Merry Christmas to ALL

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Just a quick note to let everyone know Wildsprint is Alive and Well.
I know, it's been way to long since my last update, no excuses other than I prefer to Be On The Water than On The Computer...but that will never change, so here's a quick update:

This Summer and Fall were spectacular for racing. I had not seriously put the hammer down for over 2 years due to my little open-heart surgery adventure, and Boy, it feels GREAT to be trained up and going pretty-well again.
Well, it DID feel that way...I must admit that the winter short hours of daylight, chilly temps and numerous bout's with a really nasty-strain of "the common cold" has seriously put a damper on the Training and Racing...I guess it's sort of a hibernation period for Brent, but that just makes coming back on all the sweeter!

Had GREAT results (from my perspective) at The Wildside Relay with my partner Chris Stout up in Oregon this Summer.
Followed that up with super races, that even surprised me, in the Pre National Champ's Race and The Official National Champ's Race in San Fran Bay a month later, in Aug.
Chaulked up a smok'n preformance in the Wave Chaser Race at Half Moon Bay, CA toward the end of the season...So Really Happy with 2011 results!

I had wondered how the First Year Back was going to treat me, and I am nuth'n but Jacked About It!

Hope you all have a GREAT CHRISTMAS, Cheers, brent

The Diverse &  Powerful World of Paddling. Please read Doug’s Story:

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Hello All: Below is Doug's Story about how kayak paddling has helped him overcome both mental and physical challenges in his life.
Doug lives in The Midwest, and just called me out of the blue last week, as he really wanted to share with me how important kayaking has become in his life.
I think it's easy for many of us, myself included, to forget how powerful our sport can truly be.
Being "On The Water", and doing one's best to move across it as effortlessly as possible, can be life enriching, and sometimes, a life saving experience.
I really love sharing these deeper kinds of insights about what we all love to do, so please read on... brent
Hi Brent, my name is Doug Larson and I spoke with you Friday on the
> phone. I tried sending you a message about my restorative therapy with
> kayaking but I don't think it went through (probably because it was
> too long). Anyway to keep it short, 3 years ago I broke my neck and
> was paralized from the neck down in a mountain bike race. 3 surgeries
> later I can walk and have feeling back although I have chronic neck
> pain and some neuropathy. I also suffer from depression and anxiety to
> the point that I was quite suicidal. 23 electric shock treatments,
> numerouse hospitalizations and countless medications were not cutting
> it. In a pain management program I found that I could paddle a kayak
> in gentle conditions with only a small amount of pain.
> It was wonderful and brought me great joy that had been devoid in my
> life for almost 2 years. I feel paddling has in many ways probably
> saved my life and given me something positive to work towards. Your
> forward stroke clinic dvd is wonderful and lets me strive to become a
> better paddler. Furthermore it keeps me mindful and in the present
> only thinking of proper technique instead of dark thinking. Thank you,
> thank you, thank you. I hope you too continue to recover from your
> heart surgery. I hope to one day actually come out and take your
> class. Until then happy kayaking!
>
> Sincerely,
> Doug

Here’s a vid of the river Soca in Bovec Slovania where I raced Wildwater internationally

Hi All: This is a recent video of a couple of Wild and Crazy guys paddling The Soca River.
The US National Wildwater Team used to race there, however the section that these guys are running was NOT the race course.
The Soca was one of my favorite rivers of any European Tour, and I have fond memories of it....Especially the COLOR of the water...fantastic.
Enjoy, brent

WildSide Relay in Hood River Oregon…is WILD!

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Hi All, Just a quick update to tell you How Much FUN I had in Oregon two weekends ago...
The Event is called the Wild Side Relay.
It happens on The Columbia River, in The Gorge.
The Race is UPSTREAM...yes I said UP-stream, using the unique condition of mild down-stream current smashing into Serious UP-Stream Wind...creating LOVELY SURFING WAVES...UP RIVER...NUTS!
Even more crazy is that throughout various sections of the course, you get the added challenge of driving your speeding surfski through SWARMS of Wind Surfers and Kite Boarders...which is particularly nerve-wracking, as, of course, these Swarms...overtake you in the most Crazy Sections of the river!!
Regardless of all that crazy-ness...The competitors came from all over the Western Seaboard from Vancouver Canada to Northern Ca.
And the beer does not get much better than all the Brew-Pub knowledge that happens in that neck of the woods! Yummy!!!
It's a great FUN event leading up to THIS WEEKEND's BIG RACE...The National Surfski Championships, in San Francisco Bay!
I wanted everyone to know, from JD the race-organizer, to all the folks who raced and supported us racers...that I had a great time and am sending a Big Thank You for The Good Time!
Chris Stout and I captured 5th place out of 40 total teams and feel like we had a good team-effort and result.
I don'k know JD's web-site address, but if you google Wildside Relay, you should find his site, (I think it's Pacific Northwest Outrigger...but not sure), and see results there!
Cheers, br

Thank You HALF MOON BAY!

