Wakeboarding | A Beginner’s Guide

The butterflies in your stomach, the excitement running through your veins—pure adrenaline takes over at the thought of getting on a wakeboard for the first time.  Recently, I was lucky enough to have my first wakeboarding experience…it was awesome.  I haven’t felt a rush of nerves, excitement and happiness since my “rebellion” riding on the back of my friend’s motorcycle.  However, I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it as much if I hadn't received a few tips on the wakeboarding basics.

What you’ll need:

-Wakeboard

-Wakeboarding boots

-Life jacket
-Sun block

-(Ladies, I recommend wearing some kind of shorts over your bathing suit bottoms if you wear a bikini)

Ride the Wave that is 2013!

Happy New Year from everyone here at StoreYourBoard!  2012 was a fun year for the StoreYourBoard team and we are a bit sad to see it go but are looking forward to an even better 2013!  The StoreYourBoard team got to visit some awesome places:

• Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, with stops to Rincon as well.  Surfed Wilderness, Domes, Jobos, Middles, Shacks, Wishing Wells, Marias, Surfers' Beach, and all the other tucked away spots on the northwest side of the island.  If you're looking for info on how to score PR, send us an email and we can fill you in.  (For a start, fly into Rafael Hernandez airport, 10 minutes from the breaks).  

Wilderness, PR at Sunset

• Point Judith Lighthouse, Narragansett, Rhode Island:  added this spot to the list of places I've surfed.  Rockier than I am used to but such a beautiful spot, with the lighthouse and cliff as a great backdrop.  Next time I'm up there I hope to catch it bigger!

View from the cliff at Point Judith, RI

• Rodanthe, Outer Banks, North Carolina: any time I'm driving down Route 12 on OBX, I'm happy.  That road is so amazing - such a thin strip of land separating the water on both sides.  Long stretches with no houses and tons of nature.  My favorite spot on the OBX is Rodanthe.  Such a fun wave.

Rodanthe: I didn't look for too much longer!

In 2012 we also celebrated our third anniversary as a brand!  It is hard to believe that we have been around for three years, building our brand, our inventory, and our customer base.  We appreciate all our customers' support for allowing us to continue growing and providing quality products for people who share all our passions: wakeboarding, surfing, skiing, snowboarding, biking - anything outside really!  Our goal for 2013 is to offer even more products that will help you get the most out of your gear.  Let us know if you have any suggestions and thanks again for 2012!  Bring on 2013!   

Don't forget to check us out on twitter: https://twitter.com/StoreYourBoard

And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StoreYourBoard



Visit: www.StoreYourBoard.com

Famous Snowboarders | Those who Live, Breathe, and Bleed Snowboarding

With snowboarding success increasing in recent years, many riders have emerged to make an impact on the sport.  From creating a business that started it all to breaking records and taking on Mother Nature’s risky terrain, these are the boarders who are showing up and taking names.

Jake Burton Carpenter – It wouldn’t be right 

to start a list of famous snowboarders without the man who started it all: Jake Burton Carpenter.  Born April 29, 1954, Burton is known for his creation of Burton Snowboards in 1977.  However, before his legacy, Burton was riding around on the equivalent to a snowboard called the “snurfer.”  The snurfer consisted of a 6” 15 cm wide board with no bindings or edges.  After college is when Burton decided that he wanted to design and create snowboards, starting Burton Snowboards.  Branching out to Austria and Japan gave Burton Snowboards the push it needed to be successful.  Success continued at the 2002 Winter Olympics where three Burton riders placed: Kelly Clark and Ross Powers with gold, and Chris Klung who won the bronze.  Today, Burton Snowboards is the snowboarding brand out there and sponsors numerous successful pro-snowboarders.

Shaun White – Also known as The Flying Tomato, White is an icon for today’s snowboarding generation.  He was born September 3, 1986 and began snowboarding at the age of six.  Soon after, White signed with Burton snowboards.  He is one of the best snowboarders in Winter X Games history winning the most gold (12) and overall (17) medals.  Consistently breaking records, his latest was at the Winter X Games in Aspen, where White scored a perfect 100 with his back-to-back double cork 1260s in the SuperPipe 5-peat.  Not only is he a pro-snowboarder, Shaun White is an active pro-skateboarder.

