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.
Wow, this week in beautiful, Nantucket will be one I’m sure I’ll never forget. Thanks to Todd Burke, founder of the True-Collection Team and the “A” team of all-star athletes and friends; lands on Nantucket with a show stopping cast of talent and competitive events. To name a few more, Kristin McGee celebrity Yoga guru to CNN, Today Show, Greg Minaar, 3x UCI World Cup Downhill Champ, Hosea Rosenberg, Bravo’s Top Chef Winner, Chris Davenport, World Extreme Ski Champ, and many, many more!
In addition to deep sea fishing with True’s Elite Athlete angler John Kelly, fashion show by Azedah Coutre on a private yacht, I better game my SUP game on as I team up with Darian Boyle Skiercross World Champ, TV Host and Extreme Athlete to lead the stand up paddling relay. Also on the team, celebrity footwear designer Michael Toschi, Amie Engerbretson, Cedric Gracia and Bill Boyce; all exceptional talent!
Two lucky guests will enjoy the ultimate sports challenge and adventure. Stay tuned for more to come as we get closer to the action! To learn more go to The True-Collection website.
“Hana Hou” Let’s do it again! We had so much fun the first time, we decided to offer you one more fun practice paddle before the big day! If you missed out April 2nd, join us again April 30th, Saturday Paia Bay Youth & Cultural Center.
Click here to see our first paddle: Maui: OluKai & Suzie Cooney Ohana Practice Fun Paddle Adventure April 2nd 2011 wrap up. Here’s the video:
Come do another practice run with me and let’s get ready for the OluKai Ho’olaule’a
OluKai & Suzie Cooney Fun Paddle Maui
Saturday, April 30, 2011 Maui’s N. Shore! 9 am Start Non-Competitive Fun Paddle (Check in 8AM)
It’s that time of year to catch some Maui N. shore fun and all kinds of paddle action; SUP, prone,one mans, prone, kayak. In preparation for the Thrid Annual OluKai Ohana Ho’olaule’a, you’re invited to a FREE paddle from Paia Youth Center Paia Bay to the Kanaha Lifeguard tower. Join me and OluKai and lots of fine folks for the 9 AM start of 3 miles of paddle power. All levels welcome, no divisions, no age groups. This is a non-competitive fun paddle to get you fired up!
No preregistration required. Coffee at the start and refreshments provided at the finish! See you there.
3rd Annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a Maui / May 14-15, 2011
Music, luau, ancient Hawaiian Games, Hawaiian sailing Canoe rides, OC4 and OC6 Paddling canoes. $15,000 in Gender Equal Prize Money. http://www.olukai.com/Hoolaulea.aspx
3 Mile Short CourseFun Paddle - Non-timed, recreational paddle, no age groups, paddle by yourself or tandem, paddle what you like SUP, Oc1, Oc2, paddleboard or kayak.
Begin Paia Youth Center, Paia Bay to beach finish at Kanaha Lifeguard tower.
8 mile Downwind Race. Maliko Bay to Kanaha Beach with 300 yard beach run finish. Timed race. Age Groups and Elite paddlers race for $7500 in Gender Equal Prize Purse.
I’d like to introduce to you, two very special people that brightened my days in the studio and on the water! Paul and Leisl are new to the sport of SUP and are spreading the stoke all the way back to Iowa. I know one day however, they will end up here on Maui!
I was training Paul and Leisl together, while their two charming kids Lucy and Isaac cheered them on from the sidelines. I had them performing new and daring core exercises on equipment they’ve never seen before. While Paul was surfing on the INDO Board and Gigante disc doing squats with a 25lb kettle bell, I had Leisal attempting knee balancing on the stability ball. Isaac was very eager to join in on the fun too! Next year kiddo.
Then it was time to take all that we learned in the studio to the open ocean. Our mission: Paul his first wave and Leisl more comfortable on the ocean and to perfect her already smooth stroke. First it was Paul at out Kanaha. The conditions could not have been better. No wind and knee to waist high waves with plenty of juice. He charged and could not get enough. At first I had to yell at him to keep paddling and never stop, then he was like a machine catching lots of waves. Paul kindly wrote: Aloha Suzie! I can’t believe it has been two weeks since we were paddling with you at Kanaha. Mahalo for the incredible training and for helping me ride waves for the first time. Can’t wait to get back to Maui!
