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Rain, Wind nor Tornadoes Didn't Keep The Aloha From Shining Bright in Bay Area

June 4th, 2011 Bay Area, CA.:

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.

Here are some photos of our crew:

There are many supporters I’d like to thank for working so hard and volunteering your time, campaigning and enthusiasm:

Organizer: Lucija Kordic: Founder of East Bay SUP If you live in the Bay Area, you’ll want to meet her and SUP with her!

Naish International: My SUP sponsor

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

Ben Carroll at California Canoe

: The best and coolest training gear for SUP

Kaenon Polarized Eyewear

If I can make it back this September, I’ll keep you posted. I would love to get you all on the water paddling. Until, a hui ho and aloha!

Suzie Cooney, of Suzie Trains Maui

East Bay SUP & Suzie Trains Maui Presents:Bay Area Stand UP Paddle Clinic June 4th, 2011

East Bay SUP founder Lucija Kordic and Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui

presents: Bay Area Stand Up Paddle Clinic, June 4th, 2011  Jack London Aquatic Center 9am-12pm

For more details and to register: http://www.meetup.com/East-Bay-SUP/events/17552567/

Join us for a special day of  “Aloha” and give to the local chapter of NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. This charity is very near and dear to my family and to the cohost of this event. NAMI offers tremendous support and helps so many across the country.  With today’s stress and life changes, your mental health is as equally important as is physical health and they are both related. SUP offers so much to everyone who learns. Anyone can do it and being outdoors and on the water is a great combination that makes you strong and feel good. You can meet wonderful new friends and watch this sport change your life! This I promise.

If you have a moment, please read this post on a brave women sharing a brave story: SUP For Your Mind’s Health: Aqua Therapy for Depression

I’ve been teaching for some time and my greatest reward is to see people glide across the water with a smile so big, well I just can’t describe the feeling. You can do it! You don’t need to be extra strong or already fit. This sport is gentle on the body and is so easy. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be on your way to Maui catching some waves and paddling with me one day!

We have limited  space so don’t miss out!  I’d love to meet you.

Suzie Cooney, CPT  Suzie Trains Maui    

What You See Is How You Perform: Increase Your SUP, Surf, Dirt Bike or Any Sports Performance With Visualization Training

by Suzie Cooney, CPT
Suzie Trains Maui

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 23rd, 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.

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   Follow SuzieTrainsMaui on Twitter

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

Strong SUP Legs for Flat Water, Waves and Gliding Power by Suzie Cooney for Naish Part I

This is part one in a series of leg strength exercises written exclusively for Naish International:

Follow Suzie here to see more leg training tips!

Stand up paddling on flat water, waves or riding a board like the 14ft Naish Glide and catching a 50 yard glide, requires your legs to be strong together and independently.I’ve written articles before on leg strength, but I want to get really specific here for stand up paddling. These exercises are designed to demonstrate techniques to use your own body instead of machines to achieve your goals, allowing your body to become the machine and your arms and legs to be powerful and stay in control.

Over the course of a few weeks, I’ll be sharing with you lots of excellent leg exercises that will help you catch more waves, dig your rails a little harder for a faster buoy turn and introduce you ways to combine leg strength, power and balance into your personal training so you can be a better paddler. There are four main types of leg exercises I’ll be showing you: Stabilizing/Balance, Strength, Balance/Strength and Power. From small waves to big, connecting one glide to the next to casual paddling, I’ll attempt to break it down so you can learn about the fine stabilizing muscles around your ankles, knees and hips to the power house of your legs: the glutes. This year, you’ll be paddling stronger than ever!This Week: Stabilizing and Balance Exercises

These exercises help promote quick reaction times, foot and leg stabilization to recruit finite muscles around your feet, ankles, knees, inner thighs, and the muscles that grab the ball of your femur or hip.

Exercise 1: Half Foam Roll Balance to Single or Two Legged Squat

Equipment: 

1/2 half foam roll

    To see the rest of the article and training/photos tips: go to: http://www.naishsurfing.com/sup-fitness/legs-stability-and-balance/   

Also check her training blog: http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com/blog
To inquire about training with Suzie or taking a private SUP lesson e: info@suzietrainsmaui.com

Suzie is also available to provide weekend or weekly clinics in your home town or at your event/resort.

Paul and Leisl from Iowa Stand Up Paddle on Maui with Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui

Leisl, Paul, Isaac & Lucy New SUP Friends!

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.

Paddle on Paul and Leisl,

Mahalo Suzie Cooney!

For more SUP Fitness trainng tips go to : Naish International: http://www.naishsurfing.com/sup-fitness/

For information on instruction/training contact Suzie at info@suzietrainsmaui.com You can also find more fun on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/suzietrainsmaui

The best board to ride: Naish!

Ride the boards I ride!

