Maui, HI. Suzie Cooney, CPT owner of Suzie Trains Maui ( photos by Lisa Marino )
Suzi Tucker in training!
I want you to take a good look at the next competitor at the 4th Annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a this next year in May racing down Maliko Gulch. My client, former sponsored skateboarder, amazing long board surfer, Suzi Tucker is up for the challenge and I’m thrilled to be in her corner as her coach and trainer. Not only is she riding the board I won my division on last year, but man oh man is she strong and laser focused on and off the water.
Our first paddling experience on her race board was impressive. We did a double session on her first
day out with me, after I quickly discovered how much talent and strength this gal had. Nothing could knock her off her board, side swell, chop and strong head winds. I looked back and there she was right on my butt.
Suzi is new to Maui and has embraced our incredible lifestyle and is a natural beauty. She is one of these athletes I have to hold back and look her in the eyes to make sure she’s okay, as she smiles through some tough workouts.
Her footwork is amazing and sheer determination I wish I could bottle. We are hard at work in the studio as she prepares for Maliko. We train her legs, do lots of loaded balance work, upper body and cardio. I tell all my clients, your first 15 minutes out of that gulch can either suck your energy or you can leave people in the dust. Your choice. Cardio, cardio and focus. She’ll be fine!
Also, for those of you new to SUP downwind racing, especially those who want to attempt Maliko here on Maui, check out this article so you know before you go – safety first: Know Before You Go Down Maliko
We have some training to do out there on Maliko, but she’s a quick study and I know I’ve got my own new competitor to keep an eye on! I’m real proud of her progress, dedication and healthy lifestyle. She gets lots of sleeps, eats no sugar and leads a simple life.
Please drop a line and say hello to Suzi. Leave a comment to help prepare her for the big day when she’s at the start with me at the OluKai Ho’olaule’a. Cheer her on with me here and let’s get her ready.
Keep up the great work Suzi and your laser focus. See you training Friday! Let’s do it!
If you or someone you know needs a pro in their corner, Suzie Cooney is available for private training and coaching. You can contact here at this website: http://bit.ly/mf3vEF
Maui, HI., Saturday December 3, 2011 was the place to be as a very entertaining, free, unique SUP ( stand up paddle ) event took place in North Kihei’s Mai Poina Ole La’u Beach Park, where participants were greeted with mild, calm conditions and a small south swell. The purpose of the event was to allow those new and experienced to the wildly, ever-growing popular sport of stand up paddling also known as “SUP”; participate in a very interesting and challenging fitness beach course and ocean paddle challenge. ( photo galleries and sponsor info below )
Kai Lenny!
The event attracted over 55 participants men and women and was hosted by Naish International and Suzie Cooney, fitness specialist, Naish Team Rider and owner of Suzie Trains Maui. To wow and inspire the crowd local Maui resident and recently crowned 2011 SUP World Champion, and Naish Team Rider, Kai Lenny also demonstrated his skills on the water and then
Suzie and Kai
showed off his nose riding techniques atop of the Indo Board gear that was available for people and the public to try. In addition to the Indo Board demo by Suzie Cooney and Indo Board Team Rider, Leighton Nakamoto , a TRX Fitness Rip Trainer demo was also conducted to show how it can be incorporated into one’s stand up paddling fitness training.
Suzie Cooney TRX Rip Trainer Demo
Stand up paddling is drawing great attention world-wide but is also helping people of all fitness levels to embrace a more healthy lifestyle. This non-competitive event was designed to challenge, inspire and bring people together in an environment that offered something different than racing without any pressure. The mission of Suzie Cooney and Naish and all of the wonderful volunteers was to provide a fun venue that offered a sort of bonding experience through a little literally, heart pounding action.
The course: 3 buoys in a triangle format marked the water action as a mass start began at the sound of a horn! Off to the first buoy paddlers were met by Maui’s own downwind champion, Jeremy Riggs who cheered and helped people navigate, some for their first time ever near a buoy, around turn number one. Then as paddlers began to spread out with some of the more experienced paddlers, such as Donnie McGean, Bill Hoffman and a few more in front, it was time to land on the beach and begin the crazy fitness obstacle beach course that consisted of 4 stations with volunteers to cheer, encourage and assist if needed.
