Episodios

  • Blue Planet Show: Makani Andrews on Foiling and Racing #40
    Dec 7 2024
    Young Ripper Makani Andrews on Racing, Foiling & Olympic Dreams | The Blue Planet Show Join Robert Stehlik in another exciting episode of the Blue Planet Show featuring 17-year-old Makani Andrews, a rising star in the world of competitive foiling and windsurfing on Oahu, Hawaii. Despite only having three years of experience in both sports, Makani has already made significant strides, traveling and competing in multiple events, including the Olympic trials in Miami, the Youth Worlds in Italy, and the World Champs in Spain. His notable achievements include clinching first place in C19 and 5th or 6th overall at the Nationals in San Francisco. Makani discusses his ambitions for the 2028 Long Beach Olympics and the rigorous qualifications required. He elaborates on the similarities and differences between windsurf foiling and wing foiling, emphasizing the advanced equipment needed for competitive racing. Makani also shares insights into his training routines at Kaneohe Bay and highlights the benefits of various gear setups, including the difference between single and double canopy wings. The discussion extends to detailed technical aspects of foils, including the importance of shimming for performance optimization. Makani's partnership with PPC and Sobfoils is also explored, showcasing the latest innovations in wing and foil design. The episode concludes with a look at the high-quality construction and customizable features of Sobfoils' products, making them suitable for both everyday use and high-stakes competitive racing. Follow Makani Andrews on Instagram (@makani.andrews) to stay updated on his latest sessions and achievements. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:33 Makani's Journey in Foiling and Windsurfing 01:46 Olympic Campaign and Competitions 03:31 Comparing Windsurf Foiling and Wing Foiling 07:18 Growing Up in Kaneohe and Early Sailing Days 11:39 Wing Foil Racing Equipment and Innovations 17:01 Sponsorships and Future Prospects 18:37 Exciting New Gear from Sobfoil 18:57 Exclusive Dealer in Hawaii 19:06 Exploring the Medusa Pro 19:25 Introducing the Leviathan 1350 19:58 Pump Foiling Insights 21:08 Convenient Mast System 22:43 Customizing Your Foil Setup 30:02 Razor Pro for Surf Foiling 32:33 Red Devil vs. Other Foils 34:48 Final Thoughts and Social Media
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    36 m
  • Foildrive- new products released at AWSI 2024- Episode #39
    Nov 23 2024

    The interview documents an in-depth conversation between Rob Stehlik and Paul Martin, the CEO and Co-founder of Foil Drive, at the AWSI show in Hood River 2024.

    The discussion starts with observations of Foil Drive at the hatchery, covering downwinders and the challenges of riding into the wind. Paul explains techniques for easier foiling by keeping the board flat and utilizing the wind and waves effectively. He elaborates on achieving the primary goal of Foil Drive: to assist riders in getting on foil quickly, then allowing them to enjoy pure foiling without motor assistance.

    Paul then discusses equipment innovations in the Gen 2 system, including a high gain antenna for better connectivity even when submerged. He highlights collaborations with brands to integrate the motor system into boards and masts more aerodynamically. He explains the design of carbon and aluminum masts, emphasizing their benefits in terms of stiffness and drag reduction. He also notes that while integrated systems create dedicated foil setups, they offer unparalleled hydrodynamic performance.

    The conversation covers Foil Drive's user-friendly features like easy battery replacement, tool-less assembly, and flexibility in mounting on various boards. Paul details improvements in travel compatibility with new split-design travel batteries adhering to airline regulations. He discusses the battery life variability dependent on usage and weight and mentions enhancements in handling and control through the handheld remote and the upcoming hands-free remote system.

    On technique tips, Paul advises beginners on maintaining board flatness and gradually increasing speed for smooth lift-off. He highlights the significance of position and subtle movements. He also explains how to transition from motor power to pure foiling seamlessly.

