Maui, HI., Saturday December 3, 2011 was the place to be as a very entertaining, free, unique SUP ( stand up paddle ) event took place in North Kihei’s Mai Poina Ole La’u Beach Park, where participants were greeted with mild, calm conditions and a small south swell. The purpose of the event was to allow those new and experienced to the wildly, ever-growing popular sport of stand up paddling also known as “SUP”; participate in a very interesting and challenging fitness beach course and ocean paddle challenge. ( photo galleries and sponsor info below )
Kai Lenny!
The event attracted over 55 participants men and women and was hosted by Naish International and Suzie Cooney, fitness specialist, Naish Team Rider and owner of Suzie Trains Maui. To wow and inspire the crowd local Maui resident and recently crowned 2011 SUP World Champion, and Naish Team Rider, Kai Lenny also demonstrated his skills on the water and then
Suzie and Kai
showed off his nose riding techniques atop of the Indo Board gear that was available for people and the public to try. In addition to the Indo Board demo by Suzie Cooney and Indo Board Team Rider, Leighton Nakamoto , a TRX Fitness Rip Trainer demo was also conducted to show how it can be incorporated into one’s stand up paddling fitness training.
Suzie Cooney TRX Rip Trainer Demo
Stand up paddling is drawing great attention world-wide but is also helping people of all fitness levels to embrace a more healthy lifestyle. This non-competitive event was designed to challenge, inspire and bring people together in an environment that offered something different than racing without any pressure. The mission of Suzie Cooney and Naish and all of the wonderful volunteers was to provide a fun venue that offered a sort of bonding experience through a little literally, heart pounding action.
The course: 3 buoys in a triangle format marked the water action as a mass start began at the sound of a horn! Off to the first buoy paddlers were met by Maui’s own downwind champion, Jeremy Riggs who cheered and helped people navigate, some for their first time ever near a buoy, around turn number one. Then as paddlers began to spread out with some of the more experienced paddlers, such as Donnie McGean, Bill Hoffman and a few more in front, it was time to land on the beach and begin the crazy fitness obstacle beach course that consisted of 4 stations with volunteers to cheer, encourage and assist if needed.
Donnie, crawling left, writes, ” As for the funniest moment it had to be trying to stand up and run after the taco rolls. As for what I enjoyed the most, it was meeting new people that were interested in SUP. My goal is always to give 100% and still have fun. As for what I found inspirational, it was that some of the best in the SUP world came out to help and share their knowledge and love of the sport. Thanks again for a great event.”
Donnie On the beach, participants hopped off their boards and ran to station number one, a 20 foot long by 8 foot wide crawl area. Here people had their own unique strategy and style as they crawled, dove on their bellies or some on all fours under yellow caution tape. Then up to their feet to run a zig-zag cone course, then drop immediately at the pushup station where Coach Leighton Nakamoto, resident of Makawao made sure people did 10! Boy, was he tough!
The most spectacular entertainment of the day, was the sandy taco roll. Here, immediately after the pushups, participants had to drop and roll for
taco rolling
about 20 feet while trying not to get dizzy or roll into the ocean. Tommy Callan, creator of this station cheered and helped people up to their feet and guided them to the two Naish flags where one then had to run through and then run or jog back down the beach to get their boards and hit the water for one final lap and then one final spin through the course.
Although this was marked as a non-competitive event, one had to take notice of Maui’s Donnie McGean who managed to stay in front and finish in the lead. My other buddy and downwind training partner, Bill Hoffman of Pukalani was hot on his tail and finished 2nd. Everyone finished and everyone at this event were winners. Anyone who could simply finish this grueling course deserves a round of applause. I’m totally proud of all of them. People were laughing, grunting and looking at me with the look of “you’ve got to be kidding”, but they kept going. It was great. Continue reading Naish & Suzie Trains Maui Delivers Unique Stand Up Fitness Paddle Challenge As One to Remember
Maui: Maliko Gulch to Kanaha Harbor 9.5 Miles of endurance, fierce competition, big glides and some of the biggest talent you’d ever seen, converged and raced July 24th, 2011
There was a sea of yellow Naish Glides ( that’s what I ride ) and others and wow, what a line of up fine athletes and new talent from around the globe! This was a well-organized event thanks to Naish International, Maui Naish Pro Center, John Gangini and Blair Thorndike. The conditions were a bit questionable, but in grand Maliko style, after brother Joe gave the most beautiful Hawaiian ”Pule” the trades seemed to pick up just at the right time.