Donnie, crawling left, writes, ” As for the funniest moment it had to be trying to stand up and run after the taco rolls. As for what I enjoyed the most, it was meeting new people that were interested in SUP. My goal is always to give 100% and still have fun. As for what I found inspirational, it was that some of the best in the SUP world came out to help and share their knowledge and love of the sport. Thanks again for a great event.”
Donnie On the beach, participants hopped off their boards and ran to station number one, a 20 foot long by 8 foot wide crawl area. Here people had their own unique strategy and style as they crawled, dove on their bellies or some on all fours under yellow caution tape. Then up to their feet to run a zig-zag cone course, then drop immediately at the pushup station where Coach Leighton Nakamoto, resident of Makawao made sure people did 10! Boy, was he tough!
The most spectacular entertainment of the day, was the sandy taco roll. Here, immediately after the pushups, participants had to drop and roll for
taco rolling
about 20 feet while trying not to get dizzy or roll into the ocean. Tommy Callan, creator of this station cheered and helped people up to their feet and guided them to the two Naish flags where one then had to run through and then run or jog back down the beach to get their boards and hit the water for one final lap and then one final spin through the course.
Although this was marked as a non-competitive event, one had to take notice of Maui’s Donnie McGean who managed to stay in front and finish in the lead. My other buddy and downwind training partner, Bill Hoffman of Pukalani was hot on his tail and finished 2nd. Everyone finished and everyone at this event were winners. Anyone who could simply finish this grueling course deserves a round of applause. I’m totally proud of all of them. People were laughing, grunting and looking at me with the look of “you’ve got to be kidding”, but they kept going. It was great. Continue reading Naish & Suzie Trains Maui Delivers Unique Stand Up Fitness Paddle Challenge As One to Remember
Introducing Matt Lennert, long distance and wave SUP paddler, SUP event director, windsurfer and surfer; stopped in for an all-on SUP performance tune up with me in my studio during his recent visit to Maui. He was up for any challenge, that’s for sure! I threw medicine balls at him full speed while he managed to amazingly hang onto whatever training apparatus I placed him on top of.
His sheer determination and already a finely tuned athlete; he was on top of his training game. Wow! He performed well this day and left with a good sweat. Unfortunately the conditions for a Maliko Run were not up to par but we’ll have to try again Matt when you come back with your family!
Maui: Maliko Gulch to Kanaha Harbor 9.5 Miles of endurance, fierce competition, big glides and some of the biggest talent you’d ever seen, converged and raced July 24th, 2011
There was a sea of yellow Naish Glides ( that’s what I ride ) and others and wow, what a line of up fine athletes and new talent from around the globe! This was a well-organized event thanks to Naish International, Maui Naish Pro Center, John Gangini and Blair Thorndike. The conditions were a bit questionable, but in grand Maliko style, after brother Joe gave the most beautiful Hawaiian ”Pule” the trades seemed to pick up just at the right time.
TweetFirst out the prone paddlers, then 12 footers, 14 and then unlimited like clock work. This was a staged start, with a 3 minute hold, and it worked quite well. Sitting at the start next to my buddy Karen Wrenn and to her right our newest team rider, Chuck Patterson and to my left my local gang, Julia Schweiger, Jeremy and Jill Riggs, Simone Reddingius and a few newbies as the boards were clattering and bumping before the horn.
Photographers, Erik Aeder, Darrell Wong, and Jimmie Hepp poised and ready to shoot. Looking around to see who would take “the” line was interesting. Normally we pinch up to the right hard and steady. This time it was madness to see who would get out in front first. I watched Chuck and others watching each other. The competition was fierce and you could feel the power ready to be unleashed!
Time to go! I hit the play button on my IShuffle, first song “My Wave” by Soundgarden. Perfect! I was getting pinched hard by a gal on blue 14ft, to my right. Sorry, but I’m way more competitive than I thought. I didnt’ mean to, whoever you are; to run over your paddle but it was time to go. Rick Sands, you gave me a run for my money. Congrats on your fine finish. Jill, you were with me quite a ways and it was just like practice coming into the harbor. Super fun for sure.
photo Jimmie Hepp 2011
Coming into the harbor was a breeze this time. Tiffany Ward in front, Jill then me. The finish was 100 yards further West than last year, thank goodness. This meant that if the winds were howling side shore it wouldnt’ be as brutal getting in.