Saturday, July 23, 2011

To all who attended my COMPLETELY FILLED Clinic at California Canoe & Kayak's venue @ Half Moon Bay this past Sunday...A Great Big THANK YOU!
Great Class! Great Folks!
I limit my clinics to no more than 8 folks, as that is a small enough number to teach the 5-Main Components on a global basis, as well as have enough time to work with each student individually.
So we ended up having folks from all experience levels come from as far away as Lake Tahoe, and it seemed like everyone walked away with a smile...
The Brent Reitz Mantra is "Paddling is MORE FUN the LESS TIRED you are"...and by incorporating the new techniques covered in our clinic, I believe all the students were satisfied.

The Next clinic is set for Mid Aug. at CCK, Half Moon Bay again!

The Hood River, "Wildside Relay" Race & The National Surf-ski Championships and training for them, is all happening right now!
I head to Hood River to race for my first time in what sounds like a CRAZY and WILD race on the Columbia River Gorge...Big Wind and (hopefully) REALLY BIG WAVES to ride!
I am really looking forward to entering the Surf-ski Champs this year, as I've had a medical-issue that has now been resolved and allows me to re-engage in Competitive Exercise...aka RACE AGAIN!

So, I had a really great time with all my students last Sunday in Half Moon Bay.
I look forward to seeing all of you Out On The Water soon!

Cheers, brent

Thank You VANCOUVER!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Wow, what an interesting and Fantastic Paddling Neighborhood you have up there!

First off, your hospitality was really great and I appreciated being treated like “family” in my group of new paddling friends.

Second, what an incredible paddling-community! I don’t think I’ve been anywhere in North America that has such a thriving paddling environment as in Vancouver, BC. With the weekly Deep Cove Tuesday Night Races as the hinge-pin, the level of interaction, friendships and desire to Get Out On The Water was unsurpassed in any of my teaching-adventures. The sheer number of people who are deeply interested in becoming stronger and more efficient paddlers blew me away! Paddling has become a way of building new friendships, as well as, breeds a healthy sense of “friendly competition” that pushes folks to stay Healthy & Happy! You have something special up there folks, keep it going!

I want to thank not only the 16 students who attended my classes over this past weekend, but also a heartfelt thank you to Bob, Morgan and Seth Putman for taking me into their home and treating me like family during my teaching engagement this weekend. Also all the folks at Deep Cove Paddling Center and Store for their support in making these clinics happen as well.
Feel free to send me an email with any questions you may have about what we covered this past weekend. Also feel free to shoot me out any comments I might want to put up for others to read here on my site.

Cheers, and one more BIG Thank You to all of you up in Vancouver, you Live & Paddle in a truly special place.
I am already looking forward to my next visit, brent

NEW VENUE: Santa Barbara / Ventura Clinic was a SMASHING Success!

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Hey All,

Just wanted to thank all of you who attended the 1st Santa Barbara / Ventura Brent Reitz Forward Stroke Clinic!
What a great group of folks and a super Teaching-Spot in Ventura!

It's also pretty clear there are a ton of other folks who live down there, who are interested in learning how best to move their boats efficiently. If you are one of them, let me know!
I'd like to get another clinic on the books quickly while there are still weekends available on my calendar.

I've already received several positive "testimonials" from my students who took the clinic this past Sat, May 28, and will be posting them on this site soon.
They are already looking forward to a return-clinic later this season to see how well the technique-changes have improved their power as well as to continue fine-tuning their stroke.

So, if you are interested in putting together a clinic and you live in the that neck of the woods, drop me a line.
And for anyone who would like me to return, let's discuss and I'll make it happen!

Cheers and Happy Paddling, brent

Had a GREAT Race In Santa Barbara, Looking forward to my Upcoming Clinic(s) there End of May!

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

Hi All: Just a quick note to let you know I met some really great folks in the SUP / Paddleboard / Surfski event in Santa Barbara a few weeks back. The word is they are planning a Davenport to Santa Cruz Event this summer as well...Now THAT should be Interesting!

I just got word from the Folks up in Vancouver that my class on Sat may be completely booked at this point, but there are some remaining spots for Sunday's Class...so COME ON UP! Can't wait to teach in that neck of the woods!

