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Proper Suncare, is proper Skincare, and to take proper care of your skin, you have to take the enitre process seriously. When we Started Vertra Elemental Resistance in 2004, we vowed to do just that, to make a serious push and bring skincare awareness to the forefront of our market because until now, it has basically been a category that has been mostly taken for granted. Our Athletes that participate in the paddlesports industry are amongst the most prolific candidates to suffer from sunburn, skin damage, photo-aging and unfortunately in many cases, skin cancer. SIMPLY PUT, quality suncare products for people like us are not an accessory, but a necessity!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

www.vertra.com


The Vertra Paddlesports blog will be integrating back into the www.vertra.com website, for future information on the Vertra Paddlesports team please direct your attention there! Much Aloha




For any additional information regarding Vertra Sunscreen, dealer locations or the Vertra Paddlesports team, Contact: Eric Abbott at: wailupeabbott@gmail.com (808)-551-9890. Or visit us on facebook at www.facebook.com/vertrapaddlesports 

Vertra Sunscreen embodies the characteristics of being a quality, innovative and stylish product. Our superior line of sun resistant products carries the full endorsement of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association in addition to all our products bare the Skin Caner Foundation Official Seal of Recommendation. We have developed, formulated, and manufactured a product with superior ingredients in a designer quality fashion…we would not settle for anything less!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Vertra Paddlers Dominate 2011 Steinlager OC1 World Championships

Vertra Paddlers Dominate 2011 Steinlager OC1 World Championship
Kai Bartlett
Lauren Bartlett
The 2011 Steinlager OC1 World Championship was a success for the Vertra Paddlesports team. Lauren Bartlett one of Hawaii's most decorated paddlers captured her 7th World Title while her husband Kai earned his 5th. Danny Ching the 2010 defending Champion placed 2nd overall with Scott Gamble taking 6th. "It is great to see our team guys performing well, they train hard all year long and it is nice to see their hard work pay off" commented Eric Abbott, Vertra Sunscreen's paddlesports marketer. The conditions this year held light winds, with Kai finishing in 4 hours and 15 min.

Danny Ching

Scott Gamble

Kai Bartlett:  4:15:35
Danny Ching: 4:17:42
Scott Gamble: 4:27:27
Lauren Bartlett: 4:43:57
More results: click here

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Vertra: Elemental Resistance’s Paddlers back in the Kaiwi Channel

::FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE::
Eric Abbott
Vertra: Marketing
Scott Gamble
Kai Bartlett
Vertra: Elemental Resistance’s Paddlers back in the Kaiwi Channel
Honolulu, Hawaii (April 10th, 2011) Vertra Elemental Resistance Sunscreen is proud to announce their 2011 Steinlager Kaiwi Channel OC1 World Championship team. This year defending world champion Danny Ching and Lauren Bartlett will be back to defend their titles. Kai Bartlett, four- time world champion and Scott Gamble will be rounding out the Vertra squad.
On April 17th Lauren Bartlett, Danny Ching, Kai Bartlett and Scott Gamble will be heading to Molokai to compete in the 32-mile open ocean course navigating one of the most dangerous waterways in the world. The race should take the paddlers between 3.5- 4 hours to complete. The event starts from Kaluakoi on Molokai and finishes inside Moanalua Bay on Oahu

Danny Ching, last years Champion will be back this year to defend his title. After a successful season on the Standup Paddling racing circuit, Ching has not missed a beat paddling the OC1 either.  Dominating the California Racing Series and winning the 2011 Koa Nui Championships last month, Ching is looking to be as tough and competitive as ever racing his Kamanu Composite OC1.

Lauren Bartlett, Hawaii’s most decorated canoe paddler will be heading back to the Kaiwi Channel once again to defend her World Championship Title. This year Bartlett will be racing on her new Kai Wa’a Scorpius XS OC1 boat. “I am excited to be back in the Channel again,” commented Bartlett “hope for strong winds and fast times.” This channel is no stranger to Bartlett as she has crossed and won this event numerous times on all types of paddling crafts. Whether she paddles an OC1, Surfski, Outrigger Canoe or Paddleboard, Bartlett seems finish on top of the field.