Well, of course I couldn’t catch Jamie Mitchell, Dave Kalama, Scott Turdon, Kody Kerbox, Connor Baxter, Ralf, Michi Schweigher or Jeremy Riggs; and Karen, Sonni and Allison were gone! I held my line and never looked up and thought, this is it, race day! How lucky am I to live Maui, paddle for Naish and paddle with my good friends in my own backyard. I gave it my best with a decent time and although the age group spread was HUGE( who’s in charge of that!?)30-45, I got a respectable 6th.
Congrats to everyone and to all the new faces who are joining the racing experience. I’ll be posting more highlights and updates soon. Suzie Cooney!
Aloha, I’d like to introduce to you two of our Maui, SUP Ohana members of the community and good friends. Mark and Donna Raaphorst are asking for our support as I’m learning more and more about the tragic effect autism has on children and their families. The need to educate and support this cause is great. Learn more about how you can support our friends in their journey to paddle 26 miles in New York this summer.
Mark and Donna
“Dear Friends and Family,
Autism affects 1 in 150 children. Donna and I both have friends and family whose children are autistic. Maybe you do too. These individuals are faced with huge challenges every day, but with a good support system these challenges can be faced with some comfort and even joy.
Next month we will be participating in an event that raises money to assist individuals and family members touched by this disorder. The funds we help raise will go to a variety of foundations focused on education for the children, family support and research that will hopefully lead to a cure.
The event is the SEAPaddleNYC and it takes place on August 12th 2011. Time is short now so we are graciously asking you to act soon by making a contribution of any amount to this cause. We understand well that the current economy is putting a strain on many of us. However, we are asking that if there is any contribution that you are able to make to help us reach our goal, we would greatly appreciate it. More importantly, the recipients of the foundation’s gifts will be touched by your generosity.
The SEAPaddleNYC is a 26.5 mile paddle around Manhattan we will do on our own stand up boards flown in from Hawaii. The paddle is expected to take between 7-8 hours. In order to participate we are required to raise a minimum of $1000.00 each but would like to increase that minimum to at least $1500.00 each for a combined donation of $3000.00.
The route:
The links below will take you directly to our pledge pages where you can make a contribution.
To find out more about the event and the foundations that will benefit simply click on the green logo in the upper left corner that will lead you to the home page.
If you are able to make a contribution please follow the links above. Also, if you know others who might be interested in making a contribution please feel free to forward this email to them.
With gratitude,
Mark & Donna Raaphorst
155 Hohani Pl.
Haiku HI 96708
(808) 463-4656
Good luck Mark and Donna! I’m sure you’ll get there and represent. Suzie
Rain, wind nor even tornadoes didn’t keep our SUP Event, STAND UP For Mental Illness from shining bright and keeping our mission to raise awareness for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Unusual, heavy rain, hail, snow in Lake Tahoe and even a tornado was reported to have touched down North of us, which meant for tumultuous conditions for some first time SUP paddlers scheduled for our East Bay SUP & Suzie Trains Maui Event. Since safety was our main concern along with making sure that paddlers new to the sport would have a good experience, we made the call to cancel the event.
Suzie, Lucija & Samir
Despite the extreme weather, which did put a damper on our outdoor efforts; however, thanks to Lucija Kordic’s of East Bay SUP ability to make great things happen, we decided to host and “Aloha Breakfast” to encourage the participants to come and talk SUP and donate to NAMI. The Chop Bar Restaurant, located in the new revitalized area of the Embarcadero of Oakland and Jack London Square hosted our large group of inspiring SUP paddlers and brought together new friends and old! I even got arrested by Oakland’s finest, but soon talked them into spreading a little extra aloha!
Thanks to all of you who generously donated your entry fees and other donations. This will be a big huge help.
A healthy mind and a healthy body go hand in hand—you cannot have one, without the other. As part of my work today I continue to stress the importance of staying active, as it helps lead to improved mental health.From childhood, mental illness has had a profound impact on my life. My mother, and three more of her six siblings, lived with mental illness. My mother was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and severe depression when I was a young child. Since I can remember I was a caregiver and lived in a house that was full of pain and constant upheaval. My grandmother did what she could, but years ago there was confusion about what mental illness was and not much support.
