-Canadian-only design* so if that’s the board you’re looking for, be sure to set one aside now.  778-930-0505.

Kalavida season opener – Sat, March 3

Welcome to a new season of SUP’n in the Okanagan.  We can’t wait to get started so we’re opening up Saturday, March 3 to kick start the season. Tons of new stuff has arrived in the last week so we’ve been logging extra hours to get the shop re-stocked and loaded for the season.  Come by and check out what’s new for 2012.  Beach Demo schedule coming soon.
Saturday Hours: 10-5pm

Here’s a look at what’s arrived:

• New Rogue boards *including the All-Water in the ‘forest’ graphic
• New Starboards including the Blend 11’2, Big Easy 12′, and Astro inflatable
• New Surftech’s including new Bark race boards
• New paddles from Werner, Quickblade and KeNalu
• Booties from Xcel and Quiksilver

Three new graphics on the Rogue All-Waters

Kalamalka Classic SUP Festival

Mark your calendars – The 3rd Annual Kalamalka Classic Standup Paddleboard Festival goes June 23-24^th, 2012.  The warm and colourful waters of Kalamalka Lake will once again play host to Canada’s premiere flatwater SUP event. The event welcomes all recreational and competitive athletes with a unique format that offers events and activities for the whole family… even the kids.  The marquee event, the Kalamalka Lake Crossing, takes place on the Sunday – A 10-mile trek across one of Canada’s most scenic lakes.

Overview of the Event:

Dates: June 23-24, 2012
Location: Kalamalka Lake – Vernon, BC
Contact: info@kalavidasurfshop.com
Website: www.kalamalkaclassic.com
Nearest Int’l Airport: YLW Kelowna (20 mins)
Nearest Major Int’ Airport: YVR Vancouver

Schedule of Events: (more events during the week)
Friday: SIP n’ SUP to Bishop’s Bird Sanctuary /  Recreational paddle
Saturday: Short Courses / Relays / Kids Races / Free Demos
Sunday:  Kalamalka Crossing (10-mile) & crowning of the King & Queen of Kalamalka

Quiksilver Paddle Jackets

Here’s the perfect solution to paddling in the fall, winter and early spring.   The Quiksilver Paddle Jacket fits nicely over your other layers and won’t restrict your arms from paddling.  Paddle hard, stay warm in Quiksilver’s Front Zip Paddle Jacket.  IN-STOCK NOW -  S, M, L and XL.  

FEATURES:

• PU Coated Thermal Wind Barrier
• UN-Brushed Polypropylene

Traveling this Winter? Take an Inflatable SUP

Heading off to Mexico, Hawaii or somewhere else warm and sunny this winter and still want to paddle?  You’re in luck – You can take an inflatable board with you as carry-on luggage and tuck in a 2 or 3-piece paddle and you’ll be able to SUP anywhere you go.

We carry a wide range of inflatables including the C4 Waterman iSUP’s in both 10’6 and 10’9 XXL lengths and the new Naish Mana Air inflatables. Each package comes complete with a travel bag, pump and patch kit.  Just check it in as part of your luggage (you only need flops, shorts, bikini’s and T-shirts in the other right?) and you can go anywhere and explore.  Add a 3-piece paddle from Werner or Quickblade and you are all set to go.
RENTALS AVAILABLE – Call for details

 Call or email for more information, prices and colour combinations

Features

• For headache-free travel and storage, deflate the board
• Fits easily in its travel bag
• Inflates with a hand pump (included)
• The board is soft and the fins are flexible, but rigid and stable enough to paddle fast and hold well in a waves.
• A great board for beginners and a convenient, effective training board. Also great in rivers and lakes.
• Designed for travel, safety, portability and performance.
• It includes a travel carry bag
• Pump with pressure gauge
• Deck pad and hand hold included

Happy New Year – Best of 2011

Exploring the waterways of BC on your board has opened up a whole new level of outdoor experience and freedom.  And although most of the time you’re just enjoying it for yourself, it’s nice to see some of those images captured for everyone else to see.  Here’s a gallery of images, including our top 10 favourites, from the year of two thousand & eleven.  Watch for a Kalavida PHOTO CONTEST for fun and prizes.