Kai Bartlett, 4-time World Champion will be back in full form for this years Channel crossing competing on his new line of Kai Wa’a Scorpius OC1 boats. Kai will be looking forward to strong winds and rough ocean conditions.

Scott Gamble (3rd overall ’09 & ’10 Molokai to Oahu SUP Unlimited) will be racing this event on an OC1 for his first time. “I’ve paddled the channel on a SUP board and Outrigger Canoe, it should be a fun challenge to tackle this course on a OC1” explained Gamble. Gamble who is becoming a jack-of-all-trades in the paddling world is looking to make his mark in the Channel this year paddling on his Kai Wa’a Scorpius XM OC1.

For more information event website: www.paahawaii.com

Lauren Bartlett
Danny Ching
For any additional information regarding Vertra Sunscreen, dealer locations or the Vertra Paddlesports team, Contact: Eric Abbott at: wailupeabbott@gmail.com (808)-551-9890. Or visit us on facebook at www.facebook.com/vertrapaddlesports 

Vertra Sunscreen embodies the characteristics of being a quality, innovative and stylish product. Our superior line of sun resistant products carries the full endorsement of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association in addition to all our products bare the Skin Caner Foundation Official Seal of Recommendation. We have developed, formulated, and manufactured a product with superior ingredients in a designer quality fashion…we would not settle for anything less!



Vertra's Vela and Becker 1 & 3 at 2011 Hovie SUP Festival

Vertra's Anthony Vela and Matt Becker 1 & 3 at 2011 Hovie SUP Festival
Becker (Blue Board) Vela (Black Board)
Vertra Sunscreen's team members Anthony Vela (Southbay) and Matt Becker (Santa Barbara) finished 1st and 3rd in the 2011 Hovie SUP Festival at the Newport Aquatic Center. After a 6-mile elite race, Vela and Becker battled it out head to head in the 200m '"Dash for Cash" sprint. Vela edging Becker in the Stock SUP division taking home some cash!

Becker
Becker and Vela

Anthone Vela and his Boardworks weapon

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Vertra's Eric Abbott 2009 Molokai Paddleboard Crossing

Eric Abbott- Molokai Channel
Vertra's Eric Abbott 2009 Molokai Paddleboard Crossing
Vertra Elemental Resistance Eric Abbott's 2009 Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard video. That year Abbott placed 3rd overall in the Stock class with Vertra's own Mikey Cote setting the Stock world record followed by Mitch Degeus in 2nd.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Vertra's Mikey Cote's Surf Trip to Namotu!

Vertra's Mikey Cote's  Surf Trip to Namotu!

Vertra Sunscreen's Mikey Cote ventured down to Namotu for a surf trip with his fiancee Rachel Spear at the end of march.


Mikey and Rachel




Vertra Sunscreen embodies the characteristics of being a qualityinnovative and stylish product. Our superior line of sun resistant products carries the full endorsement of theHawaii Lifeguard Association in addition to all our products bare the Skin Caner Foundation Official Seal of Recommendation. We have developed, formulated, and manufactured a product with superior ingredients in a designer quality fashion…we would not settle for anything less!

For any additional information regarding Vertra Sunscreen, dealer locations or the Vertra Paddlesports team, Contact: 
Eric Abbott at: wailupeabbott@gmail.com (808)-551-9890. 
Or visit us on: 

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Vertra's Matt Becker on the Blueline SUP Trip to Sri Lanka

Vertra's Matt Becker on the Blueline SUP Trip to Sri Lanka

Verta Sunscreen's Matt Becker ventured with the Blueline SUP team to Sri Lanka for a SUP surf and expedition. Check out the video by Peter Trow, also featured in the video is Jim Brewer and Genelle Ives.


