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Calshot and the Solent SUP Club - Sunday 8th January - Report
Sorry for the delay on this folks, but what a great day!
 
11 people at Lepe Country Park on January the 8th, getting ready to paddle at 09:30.
 
in no particular order.
 
Paul, Mark, Rich M, Rich F. Steve, Andrew, Ollie, Jack (his first time on a board!) Zoltan and Rob (both having their second go on a board) and me.
 
John phoned to say he would meet us on the River for a while, but could not make lunch, so that made 12 for most of trip.
 
A lot of running around for me, as 5 lots of demo kit to get sorted, so got Ollie on the water with Jack first, to make sure Ollie was OK on my Nah-Skwell Classic Race, which was quite a departure from what he last used, and to make sure that his friend (Jack) would be OK to SUP on my 12' Tiki Taki to the Pub, rather than use his canoe as originally planned.
 
Then got Rob & Zoltan out on the Naish 10'6 Mana and Surf Series 11'6"and Andrew on the Nah-Skwell 10' Skool, and Paul went out on his own 10'6" Nah-Skwell with them, to make sure that no one got lost, while Rich M. was on a Nah-Skwell Fit, Steve on a Starboard 12'6", Mark on a Starboard 12'6" and Rich F. on a ? (sorry Rich, did not see what it was?) launched with the thought that they would form the 'fast group' and go to Palace House and then back to the Pub, while the rest of us would probably just do the Pub?
 
So that was everyone out there except me - Maybe, I had better get a wetsuit on, and a board out!!
 
Told everyone to go while I sorted myself out, and I glibly said i'll catch up! - Should probably have grabbed my Nah-Skwell 12'6" race W, but took the Fit in stead, matched to my Whiskeyjack Bootlegger as felt mellow and soulful paddle was in order of the day on such a lovely morning.
 
Nothing like a sprint start to get you warm in a winter suit!
 


Caught Andrew, Ollie and Jack after about 3/4 mile, Paul, Zoltan and Rob were about a 1/4 mile further on and Rich, Steve, Mark and Rich were practically out of sight near Gin's farm.
 
First mile and half were quite tough for the less experienced, as about 8 to 9 knots head wind and no real tide assistance - definitely conditions which showed that waterline length and speedy hull shapes make a big difference when pushing into wind, so just after Gin's bend, I swapped with Andrew so I was now on the Skool and Andrew was on the Fit, a combination which meant we were now doing about the same speed, but I was working a lot harder than before - this was fine, as I paddle for exercise (and boy do I need it!!) as well as great views and it's simply a great way to be on the water, especially in the middle of winter!
 
John met us at this point on his Nah-Skwell 10'6", just as the sun came out and the wind dropped - God it was so hot, we were really looking forward to the pub!
 
Arrived at 12:15, so my estimates were not far out. John went back to Exbury and Andrew, myself, Ollie and Jack made a bee line for the only table remaining outside in the lovely sunshine, sat having a much needed drink, musing the menu and wondering where the rest were?
 


At about 12:40, Paul, Zoltan and Rob appeared, having gone up past the pub a little way, so we ordered food, not being sure if the rest were having lunch in Beaulieu, and knowing that the proposed time to leave Bucklers Hard was now only just under an hour away, so food sounded a good plan as it can take 15 to 20 mins to get served on a busy day.
 
Master Builders is not the cheapest pub to eat and drink at, but food is good and view is great. By the time we were eating, the Place House party arrived back and ordered food.
 
Andrew, Ollie and Jack set off at about 13:30, Zoltan and Rob were next, then Paul and myself at about 13:40, leaving Rich M., Steve, Mark and Rich F. to finish their meal, knowing that they would be hot on out heals based on their performance on the way up, and were hoping that late lunch might slow them down a little! 

Fantastic run back, with really good ebb tide pushing us along, pretty much all arriving back at 2:55, with the late lunch group only 10 mins or less behind.
  


Really good day, fantastic weather, easy to think it was summer most of the time, almost perfect conditions, nice food and beer, great company and scenery and a good bit of exercise - every day should be like this
 
Mark has also very kindly sent us links to a whole load of Go Pro images he took, which are below:
 
As well as the Link to his Garmin info - GPS info http://connect.garmin.com/activity/139976838
 
Bear in mind, he did not set this until well into trip, which should have totaled about 14 miles to Palace House and back.
 
