The Bend Surf story started with Dave Chun needing a board to surf the river wave at the Bend Whitewater Park. So, he built one. But like most initial efforts the surfboard was less than perfect. So, he built another. And then another. To finance his obsession, Dave started selling his old boards, which led to orders for custom boards, repair work and SUP rentals.
Meg and Dave Chun have lived this story before. Former owners of KIALOA PADDLES, the Chun’s started KIALOA in the backyard of Dave’s parents’ home in Kailua, Hawaii, where they built outrigger paddles to sustain their outrigger paddling lifestyle. In 1992, the Chun’s moved KIALOA to Bend, Oregon and grew the company to have worldwide sales in SUP boards, SUP paddles, dragon boat and outrigger paddles.
Bend Surf is a continuation of life on the water where Meg, Dave, nephew Jack and with mentor Gerry lurking in the shadows, continue to blur the line between work and play.
Aloha! I wanted to reach out as I’m preparing to purchase my 1st SUP board. I’d like to get a jump start well before the season starts for a few reasons, but mainly to gain as much knowledge about the boards, board makers, and to hopefully find a great deal!
A little about me: I’m 52 and I grew up surfing in southern California and northern Baja, and currently live in Bend. I raced outrigger canoes (OC6 and OC1) for a period of roughly 6 years with Imua in Newport Beach, CA and with Kilohana in the Bay Area. I have owned several Kialoa canoe paddles and appreciate their quality. I plan to paddle mainly on the local lakes and the river, so I would like something stable but fast. Sometimes I like to paddle a little, then stop and just sit and relax on the water and enjoy a beer with friends. Also, durability is important because I don’t love to do ding repair!
If you still make SUP boards or have any leads, that would be super helpful!
Mahalo nui!
Mat