Leisl, smooth as silk right off the beach! I didn’t know what to expect and she rose to each and every challenge I presented to her. We cautiously paddled in front of the waves, because I wanted her to see and feel the power but also know that she was perfectly safe. I had a hard time keeping up with her. We saw turtles and a whale or two spouting out behind the sets. Leisl shared:
Wow, has it really been 2 weeks?!?! I also want to say MAHALO!! Suzie, you were the perfect person to take me out to SUP on the ocean for the very first time. Your training helped prepare me, and your presence helped to give me the peace and confidence I needed. I can’t wait to get back on a board again! Counting the days till Paul and I can come back to Maui!!
Their training in my studio really paid off. I could tell that right away that all the balance and reactive and core training immediately transferred to their board work and efficient paddle stroke. Good work guys.
Paul and Leisl, I lreally ook forward to your return you two and I want to see you guys paddling in back home soon when the ice melts! Yikes! Thank you so much for coming my way and allowing me to share in your fun. You guys are stars. We’ll be here waiting for you real soon.
SUP For Your Mind’s Health: Aqua Therapy for Depression
This is a particularly touching story I’d like to share with you, a topic near and dear to my heart. Currently I am running a contest that asks people to share with me “how SUP has changed your life.” When I received this entry, I couldn’t help to get choked up. Typing back to her through my own tears, I asked her if we could gently open this door:
Today, a lovely woman has bravely shared with me how she used to suffer from the throes and handcuffs of depression. She has requested to remain anonymous and first I’d like to thank her for being so open and talking about her challenge that plagued her for over 10 years of her adult life.
She strongly believes that by recently embracing the sport of SUP, she has a stronger connection to her body and is convinced that stand up paddling has helped her become antidepressant free and has had profound healing affects to her overall well-being.
All I can say, is how courageous and congratulations to you my friend. Words cannot describe how I feel for you and how happy I am for you!
If you’re reading this you probably are a SUP enthusiast yourself or maybe found this story through another related link. There seems to be thousands of us around the globe, who’ve discovered this sport as a way to flip on the feel good hormones naturally to high.
Without sounding too hippie dippy, (and I can say that now living in Paia and once in Berkeley); the water seems to have a healing quality even in the most extreme conditions. I think one would agree and I often hear the comment of how it’s “my church” or “my aqua therapy”. Touché.
On a more serious note, mental illness afflicts millions of people and probably someone you know. Luckily today, there are more support groups and outreach programs educating the community that it’s okay to ask for help.
Mental illness can rob you or the ones close to you of precious hours, days and even years. My mother is schizophrenic and sadly has been afflicted with this terrible disease of the brain since I was 6 years old. She is my little girl and I love her dearly. She used to be a model, dental assistant and remembers the good days when she was well. She still battles with severe depression and is often delusional and paranoid. I wish I could take her suffering.
It takes someone real brave to come forth and share her story on how SUP has brought her back from some dark days of depression. As a personal trainer, I take this topic to heart for this is the “personal” part I hear from many. We all have good days and bad and taking up a new sport is probably the best thing or at least a step in the right direction to be well.
An organization that has helped me help my mother is NAMI, or the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill. If you or someone you know is suffering from stress or depression, please offer them help or introduce them to a sport they can own. Stand up paddling is a great start, anyone can do it and it puts smiles on all the faces I know!
Please don’t ever give up. Grab a friend and grab your board, stand up!
Kevin Vangritis Wins First Place in SUP Cold Stroke Classic with Hard Training and Excellent Paddle Technique!
I want to introduce to you Kevin Vangritis who recently won first place in the 3rd annual Cold Stroke Classic in North Carolina. I had the pleasure of meeting he and his wife Jenney, also a strong paddler on Maui this past November. Kevin, Dave and I are very proud of you and for sure we’ll get you out on the waves on your next visit here to Maui!
Thank you both for helping with my last clinic of the year and Jenney, for bringing your
Jenney "Kevin V" Suzie in Paia, Maui
bright smile and beautiful gliding style to inspire the other gals!
I anticipate we’ll be seeing more of Kevin in the SUP news. His training is consistent and very focused, and also includes a great deal of deep core training.
And, right back ya, Dave and I are thrilled to have you as a friend too! Good luck in the Carolina Cup in April! Make sure to boogie over here in July for the big Naish Race down Maliko Gulch!
Below are a few photos and the interview with Kevin, brought together by PaddleBoard Specialists. To go directly to PaddleBoard Sports click below!
