I was enlightened by an earlier post by a few very experienced guys.
So 70 plus guys tell us your story.
Select to expand quotewarwickl said..
I was enlightened by an earlier post by a few very experienced guys.
So 70 plus guys tell us your story.
Warwick I,lets start with you ,love to here about your surfing journey ,boards ect 
Select to expand quotejustaddwater said..warwickl said..
I was enlightened by an earlier post by a few very experienced guys.
So 70 plus guys tell us your story.
Warwick I,lets start with you ,love to here about your surfing journey ,boards ect
I do have a long surfing history in most aspects of the sport and love jumping into new options.
However started this post to know of others 70 plus stories to further motivate me and others.
All I can remember is:
At 71, it's just beginning!
Met up with Ian Cairns, Sean Poynter and Daniel Hughes yesterday for dawn patrol.
Used Ian's 120 liter board for an hour.
The older I get.... the more fun it is! ??
tomorrow..... Hurricane Dorian swell 
??
Warwickl, ok. story is as unremarkable as it gets. Ex-high school chalkie, moved around NSW teaching and finished on the south coast. I was a prone surfer [very average one] but a rotator cuff problem made it too painful to prone paddle so, despite the murmurings of "going to the dark side", I tried SUP'ing and was hooked! Now, a number of my over-70 mates have come over, although most of them still prone surf as well. I'm still looking for the ideal Sup and also only venture out if it's below head-height - At 71 I don't bounce well anymore. Where I surf there's a kiosk overlooking the bay and post- or pre-surf there's always a bunch of people to have a coffee with. The social aspect is one of the treats of surfing, prone or stand-up! No major illnesses so far! [That's probably done it, though]. One of our group is over 80 and still out there. That's my plan too. Cheers all.
Select to expand quoteCaptainJimbo said..
Warwickl, ok. story is as unremarkable as it gets. Ex-high school chalkie, moved around NSW teaching and finished on the south coast. I was a prone surfer [very average one] but a rotator cuff problem made it too painful to prone paddle so, despite the murmurings of "going to the dark side", I tried SUP'ing and was hooked! Now, a number of my over-70 mates have come over, although most of them still prone surf as well. I'm still looking for the ideal Sup and also only venture out if it's below head-height - At 71 I don't bounce well anymore. Where I surf there's a kiosk overlooking the bay and post- or pre-surf there's always a bunch of people to have a coffee with. The social aspect is one of the treats of surfing, prone or stand-up! No major illnesses so far! [That's probably done it, though]. One of our group is over 80 and still out there. That's my plan too. Cheers all.
Good realistic post.
I am aiming to be a proficient SUP foiler by next birthday.
Select to expand quotewarwickl said..CaptainJimbo said..
Warwickl, ok. story is as unremarkable as it gets. Ex-high school chalkie, moved around NSW teaching and finished on the south coast. I was a prone surfer [very average one] but a rotator cuff problem made it too painful to prone paddle so, despite the murmurings of "going to the dark side", I tried SUP'ing and was hooked! Now, a number of my over-70 mates have come over, although most of them still prone surf as well. I'm still looking for the ideal Sup and also only venture out if it's below head-height - At 71 I don't bounce well anymore. Where I surf there's a kiosk overlooking the bay and post- or pre-surf there's always a bunch of people to have a coffee with. The social aspect is one of the treats of surfing, prone or stand-up! No major illnesses so far! [That's probably done it, though]. One of our group is over 80 and still out there. That's my plan too. Cheers all.
Good realistic post.
I am aiming to be a proficient SUP foiler by next birthday.
At 71 I don't bounce well any more ,what a classic line Jimbo.
Select to expand quoteCaptainJimbo said..
Warwickl, ok. story is as unremarkable as it gets. Ex-high school chalkie, moved around NSW teaching and finished on the south coast. I was a prone surfer [very average one] but a rotator cuff problem made it too painful to prone paddle so, despite the murmurings of "going to the dark side", I tried SUP'ing and was hooked! Now, a number of my over-70 mates have come over, although most of them still prone surf as well. I'm still looking for the ideal Sup and also only venture out if it's below head-height - At 71 I don't bounce well anymore. Where I surf there's a kiosk overlooking the bay and post- or pre-surf there's always a bunch of people to have a coffee with. The social aspect is one of the treats of surfing, prone or stand-up! No major illnesses so far! [That's probably done it, though]. One of our group is over 80 and still out there. That's my plan too. Cheers all.