I was a bit surprised by some of the Garmin data, which showed a peak speed of 395.2 mph and that he had climbed 149ft in elevation, despite being at Sea Level on a falling tide?? - Now I know Mark's pretty quick on a board, so I'm prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt on that one, but quite how he managed to go up 149ft without lock gates or the Falkirk Wheel eludes me completely!!
 
Special thanks to all the photographers who kindly provided photos, and thanks to all of you for sharing one of my favourite paddle trips - I do it by myself quite a bit, but it's a lot more fun with a group of like minded friends.
 
Happy Paddling,
 
Jon.     
 


High times - Friday/Saturday SUP runs!
Dear Fellow Paddlers,
 
 
 
I spy, with my little eye, something beginning with H??
 
That's right,
 
 
a great big HIGH!
 
which should equate to very light winds, so perfect for SUPing
 
In fact, the high is so big, that it's going to cover the whole of the British Isles on Friday (I have meetings in the morning, but do have some new stuff to get out on which I really must test on flat water, so maybe I can sneak down to Calshot in the early afternoon??)
 
But this leaves the question of Saturday (Sunday will be good to Windsurf/Kitesurf, so could be a really great weekend all round)
 
Working on the basses that we need to grab every opportunity we get when the weather is nice (especially at this time of year), it would be a shame to miss doing something to celebrate the continuing good winter (for a change, after the last 3 really cold ones!)
 
Tide is a 4.5m, with first high at 13:54 and wind is light easterly in the morning, strengthening to maybe 12 knots by 15:00. Temp will be 6 or 7C, but this is no problem in a winter suit, even though we have recently been blessed with double these temperatures, meaning that the water is still 9C!
 
2 local options for a SUP spring to mind with this forecast:
 
Short 1.9mile trip each way from Calshot to Ashlett Creek, leaving about 13:00 ish for drink/food?
 
or, Hamble Town Quay to Horse and Jockey, which with a 4.5m, we should be able to get to by about 13:30? They do food till 14:30 and daylight pretty much to 17:00 now, so no problem there - and allowing for our very scenic cruise last time, we will allow 2 hours for trip, and then if we get there early, see just how little water we really need to get up to the pub!!.
 
For those not wanting the 5 mile paddle, you can drop in at the back of the Old Ship Inn, which reduces trip to about 3 miles each way.
 
Wind slightly favours Hamble, but know that some of you might like shorter trip?
 
If you are interested in:
 
A) Calshot to Ashlett, or
 
B) Hamble to Curbridge (Horse and Jockey)
 
Please let me know which by midday ish Friday 13th, so I can plot a plan??  
 
Happy Paddling,
 
Jon
 


SUP 8/01/2012 Details
Dear Fellow Paddlers,
 
Isobar Charts look great for tomorrow and while the weather forecasts can't quite decide if it will be 6 knots or 11, at least for the trip up to the pub, it should be light, and for the trip back, it's a helpful direction anyway!
 
Fantastic response from the club for January, with at least a dozen trying to make it along, and apologies from 4 more.
 
We have an interesting split, with half a dozen or so, less experienced and the rest leaning towards race boards and distance experienced, with at least 3 or 4 of these keen to do the full trip to Lepe to Beaulieu, so I can easily see that we will have the faster group doing the entire river, with the less experienced maybe spending longer in the pub  while the Beaulieu group come back for lunch/drink, then group paddle back to Lepe?
 
Ideas for timings.
 
Meet at Lepe country park Lower car park by 09:30 and get less experienced group off by no latter than 10:00 with at least one or 2 experienced guides to stay with them to the pub. (I'm quite happy to be one of these)
 
Those who want to go to Beaulieu, form a group and go whenever, but everyone to leave by 10:00 if possible unless you want a real sprint?
 
