Johnson Big Stick Stand up Surfing Paddles.

Catalina Challenge 2011.

2011-04-14T08:12:00.000-07:00

Catalina Challenge 2011.
Two man 14' relay: featuring Starboard International Dream Team Members : Bart De Zwart ( Maui ) and E.J Johnson ( Dana Point,Ca.
And world reknown skipper : Capt. James White.

Bart's story.

The Catalina Challenge, 39.5 miles from Catalina island to Dana point.
Team Starboard, Ernest Johnson & Bart de Zwart
The day before the race we took EJ’s sailing boat to Catalina Island. A light head wind promised good tailwinds for a smooth down wind race tomorrow. But things would turn out different than expected.
About 60 racing teams of which 25 SUP came for this race. This race is a team effort. EJ and I were team STARBOARD. A lot of the big names and big brands came to the race. But we are confident. We feel strong and have a fast board, a STARBOARD ACE 14’
Just before the start we hear that the promised tail wind might be turning into a head wind. There are dark clouds on the horizon but for now the sun is still shining.
I started the race in a fast but controlled pace. Collin and Dane Deboer and I were right at the front of the pack. Most teams raced in the 14 foot class. Since our escort boat was a sailing boat, our changes weren’t as smooth as the teams with small motor boats. But we managed to get ahead. We had a rhythm of 30 minutes of paddle and then the next one took over.During the 30 minutes recover time we drank eate, and drank and before you knew it was time to start paddling again. After a couple hours team Hobie, team Quickblade and Team rivera were all still very close. Suddenly it got the clouds were moving in and then wind picked up and we made good time on everybody. Paddling was hard and to keep the board moving became a struggle with the wind and chop straight in our face. The next couple of hours we were pulling away from Team Hobie and team Rivera. Team Quick bald was still on our tail. Although we were fast and making good progress our man changes were still taking a lot of time compared to team quick blade. After being in the lead for more than 5 hrs , the wind died down and they came along side and had another fast transition. Dana point was getting nearer now. With every transition we had to turn the sailing boat 180 degrees before we could make the change. Costing a lot of time because a sailing boat takes more time to slowdown. We could stay in close range of first place but they were ahead of us. After just over 7 and a half hours of paddling we turned in the Harbor of Dana point with just team quick blade with Jimmy Terrell and Dane Deboer just over 100 yard ahead of us we got second place.
A long day, a long and fierce battle for 1st, 2nd 3rd and 4th place, and an awesome experience.
Thanks Starboard for those fast boards and EJ for the nice days on his boat.

EJ's Story,

This was my 5th yr doing the Catalina Challenge, and each has had it's own unique quality about it. The channel may be one of the toughest, because it is so unpredictable. 2011 reports promised 12 -16 knot NW winds, which is right at our backs, so everyone was pumped on a down winder.
That night I heard or felt hardly any wind, which got me thinking the weather was changing for the worse. The skies in the morning were partly sunny, which seemed to keep everyones spirits high. Start time was 8:30 am, Bart was on the line to start the race, along with teams from Hobie, Bark/QB, Ohana, Riviera, Kings, Infinity. This yr offered a diverse group of teams,with two- 3 women teams, co ed, and a 4 person father/ son. father/ daughter team, who had new grom Starboard team rider Nick Scheel (12yrsold).
We did 30 minute on and 30 off to start, which seems to be the best formula for the two man team. Bart got a great start staying with the lead pack, but not burning himself out. Our 1st exchange was a little shaky, and I jumped on and within 5 min I passed my nemesis paddler Byron Kurt and then got right behind team QB, our next exchange was the worse one of the day, me having to keep going and then have the boat catch up.
About 8 miles out, the wind switched to a 10 knot S/E head wind with scattered showers, which was actually in our favor, because our 14' ACE works really well in those situations. So Bart started powering though that nasty stuff and took the lead, which we kept until the wind shut down.
It was a close race the entire 40 mi, changing leads 3 to 4 times. On my 2nd to last leg, Jim Terrell and I were battling for the lead, and he got a better line than I, and he gained a 100 yards, which they maintained all the way to the harbor entrance buoy. Bart jumped on about a mile outside the harbor and charged all the way to the finish line, gaining good ground in the flats, coming in only 1 minute 19 seconds behind the 1st place 14' 2 man winners.
What another great channel experience, with a awesome team mate! Very Stoked to be part of the Starboard International family.
Unofficial Results:
Catalina Challenge 2011
1 SUP-U (3), Open - Men 7:06:04 Gallagher/Rojas/Vela
2 SUP-U (3), Open - Men 7:17:48 Matero/Shahinian/Rambo
1 SUP-14 (2), Master - Men 7:34:58 DeBoer/Terrell
1 SUP-14 (2), Open - Men 7:36:17 De Zwart/ EJ Johnson ( Starboard )
2 SUP-14 (2), Master - Men 7:40:42 Scottsdale/Starnes
1 SUP-14 (3), Open - Men 7:58:02 Emory/Kho/Pascoe
2 SUP-14 (2), Open - Men 7:59:28 Kurt/McPhillips
2 SUP-14 (3), Open - Men 8:06:36 Donnelly/ McDonald
1 SUP-U (2), Open - Men 8:16:00 Glinn/Harrison
3 SUP-14 (3), Open - Men 8:16:50 Calandra/George/Springer
1 SUP-14 (2), Open - Coed 8:18:51 Baus/Morrisey
SUP-14 (3), Open - Men 8:29:37 Smith/Swoot/Vaughan
1 SUP-14 (3), Master - Men 8:33:21 Frey/Huddle/Welch
1 SUP-14 (3), Open - Women 8:39:26 Strazulla/Wolfe/Zuhr
3 SUP-14 (2), Master - Men 8:41:06 Cooper/Meter
1 SUP-14 (4), Open - Coed 8:46:26 Erickson/Munoz/Munoz/Poppler
SUP-14 (2), Master - Men 8:53:29 Mosher/Zulim
3 SUP-U (3), Open - Men 8:53:32 Benedict/Connor/English
2 SUP-14 (3), Master - Men 9:08:53 Meffert/Tingle/Wright
2 SUP-14 (3), Open - Women 9:22:20 Plunkett/Thomas/Wenzel
1 SUP-14 (2), Open - Women 9:22:50 Lee/Nelson
3 SUP-14 (3), Master - Men 9:27:36 Brostowicz/Perna/Swanecamp
2 SUP-U (2), Open - Men 9:32:52 Campbell/Campbell
1 SUP-U (4), Open - Coed 10:34:51 Clark/Clark/Scheel/Scheel

Road Trippin' & Jet Settin' By E.J Johnson.