Sri Lanka - Stand Up Paddle from Blueline - Santa Barbara on Vimeo.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Vertra's Kai Lenny to compete in 2011 Oxbow Ride the Sky Event

Vertra's Kai Lenny to compete in 2011 Oxbow Ride the Sky Event
Kai Lenny windsurfing
April 1st is just a few days away, and the mark of the 1 month holding period for the 2011 Oxbow Ride the Sky Event. An invitation only event drawing the world's best windsurfer's to Maui to compete for top prize. Enjoy Lenny in a quick event video teaser.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Ocean Ohana Catalina Challenge 2011 Video

Ocean Ohana Catalina Challenge 2011 Video
Vertra Sunscreen partnered up with Ocean Ohana for the 2011 Catalina Challenge. The 40 mile relay event from Avalon on Catalina to Dana Point draws some of the best OC1, OC2, SUP and paddleboard athletes. Teams are comprised into 2 and 3 paddlers per team.  Vertra's Danny Ching who dominated this event over the years choose to paddle the relay in a five person team. The team consisting of Danny Ching, Josh Cryton, Cryton's 10 year-old son Garrett and Garrett's two friends who were 10 and 13. "It was pretty special," commented Ching, "it's great to see the excitement in the young kids as they are the future for the sport." Even with less than favorable ocean conditions, the event was still a huge success. Family's gathered on Baby Beach to cheer on the athletes as they crossed the finish line. This event is special to the California paddling community commented Race Director Jeane Barrett, "It was great to have Vertra partnered with this years event as well as seeing Vertra crew supporting the athletes as they finished the race was awesome." 


2011 Catalina Challenge Finish line from Eric Abbott on Vimeo.



Morning Setup, waiting for 1st Finishers at Baby Beach, Dana Point


Thomas Gallagher coming across the finish line

Athlete completing the 40 mile Relay

Check for results at www.oceanohana.com


Vertra Sunscreen embodies the characteristics of being a quality, innovative and stylish product. Our superior line of sun resistant products carries the full endorsement of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association in addition to all our products bare the Skin Caner Foundation Official Seal of Recommendation. We have developed, formulated, and manufactured a product with superior ingredients in a designer quality fashion…we would not settle for anything less!

For any additional information regarding Vertra Sunscreen, dealer locations or the Vertra Paddlesports team, Contact: 
Eric Abbott at: wailupeabbott@gmail.com (808)-551-9890. 
Or visit us on: 

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Vertra's John Becker in the Snow

Vertra's John Becker SUPing in the Snow

Kamiah in the Snow

Even in the Snow, Vertra Sunscreen is not an option but a necessity! Vertra's John Becker knows this all to well as he spends his time both on the Santa Barbara Shores as well as on the Slopes in Utah. Check out some killer pics of John and his pup Kamiah enjoying some spring fun in the snow!

John doing some Cold Water Training


Friday, March 25, 2011

Vertra Paddlers at the 2010 Olukai Ho'olaule'a

Vertra Paddlers at the 2010 Olukai Ho'olaule'a

A killer video from the 2010 Olukai Ho'olaule'a Festival on Maui. Check on Danny Ching (blue Primo Hat), Riggs Napoleon (young gun) and Aaron Napoleon killing it on the Maliko Run!


2010 OluKai Ho'olaule'a from OluKai Premium Footwear on Vimeo.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Vertra's Matt Becker wins the 2011 Surftech SUP Race, Gillian Gibree takes 3rd!

Vertra Sunscreen's Matt Becker wins 2011 Surftech SUP Race, Gillian Gibree Takes 3rd!
Anthony Vela (Left) Matt Becker (Right)
 Santa Cruz, California (March 19th 2011) Vertra Sunscreen's Matt Becker takes the win at the 2011 Surftech SUP event in Santa Cruz this weekend!  The 6-mile elite race course was held in less than optimal conditions for the athletes, with wind gusts up to 20 MPH and near freezing water temps. Athletes had to battle all the elements just to finish.  Becker one of Vertra's youngest paddlesports athletes took top honors over Dan Gavere and Anthony Vela. "It was tough for sure out there today," commented Becker "you just had to push hard up wind, than surf your way back to the finish." Vela and Becker battled each other most of the race. "My Joe Bark 12'6 Competitor SUP board was incredible on the downwind portion of the race" added Becker. Vertra's Gillian Gibree took 3rd overall in the elite women's division as well this weekend.  For more info: http://surftechsup.com/news/sup_shootout_2011) 