As an only child it was overwhelming. I was fragile. I had no person, or no organization, to turn to for help or support. In an attempt to escape I moved out when I was 15 years old. Ever since then I have experienced feelings of guilt for leaving my family in a time of crisis.
Realizing I had made a mistake I returned to help. A saying of my aunt and uncle helped me stay strong and forge ahead in tough times. “The well must stay well,” they said. I did what I could to maintain by own mental and physical health to provide the best help I could for my mother.
But times were still difficult. What my mother had to experience was agonizing both for her and for me. All the doctors did was lock her up, drug her up and then put her back into society with no coping skills. Consequently, the situation repeated itself, over and over, as we moved my mother from one apartment to the next.
Finally in 1997, I moved her overnight to an amazing community of progressive care in Contra Costa County, California. For a year, my mother was furious with me for taking action this way, but eventually she realized it was the best thing to have happened. Today she is able to live independently with only weekly visits from her amazing case manager and her physician, Dr. Ziba Rahimzadeh, who has been with her for over 12 years.
Growing up in California, the ocean has always called to me. Three years ago, and living in Hawaii, I got started in the sport of stand up paddling (SUP). As a professional trainer and model, staying active was not only important to my professions but made my mind feel healthier as well. In 2009, I was injured in a freak accident, breaking both my legs. I was confined to a wheelchair for several months. My lower body atrophied in less than two weeks and I began to feel depressed.
For me, I knew that the sport I had just started only a few years prior was the way to get both my body and mind back. Being on the water was soothing, it comforted me, it made me feel connected and part of something.
After standing up and helping myself, I realized that stand up paddling was a viable way to help others achieve improved health as well. That’s why I’m honored to partner with NAMI in hosting a SUP event in the Bay Area. The founder of East Bay SUP and I had become friends through our common interest in stand up paddling. Through conversations she bravely shared with me how she had gone through periods of serious depression herself and how SUP helped her as well. I knew that we had to hold an event that would also help raise awareness for mental illness. So on June 4 in Oakland, Calif., we are holding the “Bay Area Stand Up Paddle Clinic” to help support NAMI.
SUP is very easy to learn and people of all individuals can learn. It’s an easy way to get people on the water and an effective form of relaxation and therapy. Surfing is currently being used to help U.S. veterans who have PTSD recover from the effects of war. And although some might be scared at first to get out here it’s often hard to get folks back off the water.
A special thanks to the NAMI team! See you all on Saturday. Please, never give up on the ones you care about or even yourself. Day by day, you will get stronger and healthy. This I promise. And also, give out lots of hugs! People love to feel loved. Suzie Cooney, CPT
Here is another link with more information to the event as well:
With the OluKai Ho’olaule’a wrap up complete, I’m a bit late in writing this post, but as I was shaping this follow up article on my friends and SUP racers, Kevin Vangritisfrom North Carolina and Jenny Ryan from Australia; it occurred to me how true it is that if you want to place you can have it. But, you’ve got to REALLY want it, see it and train for it. ( See my article on What You See Is How You Perform )
Jenny Ryan, my charging friend from down under; trains rigorously back in Australia and just won her age division here at our OluKai SUP Race May 14th,2011. Like Kevin, her training is intense, planned and has an end, and anticipated result.
Congrats to you both for applying what we’ve talked about and just being the fierce, disciplined competitors you are; and all the while being two wonderful humans to know. It’s a pleasure to see you both doing doing so well and inspiring us all.
Jenny Ryan photo courtesy of OluKai Premium Foowear
First up Jenny: I really enjoyed training with her and watching how she get’s into her “real” zone. Man can she paddle in a mighty way. I asked Jenny to write a follow up for us, so you can enjoy through Jenny, what it feels like to train, prepare and then win! She confesses that she actually just came to have a few good “runners” as she calls them, but she paddles to win!
Jenny writes: “After arriving on Maui and getting a few Maliko training runs under my belt race day had arrived! I jumped on Kelly’s Maliko shuttle – filled with fellow pumped and excited competitors! The closer we were getting to the Gulch, the stronger the winds were getting! This only meant one thing, the race would be fast! When we all got to the Gulch and registered it was starting to hit me. I was back and I was about to race again! I kept seeing faces from last year’s Naish race, with fellow paddlers Andrea Moller, Devon Blish, and T surprised to see me! It was great knowing that some of the top Maui paddlers were stoked to see me back!
