Cheap Waterproof Action Camera for your SUP

The temps outside have dropped and the warm days of summer feel like they will never return. But when they do I'll be ready, will you? The winter in Kansas City is the SUP off season, a time to research products and discover more ways to enjoy paddle boarding.

I've always been without a waterproof camera so I'm limited on sharing my paddle boarding experiences. I was recently at my local Westlake hardware and noticed a GoPro knock off on sale for only $25! The brand is itek and the camera is called an the Action Pro sports camera. This brand and others like it are typically around $30 online. The need for instant gratification was strong and I always feel better about purchasing something from a brick and mortar store so it can be easily returned if my expectations aren't met. This camera DOES NOT come with a memory card unlike GoPro. However, the $300 GoPro at walmart only comes with a 32GB card that sell for about $15 at most every place these days. 

I first did a little research online before I made my purchase and only found a couple areas of concern. For $25 the lower lens quality and risk of a leaky waterproof case was well worth the price. The customer review with the leaky case was "snorkeling" when it leaked so no telling how far down they were. Shouldn't be any issues from surface splashes and light submersion during paddle boarding. It does come with a waterproof case and numerous mounts.

I'll be posting a few test videos on the Paddle Board KC FB page and giving a follow up review on this blog site. Check it out and keep preparing your paddle board for those warm days on the lake. They'll be here before you know it!

Pilates on Paddle Boards

Thanks Lisa at Better Bodies Pilates for my first pilates experience. AND it was on a paddle board! This was a fantastic and difficult activity that takes practice but add so much benefit to your usual workout routine. If you have no workout routine, this is also a great place to start!

Lisa was very wonderful and helpful with her instruction on my first outing. It's true that I've paddle boarded several times, but Lisa was very helpful to those who had not. You really get a paddle board lesson at the same time as a pilates class. Double BONUS! I truly wish the class was longer. It was such a way to start my Saturday morning. Lisa also offers weekday evening paddle board pilates classes as well as regular classes at their studios. Check them out. You'll have a great time, be more flexible and strengthen your core at the same time!

What did you do this weekend?

Where did you paddle board this weekend? We'd love to here about your adventure and post your pics. The full time job took me to Dallas Texas this weekend and I had time to explore Grapevine lake by paddle board thanks to DFW Surf. Those guys have a great lake and a fantastic selection of boards. Cody is experienced and very knowledgable. You can join their club and have 24/7 access to the paddle boards. If you're eve in the DFW area it's worth your time to venture over to Grapevine lake. Prices were very reasonable as well, $25 for an hour and $40 for two hours. I'd recommend two hours, the cove is so large it'll take you 15 min to get out to the lake!

Paddle Board Pilates

Here's the latest Paddle Boarding activity in Kansas City. Lisa from Better Bodies Pilates has actually been teaching pilates on paddle boards for a number of years but we've just recently become acquainted.

Give Lisa a call to schedule your paddle board pilates for yourself and a few friends! 913-219-7779.

If you provide a paddle board activity or know of someone who does, we'd love to tell everyone about their services one this blog and our website! 

Paddle board rental and sales options in KC!

So maybe you've seen those paddle boards at local sporting goods stores or maybe even one of our favorite outdoor lifestyle providers like REI. Those stores are fantastic and REI is by far the tops when it comes to product knowledge. But there's still one aspect that they don't offer.

There's now a local choice for paddle boards that lets you try the boards before you buy them. This is to make sure you get the best board suited to your needs and also provides basic instruction for those just starting out on their paddle board adventures. The service starts before you ever buy a board.

Contact Jon at Standup Midwest for prices and selection. His inventory is always rotating so send him a message and get fit to the board just right for you! He has boards for every purpose including touring and fishing!!!

Standup Midwest will also rent boards and set up a group demo day for your organization. Send a message through their Facebook page to get started and set up your day of fun and fitness. If standing while gliding across the water isn't your kind of fun, there's also kayaks and canoes to rent through KC Kayak and Canoe.

With all these options it's time to take on a new adventure exploring the river like Tom Sawyer or launching into a summer of fitness and fun that you promised yourself back in January. Be healthy Kansas City, Be Social and have fun doing it!

Paddling activites in KC?

It's time to test the waters and see what type of response we get by asking...is there a place for recreational and competitive paddling sports in Kansas City?

Currently there is an outlet for paddling sports and activities in the KC area. You can rent a canoe or kayak and leisurely float down the Missouri or Kansas river. You can also rent kayaks and paddle boards at a few lakes in the area. There's even a fun race every Wednesday at Shawnee Mission Lake. Bring your own craft and compete against yourself and others in your category every week. Outdoor activity on the water is fantastic and has many physical, social and emotional benefits!

There are land based recreational activities that have fundraising or competitive opportunities. If you're a casual cyclist, you can sign up for several different benefit rides like Tour De BBQ. If you're a little more serious rider there are numerous road races, triathelons and duathelons. If you happen to be a casual runner there are numerous running events throughout the year for worthy causes and chances to beat your fastest time from years past.

We understand that paddle sports take a little bit more participation effort. First you need to purchase a water craft and then you need to find a place to store it when not in use. Oh and then when you want to use it, you've got to get it to the water somehow.

