I am an inventor and have a design (which I've dubbed VARIABLE POSITION PADDLING) I'm tinkering with which makes paddling more efficient and comfortable, so I'm seeking feedback. Check it out at



Several advantages of the system not mentioned in the video include:

-Greater stability
-Much Faster
-More enticing for paddlers due to safety/stability/ease
-Unlike with sit-on-top kayaks, the paddler only gets their knees and ankles wet
-Variable Position Paddling is very easy to add to any board simply by adding Velcro strips on the deck

Thanks

Stay off the drugs!

I'm sorry but are you taking the piss?

Thanks for your candor. I LOVE the standing position of SUP, and in fact that is what drew me to SUP. I merely want to expand upon what SUP already has in spades over kayaks. Given the freedom of alternative positions on a paddleboard (yes, some of them akin to kayaking or canoeing), it's clear there are diminishing reasons to even be in a kayak. I know a number of kayakers who are not drawn to SUP because they think it's too sketchy balance-wise. Why not give them an alternative, while not giving up anything? Alternative positions can expand the horizons of Paddle Boarding, bringing in those who are drawn to its freedom.

Using the "Saddle" is very comfortable - much more than standard kneeling, while offering a fast and efficient option in windy or wavy conditions. If you wanna surf, just Velcro it further forward. By the way, a kayak paddle is alot faster than a standard SUP paddle, especially in headwinds and surf.

Sorry I suggested staying off the drugs - you seem to have taken some more!!

Have you thought of modifying a Hobie mirage drive and fitting it to Sup,then we can have stand up pedal...

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waxer said...

Have you thought of modifying a Hobie mirage drive and fitting it to Sup,then we can have stand up pedal...

Bugger that - bolt on a minn kota boom

I'm glad I'm proving to be worth a chuckle. Most new ideas are, and I must admit the video merits a good laugh.

Paddleboarding is in its infancy, so why not figure out how to make the sport even more awesome, by adding to its bag of tricks? Is it possible that in a strong headwind you would not enjoy a lower and more efficient stance? I guess speed and fluidity aren't what attracts some to Paddleboarding. If so, kayaks will still hold the speed card.

I think the uniqueness(if that's a word) is what attracts people to Sup in the first place.Learning a new skill set is a challenge and adds to their other water activities.Sure advances in the sport are happening at a rapid rate,they mainly centre around board design and materials ,and to a slightly lesser degree paddles and materials.My opinion is that the basic concept of standing to paddle cannot be altered without losing the whole premise "Stand up paddle".

Waxer,

I guess that makes sense - that the unique position of SUP is the main attractive feature. Apparently I'm in the minority - one of those who see SUP as the best option for getting out on the water, but who aren't necessarilly convinced the standing position is the best solution for all conditions. I love the open deck and ease of movement on paddleboards, so why not augment the time-tested standing position with other possibilities? What I hate about kayaks and canoes is the singular movement and body position. I want to be able to tailor my paddling position and style to the conditions. Just head out with a convertible paddle and employ all four positions, or not.

Needless to say the future of SUP will include a variety of styles - racing, surfing, etc. Maybe "VPP Paddleboarding" would be the appropriate rubric, as a subset of Paddleboards, not of SUP. At least I won't be the only one out there, as there are a number of paddlers here that are enthused. Judging from that, it appears kayakers are the ones that will adopt VPP, not pre-existing SUP-ophiles

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kajgyr said...

I'm glad I'm proving to be worth a chuckle. Most new ideas are, and I must admit the video merits a good laugh.

Paddleboarding is in its infancy, so why not figure out how to make the sport even more awesome, by adding to its bag of tricks? Is it possible that in a strong headwind you would not enjoy a lower and more efficient stance? I guess speed and fluidity aren't what attracts some to Paddleboarding. If so, kayaks will still hold the speed card.

I used to paddle slalom C1s for years and am familiar with sitting on a block of foam while kneeling - hardly an invention - if you want honest feedback.
I don't see any attraction in using a double ended blade on a SUP and in fact chose C1 over a kayak for that very reason - something nice about the mechanics of single blade paddling.

No one cares about the 'speed card' otherwise we wouldn't paddling SUP

That's why we like down winders

Goatman,

Point well taken about not trying to be the fastest, and not being bothered by wind. The block of foam in the video has actually morphed into more of an adjustable platform, but yes, blocks of foam are germane in kayaking. I guess it's more of a new sport or sub-sport I'm working on. Perhaps if I were in the bike industry I would be fixated on making my road bike change into a mountain bike. I think I'll still hammer away at this, but not with any delusions that I am going to convert SUPers.

I have gotten some interest from racers, as they recognise that by getting lower their boards could be even narrower (and thus faster). I must admit, I do want to go fast, while tackling all conditions and not being bothered by the wind. Too tall an order?

Welcome to the Breeze Kaj and thanks for your post.

My feedback is.. Back to the drawing board you go.. and.. Do you need to be a newt to sit on that thing without pain..

Just kidding.. I can see where you're coming from but I really don't think we need to invent ways to sit/kneel down and paddle.. they've been around for years.