After the Pule (prayer ceremony) we all started to enter the gulch and get ready for the start of the race and before I knew it the race started!
The first 3/4 of the race was amazing! Dodging turtles, flying fish, and catching some of great runners! Everything was going great till I noticed something the runs
Jenny Ryan photo courtesy of OluKai Premium Footwear
were getting further and further apart. The wind was dropping which meant the last 1/4 of the race was all paddle power! I started paddling hard and was getting closer to Kanaha. Before I knew it I could see the yellow OluKai buoys and it was time for the 300 yard dash! I jumped off my board and started sprinting to the finish behind 2 other competitors. I finished the race in a time of 1:08:17 which placed my 1st in the 30-39, wahine 14ft class and 2nd place 14ft class overall! I was stoked!! It was my best result in an international race!
The vibe after the race was amazing. Everyone was congratulating one another, new friendships were made. The lunch provided was great and so well earned after an hour of solid paddling! The OluKai race brought everyone together. It was great to witness a Luau in a non commercial environment – something I personally have always wanted to see!
This trip back to Maui was better than I could have imagined!
I have to thank so many people – as they were my support! A huge thanks to my mum – she is my biggest support, my friends – love them lots and ALWAYS supportive, Iron Phil – my trainer, ALL the Maui crew – especially Suzie Cooney, Kelly Moore, and my sponsors Laguna Bay Stand Up Paddle, and Secret Agent Sup.”
Kevin Vangritis 2011 Carolina Cup!
Kevin Vangritis, I want you to know, trains like an animal. With his grueling 24/7 on call schedule guiding orthopedic surgeons in cutting edge technology in surgical instrumention, he still can be seen in any type of weather conditions putting in his board time. If the weather conditions are a serious health hazard, Kevin will invent new time zones to hold his dedicated course in intense training.
Like many, he has the bug. His first exciting win was the Cold Stroke Classic. ( read more here ) Recently, he took a real strong
Kevin leading the pack!
lead in 1st place and was up against a talented pack in the very popular Carolina Cup. He finished an impressive 3rd place in the men’s open 6 mile class. Nice job Kevin!
Kevin took a moment from his hectic schedule to write about his training style and his commitment to himself and to the sport:
“In life, I have excelled in many different areas. My desire to excel in standup paddling is no different. Many of my friends and coworkers have seen my achievements both on and off of the water. Often commenting “You are the luckiest thing I have every seen.” However, it has nothing to do with luck. It has to do with a strong drive, determination, and commitment to excel. I have held the same job for 20 years and have won every top honor within my company at least once. What many people don’t realize is all of the hard work and planning I put into my achievements. Being in the medical device industry, as Suzie knows from her former life working in medical sales, you are married to your job. I am on call 355 days a year and the only time I am not on call is when I am out of town or on vacation. For this reason, everything I do outside of work has to be well planned with a contingency plan in place just in case things don’t quite work out. My schedule changes so often with just a moments notice. This really affects how I plan everything I do in life including my leisure time on the water, my training routine, and even my race schedule.
I begin each day with a workout. I think it is really important to find the time of day that works best in your daily routine to get your workout in and make a commitment to get it done. For me, I prefer to get my workouts done early in the morning for several reasons. In the morning, I feel fresh and ready to get my day going. When I am done working out, I feel great and ready to take on the day. It’s personally satisfying to know I have taken time for myself and my health. Additionally, there are noworries about procrastinating later in the day. If I were to wait until I got home from work, I am much more likely to have many distractions that could keep me from getting a really great workout in or none at all. I may be either too tired, too hungry, still have work to knockout, have to make dinner, complete household chores, run errands or just want to spend quality time with my wife. The excuses are endless.
My workouts average an hour or so. On days when I am really pressed for time, I do one of two things. I either try and do a fast paced workout where I super set several exercises and focus on just two muscle groups, or I do a quick workout in the morning and then try to do another quick one when I get home in the evening. My workouts include 30-45 minutes on the treadmill to get a little cardio and a core workout using either the BOSU Ball and/or a balance ball. Then I target two to three muscle groups using free weights. On days when I have a little more time, I simply add a few more exercises to target additional muscle groups.
