Nevada SUP Paddler Scott Boyles checking in with a Big Win and Big Stoke
One of the many rewards of helping people with their stand up paddling stroke/fitness/technique is getting emails, photos and updates of their stoke and even better, wins in their local events. Makes a coach proud!
I had the chance to catch up with Scott Boyles at this year’s Battle of the Paddle at Dana Point where I could see from the fire in his eyes, discipline and strength in his body that this was only the beginning for him.
Suzie & Scott 2012 BOP Dana Point, CA.
Scott came to Maui with his wife Cheryl last year and took a lesson with me to improve his stroke. He was incredibly technical which I enjoyed all the more. He got it and he got it fast. As a student, he was a quick study and understood the finer nuances that take most people a little more time to grasp. With his anatomical knowledge and practice, I knew he’d have big breakthroughs too.
As he was already in excellent shape, it didn’t take him long to find his true core power ( about 5 minutes! ). He was able to understand how to use and transfer that power directly to the board and water. Impressive.
Scott writes:
“[I had] paddled [only] twice in my life. My wife Cheryl and I went to Maui, called Suzie Cooney. She invited us on a community downwinder from Paia Bay to Kanaha. Could barely stay on the board! Then I took a personal paddle lesson from her, and she demonstrated the great ability to coach technique, but more importantly communicate in an effective way. She was also so laid back as was the community she introduced us to, it really made it a awesome experience.
Went home, bought a board and set the goal to complete the 22 miler across Tahoe race (supported by a lovely wife who knows I need a “focus” on a physical activity). [I] achieved that in 2011. Did a number of other races, many sponsored by South Lake Tahoe Stand Up Paddle. Trained more, paddled lots, coached more by Tracy Day, bought another board a Flatwater Paddle, a fricking rocket. Then won the 18-55 age group in the 12′ 6″ class in the 2012, 22 miler. By the way, all at age 50!
Suzie is definitely a high ranking ambassador of SUP awesomeness, along with many others.”
So when I saw Scott again, as a trainer, of course, I noticed his ripped abs and asked if he’d share his training secret. He makes it look so easy!
Scott Boyle defying gravity in plank pose on his SUP
“For my abs: I do crunches once every couple months or so, up to 5 reps maybe 3 sets max. They are hard on the back and really unnecessary! (I learned a lot about true core strength following my second lower back surgery.) Ab strength is totally built on exercises that are based on core and balance as the primary foundation.”
Scott also came in 3rd in age group and 8th overall in the famous Tahoe Nalu long distance race.
I’m sure we’ll see and hear more of Scott’s wins, but most importantly he is spreading the stoke of SUP and is living proof that stand up paddling is a great way to stay in shape, build new strength and offers an amazing way to strengthen the core.
Having also experienced serious back issues myself, it is truly amazing how the body can respond. Proper guidance from your medical team is paramount. Scott rebuilt his lumbar foundation and amazingly is able to maintain his flexibility, range of trunk strength, leg strength and core strength. These combined components will enable him to enjoy SUP at this level and allow for a higher quality of life.
Scott, you are definitely an inspiration to me, and now you will reach thousands more.
Mahalo Scott for sharing and hope to see more photos. Maybe at next year’s OluKai Ho’olaule’a. We’d love to have you again.
Your fan, Suzie Cooney, CPTof Suzie Trains Maui, LLC
September 30th, 2012: I’m posting this on the last night of Battle of the Paddle in Dana Point, CA. It was super fun but really hot and great waves! This weekend I witnessed the pros and the weekend warriors and you can bet these folks will have some sore muscles. From the intense levels of adrenaline and short interval sprints, to the the long distance race, some will recover faster than others.
Hydration, preparedness, planned training and proper rest are all important factors that really matter and determine how well you do on the big day or if you’re just cruising. So learning how to prepare your body before a session but more importantly, what you do after will allow you to get back on the water and recover more quickly.
In this video I wanted to share with paddlers of all levels, how to increase your performance and recovery time by resetting the muscle patterns we use most for paddling, to their natural state. By this we can increase blood supply for cell recovery, remove lactic acid and get you back on the water and help you feel energized and not do depleted and fatigued.
Paddle and train like the pros:
Let me know what you think and share what you’ve experienced with muscle soreness and recovery.
Suzie Trains Maui – and Eddie! Get Inspired and set your SUP fitness goals.
I have the pleasure of meeting people from all over the world who are full of Aloha and who want to conquer our famous 8 mile stretch of downwind stand up paddling, known as Maliko. We are approaching OluKai’s 5th Annual Ho’olaule’a SUP & OC1 Race in May of 2013 and there will be one more competitor to add to the line up, Eddie from Bend OR. Mark your calendars: Saturday, May 11th, 2013.