Gillian Gibree



Matt Becker

Vela and Becker
Photos from: www.supconnect.com 


Vertra Sunscreen embodies the characteristics of being a quality, innovative and stylish product. Our superior line of sun resistant products carries the full endorsement of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association in addition to all our products bare the Skin Caner Foundation Official Seal of Recommendation. We have developed, formulated, and manufactured a product with superior ingredients in a designer quality fashion…we would not settle for anything less!

For any additional information regarding Vertra Sunscreen, dealer locations or the Vertra Paddlesports team, Contact: 
Eric Abbott at: wailupeabbott@gmail.com (808)-551-9890. 
Or visit us on: 

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Vertra's Brian Rocheleau Charging on all Levels!

Vertra's Brian Rocheleau Charging on all Levesl!

Oahu's Brian Rocheleau and Vertra Sunscreen Ambassador gives the paddling community a taste of his big wave surfing side. Most of us know Brian for his dominance on the unlimited paddleboard, however, Rocheleau can still hold his own out on the North Shore. (pics form www.joebark.com)

Brian in the Molokai Channel
Brian Rocheleau at Waimea
Rocheleau Charging

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Kai Lenny to Compete at the 2011 Oxbow: Ride The Sky event

Vertra's Kai Lenny to Compete at the 2011 Oxbow: Ride the Sky 




Maui Native Kai Lenny is set to compete in the Oxbow: Ride the Sky event Presented by Naish coming up in April. The contest will be taking place at Ho'okipa Beach on Maui. The one month holding period will begin April 1st and the contest will be held in the best possible wind. An invitation only event, Windsurfers will compete for highest air, best trick and worst wipeout.


Offical Oxbow Press Release:

Ride the SkyPresented by Naish
Windsurf High Jump Event  |  française ci-dessous
Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 7 March, 2011 : - - Oxbow Ride the Sky presented by Naish will take the sport of windsurfing to world-record breaking heights on Maui in April. This event will be held at Ho‘okipa Beach Park on the east side of the Valley Isle and its one-month holding period begins on April 1.

Oxbow Ride the Sky officials will choose the best possible conditions for the single day of competition. Competitors will utilize a GPS system on their boards, which will measure their amplitude, speed and height. These professional athletes will be competing for highest air, best trick and worst wipeout. The highest air will be awarded a $100 per foot and $2,500 will go to best trick winner.

There are 20 world-class windsurfers invited to this event, like Oxbow team riders Levi Siver, Jason Polakow, Kai Lenny and Phillip Koster. Naish International’s Robby Naish will also be competing in the Oxbow Ride the Sky. An incredible event that will be registered in the Guinness World Records Book! Follow the event on facebook

Monday, March 7, 2011

Vertra performs tops at 2011 Koa Nui Championships!

Vertra performs tops at 2011 Koa Nui Championships!

Kai Bartlett
Lauren Bartlett
Vertra Sunscreen's Danny Ching and Lauren Bartlett took top honors at the 2011 Koa Nui Championships last weekend. Pat Dolan winner of last years Koa Nui Title took third followed by Maui's Kai Bartlett (two-time Koa Nui Winner). Scott Gamble rounded out the elite field of paddlers in 10th! "It was great to see Vertra's paddlers perform this weekend," commented Vertra's President Bobby Higa.  This event is a precursor to the 2011 Steinlager OC1 World Championships coming up at the end of the month.

Scott Gamble

Vertra Crew!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Vertra's Pat Dolan and the Mens K4 Paddling Video

Vertra's Pat Dolan and the Mens K4 Paddling Video
Pat Dolan: Photo: http://www.facebook.com/dolanbros


Vertra Sunscreen's Pat Dolan is training with the Mens National Kayaking Team in Hawaii. In preparation for the 2011 World Championships, the men are working on a solid K4 (4 person) boat combination. Watch the video of the boys training in the Ala Wai Canal. Also featured in the video is Morgan House (Georgia), Luke Michael and Jake Michael.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Vertra Sunscreen Well Represented at 2011 Koa Nui Championships!

