Quick Reactions and Good Balance Can Make a Better Stand Up Paddler by Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui
Whether you surf the big waves of Maui’s North Shore or touring the beautiful channels and waterways of Jupiter, Florida, or on Lake Tahoe, it’s known that if you have good balance and can respond quickly to changing water conditions or obstacles that can come in your path; better chances for a more enjoyable SUP session.
Time and time again I’ve had to call upon some of the tiniest muscles, to fire fast and respond to get me out of trouble or to dodge a turtle on the same wave! I’ve also encountered large pieces of floating debris, strange breaking waves, or other people in my line that I had to have quick reaction times and good balance for recovery to get my footing back.
As a trainer and water sports enthusiast, I’ve always encouraged the importance of trying to mimic similar conditions in your workout program on land. You can keep it really simple or add some fun equipment too.
To me, balance training is like brain training. Without getting too technical, it’s like adding a few more wires to our brain or panels so you’re ready for anything. One technical term I will use is called neuromuscular training. The definition simply means selecting specific exercises that are very specific to increase one’s performance, and trigger the appropriate actions to allow your nervous system to operate and perform functionally at its maximal level.
Your eyes, core, and all of the muscles connected to your central nervous system have an important role to quickly gather information, route it to the right department and fire away. Ever had the feeling like you’re moving in slow motion while during a serious wipe out? I have. It’s the strangest feeling. I’m not sure I’m fond of it and I try really hard to have cat like reactions and excellent balance to avoid that.
Stand up paddling, as simple as it looks does in fact require a little balance when you’re beginning and as you advance. When you’re learning, you’re so busy turning the paddle in the right direction, looking at the horizon and more than likely, gripping the deck with every single muscle in your foot, leading to early fatigue.
Once you’re up and gliding there’s not much to it. But, as you step into your first wave or go down in the size of your board, you may discover you need a little better balance or to retrain your brain to learn again.
Next time you’re in the gym or in your own home gym, start practicing a couple balance techniques to keep your brain and muscles fine tuned.
Equipment: The BOSU, INDO Board, my KIALOA paddle and an 8lb medicine ball or 12 -15lb body bar.
These are advanced moves, so start out slowly and progress safely:
1. BOSU, dome side down with paddle, medicine ball or body bar:
I’ve actually taken a bit of sand paper to roughen up the plastic side of my BOSUs to aid in traction, or have sand on my feet! I recommend barefoot so you can really get the feel of the movements of the BOSU. Step on safely, feet parallel to the plug, posture nice and tall, relaxed looking ahead. Take your paddle, medicine ball or body bar and start to paddle 2 strokes each side. Switch off to mix it up. As you move your arms out and to the side, notice how sensitive the BOSU becomes. I like to try and go to fatigue or until my legs scream!
2. INDO Board on top of dome of BOSU: see photo up top
Place the INDO Board itself on top of the dome of the BOSU. I like to have a little less board off the back to I can really pretend I’m heading down the line. Or if you’re more comfortable to start, place the INDO board so it’s nicely balanced in the center. Change it up. You can place your feet side by side as if you’re cruising and do it that way, or if you’re charging some waves, assume the surf stance.
This time you’ll notice the added extra burn to your back carving leg at the same time looking ahead where you want to go, down the line.
Good balance for stand up paddling is key and important for many things we do in life. Next time you’re on the water, try paddling on one foot, or simply standing on one foot. In the gym, try kneeling on a stability ball for extra fun. Be sure to hang onto a sturdy object at first. Add more air to the stability ball to make it more challenging and fun.
Any questions about these exercises or to learn more, feel free to email me at Suzie@SuzieTrainsMaui.com or check out www.suzietrainsmaui.com and www.standuppaddlingfitness.com
Glide with good posture, react fast and paddle hard!
“ Kudos to Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui and Tommy Callan of Beach Boy Events for putting on a wonderful, free stand-up paddling event for women Jan. 9.