    Finally, Paul talks about the pricing of Foil Drive systems, emphasizing the popularity and recommendation of the Max Power system due to its runtime, range, and power benefits. He describes additional accessories like the propeller guard for safety and the various equipment improvements aimed at reducing drag and increasing performance.

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    54 m
  • Innovating on Water: Tyler Interviews Blue Planet’s Robert Stehlik on the Blue Planet Show #38
    Nov 16 2024

    In a special episode of the Blue Planet Show, guest host Tyler Landon interviews Rob Stehlik, the founder of Blue Planet.

    The discussion focuses on Rob’s extensive experience in the watersports industry, his journey from windsurfing to paddleboarding to foiling, and the release of his new book, 'Stand Up Paddleboarding for Dummies.'

    Rob reflects on his 30-year journey, starting with his passion for windsurfing in Germany and moving to Maui. He shares insights into his role as an early adopter and promoter of standup paddleboarding and discusses the challenges he faced in writing his first book.

    The conversation delves into the operational and logistical challenges of running Blue Planet, including early struggles with suppliers, the expansion of product lines, and the importance of branding and consistent quality.

    Rob also talks about his YouTube channel, which has become a vital marketing tool for the brand. Highlights from his global travels, engagements in competitive standup paddling, and his thoughts on balancing business with personal passions add depth to the narrative.

    Additionally, Rob discusses the diversification of Blue Planet into rental services and commercial real estate, showcasing the brand's growth and adaptation over the years.

    Tyler, who has a history of working with Rob, adds personal anecdotes about their business relationship and the impact Rob’s mentorship has had on his own career.