Louie Vito – Born March 20, 1988, Louie Vito was part of the lucky few who could attend school and snowboard everyday while he studied at Stratton Mountain School.  At the age of 17, Vito made a name for himself for being the first rider to complete a complex move at an Australian competition with his backslide 1080 at the Australian Open.  Vito has placed in most, if not all, of his competitions during his pro-career and is presently the reigning Winter Dew Tour Overall Champion.  When he isn’t winning medals, Vito gives back with his philanthropy, “Louie Vito Rail Jam,” which provides children with mentoring, competing without a fee, and outfits from his best snowboarding gear.

Travis Rice – Considered snowboarding’s best overall rider in the world by numerous sportswriters, Rice is a triple threat to his competitors.  Born October 9, 1982, Rice went pro at the age of 18 when he entered Snowboarder Magazine’s “Superpark” without a sponsor.  He shocked the audience and fellow snowboarders with his backside rodeo off a 110 ft gap jump.  Not only winning titles in big air at competitions, Rice is known for his tricks and slopestyle.  Rice not only competes, but also has a huge influence and stars in movies such as Redbull and Quicksilver’s That’s It, That’s All and The Art of Flight.

John Jackson – Born October 13, 1983, John Jackson is one of the best backcountry snowboarders out there.  He has won multiple Rider of the Year awards from Transworld and has recently joined the Burton Snowboards team.  Jackson is known mainly for his many video parts that catch him shredding down mountaintops and dangerous terrain most people avoid.  Like Rice, Jackson is also part of the films That’s It, That’s All and The Art of Flight.

Pat Moore – Joining the backwoods riding club is Pat Moore.  Born November 15, 1986, Moore is also an avid backcountry and park rider facing the dangerous slopes as if they are riding the bunny hill. Joining Jackson and Rice, Moore also showed his skills in the films That’s It, That’s All and The Art of Flight.  In addition, he was part of the eight riders that shot videos for the Winter X-Games Real Snow competition.

Scotty Lago – Born November 2, 1987 Scotty Lago earned notoriety in the 2010 Winter Olympics when he won the bronze medal along side of teammate Shaun White in the men’s snowboard halfpipe.  Not only excelling in the halfpipe, Lago is known for his skills in slopestyle and backcountry as well. Even though he was suffering from a broken jaw due to an accident while filming a backcountry run, Lago still competed in the 2011 Winter X Games and not only had a spectacular run on the SuperPipe but also won gold for Best Method.

And let’s not forget the ladies…

Gretchen Bleiler – Born April 10, 1981, Gretchen Bleiler grew up in Aspen, Colorado where she fueled her love of snowboarding which eventually got her to the 2006 Olympics in Italy where she placed second, as well as the 2010 Olympics in Canada.  She also took first place in the 2010 Winter X Games.  An activist for the Women’s Sports Foundation, Bleiler created, along with Aspen/Snowmass, “Snow Angels Invitational,” an all-girl’s halfpipe competition and photo shoot.

Kelly Clark – Making a name for herself in women’s snowboarding, Kelly Clark, born July 26, 1983, was the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic team when she won the gold medal for her Halfpipe run at the 2002 Winter Olympics.  Paving the way for women snowboard riders, Clark’s perseverance helped her place again in the 2010 Winter Olympics with the bronze.  Continuing her ride, in 2011 Clark was the first woman to land a 1080 on the halfpipe. Her efforts continued in 2012 with winning gold in the women’s halfpipe at both the Winter X Games in Aspen, Colorado and the European X Games.

Ride On,
       Colleen

Visit: www.StoreYourBoard.com

Top 5 Bike Maintenance Tips That Anyone Can Do

Biking and cycling is exploding all over the US.  Whether you are out for a casual ride, trying to get some exercise, or riding competitively everyone needs to maintain their bike(s).  Although we recommend going to your local bike shop for major problems and yearly tune ups here are a few things that anyone can do at home to help maintain your bike. 

1.) Properly Inflate your Tires– Just like your car you need to maintain your tire pressure in your bike.  Look on the tire to see what the recommend pressure (psi) is for your tire and check this periodically.  Competitive cyclists will pump their tires before every ride.

2). Clean/grease your seatpost – Nothing is more annoying than not being able to adjust your seatpost.  To clean it, start by marking where your seat is with tape.  After removing your seat, clean inside with an old cloth.  Then our some grease inside the pipe and reattach your seat post to its correct position.

