Stand Up Paddle Surfing Magazine - Stand Up Paddle Spotlight: Bend, Oregon

Stand Up Paddle Spotlight: Bend, Oregon

By: Christina Acosta

Monday, 17 September 2007

The Stand Up Paddle Bend Crew: Gerry Lopez, Isabella Barna, Mike McComb, Randall Barna, Dave Chun, Dennis Oliphant, Jeremy McKelry, Peter & Susie Miller

Stand up paddle stoke is stronger than ever in the landlocked city of Bend, Oregon, home to stand up paddle surfing pioneers such as the legendary Gerry Lopez and Kialoa paddles. Stand up paddling is not confined to coastlines and tropical islands. If there's water, you'll find stand up paddling...even in Bend, Oregon. Stand Up Paddle Bend (www.standuppaddlebend.com) shows the world truly how great the sport is on inland waterways.

Randall Barna: Bend, Oregon

Stand Up Paddle Bend was organized by long time Oregon surfer Randall Barna. The organization was born out of his passionate involvement in the sport. Randall has been surfing the Oregon coast since the mid 1960's and is President of Randy Barna Sports, Inc. Randall has switched to stand up paddling becuase the sport offers the rider a way to be on the board without needing to be in the ocean. There are tons of inland garages with surfboards that haven't seen the ocean in years, and with stand up paddling, the boards are out of the garage and on the water.

Legendary surfer, Gerry Lopez, along with Meg and Doug of Kialoa Paddles (also a Bend company) have been instrumental in building local stoke for the sport and are actively involved with Stand Up Paddle Bend. Gerry's stoke and generosity shines through as he provides SUP tips and guidance to the members of the organization.

Stand Up Paddle Bend meets every Friday evening for a paddle out. On Septermber 29th, standuppaddlebend.com will be hosting a free "Ladies First" Stand Up Paddle Clinic & Demo Day from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. This event will be sponsored by Surftech, Kialoa, and Melika. Stand up paddling is totally equal for men and women. Couples and the whole family can do this together. For more information visit Stand Up Paddle Bend or the Stand Up Paddle Surfing Magazine events calendar.

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