In addition to my daily workouts, I try to get on the water every chance I can. My time on the water is spent practicing and crafting my technique, doing distance paddling for endurance or just going out for a fun paddle with my wife to enjoy nature or relieve a little stress. I believe if you want to excel in life, you have to put forth a greater effort than what you actually want your reward to be. Or, you could be just plain lucky as many people think I am. I truly have SUP fever and am happy to say there currently is no known cure.”
Kevin, thank you! This is very inspiring and very helpful. You’re awesome and so is your lovely, Jenney. See you soon my friend.
Training Tip: Next time you step on that board and before your blade enters it’s first catch, visualize yourself as a strong, fierce competitor. You must feel it and see it before you make that first reach. Winning isn’t everything, but it sure feels good and gives one a sense of terrific accomplishment. You just may surprise yourself. Set your goals and hold your course.
Keep an eye out on the leader boards for both Jenny and Kevin. ( no pressure!! ) See you on the water!
Maui’s N. shore attracted over 400 total participants in ocean adventure excitement and adrenaline pumping paddling action. This year was unique with the first inaugural Ohana Fun Paddle which I helped host, to encourage new paddlers to experience a non-competitive 3 mile down wind paddle. Anything you could humanly paddle was welcomed. SUPs, kayaks, one mans, six mans and the special OluKai sailing canoe; Kamakakoa launched from Paia Bay to Kanaha. This was an event within the event. Over 100 paddlers entered the water with a big finish.
photo courtesy of OluKai
Then on up to Maliko Gulch was the big SUP race. The momentum was building as more and more boards began to fill the valley as the paddlers got ready for their 8 mile, more serious race. And what a race!
Thanks to Matthew Murasko, OluKai’s Hawaii Ambassador and team, and to many friends and volunteers this event was over the top. It was so organized, from the start to the finish. The luau, entertainment and award ceremony welcomed not only the racers but our entire island and the world. Join us next year!
Suzie Cooney
Read: “The Magic of Maliko“ Article written for Makai Hawaii’s Ocean Lifestyle Magazine
Suzie is available for SUP instruction/private event hosting and special events. Contact suzie@suzietrainsmaui for more information.
Aloha fellow paddlers and friends! As we are only one week away from the exciting Third Annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a, I wanted to take a moment to introduce a lovely friend and athlete, who has journeyed all the way to Maui from Queensland, Australia, to experience what many are discovering to be the most exciting down wind SUP and ocean race in the world, Jenny Ryan.
I had the pleasure of doing a few training runs last year with her when she was here training for another event, and asked her to write about why this event, the Ho’olaule’a and why it meant so much to her. Her story is heartfelt and expresses her thoughts on how Maui and our community here has embraced her, as the ocean and land embraces everyone. She will inspire you and others to hopefully make the same journey to Maui!
Jenny writes: I can remember as kid I LOVED the beach! We lived so close and my mum would take me almost every day. I can remember playing in the ocean and getting tossed round by the waves never being scared. I can remember very vaguely, around the age of 4 having to go to the doctors. Something was wrong with my ears. Little did I know it spelled the end of my ocean love for a decade..
From the age of 4 to 13, I had several ear infections and grommets all was going okay until I was 7. One grommet came out early leaving a hole in my ear drum – and until it healed. I couldn’t dive, swim, etc. So I was always swimming with my head above the waves. I got to the age of 13 and was old enough to have a skin graph operation on my ear to close the hole. The operation was a success and for the first time in many years I was free to swim again. Until about 2 weeks later where I caught an unknown tropical ear infection. My ear would weep nonstop and this continued for about 12 months. Doctors, specialists, Ct scans, bone scans, referrals; no one knew what to do It wasn’t until my specialist suggested an old wife’s tale of Aluminum Acetate that it stopped in 3 days . I was 14 and had lost 70% of my hearing due to scar tissue, but I had the all cleared and within a month I picked up a surfboard.
I started surfing and loved it straight away and it was freedom. I could leave all my problems at the shore go for a surf.and somehow everything would be better.
I have been short boarding on and off for 10 years and gradually over time would see more and more SUPs. I was curious and a close friend was getting into it. He was telling me how awesome it was. Doubtful and curious I had to give it ago.