Hmm I think we know where you are CaptainJimbo.
I won't let on - wouldn't want everyone stealing all your coffee every morning!
Select to expand quoteCaptainJimbo said..
Warwickl, ok. story is as unremarkable as it gets. Ex-high school chalkie, moved around NSW teaching and finished on the south coast. I was a prone surfer [very average one] but a rotator cuff problem made it too painful to prone paddle so, despite the murmurings of "going to the dark side", I tried SUP'ing and was hooked! Now, a number of my over-70 mates have come over, although most of them still prone surf as well. I'm still looking for the ideal Sup and also only venture out if it's below head-height - At 71 I don't bounce well anymore. Where I surf there's a kiosk overlooking the bay and post- or pre-surf there's always a bunch of people to have a coffee with. The social aspect is one of the treats of surfing, prone or stand-up! No major illnesses so far! [That's probably done it, though]. One of our group is over 80 and still out there. That's my plan too. Cheers all.
Captain you mention you're looking for the ideal sup. Well it is a Smik Hipster Twin Longboard. Get the right size for your weight but I can't recommend the 9'2"x29" highly enough. It glides into waves beautifully, it's stable as, can be a long board when you want or turns like a short board when you want to. The perfect 1 board quiver in my opinion. Be warned though it's so addictive that you might start taking it out even when it gets above head height
Select to expand quoteMark Horn said..CaptainJimbo said..
Warwickl, ok. story is as unremarkable as it gets. Ex-high school chalkie, moved around NSW teaching and finished on the south coast. I was a prone surfer [very average one] but a rotator cuff problem made it too painful to prone paddle so, despite the murmurings of "going to the dark side", I tried SUP'ing and was hooked! Now, a number of my over-70 mates have come over, although most of them still prone surf as well. I'm still looking for the ideal Sup and also only venture out if it's below head-height - At 71 I don't bounce well anymore. Where I surf there's a kiosk overlooking the bay and post- or pre-surf there's always a bunch of people to have a coffee with. The social aspect is one of the treats of surfing, prone or stand-up! No major illnesses so far! [That's probably done it, though]. One of our group is over 80 and still out there. That's my plan too. Cheers all.
Captain you mention you're looking for the ideal sup. Well it is a Smik Hipster Twin Longboard. Get the right size for your weight but I can't recommend the 9'2"x29" highly enough. It glides into waves beautifully, it's stable as, can be a long board when you want or turns like a short board when you want to. The perfect 1 board quiver in my opinion. Be warned though it's so addictive that you might start taking it out even when it gets above head height
Over head is when they are at there best,in the smaller sizes.But still amazing fun in the smaller stuff.even the 10 ft will do both with extra paddle power! Exceptional concept!!!
Mark and justaddwater, thanks for the tips on Smik Sups. I'm hoping to demo a few in November. I thought the Spitfire might be in the mix as well. Any comments on that style would be welcome.
Helmy, mum's the word! All visiting surfers are sworn to secrecy.
Seppo wanker brief take. 71 years young.
Longboards in 66-68 Ocean City MD.
Moved to Cambridge MA. Stashed my Hanson at my folks house on Cape Cod and went out hardly at all.
Surfing is like herpes, once you have it you always have it.
Major outbreak in mid eighties. Shortboards contesting in Eastern Surfing Association made to the Hataras Finals twice in the nineties.
Traveled Hawaii, Caribbean, blah blah blah.
Snow board and motor cycle crashes did me in. If you can't pop to your feet you can't surf.
No ACL! And too much carnage.
Discovered SUP. Had an SCA near death, board chomped by a GW landlord.
Still chase it all over New England year round.
Dorian was GuD!
Blessed to be alive and still do it.
Select to expand quoteCaptainJimbo said..
Mark and justaddwater, thanks for the tips on Smik Sups. I'm hoping to demo a few in November. I thought the Spitfire might be in the mix as well. Any comments on that style would be welcome.