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    46 m
  • Aidan Nicholas- Armstrong Foil interview- M2O Race and wing foiling in the Gorge at AWSI 2024
    Sep 14 2024
    Aidan Nicholas was at the Armstrong booth at the 2024 AWSI show in Hood River and I had the opportunity to interview him. We talk about the 2024 M2O race he won by a big margin, the Armstrong equipment he uses for racing and freestyle, wings, boards, foils, and riding in the Gorge the days before the show. In an interview at the AWSI 2024 show, Aidan Nicholas, fresh off his victory in the Molokai to Oahu race, discussed his race strategy, equipment choices, and lessons learned from competing. He described how tricky the race was due to variable wind conditions, requiring tactical decisions to maintain speed. Aidan highlighted his use of a 580 foil for improved glide and the importance of multiple jibes to gain ground during the race. He also emphasized the role of his 7-meter wing in maintaining power during lighter winds, allowing him to bear off and keep momentum. Aidan talked about his setup, including using a small 48-liter board during the race, though he mentioned a larger 65-liter board would have been more suitable in light wind sections. He also discussed the critical role of foils, noting his preference for the MA625 foil in everyday conditions and the 580 foil for races. The interview covered various technical aspects of wing design, board volume, and foil dynamics, with Aidan stressing the importance of a balanced setup for maximizing performance in racing and downwind conditions. He also gave insight into Armstrong's new alloy rig, designed for a more affordable entry into high-performance setups without sacrificing durability, thanks to features like titanium fittings. This new alloy rig is a more budget-friendly option compared to traditional carbon setups, but with slightly lower performance. Transcript of the interview: Aloha, it's Robert with Blue Planet. We're here at the AWSI show 2024. I'm here with Aidan Nicholas. You just won the Molokai to Oahu race. And then we got a bunch of footage of you at the hatchery the last few days, like right before the show started. We had some really fun conditions. Yeah, we did. The gorge turned on and It does what it does best and we're in some fun conditions close to the, close to Hood, which was nice. Yeah, so let's talk a little bit about the race first. So the Molokai to Oahu race, you were like, I think you finished like miles ahead of everybody else, right? Like a couple miles probably, something like that? Yeah, I hit it. It was a tricky race, that's for sure. Yeah, it got really light in the middle, right? Very light. It was what do we have in the middle there? It was probably 6 to 10 knots. And it was a tactical, the cloud came through in the middle. The start was nuking. Middle was super light and the end started to pick back up again. But, it was a few tactical decisions in the middle to decide whether I hit, go to Oahu or just keep playing down the bumps that I was in the middle. Which, a big improvement. So you can make downwind ground faster, but when I couldn't, when I didn't have the wind strength, it was hard to do that. So I was like, okay, I'm going to race out from this cloud cover. I crossed to closer to Oahu, got out from the clouds and the wind started to pick up a little bit more and then played all the way down and had a pretty good race all the way through. So you actually stayed a little bit northerly of the run line. I definitely did. Yeah. Okay. There was a lot of jibes and I looked at my track this year in comparison to last year and last year. I could probably count on that. Maybe six or seven jibes. That's when I think was in the vicinity of 80 to 90. So it's like really playing swell lines and in the middle there, when you get your speed, if you can jive on it, jive back again and gain another a hundred meters downwind, it makes a big difference. So you use the jibes to actually make. When you didn't have those gusts and the swells lined up you could really soak on some fast rollers and just soak down there. And that's why I changed last year I rode the 65 MA, and this year I was on the 580, and it was just for the fact that I could actually glide on the waves when needed. If it did die off, I could just cruise down and make sure that I could stay on the faces. It says pump over a little bit and connect some, so yeah. I found a lot of times the hardest part where, like if you came off a bump and then you in the trough and there's no wind or whatever, and you're just like, Oh, and then you just don't want to come off well. Cause you know, you can't get back up on foot. It is super tricky out there. It was a tricky race for sure. I rode a pretty small board which I think going forward again I'd probably ride a little bit more volume. Something in the, I I'm 82kg so 175, 180, 180 pounds. And I ride, I rode a 48 litre but a 75 would have been a much better, safer option in that middle there if you did come down like a little bit. You could actually get back up again. So you were able to go all ...
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    21 m
  • Dave Kalama Foil interview- Blue Planet Show #36- lifetime of innovation
    Aug 17 2024
    Robert Stehlik introduces Dave Kalama as a pioneer in various water sports, including windsurfing, surfing, towing, and foiling. Dave’s innovations have significantly influenced these sports, making them more accessible to the masses. He is currently at the forefront of designing advanced foiling boards widely used by athletes worldwide. The Essence of Design and Innovation Dave shares his perspective on designing foiling boards. For him, the goal has always been to create the best boards possible, focusing on the challenge of innovation rather than mass adoption. He reflects on the joy of seeing people use his designs but emphasizes that his primary motivation has been to refine and improve the boards in the shaping room. Evolution of Stand-Up Foiling Dave discusses the rapid growth of stand-up foiling, particularly in downwind racing, and his role in designing the long, narrow boards that have become standard. He recounts the initial challenges and iterative process of developing these boards, initially aimed at prone foilers but eventually proving successful for stand-up paddling. This evolution has made the sport more accessible and enjoyable for a broader audience. Challenges and Learning Curves The development of these boards wasn’t straightforward. Dave describes the numerous iterations and frustrations along the way. It took years to perfect the design, with moments of doubt and pauses in the project. However, the persistence paid off as he eventually found the right combination of length and width to make the boards efficient and stable. Importance of Paddle Technique Dave highlights the importance of paddle technique in stand-up foiling. He explains that as boards became narrower, the paddle became the primary source of stability. This shift in mindset allowed paddlers to handle narrower boards effectively. He advises those new to the sport to focus on learning proper paddle techniques, possibly by taking classes like those offered by Jeremy Riggs. The Future of Foiling and Equipment Evolution Dave reflects on how the foiling sport has evolved, particularly with the introduction of high-aspect wings that prioritize speed over ease of use. He notes that while these wings have made the sport more competitive, they have also reduced the number of prone foilers due to the physical demands required to