Vertra Sunscreen Well Represented at 2011 Koa Nui Championships!
Kai Bartlett

Pat Dolan
Honolulu, HAWAII—This weekend’s Koa Nui Championships may be the most competitive of its four year history. The two day, three-stage race presented by the Paddling Athletes Association (PA’A) is considered to be the all-around Oahu coastal championships with races ranging from sprints and mid-distance to a longer, 18 mile finale. This year, some of the world’s best paddlers, including last year’s Molokai Solo Champion, California’s Danny Ching, will gather to compete for the prestigious Koa Nui crown.
 
Last year’s crown, which is determined by cumulative point standings of each stage, was a heroic battle between second place Molokai Solo finisher Jimmy Austin and Olympic hopeful Patrick Dolan, which came down to their placing in the final leg. This year’s competition will run much deeper with rumors of attendance from 2010 Molokai Solo winner Danny Ching, the two-time Koa Nui Champ Kai Bartlett and up and coming phenom—Will Reichenstien.
While differing in format, the Koa Nui Championships is somewhat considered a warm-up for next month’s PA’A Molokai Solo, known as  the World Championships in solo canoe paddling. The three varying distances make it anyone’s race as National Kayaking Team sprinter and reigning 2010 Koa Nui Champion Patrick Dolan could easily find competition from flat-water specialist Danny Ching and last weekend’s winner Will Reichenstein. If the trades return, the battle through the surf will be between O’ahu favorite Jimmy Austin and Maui’s Kai Bartlett.
“The Koa Nui Champs are a different race than the longer, marathon-like Molokai Solo, but in terms of competition it’s a good opportunity to see what you’ll be up against in the channel,” said last year’s runner up Jimmy Austin. “Danny mainly trains in California, and Kai is on Maui, so this is the sort of the first and last chance to race these guys until the (Molokai) solo.”
Patrick Dolan, will attempt to defend his title and compete this weekend having not trained in an OC-1 at all season due to his rigorous National Kayaking Team schedule.
“It’s more of a fun race for me because I haven’t been in a canoe in a while,” said Dolan, who has been racing (and winning) in the surfski division this season. “I’m just stoked come out and see where I stack up against these guys.”
For the women, defending and undefeated Koa Nui champion, Maui’s Lauren Bartlett, will return to face off against O’ahu season favorite Lori Nakamura.
The first stage starts on Saturday Mar. 5, in Hawaii Kai as competitors take laps in the Marina fronting Kona Brewing Co. Immediately following, participants load up their boats and head to Makai Pier for and 8 mile run back to the Shack Hawaii Kai. On Sunday, competitors head back to Makai Pier for an 18-mile downwind run into the Anuenue Canoe Club site, inside the Hilton Lagoon.
The Koa Nui Schedule is as follows:
COURSE:
Saturday March 5th — Stage I and Stage II
9:15am - Long and Short courses Hawaii Kai Marina Stage I sprint time trial (~10-20 min).
11:15am - Stage II Long Course Makapu’u to Hawaii Kai Shack
                 Stage II Short Course Hawaii Kai Triangle to Shack (~4-5 miles)

Sunday March 6th — Stage III10:00am - Stage III Long Course Makapu’u to Anuenue*
                 Stage III Short Course Hawaii Kai to Anuenue * First finishers expected at approx. 12:30 p.m.
SUP, Paddlboard, V1, V6 will be held on Sunday with Stage III at 10:00am from Hawaii Kai to Anuenue.
 
The race is open to the public and provides a “short-course” option for all levels of experience
For more information or to sign up for the race, visit www.paahawaii.com and click on Koa Nui Championship. 