To better prepare yourself for you first wave, hop on the INDO Board:

Maui:SUP Stand Up Paddling Clinic for Health & Fitness with Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui March 26, 2011

March 26th, 2011  MAUI!  STAND UP for Health & Fitness with Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui.  F R E E! Guys and gals, train on the beach with me, then we hit the water for some SUP water training, strength training, relay fun, and fine tune your paddling techniques. CLINIC IS NOW FULL. We are still taking info should a cancellation arise.

All levels of fitness and paddling welcome! Meet new paddling friends.

Learn to paddle efficiently, gain better control of your board and glide more smoothly. Enjoy the healthy benefits SUP has to offer and learn from a professional. Learn a few training tips to help build better body and paddling endurance. Check out this SUP exercise tip written exclusively for Naish International: http://www.naishsurfing.com/sup-fitness/

Space is limited! To reserve your space and inquire: suzie@suzietrainsmaui.com or call 808-283-2121.  You must provide your own board or you can rent from the Maui Naish Pro Center 808-871-1500.  This class is for beginners and intermediate paddlers and is 1.5 hours.

See you on the water!  Suzie Cooney

Suzie is available for private training on and off the water. Go to http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com

Get your rentals here! Ask for "Coach"

UP Your SUP Permformance Suzie Cooney for Naish on Combining Upper Body Paddle Endurance with Balance and Core Training

by Suzie Cooney, CPT of Suzie Trains Maui and Naish Team SUP Rider


You can click here and go directly to the full article: http://www.naishsurfing.com/sup-fitness/

Whether you’re new to the sport of stand up paddling or preparing for an exciting Maui Maliko downwinder, having upper body paddling endurance and excellent balance will get you through the deepest troughs, maybe help you pass a competitor or help you enter bigger waves and swells with extra confidence and success!

I like to be as efficient as possible when training, so combining the two is perfect. The following exercise is just a sample of what you can do to get stronger, develop faster reflexes, increase the rapid firing of your finite muscles that stabilizes your larger muscles, improve your timed runs and possibly reduce fatigue and/or risk of overuse injuries.

It’s well known that SUP requires the entire body to perform and respond in unison. You’re never isolating one muscle group at any given moment. As you paddle, your entire shoulder complex, upper/lower back, feet, ankles, knees, hips and core (everything excluding your extremities) are executing each short or long stroke in a smooth, connected motion. Conditions can and do change, so adding some balance work is also a huge plus. I totally can tell that when I balance train, my reactions are sharp and quick.

Based on your current level of fitness, ease into some of these more advanced moves and change the variables accordingly. You can simply start with your own paddle or select one of the suggested weights. I usually start light and advance to heavy, to fatigue.

 Read the entire article here, and see all of the exercises /photos and progressions here

Suzie Cooney, CPT   

To learn more about Suzie go to http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com

You can also follow her on Face Book at: http://www.facebook.com/suzietrainsmaui

Suzie Trains Maui

A Four Star Stand Up Paddling Adventure at the Zancudo Lodge in Costa Rica by Suzie Cooney January 2011

A Four Star Stand Up Paddling Adventure at the Zancudo Lodge in Costa Rica
by Suzie Cooney January 2011

Exploring by SUP in Costa Rica

One of many gorgeous sunsets!

I’m fortunate to live in a paradise called Maui, however after recently returning from a new found paradise in Southern Costa Rica, I can now appreciate my new discovery of one of the most beautiful, friendly, places on earth.  Warm water, waves and beautiful accommodations is what I discovered.  (see all photos below in slideshows)

I was kindly invited by Gregg Mufson, the owner of the Zancudo Lodge; to experience what I can easily say was a first class, four star adventure. Our mission was to scout out the waters, meet the gracious staff and survey the grounds for my SUP stand up paddling clinic he is hosting this April 2011.

On New Year’s  day, my  arrival to the city of San Jose, Costa Rica I encountered a very smooth transfer from the helpful driver at the airport to the exquisite Intercontinental Hotel with a comfortable suite.  The next morning, after a delicious breakfast buffet, the same driver appeared on time in the lobby ready to take me to local airport where again they welcomed me by first name. Off I went on the modern SANSA plane to Golfito where I would then be greeted by another driver to the boat, which would take me on an exciting ride to the lodge.   

plane ride to town of Golfito

 The short plane ride down to the lodge was amazing. Below you could see the gorgeous Dulce coast and the dense jungles with many farms that were scattered throughout. 


The plane touched down easily on a small strip and the airport itself had so much character and flavor with, once again my driver looking for me before I could grab my bags! The colorful town of Golfito reminded me of mine, Paia in Maui. Although we only have one stop light, they have none. The population is roughly 450 people with quaint shops and restaurants and smiles everywhere.  My driver spoke very good English so that was helpful to me, since my espanol could have used some practice.

