Rambos Locker Ocean Sports Video Blog

Greg Long powers to finish first in the 2009 Aussie National OC1 Titles at Coff's Harbour. Included are interviews with visiting Hawaiians, Kai and Lauren Bartlett, Aaron Napoleon, Manny Kulukulualani, Pat and Ryan Dolan.

Labels: oc1, ocean racing, outrigger, video, video interview

The 20 Beaches Classic is the premiere surf ski race of the Aussie Ocean Racing Series. Run from Manly to Palm beach or reverse it usually attracts a huge field including many Olympic paddlers and internationals.

Labels: ocean racing, racing, SURF SKI, surfski, video, video interview

This was a huge amount of work hope you like them, if you do go to the event in 2010, it’s the best paddling holiday on the Planet

DVD's available from the sidebar on the left.

Labels: Oc6 video, ocean racing, repair canoe, V1, vaka eiva, video, video interview

Coff's to Sawtell OC1 & OC2 from Ocean Sports Media on Vimeo.

The best race of the weekends National Titles, 12k downwind to Sawtell. Lot's to study here, see how the best move so gracefully.

Labels: oc1, OC2, ocean racing, outrigger, video

SUP Coffs to Sawtell from Ocean Sports Media on Vimeo.

National Titles SUP Downwind Race with Hawaiian OC1 Champ Kai Bartlett, Woggie, Travis Grant and others all on SUP's.

Labels: ocean racing, standup, SUP, video

See shopping cart on the left column.

At last a downwind race and what a cracker. With the top 2 paddlers away, it's someone elses turn to shine. Who will step up?

Labels: racing, surfski, vaka eiva, video

Not long now who's going, who's getting the ebegeebies. ...????

Lot's of same day video replays at Trader Jacks this year, so you can paddle your race then sit down at Jacks while the next race is on and watch how good you went.

Support the sponsors that make it all happen.

The weather was shit, i got there late, i was supposed to be in Sydney filming the Fenn Cup, but i got some cool footage anyway. Thanks Scotty from Wollongong and Woogie for the additional little SUP session.

SUP Expression Session Demo Day from Ocean Sports Media on Vimeo.

Labels: standup, SUP, video

As you may or may not know i’ve been filming the LG - Bing Lee Surfski Series in Sydney NSW over the past couple of Months and it’s been a real buzz to be part of this exciting racing, so much to learn from these guys.

Here is the latest from Bondi to Watsons Bay.

CHeers Rambo
Ocean Sports Media

Bondi to Watsons Bay LG/Bing Lee Race 2 V2 from Ocean Sports Media on Vimeo.

Labels: racing, SURF SKI, surfski, video

Ocean Series Ski Race - Lion Island from Ocean Sports Media on Vimeo.

Probably the most challenging filming i've had to do yet, like riding a
bucking bronco on water. All shot from a Jet Ski last weekend.
Enjoy

Tim Jacobs has taken out the Lion Island Challenge for the third year in a row. The lanky carpenter from Freshwater Beach cemented his dominance over Sydney's paddling scene in challenging condition..

Rambo
Ocean Sports Media
OceanSportsMedia.com

Labels: racing, SURF SKI, surfski, video

I had so much fun shooting this, Guy Leech was the perfect gentlemen allowing me full access to mount a GoPro Cam on his ski and granting an interview later. Leechy had an encounter with the "bommie" at Long Reef (see the video) and made for great viewing and discussion after the race.

A very close finish with Jeremy cotter just pipping Tim Jacobs on the run up too the line with Shannon Eckstein 3rd and in the womans race Hayley Bateup proved too strong for Former Molokai Champ Jasmin Kelly with 2 time Olympian Yander Nossiter 3rd.

Enjoy

Cheers Rambo

Molokai ski veteran Kirsty Holmes on racing in the Fenn Cup Downwind Ski Series starting 26th Sept.

Kirsty, a two-time Australian Ironwoman and 2003 Molokai champion is a regular on the World Surf Ski Race scene. Kirsty is off to the Carribbean SurfSki Tour this month so will miss the 1st race of the Fenn Cup.

Labels: ocean racing, SURF SKI, video interview

I spoke to Clint Robinson last weekend and this is what he had to say about the future of Ocean Racing, it appears things are moving in this direction already with the Fenn Cup Downwind Series and the Bing Lee/LG Ocean Series kicking off in a few weeks time as well as numerous races running around the world this coming year. He had some other interesting things to say about the Molokai race and views on other things as well, but this clip is primarily to do with the Future of Ocean Racing.