With weather forecast and tide, slower group should arrive at Pub by 11:30/12:00 and we still have plenty of time to look at interesting things on the way, or stop if we need to at any time, so does not matter how long it takes to get there as long as we are at the Pub in time to meet returning Beaulieu party
 
Faster group should arrive at Beaulieu by 11:30 without too much difficulty, and can go for a quick wander if they fancy, but should try to be back at Bucklers hard for group Lunch around 12:30? (allow 45 mins for return trip I suggest, but could easily be done in 30 mins with good weather and fast boards)
 
Then leave by around 13:30 with some ebb tide and hopefully light tail wind to get us Back to Lepe by around 15:00 (race boards can do this in half the time I have allowed, so maybe 2 groups again?)
 
This looks like a nice plan, but very happy to have others in the morning when we make final decisions 
 
Those of you needing to Hire equipment, please confirm ASAP, as I must get Van loaded tonight and have to go to the shop to collect some gear from there as well as from here at the warehouse!
 
Let's hope for a great Paddle tomorrow.
 
I look forward to seeing you all at the beach in the morning.
 
Happy Paddling,
 
Jon


Sunday Paddle?
Dear fellow paddlers,
 
Short notice I know, but such are the ways with the weather at this time of the year!
 
I was already thinking of a trip on Sunday, and I know that one or 2 of you have expressed an interest, so after a brilliant day on the water today, where the weather was about as good as you could order, teaching a beginner (Rob), who got on so well, we went on to complete around 8 miles on his first time out, (including pretty much up to Lepe and back from Calshot, done in memory of the great Hawaiian waterman, Harold Iggy, whom I was lucky enough to have know as a friend, who so sadly died doing what he loved most just a couple of days ago), I though I should look at trip possibilities for this weekend including Pubs, rather than just a quick blat up and down!!
 
Tide is 4.4m high at around 11:00, wind looks light at about 9 knots West, temp about 8 to 9C
 
Don't think we could even begin to hope to see the wonderful sunshine we had today, but might be pleasant for a Lepe to Bucklers Hard, or even Lepe to Beaulieu, and back to Bucklers Hard - could do Lunch or just a little drink, then back to Lepe before they lock the car park at 16:30!! ? (Low water is a 1.4m @ about 16:00, so long walk in at Lepe if we leave it too late!)
 
Leave Lepe about 10:00 to catch the last of the Flood, cruise back with aid of ebb and westerly - could be a lovely way to speed the winter along, and offset some of the most dire effects of Christmas (as long as light lunch of course!)
 
Anyone interested - email Jon at naishuk2@aol.com or give us a call at 24-7 on 02380 894000
 
Please indicate Lepe to Bucklers?, or Lepe to Beaulieu, back to Bucklers, then back to Lepe??
 
I'll confirm weather, interest in coming and final plan by e mail tomorrow evening 
 
Happy Paddling,
 
Jon


New Years Day SUP Paddle at 24-7Boardsports
Dear Fellow Paddlers,
 
It had to be done, after all, it was New Years Day!
 
At approx midday, Paul (Nah Skwell Noserider 10'5) and John (Nah Skwell 12'6 Race)arrived and concluded that since the wind had dropped to about 10 knots SW from the earlier 12 to 18knots, we really should go for a paddle!
 
I was working in the shop, Mulling Wine and Heating Pies, and many other absolutely essential tasks, but Rob insisted that he would be fine and I really should go for a paddle!! so I looked outside, and then checked at least 10 times 'if he was sure he could cope with the crowds by himself', but apparently he really could, so I had to go!!
 
As I put my suit on, listening to the rain pounding on the roof of the van, I was wondering just why I had let myself be talked into going for a paddle in such soggy conditions, but having struggled into my ever tighter wetsuit, I convinced myself that it was a good plan, as exercise was very plainly the thing I needed most!
 
As we set off, the rain was beating down and the swell/chop was pretty nasty having been churned up by the earlier wind, on the Port beam most of the way up, and by the time we got half way up the bay with the wind picking up, the waves were getting even more exciting, with no shelter to be had even in close to the beach.
 
We decided to go to the pier head and turn, but by the time we were about 70m away, the waves were approaching 2ft and starting to regularly white cap, and although we were still making progress, with at least 20 knots now blowing directly from where we were heading, was there any point in flogging on to prove we could do it?
 
Common sense prevailed, so we turned and shot off downwind, with the very short and churny swell, now on the starboard beam, and as we were pretty close in, there was little we could do about this other than trying to ride broadside to rolling white caps, which is not much of a plan really, especially with the wind really gusting hard at times meaning this would be pretty much 'instant swim time' if we tried, so staying in close was the only option!
 