Follow his journey here as he prepares his body and mind for this monumental physical SUP adventure. Judy, his adoring fan and lovely wife and bad ass paddler, will document his training and preparation.
Together with Judy and a little guidance from me, Eddie will go!
Back in the day – 1967 to be exact – Ed and I were playing at surfing the mushy calf-high waves we had in balmy South Florida. From 1970-2007 we didn’t surf, using our ocean time to sail, scuba, windsurf, fish and raise the family. 2001 found us moving life to Oregon, and by 2007 we discover standup paddling and were back in the surf 4 decades later!
In the natural progression of things, two diverse events influenced our Summer 2012. One was Ed’s second rotator cuff surgery (yes, he was brave enough to go through that torture twice) and our trip to Maui to try the short version of the Ho’olaule’a event. Four days after the coolest downwind adventure either of us had experiences poor Ed went under the knife. But not before we were hooked on downwind, open ocean fun!
In the pictures above, it’s easy to see we are still the happy ocean-loving “kids” we were back in 1967 but it’s also easy to see that our abs are a bit worse for wear at age 63. Fortunately, just before the start of our event, Maui local and globally respected standup paddler/athlete, Suzie Cooney, provided a pre-race warmup. That gave us a chance not only to meet Suzie but to get to know a bit about her dedication to training a diverse group of clients from the casual paddler to elite athletes. As Ed went from wearing a sling to hefting the 3 lb weights he’s now using in PT we both made a commitment to getting into our best functional fitness over the next 8 months.
As much as we already know about exercise and nutrition, we realize that insights, motivation and programming provided by a respected professional is mandatory, especially as we embrace our seventh decade. Over the summer, Suzie Cooney has been kind enough to listen to our plan to follow her training “at a distance.” Nothing can replace actual time at her training facility with her customized training delivered face to face. Just the same, we have made a decision to glean as much as we can from her blog and conversations. We have a solid goal in mind. We plan to be at the start line on May 11, 2013 ready to enjoy the full Olukai Ho’olaule’a downwind run from Maliko Gulch to Kanaha.
“Pie in the sky” – This Saturday I plan to join other hopefuls as I buy a couple of lotto tickets – would be cool to win $5000 or so. We’d probably jet off to Maui in November and prepare for Maliko at Suzie’s upcoming clinic. Meanwhile, training in Oregon is underway. The “training table” is becoming ever more healthful and an Indo Board is on its way to our home. The digital age could very well allow us the best connection with our partner in preparation, Suzie Cooney. Most watched film this week – this training session from the Suzie Trains Maui blog. YES! We want endurance, core strength and balance. This is an excellent overview of some training options. Bring it, Suzie!
Please feel free to leave your comment for Eddie. Eddie and Judy, thank you for sharing and I’m looking forward to hearing the latest after his course of physical therapy. I know Eddie will come back stronger!
Maui, Hawaii (PRWEB) August 24, 2012 PLEASE NOTE:We’ve Added One More Hour 1-4pm…
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT
Stand Up Paddle Pro Talk with Suzie Cooney at Lumeria Maui November 3, 2012
Join Suzie Cooney owner of Suzie Trains Maui, Naish SUP Team Rider and guru SUP Fitness Training Expert for an informative “hands on” workshop and up your SUP performance. All levels of paddlers welcome.
Suzie Cooney, CPT owner of Suzie Trains Maui & Naish SUP Team Rider “Stand up paddling provides amazing health benefits and will change your life. Hop aboard and discover the sport that is globally growing in every community and on every body of water.”
Maui is the perfect location for this unique venue as it is a popular destination where stand up paddling, also referred to as SUP, allows for people to enjoy and experience the fastest growing water sport in the world. People from all over, all ages and any level of fitness travel to Maui where the waves are plenty, with big open ocean swells and warm tropical waters that offer amazing paddling adventures.
Discover the health benefits of stand up paddling and learn new fitness training techniques designed specifically to increase your performance.
The workshop topics will include:
Preparing Your Body for the sport of Stand Up Paddling
Ocean Preparedness & Water Safety
Preparing for the famous Maui Maliko Downwinders
Equipment and Gear Review: Boards provided by Naish International
SUP Techniques – Fine Tuning Your Skills – Finding your “power” in your stroke
SUP Fitness Training Demos and Group Participation
Meet new padding friends and join the fun. Giveaways and Drawings for those who attend.
Supporting sponsors: Naish International, lndoBoard Balance Trainer, Kaenon Polarized Eyewear & PocketFuel Naturals
Cost: $20 per person Prepaid reservations required. No refunds.