They pulled together an amazing array of sponsors and helping hands to put women out on the water, some of us for the first time on a stand-up paddle board. As one of those beginners, I felt very well cared for, even though on the day of this event – with some 300 women and their boards showing up on the beach in front of the Four Seasons Resort – there was a serious shore break.
In addition to putting on a great fitness-oriented program with a slew of prizes for participants, Suzie and Tommy seemed to have pulled in a significant portion of the stand-up community on Maui to help. I especially appreciated the “board caddies,” a bunch of very fit and helpful gentlemen, who helped us with our boards and got us safely in and out of that hairy shore break.
Although I spent a lot more time in the water and climbing back onto my board than I did standing up, I had a great time, and I hope the event raised lots of funds for the American Breast Cancer Foundation.”
Thank you Jill for your kind words and comments about the board caddies and all the volunteers, and especially the Four Seasons Resort Maui who contributed hugely to the day’s success and fun. We’re all so glad you attended and particiated in all the fun!
STAND UP For Women’s Health & Fitness at the Four Seasons Resort Maui, January 9, 2010 was
photo by Simone Reddingius
definitely the place to be! Although the pounding West swell did keep some on the beach, for those who braved the over head-high beach break, everyone went in smiling and came out smiling! No injuries to report, only two broken boards.
Congratulations to all the women who so bravely participated. These women water warriors earned their stripes today for sure!
photo by Nicole Sanchez
It was quite a site! The beach covered with boards, groovy music; the buzz and adrenaline was everywhere. Besides the beautiful back drop of the waters of Maui with whale spouts appearing now and then, women of all ages from all over the globe were about to partake in a worthy cause to support women’s health and STAND UP to breast cancer. Since this was a FREE event, donations were and are encouraged through our website to support the American Breast Cancer Foundation.
Early before dawn, the army of volunteers, retail shops and sponsors appeared. Flags in the sand, tables up, tents up, and then the stage! Soon a sea of eager smiles with boards and paddles in hand began to appear, ready for a day of adventure and fun. The thought on everyone’s mind with the over head-high beach break was..” hmm this should be interesting!”
Photo by Nicole Sanchez
The day began with a beautiful blessing, delivered by Maui’s own Wilmont Kamaunu Kahaialii Jr. His words and heartfelt grace touched everyone and assured our day to be peaceful and safe.
photo by Nicole Sanchez
photo Nicole Sanchez
photo by Simone Reddingius
Groovy tunes by DJ DEL SOL and DJ CIA brought the women to a state of bliss as I prepared them for some dynamic stretching, light core work and modiefied strength training.
We were really fortunate to have Tiare Lawrence, C4’s pro rider who happens to be due any day with a
photo by nicole sanchez
new baby girl, come up on stage and do her paddle instruction and tell us why the ocean and stand up paddling is so important to her. She didn’t answer her cell phone today, so maybe her daughter has come!
With such a strong West swell, the beach was peeling fast with a huge over head-high beach break all the way across, and rolling swells behind it! At least 7-8 waves per set coming through with only small lulls in between and forget a safety channel. Nail biting, knee knocking for some and rightly so. Just in case we were fortunate to have on the waters as our safety patrol, North Shore Explorers that had a team of Clay Everline,MD. Mike Adrian to shoot the day and Chris and Todd as the captains.
Harry Donenfeld News correspondent of Harry Thankyou TV, geared up to get some fun water shots see below!
photo by Nicole Sanchez
photo by Simone Reddingius
Loch Eggers, big wave surfer and water safety specialist, made sure that safety was in the forefront of everyone’s mind. His team of board caddies, which included Milton, who tows from a helicopter; Robby Funk, Carlos M, Chris W, Bruce and Larry from Paia, Ian H, John and Michael Leake, Gary Tuttle, Ironman Phil McGain, Joel Edwards,Mark H, Jon Graham,
photo by Simone Reddingius
Dennis O, Lenny Cappe,
Phik McGain photo by Simone Reddingius
hero caddie by Simone Reddingius
Kevin Hager from Hawaiian Island Surf, Jeff from Big Kahuna, Ralf Sifford’s team from Second Wind, Nitzan and Dave from Naish and so many more heros made the day safe. Common sense, fast thinking and timing was critical. On the beach was Dr. Rick Sands and on the boat, Clay Everline, MD.
