TweetTaken from the Maui Breakfast Club August 9th, 2011: Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui, Health & Fitness Segment every Tuesday morning at 7:38 am on KNUI 900 AM.  Listen here: Radio Segment

Throw away the diet books,  thigh blaster or ab roller and if you live near any body of water, hop aboard and paddle to shed unwanted pounds now!

It sounds like an infomercial but I’m really serious. I’ve been helping people shed unwanted weight here on Maui and spreading the word for some time now, on how thousands of people are, as I wrote this article for ATHLETA; are literally  “Sweeping Their Way to Health”. It’s really true. I’m hearing from so many people, besides seeing my clients and others around the world completely transform their bodies; paddling away the fat.

I wanted to share with you a couple nice entries of the many of received on how SUP has literally shaped their lives and bodies. It’s so inspiring and I hope they inspires you or someone you know who would like to enjoy losing unwanted weight. It is possible and it’s fun!

Here, my dear friend and avid paddler Lucija Kordic, from Alameda, California,  braves the chilly waters of the Bay Area and shares, ” My pants fit much differently now and I fit into some of my set-aside size 6 pants. SUP and intervals on the treadmill both make a difference!” Lucija is now training with me with her new SUP Endurance Program designed to help her improve her paddling strength and endurance for long distance racing.  Go Lucy go! See you on Maui soon!

If you live in the Bay Area and want to get to know some paddle buddies, Lucija organizes casual paddling groups and is the ultimate host. This I’ve experienced myself. You can hook up with her group at: http://Meet.Up.com/East-Bay-SUP

I’ve received so many emails on how stand up paddling, also known as “SUP” is changing people’s lives and it just so happens that one of the keen health benefits is amazing weight loss. I’m not just talking loss of pounds, but more like shedding their old ways.

I’ve always encouraged my clients and everyone to find a sport, especially SUP, to enhance their current training as a cross training tool. What happens more times than not, is it becomes an obsession!   Wow.  Besides having to throw away hard earned money on marriage counselors, maybe a new pair of $80 Spanx, the moderate investment of one or two boards, paddles, leashes and some sunscreen can also result in relationship bonding. SUP is so easy, couples are losing weight together AND getting quality time paddling off into the sunset.

I’ve always found that most of my clients and people who write me, have had the light turn on in their lives with SUP. They have found their calling and are so taken with the sport, it consumes every waking hour. Now they have racks on their cars, very cool, hang out at the local SUP shop and talk “board talk” or what event they may register in, or simply enjoy the “healthy” camaraderie that develops along with wonderful new friendships.

This sport is very contagious and what comes along with is the healthy lifestyle. What a great bonus. As one develops their love for SUP, unknowingly, because your total body is getting a continuous workout; one can easily start to notice remarkable changes in their body. What is commonly noticed first, is one’s core strength. I’ve written so many articles about the power of the core for SUP, and how to train your core to get stronger to paddle stronger, it’s truly the first thing that people always say, “Wow it really works my core.”

In Redding, way North of my hometown, Sacramento, California  lives Matt Ivey, very new to SUP and boy does he have the stoke and has he

Matt Ivey Looking Great!

gotten in great shape!  He says he was his wife’s ginny pig and suggested he do SUP with her while she was pregnant and suggested that he join  her too. Read the rest to see how he lost 10 lbs and also learn how SUP helped him manage some pretty serious injuries he had. He’s got big plans to grow SUP in his life and business.

Matt writes:

Suzie,

I just got into SUP about a month ago and I am totally hooked.  I have lost about 10 lbs and my core/lower back are feeling the increase in strength.  I love is so much my wife and I are adding SUP rentals, ecotours, lessons, and fitness/yoga classes.  My wife is 20 weeks pregnant and she is a manager of a gymnastics gym.  She has been using the SUP to stay in shape while she is pregnant and has been working on a fitness program.  So that means I have been her ginny pig when it comes to testing her exercises on someone.  I also like my alone time so every other day I have been paddling upstream on a local river for a hour.