2010-09-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

We have been going non stop since July 28th, when we disembarked to Utah on the 700mi hi-way trek to theH20 OverDrive SUP Cup in Park City. at Jordanelle Reservoir in our 2003 custom EJ built Freight Liner Sprinter van.

We stopped in at one of my all time favorite towns " BEAVER ", Utah, and headed up the mountain to a special place called Anderson Meadow to enjoy some clean 8500' mountain air, after driving all day.

This event included an open race and a pro 14' class, which was the first one where all the top guys met, to battle it out on the same size board.
The smaller lighter guys ( myself included ) prefer the 12' 6" class, where the larger heavier guys like the extra foam in the 14' class.
The pro race was a 5mi closed coarse trapezoid / M shape with a small beach run to make it more spectator friendly.

Stoked to have placed 8th, among such great paddlers and friends!
Here's the top ten results :

1 35 TROUT, Slater pro men 00:50:09 0 00:50:09
2 11 ROJAS, rob pro men 00:51:19 0 00:51:19
3 33 KURT, Byron pro men 00:51:38 0 00:51:38
4 25 WILD, Jay pro men 00:51:58 0 00:51:58
5 29 MCPHILLIPS, colin pro men 00:52:07 0 00:52:07
6 13 PATTERSON, Chuck pro men 00:52:20 0 00:52:20
7 28 RAMBO, Brandon pro men 00:53:24 0 00:53:24
8 24 JOHNSON, EJ pro men 00:53:25 0 00:53:25
9 07 CURRY, Chris pro men 00:53:40 0 00:53:40
10 02 HILL, Chris pro men 00:55:38 0 00:55:38

Many Thanks to The Doc and Betsy Risner for opening up their doors to us and many friends from across the country, Florida, North Carolina and so on.
We made many new friends on this road trip!

Next stop The Big Apple , New York City.....8 / 12 / thru 8 / 14.

Wow, what a contrast compared to Dana Point Harbor, where we call home! This place really is a concrete jungle!!!!!
Well, after a crazy cab ride and a 6hr red eye flight, we arrived to our hotel in the Wall Street district. And met up with our Starboard East coast rep Mark Colino, from Jersey!
He knows the lingo around here and is a pretty big guy, so we felt a little safer. (LOL) We had a great Italian dinner with lots of pasta , bread and of coarse my favorite "BEER".

Next day we arise to sunny skies and 80 degree temps, which is so much better than the 100 F mark a few days prior. I'm already feeling the nerves, knowing that I'm gonna be
on the board for a least 4 1/2 to 5 hrs with who knows what kind of conditions!

It's funny all the ups and downs you go through on such a long paddle, but all in all it was a beautiful experience!
It was so cool to go under all those huge bridges, hearing people screaming at you like you are crazy! ( maybe just a little )

I hit the wall at mile 20 getting muscle spasms and cramps, that sent me to a little island on the Harlem / East river split.
I stretched and took some B vitamins and more goos' ( I hate that stuff ) to try anything at that point. I looked up and saw two of my competitors sail past me, and that was enough
motivation to get my punk ass back on the board and finish this race. I caught and passed one of the guys, and almost got the 4th place position.
I finished in 5th place in 4 hrs 29min.

The White Water party in the evening was spectacular, with views of the city lights and awesome food and entertainment.

The next ext day we had a few hrs to check out the city and play tourists around Manhattan, before hopping back to So Cal.
We walked around the Wall St. area and Ground Zero, which a was a huge reminder of 9-11! Heartfelt to the core........
Also, I would like to thank my friends and sponsors,for donating $1,500.00 to the Sea Paddle organization to fight Autism,
which is what this event is first and foremost for!

NYC Sea Paddle Elite 14’ SUP Mens':
1. #71 3:56 Thomas Maximus Shahinian (Ohana Paddleboards)
2. #44 4:01 Slater Trout
3. #49 4:01:30 Will Reichenstein (Ohana Paddleboards)
4. #59 4:28 Mark Temme
5. #36 4:29:30 Ernest Johnson (Starboard)
6. #38 4:31:30 Billy Mehl (Island Surf & Sail)
7. #23 4:37:30 John Beausang (Distressed Mullet)
8. #33 4:52 Shane Boyle
9. #30 4:57:30 Jason Colclough (SideArm Surf & Skate/ Surfer's Healing NC)
10. #45 5:21:30 Mark Colino (Starboard \ No Flat Earth)

3rd stop, Lake Tahoe Ca.....8 / 16 / thru 8/ 23.
Tahoe Nalu Event.