Like clockwork, as I was comfortably waiting at the marina, along came one of the 15 boats from the Zancudo Lodge. The captain welcomed me, grabbed my bags and off we went down the waterways to the lodge. The air was warm and the jungles we passed very thick and I wondered what or who lived in them. On occasion I’d see a gorgeous private bungalow too. 

Gregg himself was at the dock and helped me to land. All of his boats were lined up to serve and accommodate us for our private SUP adventures. I was very impressed! My bags were taken for me and I was escorted to the main hall and delighted with a fabulous lunch. The staff made me feel right at home.

My 600 square foot private bungalow was fabulous. I opened the door and thought I had entered the Four Seasons or a modern W hotel.  Gregg’s wife, Goldine Wang  has impeccable taste and appointed the room just perfectly. This stand alone suite I was in, also called the Junior Suite was gorgeous. It had rare purpleheart hard wood floors, open ceilings with bright light, air conditioning, a very comfortable king size bed, complementary WIFI, flat screen TV, safe deposit box, beautiful bamboo linens and of course a cozy robe and personal slippers.  It also had a private sitting terrace. (more photos below)

In the main part of the lodge, the other 12 rooms were appointed in a similar fashion, 350 square feet but had two plush full beds and are just steps away from the main dining hall and bar, adjacent to the inviting pool with teak, comfortable, padded chase lounges. 

One can also reserve the impressive Master Suite which is beach front, 1200 square feet, inlcudes a home theatre, separate bedroom and large living space with an outdoor terrace, perfect to enjoy the sunsets.

Although I had a bit of jet lag, Gregg was very eager to get us on the water and paddling! I needed the rest of the day to adjust and enjoyed walking on the beach right in front of the lodge that seemed to extend for miles.  The water is warm and it’s great for shell hunting.

The weekend I arrived, New Years, is a busy holiday for the local Ticos.  The beach was lively and full of warm and friendly waves and smiles.

One can walk for miles in front of the lodge

Gregg said that tomorrow, it would be dead and very quiet. He was right. The beaches were empty and it was great to stroll as the only one on the beach.

My dinner the first night was outstanding.  As a treat, Gregg had a visiting chef named Stephan who prepared us a special shrimp appetizer skewered on sugar cane with a light, tasty lime drizzle.  Wow! To follow, a lovely plate of fresh vegetables harvested from the property, fresh dorado caught that day and a side salad.

Finally,  the next day our first SUP exploration out in the Bay. Gregg is a stickler for being on time and ready to go, and I appreciate that. Boards, paddles and cooler were loaded already on the boat and at 7am we left the harbor! On the boat, an impressive, powerful 32 footer,  Wilson, the first mate and captain Tito were so friendly and really knew these waters.  The ride was exiting and sure enough, as planned a nice mellow swell just south of the lodge. We have a code not to share the name of breaks for fear it will be over populated. Trust me, it was awesome. You’ll just have to go and ride it for yourself.

We anchored the boat and paddled to the break that was peeling left all day long. Consistent, nice A shaped, and wow, talk about long rides!?!?    Crazy!  With only 4 of us on the break, you could easily get in 20+ rides or more if you could handle it. Gregg and Sean were showing me the way pointing out the best sweet spot and where the sand bar began.

Sean

Sloan charging!

These are very helpful tips when arriving to a new spot. Second time SUP rookie, Sloan, a fisherman from New York was handling his board really well. Gregg was just a paddling machine and we had a hard time pulling him off the waves when it was time to go.

Although it was only 9 AM, it felt like 1 or 3pm, for we are much closer to the equator. I was sure to lather up some heavy duty sunscreen.  If you needed, you  could paddle back to the boat, grab a drink and head back out. What service!

Still recovering from a bit of jet lag, I rode all the waves I need to be absolutely convinced that I did not want to leave this place and explore more waves and other water adventures.  Di and Yvonne were also charging. At times when I looked over at them, I thought to myself, “wow here comes a decent set and there they were, still paddling and smiling big.”  They were stoked!

Back to the lodge, cooling down after an excellent session with new friends, lunch was already being prepared. The menu is fabulous for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I have to say, although as a trainer, their French fries and special BLT sandwiches were delicious.  Topped off with a nice cool drink,  I was ready for a siesta in one of the hammocks that are perfectly strung under to gorgeous palms with views to die for. 

Time seems to stand still there and although this was a semi-working trip I felt pretty relaxed. Often, before dinner, some would grab a volleyball game. Just before dinner is served is when the paddlers and the other guests tend to gather in the main lodge hall.  We were treated fresh lime ceviche and I have to admit a nice cold Imperial or my favorite, Corona beer went well!

All the people I met staying at the lodge were friendly and eager to be social. I met nice folks from all over escaping the cold East coast storms.  I, of course encouraged everyone to try stand up paddling. Some raised an eyebrow very curious and others actually signed up with the instructor the next day.