I come from a background of playing sports and lifting heavy weights.   Over the past 6 years I have broken and dislocated my left ankle, separated my right shoulder, tore one of the heads of my left bicep, broke my right thumb, and sprained my right mcl.  I also have several degenerative disks in my back so needless to say I can no longer  play the sports I once loved.

But what that also meant is that I could no longer lift weights in the gym.  This lead to me becoming frustrated and out of shape.  After relocating to a new town and stumbling on SUP (we had seen it on Maui 3 years ago but were more concerned with surfing) I was instantly hooked.

In fact I even had my wife take a before photo so I have something I can compare it to after I feel like I have reached my goal.  I have also been incorporating a slackline into my balance and core training.   Between the SUP and Slackline I feel like I have found a great routine that works for me.

I could chat all day about SUP and what it has done for me mentally and physically.  Both my wife and I have out degrees in Recreation Administration and Business so we are looking forward to putting our education and experience to use helping others share the passion we have for SUP.  We have been following you and all that you have done for the SUP industry.  Thanks for all of the inspiration and knowledge you share so well.

Matt Ivey
Adventure Recreation LLC
530-255-4505 Business
707-321-7224 Cell
adventurerecreation.co  ( this is not a typo )

Thanks so much Lucija and Matt, and to the many others that wrote me and shared their SUP weight loss stories. As SUP grows so does the opportunity for more people to get fit and healthy. I really encourage those new to the sport to take the opportunity and feel and experience what all the buzz is about. As I always say, SUP will change your life.

To see all of my articles about how to get stronger for the sport of SUP, go to:

http://www.naishsurfing.com/sup-fitness/

If you’re on Maui in early November, stay tuned for more details on my SUP Cross Enduro Beach and Water Fun Fitness Challenge!

Paddle in good health friends,

Suzie Cooney, CPT owner of Suzie Trains Maui

See Naish SUP Team Profile here: http://www.naishsurfing.com/team/suzie-cooney/

I ride Naish boards. The line up for 2012 is  unreal! We’ll have up to 31 boards like last year and the lines, designs and graphics are killer. I’m so stoked for the winter, monster swells and for some exciting Maliko runs. Check out the current line up here:

http://www.naishsurfing.com/boards/

For Beginners to Advanced Paddlers
by Suzie Cooney, CPT of Suzie Trains Maui and Naish Team SUP Rider

Recommended Equipment: INDO Board Gigante Disc, INDO Board Pro Board or Ying & Yang (as pictured below), TRX Rip Trainer (I use the heavier chord in this training series). Select a sturdy object to secure your TRX cord to the ground. For this series, I attached it to a stake in the sand. The combination of INDO Board Gigante Disc with the Ying & Yang board, in addition to the TRX Rip Trainer requires unique training, just like stand up paddling.  This is a functional and dynamic workout to the highest degree. Since the core is what stabilizes us while paddling, we now have a power source delivered through the core and transferred directly to our stroke.  Like Dave, I need to drive home the idea that there’s more to the “core” than just abs. It’s absolutely everything, and I mean everything, excluding your arms and legs – but not to say that your arms and legs don’t help to stabilize you as you paddle. When I’m on the water or in the studio teaching people how to really engage their core, I take the time to break down their stroke as well. Then, when the light goes on and they have an “ah ha” moment, it’s cool. Connecting the dots from the top of your stroke, through your bottom shoulder, leading hip and finally passing through your core to the blade as you exit your feet, finally makes sense when you have more paddle power from the strength of your body. This comes from specific strength training for SUP and it’s what we’re going to do right now in these exercises. Progression Variables: Floor to sand, traditional paddling stance to surf stance, discs under INDO board, less air (easier)-more air (faster action) in discs, light – medium TRX chord to heavier gauge TRX chord, speed of stroke, reach distance, slower-faster paced, number of strokes per side, change stance position during set. Exercise 1: Power Strokes: Regular Stance, Feet on Ground

