Rob Graham – “Land is a place of rest.”

 

Catching waves has been a huge part of my life since I was getting barreled on a Morey boogie board kit at Salt Creek Beach as a child.  Dana Point, CA was my stomping grounds for many years.  I started my work career at the Dana Point Chart House, and then was transferred to Malibu.  The BU became my favorite backside wave anywhere.  In 2001 I moved to Carpentaria, Santa Barbara County, at that same time all my best friends moved to the North Shore of Maui.  With my swimming background I joined the lifeguards in SB.  I only worked summers so spending my winters working on a boat in Maui seemed like a good idea. While there I saw SUP getting very popular.  I bought a Munoz 12.0 and made a make shift paddle.  I acquired a carbon windsurfing mast, cut a outrigger paddle in half, glued each end to the mast, and I had my first carbon/wood SUP paddle, I WAS HOOKED.

Things then began to really take off for SUP and the new carbon race boards came along. I had paddled Outrigger in Marina Del Rey a few seasons so SUP racing came as a natural progression for me. Believing that stand up paddling was going to be a hugely popular sport and personally enjoying SUP so much, I went all in and started my own SUP business, Stand Up Paddling Adventures, in Santa Barbara. We’ve had huge success in providing lessons and tours, kids’ camps and clinics.

I was introduced to the Angulo team in 2010 at one of the SUP races. What a group of quality people.  I am blessed to know them. I am looking forward to riding and racing Ed’s future designs for a long time. SUP surfing doesn’t get any better, Having a 9-10 foot board, a 10 foot leash and a paddle make things a bit more challenging, mostly in some good surf (BIG) preferably.

 

Racing SUPs is a fast growing sport, mostly for those who like the competitive social aspect of it all. Weather your just out to paddle and get a work out or just a challenge of being competitive in your age group class. Or just winning and loosing to you buddies, hopefully beating them either way it’s healthy. I have a close network of friends in Santa Barbara whom I paddle with, SB has a NW wind 300 days of the year, We usually meet down south and pack up drive north and charge a Down Winder. Nothing better then a 20-yard glide in the open Ocean with a buddy by your side with the same STOKE.

 

Whatever your SUP choice is? Have fun, learn etiquette, be safe and look me up if your in SB when you visit. Thanks to the Angulo Team for all they do

 

ROB GRAHAM