PaddleBoard Specialists had the priveledge of interviewing Kevin Vangritis. Kevin recently purchased a 14’ Double Carbon Bark from us, and raced it in the 3rd Annual Cold Stroke Classic held in Wrightsville Beach N.C. Kevin finished 1st in his division and had the second fastest time overall. In the following conversation, Kevin tells us about his passion for SUP and some of his impressions of his new BARK.
Kevin: I started riding approx. 26 months ago. I discovered Stand Up Paddling while vacationing in Maui for my B-Day Nov 08.
PBS: Did you come from a surf background or more traditional paddling background?
Kevin: I have always been a fan of water sports in general. Around the age of 14 yrs old, I tried surfing for the first time using a friend’s borrowed board. I only surfed for a couple of years here and there. I live about 2 hrs from the nearest beach, and at that age, without a car or license I had limited resources to make the journey to the coast. With access to a few local lakes, I transitioned on to water skiing, wake boarding, bare footing and jet skiing. I would consider my skills about average.
I’ve asked the SUP community of SUP Connect to write me about any experiences where they felt their survival stories could help our fellow paddlers or for those who may be entering the sport of SUP. I, Deb Driscoll from Maui and Andre Neimeyer take a moment to share theirs too.
Now you don’t have to ride giant waves or tackle huge rolling swells to have something go wrong. As conditions change or you fatigue or equipment fails, anything can happen. One needs to be ready and take precautions in advance if you can.
I hope that the following excerpts will shed light on how we must keep our heads calm, equipment in check and be prepared for anything and could change your life or someone you know who paddles.
So I’d like to write about what it feels like to have that sinking feeling your friend is either in a better, more peaceful place, or he has found his way back to land safely and you just haven’t found them yet.
My story: Maui, North Shore December 2nd 2010 was the day I decided to mount my Go Pro on my Naish 14ft Glide for some action video. It was a day with trades blowing 40-50 mph and the waves were topping out with 8-9 foot faces. My downwind buddy Bill, a very experienced waterman and I headed down from Maliko Gulch headed 9 miles towards Kanaha. We’ve done this many times in all conditions. But, today’s launch and direction of swell were enough to force the adrenaline through my body, (don’t laugh) causing my teeth to chatter. This happens when I’m totally excited and nervous at the same time. Keeps me in check I guess.
The easterly direction of the swell made for a treacherous exit of the gulch where one needed to time the sets just so, as not to get pounded on these huge boards. Here’s a shot of Jeremy Riggs and friend Mike Owens heading out ahead of us. Notice the break AND the size of swell behind it!!
Big Day Coming out of Maliko, Jeremy Riggs and Mike Owens
If any of you have ever done a Maliko run or have entered the annual Naish race, it’s nice and mellow and usually flat until you reach the open ocean.
Bill and I timed it just right, but my teeth were still a bit noisy and I was looking forward to regrouping as we always do, and plot the course for the rest of our paddle. First, passing Hookipa on our left was very exciting and there was a helicopter filming a few of the windsurfers. Big waves formed underneath us, and it wasn’t as bad as we anticipated as they usually rolled right underneath us. The glides were easy and gentle where I was hoping for a little more action.
With the winds gusting to 40-50 mph, all we had to do was hold our paddle up and stand there to get pushed along. Next, approaching Baldwin Beach the swell was getting bigger and bigger and the usual channels no longer existed. The water and wave pattern here is unpredictable and can pick you up and pitch you down so fast you have no idea what happened. Our plan to cut in front of Camp One in front of Sprecklesville, but on this day that may have not been the best course. The reefs are shallow and plenty and the waves were huge.
Just before Bill signaled a way in, a rogue set came through and that was it. No Bill, no board. I looked around, but did not panic. All around me were now 9-10 feet swells breaking soon on me. I kept looking and now on my knees, for I tried my best to stay on my board; I knew it would be me next. I thought to myself I must get in to shore quick to get help. We were now past the lifeguard station at Baldwin and I can’t imagine they could see us anyway for the waves were so big. Still no Bill and then came the first set on my head. Camera goes dead. It was dark and I prayed my leash stay attached to me. I came up for a breath and ready for the next beating. That darn paddle was torking ( new word ) my arm like Gumby and the board yanking my leg out its socket. Two more on the head, the board still attached.
By now, I was getting closer to shore, scraped the fin over the reef with winds pushing me hard at my back. Once on the beach, I had to burry my board in the bushes so the wind wouldn’t launch it. I looked back out to see if I could see Bill, no Bill. But, now I saw his board. It was spinning like a green torpedo parallel to the waves. So now I had to run like hell down the coast to find some help.