3). Visually Inspect Your Bike - I know this sounds like an easy one but just giving your bike the once over before your ride can save you a lot of headache.  Check things like your tires, chain, brakes.  As do a quick check once you get on your bike to make sure your brakes and shifters are working properly.

4). Oil the chain – A rusty, dirty chain breaks easier and hinders the ride.  Make sure to oil it every 100 miles or so for it to function properly.  BUT makes sure to remove the excess residue from the oil.  Old lube or oil attracts dirt, which can easily break the chain.  A maintained chain should last 1,500-2,000 miles

5). Store Your Bike Properly - Dumping your bike on the garage floor after your ride is not what we would consider proper bike storage.  Ideally you would have a dedicated bike rack so you can properly hang your bike in a secure place where it won't get beat up and also won't get water, dust, grit, and grime on it. 

Having a bike rack will also help to organize your home and garage as bikes can take up a lot of room especially if the whole family has one.

Don't want to mount anything you your wall, there are some great options for Free Standing Bike Racks as well.

6). Oil the cable guide of your bottom bracket – Covered in grime from dirt, sweat and your sports drink of choice, the area where the bike’s derailleur cables slide into needs some attention too.  By oiling the cable guide, you can prevent annoying shifting and friction that obstructs a smooth ride.

7) Keep your bike Clean but Don’t pressure clean your bike - Wipe down your bike with a dry cloth or a damp cloth.  High water pressure can actually cause dirt to form in hidden places on your bike.  Not only that, it causes rust and actually removes the oil on the chains and gears.  Instead use a garden hose or a rag with a bucket full of water.  Make sure to fully dry your bike after to prevent rust.

Ride On,

        Colleen

Visit: www.StoreYourBoard.com

Wakeboarding | The Top Five Best Wakeboard Brands

Looking for your first wakeboard?  Tired of your old wakeboard and need a new one?  We're here to help.  We put together our list of the top wakeboard brands on the market today. Making our list, in no particular order: (1) Hyperlite, (2) Ronix, (3) CWB, (4) Liquid Force and (5) Obrien.

Hyperlite produces tons of wakeboard gear (check out this Hyperlite wakeboard rack) and is at the top of the wakeboarding industry. With sleek, lightweight boards, Hyperlite provides a rider with a variety of boards with different shapes and strengths to really give a rider pop on the wake.

Ronix is a diversified manufacturer with customized boards made specially for girls and guys. Many of the ladies' boards are made for smoother ride and less impact. Their “Faith Hope Love” board, for example, is a quality board that allows for a lot of speed across the wake.  Guys' boards offer their own unique advantages.

Trying to go green? CWB is the brand you want to focus on then with a board that incorporates bamboo to “add strength and reduce weight.” Not only eco-friendly, CWB has great boards for beginners with their soft landing technology implemented into each board.

Liquid Force prides itself on designing boards to make each rider’s experience special, whether you’re a young grom or an experienced powerhouse. Their boards are lightweight and new hybrid models are always being released with new advancements to better your ride.

Similar to the other brands on this list, Obrien is a quality brand that offers boards for beginners to experienced pros. Each board is created differently to enhance a rider’s strength and to also help his or her weaknesses. With technology such as double barrel channels to expanded DELTA bases, these boards produce enough pop to help you land your next trick on the wake.

These brands produce top quality wakeboards but they aren't the only great wakeboard manufacturers out there. Check out boards produced by Slingshot and Humanoid to further your knowledge of equally good brands. Everyone's got their own opinion about what brand is best, but I hope this list helps point you in the direction of a wakeboard that feels like an extension of you.

Once you choose your favorite wakeboard brand and get a new board make sure you have a wakeboard rack to store it in!

Ride On,

      Colleen

Visit: www.StoreYourBoard.com

StoreYourBoard.com End of Summer Sale!

Summer is coming to an end.  We hope you enjoyed the sun, water, and waves as much as we did.  As we prepare for the fall and winter sports NOW is the time to get any additional racks you need to store your boards over the off season.  StoreYourBoard has racks for all your gear and we are adding new products all the time, so check back often.

As an extra added bonus, going on now through the end of September use Coupon Code: EndofSummer   to Save $15 Off Purchases over $100.


