Outdoor Retailer 2010

Article by Tyler Hustrulid. Photography by Jeoffrey Nathan.

Coastal Urge co-owner, Jeoffrey Nathan, headed out to Salt Lake City, Utah earlier this month to check out the Outdoor Retailer summer market and all the goodies set to hit the streets for 2011. Included in the show was an open-air demo day on the lake at Jordanelle State Park that was dominated by standup paddleboarding (obviously one of our favorite things!) This was Jeoffrey’s 9th year at the show and the excitement he brought back to North Carolina with him was contagious! The whole Coastal Urge crew is waiting anxiously to try-out the latest and greatest innovations in paddling equipment. We thought we’d wet your appetite by sharing just a sample of some of the highlights from his trip.

First and foremost, we brought the message of SUP Cleanup strong to the show, encouraging paddlers to “standup for a clean ocean.” We started the process of signing up several more chapters across the country. Expect to hear official announcements of new chapters in the coming weeks.

It was reported that there were nearly twice as many vendors at the demo this year in comparison to last year and the number of board designs shown was staggering! There will practically be a board for every paddler, no matter his or her size, discipline, or budget. Further proof that the world of SUP has exploded to the masses!

Several pro riders were on hand to chat with visitors and demonstrate some of the equipment their feedback goes into building. Nine-time Molokai to Oahu winner, Jamie Mitchell was there to talk about his new 12’6” Surftech Lahui Kai racing board and the board shorts he is developing with Quiksilver that are paddling specific. Shaper Bob Pearson was debuting his new designs for the Surftech Laird line along with the man himself, Laird Hamilton. Our great friends Dave and Meg Chun at Kialoa were at the demo too, displaying their new line of paddles designed for those just starting out in the sport and the more price conscious. Battle of the Paddle winner, Chuck Patterson and Mel Puu were there with them to offer paddling tips to aspiring racers and recreational paddlers alike. And another great friend, Robby Naish of Naish surfing, was there with his development team to show their increasing line of progressive board shapes.

It certainly was a day of SUP like no other!

Stay tuned to our website as we bring you updates on when you can expect to see some of these exciting new products make their way into our stores!