I found friends Jeff and Suzanne at Camp One and it was like a bad dream. The words would not come out of my mouth. I was on the verge of crying, but instead motioned to call 911. They didn’t recognize me in my gear and all they heard was get help and Suzie Cooney. So they thought it was I who was in trouble!
Knowing help was on the way, I had to run back to the spot where Bill’s board was last seen and hope by then he’d be spotted. Running into 40-50 mph winds is not easy in the sand. My water pack was heavy and paddle flailing everywhere. As I rounded the point, there was Bill’s board as if someone gently put it down as a bad joke. It was unscathed but the brand new leash was severed.
Before the fire department came and my all time favorite lifeguard, Tony Colletta on the ski, I could see Bill above Sprecks. I could see that his paddle was in the air and he was using the wind to help bring him in! Genius! He later told me he was sitting on the handle like one would sit on an old T ski lift to help him keep his head up and get him in. I was relieved.
He was a bit in shock but was not mad at me for calling or help! He was more concerned that he scared me and that he did.
Here is a photo of Bill’s severed leash next to mine, the stretched out coil.
Now here’s a photo of my new leash next to my old leash:
Bill is doing well and I’m glad he’s okay. He’s glad his board is okay. I hope I never have to experience that again, but I thought that was pretty cool how he used that paddle blade to get him to safety!
Now, here’s Deb Driscoll’s story. I might add that Deb goes quite deep and I’d put my life in her hands any day! She is my assistant safety sweeper at my clinics here on Maui. Thanks for sharing Deb:
Deb’s story: Aloha Suzie, my friend, its me, Deb …not sure it qualifies as a survival story but here goes. Last winter, out at Pier 1, I was SUPing with my friends in triple overhead surf (with some bigger sets). It was DEFINITELY the biggest surf I had been in to date. Double overhead was the largest surf before this day. I had caught a couple waves and was feeling pretty confident because I had made it to the shoulder each time without getting caught in the impact zone. It was only a matter of time before Murphy’s Law took over.
INDO Board Demo Day at the Zancudo Lodge Costa Rica with Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui
January 5, 2011 – Reporting from the most beautiful SUP, surf and fishing spot in Southern Costa Rica, The Zancudo Lodge! Owner, Gregg Mufson is hanging ten on the INDO Board as he and the crew prepare for the surf rolling in this week. I’m here introducing the team on how The INDO Board is great workout for everyone, especially those entering SUP to advanced paddlers.
We have all the gear from INDO Board, including the new Gigante to challenge beginners to the hard core SUP’rs and surfer alike. Gregg, Yvonne, Sloan, Elle, and Di all participated in an afternoon of learning, laughs and some thigh-burning fun. I can tell their addicted and promised them, after this workout we’ll all be ready for any water action tomorrow!
We started the morning on a mellow, slower surface. Next we graduate to the beach to hard pack sand for some faster action and more fun. In such a short time, everyone got their groove on and was hang’n on the nose. I challenged them to an upper body challenge which Gregg, Di and Yvonne immediately worked up a small sweat with the plank and one leg lifted behind them, alternating at 5 – 10 second intervals. Below, Gregg is performing the advanced plank with one or both feet behind him, on a Gigante disc.
The Gigante disc is the newest platform training tool for INDO Board, that inflates up to 12 inches that achieves the 4-way action intended for those who want to enhance their SUP or surf performance. We placed both discs under Gregg’s surf board and what a ride. Inflate it more and hang on!
It’s my favorite piece of equipment in my studio at home. I also use it for clients just recovering from major hip or knee surgery as a rehab element. Today we’ve kept the inflation to 6 inches as my willing participants start their training.
Then down to what I call the core bug. This move is in the prone position requiring glutes and the upper scapular region of the shoulder blades to work in unison as we seek the most stable position. I recommend keeping the head in a neutral position. I also suggest to keep breathing smoothly and hold the position for 15 – 30 seconds. Rest, then repeat 5 times.
In addition to this great core exercise, by placing the INDO Board board directly on top the Gigante, together we performed leg burning same side lunges, for a count of 5-10 each leg.
Gigante sitting came last where Yvonne, Di and Elle gracefully sat on top of the Gigante as feet and hands stayed off the ground lending to an extreme, deep core constant, contraction! Well done girls.
