TSR Paddle Review and Tips from Mo Freitas

The Sawyer Ripper "X" Paddle Review

By Mo Freitas

Aloha from Haleiwa, Oahu this is Mo Freitas and I’m going to talk to you about my Sawyer Ripper "X" paddle. Before we get there, I want to say the waves here on the North Shore have being massive, lots of barrels and broken boards. As a Stand Up Paddle surfer, I like to have all my equipment as strong and as reliable as it can be. That’s why my go to paddle for surfing is the Ripper "X".

 Here are a few Pros and Cons about the Paddle. 
Let me start out with the Pros;         the Ripper "X", being wood, makes it an extremely durable and flexible paddle. For example, I only use the Ripper "X" at pipe because I can rely on it not breaking. It’s a lot more “showy” than the carbon paddles. The wood really brings out the beauty in these paddles. The construction of the paddle is as flawless as the way it performs. The blade cut on the Ripper "X" is different, with more of a narrow, straight cut. Because of the Ripper "X"s weight, it has a little more momentum when transferring from one side to the other. I like using the Ripper X for training and free surfing, because the weight difference makes using the TSR later, in a competition, a breeze.


Let me conclude with a few cons of the Ripper "X". First it’s not as aerodynamic and sharp as the TSR. Another disadvantage is with it is the weight. Because it’s wood and so strong the weight comes with it. That is really the only reason I don’t use the Ripper X in contests. Other than it being bit heavy, the Ripper "X" is a performance enhancing, and reliable paddle.

Sawyer Photo Contest Winners

Congratulations to our Sawyer Photo Contest Winners! (Click on the images to see full size original.) $500 Grand Prize Winner - Sawyer Chapel Submitted by Bobby Bower $200 Runner-Up Prize Winner - MOE in Glen Canyon Submitted by Brad Dimock $50 Top Prize Winners: Winter Paddle Submitted by Paul Coroleuski Practicing Moves Submitted by Tom Pogson Rock Gardening Submitted by Mark Morel J's Flip Submitted by Johnathan Kurz Take it All In Submitted by Tug Birk Senior on West Fork Submitted by Zach Collier Landscape Figures Submitted by Saylor Flett Husum Falls Submitted by Todd Hower Be sure to check out what's NEW for 2014 at PaddlesandOars.com! Again a very big thank you to all that participated. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Crazy-Pete (President) and Team Sawyer

Flying with a SUP - Adventures Around the Globe

                   

I just got back from a literal trip around the world with an inflatable SUP and my
Sawyer STORM TRAVELER SUP Paddle. I visited six countries and countless 
airports as we embarked on many SUP whitewater first descents in Bosnia, 
Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Bhutan.

Since most airlines have cracked down on baggage,
it can be a lot more expensive to fly with more than one bag. 

Thanks to the STORM TRAVELER 3pc breakdown paddle and my Badfish inflatable
 SUP,  I was able to get all my SUP gear into one checked 
bag that weighed just under 50 lbs. 
A full length paddle would have required a second checked bag and at 
$100 per leg of the journey that alone would have cost me an extra $700.

I made this work by packing all my personal items in a bag that I could carryon,

along with a large backpack. Most airlines allow for 50 lbs (or 23 kg)
 or they’ll tack on a $100 excess weight charge. Sometimes the people
 at the checkin counter would overlook a few pounds and other

times I had to shuffle gear between my checked bag and carryon bag
 until the checked bag was under 50 lbs.

Here area couple of things I learned when traveling with a SUP:

• Walkup to the checkin counter with a big smile and ask the airline employee about their day.
• Remember to dry out your gear before you fly. Wet gear can easily add 10 lbs.
• Carryon bags also officially have a weight limit, but it’s rarely checked. 
• Pack dense items in your carryon and bulky items in the checked bag with the SUP and paddle.

If you’re really worried about weight, wear your jacket and load 
up the pockets with throw bags and other small, heavy things.
 The "STORM TRAVELER" SUP paddle is conveniently the same
 width as most inflatable SUPs. You can roll it up inside the SUP
 to protect it during transport.

Article submitter by The "Sup Traveler", Ambassador  Zach Collier

Get ready for the 3rd Annual Sawyer Garage Sale!

We have just been informed that the forecast calls for gale force winds, rain, sleet and snow, so this garage sale is going to be online!!

So, stay in your pajamas, shop at 3:00 am or email your wish list to your great Aunt Sally in Florida.

You can now search all the great deals for close outs, overstock models and cosmetic blemished paddles and oars right at your fingertips. The “New” Sawyer "Web Specials" page is live and your total resource for discounted Sawyer Products.

 http://www.paddlesandoars.com/FACTORY-CLOSEOUTS/

This page will be updated on a Bi-weekly basis with several different products and promotions.  Check back regularly because all products are limited to stock on hand.

Very few of these paddles remain, so don't wait!