Clint's time is committed to junior SLSA six days a week for now, but said he's still keen on getting back on the water competitively soon.

Labels: Clint Robinson, ocean racing, SURF SKI, video interview

Row For Cancer - 2009 from Rambos Locker on Vimeo.

Welcome to the fourth annual Health Foundation Row For Cancer. This event was held on the 5th September 2009 continuing the Sunshine Coast Health Foundation's fundraising campaign to support local cancer patients. Combining sun, sand and the beautiful Maroochy River the event draws hundreds of competitors from as far away as Townsville to compete in surf boat, outrigger, and ski races for impressive prize money … and a cause that touches us all.

Mooloolaba Outrigger Canoe Club and Rambos' Locker are proud to be Supporters of Row For Cancer ...... see you all again next year.

Cheers Rambo

Labels: cancer, oc1, Oc6 video, SURF SKI

FENN CUP 2009

4 Race Ocean Paddling Series
Over $50,000 in cash and prizes to win!
Entries now open online

This is a little TimeLapse i did on the Std Model GoPro Wide, NOT the HD model which is not available yet. That is actually my backyard.

Amazing what you can get out of these little cams. I'm doing a few Beach/Outrigger TimeLapses over the next few days, post here when there done.

Cheers Rambo

Labels: GoPro, TimeLapse

If you're a follower of my blog you would know my POV or on-canoe mounted cameras are GoPro Cameras and that they do a fantastic job in their role as a Fully Waterproof camera. Well guess what? .... I'm really excited to announce that GoPro are releasing a High Definition model with improve features ... the full story below.



The GoPro HD still has the killer 170 degree wide angle lens and will have three recording resolutions: 1080p (1980 x 1080), 960p (1280×960, so it’s similar to 720p but at 4:3 ratio), and 720p (1280 x 720). What’s even better is the camera can record 720p at double speed 60 FPS for buttery smooth high-def slow motion deliciousness. Here are the full video specs with bitrates, please note bitrates may change in final production version:

* 1080P 1980×1080 30 fps @12 Mbps
* 960P 1280×960, 30 fps @ 10 Mbps
* 720P 1280×720, 30 fps @ 7.5 Mbps
* 720P 1280×720, 60 fps @ 15 Mbps

The GoPro HD has a completely redesigned power system. The new power design includes a 1100 maH Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery pack. This provides greatly improved battery life over the original GoPro Wide series, especially in cold weather and cold water environments. This new battery pack should provide 2-3 hours of record time, and you can always pack extra batteries as well.

The camera will accept up to a 32gb SDHC card, which is good knowing the massive file sizes that 1080p video will produce. The video compression format is H.264, a great universal format for HD video.

In addition we’ve heard rumors of a wireless remote. There will also be an LCD "backpack" that you can clip on to the back of the camera and a battery attachment for increased recording time.

Exciting stuff, the only downside is longer editing time with the HD footage but will be worth it and will integrate perfectly into the Hi Def footage i shoot with my JetSki Rig. The 1280 x 720p 60frames per second is what excites me.

Price is being touted as US$299.
Should have a unit for testing soon.

This puts GoPro so far ahead of their competition as the most affordable, FULLY WATERPROOF High Def Camera on the market period.

GoPro you guys are Legends.....

Cheers Rambo

Labels: Camera, GoPro

It was a pleasure to have Hawaiian legend Nappy Napoleon steer our crew from Papua New Guinea - Konedobu Kanu Klab at the 2009 Hamilton Cup. How many people can say they took this line along the bottom of Dent Island and got away with? He truly deserves the title "Channel Master" after 52 Molokai Hoe Crossings. Thank you Nappy, Anona and grandson Rigg, we enjoyed your company. Also thank you to Brendon and the Boys of the KKK , i think we all learnt something eh.

Cheers Rambo

It's also on Youtube in good Quality

Labels: Hammo, Nappy, Oc6 video

Labels: Culture, outrigger, repair canoe, surfski, video

Extracted from my full video - One of the Outriggers canoes takes a big hit on the Crossing for Cancer paddle. If you want better quality go to Youtube hit HQ and the full screen button and watch in LARGE.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGYqjkhpbdw

You can watch the full video here
http://rambos-locker.blogspot.com/2009/06/crossing-for-cancer-video.html

Cheers Rambo

Labels: Oc6 video, video, wipeout

Let's look at the cold hard Facts about cold water immersion. I think everyone needs to be aware of this information regardless of where they paddle.

Labels: cold water

Crossing For Cancer 2009 - Across Bass Strait in an Outrigger Canoe from Ocean Sports Media on Vimeo.