Very short and confused wave pattern and increasing wind caught us all out within half a mile of turning, with all of us taking our first swim within a 200m stretch - But at least the water was pretty warm, at least, in a winter suit it was fine, even without hood or gloves - having got back on, I quickly rediscovered that my somewhat dodgy balance had not miraculously improved with the advent of the new year, and I only stayed up for about another 100m!
 
Did half a mile kneeling, which was actually very enjoyable, using the paddle as a sail, still doing at least 3 to 4 knots, got some feeling back in my hands (not cold, but my dodgy neck I'm afraid) and proceeded to rock and roll back with a combination of standing/swimming/kneeling with John and Paul about 50 to 100m in front most of the time.
 
Definitely an exciting ride, with all of us suffering nose dives, or walking off the tails due to steepness of swells and confused angles, and some of the gusts of wind were nearly enough to push you over the front, even without the help of a wave, meaning that we all had at least 3 or 4 swims on our return trip!
 
We concluded over some Mulled Wine, that while it was far from the easiest trip we had ever done, it was a hell of a lot of fun on the way back, and we just hoped that the Kitesurfers appreciated our efforts to get the wind back for them, as they were all complaining it had dropped so much when we set off!
 
We all know that the best way to get the wind to pick up is to get the Paddleboards out! and at least a couple of them pumped up and went out again, so our self sacrifice was justified, but to be honest, what we brought back from Lepe was too much in the way of wind and waves for most of them.
 
Just great to get out for a paddle with some like minded friends on the first day of a new year, and so nice to find that the water was still perfectly comfortable to dive into (repeatedly)!
 
Lets hope it stays warm, so we can continue to enjoy the windy days this winter as well!
 
Just had John on the phone, asking me what the forecast is for tomorrow and if I'm Free?
 
Happy Paddling,
 
Jon


Happy Christmas!!
Dear Fellow Paddlers,
As we rush headlong into Christmas, and contemplate the imminent arrival of 2012, it's important to remember that the shortest day has already passed by, almost unoticed, so Summer is officially on the way - and who knows, we might get one this year as the considerable period of solar minima is now past! 
This seems like a good excuse (as if we really need one!) for a paddle, some food and some drinks, to see out the old and bring in the new!
So to kick this off, we have our annual Shop Party at 24-7 Boardsports, Calshot, on Boxing Day between 11:00 and 15:00 ish, and have laid on a 4.7m high tide @ 11:33 for you all to enjoy - it's a biggy and it's high when we are open!
All the usual low calorie offerings like Mulled Wine, Mince Pies, Stollen, Cream, Coffee and Hot Chocolate will be on offer for those who would like to escape to go for a Paddle, Windusurf, Kitesurf, or simply need some fresh air and exercise, before succumbing to further temptation 
I wish I could tell you that the weather will be sensational - Forecast is SW 21 to 15 knots and might be cloudy, so is of course excellent for wind driven sports, but not quite ideal for paddling, unless you can arrange a nice fast downwinder from Lepe??
Anyway, I'll be working in the shop making the drinks and serving the food, so come along, get on the water if you feel like it, have a drink and a chat or what ever - just get away from the TV for a few hours - There's a real world out there just waiting to be explored, so come on down and at least contemplate the year to come, with some like minded people!
Officially, having spent all of last winter rebuilding our warehouse and building a new office, I'm working in the shop all over the holiday period, however, in the interests of maintaining even the smallest possibility of still fitting my Winter wetsuit, I fully intend to get on the water for a sneaky one any time I can?
Thursday the 29th/Friday the 30th look as though they may offer the best paddling opportunities based on current long range forecast, with high water @ 13:20 and 14:20, so there are some good possibilities here, and I have had several requests to organise something on New Years Day?
Tides not great but heading into neaps, so quite low flow rate and with High Water just before 16:00, does open up the possibility of a Lepe to Bucklers Hard, lunch/drink, back to Lepe, which would really get the new year off to a good start in my book.
No idea of weather yet, and it would be typical after all the high wind days in 2011, for it to be gale force on 1st Jan 2012, but I will look at forecasts and try to plan something, so watch out for e mails.
I would also like to take this opportunity, to thank all the Crew at 24-7 Boardsports for allowing me to escape so often at short notice in 2011, and for the company of all of you who have wanted to come along on some of my little adventures.
  