A portion of your registration fee supports Bring Change 2Mind.org, an organization working to eradicate the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. Additional donations are glady accepted.
I get lots of emails from folks exploring the sport of SUP and want to know if they need to be super strong to do it. Well, the answer is not really, but there are ways to get stronger for stand up paddling. This radio show is geared for beginners exploring the sport. Shari, pictured below is fairly new to the sport and while visiting from San Francisco we paddled out and then trained all the muscles she’d use to get strong and take her sport to new levels.
SUP Fitness Client, Shari
Click the button below to listen to my weekly radio segment. Our topic on this day: How To Prepare Your Body for Stand Up Paddling.
Listen Here!
Beginner Training Tips for New SUP Paddlers:
2 sets, 10-20 reps: ( adjust according to level of fitness )
Regular or Knee Bent Push Ups
Body Pull Ups
Alternating Shoulder Presses 5-15lbs
Leg Squats body weight or up to 12lb dumbbells
Lat Pull Downs 25-50lbs
Balance Training: Stability Ball, Knee Balancing, standind on 1 leg, or using IndoBoard training gear.
Core: Prone Floor Planks – hold 30-45 seconds
For more SUP Fitness Training Tips/Videos: go to my SUP Fitness Page: http://www.standuppaddlingfitness.com/sup-fitness-tips/
I am available for SUP Fitness training, SKYPE coaching and consultations. Contact me through this website.
It’s been quite a journey these past few years for me and I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing people. To be nominated for this award is pretty cool and it inspires me even more to work on other projects that will allow me to continue to spread the stoke of SUP and how it’s a great way to transform lives.
There are many fellow athletes that push the envelope everyday and take this sport to the most extreme levels, and it’s certainly fun to see this sport touch so many lives, all ages at all levels. But what’s great about stand up paddling is that it’s one sport virtually anyone can do. All of my SUP training clients are athletes to me, and anyone who paddles is an ambassador.
So, thanks to my sponsors and to all who’ve gotten me this far and I hope to keep going further with your help. I’d sincerely appreciate your vote! My other Naish team mates, Karen and Jenny are also nominated as well as our Maui girls Andrea and Talia! Give them some love too!
There’s a tremendous amount of SUP and surf talent on this island that is inspirational, charging, and leaves people in awe, but there is one person who is all that and more.
Kody Lake Tahoe July 2012
Most of you probably already know Kody Kerbox; Naish Team Rider and young gun born to shred and yes the son of legendary big wave surfer Buzzy Kerbox. But did you know this strong champion has had such a winning streak these past few months, you’ve got to wonder if his legs are sore from stepping up on the podium every weekend?
From Lake Tahoe to Dana Point and now back on Maui for the 7th Annual Naish International Race, he is humble and fierce and it’s an honor to have him in the studio.
Observing his explosive, controlled strength combined with a laser focus, these are just a few of the superior qualities he already possess. I’ve been watching Kody over the past few years increase his strength, power and overall body endurance, and wow it’s paying off.
See photos of Kody’s first day with me in the studio below. I made a deal I wouldn’t kill him but would on the second day!
Photos by Tracy Kraft Leboe
I’m super stoked to have Kody in the studio to help him learn more about how to capture and harness his acceleration and power from flat water paddling, downwinders and wave riding. He’s already pretty fit, so I was able to advance him quickly on his first day. We’ll also focus on fast forms of recovery in between races, eating for energy and other important things he’ll need while out on tour.
The field of competitors this year is thick but you can be sure you’ll be seeing Kody leading the pack. It’s awesome to have him on board!
This video was made for NaishSurfing.com to help all levels of stand up paddlers learn how to strengthen the muscles specifically used for SUP or stand up paddling, to avoid common injuries and overuse issues. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and like! http://bit.ly/LCNoWo
This video is Part Two of an earlier article I wrote for Naish called: BALANCED SUP TRAINING TO HELP PREVENT INJURY: Read now here: http://www.naishsurfing.com/2012/balanced-sup-training-to-help-prevent-injury-part-one.html
The training equipment I use in this video can be purchased on my website : Indo Board Gigante Flo Cushion and the Rocker Board. Also recommended, Suzie’s favorite ( more advanced the Pro Kicktail )
Rocker Board
Suzie’e favorite!
Aloha, Suzie Cooney, CPT owner of Suzie Trains Maui, LLC
Downwinder with Peter coming into Camp One photo by Harry Wiewel
People dream of coming to Maui for many things, but one thing for sure, Maui is THE place to experience the thrill of a north shore downwinder, also referred to as a “Maliko Run.” I have the pleasure of introducing people to SUP or help them advance their current levels with the ultimate goal of safely navigating their first downwind adventure.