Santa Barbara Clinic is just around the corner. Check it out by contacting Santa Barbara Paddlesports!

Okay, gotta run and am looking forward to seeing ya all On-The-Water! brent

Hi All, Let’s get the word out for the Santa Barbara Race coming THIS APRIL 16th!

Thursday, April 07, 2011

Hey All, A good race will be taking place this April 16th in Santa Barbara.
Check out the details at the link below, and I'll See Ya There! brent
http://www.blacksmithendurance.com/

Back In The Saddle Again! - Spring ‘11 Update

Saturday, April 02, 2011

Hey All: Been Off The Blog for a bit, but have a ton of great stuff to report:

First and foremost, as some of you know, I under went open heart surgery a year ago in March. Since then I’ve been training & have competed in 3 ocean races: Ran the ol’ Ticker up to MAX and ended up not only Feel'n Good, but having pretty great finish-results to boot! So back in the saddle and rearing ta go!

Second, Forward Stroke Clinic Bookings are flying-in! I guess The Spring get’s folks brushing off the snow, and digging about for their paddling gear in the garage or closet! If you are interested in having me come teach for your shop, club or group; or have me speak & do a Dry Land Class at a symposium or event, just drop me a line.
I’ll post my clinics here and also on the “Clinics” page. So far this season I’ll be teaching @:
Half Moon Bay, CA http://www.calkayak.com
Fort Bragg-Mendocino, CA http://www.liquidfusionkayak.com
Vancouver, BC Canada http://www.deepcovekayak.com
Santa Barbara, CA http://www.channelislandsO.com
The "LIfe's Good Schedule" is:
May 28 & 29, Santa Barbara (plus another later one TBD).
June 11 & 12, Deep Cove Kayak Clinic, Vancouver BC
July 17 CCK Half Moon Bay
July 29 - 31 WILDSIDE RELAY, Hood River, OR (CRAZY RACE on the GORGE!)!
Aug 20, CCK Half Moon Bay
Sept 24 - 25 MENDO

Third, Check out the DVD “trailer” that, “with a little help from my friends”, I FINALLY figured out how to get up on this site…Also, I was able to dig out an OLD piece of professionally shot VHS footage of Wildwater Racing, turned it into a DVD…and posted here as well. Go to that page and Check Out the ACTION!

Lastly, my band BAD HABITS have been getting some bookings this spring as well. Go to the Website and check out our new Dates and TEE-SHIRTS at http://www.badhabitsmusic.com If you want one, let me know! You can send me a message right from that site too. If you are around, please drop in to catch the show. I always love to see my paddling friends at our gigs! Here are our gig-dates so far:
4/29/2011 Fog Bank, Capitola, CA BAD HABITS Gig
5/14/2011 Fog Bank, Capitola, CA BAD HABITS Gig
6/03/2011 Fog Bank, Capitola, CA BAD HABITS Gig
6/04/2011 Private Party, “June B-Day’s Party” BAD HABITS Gig

Okay: Let’s All Get Together and Let The Good Times Roll!
See ya On-The-Water. Cheers, brent

“HEY, Which Way to the Start-Line? It’s been A LONG Time!”

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Hi All: Just a note to connect the dots of my crazy medical-adventure with the circular journey of Racing "silly little boats"... I'll be entering my first Surfski race in over two years...Tomorrow...Nice! This is a fairly momentous occasion because ever since my doc's diagnosed my heart condition and subsequent surgery & recovery program...I've been relegated to "non-competitive exercise"...aka "NO STARTING LINES FOR YOU MISTER". So, tomorrow will be the beginning of the Next Chapter for me. I'm really looking forward to being out there in the pack again...It's been way too long.

So tomorrow is the Seatrek Regatta held in Sausalito, CA, on the San Francisco Bay. The course is from Seatrek Kayaking Center out to Alcatraz, back around Angle Island, down thru Raccoon Straights, and back home to Seatrek via Richardson Bay! SeaTrek is a race that I entered the very first year I moved to California from Colorado...way back 22 years ago (Jeeze!). I'm really happy that my recovery and training has pointed me in the direction for my first "re-entry" race toward this one. The Seatrek Regatta and I go back a long time. That course is an old-friend of mine!

Thanks to all my fiends who have sent me such good wishes, as I'm convinced your friendship has helped me Get Back in the Fold!

Cheers, brent

(I can already hear "Racers Ready....BANG"...!)