2009 crossing of Bass Strait (Australia to Tasmania - 375km) in an Outrigger canoe, raising approx $30k for Cancer Research and honoring two worthy men, Chris Robinson the original Skipper of the famous Greenpeace "Rainbow Warrior" (which the French Secret Service blew up in New Zealand in 1985). Chris passed away before we left, he was to be our Support boat Skipper. The other is Peter Corbishley, who makes the Outrigger Connection Mirage canoe here in Australia. Pete has cancer and paddled the entire Crossing.

If you like inspirational stories, adventure action with fun and beautiful remote islands, follow us as we relive the Crossing and raise awareness for Cancer Research.

Watch out for the big “hit” on the red canoe in slow-mo on the Deal Island to Killiecrankie leg.

UPDATE : 2014 Pete Corbishley amazingly has beaten his cancer and lives life to fullest.

It's the Women's turn for the 37km Round Raro Pacific Cup and what a close battle it is all the way. Don't the Girls just love their racing.
Hope you enjoy it, you're welcome to leave a comment if you do.

As always - Start the video then pause it, make a cuppa and let it fully load. Then you can play it as many times as you like for only one download as long as you don’t close the window.

Cheers Rambo

Labels: Oc6 video, racing, vaka eiva, video

Another Episode in the Vaka Eiva 2008 series of videos. This was so much fun to shoot and edit, hope you enjoy it.
Held at picturesque Muri Lagoon, the sprint events are always keenly contested but most importantly, a huge amount of fun!! The World Famous “pop the ama” competition is a blast as are the "Boat Races".
The paddlers love this day and it sets the mood for the "Muri Mingler" party that nite on the beach.

Leave a comment if you like it.

Cheers Rambo

Labels: Oc6 video, racing, vaka eiva, video

A re -up of j.outpaddlin's Molokai Surfski Solo from the year 2000. See if you can recognize the paddlers, i see Marty and Grant Kenny, Rod Taylor, Tim Jacobs and many others. Also checkout the surf ski's from that era, wow have we come a long way. The intro is Oc1, but 95% of the footage is vintage ski. Thanks Jacques

Cheers Rambo

Labels: Molokai, racing, surfski

Ok here is the next one, the biggie, The Men's 37km Round Raro Change-Over.

This is a ripper. I suggest you download it in HQ and have your own copy. It's a 351 Mb MP4 file, video is 30 mins long.

Copy and paste this in your browser and save the file or right click and save as.
http://blip.tv/file/get/Rambooc1-VakaEiva2008MensRoundRaro232.mp4

If you just want to watch it then play below but it's still a 100mb download.

Labels: Oc6 video, racing, vaka eiva, video

Had to post this before i go away. It's the very funny "Caveman" vs The Carrot footage from the Mooloolaba National titles.

Labels: Oc6 video, racing, video

Well it's just over a week to go before i head off to Melbourne Victoria, for a 17 day Crossing of Bass Strait between Australia and Tasmania in an Outrigger canoe. Will it be cold? (i hate cold weather) Will we make it?..... The distance doesn't faze me (350k) having paddled the 404k of the Red Cross Murray Marathon in 5 days, but that is one wild and unpredictable ocean out there.

You will be able to track our progress with 10 min GPS positional updates on a Google Earth map here and on the Crossing for Cancer website thanks to Ian Vitch, manager of P.I. Plus P/L the Australian distributors of SPOT GPS Messenger www.piplus.com.au who has provided us with a Tracking GPS and online user account.



For more info go to the Crossing for cancer website http://crossingforcancer.org/

To Track us in real time check this link

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/gogl.jsp?glId=0xqugdEqVMus6XrOPQDBgjvAaV4KmBN1Z

And if you would like to support this Crossing with goods for the Auction or donate money to the Charity , please contact me on the email above.

Cheers Rambo

Labels: GPS, outrigger

This week I'm going to start posting the video's from Vaka Eiva 2008 starting with the Womens 12k OC1 Race.
The Series contains -

• Women Oc1, Oc6 Iron and changeover race
• Men Oc1 - Oc6 iron and changeover race
• Sprints, Blessings and presentations
• Fun and Games and the Boiler Swim.

Labels: vaka eiva

I went to the wrong starting location so i missed my Jet Ski video platform to follow the entire race, by the time i got through traffic to the right location the event had already started.... bugger. This clip was shot from the bank of the river near the Noosa Bar and at the finish line.

Labels: Noosa, SUP, video

By popular demand. Fully Stabilized and Zoomed Footage of Clint Robinson's final 4 mins of the Doctor Race for Technique and Surfing analysis.

