Photo Finish!

Goodwin and Gannon battle to the bitter end!
"...it was unbelievable..."said Holzhall "to think that a three month season could be decide on the last wave of the last day..." That is what happened, Holzhall had a one storm lead going into the last day(today), paddlers headed out at sunrise, Gordon Gannon jumped out to an early lead followed closely by Goodwin. Holzhall fell behind early and never recovered. Goodwin and Gannon were on fire, matching wave for wave in the race to become the first to ten waves. Neither missed much as everything came down to who would catch their 10th wave first. "...every time I looked up they were riding waves...and it was not an easy day to paddle" said Holzhall. "in the back of my mind I thought 'they may get to ten waves at the same time...but it was just too outrageous to think that this could happen on the last day of the Season...' That is exactly what happened. Goodwin and Gannon each had 6 waves, then they both went 4 out of 4 catching the tenth wave together. Not only did they tie each other for the STORM they also tied up the Fall Big Wave Challenge.

"..for sure, that was the most important wave in this competition's history" said Goodwin. "I was pumped up...I went for it...great format...great competition!"

Gordon Gannon "I saw Glen catch his seventh wave and I said 'oh no' I felt the competition was slipping a way...but I just kept paddling hard and it was awesome that we caught that 10th wave together...what a way to end it!"

Congratulations to Glenn Goodwin, Gordon Gannon and John Holzhall winners of the FAll BIG WAVE PADDLE BOARDING CHAMPIONSHIP

Fall Big Wave Challenge comes down to the wire!

The Fall Big Wave Challenge comes to an end tomorrow Dec. 31st and there is swell on the horizon! The 29th of December brought large surf, the three leaders; John Holzhall, Glen Goodwin and Gordon Gannon battled it out to the bitter end. Glen Goodwin found the "honey hole" while Gordon Gannon picked off a number of quality waves. At the end of the day John Holzhall got to ten waves first and pulled out the win and a one storm lead heading into the final storm of the season.
"...the waves were real thick and juicy, one of the better days we've had" said Holzhall.
"...my cheek was pressed to a couple of those faces as I went down the line...incredible day..."said Glen Goodwin
"those were some of the biggest waves that i have dropped in on..." said Gordon Gannon.

Smoke'n Surf Hits the DR

Goodwin ties it up with 2 days left!
Glen Goodwin was all over the swells that hit the North Coast of the DR...he caught the am and pm sessions bringing the Fall Season into a 3 way tie. He was on a roll late Saturday afternoon when he heard a cry for help...the local fishermen (who provide Paddler's with fresh Mahi and Ahi on a daily basis) lost their engine and were heading towards a pounding at the "Fire Coral Bar and Grill". Glen settled them down then caught a wave in and came back out in a zodiac...Every one is safe and happy thanks to Glen!

Only two days left of the Fall Big Wave Challenge, more surf on the way and it's all tied!

"This is the best sturcure for a surf competition that I have ever been in...it works perfect for our sport!" says John Holzhall

"These are the biggest waves i've ever dropped in on a paddle board" says Gordon Gannon

Christmas Swell

Goodwin could bring about a 3-way tie with only days remaining in the Fall Big Wave Championship.
We are getting massive surf now and a Christmas swell is on the way.

Both Gannon and Holzhall are tied up and can't make the session. Goodwin is in position to come from way behind to tie this competition up. "...the big thing about this comp is being able to surf every good swell. It's not always possible says Holzhall.
"...to get back to back to back swells is really exciting...it's what makes this challenge great"

Massive Surf

It was big and ugly...Glenn Goodwin was the first out..."big, but very unorganized said Goodwin." John Holzhall and Professional Athlete/model Chris Smits followed. "...it was awesome said Smits, but I was in over my head." Glen Goodwin had the best ride and took the day's coco. Tomorrow should be an excellent day said Holzhall and a Christmas swell is on the horizon. Goodwin has a chance to tie up the Fall Big Wave Challenge, both Gordon and John are off island for the next few days.

Wicked action

The swell it, and it was good. John Holzhall, trailed leader Gordon Gannon 3-storms to 2 as the swell rolled in early Saturday Morning. John was out at sunrise teaching the next crew Paddle Boarding and the Spot. "...swell was there, but for sure there had to be more on the way" said Holzhall. Gordon Slept in and hit it hard latter in the day. Gannon's guess paid off as the swell hit Saturday night. Holzhall and Gannon battled it out, but Gannon was on fire and went five for five putting himself ever so close to taking the Fall Big Wave Series. Sunday morning rolled around and the sunrise session proved to be spectacular! "...I think that was the best surf I ever had at kite beach..." said Holzhall who caught 5 waves out of 5 tries. Glenn Goodwin struggled a bit early but quickly got it together for an impressive showing. "...John and Gordon are neck and neck this season, but i'm feeling strong about Winter 2010" said Goodwin. both Holzhall and Gannon agree that Goddwin will be a big factor both this season and Winter 2010. Gannon tried to go next level and photo document Sunday's session. By the time his photo crew was in place, the swell had peaked and the Fall Surf Season had been tied up. Leader Board reads...
Gannon 3
Holzhall 3
Goodwin 1

