Surfing Without Limits

A few months back my shaper and I came up with the idea of making a paddleboard and entering the Catalina Classic Paddleboard race. I had been thinking about it for years, but the actual commitment just wasn't in the cards. Turns out Jay Moriarty, laird Hamilton and even "the Bull" all did the classic at one point in time.

A 32 mile paddle from the isthmus to the mainland, finishing up at Manhattan beach pier. I started looking at different shapes and bringing in boards for Stamps (my shaper) to look at. I don't know how he did it but over the course of three months he produced a twelve foot board for me to paddle. We adjusted a few things in the padding and fin design but that was it.
PaddleAir PaddleWear

The race itself starts at six in the morning, darkness is still looming. The racers all huddle around a fire pit while the officials bark-out instructions. A horn sounds and we all make our way through the boats out to ship rock. Kids in their PJ's, parents sipping hot coffee look down into the water from their moorings as we pass below in total silence. After about an hour of paddling the sun starts to push into view. There was a good cloud cover and not a hint of wind.

The PaddleAir was feeling great, I made a few adjustments in the first hour letting some short burst of air out using the valve. Three hours into the race I had to let more air out. It was as if the air was expanding in the bladder. My back felt good with the extra support from the layer of air.

After about six hours of paddling I knew I was going to finish, keeping my arms moving was all I could think about. Washing up on shore I was greeted by other paddlers as well as family and friends. The PaddleAir product worked for me and kept me comfortable during the seven plus hours I spent paddling.

Thanks for the support...

Cliff Kjoss

Seal Beach, California