One of my favorite drives, is up the Interstate 395 through the Owens Valley with the Eastern Sierra Nevada on the left, and Death Valley to the right.
We are fortunate enough to caravan and camp with the infamous Mickey and Peggy Munoz, at Lake Mary in The Mammoth Basin ( 8,910 elv.)
The first day of paddling is a bit shocking to the system, coming from sea level, but we struggle through it doing some interval training and then some 12 oz curls in the afternoon.
We spent two nights there, and then headed to our final destination on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe at Sandy Beach campground, which was booked mostly
by standup paddlers. Thursday and Friday were mostly mild with sunny skies, but the word on the beach for race day was high winds and scattered showers.
Lake Tahoe is a very large body of water that can develop good size waves, which came true on Saturday.
First off was the open 5mi race that showed a great turnout of over 200 paddlers, including my wife Andrea.
The conditions were definitely challenging with wind and waves coming at their right side on the way down to the first mark, and then opposite for the leg back.
I watched and waited on the beach, being more nervous for the folks out there, than I get doing it myself!
Everyone eventually made it in safe and sound, and I started getting myself mentally prepared for the Elite 14' race.
The Pro coarse was in my opinion easier than the open race, because we headed straight out, and then slightly diagonal to a mark then straight back for a short beach run.
Four laps of 1.25mi made for a pretty fast short race, where I managed to get 11th, with fellow team rider Dan Gavere only seconds behind.

Place Name Age Time Bib# Board Mfg

1 Danny Ching 27 33:25 268 A 404
2 Rob Rojas 36 35:18 271 OHANA
3 Chuck Patterson 41 36:54 263 HOBIE
4 Jay Wild 30 37:11 260 LAHUI KAI
5 Byron Kurt 99 37:29 252
6 Colin McPhillips 35 37:49 262 HOBIE
7 Mitch Kahn 50 38:50 250 HOBIE
8 Rob Pelkey 42 38:58 255 HOBIE
9 Matthew Becker 99 39:12 246
10 Tyson Poppler 24 39:24 256 A 404
11 Johnson Ernest 47 39:35 265 STARBOARD
12 Dan Gavere 40 39:38 273 STARBOARD
13 Dane Morrissey 99 39:56 254
14 Dan Eberhardt 43 41:33 269 RIVIERA
15 Brian Haag 99 42:01 248
16 Jim Terrell 45 42:30 275
17 Rambo Brandon 21 42:49 267 A 404
18 Hunter Claxton 25 43:09 277 NASH
19 Beau Whitehead 41 45:09 258 NAISH
20 Seth Springer 33 46:35 257 BARK
21 Chris Brackett 41 55:16 270 KINGS

Day two: Tahoe Nalu 10 mi. Long coarse. 14' Division 585 Prototype NEW.

Chuck Patterson, Byron Kurt, EJ.

We had another great night at the campground, partying with the big Ohana of paddlers sharing the fireside talking story!
Listening to the wind with one eye open, hoping for some good conditions for tomorrow I slept a bit restless in my cheap Kmart sleeping bag.
Woke up to bluebird skies, and a bit of wind which was to increase to 15 to 20 knots by race time.
I was stoked to get some downwind racing today, which also meant we had 5 mi straight into it, and believe me, it was a solid 5!
I had a great race placing 4th in the 14' class, against the same solid group.
My family and I had a killer time in Tahoe, and I am so happy my 17 year old daughter Karina joined us on this epic trip.
It means so much to spend time in nature with ones family, I am very blessed......

4th Stop, Jever World SUP Cup, Hamburg Germany. 8 / 25 thru 8 / 31.

I was so excited when I got my second invitation to the Jever World Cup, which will be our last stop on the EJ & Andie tour, at least till another one comes up!
We left on a Wednesday to get there and have a bit of time to adjust to the 7 hr time difference. We got picked up at the airport by the Jever shuttle driver "Perry" (awesome guy) and took us to the Arcotel Hotel,
which is about a 5 minute drive to race site at the Hafen City. We tried to check in, but it's 3:00 pm in Europe, so we put our baggage away and ran into Naish team rider Karen Wren.
She had just gotten in as well, and was jet lagging too, so we decided to go have a look around the area. We talked about needing some hydration and saw a small market and grabbed
some waters and heading down the street.

It wasn't far before EJ spotted his type of refreshment stand! Sweet, a Carlsburg stand right by the city hall, so I had to sample one!

We had a nice Thai dinner, with some of the other competitors and got to sleep early.

Friday was check in, and unpacking boards, then a fun relay race for the manufactures.

Saturday was the open race and the pro sprint qualifiers, which I failed to make, coming in 4th in a very stacked heat as only the top 3 go through!
Both Starboard pro team mates John Hibbard and Bart Du Zwart made it through to the finals, and this will be an interesting final, with a lot of fast guys hitting that first buoy turn.
Next up was the women's 5000 meter amateur stock and open race, which my wife Andrea will be using a Starboard 12' 6" Surfrace.
She got a great start and never looked back, and went on to a first place overall!!!! Yeah Andie...

Meanwhile, while Andie is on the podium, I am hanging with some of my German buddies sampling their basement home brews! Ahhh - sooo good!!!

We had yet another great dinner with the crew, after sweating out some of that very strong beer in the hotel sauna, then off to bed.

Sunday, the sprint finals and the 10,000 meter long coarse around the floating island, where the event is held. (AKA Haffencity)
The sprint final was interesting as expected, having one of the top guys ( Jerry Bess ) taking a spill shortly after the start.
Then at the first turn Starboard rider Bart Du Zwart got T-Boned taking him out of contention, but British John Hibbard
held in for third!

JEVER SUP World Cup Hamburg 2010
Final Ranking
Sprint Distance MEN Professionals
Place Firstname Name
1 Eric Terrien
2 Xavier Masdevall
3 John Hibbard
4 Bart de Zwart
5 Paul Jackson
6 Jerry Bess
7 Olaf Schwarz
8 Moritz Martin
9 Stephan Etienne
10 Noyelle Renaud
11Pouget Pascal

