People who work with Sharks: Dr Ryan Kempster

Mossel Bay, June 2016:  Dr Ryan Kempster is a shark biologist and founder of the non-profit organisation Support Our Sharks (SOS). He obtained his B.Sc. (2005) and M.Sc. (2007) in marine biology in the UK, and went on to complete a Ph.D. at the University of Western Australia (UWA) in the sensory biology of sharks. Dr Kempster recently spent a month with Oceans Research working on his shark deterrent project.

How did you end up in science and research?
I’ve always had an interest in animals and science, although, my path has changed quite a lot, which was dictated by how well I was doing in certain subjects. When I was younger, I wanted to be a vet, but didn’t quite get the grades needed. My college supervisor had a nephew studying marine biology so he threw it out to me as an idea. I ended up doing........ continue here --> http://capetownsup.com/all-cape-town/our-oceans/item/82-shark-people-dr-ryan-kempster

Fiona Ayerst: Underwater Photographer

Mossel Bay, August 2016:  Fiona Ayerst is a specialist stills underwater photographer. She’s also a writer, public speaker, tour guide and a passionate conservationist who speaks up for animal rights.

How did you get into underwater photography?
I have always been passionate about water and being immersed in it. I feel safe and happy in water. It is my ‘ go to’ place if I am ever stressed. As a child, I spent many holidays in the blue, warm Indian Ocean around  Mombasa. My parents say I could swim before I could walk. I definitely preferred being in water from a very young age. I started photography as a hobby around 14 years ago, then in April 2007 I decided that I needed a career change. I was a litigation attorney with my own practice in Johannesburg at the time. I sold the files in my firm and decided instead to follow my passion for photography. Some may call this a ‘mid-life crisis’........

Continue reading here ----> http://capetownsup.com/all-cape-town/our-oceans/item/83-fiona-ayerst-photographer

Why LockRacks?

One of my biggest issues with SUP / Surf travel by car has always been the roof-rack and straps to hold the boards down whilst you cruise from spot to spot. Even if it was just a Saturday morning and I was going down to beach for a quick paddle. I had to get the boards onto the car, then get the straps (untangle them 1st most of the time) and do the whole rig of getting the straps over, walking around the car to do so and then back. Then get the strap through the clamp (mission sometimes when the strap ends are frayed), then pull till it's tight and tie the loose ends down. Taking the boards down at the beach was easier but then coming home I had to do the same again to fasten the boards - with tired arms. Anyone who transports any type of board, canoe or kayak regularly will agree I'm sure.

Then I saw a couple of guys drive around town with these arm type things on the roof-rack that hold their board down. I googled it and and came across the LockRack Youtube channel, it looked like a good system and the reviews I read were all positive. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the system founder was a Saffa, from Durban - Brad Foster. I decided to get myself one to see if it will make my life easier.

Read the rest here: My LockRacks

The Cape Town SUP Rocket

After doing a review on the ZealSurf Rocket, I decided that this is the board I want. I've had my VanHunks 9'6 for a while now, it's an older model - 2014 if I recall correctly - and whilst that is a good solid beginner / intermediate SUP Surf board I felt I wanted a more progressive board. The aim is to take my surfing up a notch.

I've always been impressed by the quality and finishing of the other ZealSurf boards I've seen eg. the Easy Glider ....... read the rest here > http://capetownsup.com/sup/surf/item/80-cape-town-sup-rocket

 

Hydrofoils for SUP Geeks...

Every now and then there is a news flash on it, slowly but surely the word is getting out - some recon this is the next big thing, others skeptically look at it and shake their heads. 1st it was Laird Hamilton on a surfboard that made the surfing headlines and now more recently Kai Lenny on a SUP that had the social media networks buzzing....

Hydrofoils..... or just Foils for short.

But apart from the fact that it looks kinda weird floating above the water and it also looks like a mission to carry, I don't really know much about it. When Ian from ZealSurf let it drop that he is planning to build a locally designed Hydrofoil SUP I went round asking some questions.


CTS: What is a hydrofoil stand up board? find out here..

How to Choose the Right SUP Paddle

I spoke to Tyran Cooper, the Brand Manager for Coreban at Xpression on the Beach in Muizenberg recently regarding SUP Paddles and here is what he had to say: 

What makes a good beginner paddle for surfing, cruising & touring respectively?

When buying your new paddle, it is important to find the right paddle for your needs. Blade size and paddle length are the two main factors to consider..

Blade size is a key when choosing a paddle.[click here to read the rest of the story]

Women Who SUP: Melissa Volker

This week we interview Blogger, Writer, Tweeter and SUP girl extraordinaire - Missy!

 Name: Melissa Volker (for formal occasions and when I am in trouble with my Mom.) I have been called Missy since I can remember.

Age: Hahahaha. You're kidding right?  On a public platform?  I am a smidge north of forty. I'll just leave that there.

Read the rest here ---->  Missy Volker