Paddler Profile: Kim James
We’re going to try every so often to profile some of the BARK team here on the blog. First off, is East Coast SUP team member Kim James.
Kim is from Virginia Beach and currently lives in Wilmington, NC, started paddling at a race 2009 with a board and paddle borrowed from Jeoffrey and Catherine of Coastal Urge in Wilmington and has been hooked ever since… So here goes:
How many miles per week in season/out of season?
KJ: My season is year round with our access to flat water here in Wilmington/Wrightsville, so I try to get in 21-28 miles per week. In the winter I just bundle up. If I can’t paddle for some reason, I try to get in 4-6 mile runs a few times per week. Out of season, I’ll hit the gym and play tennis as well.
What has been your scariest experience paddling?
KJ: It was at the Onslow Challenge in June of 2011. It’s an 11 mile downwind race and the waves kept coming at a side angle making it impossible to paddle on the right side of the board. At one point I fell off and couldn’t get the board flipped over due to the wind and waves. I kept treading water and trying to get the board flipped over until finally a safety boat came over and gave me a hand. Conditions worsened throughout the race making the finish challenging as well.
What are your goals in SUP?
KJ: My paddling goals are to become more comfortable with with sup surfing, to enter as many different style races I can, and to continue travelling and sharing this amazing sport with everyone who is curious and would like to try. I also love meeting new sup friends and learning from them as well.
Why did you choose team BARK?
KJ: I choose BARK boards for many reasons. When I first tried the Expedition, I felt very comfortable on the board. I felt stable and I loved the option to either have it in flatwater or take it in the ocean. When I got a Competitor, I loved that I still had the stability but I could go fast and be competitive as well. As I have gotten to share the boards on demo evenings or just teaching friends, everyone loves the boards and feels the same way I do. They just have such an appeal to everyone and the BARK team is amazing! I love the personal touch in that you can just call Joe himself or anyone there and ask a question or talk about paddling when you see them at events too. There is so much heart and soul behind Bark and that is why I have made it my board of choice.
Flat water or downwind?
KJ: At this time I prefer glassy conditions but as I do more downwinders I am becoming more comfortable and I am liking the ride!
There you go. Now you know Kim James enough to go up and say hello next time you see her out banking miles this fall/winter/spring. Thanks for your time Kim and keep up the stoke on the East coast!
East Coast, Joe Bark, Team | JoelP October 19, 2011