TweetFirst out the prone paddlers, then 12 footers, 14 and then unlimited like clock work. This was a staged start, with a 3 minute hold, and it worked quite well. Sitting at the start next to my buddy Karen Wrenn and to her right our newest team rider, Chuck Patterson and to my left my local gang, Julia Schweiger, Jeremy and Jill Riggs, Simone Reddingius and a few newbies as the boards were clattering and bumping before the horn.
Photographers, Erik Aeder, Darrell Wong, and Jimmie Hepp poised and ready to shoot. Looking around to see who would take “the” line was interesting. Normally we pinch up to the right hard and steady. This time it was madness to see who would get out in front first. I watched Chuck and others watching each other. The competition was fierce and you could feel the power ready to be unleashed!
Time to go! I hit the play button on my IShuffle, first song “My Wave” by Soundgarden. Perfect! I was getting pinched hard by a gal on blue 14ft, to my right. Sorry, but I’m way more competitive than I thought. I didnt’ mean to, whoever you are; to run over your paddle but it was time to go. Rick Sands, you gave me a run for my money. Congrats on your fine finish. Jill, you were with me quite a ways and it was just like practice coming into the harbor. Super fun for sure.
photo Jimmie Hepp 2011
Coming into the harbor was a breeze this time. Tiffany Ward in front, Jill then me. The finish was 100 yards further West than last year, thank goodness. This meant that if the winds were howling side shore it wouldnt’ be as brutal getting in.
Well, of course I couldn’t catch Jamie Mitchell, Dave Kalama, Scott Turdon, Kody Kerbox, Connor Baxter, Ralf, Michi Schweigher or Jeremy Riggs; and Karen, Sonni and Allison were gone! I held my line and never looked up and thought, this is it, race day! How lucky am I to live Maui, paddle for Naish and paddle with my good friends in my own backyard. I gave it my best with a decent time and although the age group spread was HUGE( who’s in charge of that!?)30-45, I got a respectable 6th.
Congrats to everyone and to all the new faces who are joining the racing experience. I’ll be posting more highlights and updates soon. Suzie Cooney!
Maui’s N. shore attracted over 400 total participants in ocean adventure excitement and adrenaline pumping paddling action. This year was unique with the first inaugural Ohana Fun Paddle which I helped host, to encourage new paddlers to experience a non-competitive 3 mile down wind paddle. Anything you could humanly paddle was welcomed. SUPs, kayaks, one mans, six mans and the special OluKai sailing canoe; Kamakakoa launched from Paia Bay to Kanaha. This was an event within the event. Over 100 paddlers entered the water with a big finish.
photo courtesy of OluKai
Then on up to Maliko Gulch was the big SUP race. The momentum was building as more and more boards began to fill the valley as the paddlers got ready for their 8 mile, more serious race. And what a race!
Thanks to Matthew Murasko, OluKai’s Hawaii Ambassador and team, and to many friends and volunteers this event was over the top. It was so organized, from the start to the finish. The luau, entertainment and award ceremony welcomed not only the racers but our entire island and the world. Join us next year!
Suzie Cooney
Read: “The Magic of Maliko“ Article written for Makai Hawaii’s Ocean Lifestyle Magazine
Suzie is available for SUP instruction/private event hosting and special events. Contact suzie@suzietrainsmaui for more information.
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
Despite unexpected high surf conditions the week before, the day could not have been more beautiful and the waves just big enough to give the eager paddlers three miles of rides and glides they’ll never forget!