Sunday, 1:30 pm 10K Long Coarse.
The weather was looking nice for the distance race, and everybody was stoked!
We lined up all the way across the top of the channel, so as to have enough room to spread out before ducking under the footbridge.
The course was ten laps counter clockwise around the floating dock, which supports all of the vendors and booths.
The start was good for me, but I failed to stay with the top 3 and was unable to draft at all ( not that I am okay with drafting, but in Europe it is on ! )
So I settled in at a nice pace and enjoyed all of the cheering you get when you come around a corner, it was like a pro cycling event feel!
I would let out some crazy screams every lap to one pack of folks who took some humor in me, which made it all the more fun, that is why we do SUP, Right?
To have FUN!!!! It's great to win sometimes, and be competitive, but it is the camaraderie and friendship that sets this sport apart!
I did manage to pass team mate John Hibbard, and was trying to catch Spaniard Xavier Masdevall, but didn't have the extra turbo power that day!
I came in 6th overall, and stoked just to be a part of this amazing event, which was run like clockwork. The Yankee race promoters need to take note of how well this gig went off.
Worth noting is how well team mate Annabel Anderson did getting 2nd on a 12' 6" Starboard NEW against a 14'ers. Watch for Annabel in the future, she is just getting started in the race scene,
and I expect she will go far! Props to Bart de Zwart who also was on a 12' 6" Starboard NEW, coming in tenth. The awards winded down the day, it started to rain and we needed to catch
a ride back to the hotel, our shuttle had already left us because like always, I was talking story and drinking more beer! Eric Terrien and the Nidecker crew let us pile into their already packed mini van.
I would like to reflect once again, about what I love about this sport, are the great people you meet along the way. So Stoked to be who and where I am in this fantastic sport called SUP!!!!

JEVER SUP World Cup Hamburg 2010
Final Ranking
Long Distance MEN Professionals
Place Firstname Name
1 Eric Terrien
2 Paul Jackson
3 Jerry Bess
4 Gaetan Sene
5 Xavier Masdevall
6 Ernest Johnson
7 John Hibbard
8 Casper Steinfath
9 Moritz Martin
10 Bart de Zwart
11 Nika Leonard
12 Stephan Etienne
13 Mike Ellicock
14 Noyelle Renaud
15 Elliot Dudley
16 Peter Holiday
17 Nacho Alvarez
18 Gasbarro Fabrizio
19 Rick Jensen
20 Arnd Schäftlein
21 Charlie Grey
22 Brian Talmer
23 Christian Hahn
24 Klaas Voget
25 Carsten Krumis
26 Pascal Pouget
27 Matthias Neumann
28 Guido Meier
29 Thilo Schmitt
30 Abel Cathelineau
31 Robert Etienne
32 Tony Fuentes

Many thanks to all my sponsors whom without, my travels would not be possible!
Sponsors: Body Wise, Curtis Fins, H20 Overdrive, Honolua, Kreed Eye Wear, On It Pro,
QuickBlade Paddles, Sambazon. SUP Company, Trunq, Watermans Applied Science, 2XU.
And most of all Svein and the entire crew at Starboard!

See you on the water!
Respectfully
EJ Johnson.

The Velauno Pro / San Juan, SUP Run, Puerto Rico.

2009-11-21T06:54:00.000-08:00

The San Juan SUP Run - 11/15/2009 By EJ Johnson

I am so stoked to have been able to participate in the First Annual Velauno- Pro SUP Run in the beautiful and exotic Puerto Rico , from the flat protected waters of Condado Lagoon to the challenging Atlantic.

31 Elite paddlers from the Virgin Islands, Florida, California, and Puerto Rico, were put to the test during this 7.5 mi. part lagoon and part open ocean challenge.

The start was 9:30 am sharp, and for once the start was clean, because the racers were warned if you jump the line you will be penalized 5 minutes.

We headed east for 100 meters and made a 90 degree right turn under the low highway bridge, and were greeted by some solid overhead surf.

I made it through no problem, but you had to be very careful not to cut inside of the reefs.

I was lucky to have had a great start with Puerto Rico's premier waterman Adrian Garcia.

I let Adrian get in front of me a bit, so I could use his local knowledge to keep the right line.

.

It was so beautiful, seeing old historical sites and reefs, that are so alive and clean, it was tough to concentrate on paddling hard.

I was going good for about 2.5 mi., when the heat (90 F.) along with high humidity set in.

My lungs felt like I was inhaling concrete , it was so hard to get air.

I started to get a little dizzy and vertigo'd out, so I had to bring down the pace to 60% (around 40 strokes per minute)

One big mistake I made, was no hydration, typically I don't use any for races under 10mi. Although this race should have been he exception given the temp.

The Island was blocking the South wind ,which is normally out of the East and would have made for the ideal downwind condition that my (New) Starboard 23.5 just kicks into overdrive, reaching up into the 8.5 mph range.

I finally reached the San Juan bay entrance, and was greeted by calmer waters and a cooling south wind.

At this point Adrian is about 75 meters ahead of me, and to his advantage on his Bark 14' in the flat harbor water.

I was able to kick up my pace, but in a paddle board race, there is no such thing as "I'll catch um later"

Once you let your competition get ahead of you, it's almost impossible to catch them, unless they fall, or hit the wall.

We now were passing the docked cruise ships and million dollar private sport fishing boats.

I was still feeling the heat, so I quickly downed my last Hammer gel/with caffeine, and grinded out the last 3 miles.

It was definitely a long 7.5 mi. for me. I could see and hear Adrian hit the beach for the short spectator run, he was greeted with much Aloha and support from friends and family.

When I came in, I was Stoked that people I didn't even know, were cheering me on, and telling me to run faster(which I couldn't, but I played it off).

I high fived everybody, and headed straight for the turquoise water to lower my body temp.

I downed three waters and relaxed into a state of total chill.
I cheered on all the other guys and gals, while talking and letting folks try my board out.

All in all , I had a great race , winning the 12' 6" class , and 2nd overall in the Elite division.

My wife Andie, also enjoyed in a 1st place win herself, in the Weekend Warrior division on a borrowed board, but she remembered to bring her favorite Starboard carbon Wave model paddle.

The kids race was full of smiling faces, and also of young warrior game face.

We were settled in watching the kids go at it, when a giant wall of blackness envoloped the whole Island.

First, there was light rain, then heavy, now a full on tropical down pour with thunder and lightning.

