What type of leash are you getting with your board?

There are some amazing deals out there on full package isups, well the price looks amazing but what are you actually getting for your money?

On most occasions when something looks to good to be true it usually is. Take isup packages, included in the price is usually the paddle, leash, pump, fin, bag and repair kit included. But how comes the deal is so good?

Here at Hatha we can place our hand on our heart and say that we provide the best quality products we possibly can for the price. This high quality runs throughout all of our products from our beanie hats to our paddleboards. We think of everything and would only sell the best possible products to our customers.

Let’s look at our leash……

So we know that our leashes look good but are they safe and practical as well?

The main coiled cord is constructed from high grade urethane which makes it extremely strong and durable. The metal joints are made from marine grade stainless steel with double swivel joints to allow the leash to move freely (anti twist). The ankle strap is double padded for extra comfort and has an inner anti slip neoprene pattern so it sits firmly on the ankle.

We have designed a prominent colour coded quick release pull, very important on moving water if you need to detach quickly. This is also very useful if you have cold hands. Its easy to see and even easier to pull.

We have double stitched the webbing and material throughout making them not only extremely safe but also highly durable and robust.

We have also added a secure inner key pocket!

Paddle with confidence! Always wear a leash!

 

 

Let’s talk SUP leashes!

Why do you need to wear a leash?

A leash could save your life! It’s the only thing that connects you to your board. If you were ever to fall into the water its surprising how far away from the board you can actually fall, especially if there is a current or slight wind. Swimming after your board in any condition isn’t fun

Here at Hatha we recommend that use coiled leashes for flat water and race, this prevents snagging and drag.  In surf conditions you should always wear a straight leash, this gives distance from you and the board, the last thing you want when being wiped out is a paddle board on the head.

We recommend a leash about the same length or a foot longer than your board. This is more important rule to follow in the surf. There a couple of different attachment points to the body, the ankle or just below the knee. Some flat water paddlers prefer the leash strap just below the knee, whilst most SUP surfers prefer an ankle attachment.

White water or moving water is slightly different. It can sometimes be more hazardous than surf. You must always be able to get to your leash quickly and remove it quickly in the event of a snag or getting trapped. Sometimes you may be under the water when you need to detach yourself from your board. We suggest using a coiled leash that is attached through a quick release belt attached to your buoyancy aid. Always check with the operating instructions of the type of buoyancy aid that you have and how to use it. It’ always a good idea to get use to using the quick release strap/belt in controlled conditions.

ALWAYS Wear a Leash, it Will Save Your Life

New for 2019 is our patented Cario System! Featured on all of our premium thermo fusion technology constructed boards. It allows the board to be carried via the shoulder rather than by one hand on the centre handle. The centre handle will still be there, this is simply another option. There are either two or four reinforced marine graded D-rings attached to the board (depends which board). This system allows the board weight to be easily distributed over the shoulder rather than the wrist, making carrying the board easier and can be carried for longer! Freeing your hands to carry your paddle, bag or what ever else you may be taking to the water! It is fully adjustable, super strong and features a neoprene non-slip material to keep the pad firmly in position. The Cario System….. making life that bit easier!

The long term forecast for this year was going to be HOT, HOT and HOT. But the morning of the event proved us all wrong with a good 2-3 hours of heavy rain and thunder storms! It was still quite warm though according to Pete. The last 5 miles were ridden with a partially flat tyre, “I wasn’t going to stop for it then” – good theory! Pete did an all time best time this year scoring gold- well done Pete! For those of you who haven’t heard about it and wouldn’t mind having a go –

Established in 2007, the Dartmoor Classic has grown in popularity, attracting cyclists from around the world.

The Dartmoor Classic Sportive is a cycling challenge, organised by the Mid-Devon Cycling Club and registered with British Cycling. The organising committee are all club volunteers who share a passionate for cycling. The inaugural event took place from Abbrook Park Sports & Social Club in May 2007. Since then, the event has gone from strength to strength. By 2013 the Dartmoor Classic had outgrown its original home and was moved to its current location at Newton Abbot Racecourse. Now, with a sell out field of 4,000, the Dartmoor Classic is widely recognised as the most prestigious open-road Sportive in the UK, attracting cyclists from around the world.

The Dartmoor Classic offers you choice of three routes:

• The Grande (107 miles / 173 km)
• The Medio (68 miles / 110 km)
• The Piccolo (38 miles / 62 km)

Every cyclist participating in the Dartmoor Classic can be confident that they will be fully supported from start to finish.

Prior to commencing their ride, each participant is issued with a unique ‘Rider Number’ and ‘Disposable Timing Chip’. These are used to identify the cyclists participating in the event and to record when they start and finish. There are also timing check points along the routes that are used to monitor the riders progress.