See below for info and gallery of pics:

1. Bob Purdy – Day 1 of his incredible Paddle for the Planet quest – Rotary Beach, Kelowna (photo: Kevin O’Brien)
2. Jason Sound and Cory Ferguson dock jumping on Kal Beach during a spring storm (photo: Kevin O’Brien)
3. Recreational Race Time -  Good times at the 2011 Kal Classic as the recreational class readies for the short course (photo: Shaun Bos)
4. Queen and King of Kalamalka – Lina Augaitis and Norm Hann win their respective crowns and pose with their hardware at the Kal Classic (photo: Shaun Bos)
5. Mike Hainault – Smiles and celebration after crossing the length of Kalamalka Lake – a bucket list must.  (photo: Shaun Bos)
6. Melissa Teale – Shows off her style on her new board at Mabel Lake, BC – (photo: submitted)
7. Michelle, Jessica, Tina, Dawna, Kathryn & Bob Purdy – Playtime on the smooth Shuswap River near Enderby, BC (photo: Kevin O’Brien)
   
8. Kevin O’Brien – late summer snap off the Kal Dock with some magic swirling around the colourful waters of Kal Lake.  (photo: Michelle Mitchell)
9. River Running – Exploration is what SUP is all about – a bridge’s eye view of a crew heading down the Eagle River (and yes, there were lots of eagles!)  (photo: Kevin O’Brien)
10. Winter Wonderland – Kalamalka Lake Dock in the middle of an early season snowstorm (photo: Kevin O’Brien)
    
    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Bob Purdy goes 365!

We would like to congratulate Bob Purdy on his 365th day in a row!  Capping off a full year of paddling that all started on January 1, 2011, Bob’s ‘Paddle For the Planet’ mission came to completion on December 31 at Rotary Beach in Kelowna.  In a year that featured high’s, lows and all points in between, Purdy pulled off an amazing feat (on his feet!), paddling every day for the whole year – And has vowed to keep it going!  Congratulations.

Quick Facts:
Hours Paddled- 425 plus 14 hours in the time bank= 439 total. Average- 1.2 hours per day. That’s water time spent paddling and doesn’t include travel to and from the beach, speaking engagements, special events or media events!

• Strokes Paddled (approximately)- 79,000
• Distance Paddled (approximately)- 1300 miles
• Hours of Tai Chi/Chi Gung Play (approximately)- 480
• Number of Doctor Appointments- 1, to have ear wax removed
• Pharmaceuticals taken- none, not even an aspirin
• Number of Physio Appointments- none
• Number of Chiro Appointments- none

See the story and photos at www.oksup.com

New Board Rack Launched!

We’ve retooled our board rack to make it easier for you to find out what standup paddleboards we carry and details about each of our boards (and paddles).  We’re expecting a ton of new boards to arrive in the next couple of months from Naish, Rogue, Surftech, Lakeshore, Starboard, Boardworks and more – keep checking.

Click the image to see our new board and paddle rack.

Click me - we triple dog dare you!

Gift Certificates Now Available

Know someone who wants to try Standup?  Or maybe you’re not sure what kind of accessory would be best?  We now offer several types of Gift Certificates.  Pick from ‘Intro to SUP’ courses, Board rentals, Punch passes, and general certificates for the shop.

Introductory Specials:

INTRO TO SUP PACKAGE #1 – $99.95 (Tax included)
Includes INTRO TO SUP COURSE + (2) 1-hour Rentals

INTRO TO SUP PACKAGE #2 – $149.95 (Tax included) *Save $12.00
Includes INTRO TO SUP COURSE + (4) 1-hour Rentals

INTRO TO SUP COURSE – $45 (Taxes extra)
Includes INTRO TO SUP COURSE + all equipment required

4-PACK RENTAL CARD – $95 (Taxes extra) *Save $5.00
Includes (4) 1-hour rentals + all equipment required (Punch Card)

Transporting your SUP with a bike!