In California, this would have immediately canceled the whole event, but Puerto Rican people just kept with the flow, hoping that it would subside.

Mother Nature had her own idea, and that was to keep raining.
The race director and Velauno shop owner Jaime Torres, told me by the time they finally packed up, there was two feet of water surrounding the tents.

It rained the rest of the day and all of the next day too, but I guess that is why P.R is so green and lush.

We had an awesome time there, and were shown much Aloha, by the locals, and especially Jaime Torres and the Velauno staff.
>

Definitely put this event on your calendar for next year It will be Bigger and Better.

Many Thanks to Svein, Margareta and the entire Starboard family.

Respectfully

EJ Johnson.

Surfaid Paddle for Humanity.

2009-05-03T07:33:00.001-07:00

The Surfaid Paddle on Sat 5/2/09 was a great non profit event, with good conditions.
Put on by Watermans Applied Science:

The goal of the SurfAid Paddle is to bring awareness and funding to SurfAid International. SurfAid is a relatively
new non-profit organization that focuses on bringing sustainable solutions to remote areas of the world with
detrimental environmental and health related issues. SurfAid’s efforts to bring clean drinking water and Malaria
prevention and education to the Mentawai islands has recently earned them reorganization from the SIMA foun-
dation as one of the most effective and worthy non-profit agencies in the industry. It is our intention that this
event encourages both individuals and community businesses to support SurfAid’s cause.

The turn out was awesome, with over 100 paddlers.
All the big names were there: Mickey Munoz, Sparkey, Barret Tester, Chuck Patterson, Jenny Kalmbach, Rob Rojas.

Many thanks to Pete Stirling and Macon Brock for doing such a great job.
And, putting me (E.J) on Team Watermans.

Photos by Andie Johnson.

Team NCP/Front Page C-4 Waterman// field-report-41-Catalina-Challenge.

2009-04-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

Field Report 41 Catalina Challenge
Catalina Challenge

From Avalon to Dana Point’s Baby Beach 29 March 2009

(39.8 Miles)

Team Core NCP 4, Skipper, EJ leading the crew to the finish, Dana Pt. (photo: Andie Johnson)

On Saturday, 28 March the crew of four paddlers got underway in Ernie “EJ” and Andie Johnson’s 38’ Morgan sailboat, “Librada” from Dana Point to Avalon, Catalina Island. The “Skipper”, assembled the team. From North County Paddleboards (NCP): Brian Szmanski and Matt Friedman, two fantastic characters known all over California for their traditional paddleboard prowess in design and practice. Brian was part of the on the leading edge of the “New School” of surfing that included Rob Machado, Taylor Steel and Kelly Slater. Brian has numerous traditional stock class (12’) paddleboard victories in the Catalina Classic on his on self designed/built equipment. Mr Szmanski is also one of the spiritual ringleaders of the traditional paddleboard renaissance in San Diego County. Brian’s partner in NCP is former Navy S.E.A.L., Matt “Frito” Friedman, a tougher, more solid, salt of the earth gentleman there is not. Matt used to teach the advanced phase at BUDS (Basic Under Water Demolition School- where folks become S.E.A.L.s) at NAB Coronado. Matt and Brian have recently starting building stock class (12’6”) flatwater stand-up paddleboards. EJ has been winning most of the latest stock class races on an NCP stock 22” wide missile that most paddlers could not even stay mounted on. EJ has an extreme work/training ethic that is legendary among the Orange County paddlers. EJ also builds strong, light wooden paddles (Johnson Big Sticks) www.johnsonbigstick.com.

The crew set out just abaft of dawn, in the mostly sunny morning, and was relieved to slip the cantankerous bounds of shore and responsibility.

Halfway across the channel the sun finally showed

Taking a Rocky Mountain beverage break in port, Avalon

Four paddle boards were brought on the crossing to accommodate potential sea and wind conditions affecting the crew: 3 stock NCP designed and built SUP’s from EJ’s ultra narrow glassy water rocket to a never been “christened” rough water stock board in the “desert camo”. A C4 Vortice XP was also brought in case the conditions warranted an even more “seaworthy” board for high winds and a strong following sea.

All four boards were paddled by the crew, and based on the forecasted sea-state and winds the new NCP 12’6” board was chosen. The race meeting took place ashore amongst many familiar faces:

After a nice supper ashore the crew retired early to sounds of much mayhem and merriment ashore, as “spring-break” was commencing. The next morning dawned with a dreary red sky with low scud on the horizon.

Skipper EJ motivated the crew with a calliope of heavy metal music. One half hour before the start we slipped the mooring lines and got underway to the race start area of “Lover’s Cove”, just to the south east of Avalon Bay.

Core NCP 4 gets underway to the race start (photo: Chris O’Kieffe)

Above left: Helmsman, Brian Szymanski “Gamming” with one of the other race crew boats, while Captain EJ looks on. Above right: the ladies “Bee Team” also deploys (photo: C O’Kieffe).

EJ leading from “the pointy end” takes the first to take a pull to start the race; below he is assisted by Brian:

Standing by for the starting gun
The race commenced at 0800 under an overcast sky with a chilly south wind. The teams rapidly dispersed, some heading on a more northerly track to take advantage of the forecasted afternoon northwest winds. The outriggers and surfskis started 2 hours later. Chuck Patterson on his long Hobie unlimited board took off into the lead, followed by many of the unlimited teams.

Matt approaches the Librada for a crew change midway across the channel

As the crew rotations continued, EJ and Brian closed the gap on many of the unlimited teams as they were slowly overhauled; the seas continued to become a bit more confused with the freshening south wind. During the crossing several pods of dolphin and some lone sharks were sighted checking out the floundering humans in their domain. About midway the sun briefly came out and the south wind swung a bit to the east and some good bump runs were possible. Brian Szmanski having one of the nicest sessions of near continuous connections of “scoots” .