All routes are clearly signed and marshaled. Route maps are given to every participant and electronic routes are available to download in a variety of formats for those with GPS enabled bike computers.

At our Welcome Village we have mechanics available to help should you find you have a problem with your bike when you arrive. There are also cycling retail stands where you will be able to purchase essential kit items should you find that you have forgotten to pack them.

Once you have commenced your ride, we will have mechanics, medics, and support crews patrolling the course. You will also have our emergency contact number (on the rear of your rider number) and you can use this to contact us for assistance should the need arise.

Each route has well stocked feed stations offering drinks and a wide range of quality foods and specialist energy products.

There are also professional sports photographers out on the course who will take your photo as a memento of your day with us (photos are optional and not included as part of your entry fee).

When you finish your ride you will go through the reception hall where you will be given your finish time and medal. You will then pass through to the event village where you will be able to pick up your ‘Goody Bag’ and other Event Mementos. A Gold, Silver or Bronze medal will be awarded to you in accordance with the age and gender category standards for your chosen route. These times can be viewed on the respective route information pages.

Our Welcome Village offers live music, entertainment, food, drink, and a range of retail stands for the enjoyment of you and your family. This is open on the Saturday afternoon, during registration, and on the Sunday of the event.

 

 

What a great day down at Exeter Quay helping to promote the launch of the chiefs new kit! It was great to see the guys getting involved with the local companies including Kayak Hub Exeter who use our boards! There’s a great live video of the guys kicking out balls from the quay to the Hatha Nino+ raft!

 

It was the start of the Summer and a big swell was due any day. The winds were Westerly and it was mid tide. Most of the main beaches had cross on shore winds, not a great strength but enough to ripple the water.  The surf had been small for weeks and there had been a good few flat days, this meant the sea beds had been untouched for some time from turbulent waters and under currents.

 

We parked at the top of the cliff and for the first leg of the journey we couldn’t even see the sea. It was a long walk down through the fields until we saw our first glimpse of the blue stuff. We had got it right, the cove was sheltered from the wind and there was only one local in the water for his daily swim.  The water was mirror flat and appeared almost sky blue in colour.

As we paddled out we could clearly see the bottom, it was so clear it was hard to tell how deep it was, I would guess about 30 feet.  We spent the next few hours hugging the rock face finding caves and coves to explore…. what a day and what a day to go to our secret spot. The water was still really cold to stay under the water for long but we did see some amazing fish and about four different species of jelly fish….

Where will you take yours?

The inaugural SWSUP Drake’s Island Challenge SUP fun race will take place on Sunday 1st July at 10am. The challenge will follow the Chestnut Appeal Drake’s Island Swim and any profits generated from the event will be donated to the charity.

The challenge will take the form of a fun race from our Royal William Yard location at Firestone Bay to Drake’s Island and back. It’s the perfect introduction to SUP racing for all abilities and levels of experience with a distance of 2km.

The day will have a lot of other great SUP activities on offer, including: SUP Yoga taster sessions; SUP tug o’war; ‘have a go’ sessions on SWSUP’s XL SUP and the opportunity to demo the full range of Hatha SUP boards.

Registration is £25 which includes use of one of our SUPs.

We also encourage participants to raise sponsorship to help the Chestnut Appeal provide support for Prostate Cancer patients and their families across Devon and Cornwall.

For more information, please contact SWSUP on 07898 984497 or email
info@southwestsup.co.uk 

• At Royal William Yard, Plymouth. Google Maps
• Bring: Clothes to wear on the water, water-shoes, towel, sun cream
• Included: SUP board, paddle and leash.

Ever tried YOGA? Why not try it on the water, its not as hard as it looks and its a totally difference experience.  Here at Hatha we love being at one with the environment and what better way to do it than to practice Yoga on the water.

You don’t need a yoga specific board to get started, all you need is a board and some water. Yoga is all about balance and focus, why not try it next time you go for a paddle, try standing on one leg or even lay down on your back and take a minute or two to clear you mind and concentrate on your breathing.

We suggest having a paddle around first to get use to be being on the board and then start with some basic postures like Cat-Cow Pose and Balasana (Child’s Pose) to get your balance. Once you feel more confident then move onto some standing poses like Warrior 1 (Virabhadrasana) or Tree Pose (Vrksasana).  If you feel a little wobbly try using a slightly wider stance than usual, its all about having fun so don’t worry if you cant do your usual poses straight away.

Whats the worse that can happen………. Namaste.

 

 

 

A massive thank you to all who popped down to see us at the Royal Cornwall show down in Wadebridge! We had a fantastic few days, the weather just held out. Really proud to have met the Royal Prince of Wales.  Until next year!