Teri, who held the front line in the registration tent writes, “It was truly an inspiring event and I am honored to have played even just a small part in this and would gladly volunteer again! The conditions were scary for beginners however the CADDIES rock as they made it all so much easier by being so on it. I sincerely congratulate the team for no injuries and for making it so safe! The DJs kept the party going and kept it happening!”
photo by Mike Adrian
Three paddle groups went out in stages. First group was the advanced group led by Starboard team rider, Anne-Marie Reichman. Down the south coast they went towards Makena and the small island of Molokini. I’m told that whales were spotted on their tour. Second group out, was mine. Beginner and intermediate as we went up towards Kihei. The water was pretty calm for the most part, with light variable winds.
The women had nice easy paddling styles.
photo by Mike Adrian
It was the time to push yourself a little and test your endurance. Last group out was our first timers. Wow, something they will never forget I’m sure. The pictures tell all.
The bay sweepers, which included the strong pro team rider for Starboard, Tiffany Ward
photo by Nicole
managed to calm the nerves of many and get them to their feet smiling. A big thank you to personal trainer, Anne Barnett of Haiku, water athlete Corrine, and another great instructor Jenny visiting from Big Island who works for Naish. Also on board to help, was Maui’s own Kalia Kelmenson, experienced water girl and personal trainer wrote, “My favorite moment of the day was paddling along next to a woman who was struggling a bit with her balance- I traded boards with her- she was so happy for that- come to find out she was from Rapanui, now living in Bora Bora- and I had such a great time chatting with her about one of my favorite places on the planet- French Polynesia- I got a terrific reminder about how small this world is, and the things that inspire us are consistent across cultures.”
photo by Simone Reddingius
After about an hour and a half or more of water time, refreshments provided by Recharge, Vita Coco, Sambazon, Guayaki and Luna Bar, along with fresh Maui grown fruit from Kula Fields were provided to help refuel. A big thank you to Snorkels for serving up some great turkey wraps and sandwhiches.
On stage next were three lovely inspirational guest speakers. Suki Halevi, a new resident to Maui who battles unseen neurologicial challenges, and who has conquered many physical obstacles through the sport of stand up paddling. Raw food specialist, Chef Susan Teton Campbell shared all her jewels about health and nutrition, and finally Rita Whitford not only a survivor to breast cancer, but has also survived colon and skin cancer. A delightful trio of women who opened their hearts and inspired many to stay healthy and be aware of their bodies.
By now everyone was ready to learn to hula. Wilmont brought along two lovely and beautiful Maui professional hula dancers to wow the crowd. Even the men on the beach joined in. Who said men can’t hula? Wilmont played his 12 string guiatar has he led the beach into histarics and giggles while we were moving to the tropical rythm. You should have seen Chris Wurtele from Haiku swaying his hips back and forth! Fun had by all.
Finally, to wind down the day the moment everyone had been waiting for, the amazing prize raffle.
photo by Simone Reddingius
Tommy worked very hard for many months to gather a huge amount of prizes to please everyone. After tossing a tub of Maui Jim t-shirts, towels and Recharge frisbees into the crowd,
photo Simone Reddingius
the big prizes were now up for many lucky winners. From a cool IndoBoard training board, to Kaenon sunglasses, a new 2010 “Pipes” Kialoa carbon fiber paddle, gift certificates from Athleta, a killer basket of Love Inside Out beauty products, to a dinner for two at The Four Seasons Resort restaurant, Ferraro’s Bar E Ristorante.
photo by Simone Reddingius
The grand prize, a spicy 9′8″ Starboard stand up paddle board was won by Elle who came to the event from Los Angeles. She wrote to the president of Starboard, “I cannot thank you enough for donating an SUP board to the STAND UP FOR WOMEN’S FITNESS event this past Saturday in Maui that Suzie Cooney and Tom Callan organized. I was jumping for joy when I won the grand prize…I couldn’t believe it! The event was amazing and inspiring to all – Wailea beach was packed with women of all ages and SUP levels…every participant I spoke with had a wonderful time. I flew out from Los Angeles for the event with a friend of mine and we loved it.