I know we had a great summer at StoreYourBoard out on the lakes wakeboarding and in the ocean surfing but we are already getting psyched up for the winter skiing and snowboarding season - fingers are crossed and snow dances are being rehearsed - POW - POW - POWDER!

Get a board rack to store your summer boards and gear and a rack for your winter gear so it is ready to go at the first powder day!



Visit: www.StoreYourBoard.com

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Rivers | The Best Places to SUP (Part 3 of 3)

The end has finally come! Here is StoreYourBoard's third and final part of our Best Places to Stand Up Paddle Board Series. So without further adieu, here are our top five rivers for stand up paddle boarding.

Colorado River Caves and Canyons – Enjoy a two-day adventure of the Colorado River Caves and Canyons booked through Desert Adventure.  Travel down the river’s 12 miles to find a breath taking view of the Nevada Desert ending your route in the Emerald Caves

Salmon River, California – Take peaceful stand up paddle boarding to another level by taking on the white water rapids of the Salmon River in California. Stay a week and a have lesson from the Whitewater SUP School that that starts the rider on calm water gradually increasing to level three rapids.

Seattle, Washington – With a large SUP population, Seattle is a great city that won’t let you down.  Numerous SUP stores provide rentals and lessons.  Not to mention there is a group called Stand Up Paddle Seattle that has weekly evening skills clinics.

Rio Chama, New Mexico – Team up with New Mexico River Adventures to receive a full service SUP experience.  Providing rentals, lessons, and tours, New Mexico River Adventures will take you on a three day trip through the wild Rio Chama.  View the desert scenery as you travel calmly down the river only to reach level 2-3 rapids.

Hanalei River, Hawaii – What is a list without the birthplace of SUP? The Hanalei River, located on the island of Kauai, is a seven-mile trip allowing the paddler see exotic fish and freshwater turtles as you go. With a SUP rental place practically on every corner, don’t worry about not finding a good place to rent a board.

A good thing remember when planning a SUP trip is the actual transport of the stand up paddleboard.  With rental shops providing boards for the masses, their weight, let alone the weight of your own board, may be difficult to handle walking through the terrain.  Get the beach the easy way with a Stand Up Paddleboard carrier! Securely holding your board with durable straps, a spot for your paddle, and a padded shoulder strap a stand up paddleboard carrier is the only way to take any size paddleboard to the beach without struggling.

Part 1: the Top 5 Best Oceans to SUP

Part 2: the Top 5 Best Lakes to SUP 

Ride On,

        Colleen

Visit: www.StoreYourBoard.com

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Lakes | The Best Places to SUP (Part 2 of 3)

Welcome to StoreYourBoard.com’s Part Two of our Best Places to Stand Up Paddle Board Series.  This week, take a look at our top five lakes are a must ride for SUP riders.

Lake Tahoe – Connecting California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe has a connection of Hot Springs in the northern shore that act as a first-rate muscle relaxer for riders after a long SUP session. The Brockway Hot Springs, with their three steamy pools, are necessary after traveling through the lake’s cold waters.

Lake Nisswa, Minnesota – Out of the plethora of lakes located in Minnesota, Lake Nisswa is one of the best for the stand up paddleboard riders that love fish.   With local SUP stores providing rental boards with a holder for your rod, paddle out and take pleasure in catching large fish, such as bass, northern pike or walleye. 

Jamaica Bay, New York – A view of the NYC skyline is paradise for any SUP rider that takes on the Jamaica Bay.  As you enjoy the ride, find inner peace while paddling through estuaries, tall grass and hidden islands.  Escape hectic city life and paddle through Jamaica Bay.

The Great Lakes – That’s right lakes with a “s”. Showing some SUP lovin’ to each of North America’s Great Lakes will result in a wonderful SUP experience.  Whether it’s Lake Michigan, Lake Superior or Lake Erie, each of the seven Great Lakes will not bore any SUP rider.  This collaboration of lakes is a an upcoming SUP scene hosting events such as the Sweetwater SUP Challenge, the 2012 TC Waterman Challenge and Expo, the Detroit SUP Festival and more.

Your Backyard – Some SUP rider’s are lucky enough to have a lake right in their backyard.  If you’re not part of those lucky few, try traveling to your local lake.  Imagine getting off work and blowing off steam while you paddle, enjoying the local foliage you never noticed before.