Cheers Rambo

Labels: racing, SURF SKI, training techniques, video

Guy's, i've used these for the past 2 years and they have helped me improve my understanding of paddling immensely. Feel free to download them from my Knowledge box and i hope they help you as much as they have helped me.

Just right click and save to your hard drive.

Arthur Lydiard Training
http://www.box.net/rssdownload/161525510/Arthur%20Lydiard_training.pdf

Wind and Waves
http://www.box.net/rssdownload/109496927/Wind%20and%20Waves.pdf

Imre_new_book4
http://www.box.net/rssdownload/107097385/Imre_new_book4.doc

Cheers Rambo

Labels: training techniques

I'm constantly working on ways to improve video footage shot from moving boats or Jet Ski's. I've written a script for my camera program to stabilize extremely shaky footage, and I'm happy to say it works fantastic considering the boat is moving at 25 - 30 kph and the camera is hand held in a fig rig.

This next short video sample is a split screen format with the original footage on the left and the Stabilized on the right.

Cheers Rambo

Labels: Camera, camera mounts, SURF SKI

Olympic Gold Medalist Clint "Robbo" Robinson won the Perth leg of the
Surf Ski world Cup in smashing style, the man is a machine. This video
showcases the event and what ever you do don't miss the final 5 mins of
"Robbo" smashing it on runner after runner..... it's awesome.

Filmed and Produced by  Rambo

Labels: SURF SKI

Thibert Lussiaa has asked me to help promote this race both here and around the world. He knows we are forming a Va'a Association in Oz and now have craft available here through Zulu http://www.zulusurf.com.au and wants paddlers to register their interest in this race. He tells me that lot's of Tahitian Top paddlers have agreed to support the event and Marsh "Tiger" Taylor has a new V1 being made especially for Ocean racing at this event that is much shorter than the sprinting V1.

Va'a Kane

The Ultimate battle of Champions V1 and OC1 a show down!!!.

-Pro Division ( Invitation only)
-Open Class Division... Kane and Wahine

June 6th and 7th. The Big Island of Hawaii, the Home of the Goddess Pele

The Va'a Kane is the Ultimate paddling event, Two days of Racing...Two different disciplines...Two different race courses and conditions...This is a timed event on each day and time from both days will determine the Ultimate Champion (Pro and Open Division)

-Day 1, June 6th is a V1 (Rudderless) race from Honokohau Harbor to finish at Keauhou Bay. 12 miles flat water race.
-Day 2, June 7th is a OC1 (Rudder) race from Keokea Beach park to Mahukona Launch. 14+ miles of Open Ocean water

Unique: Competitors must use a V1 (Rudderless) Va'a on day 1 and an OC1 (Rudder) Va'a on day 2.... No Exceptions!!!

One Champion...This event will define who is the best paddler in the World.


Much More race details along with web site and info out SOON!!

Race contacts:
Thibert Lussiaa (808) 895-1962 or tlusiaa@kukio.com
Mike Field (808) 896-6445 or mikefield@hawaii.rr.com
Mike Nakachi (808) 640-3871 or mikenakachi@hawaii.rr.com


From Tiger re the new Va'a

This canoe is an entirely new model. Like the old sprint model, the hull comes from va’a builder Philippe Bernardino of Tahiti. Its made for open water conditions. Smaller in volume, as the sprint model used in the IVF sprints is considered large, it has more rocker and no “V” through the center of the hull. It is looser and more maneuverable. The cockpit is high to keep water out. The canoe will have a skirt if one chooses.

Alohga
Tiger








Cheers Rambo

Labels: oc1, racing, V1, va'a

This is one of the best turns i have ever seen, perfect timing, simple technique, not over powered.

The ass of that Mirage BURNS

http://blip.tv/file/1775739

Labels: Oc6 video

This is what i’m using to shoot Karel Jr with from the Jet Ski. Purpose built for shooting Hi Def from a Jet Ski, with 7” external framing monitor, remote control zoom/record with TOSLINK fibre optic extender,1080i Hi Def Cam 2hr recording to SD Card, 4 hrs external battery pack. Comes with waterproof covers for the cam, monitor and remote.



Don’t be fooled by the little cam, it’s basically just a big Hi Def Bullet Cam, no moving parts and an awesome optical stabilization system.



A 12v battery in the bum bag runs the big monitor and the Cam. It has an 8.4v regulator in line to the HF100 and full 12v to the monitor.