This post is almost like someone coming up with an idea that lets you be able the stand up and paddle in a kayak or boat.. I reckon do one or the other.

Buy yourself a normal SUP paddle and enjoy what we all enjoy about Stand Up Paddling... and the key two words in SUP are Stand Up.

DJ

Only in America

Only in Canada...............

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goatman said...

kajgyr said...

I'm glad I'm proving to be worth a chuckle. Most new ideas are, and I must admit the video merits a good laugh.

Paddleboarding is in its infancy, so why not figure out how to make the sport even more awesome, by adding to its bag of tricks? Is it possible that in a strong headwind you would not enjoy a lower and more efficient stance? I guess speed and fluidity aren't what attracts some to Paddleboarding. If so, kayaks will still hold the speed card.

I used to paddle slalom C1s for years and am familiar with sitting on a block of foam while kneeling - hardly an invention - if you want honest feedback.
I don't see any attraction in using a double ended blade on a SUP and in fact chose C1 over a kayak for that very reason - something nice about the mechanics of single blade paddling.

No one cares about the 'speed card' otherwise we wouldn't paddling SUP

That's why we like down winders

Goatman ,you've got to be joking. NO ONE chooses C1 over K1. C1 is something you do as a dare or to win a bet. "look at me, I'm kneeling in a barge with only half a paddle,woo hoo. Geez, bad memories of paddling a pryon slalom c2 with Log brother upfront a Brady's lake course in Tassie(did you ever compete there?).

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log man said...
Goatman ,you've got to be joking. NO ONE chooses C1 over K1. C1 is something you do as a dare or to win a bet. "look at me, I'm kneeling in a barge with only half a paddle,woo hoo. Geez, bad memories of paddling a pryon slalom c2 with Log brother upfront a Brady's lake course in Tassie(did you ever compete there?).

No way Logman. I was the Aussie titles at Bradys in 79!!! I did a bit of C2 as well. Paddled it in 76/77 then again in 81. Did C1 from 77 to 83.

Man I really did love the C1 though - no joke. It felt great to be that little bit higher with better leverage....hmm sounds like SUP

So what year where you at Bradys?

Hey Sparx did slalom as well I hear.

hi, i see the effeort you have put in, but i can't see the point- standup is standup

i would like to see you work on better stances/techniques, different paddle types- that sort of thing.

VPP - absolutely hilarious.....had me pissing myself laughing....especially the seated position. Would love to see it demonstrated in the surf. Maybe Pipeline or Chopes?? Ten points for trying to be creative though.

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goatman said...

log man said...
Goatman ,you've got to be joking. NO ONE chooses C1 over K1. C1 is something you do as a dare or to win a bet. "look at me, I'm kneeling in a barge with only half a paddle,woo hoo. Geez, bad memories of paddling a pryon slalom c2 with Log brother upfront a Brady's lake course in Tassie(did you ever compete there?).

No way Logman. I was the Aussie titles at Bradys in 79!!! I did a bit of C2 as well. Paddled it in 76/77 then again in 81. Did C1 from 77 to 83.

Man I really did love the C1 though - no joke. It felt great to be that little bit higher with better leverage....hmm sounds like SUP

So what year where you at Bradys?

Hey Sparx did slalom as well I hear.

Hey goatman, I recon I was at Brady's in about 1980 paddling k1(badly). That big stopper about halfway down ate me up every time. Brady's was kind of our local run with the Forth river course and Rowallan runs even closer. Tasmanian canoe club ran the whole thing and white water was realy big in those days. We had maybe 20 of the most awesome rivers within 1 to 2 hrs of home ranging from grade 2/3 to death defying cataract gorge. And it wasn't unusual to have 30 paddlers turn up on Tassie winter mornings to brave the elements. And amazingly all done in olymp 6 and Pryon river.

Thanks for all the encouragement

I think the concept was taken too literally. I'm not into dropping the stand-up position - it's still what I prefer. It's just that, given a paddle that converts between a kayak paddle and stand-up paddle (of which there are a number of manufacturers already), why not broaden one's horizons and go prepared for the long session, complete with position changes to accomodate the possibility of a ripping headwind?

I definitely get the point that anything other than standing up is off limits for SUP as we know it. The rough-hewn prototype picture and lampoon-able video footage is a distraction from my core objective - to come up with a tool kit that offers better options for dealing with 1) Headwinds 2) Fatigue.

You can't stand up in a kayak, but you can stand/sit/kneel on a paddleboard if you so choose. That's why I have chosen to use a Paddleboard as a platform. I guess it's time to go join another club, if they'll take me

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kajgyr said...

Thanks for all the encouragement

I think the concept was taken too literally. I'm not into dropping the stand-up position - it's still what I prefer. It's just that, given a paddle that converts between a kayak paddle and stand-up paddle (of which there are a number of manufacturers already), why not broaden one's horizons and go prepared for the long session, complete with position changes to accomodate the possibility of a ripping headwind?

I definitely get the point that anything other than standing up is off limits for SUP as we know it. The rough-hewn prototype picture and lampoon-able video footage is a distraction from my core objective - to come up with a tool kit that offers better options for dealing with 1) Headwinds 2) Fatigue.