EJ and the team addressing the "weak link" of the crew to "put some gut into it" (Chris O’Kieffe photo)

Brian enjoys some fair conditions as EJ and Matt look on

EJ taking big cuts

Matt pulled hard in spite of serious back pain

Ted Rutherford, not a slave to fashion (Chris O'Kieffe photo)

Within 5 miles of the Dana Headlands there was a noticeable back wash that combined with the boat wakes made for a “rodeo-like” finish. Brian did a nice job stayin’ aboard for the 2nd to the last pull. Approaching the red bell buoy, home town boy Ernie Johnson finished the final leg. After the finish, EJ returned to his boat and the crew came back out to watch and cheer the finishes of the other Standup and outrigger teams.

EJ brings it home

After closing the race EJ takes the helm as the crew heads to the mouth of the harbor to cheer on the finishers

Mrs. Johnson glad to have the Librada back in one piece

During the awards dinner at Hennessey’s where we dined on hamburgers and chicken, the weather became downright chilly with a brisk spitting of cold drizzle and wind. Chris O’Keiffe did a super job of organizing the event, and was there every step of the way.

“Rockstars”, Brian and EJ accepting the awards

1st Couple of the Good Ship Librada

Many thanks to Brian, EJ and Matt for their hospitality and good camaraderie; Mahalo to Andie Johnson for the use of her boat too. Todd and Tara thanks for the goodies and paddles for the race; the crew used the new XPR paddles which are truly the zenith of design and comfort!

L-R Matt, Ted, EJ, and Brian

Very respectfully submitted,

Ted Rutherford C4 Waterman

Plywood models are laminated from marine grade baltic birch,which has a nice flex and is easier
on the shoulder joints. Sizes available 48" to 82" $175.00 add $10.00 for colored blades.

The E.J Signature Model is hand shaped to highest tolerances from hand selected exotic hardwoods. Tested in the So Cal surf, channel crossings, our products stand up to the test.
Blades are reinforced with with 4oz fiberglass on both sides and entire paddle coated with epoxy and a UV protectant.
Available in any sizes.
Blades range from 8" to 9.5 in various shapes.
$350.00

Contact info: johnsonbigstick@mac.com Cell #(949)412-6980

2009 Catalina Challenge

2009-03-31T06:33:00.000-07:00

The NCP4CORE Team, put it down to win the grueling 39.5 mi channel crossing from Avalon Catalina to Dana Point in 7hrs and 18min in the 12'6 and under class.

Members;

Brian Szymanski of NCP the man behind the great boards ,that have helped me do so well this early 09 season.

Matt Friedman , co founder of NCP and retired Navy Seal.

Ted Rutherford of C-4 Waterman and retired Navy F-14 pilot.

And E.J of JBS paddles.

Brian the Zen Master.

Ted Rutherford

Matt Friedman putting it down.

Bringing it home down the channel.
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Our 38' Morgan CC escort boat.

Plywood models are laminated from marine grade baltic birch,which has a nice flex and is easier
on the shoulder joints. Sizes available 48" to 82" $175.00 add $10.00 for colored blades.

The E.J Signature Model is hand shaped to highest tolerances from hand selected exotic hardwoods. Tested in the So Cal surf, channel crossings, our products stand up to the test.
Blades are reinforced with with 4oz fiberglass on both sides and entire paddle coated with epoxy and a UV protectant.
Available in any sizes.
Blades range from 8" to 9.5 in various shapes.
$350.00

Contact info: johnsonbigstick@mac.com Cell #(949)412-6980

The new addition to The JBS line of ply paddles.

2009-03-12T07:01:00.000-07:00

The latest design from JBS: The standard plywood shaft, with solid sripped Bamboo layups.
Available for only $200.00.
Custom order yours today....

Plywood models are laminated from marine grade baltic birch,which has a nice flex and is easier
on the shoulder joints. Sizes available 48" to 82" $175.00 add $10.00 for colored blades.

The E.J Signature Model is hand shaped to highest tolerances from hand selected exotic hardwoods. Tested in the So Cal surf, channel crossings, our products stand up to the test.
Blades are reinforced with with 4oz fiberglass on both sides and entire paddle coated with epoxy and a UV protectant.
Available in any sizes.
Blades range from 8" to 9.5 in various shapes.
$350.00

Contact info: johnsonbigstick@mac.com Cell #(949)412-6980

New paddles available and a new stand for Infinity board shop in Dana Point ,Ca

2009-02-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

Steve from Infinity commissioned me to come up with a new paddle display, that could hold 75 paddles, and here it is!
Straight out the 21st century.

You can own this paddle 80" nice balence/med weight/ black walnut /mankore/ poplar $350

This paddle is one of my best to date. 78" med-light weight / Mankore/ Cypress $350

Plywood models are laminated from marine grade baltic birch,which has a nice flex and is easier
on the shoulder joints. Sizes available 48" to 82" $175.00 add $10.00 for colored blades.

The E.J Signature Model is hand shaped to highest tolerances from hand selected exotic hardwoods. Tested in the So Cal surf, channel crossings, our products stand up to the test.
Blades are reinforced with with 4oz fiberglass on both sides and entire paddle coated with epoxy and a UV protectant.
Available in any sizes.
Blades range from 8" to 9.5 in various shapes.
$350.00

Contact info: johnsonbigstick@mac.com Cell #(949)412-6980

The New JBS Stealth Bomber Sprinter.

2009-02-15T16:33:00.000-08:00

Finally my dream come true!
Our very own Sprinter van. I've wanted one these suckers , since the first time I laid eyes on them 5 yrs ago.
It's a 2003/ 2500 series 170"wheelbase with the super high roof and a whoop-en 6' 1" of headroom!
Bare bones inside, for the moment, I plan on building it out for touring and my finish carpentry job ( which is pretty scarce these days).
I'm super Stoked on the fact that we can run Bio Diesel and are getting 25 to 28 MPG. Forget the big block 460cu I've been driving for the last couple months, getting 8 GPM. It's a Kool charcoal grey color, not the typical white delivery Fed X van.
Once again Stoked!!!!