Suzie and Tom ran the event seamlessly – it appeared as though the event was in it’s 10th year with how organized and smoothly everything flowed. I was extremely impressed at their professionalism and I imagine that this event will become an annual tradition on Maui and hopefully elsewhere. Suzie and Tom were so gracious and patient with all of the volunteers and participants. I believe I can speak for everyone at the event when I say that Suzie is extremely inspiring to women. Everyone left Wailea beach with a smile, a new or re-ignited love for SUP, a greater passion for fitness and health, and an awareness for breast cancer.” Thanks Elle!
Well, as the emails and photos pour in, there is much to share and do. Tommy and I would like to thank the community of Maui, the amazing team at the Four Seasons Resort Maui, our dear friends and volunteers, sponsors and those who traveled from far away places to contribute to such an inspiring, contagious day of joy and health. New friends were made, water fears conquered and we all discovered just how powerful one sport, that anyone can enjoy almost anywhere in the world; can bring such a dynamic group together for a good cause.
Keep the donations coming in! Stay tuned to this site for hundreds of more photos.
STAND UP for your health each and everyday. The ocean, our health and friendships are always free.
Girl power! Beginner Emily Bartow glides across South Maui’s waters during a woman’s clinic with Suzie Cooney this fall. Come join the bold and beautiful women of Maui and abroad for a day of fun in the sun during the “Stand Up for Women’s Health & Fitness” event at Wailea Beach on Saturday, Jan. 9.
Stand up paddle (SUP) surfing is making big waves across the globe and Maui is at the forefront of its emerging popularity.
Hoe he‘e nalu (or SUP surfing) is a water sport rooted in Hawaiian heritage and you can spot several enthusiasts on any given day off our picturesque shores.
It’s sometimes referred to as “Beach Boy Surfing,” yet “Maui’s premier fitness trainer” Suzie Cooney (www.suzietrainsmaui.com) is making it all about the girls this time around.
Join this multi-talented fitness professional and over 100 courageous women from Maui and beyond for the “Stand Up for Women’s Health & Fitness” event on Saturday, Jan. 9, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wailea Beach, outside the Four Seasons Resort Maui.
This free, noncompetitive event was put together to promote healthy lifestyle choices and self-confidence for women through sport, nutrition and self-awareness.
The event is free in order to promote breast cancer education, in hopes participants will make donations to the American Breast Cancer Foundation.
Visit www.standuppaddlingfitness.com to register for the SUP event and to donate to this important cause—the fight against a cancer that kills an estimated 40,000 American women each year, according to the American Cancer Society.
“We are all very lucky to be healthy enough to enjoy this day, but there are many others that are not,” said Suzie. “Your donations mean so much.”
Suzie and organizers, including event co-host Tommy Callan of Beach Boy Events, have worked diligently to put together some amazing prizes for the raffle at 1 p.m. (You must be pre-registered and present to win.)
Some of the goodies include an awesome new Starboard SUP board, along with a variety of designer beach eyewear, swimwear, accessories and more.
Not only is SUP a great core workout, but it also brings together individuals from all walks of life who can share in the camaraderie of the sport. Suzie promises SUP can “improve your balance, endurance, strength and mindset.”
Working with the cool and calm Suzie and “the girls,” you will enjoy patient, guided instruction from professionals and experience the “surfer’s glide” sensation.
And don’t be intimidated, ladies—all skill levels, from novice to professional, are welcomed. It’s not a race—just a fun activity with friends. Even if it’s your first time, there will be plenty of experts to assist you.
“The Four Seasons is the ideal location to introduce SUP to beginning enthusiasts,” said Callan, a professional instructor. “It has a beautiful beach and its calm, clear waters offer the ideal safe paddling conditions.”
