Fourth Annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a May 12th & 13th, 2012
An amazing turnout of over 500 ocean enthusiasts and competitors from around the globe converged on the beautiful island of Maui this weekend May 12th & 13th, 2012 to celebrate OluKai Premium Footwear’s highly revered fourth annual downwind SUP and OC1 race, called the Ho’olau’le’awhich translates as “celebration.” The community and visitors came together in the spirit of “ohana” to share, give, and celebrate the ocean.
This highly anticipated event brought beginners, novice and elite ocean athletes together to experience the famed 8 mile stretch of open ocean paddling known as the Maliko downwind run. This stretch of water is fast and offers a unique perspective of racing and spectacular views of Maui’s North shore.
(Full Results link & fabulous photos below)
Part of the proceeds raised benefit the OluKai ‘Ohana Giveback Program; beneficiaries include Maui Cultural Lands and Hawaii’s Junior Lifeguard Program. Click here to learn more about the OluKai Ohana Giveback Program.
A special pre race event offered to those who weren’t quite ready for the 8 mile race, was the non-competitive Fun Paddle Division that was as popular as ever, held prior to the main SUP event. The three mile course from Paia Bay to Kanaha Beach Park gave a taste of the big course to those who aspire to one day advance to Maliko. I had the pleasure of preparing this group with a practice paddle a couple weeks before to get those a little anxious, relaxed and ready. ( see photos and highlights here ). The Fun Paddle Division allows any age, all levels and anything humanly paddle powered.
The OluKai Team greeted and checked everyone in at the Paia Youth & Cultural Center where the paddle began. Music played in the courtyard, safety skis arrived, boards were everywhere and there some nervous jitters as well. After the safety meeting, I lead the group with a few warm-up exercises as 80 paddlers prepared for their downwind experience. We had participants that traveled from Delaware, Oregon and as far away as Australia just for this fun paddle.
Just as the blow horn sounded, and to everyone’s surprise, a low flying yellow helicopter appeared sweeping the beach and exciting everyone as they hovered for photos. With a small shore break to navigate over, everyone safely and successfully paddled off. Also joining was the beautiful OluKai Team racing canoe, Kamakani Eleu offering it’s own adventure for a few lucky participants.
Just 3.2 miles up the coast at Maliko Gulch, the premiere downwind staging area above Ho’okipa Park, 300 stand up paddlers readied themselves for the 12:00pm start.
The OluKai Team was well prepared as racers signed in, picked up race shirts, and timing chips. It was a field of yellow race shirts, supported by family and friends. Twenty minutes before the noon start time, paddlers gathered for the safety meeting and pule, (Hawaiian prayer).
After the pule circle commenced, racers entered the gulch to the traditional start which began a short distance outside the gulch. Flanked by jet skis and a start boat, paddlers strategically positioned themselves. When the green flag dropped, a light breeze finally came and they were off.
Winds which typically average 25-30 mph were exceptionally light at 10-15 mph, which meant many trained for flat-water paddling would dominate.
Off the board and first in and after a 300 yard (not my favorite part! ) beach sprint, local international SUP Conner Baxter took the win with a time of 47:27. The women’s elite was four-time winner Andrea Moller ( also from Maui ) with another impressive time of 56:44. Full Stand Up Paddle Results: click here
Also recognized were different board and age divisions. Everyone who entered finished and was rewarded with a delicious luau with poi, sweet potatoes, kalua pig and live entertainment. Additionally, anyone who wished could experience canoe sailing and other Hawaiian games.
Colorful and festive Hawaiian dancers performed various traditional hulas and encouraged members of the audience to participate. This was a crowd pleaser and very entertaining!
In grand OluKai style, the yellow helicopter returned to shower the crowd with thousands of plumeria flowers. Everyone cheered and applauded as the fragrant purple petals blanketed the event.
The afternoon was lively as competitors relaxed with friends and family. And since the OC1 race was held the day after, everyone who registered was invited to come down and enjoy the food and festivities.
Sunday’s OC1 race also began in Maliko Gulch. With unusually light trades, similar to the SUP event, this race required intense paddling. Some who competed in the SUP event also participated in this event.
The 130 OC1 paddlers were as well flanked by support crews and family. Beautifully bright colored canoes covered the small beach and grass areas.
The special pule like the day before, blessed the paddlers for a safe run. The circle broke apart as some entered the bay via the rocks while others chose the boat ramp for their launch. The bluffs and cliffs were lined with spectators ready for the heart pounding start.
Green flag go! Keeping a safe distance is always tricky at first with a start like this as the boats began to spread out and plane quickly across the water down the coast.
First in was Danny Ching who also placed within the elite SUP event. His time was 49:20. Rachel Brunstch had a great finish and time of 57:25 as she came in with a huge smile winning the women’s elite. Full OC1 Race Results click here.