Part 1: Top 5 Best Oceans to SUP
Part 3: Top 5 Best Rivers to SUP

Ride On,

        Colleen

Visit: www.StoreYourBoard.com

Stand Up Paddle Boarding | The Best Places to SUP (Part 1 of 3)

Where’s the best place to stand up paddle board? Is it on the ocean, a calm lake, or a winding river?  We know it’s a hard decision.  Therefore, within the next few posts, StoreYourBoard will be giving you a list of the best places to SUP when it comes to the ocean, lake, and river.

The top 5 places to SUP on the biggest/baddest body of water out there, the ocean:

Maui, Hawaii – Making the top of our list, Maui is a great place if you want to take your SUP experience to the next level by taking on the swells.  However, if you are not interesting in a SUP surfing experience, take on the calmer waves to view this tropical paradise. 

St. Martin – This Caribbean island offers a variety of places to SUP with their 34 beaches, but the best spot is in their Marine Park on the North East of the French side of the island.  If you’re looking for a flat body of water to SUP check out Pinel Island.  If you’re looking for more of a wave, try the Wilderness and Caye Verte, both located in the Marine Park

La Jolla Sea Caves – Located in San Diego, California, the La Jolla Sea Caves are a string of 7 caves located within a sandstone sea cliff.  Only one of the caves, Sunny Jim’s Cave, is accessible by land.  To view the others, visitors kayak or SUP since the only way access is the ocean.  They are a wonderful view that you definitely don’t want to forget your camera for!

Outer Banks, North Carolina –This 200 mile long string of islands off the coast of North Carolina is home to many water sport locations.  With the SUP popularity rising in this destination, you can’t go wrong at any of the locations.  However, the best SUP location according to the locals is at North Duck Watersports location.  With peaceful water and tremendous views, it is the best place to learn to SUP.

Perth, Australia – Though any beach in Australia would be perfect for stand up paddle boarding, Perth provides stand up paddleboarding like no other.  The turquoise lagoon is filled with colorful fish offering a wonderful view for paddle boarders above.

Other great ocean spots to SUP include: Malibu, California; Chorrillos, Peru; and Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico.

Check out Part 2: The Top 5 Best Lakes to SUP
Check out Part 3: The Top 5 Best Rivers to SUP

Ride On,

        Colleen

Visit: www.StoreYourBoard.com

Bike Riding | Why You Should Get Out There and Try It

I’ll be honest; it wasn’t until recently that I became interested in cycling.  I didn’t think it would be too interesting and I honestly hate when there are bikers taking up the entire right lane.  But…I am now one of them.  It was a refreshing change to my workout routine that allowed me to take in the sights around me.

So if you are a biking skeptic like I was, here are a few reasons why you should give it a go!

Biking…

Saves YOU money – Let’s be real here, gas prices are not getting any lower.  So why waste $10 on not even a gallon of gas to drive to the post office down the road?  Get off the couch and on your bike to ride the short distance instead of driving your car.

Is a good alternative if you can no longer play sports – A good friend of mine tore her ACL in her knee when we were in high school and needless to say ,it prevents her today from playing any of the sports she loves.  However, she can still ride her bike and engulfs herself in taking rides because she not only enjoys the adrenaline rush but it’s all she has left.

Is a good way to see the world around you – Feeling a little adventurous?  Grab a bike and go exploring! Whether it is in the mountains around you or through the new town you’ve just moved to.   Taking a ride can sometimes lead you to the unexpected.

Allows you bonding time with your friends – Sometimes biking down the road gets a little lonely.  Riding with friends allows you to spend quality time with them while being active! They are also a great support system when you don’t think you can ride any further.

Is an AWESOME workout – Lifting weights and running on the treadmill not your thing? Riding a bike offers a different experience when it comes to getting in cardio exercise. One, you create your path.  A bike rider is not stuck staring at the wall but can ride on trails, roads, off roads, back roads—wherever you please!  It is also a great way to build muscle!  Riding up hills, even though we hate them, builds up your leg muscles and the ride in general builds up your isometric muscles in your arms.

Therefore, lesson learned.  Now instead of hating fellow bikers on the road while I’m driving, I’m going to be jealous that they are riding and I am stuck in a car—with no air conditioning.

Ride On,

        Colleen

Visit: www.StoreYourBoard.com