Also, a new rough water board from Brian Z at NCP.
Brian paddled this board at the Hano Hano race in Mission Bay and got 6th place in stock 12'6", without even training for it! And now he and his partner from NCP ( Matt Friedman) have started hitting the SUP training for our 2009 Catalina Challenge relay team ,on a new 14' carbon bump catching machine. It's a tough race, depending on conditions, but with three guys,it will be a lot of fun.

I also would like to thank my new webmaster/ up and coming 12'6" racer/ all around good dude, Scott Sanchez for going beyond the call of duty.
Mahalos Bro!
Hope you like and enjoy your new JBS paddle.

Plywood models are laminated from marine grade baltic birch,which has a nice flex and is easier
on the shoulder joints. Sizes available 48" to 82" $175.00 add $10.00 for colored blades.

The E.J Signature Model is hand shaped to highest tolerances from hand selected exotic hardwoods. Tested in the So Cal surf, channel crossings, our products stand up to the test.
Blades are reinforced with with 4oz fiberglass on both sides and entire paddle coated with epoxy and a UV protectant.
Available in any sizes.
Blades range from 8" to 9.5 in various shapes.
$350.00

Contact info: johnsonbigstick@mac.com Cell #(949)412-6980

The Latest In The JBS World.

2009-01-28T21:03:00.000-08:00

New pics of the JBS shop in Capo Bch, in the infamous (Surfers Alley). Hobie / Fly International/Glider Paddleboards/ And a lot other really kool giving Bros!

1/16/09 Our latest venture was a cruz up the coast to Santa Barbara with our dear friends Dennis and Katie Forte, our traveling buddies. Dennis grew up in S.B in the Hope Ranch area and knows everybody. We stayed at his good friends place , Byron and Robin Beck, they made us feel right at home, and talk about custom woodworking, Byron runs a top notch finish carpentry company that does some of the finest work I have ever seen. And we loved their outdoor shower too. Fortunately, their house was spared in the recent West Mont fires, the surrounding homes were burt to the ground, just feet away

Sat 1/17 The main reason we went up is to Race stand up! Come on ,that's what I live for, don't you?It's the #4 event in the So Cal Series and what beautiful conditions we had. The short coarse(4.75 mi), which at this time is the only one for SUP,because of time limitations. Since I am now a member Stand Up Paddle Sports ,we hung out with our new family ( Wardog, Debbie, John Becker and crew. I ended up pulling off a 1st in 12"6"class , narrowly beating my new nemesis Byron Kurt ( Hobie Team rider). My wife Andie pulled into 2nd , behind another SUP Sports team rider Vicki Mills , who also in the long coarse clearly won the womens OC-1 division.( she's pretty Knarley) All in all a great trip. Getting ready for the Hano Hano in Mission Bay this weekend, should be a lot of strong competion! Hope to see ya all there.

Some of the latest JBS creations.

The E.J Signature Model is hand shaped to highest tolerances from hand selected exotic hardwoods. Tested in the So Cal surf, channel crossings, our products stand up to the test.
Blades are reinforced with with 4oz fiberglass on both sides and entire paddle coated with epoxy and a UV protectant.
Available in any sizes.
Blades range from 8" to 9.5 in various shapes.
$350.00

Contact info: johnsonbigstick@mac.com Cell #(949)412-6980

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-04T09:41:00.000-08:00

I love the holiday season, but I'm glad they are over!

Time to get back to serious paddle building and training for the 2009 So. Cal race series.

Stoked, I just got added to team Stand Up Paddle Sports, Santa Barbara, These guys are super kool and make me feel part of their Ohana! Looking forward to the next series event in Santa Barbara, on 1/17/09. I anticipate the 2009 season to set new standards in SUP racing.

Mahalos to my sponsors: NCP paddleboards, C-4 Waterman, Kreed Eyewear, Vitamin Blue, Raygun tattoo, SUP Sports.

Cypress/Poplar/Mahogany Nice and light!

Some super exotic blade layups.

My New NCP 12' 6 "Rough water SUP Many thanks to Brian and Matt from North County Paddleboards.

JBS paddles at surfingsports.com

2008-12-20T20:41:00.000-08:00

SurfingSports.com out of Santa Barbera ,Ca. The largest and most prestegious of SUP shops, is now carring JBS paddles. Warren Thomas, CEO and owner is a super k00l guy, living the aloha spirit!

Surfing Sports .com
A fully stocked store in Santa Barbara, CA for all of your standup paddle surfing & stand up paddling needs. http://surfingsports.com/xstore.asp
Over 140 standup paddle boards currently in stock. New containers monthly.

More good stuff to come this coming week.

Exciting news we are moving from our current location to sharing a shop with the infamous

Cliff Reynolds of Glider Paddle Boards. This area of Capo.Beach, has a lot of history and good vibes. The original Hobie shaping shack still runs full blast, just a couple doors down.

What a humble feeling to part of this during the holiday season.

May you all have great Christmas and New year.

1st shaped paddle of the new batch.

2008-12-12T17:25:00.000-08:00

This one is Phillipine/Cypress/ Poplar.
Notice the pattern change in the shaft in the blade area.
Ancient white boy secret! LOL.
Nice and light and strong, best to date.
Order yours today!

Plywood models are laminated from marine grade baltic birch,which has a nice flex and is easier
on the shoulder joints. Sizes available 48" to 82" $175.00 add $10.00 for colored blades.

The E.J Signature Model is hand shaped to highest tolerances from hand selected exotic hardwoods. Tested in the So Cal surf, channel crossings, our products stand up to the test.
Blades are reinforced with with 4oz fiberglass on both sides and entire paddle coated with epoxy and a UV protectant.
Available in any sizes.
Blades range from 8" to 9.5 in various shapes.
$350.00

Contact info: johnsonbigstick@mac.com Cell #(949)412-6980

Starting a fresh batch of 20 customs.