The event was a huge success, but didn’t end here. As some of the event proceeds go to the Maui Cultural Lands, on Monday myself and the OluKai crew headed deep into the lush, ancient Honokawai Valley in Kaanapali to work the land, plant new trees and learn how to respect the sacred ways of the past and appreciate them today. This is a special area dedicated in preserving the past and to help future generations secure and balance the land today.
Take a deep breath, take in the beauty of the ocean and land that surrounds you and walk the planet with a light foot.
Conditions could not have been more perfect yesterday to welcome more than 60 excited paddlers who ventured down Maui’s famous northern coastal waters for a 3 mile downwind practice paddle, all in preparation for the 4th Annual Ho’olaule’a Fun Paddle presented by OluKai Premium Footwear, taking place this year with the additional SUP & OC1 races on Maui, May 12th & 13th.
At 8:00 AM stand up paddlers and a few kayakers of all ages and abilities signed in at the Paia Youth & Cultural Center and were greeted by OluKai’s Hawaii Ambassador, Matthew Murasko, and by me, Suzie Cooney. With the help of our amazing volunteers, we prepared them for their epic downwind coast adventure. For some it was their first real downwind experience.
After our safety meeting it was time for me to warm up the crowd with a few pre paddle exercises to shake off the jitters. The course which began at Paia Bay was 3 miles to the lifeguard tower at Kanaha Beach Park. There was a small break that made the entry a little heart pounding but everyone made it out just fine. What a site! ( Below, paddlers arriving, workout and pre launch )
With the trade winds starting to blow at around 18-20 mph, the wind swells started to build and gently offer our group some nice glides and rides. The smiles and grins were big, and for some the look of concentration, intense and laser focused. Everyone was helping each other and encouraging one another as the pack spread out as it normally does. Part of the learning is to navigate in water that is moving with a lot more action and swell. This meant bending one’s knees deeper, moving back a little further, and paddling at a faster pace with a lot more effort. To some’s surprise, some were connecting rides and glides like a pro. That was awesome to see.
The first paddler in was a fine gentleman named Bruce. Way to go Bruce! The average time was about 45 minutes or less and for others it took about an hour and some a little longer. High fives and hugs and more big grins. I think these paddlers are ready. ( paddling and finish )
We’d like to thank our volunteers: Alane, Milton, Randy, Donnie, Paul, Tommy, Wes, and Jeff. Also a big Mahalo to Peter Swanzy, director of the Paia Youth & Cultural Center for hosting us.
A special thanks to Jimmie Hepp of Jimmie Hepp Photography for providing his time and talent to give us great memories. Reprints are available. Contact Jimmy direct: jimmie4art@gmail.com
Also a big shout out to Kelly Moore of Moore Water Time who offered her reliable and convenient downwind shuttle service to our paddlers. Be sure to call her to catch a ride and a glide.
It’s not too late to enter the main event. You can go to Neil Pryde in Kahului or register online. The Fun Paddle is $20 and includes the luau and awesome entertainment. And if you register before May 4th, ( the 8 mile Maliko race only ) you’ll receive a sweet pair of OluKai Premium Sandals, a value alone of $70. For the price of $50 for recreational, $100 elite, you get a cool race jersey, luau dinner, entertainment and you’ll be stepping in style.
Aloha ladies! We invite you to our exclusive luxury, stand up paddling health and fitness experience on the worldwide SUP island destination Maui, Hawaii. Four (4) women will enjoy tropical warm waters, personalized SUP coaching and instruction, expert fitness training, organic meals prepared by Chef Ben Diamond, massage, yoga and premium products representing the SUP lifestyle, while staying on the beautiful N. shore at Maui’s new stunning and tranquil retreat center, Lumeria Maui.
Listen here to Suzie’s radio show about the experience.
“Suzie Cooney combines imagination, inspiration and perspiration. She’s a one-of-a-kind waterwoman; a brilliant and patient teacher. Oh, and she is also a complete badass, which is the highest compliment I can possibly give.” —Susan Casey, bestselling author and editor in chief of O, The Oprah Magazine.
If you’d like to reserve your space, please contact us by submitting your information here. It it required each guest have some SUP experience and is comfortable in the ocean or large bodies of water. Once your registration is complete and approved, you will receive more detailed information.
SUP Experience Prerequisites and More Information : Click here.
In preparation for the 4th Annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a and anytime you venture into the ocean, open ocean endurance is not something to take for granted and it is a required physical and mental element that all water sport enthusiasts must have, especially when faced with huge walls of water moving and changing conditions. Besides navigating current changes, surface wind speeds, waves or deep troughs, often experienced and non-experienced folks can get into serious trouble or lose critical momentum needed to paddle over, in and through some of the roughest patches that can form underneath you, near you, in front of you or behind you.
