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

Photos: Makai Magazine:

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

::FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE::

Eric Abbott

Vertra: Marketing

www.vertra.com 

Scott Gamble

Kai Bartlett

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

Honolulu, Hawaii (April 10^th, 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 17^th 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 (3^rd 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!

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: 

Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/VertraElementaResistance

Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#search?q=vertrasuncare

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.

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!

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

www.commoceanhi.com

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

Vertra Sunscreen at the 2010 Tecolote 5000 Canoe/Kayak/SUP Race

Vertra Sunscreen at the 2010 Tecolote 5000 Canoe/Kayak/SUP Race

What started off as a cold and cloudy San Diego morning, ended up being a fun and successful paddling event. The annual Tecolote 5000 Canoe/Kayak/SUP/ Paddleboard race benefits the non-profit Toys for Tots as well as a fundraiser for the local San Diego Canoe/Kayak Team. A solid turnout of about 150 competiotrs took to the chilly San Diego waters. The SDCKT is a Olympic Development program that helps kids reach their dream of Junior/Senior National Team nominations.

Vertra Sunscreen athlete Danny Ching from California ventured down with his crew from Redondo Beach to support this local event. Pat and Ryan Dolan the brothers out of Hawaii were also in California attending a 2 week National Team preparation camp at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista.

        

Danny Ching on the 1st Lap

6am cold and wet setup 

Pat Dolan trading washes with the Aussie Brothers 

Pat Dolan

Ryan Dolan on the Kayak Erg

Eric Abbott doing a 200m time trial on the Kayak Erg

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 http://www.facebook.com/VertraElementaResistance

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!

Hawaiki Nui Va'a 2010 Results- Team Hawaii

Team Hawaii

Hawaiki Nui Va'a 2010 Results- 
Team Hawaii

Angie Giancaterino Commocean www.commoceanhi.com Hawaii paddlers had a successful showing during the 19th annual Hawaiki Nui Va'a paddling race last week in Tahiti. Team Hawaii took sixth place overall, in the three-day grueling stage race starting in Huahine and finishing two days later in Bora Bora. The all-star team, was hand-selected based on the paddling accomplishments of the previous year and included Maui's Kai Bartlett, Kekoa Cramer, Tyson Kubo and Mael Carey, Oahu's Patrick Dolan,  Jimmy Austin and Mike Judd, the Big Island's Andrew Penny and Thibert Luissa and California's Danny Ching. The three stages totaled over 80 miles over three-days and four islands, ending with the tolling 37 mile iron race from Teha'a to Bora Bora, in which Team Hawaii placed 4th, just minutes behind Molokai Hoe winner Shell Va'a.   Also racing from Hawaii was Team Kamanu who finished 42nd overall and HVA junior boys who finished 21st. Team Hawaii Wahine finished fourth in the women's 17mile iron race around Raiatea, while  Team Bradley finished fifth.   Team Hawaii: Day 1: 5th place (3:25:59), 5th place overall Day 2: 14th pace (2:01:28), 6th Place overall Day 3: 4th place (4:18:39), 6th Place overall Total: 6th place overall (9:44:16) Full Results: Comoceanhi.com/Results 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 http://www.facebook.com/VertraElementaResistance 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 Sunscreens Paddlesports Team in Standup Paddle Magazine

Vertra Sunscreen's Paddlesports Team in Standup Paddle Magazine


Standup Paddle Magazine ran this advertisement in their latest issue of the Vertra Sunscreen Paddlesports Team! Spread across two pages, this picture has been the buzz around town. Enjoy!

Vertra Sunscreen's Paddlesports Team

 

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/vertrapaddle

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!

Team Primo Takes 5th at the 2010 Molokai Hoe

Team Primo Takes 5th at the 2010 Molokai Hoe

Vertra Sunscreen Dominates Battle of the Paddle- California

Danny Ching

Matt Becker

::FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE::

Eric Abbott

Vertra's Paddlesports Marketing

www.vertra.com  

Vertra Sunscreen Dominates Battle of the Paddle- California

Dana Point, California (October 3, 2010) Vertra Sunscreen’s paddlesports team dominates at the 2010 Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle event at Doheny Beach, California.  Amongst the world’s best standup paddlers, Vertra’s athletes shined above the rest in both the elite surf and distance paddling races.

