Mauiwindcam just got back from the 2010 Surf Expo and we think it should have been called the SUP Expo, tons of SUPs on the floor and in the pool. Overall the show had a very positive vibe and it looks like the industry is ready to come out of the recession and have some fun.
Maui was very well represented, Naish (www.naishsurfing.com) of course had a huge selection of SUP boards, windsurfers, and kiteboards, while some smaller companies like Neptune Paddles (www.neptunepaddles.com) made in Haiku, also were at the show showing off their goods. Mark from Neptune says you got to try his new paddles to believe them. Jimmy Lewis (www.jimmylewis.com) had some great boards on display, and a new really fun looking short wave SUP, along with some great kiteboards and regular surfboards.
Kai Lenny and Zane Schweitzer, both Maui boys were at the show talking up products and having fun.
Many other Hawaii companies were at the show, and it shows why SUP development continues to come from Hawaii. The Big Islands Hyper Hawaii (www.hypernalu.com) had some great looking boards, as did Oahu’s Kai Mana (www.kmboards.com) and C4 Waterman (www.c4waterman.com).
Mainland companies were coming on strong with new companies and boards from almost every state. Surftech (www.surftech.com) has sooo many shapes and styles and technologies that it makes your head spin. You wish their booth was your quiver, something for absolutely every condition.
Of course there were tons of other companies selling everything and anything related to surfing, skate and beach. The resort section is always good for a walk through as the bikini companies all exhibit their goods, that’s right bikini models everywhere.
One of the more interesting products was SNP (www.surfnanoproducts.com) a Nano formula that is supposed to reduce the friction on your board and make everything in the water faster and easier, from your paddle out to your coast run. Not sure how it works, but will have to give it a try and see if it really does make a difference. Not a product but something we all like – waves. The Waverider Club (www.waveriderclub.com) officially opened for business and was showing off its first rental properties.
The party at the Hilton was a hit with the DJ mashing up everything and anything from Johnny Cash to Guns and Roses. Volcom handed out free beer again, and free beer is always a hit.
The best show at the show happened to be the worst thing. A sprinkler way up in the ceiling burst and showered tons of water down on top of about 20 booths. Soaking absolutely everybody and everything in those booths. A few hours later after the cleanup, everyone was back selling and happy that it was just water.
Check out the video on our facebook page.
This entry was posted on Thursday, January 21st, 2010 at 3:45 pm and is filed under Misc. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response by filling in the form below, or trackback from your own site.