2008-12-07T08:05:00.000-08:00

Just picked up some nice hardwood today from Austin Hardwoods in Santa Anna
( that's about as far inland as you will catch me)
The actual store is like a toy store for guys , it has all the newest and koolest woodworking tools a man could ever want!
And, the lumber smells as good as it looks. The problem is not spending too much money.
Here's some Poplar, Philippine Mahogany, Cypress and Bass wood, all very light and super strong.

Plywood models are laminated from marine grade baltic birch,which has a nice flex and is easier
on the shoulder joints. Sizes available 48" to 82" $175.00 add $10.00 for colored blades.

The E.J Signature Model is hand shaped to highest tolerances from hand selected exotic hardwoods. Tested in the So Cal surf, channel crossings, our products stand up to the test.
Blades are reinforced with with 4oz fiberglass on both sides and entire paddle coated with epoxy and a UV protectant.
Available in any sizes.
Blades range from 8" to 9.5 in various shapes.
$350.00

Contact info: johnsonbigstick@mac.com Cell #(949)412-6980

JBS at San O with John Ashley of Paddlesurf.net.

2008-12-03T17:03:00.000-08:00

E.J Signature Model

2008-12-01T10:18:00.000-08:00

Signature Paddles Custom made for Bob's Mission Surf.

Custom paddles for Mickey Munoz and Brian Abbney

2008-11-26T07:52:00.000-08:00

Just hooked up a couple nice paddles for the Bros; Mickey Munoz flagged me down when I was coming back into the Dana Point harbor, from a quick Hedlands buoy run, and hit me up about

commissioning a custom paddle for his his good buddy Sparkey(owner of Rainbow Sandals).

Its a gift to Sparkey for his Cabo Villa down in BC. Sparkey is flying down for the holidays

(in his private turbo prop) with a few close friends to score a some warm water waves on their SUP's.

My friend and Orange County Fireman Brian Abbney with his new custom JBS paddle.

Brian said...
This Paddle Is Sick!!! No wood paddle is built better or looks better. Plus you gotta support the LOCS. Thanks for making me a functional peice of art. This paddle pulls strong and is way better then my C4!

December 1, 2008 5:53 PMmargin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eXliauiOuR4/SS11tWp7dzI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/6Zo9XQx_hQQ/s400/IMG_0033.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273000160756725554" />

My new 8.75 wooden race blade.

2008-11-25T08:14:00.000-08:00

New super light weight Alder/Redwood and Cypress 8.75 paddle, inspired by the C-4 XPR.

I have added the dihedral to the powerface side, for a clean entry and no wagging from side to side.Blade is reinforced with 4oz glass on both sides with epoxy. I will be racing with my wood blade from now on. Bobs Mission Surf is now stocking

JBS paddles, as well as Infinity Surfboards and Stewart Surfboards.

2008-11-06T07:15:00.000-08:00

A new custom Alder, Mahogany and Puduk paddle for my friend Bob Warren. The alder/mahogany combo is super light. I used 4oz glass on both sides of the blade with a nice bead for good protection. JBS custom hardwood paddles can be made to your specs and choice of woods. retail price; $ 350.00 please allow 10 days to complete.

JBS plywood display tree.

2008-11-02T06:46:00.000-08:00

This tree will hold up to 24 paddles, and takes up only two sq. ft of space! Steve Boehne(Infinity Surfboards) has had one in his shop for the last year and loves it! Order yours today for $250.00.

Dana Harbor Halloween Paddle

2008-11-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

Just a few of us met in the channel, Peggy Munoz, Big Mama, Cliff , my wife Andie and I and Taco the cattle dog. A short cruz in front the bars and to couple friends boats. No candy, but I managed to score a Bud light!

JBS Shop in the Dana Strand Headlands.

2008-10-31T06:10:00.000-07:00

This is where it all happens,LOL

My good buddy Chris Koerner is super K00l enough to let me use his garage in the Dana Headlands(Mahalos CK).

Top Secret shaft clamping jig.

Some foiled shafts, ready for blades.

The blade getting glued to the shaft.

My paddles are glued up with Titebond type 3 waterproof.

Small but efficient!

Super chill Zen place 2 work!

You should see the view out front.

Skeletons on SUP's ????????

2008-10-29T18:39:00.000-07:00

As most of you all know we live in the beautiful Dana Point harbor on our 38' Morgan CC sailboat, when all of a sudden our watch dog Taco started barking and I jumped to see who was here, and two skeletons yelled"Trick or Treat" Jerrico Popplar and Peggy Munoz appeared out the darkness, having a good old time! Sounds like fun to me, and if anyone wants to join us, were going to get some cheap costumes and go for Halloween paddle fri night. Around 6:00 pm. Drop us a line, if your in?

One satisfied customer.

2008-10-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

Just in 6:12 pm Just received a E-mail from one satisfied customer in Florida!

Quote from Tom in South Florida.

EJ, Will try not to ramble,

When I got your email about the plastic edging I was a little worried that you had out BLACK plastic edging on my new wood paddles! When I got them unwrapped I was pleased for sure, the clear edging is for sure functional and appealing also.

Got a chance to flat water paddle the 80" this past weekend. On my ay paddling I said to myself dam I forgot my carbon paddle incase something doesn't feel right(blade size had me worried) But after two or three strokes NO WORRIES!!! Paddle is EXCELLENT!!! Man it felt great. Paddled in some windy conditions both Sat and Sunday and could not be happier with the paddle.

Thanks again for the Paddles.

If you get anyone wanting to see them in South Florida let me know and I will see what I can arrange to put one of these in their hands.

Thanks Tom

The New Plywood SUP paddles from JBS.

2008-10-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

These paddles are perfect for beginners and pros.

The plywood layers give my paddles a unique look and nice flex, that is easy on the shoulder joints. At only $175.00

The price is right!

Try one today!

Available for demo in Dana Point.

Call for more info:949-412-6980.