Women of all shapes, sizes and ages have the choice of three paddle runs: First-timers/beginners may want to choose group paddling in the bay, with beach caddy assistance; Starboard Pro Team Rider Anne-Marie Reichman will lead the long distance paddling for the intermediate/advanced; and Suzie will lead the fast-paced, short distance runs for beginner/intermediate.
Round out your exciting morning with healthy refreshments while listening to inspirational guest speakers. There will also be a hula performance and lessons for those interested.
“This day is to surely be a very special day and a great way to start the new year,” said Suzie.
Tell all the special ladies in your life not to miss this unique international event. You may discover SUP as a new hobby, make some lifestyle changes and meet a few soul sisters along the way.
Call Suzie at 283-2121 or Callen at 250-3748. Make sure you visit www.standuppaddlingfitness.com for more information and register today. Organizers advise bringing your own board or rent one. There will be a limited number of spares.
Check out the helpful “Intro to SUP” video online to get you started.
Due to the overwhelming response, the cut off date to register for this event, STAND UP For Women’s Health & Fitness Event, January 9, 2010, will be Thursday, January 7, 2010.
We will take walk up registrations, but only until 8:30am. The table will then close. The event begins at 8:30am
Aloha and Merry Christmas! As we approach the New Year, it’s time for many of us to take special inventory of family, life and our own personal health. I am so thankful for being on Maui and to stand up paddle or surf on Christmas; a tradition in my house!
Not everyone is as lucky to live in Maui, eat fresh fish, and simply enjoy the natural healthy lifestyle that surrounds us. But even if you are in the coldest place in the world, you can embrace health even in the simplest ways:
1. Make YOU a priority each and every day to exercise or do an activity you enjoy.
2.Embrace your life as it is today, and strive hard to make everlasting healthy lifestyle choices. Surround yourself with people that challenge you, inspire you and believe in you. It really makes a difference! I like to surf or do sports with people that are pretty aggressive. It keeps me on my toes and makes me a better surfer. I also have several mentors that act as my compass. Who is your compass?
3. Look in the mirror and like what you see. Having a healthy body image and loving yourself inside and out is contagious and I think very attractive.
People with negative body images have a greater likelihood of developing an eating disorder and are more likely to suffer from feelings of depression, isolation, low self-esteem and obsessions with weight loss.
I often come across training clients who have a vision of how they want to see themselves vs. who they really are and how their bodies are made. Genetics, medical conditions and other physiological factors play a role in how our bodies take shape.
4. Forget New Years resolutions…. they don’t work. Chunk it down and be realistic with your fitness goals. People expect not to keep their resolutions so it’s almost self defeating. Treat your goals as a process or journey. Reward yourself with a new workout top, new surf board, or whatever makes you happy!
Lastly, reflect back and see where you are now and where you want to go; in life, love and health.
Wishing you all that you love to come your way. Be strong in every step you take. Try something new!
STAND UP For Women’s Health & Fitness at Four Seasons Resort Maui, Wailea Beach Hawaii
January 9, 2010
Outline of the Day’s Events:
7:00 - 8:00am Registration / Check- in to receive wrist band Protect your skin with
Waterman’s Applied Science. See the big Pump at the registration desk!
8:30am Welcome & Hawaiian Blessing
Followed by dynamic stretching, core exercises, strength exercises led
by Suzie Cooney, CPT of Suzie Trains Maui
9:00am Maui Resident Tiare ”T” Lawrence C4’s Pro Team Rider
Land demo/instruction/ water safety of Stand Up Paddling
9:30am Three different Stand Up Paddling Choices:
1. Bay Paddle for First Timers or Beginners / Board Caddies on beach and on water to assist beginners/first timers
2. Short Distance Paddle led by Suzie Cooney 20 min + each way fast paced Beginner/Intermediate
3.Long Distance Paddling group led by Starboard’s Pro Team Rider, Anne-Marie Reichman 30 min each way Intermediate/Advanced
There will be a safety boat and patrol paddlers to ensure the safety of our participants.