Progression 1: Regular Stance, Unstable Platform:  INDO Board Gigante Disc (inflated halfway), while standing on Ying & Yang Board. My reach here is a little further towards “the nose” and again, my core is fully engaged. Progression 2: Slightly Staggered Stance, Unstable Platform: (you can also practice this on the ground)  When you are on the water and the waves or wind chop gets bigger, or as you approach a turn, you may be shifting your weight and stance. Just like changing where you stand on your board to increase board speed or rail pressure, a slight change in your stance will affect your stroke power. Now try shifting your back foot ( I’m regular, so my right foot goes back ) slightly behind your front foot. This requires a bit more effort: Progression 3: Surf Stance:    Now you’re starting to get some nice glides, or you’re pumping faster to catch some waves, so let’s get into full surf stance and dig in! I love this. Again, visualization training (see my article here ) really works. Load your iPod, crank it up and start training. Visualize yourself being incredibly powerful and catching every glide, every wave and maybe passing a competitor or two. Also, try shifting more of your weight onto your front foot and try quick, short strokes, matching your breathing to each stroke. Click on the photo for a larger view. TweetI hope this series on paddling with power will take you many miles across the water. These tips will help you improve your endurance, increase your power, step into small and big waves and build your confidence as well as enhance your current level of fitness for SUP. Get out there and rip it up!  Check out my recent article on Maliko Gulch: Know Before you GoI’d like to give a special photo credit to Simone Reddingius: downwind paddler, amazing surfer, and Maui photographer who has recently been published in Stand Up Journal Magazine. See more of Simone’s work here: http://beachgirlmaui.blogspot.com/Aloha, Suzie To see all of her articles for Naish International and this one click here.  For more information and tips from Suzie Cooney go to: www.standuppaddlingfitness.com and follow Suzie Trains Maui on Facebook or @suzietrainsmaui on Twitter. Disclaimer All the information presented in the SUP Fitness section of naishsurfing.com is for educational and resource purposes only. It is there to help you make informed decisions about your fitness training. It is not a substitute for, or an addition to, any advice given to you by your physician. Suzie Cooney, CPT, and Naish International strongly recommend that you consult your doctor and get medical approval before beginning any fitness and/or exercise program. You are solely responsible for the way information in SUP Fitness is perceived and utilized and you do so at your own risk. In no way will Suzie Cooney, Naish International or anyone associated with Naish International be held responsible for any injuries or problems that may occur due to the use of this website or the advice contained within.

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!

Full Race Results:http://pseresults.com/events/364/results

Check out the full story and photos from Erik Aeder provided by:

Naish Ineternational:http://www.naishsurfing.com/2011/07/6th-annual-naish-paddle-championships-maui/

More photos from Jimmie Hepp:https://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/Jimmiehepp

    Get race ready and hop on your INDO Board Gigante Disc. Your foot-work is a critical part of catching glides.  Best 
                land training ever.

See the finish line, the crowd cheering you on the last buoy turn, the last surf heat before the horn, the last lap of your mountain bike or dirt bike race and see your personal victory!  Okay, now adjust the speed and tempo, add a little more weight to the bar, do a few more balance tricks and turn up the music.

Visualizing your win, your finish or any goal you set out for your racing or training I guarantee will get you that trophy or medal or simply help you get to the next phase of your training and sport.  We watch the networks play over and over in slow motion,  two competitors going handle bar to handle bar on the dirt track, paddlers digging as deep and fast as they dig deep into last turn back to the beach,  or the Olympic speed skaters pushing off those last few  powerful  meters.

You can do the same during your training. If you’re a surfer and while you’re performing a weighted squat on your INDO Board, you see the green room and the spray of huge dragons breath; popping you out of that tube standing tall touching the back of that blue wall.  For example, when I’m on my spin bike, I close my eyes as the music carries me across the ocean on my Naish Glide at warp speed, catching every bump and trough possible, or better, turning on the face of a big wave.

Whatever your sport, your mental game and how you see yourself as an athlete makes a critical difference in how you perform.   Do you see yourself as an athlete? Are you looking to build your game and confidence?  I’m not a scientist, but what I do know is that the subconscious captures images of our desire outcomes and holds them and when an opportunity mimics the situation, it retrieves that image and allows our minds and body to shape and make that true.

