Battle of the Paddle 2008

The Battle of the Paddle was THE SUP event of the year. The elite category boasted $25,000 in prize money and the age group race had 217 participants. Sponsored by Rainbow Sandals and Gerry Lopez the event was run extremely well for its first time. There were more participants than anticipated so registration took a little longer than expected but otherwise the event went very smoothly. The course was 1.5 miles. The age group race did 3 laps and the elite was supposed to do 5 laps but it was cut to 3.5 laps due to time constraints and a STRONG northwest wind that developed. This was a spectator friendly race as the elites had to do a 75 yd. run on the sand between each lap. In the elite race Chuck Patterson of Dana Point took first followed by Thibert Lusiaa of the Big Island then Aaron Napoleon of Oahu. For the elite women Jenny Kalmbach of the Big Island took first followed by Candice Appleby of Oahu then Morgan Hoesterey also from Oahu. Complete results can be found here:

http://events.bazumedia.com/event/RBP2008

and the race website is here:

https://www.rainbowsandals.com/Battleofthepaddle/default.asp

The event also featured an manufacturers expo which Wet Feet was a part of and an awesome awards dinner at the Surfing Heritage Museum in Dana Point. One of the highlights was seeing 71 year old sufing legend Mickey Munoz take 40th place in the stock division then break the ice on the dance floor that night. For next year the event will be two days and will incorporate early registration and clinics. If you want to be a part of the biggest SUP event of the year in 2009 mark your calendars for October 3rd and 4th.

Setting Up

Drew Brophy Artist and Board Decorator for Ron House

Wet Feet!

Age Group Contenders Mike Fox and Jeff Chang

Age Group Start

Age Group Finish

Jeff Finish

Morgan Getting Ready

Elites Warming Up

Elite Race Meeting

Elite Beach Start

Elites Off!

Elite Winner #67 Chuck Patterson

Jimmy and Karen

2nd and 3rd Candice and Morgan

Mickey Munoz and Friend

Wet Feet Expansion Party

At the beginning of September Wet Feet expanded its home to from 900 to 2,100 sf of SUP heaven! The blessing was performed by Hawaiian Waterman and Hokuleia sailor Ka`au McKenney. After the ceremonial splashing of water with ti leaves throughout the shop, friends and family gathered to celebrate the joyous occasion. Wet Feet is now able to service the SUP community with the largest selection of SUP boards, paddles and accessories in the world!

Wet Feet now offers:

• Custom EPS Epoxy Stand Up Boards in 4 weeks by Steve Boehne of Infinity Surf


• Ready stock of hot and proven Stand Up Boards and Paddles by C4, Chambers, Jimmy Lewis, Surftech, Infinity, Angulo, Ron House Gerry Lopez, Hobie ,Robin Johnston, Quickblade, Kialoa, Werner, Kinimaka and Everpaddle


• Stand Up Open Ocean and Race Boards by Ted Spencer, Steve Bohne, Mark Raaphorst, C4 and Jimmy Lewis


• Huge assortment of SUP accessories, everything you could ever need for the water.


• Stylish Clothing and Accessories


• Large selection of True Ames, Future, Island Fin Design, and Rainbow fins
  Artwork, Jewelry and Photography from local artists including Heather Brown, Jeannie Chesser, Leighton Lam, and Zak Noyle


• Stretch and Mitsu Quads and Fishes
  Paddleboards


• All kine Da Kine


• Kitesurf and Tow-in Gear
  
  Ka`au Blessing

All Eyes on Ka`au

Owners Doug, Karen and Jeff

Todd Payes

Shop Manager Clark!

Kiddies

Kevin Seid of Everpaddle

Rockin Ron and Friends

Da Greatest Customers

Doreen Skedeleski of Surfco

Grinds!

Da Staff Clark, K-lo and Morgan

Janis Magin of PBN and Husband
Olympic Swimmer and
Hawaii Free Dive Icon Sonny Tanabe

Our Awesome Customers

Lips

Friends

Joey from Halekulani

Leighton Lam Surfer and Jewelry Maker Extraordinaire

David Shaw of Coral Reef

Jimmy Lewis



Morgan and Iwalani of Pualani