“ Kudos to Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui and Tommy Callan of Beach Boy Events for putting on a wonderful, free stand-up paddling event for women Jan. 9.
They pulled together an amazing array of sponsors and helping hands to put women out on the water, some of us for the first time on a stand-up paddle board. As one of those beginners, I felt very well cared for, even though on the day of this event – with some 300 women and their boards showing up on the beach in front of the Four Seasons Resort – there was a serious shore break.
In addition to putting on a great fitness-oriented program with a slew of prizes for participants, Suzie and Tommy seemed to have pulled in a significant portion of the stand-up community on Maui to help. I especially appreciated the “board caddies,” a bunch of very fit and helpful gentlemen, who helped us with our boards and got us safely in and out of that hairy shore break.
Although I spent a lot more time in the water and climbing back onto my board than I did standing up, I had a great time, and I hope the event raised lots of funds for the American Breast Cancer Foundation.”
Thank you Jill for your kind words and comments about the board caddies and all the volunteers, and especially the Four Seasons Resort Maui who contributed hugely to the day’s success and fun. We’re all so glad you attended and particiated in all the fun!
It was a joy to meet Susanne and learn of her journey to Maui for our special day. Her genuine, warm smile was contagious. As an experienced SUP paddler, she even brought her own board and her passion for the sport was quite obvious!
Her professional interests are in integrative and lifestyle medicine- specializing in chronic illnesses, allergies, environmental medicine, nutrition and detoxification.
I really appreciate her kind words that she wrote and I wanted to share the following:
“Hi Suzie and Tommy,
Suzie, as promised here is some of my thoughts about the fabulous event that you created with Tommy.
The first information I received about your Stand up for Women and Health event was from my newsletter from www.supsurfmag.com. It was only one month away but I was determined to register and find some flights from SoCal to Maui! The location of the event in Wailea was perfect even with the intense shore break and Four Seasons Resort gave their best support and hospitality. From the moment I got to the registration booth I knew that it would be a very special day for me and that I would feel it close to my heart.
Everyone listened and received the beautiful Hawaiian chant and prayer, safety information and happily joined in on the warm-up exercises by Suzie. I could feel that each one of us ladies were here for many different purposes. We were all from different ages groups, nationalities and athletic levels and were here to feel the love and joy for ourselves, women and well being. I was honored to be in this community of paddling waterwomen- we share and receive energy, vitality and strength from the water.
The board caddies and all the volunteers provided safe launches into the water through the big waves as well as getting back to the beach after the paddle. I entered the long paddle headed by Anne-Marie Reichman and with so many women on the water, I felt this sense of oneness with the beautiful waters of Wailea as well with my feminine side- my non-competitive and loving side. What topped the day was the magical humpback whales breaching during our paddle to Makena Beach and back. We must have seem over 20 breaches and each one was so divine!
After we got back to shore, I felt so alive and peaceful. The Exhibitors and vendors gave out tasty drinks, food and information about their products. And it was so much fun for us to receive the donated gifts! They were awesome! Next year, I want to win the grand prize-a brand new SUP board!
Thank you Suzie and Tommy for providing this gathering, not only for the love of the water and paddling but also to bring awareness to our beautiful bodies and health. Stand up paddling is one of the best ways to keep your heart open and body strong which is a great start to prevention of all illnesses including cancer. Please count me in for next year’s Stand Up for Women and Health, I will definitely make a commitment to join you every year.”
Mahalo and Aloha,
Susanne
Dr. Susanne Bennett, CEO
Wellness For Life Center, www.drsusannebennett.com
PURIGENEX, www.purigenex.com
PurGlo, www.purglo.com
1821 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 300
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Clinic: 310.315.1514
PURIGENEX/PurGlo: 877.787.4469
STAND UP For Women’s Health & Fitness at the Four Seasons Resort Maui, January 9, 2010 was
photo by Simone Reddingius
definitely the place to be! Although the pounding West swell did keep some on the beach, for those who braved the over head-high beach break, everyone went in smiling and came out smiling! No injuries to report, only two broken boards.
Congratulations to all the women who so bravely participated. These women water warriors earned their stripes today for sure!
photo by Nicole Sanchez
It was quite a site! The beach covered with boards, groovy music; the buzz and adrenaline was everywhere. Besides the beautiful back drop of the waters of Maui with whale spouts appearing now and then, women of all ages from all over the globe were about to partake in a worthy cause to support women’s health and STAND UP to breast cancer. Since this was a FREE event, donations were and are encouraged through our website to support the American Breast Cancer Foundation.