I have the pleasure to introduce to you my training client, Stephen. Here is his awesome story on how his visualization training became an exciting reality, to a successful 27 mile stand up paddle race finish. The race was Saturday April 23^rd, 2011. It started from Honolua Bay, Maui across the open ocean channel to the island of Molokai. Sport, stand up paddle, partner Mike Owens.  ( photos by Joshua Kjorven )

“ I would like to help contribute, it was one of those crazy ideas one gets while I was watching Connor and Dave battle it out in the Pailolo Channel on last year’s race. It was in November when I first watched the video of the battle where Connor ultimately won. Watching him paddle, getting that imprint of his paddle stroke, and ability to read the swell was captivating. I thought with a little practice “I could do that” and why not, what could possibly go wrong? I never think about the details (they usually become a barrier),I  just stay focused on the goal, and the details usually work themselves out in the end.

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I set up our indoor pool to train and get in shape during the winter months, and then arrived in Maui to start training with you and Jeremy. Jeremy corrected my paddle stroke, and taught me to catch bumps on the four Maliko runs we did, plus several days in the harbor. Suzie helped me focus on my balance and strengthened the areas that I needed to improve upon, and it really helped. In reality was I ready for such a crossing and be a contender? No but my goal was to do it, learn it, and experience the rush, get the confidence, and then do it again next year, hopefully solo.

Getting ready for the Maui to Molokai Challenge!

My partner was Mike Owens, we did a great job, for first timers, and we had fun. And we will do it again next year. I started visualizing this goal in November, and kept at it since then, but on the beach that morning I was just grateful to have the opportunity to do such a thing, everyone was giving us course instructions, Jeremy was saying this will be an experience of a lifetime and to enjoy it, but once we put the paddle to the water… That visualization, the memory of Jeremy’s instructions and Connors video all came in to focus and that made the difference.It was a great day, emotional and draining but I will do it again next year for sure.”        Stephen

This is an excellent example of how Stephen’s visual training of seeing his successful outcome and all the steps he needed to take to get there, seeing himself as an athlete, a competitor and a finisher!  Good job Stephen!

 What I suggest is that you get real clear on what you want to see. Get real specific with how you want to perform. Do you want to go faster, carve bigger turns, or catch bigger glides or simply finish? Focus that imagery on just that. See in your mind over and over again that perfect picture of the outcome.  Some people also explore hypnosis.

When you look in the mirror at the gym, get hyper focused and don’t be embarrassed of how strong you think you look. Right on! That’s what I want.  Growl, sing see the confetti!  If one of my clients is training for a big event and we’re squeaking out one more set or rep, I just love to whisper in their ear, “this is when you win.”     I’ll also say, “Are you not the fierce competitor I know?  Then do it.”

Now I’m not the mean trainer you see on TV, but I do give my clients the tools to help them get real with themselves and give them lots of positive images while we are training. I am the one that will keep you very positive and erase any negative and mental obstacles. If you don’t have a trainer, I suggest you try and do the same.

Develop a mantra that you say to yourself as you have your image. This is also a very powerful tool I suggest to my clients that get’s them very fired up and focused.  I don’t care if it sounds totally silly, or if it’s a string of unusual sounds, it’s what resonates with them,   If it makes sense to them and get’s them to that place they must go, then say it. I know people hear me when I’m surfing, SUP surfing or training down Maliko. I talk to myself all the time out loud. 

What I strongly suggest when testing out your mantra with your visual, please don’t say negative things, like “you dummy, just one more stroke” or “I’m an idiot…  “. You get my drift. Positive words, positive images equal a positive outcome.

Takeaway: Say to yourself“ I am an athlete, a fierce competitor and I am strong”.   See yourself getting tubed, finishing your first 5 or 10k, rounding that last buoy, or hitting it full throttle across the line.

I’d love to read about what you see when you train and what the outcomes are? Are you faster, stronger? How did it change the way you train? We welcome your comments!