Maui’s N. shore, Paia Bay Cultural and Youth Center was the place to be, April 2, 2011. ( Next OluKai Ohana Fun Paddle - April 30th, 2011 ) In preparation for The Third Annual OluKai Ohana Ho’olaule’a and new division, The Ohana Fun Paddle, this pre-practice paddle was a first, and I was thrilled to be co-hosting the event. Matthew Murasko, OluKai’s Hawaii Ambassador, gathered his safety team of two PWCs ( thanks to Rodney and Darrel ) and was greeting and registering our first arrivals before 8 AM with coffee, juice, snacks and lots of enthusiasm. I pulled together my main waterman, Milton, Randy, Jeremy, Michael, John, Tommy, Joshua and also, Nitsan from Naish; who wore bright green rash guards kindly donated by Rodney Kilborn; Mormaii.
Our paddlers ranged in age from late teens to 70 years young…special acknowledgment to Sharina Husted who just gave birth to a new baby daughter 29 days ago and had never done a downwind paddle before! Paddlers consisted of local Mauians to visitors from Canada, California and England.
With a total of 26 paddlers, 22 of them were about to earn their stripes. For those who have only dreamed of paddling out of the world famous Maliko Gulch, this was their first, courageous step towards that goal and a chance to to be with experienced friends to guide them. The winds were ramping up towards our 9 AM start and by 9:15, we had the perfect direction clocking in at about 15 – 18 mph.
The first challenge was a gentle shore break that was easily managed with the strong help of our PWCs and fine waterman. This was a part of learning: timing the sets, hopping up to your knees if need, and paddling hard. Then to hold your course and learn how to navigate with stronger winds pushing at your side was a new experience for many. Since this was not a race, it was easy to take one’s time and get more comfortable with a new spot and new conditions. Everyone one was so encouraging and helpful to one another.
Sharina's Adventure
Sharina Asato Husted of Wailuku who just had a baby 4 weeks ago shared,
”Yesterday was my first downwind paddle experience! After falling the first 4 times while attempting to stand, I was pretty bummed and vowed to never do this again if I somehow made it to the finish.
After the 1st mile paddling on my knees, one of the guards, Tommy offered to switch boards with me and I got up on my first try!! The rest is history! I had so much fun and am hooked!! I am incredibly grateful to you and your team for this awesome experience!
“Wow, Tommy, what a guy!! I was so amazed at how nice everyone was and the wonderful community of people that you have gathered together!”
Way to go Sharina!
At the finish, the lower lifeguard tower at Kanaha Beach Park, the first arrived in about 35 minutes and the group of the last paddlers at the 60 minute mark. This was a huge accomplishment for those who’ve never done a down winder before. The camaraderie and that feeling of doing something so exciting and sharing it with a bunch of new down winder friends was obvious. I looked around and remembered what it felt like on my first run. It felt great and I felt powerful and pumped up! Several people told me that this experience changed their life and gave them so much more confidence. They were hooked.
The Fab 5!
A special Mahalo goes to Paia Youth & Cultural Center for hosting us. Carl Rozycki for our professional videographer of InVision Maui Productions, Joshua Kjorven for the cool water shots, and to Rodney Kilborn for providing our PWCs and expertise, our awesome waterman mentioned above, Pete Thompson, Simone Reddingius for being my right hand good buddy, Matthew Murasko from OluKai.
Great job everyone! We hope you can join us on the next OluKai Ohana Practice Fun Paddle, April 30th, 2011!
Thanks for your continued support and frienship everyone, Suzie Cooney.
When: Saturday, April 30th, 2011
Where: Maui – N. Shore Paia Youth and Cultural Center
Jeremy Riggs, elite stand up paddler and surfer, talent is amazing on the water and off! We’re working on a little cross training to increase his performance so he’s ready for any glide, bump or swell and for the surf this winter. Jeremy recently came in first place in his age group, 14 foot no rudder class, at the 5th Annual Naish Paddle Championships here on Maui July 18th. Jeremy finished with an impressive time of 1:18:45. Click here for more race info. This is the 5th year in a row he’s won the Naish rudderless division. I know he wants to keep this streak going!
