Girl Power!

Wow, we couldn’t have asked for a better day here on Maui! Water clear and calm, and lots of smiles of success! We arrived at 7am and boards off the car and ready to rock!  In [...]]]>                                                  July 24, 2010 :    Maui, Women’s Free SUP Clinic with Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui

Girl Power!

Wow, we couldn’t have asked for a better day here on Maui! Water clear and calm, and lots of smiles of success! We arrived at 7am and boards off the car and ready to rock!  In the line up, Lark, Karen, Amy, Suki, Joan, Elaine and Rhonda was my assistant “sweeper”.  

I was so impressed with the enthusaim and immediate skill with these eager gals, I just couldn’t believe it. We started with some light stretching and then we discussed the importance of water and board safety, followed by land instruction and off we went past the small break.
    ( see comments below from participants)

A special thanks to “Coach” from the Naish Maui Pro Center, for filling our goody bags with awesome beach towels. Also a big thanks to Matthew from OluKai Premium Footwear  for our special VIP cards. I love my OluKais! And lastly to Amy Hampton who also joined us, who is the director of the Maui American Heart Association, and gave us healthy recipe books and walking pedometers to encourage our goals of living a healthy lifestyle!

Here’s a fun slide show that shows off these sporty wahinee’s SUP skills. 
[[Show as slideshow]]

“Today was really special, made so by a beginner’s Standup Paddleboard lesson for women by a woman, Suzie Cooney — fitness trainer/paddleboard racer/and model. 

 I have to admit, though, that I did have some deep reservations.  Would I be able to standup without repeatedly falling off?  Would my inexperience keep me from the experience? And, more importantly, would I still have my two front teeth afterward? 

 Well, I’m happy to say that my worries faded away almost as soon as I met Suzie, who with her calm and confident manner shortly had me feeling much the same way!  We started with stretching exercises, water awareness and proper board techniques, all of which gave us a better understanding of what we were about to face.  Then with boards and paddles in hand, off we slipped into the ocean, belly butterflies in tow. 

 Within minutes we were all standing and paddling this way and that.  Photos were taken, laughs were shared, boards were traded and at one point we even did pushups on them!  How’s that for new-found confidence? 

 I guess it proves the theory correct, that if the instructor is all she should be, so shall we be all we can.  Funny how that works because today, one woman – Suzie — instilled new confidence in six other women — through Standup Paddleboarding!  Now that was really special!”   Elaine from Lahaina

“Suzie –

 I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful morning.  As you know I’m not a regular “water person”.  My first time trying SUP, I wouldn’t have imagined I would have had such a good time.  Your instruction and coaching made it a great experience.  As you saw when we were out there I couldn’t stop smiling.  Your tips and encouragement made all the difference.  Meeting all the girls was great, what a great way to spend a beautiful morning.  I’ll be looking forward to the next time I can get out there with you.  Thanks for being such a good teacher, friend, and example of an empowered woman.  I always feel so cared for when I join you on one of your adventures.”
With Love and Aloha, Lark from Makawo

“If you haven’t taken a SUP clinic from Suzie yet, I highly encourage you to do so!  Her enthusiasm for the sport is infectious and very obvious in the way she handles both herself and the participants.  She takes great time and care in helping us to prepare both mind and body through stretching exercises and safety awareness before we enter the water. And she does it in a way that is fun and enjoyable.  Once we are on the water, the fun continues and I can guarantee that you will lose track of time and not want to get out.  Thank you, Suzie, for your time and patience in empowering women to be healthy and active through the sport of stand-up board paddling!”    
Rhonda, Makawao

“Thank YOU so much Suzie! I had such a great time with you and ladies out on the water yesterday! It can be intimidating to try a new sport  like SUP (especially for women) but your safety briefing and instruction instantly put me at ease as a first-timer. I appreciated your taking the time to tell us about all the different options for equipment and the goody bags were amazing! I look forward to paddling with you again soon!