Early before dawn, the army of volunteers, retail shops and sponsors appeared. Flags in the sand, tables up, tents up, and then the stage! Soon a sea of eager smiles with boards and paddles in hand began to appear, ready for a day of adventure and fun. The thought on everyone’s mind with the over head-high beach break was..” hmm this should be interesting!”
Photo by Nicole Sanchez
The day began with a beautiful blessing, delivered by Maui’s own Wilmont Kamaunu Kahaialii Jr. His words and heartfelt grace touched everyone and assured our day to be peaceful and safe.
photo by Nicole Sanchez
photo Nicole Sanchez
photo by Simone Reddingius
Groovy tunes by DJ DEL SOL and DJ CIA brought the women to a state of bliss as I prepared them for some dynamic stretching, light core work and modiefied strength training.
We were really fortunate to have Tiare Lawrence, C4’s pro rider who happens to be due any day with a
photo by nicole sanchez
new baby girl, come up on stage and do her paddle instruction and tell us why the ocean and stand up paddling is so important to her. She didn’t answer her cell phone today, so maybe her daughter has come!
With such a strong West swell, the beach was peeling fast with a huge over head-high beach break all the way across, and rolling swells behind it! At least 7-8 waves per set coming through with only small lulls in between and forget a safety channel. Nail biting, knee knocking for some and rightly so. Just in case we were fortunate to have on the waters as our safety patrol, North Shore Explorers that had a team of Clay Everline,MD. Mike Adrian to shoot the day and Chris and Todd as the captains.
Harry Donenfeld News correspondent of Harry Thankyou TV, geared up to get some fun water shots see below!
photo by Nicole Sanchez
photo by Simone Reddingius
Loch Eggers, big wave surfer and water safety specialist, made sure that safety was in the forefront of everyone’s mind. His team of board caddies, which included Milton, who tows from a helicopter; Robby Funk, Carlos M, Chris W, Bruce and Larry from Paia, Ian H, John and Michael Leake, Gary Tuttle, Ironman Phil McGain, Joel Edwards,Mark H, Jon Graham,
photo by Simone Reddingius
Dennis O, Lenny Cappe,
Phik McGain photo by Simone Reddingius
hero caddie by Simone Reddingius
Kevin Hager from Hawaiian Island Surf, Jeff from Big Kahuna, Ralf Sifford’s team from Second Wind, Nitzan and Dave from Naish and so many more heros made the day safe. Common sense, fast thinking and timing was critical. On the beach was Dr. Rick Sands and on the boat, Clay Everline, MD.
Teri, who held the front line in the registration tent writes, “It was truly an inspiring event and I am honored to have played even just a small part in this and would gladly volunteer again! The conditions were scary for beginners however the CADDIES rock as they made it all so much easier by being so on it. I sincerely congratulate the team for no injuries and for making it so safe! The DJs kept the party going and kept it happening!”
photo by Mike Adrian
Three paddle groups went out in stages. First group was the advanced group led by Starboard team rider, Anne-Marie Reichman. Down the south coast they went towards Makena and the small island of Molokini. I’m told that whales were spotted on their tour. Second group out, was mine. Beginner and intermediate as we went up towards Kihei. The water was pretty calm for the most part, with light variable winds.
The women had nice easy paddling styles.
photo by Mike Adrian
It was the time to push yourself a little and test your endurance. Last group out was our first timers. Wow, something they will never forget I’m sure. The pictures tell all.
The bay sweepers, which included the strong pro team rider for Starboard, Tiffany Ward
photo by Nicole
managed to calm the nerves of many and get them to their feet smiling. A big thank you to personal trainer, Anne Barnett of Haiku, water athlete Corrine, and another great instructor Jenny visiting from Big Island who works for Naish. Also on board to help, was Maui’s own Kalia Kelmenson, experienced water girl and personal trainer wrote, “My favorite moment of the day was paddling along next to a woman who was struggling a bit with her balance- I traded boards with her- she was so happy for that- come to find out she was from Rapanui, now living in Bora Bora- and I had such a great time chatting with her about one of my favorite places on the planet- French Polynesia- I got a terrific reminder about how small this world is, and the things that inspire us are consistent across cultures.”
photo by Simone Reddingius
After about an hour and a half or more of water time, refreshments provided by Recharge, Vita Coco, Sambazon, Guayaki and Luna Bar, along with fresh Maui grown fruit from Kula Fields were provided to help refuel. A big thank you to Snorkels for serving up some great turkey wraps and sandwhiches.