11:30am Snacks refreshments provided to participants / lunches for purchase at
Snorkels if people choose
Snacks provided by Luna Bar, Kula Fields. Drinks: Recharge, VitaCoco,
Sambazon, Gauyaki and Menehune Water Company
12:00pm Inspirational Guest Speakers
12:30pm Hula Performance / Lessons
1:00 – 2:00 Amazing Prize Raffle (must be pre registered and present to win)
Our decision to make this a FREE event was a choice based on the hope that you will make a donation to the American Breast Cancer Foundation … You can access their site through ours! In lieu of a registration fee, we hope you will generously donate what you can. We are all very lucky to be healthy enough to enjoy this day, but know there are many others that are not. Your donations do so much and are very appreciated!
The Four Seasons is offering a special “SUP” rate to registered participants only at $325 per night. You will have to contact the resort directly. Click here for more details:
Aloha Kelly, and thank you for offering your services to one lucky winner and up to 10 of her friends for a Maui SUP adventure. Her service will shuttle you from point to point for a day of fun on the water!
Kelly Moore(BA Psychology), is a former U.S champion windsurfer, ranked 3rd in the world. Kelly has traveled the globe publishing her travel adventures and was the first woman ever to windsurf from Bimini, Bahamas to Ft. Lauderdale to raise funds and awareness for “Clean Water”.
In 2008, Kelly created “Camp Green Wave”; kids eco-adventure surf camps and after school surf club. Most recently, Kelly launched the “Moore Watertime” Maliko shuttle service through which she aims to make downwind coast runs more convenient and accessible to paddlers and water sports enthusiasts of all levels.
Thanks Kelly for making our day extra special. All I can say, is that whoever wins call me! I want to do a Maliko run with you! Long distance paddling is a great way to stay in amazing shape! So look for her on the water with us, January 9, 2010
Water is an unstable element and it’s always moving. When you add any unstable element as a training platform, such as an Indo Board or an inflatable disc or maybe the BOSU, you increase the intensity and nueromuscular challenge of any exercise.
The traditional core plank is often employed by the Navy Seals as a suitable challenge and is harder than it appears. I often use it to measure a clients level of performance and endurance of their core. As a reminder the core is simply everything excluding your extremities and is where all movement begins. Having a strong core is critical for the sport of stand up paddling SUP, for it is what engages first and foremost as you initiate a smooth paddle stroke, whether catching a wave or simply gliding on a leisurely cruise.
A weak core may cause you to fatigue, muscle imbalances and reduce your overall performance. There are so many variations in which you can improve your core strength, but since we’re on the topic of stand up paddling fitness, try this one for fun one day. Make sure you are in deep enough water so you don’t wreck your fins.
Assume the traditional core position:
Start in the plank position with your forearms and toes on the board. Avoid clasping hands together
Keep your torso straight and rigid and your body in a straight line from ears to toes with no sagging or bending.
Draw in your belly button to the front of your spine
Your head is relaxed in a neutral position and you should be looking at the board.
Hold this position for 10 – 60 seconds to start
Keep breathing then lift one leg as your progression.
Hey if you fall off it’s just water! Have some fun.
If you have any questions about the above exercise feel free to contact me: Suzie@SuzieTrainsMaui.com
Quick Reactions and Good Balance Can Make a Better Stand Up Paddler by Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui
1. BOSU, dome side down with paddle, medicine ball or body bar:
Well, as the emails and photos pour in, there is much to share and do. Tommy and I would like to thank the community of Maui, the amazing team at the Four Seasons Resort Maui, our dear friends and volunteers, sponsors and those who traveled from far away places to contribute to such an inspiring, contagious day of joy and health. New friends were made, water fears conquered and we all discovered just how powerful one sport, that anyone can enjoy almost anywhere in the world; can bring such a dynamic group together for a good cause.
Aloha and Merry Christmas! As we approach the New Year, it’s time for many of us to take special inventory of family, life and our own personal health. I am so thankful for being on Maui and to stand up paddle or surf on Christmas; a tradition in my house!
Photos by Simone Reddingius :
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