Aloha, Suzie Cooney, CPT

Should you like to learn more about Suzie and train with her on Maui for your next successful experience, go to her website at http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com

Also follow her on Face Book at: http://www.facebook.com/suzietransmaui   

Suzie is alsoTeam Rider for Naish International. Check out the latest in her SUP specific training tips.

Transform your performance! Train like Suzie’s clients with the INDO Board

Kevin Vangritis First Place!

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!

http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/info_blogpost.asp?id=63

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.

PBS: How long have you been doing standup?

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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.

PBS: How long have you been racing?

Kevin: After returning from Maui, my wife and I purchased our first set of boards in Jan of 09. We began riding in our free time on weekends and I entered my first race in May 09. It was the 1st Annual Intracoastal SUP Cup Race held in Wrightsville Beach N.C.

PBS: What do you do to train?

Kevin: Because my profession is very demanding of my time, I do not get out on the water nearly as much as I would like. Currently, I am paddling two to three times a week. I make it a prior to do some form of workout daily. I work my core everyday; lift free weights five to six days a week in addition to some form of cardio four to six days a week.

PBS: How did you like paddling your BARK?

Kevin: She is the finest and fastest flat-water board I have ever paddled. The moment I set foot on her and took my first stroke, I new I was going to love this board. I ordered this new race board for myself upon our return from Maui in Nov 2010. I got a call from the trucking company on Friday to say it had arrived. I didn’t get home from surgery until late Friday. I raced over to pick up my new Bark, but by then it was dark. She is a 14′ double carbon fiber lay up. I took her home and bonded by putting a nice coat of wax on her before going to bed. I got up bright and early at 5 am, loaded her up and headed to nearby Lake Jordan for her maiden voyage. It was a crisp 45 degrees. What a great early b-day present to myself.

PBS: Can you tell us about its performance during the race?

Kevin: The Bark’s performance was outstanding. After jockeying for a great spot on the starting line-up, I quickly pulled out into second place. I made one adjustment for my foot placement to trim the board a bit. This was to adjust for the water conditions. From there, I just focused on the bow of the board and watched her plow through the water. I have found that this board, more than any others I have ridden, maintains my forward momentum better between my release and the following catch.

PBS: How was your experience with buying the board from PaddleBoard Specialists?

Kevin: Incredibly easy. I found their entire team to be extremely knowledgeable, as passionate about this sport as I am, not to mention that their SUP boards and accessories are very competitively price. Even though they are half way across the country from where I live, I feel like I receive more personable service than some of our local SUP stores. That’s the beauty of the Internet. I am also impressed with their packing techniques. Not only do they take great care packing the boards, they double box them as well. There would be nothing worse than getting in a brand new board only to find it had been damaged in shipping. I have now bought four boards from PaddleBoard Specialists as well as many other accessories. The latest one I ordered was the custom 14′ double Bark board I just raced

PBS: Do you have other races coming up soon?

Kevin: On April 30, I will participate in the Carolina Cup. There are going to be three different races to compete in. They will be a 3.5, 8 and 12.5-mile course. A little something for everybody. That’s what is so great about this sport.

PBS: Can you tell us why you love SUP?

Kevin: There are so many things to love about it because it is so versatile and it is a sport we can enjoy together or with friends. We first started participating in SUP as a way to get cardiovascular exercise and enjoy the outdoors. My wife particularly enjoys paddling the flat water. We have had the opportunity to explore many different islands and enjoy each one’s beautiful scenery while cruising around. I enjoy more of a challenge by paddling out in the open ocean and doing down winders. My next goal is to take on some of the larger waves on Maui’s North Shore.

PBS: Do you have any paddlers that you look up to?