 Thanks again!”   Amy Hampton,  Kihei, Director of Maui American Heart Association 

“Aloha Suzie, Thank you and Naish for sponsoring a truly special day.  The day was everything I could have imagined and more. You are such a professional from the first phone call to the follow up emails.   Your love for life shines through and makes everyone around you happy to be out on the water with you. (even when you had us doing 20 push-ups on our SUP boards!)  Your SUP instruction was why I came to a SUP clinic and I was not disappointed. However, it is the joy I felt sharing the day with such an amazing group of women that I will remember always. Suzie’s love for the ocean and desire to share health and fitness is inspirational.  Mahalo for a wonderful experience!!!”  Karen Gallagher, Paia

I am so glad to know these women and may this special day inspire you and everyone you know to be as healthy as you can be. Now get out there and paddle!!!

See you on the water, your fan, Suzie Cooney.

Join me my Face Book Page:  http://www.facebook.com/suzietrainsmaui.com

Stop by and see Coach and the rest of his great team at the Maui Naish Pro Center, 111 Hana Hwy in Kahului.

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

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

Suzie Cooney, CPT

Video Teaser: 2010 OluKai Ho’olaule’a Ocean Festival from OluKai Premium Footwear on Vimeo.

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

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 [...]]]> 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!

Aloha, Suzie Cooney, CPT of Suzie Trains Maui

Suzie is wearing shorts from Athleta click here. She paddles with the new “Pipes” from Kialoa Paddle Company.

It was a joy to meet Susanne and learn of her journey to Maui for our special day. Her genuine, warm smile was contagious. As an experienced SUP paddler, she even brought her own board and her passion for the sport was quite obvious!  

Her  professional interests are in integrative and lifestyle medicine- [...]]]>

Dr. Susanne Bennett

It was a joy to meet Susanne and learn of her journey to Maui for our special day. Her genuine, warm smile was contagious. As an experienced SUP paddler, she even brought her own board and her passion for the sport was quite obvious!  

Her  professional interests are in integrative and lifestyle medicine- specializing in chronic illnesses, allergies, environmental medicine, nutrition and detoxification.  

I really appreciate her kind words that she wrote and I wanted to share the following:

“Hi Suzie and Tommy,

Suzie, as promised here is some of my thoughts about the fabulous event that you created with Tommy.

The first information I received about your Stand up for Women and Health event was from my newsletter from www.supsurfmag.com. It was only one month away but I was determined to register and find some flights from SoCal to Maui! The location of the event in Wailea was perfect even with the intense shore break and Four Seasons Resort gave their best support and hospitality. From the moment I got to the registration booth I knew that it would be a very special day for me and that I would feel it close to my heart.

Everyone listened and received the beautiful Hawaiian chant and prayer, safety information and happily joined in on the warm-up exercises by Suzie. I could feel that each one of us ladies were here for many different purposes. We were all from different ages groups, nationalities and athletic levels and were here to feel the love and joy for ourselves, women and well being. I was honored to be in this community of paddling waterwomen- we share and receive energy, vitality and strength from the water.

The board caddies and all the volunteers provided safe launches into the water through the big waves as well as getting back to the beach after the paddle. I entered the long paddle headed by Anne-Marie Reichman and with so many women on the water, I felt this sense of oneness with the beautiful waters of Wailea as well with my feminine side- my non-competitive and loving side. What topped the day was the magical humpback whales breaching during our paddle to Makena Beach and back. We must have seem over 20 breaches and each one was so divine!

After we got back to shore, I felt so alive and peaceful. The Exhibitors and vendors gave out tasty drinks, food and information about their products. And it was so much fun for us to receive the donated gifts! They were awesome! Next year, I want to win the grand prize-a brand new SUP board!

Thank you Suzie and Tommy for providing this gathering, not only for the love of the water and paddling but also to bring awareness to our beautiful bodies and health. Stand up paddling is one of the best ways to keep your heart open and body strong which is a great start to prevention of all illnesses including cancer. Please count me in for next year’s Stand Up for Women and Health, I will definitely make a commitment to join you every year.”

