STAND UP for Women's Health & Fitness » Women’s Inspiration

FREE Women’s Stand Up Paddling Clinic on Maui with Suzie Cooney and Friends

Suzie — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 04:47:33 +0000

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.

Maui News Thank You Letter Jill Engledow of Wailuku Comments on STAND UP For Women’s Health and Fitness Maui

Suzie — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:39:46 +0000

Maui News, January 24th:

“ 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.”

Jill Engledow

Wailuku

http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/527962.html

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!

For more information on the SUP event of the year, and to see a short news video clip click here:http://www.standuppaddlingfitness.com/2010/01/mauis-womens-sup-event-huge-success-despite-heart-pounding-surf-check-out-video/

Suzie and Tommy!

Dr. Susanne Bennett CEO of the Wellness For Life Center In Santa Monica, Calif Comments on STAND UP For Women’s Health & Fitness Maui 2010

Suzie — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 06:00:12 +0000

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

Maui’s Women’s SUP Event HUGE Success Despite Heart Pounding Surf! Check out Video

Suzie — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:27:48 +0000

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

Suki’s SUP Adventures on Maui

Suzie — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:37:44 +0000

Aloha friends,

I’d like to introduce to you a friend and client who has been brave enough to share her new adventures as a water woman of Maui. Suki is a special person who has conquered many physical challenges and recently, surprised herself as she discovered a new found strength on the ocean. Her story is touching, comical and I think we all can relate! Suki will be one of our inspirational guest speakers on January 9, 2010 at STAND UP For Women’s Health & Fitness.

Suki’s SUP

Suki Halevi came to Maui two years ago. Suki had never exercised regularly, but she started doing the workout routine that I created for her as part of my introductory training series. She was also among the nine women out on the water on my first Stand Up to Slim Down Saturday. Here’s her story—

Everyone has their life challenges. I’ve got numbness in my feet and legs, damage to my pelvic area and impaired balance, caused by a rare immuno-neurologic illness 22 years ago. No one can see my disabilities, but I deal with them daily. A big part of my ongoing challenge is learning that I can do a lot more than I think I can. That’s where SUP comes in.

I was as excited as a little kid the night before Suzie’s Stand Up to Slim Down Saturday, with a whopping 12’ borrowed board strapped on my car. Out beyond the breaking waves, I hopped up and instantly fell off the board. My vision of SUP heaven vanished as my inner voice declared, “You can’t do this.”

I wanted it so much, I pushed that dark shadow away, climbed back on the board, and stood up. I had a pretty good paddle, out with the Suzie and the women warriors of the waves, but the real test was yet to come. Two weeks later, I rented an 11’6” and headed back to North Kihei alone.

Sunday afternoon–

What a mess! Right after I picked up the board, the wind came up. I didn’t want to miss the chance to be on the water, so I drove back to our spot in North Kihei. As I got out of the car, I realized I had no place to put the car key. In a flash of inspiration, I took off my necklace, strung the key, and put it back on, making sure the screw-clasp was good and tight.

It was easy to get the board off the car, sliding it onto my head as I’d watched Suzie do. Back East, I learned to row a single scull, and you carry the boat on your head, so it felt familiar. But as I took the board down and turned it horizontal, the board became a giant windmill blade, catching every gust, with me as the pivot point. Looking for the path of least resistance, I coaxed the board down to the beach, getting spun around a few times by the wind. Charlie Chaplin goes SUP!

I finally reached the water. Then I got tangled up in the short leash, tripping and almost falling in the shore break. I walked a few more steps, jumped on the board and headed out, bobbing along on the choppy water with the wind blowing hard. No way. Having made it out, I turned around and came in. Suzie’s training guided me—I knew how to watch the sets, wait for a lull, and pull up on the leash to keep the rudder clear.

I staggered back up the beach, wrestling the board, with the wind winning every round. Somehow made it to the car. And stood there. Now what? I gathered my courage and tipped the board up onto my head. It rolled down my neck and off my back, barely missing a crash landing. I imagined a You Tube video, with everyone watching going, “Oh, nooooo!”

After standing there a while looking back and forth between the board and the car, I asked a man for help. “Can you show me how?” I asked, always eager to learn. He picked up the board and put it on his head. “It’s not that heavy,” he said. Yeah, right. (Workout time!)

As I turned towards the car, I discovered that the clasp of my necklace was so tight that I couldn’t undo it. I could bend down to unlock the door with the key still around my neck, but I sure couldn’t drive that way! I asked a woman walking by if she’d help me undo the clasp. “Oh, this happens to me all the time,” she said, with a kindly smile. Really??? I unlocked the car, grabbed the straps, lashed the board, and tumbled in myself, exhausted.