Helmy, mum's the word! All visiting surfers are sworn to secrecy.
Jimbo ,carnt comment on the spitfire,I have tried to surf that style of board,and can but after a while I get bored,I always feel like something is missing,and it is ! a wider nose and more user friendly design ,as I like to have only one board limited budget $$$ and love to noserider,as well as go hard of the back end.Enter the Smik hipster twin longboard,this concept is amazing and covers it all,but like all sups it needs to be the correct size,l demoed the 9/2 loved it got the 10ft for more paddle power,bad shoulders,but with time,I know now the 9/2 is my size, and will be getting one asap,as the 9/2 still paddles very well and surfs unreal !!!
Just got an email letting me know that my 6 11 custom Smik SUP foil board is on it way.
Needed a custom as its about 6.8kg so easier to carry compared to my current 9.8kg board.
917 lookers so bet 20% are over 70 but shy.
Tell us your story and the value it add to your life to make you a 70+
OK. You asked for it but 70+ years it may be long winded!
5 year old. Father pushed me into waves at Dee Why. Still remember the "rush".
13 year old. First "real" board. 10 ft balsa. Remember first wave at Mac's
19 year old. Posted to PNG. "No surf in PNG" but had some in Milne Bay. On Fergusson Island kids were riding the sides of old canoes in waves. Visited New Ireland and told my wife if we were ever posted there I would never leave. Always bought a board when on leave in Australia - including first generation twin fin.
1981. Returned permanently to Aust and posted to Warrabri (in the centre of Oz). Only lasted 10 months!
Transferred to Darwin. "No surf in Darwin". On leave visited surf shop at Avoca (ex-McCoy??). Proud owner of a mini mal that could catch monsoon waves in Darwin.
2007. Mate said "I have just the thing for you". One ride in Dry season waves and I was then the proud owner of 11'6 Naish. Worked my way down. 10ft then 9ft McT's.
2013 moved to the Goldie. Now have Deep 10ft and Minion (7'10) as well as flat water boards. Am living the dream of my teenage years! Woo Hoo.
Nice story, thanks.
I'll just give myself a plug before I turn 73 on Saturday .
Last kite foil effort of 26.5k distance.
Nick from UK (72) Been on SUPs for 8 years after 3 decades on mals and surfing for over 45 years (late starter !) Got into SUP during a seemingly never ending Summer flat spell on rented Starbie11'0 &C4 10'8 ..First board owned was a Walden 9'4 Magic Model great for improving and not too bad in decen surf . I surf the North Sea in Yorkshire at local breaks around Scarborough along with tripos to Scotland; the best times are now in our Autumn and then through Winter to Spring ... Summer's are small or flat typicall ..Warm water ? Not here really .. Just back from 10 days ion Fuerteventura in Canaries back to prone surf and really missed sup but not N, Sea temps. Consolidated my SUP quiver down to 10' Surftech GLopez tri fin ,130 litres old but reliable cruiser and fine up to 4' clean , Surftech 8'11 Lopez quad 124 litres- had from new and a firm fave still; 2017 Tom Caroll Loose Leaf V1 9'0 quad,120 litres go-to ride when it gets a bit chunky and blowing as swing weight is an advantage - and my latest acquisition LOCO (an excellent UK brand) El Diablo 8'2 quad, 111 litres which still getting wired is v light and vresponsive with back foot planted . As 50% time I'm in 5/3mm wettie and rest of kit I need plenty of board volume even though 65kilos wet through. Part of local Pensioner Posse and oldest - the others are mere teenagers in their 60's sometimes need a kick up the jacksie from me to get 'em out there Hahaha !! .. If it's s***e I have to buy the coffees unfortunately . Usually we can score midweek sessions with light numbers in line up but looking forward to chillier days in November & December then drop in temps will usually thin- out the weekend warriors again. Up here in North East England SUP is a bit of a minority thing and some surfers can get on your case -100% usually visitors- but having 30 years in this local line ups alone means us locals all get along fine despite the bants from the shortboarder hold- outs in their 40s - and in any case I have few spots I can always swerve to where I'm on me own.
Select to expand quoteNickBev said..