Kevin: There are so many great people involved in this sport and I am meeting new ones all of the time. At this time, there are really two that are at the top of my list. They would be Dave Kalama and Suzie Cooney and both for different reasons. Dave is truly a “Stand Up” guy. While out in Maui this past Nov., I had the opportunity to spend two days one-on-one paddling around with him. What an inspiration he was to me. His teaching style is very relaxed; he is a very patient instructor and has the able to quickly determine what areas of your technique he needs to focus on to help you improve. He totally helped me change the mechanics of my technique making me much faster and efficient on the water. Anyone that wants to take their paddling to the next level, really should reach out to him. Even though I learned so much from him, I know I still have so much more room to improve upon and grow. Additionally, Suzie is an absolute inspiration. She is without a doubt the most passionate person in this sport that I have ever met. The moment my wife and I met Suzie, we felt like we had known each other for a lifetime. You don’t have that experience to often. She is an awesome lady who has dedicated her life to sharing this incredible sport with some many others through her personal training expertise and paddle clinics. Her message is to get fit and stay fit through paddling. I plan on going back to Maui this year and hope to spend a couple of additional days training with Dave and Suzie. I look at these two as ambassadors to the sport of SUP. A BIG Thank You to you both. I am proud to call you my friends.

Kevin, you’re on your way. We’ll be keeping a close eye on you and your wins this year! All the best to you and Jenney!

Suzie Cooney, CPT   Suzie Trains Maui   NAISH Team Rider        http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com

Congrats to all the finishers and entrants on an exciting and inspiring 27 crossing!

Mormaii – Pailolo Channel Crossing – Standups

Here are some pre race photos taken by Maui Photographer, Simone Reddingius:

Pre Race Maui to Molokai

Entering Honolua Bay

The Start Honolua Bay

To enter and learn more click on : http://www.mauipaddleboard.com/

Also check out the line up of Naish SUP boards: http://www.naishsurfing.com/en/index.html

Suzie Cooney, CPT

A celebration of the ocean and the cultures that surround it.

May 15-16, 2010 – Kanaha Beach Park, Maui 

Ho’olaule’a Schedule of Events

 Competition

Elite Competitor- You identify yourself as an experienced and competitive waterman or waterwoman. Elite competitors qualify for prize money. No age group requirements. No board length or rudder restrictions.

Elite Competitor- You identify yourself as an experienced and competitive waterman or waterwoman. Elite competitors qualify for prize money. No age group requirements. No board length or rudder restrictions.

Recreational SUP Open- You are novice to advanced waterman or waterwoman. Recreational competitors compete in age groups for trophy and gift awards. No prize money. No board length or rudder restrictions.

Recreational SUP under 14’ fixed fin – You are novice to advanced waterman or waterwoman. Recreational competitors compete in age groups for trophy and gift awards. No prize money. Board length must be 14 feet or under with a fixed fin system (no steerable rudder).

Elite OC1 competitor- You identify yourself as an experienced and competitive waterman or waterwoman. Elite competitors qualify for prize money. No age group requirements.

Recreational OC1 Competitor- You are novice to advanced waterman or waterwoman. Recreational competitors compete in age groups for trophy and gift awards. No prize money.

Celebrate Hawaiian culture with free Hawaiian games & sailing canoe rides.

Hawaiian games hosted by Maui Cultural Lands:

• Ulu Maika (a form of lawn bowling)
• Moa Pahe’e (a form of dart sliding)
• Konane (a form of checkers)
• Hukihuki (tug of war)

Sailing Canoe rides hosted by 2008 & 2009 Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Champions “Team OluKai” in their renowned vessel Kamakakoa.

”Ohana

Luau dinner, hula performances, and live music for the whole family.

Luau dinner served from 3pm to 6pm on Saturday May 15. Luau dinner cost is included in race registration fee, or $10 for non-competitors. Purchase Luau tickets at the event. Limited availability, first come first served.

Hula performance from Hula Halau Alapa’i I Maluuluolele.

Free live music all afternoon, Saturday May 15, with special musical guest John Cruz!

Givng Back   Part of the proceeds raised benefit the OluKai ‘Ohana Giveback Program: beneficiaries include the Hawaiian Junior Lifeguard Program, and Maui Cultural Lands.

OluKai does so much to support our community. Hope you can stop by for the festivities and fun!

Aloha, Suzie Cooney, CPT Suzie Trains Maui

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