“Suzie’s training keeps me at a high level of fitness without paddling. I’ve learned some really challenging exercises that are fun
Jeremy Riggs photo by Darrell Wong
and will keep me strong outside of paddling. I also want to prevent injury. The number one thing Suzie gives me is more confidence and now I feel more prepared. Suzie’s helping me out tremendously. I’m doing more, so I should be better. ”
Jeremy Riggs Naish Race photo Jimmie Hepp
Just prior to the Naish race, he placed in the top ten elite class of the Mormaii Maui to Molokai Race July 10th, 2010 he placed 7th with a time of 3:44:01. On June 12th, 2010 the prestigious and brutal IRONMAN of all SUP races, Battle of the Paddle in Oahu, his time was 1:39:15! Along with relay partner Mark Raaphorst, they took first place in the April 24th, 2010 Maui to Molokai, put on by the Maui Canoe and Kayak Club, with a time of 3:41:49 .
Jeremy BOP Oahu Photo by Simone Reddingius
Jeremy is definitely strong and focused. We’re keeping it simple for now and introducing core and stabilization work, in addition with specific exercises to increase paddle power and endurance. Here in this photo, he’s performing a shoulder press with light, 10lb kettle bells while balancing on a Vew Do board to help promote quick reactions, glute strength, shoulder endurance and independent leg performance.
By keeping his body in tip top shape, this will help Jeremy prevent injury and overuse incidents. Over training is common in top athletes and learning how to balance a training routine is paramount to break through to the next level.
Jeremy photo Dale Kanekoa
If you want to be the best in your sport, I’m here to help you! No matter what level of performance you’re seeking we can increase your performance and endurance.
Jeremy lives in Maui with awesome wife and mother, Jill, baby Ruby and big sister Natalie.
These atheletes are in amazing shape and train hard to compete in an event like this. Time on the water, focus, discipline, cross-training and fine tuning each stroke is what it takes. Core training, strength training and being well hydrated and knowing your body’s limits and when you can push it, also help in an excellent time result.
As a SUP enthusiast, athlete, and fitness specialist I’ve seen the transformations of how specific exercises that include upper body endurance, core training as well as balance training definitely make a difference in one’s performance.
Don’t forget to call Kelly Moore of Moore Water Time to get you to down the coast faster and enjoy a cool ride. Kelly, I heard you had a full van for this race!
If I can help you enjoy stand up paddling more, lean you out, or condition your body to pass your competitor at the next event, email me or call me.
Maui, HI., Saturday December 3, 2011 was the place to be as a very entertaining, free, unique SUP ( stand up paddle ) event took place in North Kihei’s Mai Poina Ole La’u Beach Park, where participants were greeted with mild, calm conditions and a small south swell. The purpose of the event was to allow those new and experienced to the wildly, ever-growing popular sport of stand up paddling also known as “SUP”; participate in a very interesting and challenging fitness beach course and ocean paddle challenge. ( photo galleries and sponsor info below )
The course: 3 buoys in a triangle format marked the water action as a mass start began at the sound of a horn! Off to the first buoy paddlers were met by Maui’s own downwind champion, Jeremy Riggs who cheered and helped people navigate, some for their first time ever near a buoy, around turn number one. Then as paddlers began to spread out with some of the more experienced paddlers, such as Donnie McGean, Bill Hoffman and a few more in front, it was time to land on the beach and begin the crazy fitness obstacle beach course that consisted of 4 stations with volunteers to cheer, encourage and assist if needed.
Donnie, crawling left, writes, ” As for the funniest moment it had to be trying to stand up and run after the taco rolls. As for what I enjoyed the most, it was meeting new people that were interested in SUP. My goal is always to give 100% and still have fun. As for what I found inspirational, it was that some of the best in the SUP world came out to help and share their knowledge and love of the sport. Thanks again for a great event.”
Just prior to the Naish race, he placed in the top ten elite class of the Mormaii Maui to Molokai Race July 10th, 2010 he placed 7th with a time of 3:44:01. On June 12th, 2010 the prestigious and brutal IRONMAN of all SUP races, Battle of the Paddle in Oahu, his time was 1:39:15! Along with relay partner Mark Raaphorst, they took first place in the April 24th, 2010 Maui to Molokai, put on by the Maui Canoe and Kayak Club, with a time of 3:41:49 .