use them effectively. Personal Connection to Traditional Stand-Up Paddling Despite his focus on foiling, Dave still enjoys traditional stand-up paddling and longboarding. He talks about the simplicity and fun of these activities, which provide a contrast to the intensity of foiling. He also reminisces about the early days of stand-up paddling, appreciating how much easier and more fun foiling has made these activities. Competition and the Changing Landscape Dave acknowledges the competitive nature of foiling races today, noting how the level of competition has increased dramatically. While he still enjoys racing, his work commitments have made it difficult to train adequately. He discusses the challenges of competing against younger, fitter athletes who are using increasingly advanced equipment. Balancing Work and Passion Dave’s current focus is on his work, which often requires travel and limits his ability to compete. He mentions how he still finds ways to support others in the sport, sharing his knowledge and experience. While he would like to race again, he recognizes the importance of balancing work and personal passions. Legacy and Family Influence Dave shares his family background, explaining how his Hawaiian heritage and his father’s surfing accomplishments influenced his path. Growing up in Southern California, he developed a love for the ocean and water sports, eventually leading him to Maui, where his passion for windsurfing and later foiling flourished. The Early Days of Windsurfing Dave recounts his early days in windsurfing, describing how his parents’ gift of a windsurfer for his high school graduation sparked his interest. Moving to Maui at 20, he was initially a beginner but quickly advanced by surrounding himself with skilled windsurfers. This environment allowed him to excel in the sport and eventually turn professional. Conclusion Dave Kalama’s journey is one of relentless innovation, passion, and dedication to water sports. From his early days in California to becoming a leading figure in foiling design, his contributions have significantly shaped the sports he loves. While his focus may have shifted towards work and family in recent years, his influence on the sport continues through his designs and the athletes who use them. This summary captures the essence of Dave Kalama’s insights, experiences, and contributions to water sports, particularly in the field of foiling.
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    1 h y 28 m
  • M2O foil edition 2024 race recap with the Oahu wing foil crew- Episode #35
    Aug 10 2024
    In this video our wing foil crew consisting of Derek, Matt, Kevin and Robert talk about our experience crossing the Ka'iwi channel between Molokai and Oahu in the 2024 M2O Foil edition race. Summary of our conversation: The Blue Planet Show hosts Derek, Kevin, and Matt discuss their experiences in the Molokai to Oahu (M2O) race. They also touch on their participation in the Maui to Molokai and Molokai Holokai races that took place prior. The conversation delves into various aspects of the M2O race, from the preparation, strategy, and execution, to personal anecdotes and lessons learned from the experience. Pre-Race Preparation • Arrival and Setup: Upon arriving in Maui, the team loaded their equipment onto a U-Haul and participated in the Maui to Molokai and Molokai Holokai races before gearing up for the M2O race on Sunday. • Starting Point Decision: The team made strategic decisions about where to start the race, choosing Iliopoint on the north side of Molokai over the previous year’s starting point at Kalua Koi. This decision was driven by the desire to find better wind conditions and a more challenging start. The Race Begins • Derek’s Perspective: Derek describes flying around and capturing footage of the race participants as they prepared for the start. He highlights the SUP racers waiting with their escort boats and the wingers readying themselves with safety equipment like VHF radios and EPIRBs. The race began with strong winds and favorable conditions. • Matt’s Take: Matt appreciated the choice of starting at Iliopoint, finding the wind conditions stronger than the previous year’s practice crossing. He was pleased with his performance in the beginning, feeling adequately powered up. In-Race Challenges and Experiences • Kevin’s Journey: Kevin shared a vivid account of his race, including his partnership with Pilot John. Initially, they stuck together, but as the race progressed, John insisted Kevin leave him behind. Kevin eventually pushed ahead, feeling both guilty and exhilarated as he completed the race without falling. He reflected on the difficulty of staying together as a team in such challenging conditions. • Team Dynamics: The team aspect added a unique challenge, as staying together meant one person had to wait every time the other fell. This increased the likelihood of both participants falling, making it a tricky balance to maintain. • Winning the Unofficial Team Competition: Matt and his partner Reza, along with Kevin and Pilot John, managed to win the unofficial team competition. Matt enjoyed sharing the experience with Reza, despite the difficulties in navigation and staying together. Navigational Strategies and Weather Conditions • Derek and Matt’s Routes: Derek and Matt both took different routes, with Matt opting to go further south in search of more wind. Derek noted that he had to zigzag due to the presence of escort boats, which affected his progress. • Light Winds and Tactical Decisions: The race saw varying wind conditions, with some parts of the course experiencing light winds. This forced the participants to make strategic decisions, like going south or tacking upwind to stay on foil. Both Derek and Matt emphasized the importance of these decisions, especially in the light-wind conditions in the middle of the race. • Boat Interference: Derek mentioned how escort boats, paddlers, and other traffic made it difficult to stick to the ideal line, as the boat wakes created additional challenges. The Final Stretch and Finish Line • Approaching Diamond Head: Matt recounted how, after a long stretch of not seeing anyone, he finally saw Derek near Diamond Head. Both were navigating through the final challenges of the race, with Derek having to deal with boat wakes and Matt focusing on maintaining his speed and avoiding falls. • Post-Race Reflections: The race finished with an awards ceremony, where winners like Nani in the women’s division were celebrated. The team reflected on their different approaches, routes, and the challenges they faced, like dealing with light winds and the psychological aspect of seeing the finish line but still having a long way to go. Lessons Learned and Future Plans • Kevin’s Takeaways: Kevin reflected on his gear choices, suggesting that he would choose a different foil and wing if he were to race again. He emphasized the importance of being better prepared and more competitive in the future. • Matt’s Reflections: Matt shared similar insights, noting that he should have chosen a bigger wing and a smaller foil. He also discussed the strategic aspect of choosing the southern route and his plans to compete solo next year. • The Unique Experience of Racing Without an Escort: The participants highlighted the unique and thrilling experience of racing without an escort boat. The feeling of being alone in the vast ocean, relying solely on their instincts and skills, added a ...
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    44 m
  • M2O SUP Race recap interview- Robert wins 14’ stock SUP division- #34
    Aug 4 2024