You can't stand up in a kayak, but you can stand/sit/kneel on a paddleboard if you so choose. That's why I have chosen to use a Paddleboard as a platform. I guess it's time to go join another club, if they'll take me

fair enough, point taken.

a few guys laughing at ya might change their minds when they are beening blown out to yonder on a wind change. a spare kayak paddle and a little pad stored on to the board could be very handy.

actually makes sense if you've ever been caught out
cheers

If you are caught in a headwind, why stop halfways, just paddle prone to have no body surface in the wind....

I had to prone paddle to get back from an outer reef after my paddle broke, and it is suprizingly doable, especially if you paddle 4-5 times on one arm while the other rest in front of you on the board, and rest your head on the board to save your neck muscles, you are able to paddle without tiring (I couldnt paddle prone normally more than 30 meters in a row, as I was was exhausted by 5 hours SUPsurfing nearly alone on a perfect reef break)

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kajgyr said...

I am an inventor and have a design (which I've dubbed VARIABLE POSITION PADDLING) I'm tinkering with which makes paddling more efficient and comfortable, so I'm seeking feedback. Check it out at

Several advantages of the system not mentioned in the video include:

-Greater stability
-Much Faster
-More enticing for paddlers due to safety/stability/ease
-Unlike with sit-on-top kayaks, the paddler only gets their knees and ankles wet
-Variable Position Paddling is very easy to add to any board simply by adding Velcro strips on the deck

Thanks

kaj I,m with you on this! on a long paddle trip this could be a life saver.

the advantage of less windage is great.

a design idea from down -under,

for this I only want 10 percent off all future profit

make the seat hinged , and the box big enough for a six pack of beer with enough room for a cold pack.

cheers man keep on doing it .

gay

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SandS said...kaj I'm with you on this! on a long paddle trip this could be a life saver.

the advantage of less windage is great.

a design idea from down -under,

for this I only want 10 percent off all future profit

make the seat hinged , and the box big enough for a six pack of beer with enough room for a cold pack.

cheers man keep on doing it .

Indeed that is what I was referring to in the video when I said the module could be cavitied out for storage. I didn't want to focus on this, as apparently mentioning comfort or ease is verboten on SUP forums The module can also hold the blade/handle for convertible paddles, although I'm also working on a system that allows for easy adjustment of standard SUP paddles without using heavy/weaker telescoping mechanisms or resorting to kayak paddles. The module in the video is an early iteration - current versions are much more comfortable and foldable.

Although the prone position for dealing with headwinds works, it's nowhere near as comfortable or efficient as kneeling on a seat.

What I'm proposing is obviously not for everyone, but any feedback is appreciated. Again, my primary aim is to expand upon the already great flexibility SUP offers, not limit options or steer things in a vastly different direction (certainly not to the inferior realm of the kayak). Be on the lookout for more mirth-inducing videos. I haven't made a living as an inventor by being afraid of detractors.

what a magic idea how about changing the box u squat on to a 12 volt battery and attaching an electricle motor to th back of the board then the head wind wont be a problem or sorry im not a inventor so luckily i will just stick to paddling up right

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Gassa said...

what a magic idea how about changing the box u squat on to a 12 volt battery and attaching an electricle motor to th back of the board then the head wind wont be a problem or sorry im not a inventor so luckily i will just stick to paddling up right

Next time I see you struggling in a headwind I will paddle blithely by humming a tune. I don't care it it looks gay - so does C1, but they sure go fast. It all comes down to what you're used to. You paddle your way and I'll paddle mine, but I don't think there's a single person out there that would claim sticking to stand up exclusively will get you over the finish line quicker. What's wrong with admitting that headwinds are a buggger in the stand up position? We acknowledge it when riding a bike, and hunker down. Why not do the same on a board?

Sorry Kajgyr but you just don't get it do you.

It's not all about doing it easier or faster.

DJ

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DavidJohn said...

Sorry Kajgyr but you just don't get it do you.

It's not all about doing it easier or faster.

DJ

its about safety if 'needed' imo

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kajgyr said...

Gassa said...

what a magic idea how about changing the box u squat on to a 12 volt battery and attaching an electricle motor to th back of the board then the head wind wont be a problem or sorry im not a inventor so luckily i will just stick to paddling up right

Next time I see you struggling in a headwind I will paddle blithely by humming a tune. I don't care it it looks gay - so does C1, but they sure go fast. It all comes down to what you're used to. You paddle your way and I'll paddle mine, but I don't think there's a single person out there that would claim sticking to stand up exclusively will get you over the finish line quicker. What's wrong with admitting that headwinds are a buggger in the stand up position? We acknowledge it when riding a bike, and hunker down. Why not do the same on a board?

C1 looks gay? - wash your mouth out with soap[}:)]

That is the gayest looking thing I have ever seen. Whose going to carry a double ended paddle around anyways (along with a block of foam). If you get caught in a headwind just prone paddle dude - that is almost as fast as SUP anyways, just ask Jamie Mitchell!