Honolulu — The 32-mile paddleboard crossing of the Molokai (Ka’Iwi) Channel is considered the most brutal physical and mental challenge in the world for the waterman. But the new wave of standup (SUP) paddlers are here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be a near-death experience.

The word is out and the SUP division of the Rainbow Sandals Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race, presented by Honolua, is the fastest growing division of this 13 year-old race. Offering solo and team categories, it’s also luring its fair share of big names.

Without a doubt, tackling the Ka’Iwi solo is where the major praise lies — along with the major pain. But the Molokai martyrdom isn’t for everyone. For SUP-ers, the idea of channel surfing the distance with a paddle and a buddy is the big attraction.

Among those 2-man teams contesting the 2009 SUP division are: Gerry “Mr. Pipeline” Lopez and Rainbow Sandals founder Jay “Sparky” Longley; former world 16-ranked pro surfer and Polo Ralph Lauren model Buzzy Kerbox and Kiva Rivers; top SUP designer/shaper Dave Parmenter and godfather of distance SUP, Archie Kalepa; and C4 Waterman founder Todd Bradley and his 18-year-old son Christian, who race SUP in the purest style – on a shorter, rudderless 14-foot board.

WHEN:
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Start at 7:30am.

WHERE:
From Kaluakoi on the west end of Molokai island, 32 miles across the Ka’iwi Channel to a finish line at Maunalua Bay Beach Park in Hawaii Kai.

THE PADDLERS:
Defending men’s and women’s paddleboard champions:
Jamie Mitchell (Australia) & Kanesa Duncan (Hawaii).
Defending SUP champion
Duane DeSoto (Hawaii).
Team SUP: Gerry Lopez (Hawaii) & Jay ‘Sparky’ Longley, Jr. (Rainbow Sandals founder).

RECORDS:
Men’s solo paddleboard:
Jamie Mitchell (Australia), 4:48:23, set in 2007.

Women’s solo paddleboard: Kanesa Duncan (Hawaii),
5:53:49, set in 2004.

SUP solo: Kevin Horgan (Kauai), 5:54:59, set in 2007.

SUP team: Ekolu & David Kalama (Maui), 4:36:55, set in 2007.

Stock 2-man Team: Jimmy Austin & Dolan Eversole (Hawaii), 5:04:48, set in 2004.

read more of the story at rainbow sandals site

Patagonia said that on June 19 it launched a revamped Footprint Chronicles website with a new format that expands upon the company’s social practices. The Footprint Chronicles is an interactive mini website that reveals to consumers the good and the bad involved in manufacturing outdoor clothing.

The revamp adds the environmental footprint of 166 individual products to their website, becoming the only apparel manufacturer in Europe to offer the public such broad transparency regarding products’ impact on the earth. The updated website also offers live comments posted on Patagonia’s blog (the Cleanest line) about the Footprint Chronicles and hosts a new 15-minute video about Patagonia’s social responsibility efforts.

“We believe it’s important for our customers to know the true environmental and social impact of a garment they purchase,” said Casey Sheahan, president and CEO of Patagonia. “The Footprint Chronicles allows us to do this publicly – and helps our customers make better purchasing decisions.”

check out the footprint site

read more story at surfersvillage

H2O Audio (www.h2oaudio.com), the leader in high performance waterproof headphones and accessories for active people everywhere, today announced a multi-year partnership with 16-time Olympic medalist and 17-time World Champion swimmer, Michael Phelps. Committed to encouraging healthy living, enhancing the swimming and training experience and spreading awareness for the sport, H2O Audio and Phelps will collaborate on product development and marketing initiatives.

Phelps’ imagery and voice will be integrated into select product packaging, advertisements and displays at leading retailers including Apple Stores, Best Buy and Target, as well as online at www.h2oaudio.com and www.amazon.com. The campaign will launch this Summer.

“H2O Audio is extremely proud to welcome Michael Phelps to our team,” said Kristian Rauhala, founder and ceo, H2O Audio. “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to work with one of the finest athletes in the world, especially one who so perfectly aligns with H2O Audio’s mission to encourage everyone — from the elite athlete to the recreational participant — to pursue an active lifestyle and push their level of performance.”

check out more story at transworld