It was a 10ft Bonga Perkins. I lost count of the number of times I fell in. Persistence paid off and in a few months I was entering SUP surfs comps. Due to the small number of women entering these events..we were always up against the Men. We continued to enter the events and only recently have women surf sup has its own division in all the main surf contests. It’s great to know that in some way I’ve contributed to the progression of Women’s SUP in Australia alongside my fellow competitors/ friends. My proudest moment was placing 2nd in the first Women’s Australian SUP Title and this result enabled me to be sponsored by Laguna Bay Stand Up Paddle.
As SUP started exploding in oz races were starting to become more frequent. After a small fun race, Phil Gregory (aka Iron Phil) approached me – saying I was a weapon of a paddler and that I should really think about getting into racing. If it wasn’t for Phil that day i don’t know if I would be racing now. I started training with Phil for local races and started to build my confidence and strength.. it was during these training sessions I started to hear about how amazing the race scene is in Hawaii.. and about all the races, the people, and just the sup scene in general..
It was NYE 2010 when I decided that I was going to do the International Naish Race. I had only been training one month barely doing 10km and this race was 16km. I set myself a time of 1:40:00 and decided to go for it. Six months of solid training was my lead up and before long I was heading to Maui.
When I first got to Maui the first thing I noticed was the wind! I couldn’t believe how windy it was all the time. We hardly get over 15knots at home. This was something foreign. I did my first Maliko run. I couldn’t believe the runners. It was an amazing experience surfing the swell bumps, seeing turtles, and taking in the amazing coastline of Maui.
It was so inspiring and I was so excited to keep doing these runs. Race day came round so fast. I was nervous, and excited but enjoying every moment. It really started hitting me. This was it. Everything I had been training for was here and now! The prayers were said before we raced. This tradition is something I really admire. It gave me goose bumps. I felt instantly the energy at Maliko.
The race was amazing. I caught some of the most amazing runners of my life and hit my target time of 1:40:42. To say I was happy was an understatement! For me I learned that if you really put your mind to something you can make it happen. It was after this race that my whole belief system changed. I started to believe more in myself and wanted to come back to Hawaii again.
I want you to take a good look at the next competitor at the 4th Annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a this next year in May racing down Maliko Gulch. My client, former sponsored skateboarder, amazing long board surfer, Suzi Tucker is up for the challenge and I’m thrilled to be in her corner as her coach and trainer. Not only is she riding the board I won my division on last year, but man oh man is she strong and laser focused on and off the water.
Maui, HI., Saturday December 3, 2011 was the place to be as a very entertaining, free, unique SUP ( stand up paddle ) event took place in North Kihei’s Mai Poina Ole La’u Beach Park, where participants were greeted with mild, calm conditions and a small south swell. The purpose of the event was to allow those new and experienced to the wildly, ever-growing popular sport of stand up paddling also known as “SUP”; participate in a very interesting and challenging fitness beach course and ocean paddle challenge. ( photo galleries and sponsor info below )
The course: 3 buoys in a triangle format marked the water action as a mass start began at the sound of a horn! Off to the first buoy paddlers were met by Maui’s own downwind champion, Jeremy Riggs who cheered and helped people navigate, some for their first time ever near a buoy, around turn number one. Then as paddlers began to spread out with some of the more experienced paddlers, such as Donnie McGean, Bill Hoffman and a few more in front, it was time to land on the beach and begin the crazy fitness obstacle beach course that consisted of 4 stations with volunteers to cheer, encourage and assist if needed.
Donnie, crawling left, writes, ” As for the funniest moment it had to be trying to stand up and run after the taco rolls. As for what I enjoyed the most, it was meeting new people that were interested in SUP. My goal is always to give 100% and still have fun. As for what I found inspirational, it was that some of the best in the SUP world came out to help and share their knowledge and love of the sport. Thanks again for a great event.”
The event is the SEAPaddleNYC and it takes place on August 12th 2011. Time is short now so we are graciously asking you to act soon by making a contribution of any amount to this cause. We understand well that the current economy is putting a strain on many of us. However, we are asking that if there is any contribution that you are able to make to help us reach our goal, we would greatly appreciate it. More importantly, the recipients of the foundation’s gifts will be touched by your generosity.