Beyond these differences, what is so difficult about paddle sports in Kansas City? Why aren't there more opportunities to get out on the water and enjoy nature away from the static ground we are all accustomed to? The opportunities are out there and we hope to make them less of a mystery. Not all of us live on the lake and it's much easier to participate in an activity that can happen from the end of your own driveway.

I know it takes more time, thought, planning and effort to use that kayak you bought years ago. Maybe you've always wanted to get a paddle board but just didn't see the benefit. Paddle boarding is a very social and family friendly activity. We'll give you every excuse you need to get out there on the water this summer! If you have questions please email us through the website!

Awesome SUP Accessories!

In anticipation of getting out on the water this season I've been looking around the internet for cool things that go along with paddle boarding. I've already purchased a paddle board keychain for my trailer and have been looking for a cup holder that can suction to the paddle board deck. I might just skip the cup holder and tie down a small cooler. Why take just one beverage when there's room for more. My mom always told me it's good to share with others.

Surf Station has these fantastic foam paddle holders with a sticky velcro backing. They show it attached to the paddle board deck, but they would be great to use for home storage or safe and secure transportation. The backs are simple sticky velcro that's available at most any hobby shop or hardware store. Two thumbs up to whoever invented these things!

There's so many fun things out there to customize your paddling adventures even if it's just hanging out in the cove with friends! Check back to see what fun things we've found and maybe we'll be able to give you a few product reviews throughout the summer.

Launching the website

New site launched and more content coming! Check out the new site and offer feedback, send a few pics and ask questions at Paddle Board KC!!! I couldn't wait to get this thing out there. We'll be providing educational content and taking the mystery out of paddle boarding. You'll be able to find everything you need to be involved in the KC paddle board community.

Cheers, get out and paddle!

Community, culture and competition

For some reason paddling water sports for recreation and especially competition are not very well known in the Kansas City area. We want to change all that and bring those activities and that lifestyle into the mainstream. I realize there are a few obstacles that make water sports a less desirable activity than walking though the park or even riding a bike. But there's also so many more benefits! For example; if you get too hot walking, running or riding your bike your only option is to drink cold water or dump it on your head. If you get too warm when paddling in your kayak, canoe or paddle board you simply get in the water! Instant relief!!!

There's a culture and community out there that many people don't know about. I know I had no idea that so many events, groups and races existed in Kansas City. All these activities and groups are growing and looking for people just like you. You don't even need to own your own craft. you can simply sign up for a day on the water with Tom at KC Kayak and Canoe or take your own craft to Shawnee Mission Lake every Wednesday for a fun race with good people!

If you're really looking for serious paddling races there's a good number in Missouri and the surrounding area. And don't forget about the MO 340. Who would have thought that Kansas City would be the launching point for a 340 mile race down the Missouri river.

There's so many options yet to be discovered, so get out there and explore your local rivers and bodies of water!

Road Trip!

Who wants to learn more about paddle boarding?!?! Are you somewhat experienced and would like to race or just impress your friends? We are working with Shane of SUP St Louis to schedule an instructor level training course. Email us if you would like more info or keep watching this blog or our FB page as information develops. I'm anticipating a two day adventure, leaving early early on a Saturday in May or June...but hopefully May. If enough people show interest we'll rent a van and pull a trailer so we can bring our own boards. But you're always welcome to meet us there and set your own drive schedule.

Paddle board mass start POV

Hey paddle boarders, check out this paddle board race mass start in the ocean! It's a great point of view but there's a few difference in paddling in the ocean verses flat water. In swells or choppy water you'll want a planing board, to be fast you'll want a narrow board, and to reduce drag you'll want a long board. Check out the boards during the video and click the link to find out the differences in planing verses displacement boards. Your board choice will be determined by where you paddle and how you'll be using the board. It you don't race, there's no need for a narrow displacement hull. If you're not going in the ocean then you'll need less rocker. If you're getting into paddle boarding for fitness, socialization and possible yoga then a stable moderate length board around 10 or 11 feet would be best.

See you out on the water!

SMP hUmp Day 5K

It started today! The season of Wed night racing fun! The SMP hUmp Day 5K is the best way to get out on the water with friends early in the season. You will need a boat pass to get on the water. $20 for KS residents and $30 for others, but it's good all year! I hope to see you out there!

SUP Hydro Foil, super cool or super fad?

It's the newest thing out there! Read all about the SUP Hydrofoil on SUP The Mag site. If you're just starting out I'm sure the whole sport of paddle boarding is "the newest thing" out there. That's where we can hep get you started.

There's more and more links and info on the web everyday about paddle boarding. If you're looking for one of the best boards on the market check out Star Boards. They are innovative, strong and have a flawless design. If your looking for your first board but don't want the plastic things they sell at the local sporting goods stores there are still many options. Great boards for good prices are out there. Check out the options from SUP ATX. If you're interested in 4 or more boards please email me for discounted pricing; paddleboardkc@gmail.com

The primary purpose for SUP KC is to get you out there discovering the many bodies of water we have here in the area. Paddle boarding is a beneficial, social and easily obtainable recreational activity for the majority of the population. You don't have to be a fitness minded person and it's a great activity for families with kids!