Next Swell should arrive Wednesday Morning

Look for big surf this weekend

Perhaps 40 more hours until the swell hits...this means surf will be happening early Saturday morning. "...look for a North Swell to hammer kite beach" say Coach, Surfer Matt MacArthur. "..the Method Right hander should be fire-ing."
John Holzhall and Gordon Gannon will be fighting it out for the Dominican Paddle Boarding Title. "...we should have excellent action this weekend..." says Holzhall. It could not come at a better time, John currently trails leader Gordon Gannon 3 storms to 2 with only 2 weeks remaining in the Fall Big Wave Series. "...this swell looks like it will be big...I do best in big surf." says Holzhall. Gordon Gannon had an impressive 3 storm lead but that lead is now only one storm and everything is pointing to big action this weekend.

Fall Surf Season Heats Up

Storm #6 brought big surf and a lot of weather. Sunrise action proved to be the best Paddle Boarding action. This storm brought rough weather to North America and 3 days of over head high surf to the North Coast of the DR. John Holzhall got out early and often to claim this storm and edge closer to leader Gordon Gannon. Gordon now leads the Fall Paddle Boarding Season 3 storms to 2 with perhaps the largest swell of the season heading this way by weeks end.

http://www.stormsurfing.com/cgi/display.cgi?a=natla_height

Fall Paddle Board Season ends December 31st...this means just about two weeks left.

"...no lead is safe..." says Gannon "...nature decides the contest dates and you have to be there and get your waves...it's a very natural competition..."

"...i love this type big wave competition..." says Holzhall "you have to be prepared to get the waves when they come..."

Major Storm

Hawaii got huge surf, North America got hammered, now the 1st big winter storm is in the Atlantic. The DR has had good swell for the past few days and more is on the way. "...we are getting a good "pre-storm" swell. Storms that big push a lot of water, they also suck water...right now water is being sucked from the East and bringing us solid surf in the process..." says John Holzhall.
The storm is impressive and has turned South East...this should make for a weeks worth of quality surf.

Fall Paddle Boarding Title

With only three weeks left in the Fall Surf Season, Gordon Gannon holds a an impressive 3-1 lead. The first major winter storm just hit the US, so the DR should be in for some wild action...

Fall Surf Action

This fall surf season has been incredible, "...I guess that you can attribute it to El Nino" says John Holzhall. "We had a great Hurricane Season which rolled right into the Fall Surf Season...it's been non-stop action" says Holzhall who is the Current 2009 Hurricane Season Champion.
Gordon Gannon of Ocean Point Condos said "...this season may come down to just how many storms you can catch...no one with a job can surf all those waves..."
Congratulations to John Holzhall for winning the last storm (Storm #5). This puts him on the leader board, tied with Glen Goodwin and two storms behind leader Gordon Gannon.

November = Big Surf

The first two weeks of November we memorable..."probably the best surf we have had in a long time" said Gordon Gannon. Storms are racing across North America eventually sending us swell. Also, many of North's residents flee the cold for the warm water, sun and cranking surf.
Congratulations Glen Goodwind, he just signed up for the competition and almost instantly won a storm (Storm #4). "...I guess it helps having a condo on the break (Glenn's Point)" said Goodwin.

Master's gets big Surf

The first annual Masters Surf Contest at Encuentro Beach had nothing but big surf. Gordon Gannon put on a clinic, mostly how to break out. Marcus Brohn, owner operator of 1-2-3 take off surf school, came in second while Gordon Gannon took home first place. That first place finish separated Gordon from the pack, giving him 3 wins early in the Fall Surf Season.

Oh ya

Nothing but big Surf...it's looking like an all time Fall Wave Season

2nd day is better

Swell peaked at Sunrise...Off shore winds made for an ideal setting. Gordon Gannon slide out the "back door" and picked his way out to Ocean Point. OP was working, and Gordon quickly got his waves. John Holzhall went for the big channel, but it was closed...a crucial mistake. Later he slide out the "Back Door" and got some waves. After quality action, the swell dropped and trades started to build in.
Gordon grabs the day's Goldon Coco and unofficially wins the first storm of the Fall Surf Season with 2 Cocos.

Dominican National Paddle Boarding Championships Surf Seasons.
Tropical: June - Oct 2009 Winner John Holzhall
Fall: Oct -Dec 31st 2009 Gordon Gannon 1 up
Winter: Jan 1 - May 2010

First Winter Storm- Gordon Gannon

The first Winter Surf hit Kite Beach today bringing super waves and wind conditions. Side off shore wind kept it clean. "OP2" was working offering head high clean right handers breaking back into the channel. With that said, the "Method Right Hander" had all the action... well over head offering countless peaks and long right handers. Gordon Gannon (OPG) and John Holzhall (Methodo) went wave 4 wave...twice riding the same big right hander. Both made a bunch of drops...made most of them and missed a few, the good news is no surfers got taken out in the process, but they were told to "...paddle or get out da way!" Both surfers took it well.