On stage next were three lovely inspirational guest speakers. Suki Halevi, a new resident to Maui who battles unseen neurologicial challenges, and who has conquered many physical obstacles through the sport of stand up paddling. Raw food specialist, Chef Susan Teton Campbell shared all her jewels about health and nutrition, and finally Rita Whitford not only a survivor to breast cancer, but has also survived colon and skin cancer. A delightful trio of women who opened their hearts and inspired many to stay healthy and be aware of their bodies.
By now everyone was ready to learn to hula. Wilmont brought along two lovely and beautiful Maui professional hula dancers to wow the crowd. Even the men on the beach joined in. Who said men can’t hula? Wilmont played his 12 string guiatar has he led the beach into histarics and giggles while we were moving to the tropical rythm. You should have seen Chris Wurtele from Haiku swaying his hips back and forth! Fun had by all.
Finally, to wind down the day the moment everyone had been waiting for, the amazing prize raffle.
photo by Simone Reddingius
Tommy worked very hard for many months to gather a huge amount of prizes to please everyone. After tossing a tub of Maui Jim t-shirts, towels and Recharge frisbees into the crowd,
photo Simone Reddingius
the big prizes were now up for many lucky winners. From a cool IndoBoard training board, to Kaenon sunglasses, a new 2010 “Pipes” Kialoa carbon fiber paddle, gift certificates from Athleta, a killer basket of Love Inside Out beauty products, to a dinner for two at The Four Seasons Resort restaurant, Ferraro’s Bar E Ristorante.
photo by Simone Reddingius
The grand prize, a spicy 9′8″ Starboard stand up paddle board was won by Elle who came to the event from Los Angeles. She wrote to the president of Starboard, “I cannot thank you enough for donating an SUP board to the STAND UP FOR WOMEN’S FITNESS event this past Saturday in Maui that Suzie Cooney and Tom Callan organized. I was jumping for joy when I won the grand prize…I couldn’t believe it! The event was amazing and inspiring to all – Wailea beach was packed with women of all ages and SUP levels…every participant I spoke with had a wonderful time. I flew out from Los Angeles for the event with a friend of mine and we loved it.
Suzie and Tom ran the event seamlessly – it appeared as though the event was in it’s 10th year with how organized and smoothly everything flowed. I was extremely impressed at their professionalism and I imagine that this event will become an annual tradition on Maui and hopefully elsewhere. Suzie and Tom were so gracious and patient with all of the volunteers and participants. I believe I can speak for everyone at the event when I say that Suzie is extremely inspiring to women. Everyone left Wailea beach with a smile, a new or re-ignited love for SUP, a greater passion for fitness and health, and an awareness for breast cancer.” Thanks Elle!
Well, as the emails and photos pour in, there is much to share and do. Tommy and I would like to thank the community of Maui, the amazing team at the Four Seasons Resort Maui, our dear friends and volunteers, sponsors and those who traveled from far away places to contribute to such an inspiring, contagious day of joy and health. New friends were made, water fears conquered and we all discovered just how powerful one sport, that anyone can enjoy almost anywhere in the world; can bring such a dynamic group together for a good cause.
Keep the donations coming in! Stay tuned to this site for hundreds of more photos.
STAND UP for your health each and everyday. The ocean, our health and friendships are always free.
Girl power! Beginner Emily Bartow glides across South Maui’s waters during a woman’s clinic with Suzie Cooney this fall. Come join the bold and beautiful women of Maui and abroad for a day of fun in the sun during the “Stand Up for Women’s Health & Fitness” event at Wailea Beach on Saturday, Jan. 9.
Stand up paddle (SUP) surfing is making big waves across the globe and Maui is at the forefront of its emerging popularity.
Hoe he‘e nalu (or SUP surfing) is a water sport rooted in Hawaiian heritage and you can spot several enthusiasts on any given day off our picturesque shores.
It’s sometimes referred to as “Beach Boy Surfing,” yet “Maui’s premier fitness trainer” Suzie Cooney (www.suzietrainsmaui.com) is making it all about the girls this time around.