    Welcome to the Blue Planet Show, where we’re recapping the 25th edition of the Molokai to Oahu race. This episode features Robert Stehlik, who recently won the 14-foot stock stand-up paddleboard (SUP) division. Robert is excited about his accomplishment, sharing insights into his experience during the challenging race.

    Robert starts by discussing his back-to-back participation in the Molokai crossing, having raced on wingfoil boards the previous weekend. He highlights the challenging conditions, emphasizing the grind to get into the wind line and catch bumps to start moving forward. This year’s race had all divisions starting together, making it more interesting and competitive.

    Robert reflects on the evolution of the sport, noting the fluctuating popularity of stand-up paddling and prone foiling. He mentions the international competitors, especially from New Zealand and Australia, who take the sport seriously from a young age. The start was at 8 a.m., earlier than the previous weekend’s foil start. Despite being the last paddler off the beach, Robert managed to catch up and enjoy the race.

    Throughout the interview, Robert details his strategic approach to the race. He talks about the advantage of starting together with other divisions, making it more engaging to have competitors around. He recounts the early part of the race, where a Brazilian paddler on an unlimited board took an early lead, but Robert maintained his pace.

    The conditions were tough, with minimal waves and challenging winds. Robert chose to stay in the wind shadow, which, despite being a longer route, proved advantageous against the headwinds. He mentions his training partners, Jimmy Marshdale and Roland, who also opted for the wind shadow and performed well.

    Robert discusses his equipment, highlighting his 14-foot bump rider board and Kaizen V3 paddle. The board’s stability and the paddle’s design contributed to his success. He also shares his nutrition strategy, emphasizing the importance of hydration and calorie intake during the race. He used a combination of Tailwind (a nutrition mix) and regular water, supplemented with pickle juice shots to prevent cramping.

    Reflecting on past races, Robert notes his previous experiences with cramping and how pickle juice has become a reliable remedy. For nutrition, he found that baby food squeeze packs worked well, providing easy-to-digest calories. This year, he skipped his usual Poi mix due to availability issues and found the baby food to be an excellent alternative.