Winner:
John and Gordon ended up with the same wave count but Gannon got hot at the end going 5 for 5 to win today's Golden Coco. In this event, percentage matters!
Gannon: "...that was fun surf !"

Seasons Standings:
Gannon jumps out to a early 1-0 lead for the Winter Surf Season and is almost certain to win the
"MASTERs at Encuentro" November 5th and 6th. This event will be scored the same as one storm for the over all DR National Paddle Board Championships. Holzhall will be off island during during the event, weakening the field.

Holzhall "at this point Gordon is clearly head and shoulders over the other competitors. I'll be shocked if OPG leaves the coco on the table. With that said, any one can show up for the MASTERS so we will just have to see what happens. Wish I could be there!"

Hurrican Season 2009
It was close for a while, then John Holzhall pulled away and won the last two named storms to become the Unofficial 2009 Hurricane Season Dominican National Paddle Boarding Champion. Hurricane activity is not expected for the remainder of 2009.

How it works

Season to date

Leader:
John Holzhall
Hurricane Bob - 2 Golden Coco
Hurricane Danny - 1 Golden Coco
Hurricane Erika - 2 Golden Coco
Hurricane Henry - 1 Golden Coco

Second Place:
Gordon Gannon:
Hurricane Bob - 1 Golden Coco
Hurricane Danny - 2 Golden Coco

Concept:
It is amazing, every time there is great surf, the best surfers are there paddling! Great Waves get Surfed by Great Surfers. This competition simply details what happened, how big and who "the man" was!

What:
The DR National Paddle Board Championships.


Where:
Kite Beach DR

When:
6:30am start
We surf storms. In the Tropical Season, Named Storms. In the Winter season Big Lows. Contestants check wave heights...when it is good, we go!
There are two seasons:
1 Winter Storm Season (October to March)
2. Tropical Wave Season (June to October)

How:
When "the Days" come, you win the "Golden Coconut" by being the first to catch ten waves. "Kick Outs" count for 1/2 wave, "Full Rides" count for a full wave and a "Coast to Coast" (all the way out side to all the way inside) counts for a for a wave and 1/2.

At the end of the Storm, the person with the most "Golden Coconuts" wins that storm. The one who wins the most storms becomes that Seasons Dominican National Paddle Board Champion!

It ain't over

Hurricane Season is still happening..."Henry" is gaining strength North East of the Dominican Republic.
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at5+shtml/143515.shtml?5-daynl#contents

Look for solid surf in 2-3 days!

Winter Storm Season Is Starting

Winter Waves are heading this way...sigh up now for the Dominican National Paddle Board Championships (Winter 2009-10).

Adios Erika

Sign up for the 2010 Winter Wave Season Now!

Erika came and went, giving us two days of solid surf. We had high hopes because she was slow moving and had good exposure to the DR. In the end, Erika faded a bit but was a nice storm that threw 2 memorable days of surf. John Holzhall ended up taking the Golden Cocos for both days.

Erika throws huge surf

Swell has hit...Gordon Gannon and John Holzhall went head to head in near perfect surf this morning. Way over head high surf and slight off shore winds made for epic action. John went West, the long way out the channel and Gordon gambled and went straight out to Ocean Point 1. Gordon made it through the break quickly but paid the price as he took a wave inside...John paddled out dry and quicky caught a few "rights" at Ocean point 2. The channel was working perfectly and john quickly got to 10 waves first. Golden Coco goes to John Holzhall today.

Season todate
Gordon Gannon:
Hurricane Bob - 1 Golden Coco
Hurricane Danny - 2 Golden Coco

John Holzhall
Hurricane Bob - 2 Golden Coco
Hurricane Danny - 1 Golden Coco
Hurricane Erika - 2 Golden Coco

Dominican Paddle Board Championships

Are you ready? Looks like another good swell this Wednesday- Friday...the DR Paddle Boarding Championships will be on!

What:
The DR National Paddle Board Championships

Where:
Kite Beach DR

When:
6:30am start
We surf storms. In the Tropical Season, Named Storms. In the Winter season Big Lows. Contestants check wave heights...when it is good, we go!
There are two seasons:
1 Winter Storm Season (October to March)
2. Tropical Wave Season (July to September)

How:
When "the Days" come, you win the "Golden Coconut" by being the first to catch ten waves. Kick outs count for 1/2 wave, full rides count for a full wave.
At the end of the Storm, the person with the most "Golden Coconuts" wins that storm. The one who winds the most storms becomes that Seasons Dominican National Paddle Board Champion!