Just arrived in time for summer > The SUP MULE.  An easy way to transport your paddleboard or surfboard behind your bike.  MULE Transport Products has engineered a method, using cloth, which attaches wheels to any size surfboard and SUP. Your shortboard, longboard, and SUP, becomes a trailer which allows you to walk or pull it behind your bicycle. The STS MULE is a new and unique way to transport your board(s) and ALL your gear to the break or waters edge in one effortless trip.

Details/Description:

• Two piece durable fabric
• Universal tail piece fits all boards
• STS nose piece has a handle strap and a pocket for wax, leash, and personal items
• Tube tires with plastic mag wheels and quick release pins
• Breaks down and sets up within seconds
• Packs in a 12″x28″x3″ travel bag for easy storage

Now available at Kalavida: $149

Goes with you ANYWHERE and EVERYWHERE. *No permanently attached bicycle rack. No hardware. No tools needed. NO MORE HASSLES!!! * Hands free controlled ride with little or no wind resistance.

2012 Naish Mana Air Inflatables are in

Just arrived at Kalavida! The Naish Mana Air inflatable SUPs – We’ve had them out on the lake already and they are impressive!  The 6″ has tons of volume and should work well for SUP’sters over 180lbs.  They are in stock now and come with a well-sized carry bag so you can travel with them to Mexico, Hawaii or wherever you may go…..

About the Naish Mana Air’s –
The Mana Airs are premium, high quality inflatable boards designed with extra thickness and width for unmatched firmness and stability. They are incredibly stable, durable and compactable for traveling paddlers riding in whitewater, rocky bottom flatwater or surf conditions.

The Mana Air 6” is hands down the most rigid, stable, performance-oriented inflatable SUP board on market. The Mana Air 4” is for lighter riders and for paddlers needing the transportability of an inflatable board while on a budget. Both the 6” and the 4” come complete with a high-pressure gauge pump and a durable canvas carry case.

View the VIDEO here:

Two Sizes:

• 10′ x 33″ x 4″  Volume 205L
• 10′ x 33″ x 6″  Volume 230L

River SUP season in BC is here

Looking for somewhere new to go with your board?  By now you’ve most likely been enjoying the lake(s) but have you considered a river run?  This year’s late runoff has pushed River SUP season into late August so September is going to be an amazing month to try out one of the many rivers around the region.

You can pick a river with slow or fast moving currents and even challenge yourself on the rapids and various levels of whitewater wonder.  Navigating your board on the river requires a new set of skills and it’s arguably the next best adrenaline fix to actual surfing in the ocean.  For most lazy river runs, any board will work just fine.  If you think you’d like to progress to running rapids and even whitewater, with a chance of the bumping into a few objects, then the inflatable boards are best suited to take the punishment. The C4 Waterman iSUP series is our favourite!

Where to go in the Okanagan-Shuswap Region -

• Shuswap River - Pick a section, any section.  Check out the maps in Enderby to see where to put in.  Shuttle from Enderby to the closest park to get started and then head to Ashton Creek for a more exciting run. Got skills?  Then try out the lower section of the ‘Chucks’ near Mabel Lake. Best time:  Early August to late September
  

  Shuswap River - no helmets required.... unless you're taking on the 'Chucks'.

• Similkameen – We did the section from Keremeos to the Chopaka Bridge last year and it was stunning, with consistent current, plenty of rapids and even a small standing wave.  Best time: 1st week of August to early September
• 

  Rapids galore - The Similkameen is a blast

  Thompson River – Mellow moving current, wide at most parts, lots of sandbars, some faster sections.  Put in a Chase BC and do a 1 or 2 hour cruise and enjoy the scenery.  

What to bring: Recommendations

Coil leash (no straight leashes)
PFD
Sunscreen!
Food and water

Planning on taking on rapids and whitewater:
PFD with coil leash attached with quick release
Attach your sidebites (Tri-fins) for better turning
Rubber fins (in case of a meeting with a rock or log)
C4 Waterman iSUPs (or other inflatables)

Cover Shot: Somewhere on the Thompson River near Chase, BC.