In his 70’s, Fast Eddy is STILL MAKING WAVES! Check out the news-link!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Dear Brent, My distant Coach & Friend,

After enjoying an extraordinary day of paddling this past Saturday, and during the trip having my friends comment on my paddling stroke, I immediately thought of you, and where my polished stroke, and consequence racing success, all started back in 1998, after I received your video.

So I decided to email you, and was shocked, and totally dumbfounded to read, where you had undergone such serious chest / heart surgery. I wish you the best in your recovery, which at this date, seems to be progressing very well. My best wishes and heart felt sympathy, regarding your troubles go out to you.

On a lighter note, I thought you might be interested in an article which dominated the sports page of the August 8th, Sun Chronicle Newspaper, titled, "Late Bloomer." My success on the racing circuit, in the Masters and Senior Divisions, I give a vast amount of credit to you, my friend, even though we have never met, your influence on me was tremendous.

Please click on the website, that my friend sent to me in her email, beginning with
http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2010/08/08/sports/7759040.txt
Since we have never met, this may give you some insight, as to who I am. Very in debted to you.
Wish you a Total & Great recovery,

Your East Coast friend.
Ed "Fast Eddy" Earle

A GREAT BIG Thanks to my Friends up in Bellingham WA!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Hi All: Just wanted to take a moment to thank Larry Goolsby and my 20 Students (guys & gals), who set-up and attended my Forward Stroke Clinics last weekend. Wow, what a great bunch of paddlers and super-nice people as well! This was a special "racing clinic" as it was comprised of 100% Surfski!!! A little different than most of my clinics geared toward the more Touring oriented paddler. The key concepts are the same tho, so the learning curve is not as steep for those "experienced" paddlers, but the level of detail and the results some of those minor changes bring, can be very rewarding as the racing season rolls along. Of course trying to "un-learn" ingrained paddling movements becomes a greater challenge to the experienced paddler than the newer one. However, once you get the New movement locked in, it will be come second-nature and your off and running! Please remember to WALK before Running tho folks...

Anyway, Just wanted to tell you guys & gals how much I enjoyed having the opportunity to both teach & meet all of you! Cheers, brent

All’s Well w/ Recovery AND 3-New Clinic Dates in July!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

To all of you wondering about how my recovery from open heart surgery 3 months ago is going...I'm doing GREAT! Thank you ALL for the incredible support I've received throughout this whole medical adventure. It's been eye-opening (to say the least), and drives-home the point that "The Only Thing You Know About LIFE Forsure, Is That You Don't Know ANYTHING Forsure"! So my recommendation is to make every day the best it can be!

I'm actually doing so well, that I will be going back to work and resuming all normal life activities this Monday, May 24th...So, On to another chapter!

Since I'm paddling now, (8) days now since being given the ok by my Cardiologist), I've begun to book Forward Stroke Clinics again. Currently I have (2) Surfski Racing Clinics set up in Bellingham WA, on July 10 & 11. These will be private sessions hosted by the local paddling club up there, called The Whatcompaddlers. GREAT bunch of people and very focused on going FAST in their race boats! I love teaching these folks!!

I'm also doing the first Brent Reitz Forward Stroke Clinic for this season in Half Moon Bay on July 18 for California Canoe and Kayak (CCK). Please Go to their website for more details on the class and to sign-up! http://www.calkayak.com

I'm really looking forward to getting the teaching schedule back-on-track this year, so come on out to Half Moon Bay or Contact CCK or myself if you are interesed in another date/class.

Cheers and Thanks to All, brent

TEACHING TOMORROW!  R.E.I. Dry-Land Session in Marina store @ 1 PM Sat

Friday, April 30, 2010

Hi All,

Tomorrow, Sat May 1st, I'll be doing an On Land Clinic out in front of the R.E.I. Store in Marina, Ca @ 1pm...Come On Out!

I'll be going over the mechanics of an efficient Kayaking Forward Paddling Stroke. This is a very quick and easy way to get the basic concepts of how best to move a boat across the water early-on in the season!

Sorry for the short notice, but I contacted R.E.I. to volunteer to do this clinic once I discovered that they will be having an Entire PaddleSport Event there tomorrow. My clinic will dovetail nicely for all the folks interested in paddle-sports of all kinds!

R.E.I. carries copies of my DVD "The Brent Reitz Forward Stroke Clinic" at their store, should you be interested in a more in-depth way of understanding the most efficient mechanics of how to move your boat best, and in-turn Have MAXIMUM FUN!

Remember, My motto is: "Paddling is More Fun, the Less Tired You Are!" So come on out to Marina R.E.I. on MAY DAY and let's have some fun! brent