It's been a really difficult year to organise trips, demo's and teaching - this is perhaps reflected well in the fact that all the pictures above were taken in the last 3 months!  But, despite the almost non existent summer we have still had some great trips, and it's been a real pleasure to share so many with you all - lets do even more in 2012!
Do please let me have your ideas for a bit of adventure in 2012, as it's easy not to know of a great little trip without local knowledge, and remember, 24-7 Boardsports will be running some great 'members offers' in Jan/Feb/March, (in addition to our all season ones of course) to help those of you looking to change boards, or get your first one, so you are raring to go and all ready for the spring
We have all the best brands, heaps of experiences, stacks of stock and some amazing packages, so don't be shy in telling us what you are thinking about?
After 30 years of serving the watersports community, we are as passionate as ever about getting everyone out there, having fun on all the toys we enjoy our 'playtimes on' - so come and talk to us about the best gear and advice for fulfilling all your waterborne dreams in 2012
Have a great Christmas and a really Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
Happy paddling, sailing and kiting, from all at 24-7 Boardsports and Kai Sports,
Jon, Rob C, Rob S, Dan, Paul, Rich and Neil. 


Facebook Giveaway!!
Hi everyone,

If you want to win one of 5 pairs of Animal Winter Booties, sign up for our (occasional) newsletter & drop by Facebook & 'Like' our page there!  Winners drawn at random when the facbook group reaches 500!

Dan 24/7


Learn something new...
Jo Wilson is coming back to Calshot as part of her UK Coaching Tour.  She is offering coaching for intermediate to advanced kitesurfers and can coach you through anything from improving your jumping technique, transitions, rotations and raileys through to kite loops, unhooking and handle passes for those of you who are more advanced.  Her courses are split in to basic and advanced freestyle and are 3 hours long.  There are a maximum of 4 places available per course and cost £65. To find out more or book yourself a place visit her website www.jowilsoncoaching.com.  Jo will be in Calshot for the bank holiday weekend 28-30th May 2011. 


North Power XT Rigging Tips
Check out these new you tube clips for using your North Power XT


Feedback...
:D We got some really nice feedback in todays email -

Hi Just want to say a big thank you for your service and customer care , received the order today, so very happy thanks again, Sue
Im feeling all warm & appreciated now :D


ITS CHRISTMAS!!
24-7 Shop Christmas/New Year Opening Times:



Christmas Eve: 10-4pm


Christmas Day: Closed


Boxing Day: Mulled Wine, Mince Pies & Sailing/SUPing 11-3pm Come on down!


Dec 27th-31st 10-4pm


Jan 1st onwards back to 10-5pm


Pond Life
Well I got out today for an hour or so in the 'pond' to do some product testing (aka kitesurfing).  I can report that Atans Hot Mistral boots live up to their name & there is a review for them up on the site.  As well as being toastie warm Atans seriously stick to the Versa Traction giving fantastically positve traction at all times.  Versa Traction is available in heaps of different combinations, so give us a call in the shop with your requirements & we'll find a pack to suit you. 

At this time of year a proper dry suit makes things so much more pleasant.  No more getting into a cold damp thick winter suit anymore.  Grab an O'Neill Boost, layer up with thermals or thin neoprene, zip up & your good to go however cold it gets! 

Keep warm & I'll see ya out there soon

Dan


Product Videos!
Rob's been out & about with his video camera to bring you a look at Norths Power XT: http://tinyurl.com/27xat7k


Keep your feet warm!
In his latest bid for stardom Good Looking Rob aka GLR runs through 24-7 Boardsports pick of the excellent Atan wetsuit boots:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MB01cEr7oZU 

We'll be running through lots of other products in the coming months, so if you have a burning desire to have a better look at any of our products shoot us an email at sales@24-7boardsports.com or like our facebook page & tell us what you want to see most!

Aloha - Dan


24-7 YouTube!
Have a look at our 24-7 channel on YouTube.  We will be showcasing product, making reviews & showing sailing & paddling from the beach here at Calshot & all along the south coast.  If you want to get involved - send us your ideas, videos & requests for product information!  