    Robert expresses surprise at being the only participant to compete in both the foil and stand-up paddle divisions. He expected more competitors to take on both challenges but acknowledges the significant time and financial commitment involved. He mentions notable athletes like James Casey and Kai Lenny, who might have been strong contenders in both categories.

    Concluding the interview, Robert reflects on the demanding nature of stand-up paddling training compared to wing foiling. He appreciates the conditioning benefits from his long paddles, which also helped improve his wing foiling performance. Despite the sport’s fluctuating popularity, Robert remains passionate about stand-up paddling and its unique challenges.

    Congratulations to Robert Stehlik for his impressive achievements in both divisions of the Molokai to Oahu race. Stay tuned for more exciting interviews and race recaps on the Blue Planet Show. Aloha!

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    17 m
  • M2M Foil Race Recap- Maui to Molokai and Molokai Holokai wing foil race recap w. Rob, Derek, Kevin, Matt
    Aug 3 2024

    Most of the video footage featured in the YouTube video was shot by Derek Hama while he was wing foil racing. We talk about the experience of foil racing from Maui to Molokai and the Molokai Molokai race the following day. The previous weekend we competed in the Paddle Imua race, which was the first race of the Koa Kai triple crown race series. The M2M race had a big turnout with 120 SUP foil racers and over 40 wing foilers. The conditions were beautiful and unlike last year, the wind was blowing all the way to the finish, with the exception of a wind shadow behind the pier. Derek, Kevin, Matt and I discuss the race, the equipment we used, the conditions, and things we learned for next year. We hope you enjoy it, we will cover the Molokai to Oahu Foil race in next weeks video, so stay tuned for the M2O foil edition video! Find complete M2M race results here: https://www.pseresults.com/post/molokai-holokai-m2m-2024

    Here is a recap of this video written by Chat GPT, not bad! :)

    Epic Maui to Molokai Wing Foiling Adventure!

    In this exciting episode from Blue Planet, Robert Stehlik and his friends from the O’ahu wing foiling crew share their incredible journey from Maui to Molokai and the subsequent Molokai Holokai race. The video captures stunning footage and provides insights into the experiences of the participants, making it a must-watch for foiling enthusiasts. The adventure begins with Derek, Kevin, and Matt, who join Robert for a long weekend in Maui. They kick off the trip with a Maliko run on Thursday, amidst light winds that soon pick up, setting a promising tone for the upcoming races. Derek captures captivating footage, while Kevin and Matt share their first-time experiences and the camaraderie that binds the group. Race day arrives with excitement and anticipation. The team dons pink shirts, fuels up, and heads to the starting line. The video showcases the impressive turnout, with 120 standup paddle foilers ready to race. Despite expecting lighter winds, the conditions turn out to be perfect, adding to the thrill of the race. Matt recounts his navigational challenges and the beauty of the surroundings, highlighting the unique aspects of the race. Derek, ever the team player, stops to help a fellow racer in distress, showcasing the spirit of sportsmanship that defines the event. This act of kindness, however, doesn’t deter his performance as he continues to capture amazing footage and finishes the race strong. The video transitions to the next day, featuring the Kamalo run along the Molokai coast. The smaller race allows the crew to enjoy a fast, exhilarating sprint. Robert and Matt discuss their equipment choices and strategies, emphasizing the importance of having the right gear for varying conditions. The camaraderie and shared experiences create a sense of unity and joy among the participants. One standout moment is Eli’s perseverance as he completes the race with a ripped center strut on his wing, demonstrating resilience and determination. The crew reflects on the challenges and learnings, with Matt humorously earning the nickname “Matt Hotfoot Tarini” for his barefoot escapades on Molokai’s hot asphalt. The video captures not just the competitive spirit but also the fun and enjoyment of the sport. Kevin’s reflections on the breathtaking views and the overall experience underline the essence of wing foiling – it’s not just about winning but also about the joy of being on the water and sharing moments with friends.

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    34 m