Safety, strength and open ocean knowledge is my primary focus to allow for this amazing stand up paddling experience. With the popularity of the sport completely exploding, and with Maui being the hotbed of gear development, the home of incredible talent and of course year-round conditions that are so inviting, who wouldn’t want to come and train and paddle here.
In this article, I’m feature a cool cat all the way from the East Coast, Peter Davies. Peter found me through the web and in the past I’ve often given him tips via phone and email. His goal, get to Maui! Well, low and behold the call came and it was time to get the gear and studio ready!
The plan:get Peter paddling stronger, improve his technique, increase ocean knowledge and ultimately do some downwinders.
Peter training with TRX Rip Trainer
First stop, my studio. Here is where I can learn the most about someone’s state of mind, how their body performs first on land which helps me cue them more effectively on the water. If I get to know one’s personality, how they learn best and take direction this inevitably helps tremendously. I can determine how hard to push or when to hold back and offer maybe some encourage words of reassurance.
TIme in studio includes core review ( since your power comes from there ), balance and reaction training on the cool Indo Board Balance Training gear and also some TRX Rip Trainer dynamic paddling exercises to see where we are starting and what we need to do out on the water.
Peter was ready for anything and everything I would literally throw his way. Surrounded by Naish boards everywhere, paddles, cool action posters, trades blowing hard with the music cranked, I cracked the whip, all in preparation for the big day.
We couldn’t have asked for better conditions. The trades were blowing a nice, steady consistent ENE direction ( perfect ) at about 25mph+. The first test, was paddling in the harbor to see what he had, and wow, strong, focused and quick study. I could see this guy was determined to get it right. He was getting his groove, reaching like never before and putting together all the technical aspects into one smooth stroke.
Then off to Paia Bay for the downwind number one. This is a mini downwinder of 3 miles that offers a bit of everything. As we carried our boards to the water’s edge I offered some tips and absolute requirements to assure a successful journey. Peter was ready to rock it.
For someone who is very new to water sports in general, the ocean was a new playground and a new arena. Peter, a former professional squash player was used to pressure and intense action. I knew he’d do well and that he did. Coming into Camp One over the reef was an eye opener, but he handled it like a pro.
Peter Davies Reflecting on his first Maui Downwinder: Stoked!
Our finish at Kanaha Beach Park was spectacular and a total rush for him and me as a coach and trainer. This to me is my biggest reward. I could tell he had a flush of adrenaline pumping through his veins and the look in his eyes read that he definitely, absolutely wanted more.
Peter writes:
“My ultimate goal is to compete in the Maliko 8 mile race and as I am relatively new to water sports I was looking to work with a trainer that was not only familiar with local conditions but could also help me elevate my paddling skills to the next level and was not disappointed in hiring Suzie. She is both extremely knowledgeable and very personable, we worked in her studio where she designed a fitness program specific to my ongoing paddling needs and spent time on the water. I did two, 3 mile downwinders where we started at Paia Bay, paddled down past Spreks, then over the reef into Camp One and finished at the lifeguard tower at Kanaha beach.
It was an incredible experience that is hard to describe in words the thrill of catching bumps and glides but was also reassuring to know that Suzie was close by to help me safely navigate the swells. Once you have experienced a Maui downwinder you are spoiled forever and when I return I cannot imagine not hiring Suzie to help me continue improving my paddling skills in the ocean.”
![OluKai_hooregist2013_300x250_comp01[2]](http://www.standuppaddlingfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/OluKai_hooregist2013_300x250_comp012.jpg)
Scott, you are definitely an inspiration to me, and now you will reach thousands more.
September 30th, 2012: I’m posting this on the last night of Battle of the Paddle in Dana Point, CA. It was super fun but really hot and great waves! This weekend I witnessed the pros and the weekend warriors and you can bet these folks will have some sore muscles. From the intense levels of adrenaline and short interval sprints, to the the long distance race, some will recover faster than others.
There are many fellow athletes that push the envelope everyday and take this sport to the most extreme levels, and it’s certainly fun to see this sport touch so many lives, all ages at all levels. But what’s great about stand up paddling is that it’s one sport virtually anyone can do. All of my SUP training clients are athletes to me, and anyone who paddles is an ambassador.
From Lake Tahoe to Dana Point and now back on Maui for the 7th Annual Naish International Race, he is humble and fierce and it’s an honor to have him in the studio.
![OluKai_hooregist2013_160x600_comp01[1]](http://www.standuppaddlingfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/OluKai_hooregist2013_160x600_comp011.jpg)