Vertra Sunscreen athlete Danny Ching, continued in his normal fashion of being nothing less than perfect at these events. Not only did Ching champion both the surf race and distance races at the BOP event in Hawaii earlier this year, he as well took the crown in both events this past weekend. “It’s a great event,” commented Ching. “I train and race hard, I was fortunate this weekend to come up on top.”

Vertra’s other athletes performed top notch as well.  The Australian Travis Grant finished in 4^th in the elite surf race. “Tough and Spectacular,” commented Grant after the event. Travis battled with three other athletes for the entire race, trading leads and navigating the waist to chest high waves. The fifteen year-old Matt Becker edged his way into a 9^th place in the surf race. “I am proud of the way I paddled this weekend,” mentioned Becker. “With so many top athletes present, it is a dog fight from start to finish.”

Both Ching and Grant will be traveling back to the Hawaiian Islands this coming weekend to compete in the 2010 Molokai Hoe outrigger canoe race. Danny will be racing with Team Primo, an elite mix of paddlers. Grant has organized a team comprised of all Australians.  

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  Or visit the Vertra Paddlesports blog at www.vertrapaddlesports.blogspot.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! 

Matt and John Becker

Travis Grant coming in at the finish (Green Board)

Vertra Sunscreen Announces 2010 Battle of the Paddle Team

::FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:: 

Eric Abbott 

Vertra's Paddlesports Marketing 

www.vertra.com

Vertra Sunscreen Announces 2010 Battle of the Paddle Team

The 2010 Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle is set for an enormous turn out at Doheny Beach, California. With top paddlers hailing from around the globe, this weekend’s event is anticipated to be the most competitive and exciting event of the year.  As athletes make last minute preparations for the elite surf race, distance and relay events, Vertra Suncare has announced this year’s paddlesports Battle Team!

Danny Ching (California):  The 2010 Battle of the Paddle Hawaii overall champion. Winning not only the Elite Surf Race, Ching championed the Distance downwind race as well as the 4-person relay!

Travis Grant (Australia):  The talented paddler out of Australia, Grant came on the SUP scene, last year in Hawaii, by taking an impressive and decisive 2^nd Place finish behind fellow teammate Danny Ching!

John Becker (California): A force to be reckon with in both flat and surf conditions. Taking down paddlers half his age, he is fearsome and dominant paddler.

Matt Becker (California): The young Matt Becker, seemingly gets faster and stronger each time he races. Finishing in a top 10 position at the Battle of the Battle in Hawaii, young Becker is a top contender for this year’s crown!

Riggs Napoleon (Hawaii): At 12 years of age, this young Hawaiian has awed and earned the respect of his friends, family and fellow competitors. Completing the 32-mile Molokai to Oahu SUP solo channel crossing Riggs is out to have fun and prove himself in this year’s event.

Aaron Napoleon (Hawaii): Fearsome competitor in the water, Aaron is a true ocean athlete inside and out. Aaron hasn’t missed a BOP yet.  At the inaugural BOP Aaron placed 3^rd overall and the following year placed 6^th in the elite surf race.  At the Battle this year in Hawaii, Aaron returned to the front of the pack by placing 3^rd once again.

Morgan Hoestry (Hawaii): Morgan was a key component in the Destination 3 Degrees she took part in earlier this year.  A project which included her and one other female crossing all of the Major Hawaiian Channels on a SUP board.  A strong force both in short and distance racing, she placed 5^th overall at the Battle of the Paddle Hawaii.

The Battle of the Paddle event series has become an iconic event in the paddling community.  This event houses the best paddlers in the world competing for a years worth of bragging rights. In front of thousands of spectators Saturday and Sunday will be a weekend to remember at Doheny Beach.  “We have a tight niche group of elite athletes,” commented Vertra President Bobby Higa. “We are all excited to see how they race this weekend.” The Vertra paddlesports team performed second to none at the Battle of the Paddle Hawaii, we look forward to continuing in the same fashion at this weekend’s event.

For more event information check out:

www.rainbowsandals.com/battleofthepaddle/CA

Be sure to stop by and meet the Vertra Paddlesports team at the event this year! There will also be Vertra sticks and product to sample.

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/vertrapaddle

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!