Mahalo and Aloha,

Susanne
Dr. Susanne Bennett, CEO
Wellness For Life Center, www.drsusannebennett.com
PURIGENEX, www.purigenex.com
PurGlo, www.purglo.com
1821 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 300
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Clinic: 310.315.1514
PURIGENEX/PurGlo: 877.787.4469

STAND UP  For Women’s Health & Fitness at the Four Seasons Resort Maui, January 9, 2010 was

photo by Simone Reddingius

definitely the place to be!  Although the pounding West swell did keep some on the beach, for those who braved the over head-high beach break, everyone went in smiling and came [...]]]>

photo by Nicole Sanchez

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.

Warm aloha,

Tommy Callan and Suzie Cooney

our day is done

  ]]> http://www.standuppaddlingfitness.com/2010/01/mauis-womens-sup-event-huge-success-despite-heart-pounding-surf-check-out-video/feed/ 17 http://www.standuppaddlingfitness.com/2010/01/starboard-pro-team-rider-of-maui-tiffany-ward-coaching-at-stand-up-for-womens-health-fitness-january-9-2010-maui/ http://www.standuppaddlingfitness.com/2010/01/starboard-pro-team-rider-of-maui-tiffany-ward-coaching-at-stand-up-for-womens-health-fitness-january-9-2010-maui/#comments Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:02:32 +0000 Suzie http://www.standuppaddlingfitness.com/?p=710 Aloha Everyone! I’d like to introduce Tiffany Ward, Pro Team Rider for Starboard will be attending and assisting for STAND UP For Women’s Healthy & Fitness January 9th, 2010 at the Four Seasons Resort. This girl and rip and did you know she is also a famous culinary artist and gourmet chef?

TIffany  has kindly offered to [...]]]> Aloha Everyone! I’d like to introduce Tiffany Ward, Pro Team Rider for Starboard will be attending and assisting for STAND UP For Women’s Healthy & Fitness January 9th, 2010 at the Four Seasons Resort. This girl and rip and did you know she is also a famous culinary artist and gourmet chef?

TIffany  has kindly offered to volunteer her water woman skills to coach our gals in the water and offer a friendly tip or two. She is a great instructor and is always smiling with great enthusiasm.  She is an inspiration to us all and we are stoked for her to join us.

Here’s a little more information about Tiffany:
Tiffany started windsurfing at a young age(5hrs.) in Utah and Oregon.  Thanks to her parents, who are both avid windsurfers themselves, she became quiet the sailing enthusiast.  Her passion and drive for  windsurfing launched her into a professional windsurfing career. After graduating from Culinary school, she moved to Maui and begin touring on the PWA World tour.  Competing on the World tour for a couple years, she found Maui to offer the best conditions and arena to excel in.

 Being a part of the Pro Star-board team, Tiffany has access to many of the new SUP boards and prototype’s.  A new comer to the sport of SUP,  she quickly embraced the up and coming sport with open arms.
 
 ”SUP is a good intro to the ocean for new comers and provide an  excellent workout/training for all water-enthusiast”.
 
 Not only is Tiffany a professional Windsurfer and water women, she is a Gourmet Chef as well.  Tiffany has a degree in culinary arts from the CCA in San Francisco, CA and is the owner of Maui Catering Services.   (www.mauicateringservices.com) Providing excellent food and service  for weddings, retreats, and private clientele…
 
 Tiffany writes, “Living and Playing in Maui has been a dream come true.  Maui’s
 lifestyle has turned me into a true Water-Women and I love it… ”

Tiffany is a beauty! She inspires many and I’m sure she’ll inspire you too!

She is sponsored by:

 Starboard
 Severne sail
 Dakine
 Chinook
 Pakaloha suits
 MCS

A big mahalo Tiff for making our day extra special!

Your fan, Suzie