When the rest of my crew, Yvonne and Di of Laster Heathman Media, arrived we planned a fitness afternoon with Gregg and the other guest for and INDO Board demo day Luckily Marvin Ortiz, professional photographer was on hand to capture some of the laughter and everyone hanging ten on this new training gear that all the trainers will use for the SUP clinics scheduled in April.  Yvonee, Di, Gregg, Sloan and Elie were rock stars!

Here’s a link to all the fun on that day: http://www.standuppaddlingfitness.com/2011/01/indo-board-demo-day-zancudo-lodge-costa-rica-with-suzie-cooney-of-suzie-trains-maui/

Monkeys spotted in the trees!

I think one of the most memorable days was paddling to the wild animal sanctuary and along the way I, DI and Yvonne I think were spotted first by these darling red Spider monkeys, curiously swinging from tree top to tree top. I thought to myself, “WOW” this alone was worth the 16 hour plane ride. The waters along the jungle were a beautiful turquoise blue and green. I could see lots of sea life below, including star fish and other brightly colored fish.

We left the boards with the captain, and hopped off the boat and soon began a guided tour through the jungle.  Marvin was our chaperone.  We were told not to wear watches, earrings or especially sunglasses, for the monkeys are quick and will steal them off you in a moment and head up a tree. Most glasses we were told do not survive.

This particular wild nature preserve also rescues injured birds and other creatures of the jungle. We learned a great deal about toucans and other exotic animals.  The tour itself lasts about 2 hours, but we had to rush back to the lodge for a live radio show broadcast to SUP radio to tell the world about this magical place to stand up paddle.

We had had a full day. Nearing the end our fun filled week, tonight before dinner, Gregg offered to be my partner and teach me the game of bocce ball. He is quite the competitor and has a unique style all his own.    Di as well, you could tell she was a very experienced player and a little competitive too!

This professional grade bocce ball court is very special. Gregg spared no expense when he personally had over 1500 pounds of crushed oyster shells imported all the way from Bellingham, Washington. He’s pretty serious and so were some of his other guests. I had a blast and learn quickly about back spin and bumping other balls.  This was a great way to catch the most gorgeous sunsets of the day and work up an appetite before dinner.  The warm tropical breezes were always present, and now and then a quick squall of rain would sneak through.

Suzie, Yvonne & Di

I miss my compadres, Di and Yvonne I was very sad to pack my bags and leave this special place. I thought Maui was the best for stand up paddling, well I’ve been proven wrong. What the Zancudo Lodge is offering to all levels of stand up paddlers, is an exceptional property and warm waters for everyone.  Gregg’s qualified staff can help. He can arrange private rides to best breaks, or you can simply carry your board right from the lodge to the ocean. You are literally steps away. Should the wind pick up in the afternoon, the boat can take you out to see as far as you like for what are called down winders.  I recommend this for the experienced ocean folks and experienced paddlers.  I’m sure Gregg will want to join you!

Gregg and Goldine, thank you for an experience of a life time and I will be back in April. Your hospitality and ability to make everyone feel so welcome is evident as to why you are such a success.  I am telling everyone I know to not only come this spring for the SUP clinics, but really make an effort to see what this lodge has to offer.  Simply magnifico!

 

“Pura Vida”

Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui

photos provided by Martin Ortiz, Di and me.

Women of all ages and all SUP levels, come join me here at the Zancudo Lodge and let’s have some fun paddling and getting in great shape.  We will have other adventurous activities planned as well. Book your reservation now. Space is limited!  Click here for more details.

You can also visit: http//:www.standupcostarica.com

The Zancudo Lodge
www.thezancudolodge.com
Ph: 800-854-8791

SUP Radio The Stand Up Paddle Show Leslie Kolovich interviews Suzie Cooney from Zancudo Lodge in Costa Rica

 
 

with host Leslie Kolovich

 

Leslie Kolovich

Leslie Kolovich of Stand Up Paddle Radio Show

Orange Bowl Paddle Championship, Robert Sullivan, Gregg Mufson and Suzie Cooney – The Stand Up Paddle Show

1-6-11:
Gregg Mufson former import/export executive now owner of the Zancudo Lodge in Golfito area of Costa Rica, talks about all that Costa Rica has to offer the watermen and women of the world. zandudolodge.com

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO PODCAST

Leslie asks Suzie about her training practices on Maui with stand up paddling and about the up coming clinics hosted at the Zancudo Lodge.

Suzie Cooney talking live to Leslie Kolovich

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INDO Board Demo Day Zancudo Lodge Costa Rica with Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui

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 my STAND UP For Women’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!

Pura Vida and Aloha!

Suzie Cooney, CPT  Suzie Trains Maui      Follow Suzie on Face Book:  http://www.facebook.com/suzietrainsmaui

 photos by Marvin Ortiz