Nick from UK (72) Been on SUPs for 8 years after 3 decades on mals and surfing for over 45 years (late starter !) Got into SUP during a seemingly never ending Summer flat spell on rented Starbie11'0 &C4 10'8 ..First board owned was a Walden 9'4 Magic Model great for improving and not too bad in decen surf . I surf the North Sea in Yorkshire at local breaks around Scarborough along with tripos to Scotland; the best times are now in our Autumn and then through Winter to Spring ... Summer's are small or flat typicall ..Warm water ? Not here really .. Just back from 10 days ion Fuerteventura in Canaries back to prone surf and really missed sup but not N, Sea temps. Consolidated my SUP quiver down to 10' Surftech GLopez tri fin ,130 litres old but reliable cruiser and fine up to 4' clean , Surftech 8'11 Lopez quad 124 litres- had from new and a firm fave still; 2017 Tom Caroll Loose Leaf V1 9'0 quad,120 litres go-to ride when it gets a bit chunky and blowing as swing weight is an advantage - and my latest acquisition LOCO (an excellent UK brand) El Diablo 8'2 quad, 111 litres which still getting wired is v light and vresponsive with back foot planted . As 50% time I'm in 5/3mm wettie and rest of kit I need plenty of board volume even though 65kilos wet through. Part of local Pensioner Posse and oldest - the others are mere teenagers in their 60's sometimes need a kick up the jacksie from me to get 'em out there Hahaha !! .. If it's s***e I have to buy the coffees unfortunately . Usually we can score midweek sessions with light numbers in line up but looking forward to chillier days in November & December then drop in temps will usually thin- out the weekend warriors again. Up here in North East England SUP is a bit of a minority thing and some surfers can get on your case -100% usually visitors- but having 30 years in this local line ups alone means us locals all get along fine despite the bants from the shortboarder hold- outs in their 40s - and in any case I have few spots I can always swerve to where I'm on me own.
Nick great story! I'm one of those 60+teenagers looking forward to making the club,seriously huge respect to all of you
Select to expand quoteNickBev said..
Nick from UK (72) Been on SUPs for 8 years after 3 decades on mals and surfing for over 45 years (late starter !) Got into SUP during a seemingly never ending Summer flat spell on rented Starbie11'0 &C4 10'8 ..First board owned was a Walden 9'4 Magic Model great for improving and not too bad in decen surf . I surf the North Sea in Yorkshire at local breaks around Scarborough along with tripos to Scotland; the best times are now in our Autumn and then through Winter to Spring ... Summer's are small or flat typicall ..Warm water ? Not here really .. Just back from 10 days ion Fuerteventura in Canaries back to prone surf and really missed sup but not N, Sea temps. Consolidated my SUP quiver down to 10' Surftech GLopez tri fin ,130 litres old but reliable cruiser and fine up to 4' clean , Surftech 8'11 Lopez quad 124 litres- had from new and a firm fave still; 2017 Tom Caroll Loose Leaf V1 9'0 quad,120 litres go-to ride when it gets a bit chunky and blowing as swing weight is an advantage - and my latest acquisition LOCO (an excellent UK brand) El Diablo 8'2 quad, 111 litres which still getting wired is v light and vresponsive with back foot planted . As 50% time I'm in 5/3mm wettie and rest of kit I need plenty of board volume even though 65kilos wet through. Part of local Pensioner Posse and oldest - the others are mere teenagers in their 60's sometimes need a kick up the jacksie from me to get 'em out there Hahaha !! .. If it's s***e I have to buy the coffees unfortunately . Usually we can score midweek sessions with light numbers in line up but looking forward to chillier days in November & December then drop in temps will usually thin- out the weekend warriors again. Up here in North East England SUP is a bit of a minority thing and some surfers can get on your case -100% usually visitors- but having 30 years in this local line ups alone means us locals all get along fine despite the bants from the shortboarder hold- outs in their 40s - and in any case I have few spots I can always swerve to where I'm on me own.
Nick great story! I'm one of those 60+teenagers looking forward to making the club,seriously huge respect to all of youSelect to expand quotewarwickl said..
Nice story, thanks.
I'll just give myself a plug before I turn 73 on Saturday .
Last kite foil effort of 26.5k distance.
Warwick that's a pretty healthy looking cardiograth