Join this multi-talented fitness professional and over 100 courageous women from Maui and beyond for the “Stand Up for Women’s Health & Fitness” event on Saturday, Jan. 9, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wailea Beach, outside the Four Seasons Resort Maui.
This free, noncompetitive event was put together to promote healthy lifestyle choices and self-confidence for women through sport, nutrition and self-awareness.
The event is free in order to promote breast cancer education, in hopes participants will make donations to the American Breast Cancer Foundation.
Visit www.standuppaddlingfitness.com to register for the SUP event and to donate to this important cause—the fight against a cancer that kills an estimated 40,000 American women each year, according to the American Cancer Society.
“We are all very lucky to be healthy enough to enjoy this day, but there are many others that are not,” said Suzie. “Your donations mean so much.”
Suzie and organizers, including event co-host Tommy Callan of Beach Boy Events, have worked diligently to put together some amazing prizes for the raffle at 1 p.m. (You must be pre-registered and present to win.)
Some of the goodies include an awesome new Starboard SUP board, along with a variety of designer beach eyewear, swimwear, accessories and more.
Not only is SUP a great core workout, but it also brings together individuals from all walks of life who can share in the camaraderie of the sport. Suzie promises SUP can “improve your balance, endurance, strength and mindset.”
Working with the cool and calm Suzie and “the girls,” you will enjoy patient, guided instruction from professionals and experience the “surfer’s glide” sensation.
And don’t be intimidated, ladies—all skill levels, from novice to professional, are welcomed. It’s not a race—just a fun activity with friends. Even if it’s your first time, there will be plenty of experts to assist you.
“The Four Seasons is the ideal location to introduce SUP to beginning enthusiasts,” said Callan, a professional instructor. “It has a beautiful beach and its calm, clear waters offer the ideal safe paddling conditions.”
Women of all shapes, sizes and ages have the choice of three paddle runs: First-timers/beginners may want to choose group paddling in the bay, with beach caddy assistance; Starboard Pro Team Rider Anne-Marie Reichman will lead the long distance paddling for the intermediate/advanced; and Suzie will lead the fast-paced, short distance runs for beginner/intermediate.
Round out your exciting morning with healthy refreshments while listening to inspirational guest speakers. There will also be a hula performance and lessons for those interested.
“This day is to surely be a very special day and a great way to start the new year,” said Suzie.
Tell all the special ladies in your life not to miss this unique international event. You may discover SUP as a new hobby, make some lifestyle changes and meet a few soul sisters along the way.
Call Suzie at 283-2121 or Callen at 250-3748. Make sure you visit www.standuppaddlingfitness.com for more information and register today. Organizers advise bringing your own board or rent one. There will be a limited number of spares.
Check out the helpful “Intro to SUP” video online to get you started.
Thanks to Malika Dudley of KGMB 9 News, and Todd Bradley of C4 for supporting our event. Here’s a quick video of the live news segment, yesterday December 30th, 2009. If the videos don’t work on your computer click here:
Posted: Dec 30, 2009 9:52 AM Updated: Dec 30, 2009 9:55 AM
Featured Videos
STAND UP For Women’s Health I – see 1st video above
STAND UP For Women’s Health II – see 2nd video above
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Stand up paddling has become the newest craze for fitness enthusiasts. An event on Maui, has women “getting on their feet” to support the American Breast Cancer Foundation. Malika is live at Ala Moana beach with details.
Come celebrate women’s health and fitness through the sport of stand up paddling, listen to inspirational guest speakers, meet women pro SUP riders, Tiare Lawrence and Anne-Marie Reichman, support The American Breast Cancer Foundation, learn to hula, and win amazing prizes from our official sponsors just for participating.
Stand Up for Women’s Health and Fitness at the Four Seasons Wailea on Maui. This event is a Free, non- competitive, women’s stand up paddling event. “The Four Season’s is the ideal location to introduce Stand Up Paddling to beginning enthusiasts. It has a beautiful beach and its calm, clear waters offer the ideal, safe paddling conditions. Plus it’s on Maui, the best place in the world! You might even see a few sea turtles and whales!” says professional instructor and event co-host Tommy Callan of Beach Boy Events.
