Brought a streetboardz cruiser a couple of years back to help with learning to turn my sup. Until I visited this site yesterday I had not seen the use of the pole. This seems a lot closer to sup surfing thinking of trying to make a cheap pole and give it a go.
The pole, or land paddle is way easier than skating - on concrete that is - gravel is a lot harder.
But I think a home built cheapy may not be the right way to go.
I have bought a Hamboards Streetsweeper from the US - I think it was $99, which is pretty good.
I am finding I need to load it up / put some bend in mid length to get the tip to grip on gravel or loose surfaces.
Anything but a carbon tube may be inclined to fracture.
You can also use it to brake - foot braking is escaping me so far.
The Hamboard tips (@$25 I think) are in my opinion way superior to anything else around.
A proper paddle handle will be important - you are putting a lot of effort in with your hands - land paddle I have found so far is way harder than water paddling.
Without a real handle, you will blister your hands really quickly.
Getting the hang of paddling across your body when in surf stance the other way is proving challenging, but it's all got to help for water based stuff.
I have been surprised how much fun the skating / land paddling thing is.
But I feel like a total dick doing it when I meet people - I shouldn't. Hard to overcome negative self perceptions of what a 54 year old should be doing.
Comments from others
"Mate, the Bay's this way"
"Good on you"
"That looks like good exercise"
"Cool"
"Is that a surfboard?"
Maybe google Kahuna Stick - they had a bamboo paddle out a few years ago - could be some around second hand.
thanks Nozza
not quite sure why the use of wheels on the pole when they don't turn. I understand you rotate them for wear is that it?
I never tried it but I heard a martial arts bamboo stick with a kong ball on the end was a good DIY setup with the right flex.
This is the Hamboards Pole.
It has a proper paddle handle.
There's a nice amount of flex in the carbon shaft.
The tip pivots to maintain contact.
And you can see there where it's worn from braking.
This is a spare tip.
Which I just noticed is sk8 branded.
Did a search and they are made by a company called sk8pole, who make an adjustable aluminium pole, and sell the parts.
thankx again Nozza
the hamboards pole looks good but just for a tryout I will go the dyi option first.
I did the DYI option as I wanted to do it cheap before finding out if it was for me. Turns out it wasn't and I'd didn't enjoy it much so I saved a bit of coin. Total cost of DYI - $18.
That may be another thing to consider.
The bindings on the board are looking more sensible now.
Will try to master what I have before I get more adventurous.
I love the BraapStik land paddle.. performance paddle in a small collapsible package.. the fiberglass spring absorbs impact and propels you.. the foot wears great and provides good traction.. check it out www.zenxteninc.com
