Episode 20: Podcast Review

Gabe and Joe examine their podcast, what's working, what's not and make a plan for the future...including a catchy new theme song. Also, discussion of Joe's workout gains, Gabe's surfing competition, and Laird Hamilton's book- Force Of Nature...It's all happening on GFWGAJ!

SUP in NY

SUP is stand-up paddleboarding.... Like Hades, you stand on a skiff with a single oar...either sailing towards the horizon or using the paddle to get into the waves. Seeing as the summer of surf is drawing to a close, I took the opportunity to visit NY's surf community in Far Rockaway. I had rented a van, so it was an easy drive out through Queens- but you can take the A train. Boarders is a cool surf shop right there- with a unique East meets West vibe. The guys behind the counter were playing hip-hop like Guru's Jazzamatazz while checking out the surf conditions. Unfortunately the conditions were pretty lame (0-1', 2' tops)...but the enthusiasm on the beach was contagious.

There were surf camps and rentals on the beach, people trying out longboards and shortboards...just a good vibe. And very friendly. So I rented a stand-up paddleboard. It was cool for the most part- like a giant surfboard but you stand with your legs parallel, facing forward- which is awkward. Even the two feet waves were knocking me over. I even lost my new $5 sunglasses, but it ended up being very cool. I met two German women who said they were inspired to try it because I made it look easy (which was funny, since I still have bruises from taking falls on the board). There was also a kiteboarder, probably a 50 year old Russian dude who looked like a KGB agent. He was killing it, sailing along through the choppy waters, carving patterns. I talked to a guy my age from Greenpoint, the only other guy in the water with some experience. He said it had been small all summer. So I traded in the paddleboard for a 7'10 board and it was cool- totally caught some great little rides and grabbed the rail to turn into it.

Surfing's been a great summer sport, and very cool to be using the strength and endurance I've been building in the gym. Just got a book with a 10 week fitness plan for surfers- including a lot of plyometrics work (jumping), burpees, push-ups, and some difficult balance work. So gonna start in on that tomorrow. Episode 20 of the podcast, coming soon.