STAND UP For Women’s Health & Fitness at Four Seasons Resort Maui, Wailea Beach Hawaii
January 9, 2010
Outline of the Day’s Events:
7:00 - 8:00am Registration / Check- in to receive wrist band Protect your skin with
Waterman’s Applied Science. See the big Pump at the registration desk!
8:30am Welcome & Hawaiian Blessing
Followed by dynamic stretching, core exercises, strength exercises led
by Suzie Cooney, CPT of Suzie Trains Maui
9:00am Maui Resident Tiare ”T” Lawrence C4’s Pro Team Rider
Land demo/instruction/ water safety of Stand Up Paddling
9:30am Three different Stand Up Paddling Choices:
1. Bay Paddle for First Timers or Beginners / Board Caddies on beach and on water to assist beginners/first timers
2. Short Distance Paddle led by Suzie Cooney 20 min + each way fast paced Beginner/Intermediate
3.Long Distance Paddling group led by Starboard’s Pro Team Rider, Anne-Marie Reichman 30 min each way Intermediate/Advanced
There will be a safety boat and patrol paddlers to ensure the safety of our participants.
11:30am Snacks refreshments provided to participants / lunches for purchase at
Snorkels if people choose
Snacks provided by Luna Bar, Kula Fields. Drinks: Recharge, VitaCoco,
Sambazon, Gauyaki and Menehune Water Company
12:00pm Inspirational Guest Speakers
12:30pm Hula Performance / Lessons
1:00 – 2:00 Amazing Prize Raffle (must be pre registered and present to win)
Our decision to make this a FREE event was a choice based on the hope that you will make a donation to the American Breast Cancer Foundation … You can access their site through ours! In lieu of a registration fee, we hope you will generously donate what you can. We are all very lucky to be healthy enough to enjoy this day, but know there are many others that are not. Your donations do so much and are very appreciated!
The Four Seasons is offering a special “SUP” rate to registered participants only at $325 per night. You will have to contact the resort directly. Click here for more details:
Come Celebrate Women’s Health and Fitness on the beauitful island of Maui!
Event: “STAND UP For Women’s Health & Fitness” at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea Beach on the beautiful Island of Maui.
Location: Wailea Beach, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea , Hawaii
Date: January 9, 2010 Time: 8am -2pm
Come join the Aloha and learn how to do the fastest growing water sport in the world on the beautiful island of Maui at Four Seasons Resort. Stand Up Paddle Surfing (SUP) is making surfers out of everyone. You’ve seen the “Stars” do it … now it’s YOUR turn! SUP will improve your balance, endurance, strength and mindset. Receive patient, guided instruction from professional instructors and experience the feeling of the “surfer’s glide”.
“STAND UP for Women’s Health & Fitness” is a FREE, non-competitive event to promote healthy lifestyle choices, self-confidence and breast cancer education for women through sport, nutrition and self awareness. You’ll not only enjoy learning to SUP, but also to Hula! Enjoy inspirational guest speakers, plenty of healthy treats and fun prizes. Maybe you’ll even win your own Stand Up Paddle Board!
photo by Simone Reddingius
Join Maui’s premier fitness trainer, sports and lifestyle model, weekly Health and Fitness contributor to the “Maui Breakfast Club” radio show, and columnist, Suzie Cooney (suzietrainsmaui.com) and the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea this January 9th, 2010 for an exciting day to learn this fun sport. Also supported in this event is the American Breast Cancer Foundation.
“The Four Season’s is the ideal location to introduce Stand Up Paddling to beginning enthusiasts. It has a beautiful beach and its calm, clear waters offer the ideal, safe paddling conditions. Plus it’s on Maui, the best place in the world! You might even see a few sea turtles and whales!” says professional instructor and event co-host Tommy Callan of Beach Boy Events.
After we got back to shore, I felt so alive and peaceful. The Exhibitors and vendors gave out tasty drinks, food and information about their products. And it was so much fun for us to receive the donated gifts! They were awesome! Next year, I want to win the grand prize-a brand new SUP board!
Well, as the emails and photos pour in, there is much to share and do. Tommy and I would like to thank the community of Maui, the amazing team at the Four Seasons Resort Maui, our dear friends and volunteers, sponsors and those who traveled from far away places to contribute to such an inspiring, contagious day of joy and health. New friends were made, water fears conquered and we all discovered just how powerful one sport, that anyone can enjoy almost anywhere in the world; can bring such a dynamic group together for a good cause.
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