I’m going back to the beach tomorrow morning, before I return the board. Why am I doing this? I think I just like driving around with a board on my car!

Monday morning—

Got an email from Suzie last night, in reply to mine about my first solo SUP. Suzie wrote,

That is definitely called paying your dues, but you my dear handled calmly like a pro. I know that feeling, of . . . . oh . . . . . _ _it, what the heck did I get myself into!?! @@##

Suki, I really know how you felt, like you wrestled a tiger, but you still won. I am so so so proud of you. You are learning about the ocean and about yourself. Very very good stuff.

I smiled, feeling surprisingly strong.

It’s a lovely morning. I ask my windsurfer neighbor what she does with her key when she surfs. Clips it to her bathing suit with a carabiner. Ya. I can do that.

Yesterday, the guy at the board rental place asked me how the waves were on the North Shore. “Ummmm, I dunno, I didn’t look.” Wrong answer! Today, I check out the waves at Ho’okipa as I cruise down the coast.

Driving through Paia, I notice all the other cars out in the morning with boards on top. I like this. Heading back to “our” spot, feeling good. Calm water, light breeze.

The moment of truth comes as I unwind the straps. Once the board is off the top of the car, it’ll be up to me to get it back there. What if I can’t do it? Not many people around to help me today. I stand for a few minutes, looking at the board. “I can do this,” an inner voice says. I bend my knees and take the board onto my head. I walk around the car and down to the beach.

Board on the sand. Stretch a little. Strap on the leash, pick up the paddle, lift the board by the handle–it feels almost familiar now. I walk into the water. Board’s afloat, and with an easy movement so am I. Out I go. The board rocks a little, but not much. I feel the ocean moving under me. Wow. On my knees, paddle across the board, eyes up as I hop to a squat then keep going, standing now. Paddle in the water. I hear Suzie’s voice say, “The paddle will help you balance.” My legs are trembling.

I once went on a night hike at a nature center, and the guide said, “Feel with your feet.” Looking up and out across the water, my legs are still shaky, but I feel with my feet as the board moves. I paddle a bit. I don’t feel as settled as when I was out with Suzie and the women warriors. I had six inches more board length then, wider too. But I like the 11′6″. I can carry it, and I’m standing. The steadiness will come in time.

I start to sing. The first time out, with Suzie, there were waves, and I sang over and over like a mantra, Gonna fly so high, on the waves and the sky, gonna fly so high, on the waves.

Now words are coming again. Inspired by Te Vaka’s “Our Ocean,” I sing,

This is my ocean, where I belong
This is my ocean, my feet know its song
This is my ocean, I’ll practice each day
And learn your music, wave by wave

I change “feet” to “heart” to “hands” and so on, feeling the ocean in all these places. I fall off the board several times, singing and laughing—This is my ocean, where I belong . . . SPLASH!

I sat on the board and paddled around for a while, as if the board were a light, flat kayak. I looked at the jagged reef through the water. I noticed how the wind or the current pushed the board and made it harder to turn on one side. I marked the spot on the shore where I’d come into the water, surprised by the downwind drift. I started to get comfortable hanging out on the ocean. Small waves forming. Time to head in, this was plenty good. I cruised in, sitting down. Hopped off the board and walked beside it. “Pick it up like a big purse,” I heard Suzie say. So I did, and walked out of the water with the board, just like that.

At the top of the rise, on the edge of the grass, I confront the board one last time. I hear the voice of the man who helped me yesterday say, “It’s not that heavy.” I think of all the arm and chest exercises in the workout routine Suzie gave me. I think of my favorite workout fantasy—bench pressing a sexy guy! I find my center, energize my arms, put my hands on the board, and with one smooth, short lift, it’s up enough to duck my head under and take it the rest of the way. Yes! I walk over to the car with the board on my head and slide it onto the rack. Unclip the car key from the carabiner. Fasten the straps and tighten the board down. Done.

I walk back across the grass, so I can look out over the beach again. My arms shoot up into the air, fists flying high. “Yaaaaaaa!”

Everyone has their own edge. The best paddler in the world has her edge. A beginner has hers. It’s a practice, for all of us. A daily practice of facing fear and going out on that edge, wherever it is. For the rest of the day, I felt strong, open, calm, clear and energized. I had a good day at work, got a lot done.

Everything’s different when the day starts on the ocean. And ends there too. On my way home after work, I took a long walk on Baldwin Beach. “This is my ocean, where I belong . . .”