The base of wheel has a 3/8 adapter to take a Gyro Stabilizer, but at $2500 …… well have to sell some DVD’s first. But i hired one and it’s awesome. It spins at 20,000rpm and trying to turn the wheel is like fighting a Formula 1 car around a corner, but dead steady footage even when the jet-ski bounces.


The monitor is already splash proof, the cam has a clear WP bag with glass port and the remote has just a clear bag (Not shown). It’s not for IN water only ON water. The cam bag had to have a breather as it generates heat, but that’s no problem. It’s definitely more versatile than a shoulder mount and more stable.


On mild days when there's little chance of getting the Cam wet, i just put a ziploc bag over the Cam with a hole for the lens and a small breather hole cut in the top of the bag. There is a UV filter for protection and a rubber band keeps the bag in place around the filter. Other times i put the Cam into a housing i adapted from an Everready 6v waterproof torch and mount that to the tripod head with the quick connect tripod mount.

The cam is secured inside the housing by foam inserts.The Canon HF 100 fit's perfectly into the area where the battery was and i have replaced the original torch lens with a low iron glass. Cables are routed thru a small rubber port in the torch housing to connect the extn monitor, extn power and fibre optic remote cable.


That is about prototype 10, i keep changing it all the time. I have clip on mounts for duel lights, external shotgun mike and a laser pointer and the best thing is, all the cam controls are available with both hands on the wheel and that is important for steady footage.

I suppose i should explain the Laser pointer. It helps train your coordination to keep a steady position even when bouncing around on the back of a Jet Ski. You aim it at say a white area on the hull of a canoe and try and maintain the spot in the monitor, especially when zoomed in. It also allows you to take your eyes off the monitor for a while, knowing that if you hold the spot, you have the framing you set up.

How it's made
The wheel is made from flexible 25mm poly pressure pipe and joined at the bottom with a copper "T" piece and riveted together. The Tripod head fits over the single end of the "T" and is also riveted in place.( The Slik tripod head still works as normal and the whole wheel will attach to a tripod just by screwing it on to the normal tripod screw mount via an adapter thread on the bottom of the wheel)

A car steering wheel cover is then stretched over the pipe for looks and to hide all the cables. The monitor clamp is adapted from a bike handle bar mount that comes with a GoPro Camera kit i had. Car DVD Monitor mounts will also work.

As i only use the Monitor for framing not focusing (i only use auto focus), the Sony DVD Car Accessory monitor is sufficient for my needs. Actually, its very good resolution and has good brightness controls. It's connected via av (composite) and works in playback or record mode.

I use the remote control to steer the Jet Ski while facing rearwards. .... Only kidding. I engage a driver and i sit facing the rear and shoot both sides and rear. Also turn around and stand and shoot over the drivers head. The wheel gives great stability control and you can access the remote with both hands on the wheel. You can see some footage here.
http://rambos-locker.blogspot.com/20...er-video1.html

That was my first time using the wheel, I have got better since and when i use the Gyro, it's steady as a rock. Requires good team work and communication between the Jet Ski driver and the Cam operator ..(me)

UPDATE
Ok, here are the pictures of version 12 ..whew. Will i ever leave this thing alone.

The HF100 is fully "dunk" proof now and the case looks less like a torch housing with the handle removed and painted. For on land shots, i just remove the glass screw on front and replace it with one with no glass.

The Button on top is a waterproof cable gland adapted to work as a power button to turn the Camera on and off. so now most all the controls are available from out side the case.

There is a tripod quick release mount fixed to the base of the housing for easy removal.

Cheers Rambo

Labels: BulletCam, Camera, camera mounts

I'm currently testing a few permanent solutions to fogging internally of the "Wide Angle" GoPro Lens. Nothing peeves me more than excitedly loading the days footage into the PC, only to find 40mins of it is engulfed in fog and useless, especially as i know there were some hooten' runs on it.

Here is what I'm testing and why it will work.

Protective Vents provide continuous airflow in sealed housings without allowing contaminants to enter because of the proprietary expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane in the vent. This unique ePTFE membrane has a low surface tension, so it repels liquids, such as water, oil, and surfactants, as well as preventing dust, dirt, and other environmental contaminants from entering the housing.

You will need to drill a small hole in the case (about 3mm, i will be able to give you the tested location) and glue or press fit one of these little vents in the picture below. The alternative is to drill the same hole size and glue a stick on piece of the vent fabric over the hole. I like the first option better as it's permanent but just have to be sure there is no interference with the cam in the case.

I will have some feedback on the results in a couple of days. But test so far indicate it is a bloody ripper.

Cheers Rambo

Labels: Camera, camera mounts, GoPro