Subscribe to our Blog, YouTube channel, Twitter & Facebook page to stay in the loop 24-7.

Dan



[From 26th October]

Dear Fellow SUPers,


Last Nights SUP was a Classic!

Paul L., Paul S., Ryan and myself set off for Lepe at approx. 17:50, so had a bit of a walk out, but were met by glassy smooth water, the new Queen Elizabeth liner going by, and a stunning sunset behind the trees of Stanswood bay as we headed down the Solent toward Lepe.

We were so late leaving that we were starting to hit the flood tide out to sea, so Paul L and myself cut in close to the shore while Ryan and Paul S stayed half a mile out - Paul L and myself reached the D-day embarkation point just as it was getting pretty shady, so tuned on our torches for safety and waited for the other 2 to catch up.

Once a group of 4 again, we turned the corner towards Lepe, to be met by the last rays of a great sunset, still visible at approx.18:50, so we paddled round the end of Lepe Spit, which was quite choppy in the turbulence created by the rising tide - we all had a good paddle to get over this, then cut in towards the shore to get out of the tide, at approx. 19:10 the moon suddenly appeared in all it's glory behind us, so Paul tried, without success I'm afraid, to get a picture to send to everyone.

I thought it would be fun to do my 'werewolf impression' which hopefully gave the fishermen on the spit something else to laugh about, other than the people stood on the water going by?

We paddled on past the entrance of the Beaulieu River and while Paul L and myself headed further up and out for the best tide shove, Paul S and Ryan turned early, and stayed in much tighter, so probably paddled about a mile less in all, but the tide soon started to tell and we shot past them pretty rapidly down the yellow buoys as usual, staying well out to sea past the hotwater outfall and then cutting in hard across the tide heading for the single wooden post - I decided that with my long fin, this did not yet look deep enough, so Paul and I carried on down for the next gap in the banks, and slightly nervously, road a small swell which arrived at that moment, into the bay, with the other 2 rapidly gaining on us, having snuck into the bay by the post.

We ended up getting back to the shop almost together at 20:20 in superb moonlight, with an almost crystal clear sky with brilliant stars.

My thanks to all who shared this lovely trip with me, and sorry the rest of you could not make it - Maybe next time?

A note for the coming months - Increasingly at this time of year, it is a case of grabbing these moments at quite short notice, so watch out for e mails. I will always try to give you 24 hours notice of possible intent, but then, due to how quickly the weather can change and of course, how wrong the weather forecast can be, will usually call it only a couple of hours before if it's in the afternoon or evening.

Dark is not a problem with waterproof torches - Just a state of mind, as long as it is clear of course!

Happy Paddling,

Jon




O'neill Boost Drysuit
Just got these fab O'neill Boost Drysuits in stock - all sizes available, guaranteed to keep you warm and dry - come in and try one on for size


nah skwell 9'6 and 10'6 paddleboards
We have just recieved a new delivery of nah skwell 9'6 and 10'6 sup paddleboards


Sail 360 variation
My thanks to Trevor Hibdige for pointing out this clip. He saw it in the flesh this summer - golooksee



Naish Bolt and Torch 2011
This afternoon the naish 2011 bolts and torch's arrived in the shop. If you want to have a demo on one let us know as we will have them on demo. If you want to buy / part exchange give us a call and we should be able to sort you out


RTM KYO inflatable kayak
Just got in the new RTM KYO inflatable 2 man kayaks - they are wicked - check out this you tube clip for the RTM KYO



Oil spill at Fawley Marine Terminal
Just got this in from Calshot Activities Centre.

The oil spill at 2120pm on Sunday 20 June at Fawley Marine Terminal has not affected watersports at Calshot.
An inspection was made on Monday (23-6-2010) morning with no sign of any oil at Calshot or within the "creek".  Conditions have been closely monitored since for any trace of oil and on Wednesday morning samples were taken by Exxon Mobil who later confirmed that no oil had been detected.

Water quality will continue to be monitored closely however we do not anticipate the need for any restrictions in our canoeing, sailing, powerboating and windsurfing courses

Today at Calshot 24-6-2010 11am



Welcome to our site
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