SUP Videos

There are a lot of SUP videos that I find myself going back and watching over and over. Rather than having a favorites list in my browser, I thought that others might like them as well. I've attached one of my favorites to this post, but check out the new SUP Videos tab above for a list that is broken down by equipment, technique, movies & documentaries, and other cool SUP videos.

If you have some favorite videos that should be on the list, feel free to comment below and I'll add them ASAP.

Real Time Wave and Wind Data

Whether you spend a lot of time on the water, or just want to make the most of the time you have, getting accurate and up-to-date information on the conditions is important. Although the usual forecast resources do a good job of helping you plan, nothing beats real time (or almost real time) reports of wind speed/direction, water/air temp, and wave height. If you're interested in easily accessing this info from virtually anywhere...read on!

The National Data Buoy Center is part of NOAA's National Weather Service and maintains (or has access to) a vast network of data collecting buoys and coastal stations around the world. It's easier than ever to now get the data in the palm of your hand!

Get The App!

If you have an iPhone or iPad, get the NOAA Buoy and Tide Data app. This app is the perfect tool to help plan your time on the water.

• Search for buoys by name or region
• View buoys near you with customizable search radius
• Use GPS or manually enter location
• Works with iPhone, iPod, and iPad versions
• Interactive map of locations
• Detailed lice buoy data with access to location specific forecasts
• Save your favorites for easy access

    

The NOAA app is only $1.99 and well worth the money.

Get a Text Message!

The easiest way to get the the data is to simply text the buoy number to (734) 418-7299 and you will have the latest info within 10 seconds...now that's fast.

Buoy 45029 happens to be the one that I check most often...about 3 miles offshore from Pigeon Lake (between Grand Haven and Holland).  

Although some of the buoys are now offline (brought back in for the winter), you can still access data from the mid-lake buoys and also get data (minus water info) from the many land based stations along the coast.  

Using these resources will ensure that you have the data you need if you're heading to one of our great lakes or on a trip to other SUP destinations around the world.

Review - Vertical Oar

Realizing there was no comprehensive SUP location resource on the market, the Founders created Vertical Oar...an informative medium for the global SUP community.
Whether you are searching for a SUP spot, gear, lessons, or tours, the VO map has you covered. The user friendly platform allows you to quickly filter SUP spots and businesses by type. The goal is that this site will be the place to go to find all of this information, no matter where your travels take you.

I've spent some time over the last couple of months adding some of my favorite SUP spots to the database and I've found it to be extremely easy to use. All it takes is a few minutes of time for you to describe the site and add a few pictures. The site works great on a PC as well as mobile devices...I've made quick updates from both an iPad and an iPhone.

The 616 is getting some love on the Vertical Oar site these days...both Reeds Lake and Pigeon River are featured on the Vertical Oar home page. Take a few minutes and check it out for yourself and add some of our favorite spots or shops. Lets show the SUP world how huge the paddle scene is in West Michigan...SHARE THE STOKE!

Vertical Oar