You can tell we’re having too much fun. I can’t wait for this spring when I host mySTAND UP ForWomen’s Health and Fitness in April, here at the lovely Zancudo Lodge ! All the gear is here and so is the fun. For more information go to: http:www.suzietrainsmaui.com/events. This lodge is like staying at the Four Seasons. From warm waves to a cozy robe in your room, excellent food and gracioius staff, to healthy, to amazing food prepared fresh everyday.
Thank you Chip and Hunter at INDO Board, for sending these boards and discs over. Gregg and the others are on their way to be SUP stars. Also a big gracias to Gregg and the Zancudo Lodge for hosting us and the SUP clinics with the other trainers this spring!
Jeremy Riggs, elite stand up paddler and surfer, talent is amazing on the water and off! We’re working on a little cross training to increase his performance so he’s ready for any glide, bump or swell and for the surf this winter. Jeremy recently came in first place in his age group, 14 foot no rudder class, at the 5th Annual Naish Paddle Championships here on Maui July 18th. Jeremy finished with an impressive time of 1:18:45. Click here for more race info. This is the 5th year in a row he’s won the Naish rudderless division. I know he wants to keep this streak going!
“Suzie’s training keeps me at a high level of fitness without paddling. I’ve learned some really challenging exercises that are fun
Jeremy Riggs photo by Darrell Wong
and will keep me strong outside of paddling. I also want to prevent injury. The number one thing Suzie gives me is more confidence and now I feel more prepared. Suzie’s helping me out tremendously. I’m doing more, so I should be better. ”
Jeremy Riggs Naish Race photo Jimmie Hepp
Just prior to the Naish race, he placed in the top ten elite class of the Mormaii Maui to Molokai Race July 10th, 2010 he placed 7th with a time of 3:44:01. On June 12th, 2010 the prestigious and brutal IRONMAN of all SUP races, Battle of the Paddle in Oahu, his time was 1:39:15! Along with relay partner Mark Raaphorst, they took first place in the April 24th, 2010 Maui to Molokai, put on by the Maui Canoe and Kayak Club, with a time of 3:41:49 .
Jeremy BOP Oahu Photo by Simone Reddingius
Jeremy is definitely strong and focused. We’re keeping it simple for now and introducing core and stabilization work, in addition with specific exercises to increase paddle power and endurance. Here in this photo, he’s performing a shoulder press with light, 10lb kettle bells while balancing on a Vew Do board to help promote quick reactions, glute strength, shoulder endurance and independent leg performance.
By keeping his body in tip top shape, this will help Jeremy prevent injury and overuse incidents. Over training is common in top athletes and learning how to balance a training routine is paramount to break through to the next level.
Jeremy photo Dale Kanekoa
If you want to be the best in your sport, I’m here to help you! No matter what level of performance you’re seeking we can increase your performance and endurance.
Jeremy lives in Maui with awesome wife and mother, Jill, baby Ruby and big sister Natalie.
Today was another amazing coast run from Maliko to Lowers at Kanaha. It was extra special because of Kelly Moore’s awesome shuttle service for Maui residents and visitor alike, that picked us up right on time at the lower Kanaha parking lot and a couple others from the Harbor. With winds today averaging 30 mph, and gusts to 40 it was a low stress, fun day. Today, I had my 14ft Naish Glide and wow, catching swells, some over 50 yards it seemed.
Kelly is professional and is a water professional who knows Maui’s coast very well. Her van is brand new with blasting AC and the boards on the trailor, we’re good to go! So for your one man or SUP, this is a deluxe way to go. Ten bucks for the day or grab a punch card for $90 and get 10 rides. Great deal!
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.
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..
…not sure it qualifies as a survival story but here goes. Last winter, out at Pier 1, I was SUPing with my friends in triple overhead surf (with some bigger sets). It was DEFINITELY the biggest surf I had been in to date. Double overhead was the largest surf before this day. I had caught a couple waves and was feeling pretty confident because I had made it to the shoulder each time without getting caught in the impact zone. It was only a matter of time before Murphy’s Law took over.
The Gigante disc 
Just prior to the Naish race, he placed in the top ten elite class of the Mormaii Maui to Molokai Race July 10th, 2010 he placed 7th with a time of 3:44:01. On June 12th, 2010 the prestigious and brutal IRONMAN of all SUP races, Battle of the Paddle in Oahu, his time was 1:39:15! Along with relay partner Mark Raaphorst, they took first place in the April 24th, 2010 Maui to Molokai, put on by the Maui Canoe and Kayak Club, with a time of 3:41:49 .