Written by: Angie Giancaterino

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Pat Dolan Open Ocean K1 Paddling in Hawaii

Vertra's Pat Dolan does Open Ocean K1 Paddling in Hawaii Kai
As if Olympic Style Kayaking (K1) was not already hard enough in flatwater, USA National Team Kayaker Pat Dolan decided to take his Epic K1 kayak out for a race in Moanalua Bay on the Island of Oahu. Pretty impressive to say the least. Thanks for being the man Pat!

Pat Dolan K1 Paddling in Moanalua Bay
Picture from CommOcean Hawaii: Click here for link!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Pat Dolan and Ryan Dolan, Scorpius XM Downwind Video!

Pat Dolan and Ryan Dolan, Scorpius XM (Kai Wa'a) Downwind Video!
Ryan Dolan, K1-Olympic Prep (http://www.facebook.com/dolanbros)
Vertra Sunscreen's Pat Dolan shows why he is one of Hawaii's best OC1 paddlers. Check out this quick video of Pat on an epic downwind run day at home in the Islands. Paddling his Kai Wa'a Scorpius XM, Dolan makes surfing this technical bumps look easy!



Ryan, playing on his OC1 outside the Mokulua Islands on the Eastside of Oahu.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Vertra's Danny Ching and Anthony Vela on an afternoon Cruz Paddle Session

Vertra Enthusiasts Morgan Hoesterey in Costa Rica

Vertra Enthusiasts Morgan Hoesterey in Costa Rica


Vertra Sunscreen enthusiast Morgan Hoesterey from Destination 3 Degrees, is in Costa Rica with fellow participant Jenny Kalmbach. Check out their quick downwind video they put up with SUP the Mag. Also killer shot of Morgan using the Signature Shane Dorian Kona Gold Stick before heading out on her downwind run!

Friday, February 18, 2011

Vertra Sunscreen Welcomes Joel Mason to the Paddlesports Team


::FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE::

Joel Mason- 2010 Molokai Channel

Vertra Welcomes Joel Mason to the Paddlesports Team

NSW Central Coast, Australia (February 19th, 2011) Vertra Elemental Resistance Sunscreen is proud to welcome Australian Joel Mason to the paddlesports team. Raised in Copacabana on the NSW Central Coast of Australia, the ocean lifestyle was in his blood form the start.  Like most Australians, Mason was apart of the Surf Lifesaving clubs competing in nippers with his brother and continued his success into his teens. “I enjoyed competing,” commented Mason, “the water events were my forte especially the board divisions.”

Joel maximized his time in the ocean picking up surfing at age 10. Since then he has spent most of his twenties traveling the world surfing, professional lifeguarding, and now currently a high school teacher in Australia. Mason took the paddling community by surprise last year coming to Oahu to compete in the annual World Championship of paddleboarding; the 32-mile Molokai to Oahu paddleboard race. He finished in an impressive 3rd place overall finish behind fellow Australian and Vertra Sunscreen teammate Jackson English. “I fulfilled my dream of racing across the Molokai channel last year,” Mason explained, “this year I hope to return and experience the same success.” Other notable results from the 2010 season include a 1st place finish at the Hennessey’s International Paddleboard Race, Bridge to Beach race in Sydney and 2nd place at the Cline Mann Memorial Race.

Joel is an avid ocean athlete with a long list of on and off the water accomplishments. If last year was a preview of the type of results Mason can post, than the 2011 season should be top notch for Mason. “I am stoked to be apart of the Vertra team” comment Mason, “the sunscreen works for me and keeps my skin sunburn free when I am out on a 3-hour paddling race or a marathon surf session.”

Please help Vertra Elemental Resistance welcome Joel Mason to the paddlesports team! 
Joel Mason

Vertra Sunscreen embodies the characteristics of being a quality, innovative and stylish product. Our superior line of sun resistant products carries the full endorsement of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association in addition to all our products bare the Skin Caner Foundation Official Seal of Recommendation. We have developed, formulated, and manufactured a product with superior ingredients in a designer quality fashion…we would not settle for anything less!

For any additional information regarding Vertra Sunscreen, dealer locations or the Vertra Paddlesports team, Contact: 
Eric Abbott at: wailupeabbott@gmail.com (808)-551-9890. 
Or visit us on: 


Joel