This article is helpful if you’re a prone paddler, surfer, kayak paddler, canoe paddler or stand up paddler. Are you ready if your canoe hulis and you lose your paddle? How to you react if you fall of your down wind board on a big day on Maliko? How prepared are you? Do you carry a waterproof pouch with your cell phone or better yet, a GPS unit? Do you have a regular cardio routine that includes intense bouts of intervals? Do you cross-train? If you’re pausing to think about anything of these questions, then it’s time you take good inventory and learn all you can and implement now. ( See tips below ) Also contributing, is Stacie Thorlakson, MCKC Maui Canoe & Kayak Club board president.
1.Equipment Check: Check integrity of leash, tighten all fins, repair any major dings, tighten drain plugs, charge and take cell phone, fill Camelback, pack extra energy gel, waterproof whistle, wear sun protection, if a one man canoe, strap on an extra paddle.
2. Fuel: Charging the ocean requires food in your belly and hydration to reduce cramping. I like to suggest oatmeal or any complex carb at least an hour before departure. What’s great are two pieces of a nutty whole grain bread with a protein spread like almond butter or low salt peanut butter. Coconut water is a favorite of mine that offers lots of potassium which allows you to hydrate more quickly. I also squirt a full pack of an energy gel before a Maliko run. I avoid caffeine or super charged sugary drinks as these can actually dehydrate you and cause your energy to crash hard.
3. Body: Strength, stamina and cardio, and more intense cardio. The biggest thing I notice when training my sport specific athletes or weekend water warriors is the lack of cardio and cross-training. It’s a common component that get’s overlooked but it’s so important. Strength and body stamina takes time to build but is necessary too. There are many formulas on the how to and it’s based on your sport, your goals and your current level of fitness so I can’t write one program to fit you all. You’ll have to come train with me for your specialized program. Continue reading Open Ocean Endurance Radio Segment with Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui
Join Us Saturday April 28th, 2012
Maui, Hawaii
OluKai and Suzie Cooney host a Free 3 Mile “Practice” Fun Paddle
Paia Youth and Cultural Center 9AM
( no preregistration required )
In preparation for the 4th Annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a, and the Fun Paddle Division, join us again for the 3 mile “practice” fun paddle, mini downwinder that everyone can enjoy. Build your water confidence. Anything paddle powered can enter as this is not a competition. The start is at the Paia Youth and Cultural Center and will finish at the lifeguard tower at Kahana Beach Park. ( Details below )
Here is a link to one of last years ( 2011 )second practice paddle.
All ages, all levels of paddlers will enjoy an escorted practice paddle with me and other safety folks. This is a great opportunity for those who desire to experience Maui’s N. shore in a fun and safe manor. Here’s a video from one of last year’s practice paddles: ( 2o11 )
So, grab your stand up paddle board, kayak, 4 man, 6 man, prone paddle board, canoe or anything you can paddle! This is your chance to get ready, test your paddle skills, meet some new friends and join the OluKai ohana. The paddle will take the fastest paddler approximately 30 minutes or less to complete and the average time will be about and hour. Take your time, soak in the sun and paddle with your friends. This is not a race, paddle at your capacity.
PRACTICE 3 MILE FUN PADDLE:
DATE: Saturday, April 28, 2012
WHERE: Start – 28 Hana Hwy: Paia Bay Cultural and Youth Center Finish: Kanaha Beach Park Lifeguard Tower
TIME:Start time is 9:00am ( please arrive by 8:00am to sign in and for course review and safety meeting )
We suggest paddlers carpool and prearrange transportation after the paddle so you can retrieve your car from the Paia Youth and Cultural Center. You will need to provide your own board or gear to paddle.
Any questions, please contact Matthew Murasko, OluKai Premium Footwear Hawaii Ambassador mmurasko@olukai.com
To register for the OluKai Ho’olaule’a Fun Paddle on May 12, 2012, click here. The cost is $20 and includes your entry and luau dinner.
More about the Fun Paddle May 12th, 2012:
The ‘Ohana Fun Paddle, is a non-timed, non-competitive 3-mile fun paddle designed for all members of the community to get out in the ocean for a good cause. The shorter course is less strenuous, and a great way for paddlers of all skill levels to experience a portion of the legendary Maliko downwind run. No timing chips, no age divisions, just come out and paddle! Maui’s own fitness and training expert, Suzie Cooney, will lead paddlers on the 3-mile course.
Represent your ‘ohana in coordinated colors and outfits, or wear your best Hawaiian warrior costume. This is meant to be a fun event! The most festive participants will receive special prizes from OluKai.
A portion of proceeds from the ‘Ohana Fun Paddle go to our ‘Ohana Giveback Program benefitting Maui Cultural Lands and Hawaii’s Junior Lifeguard Program.
Also for those who are interested in the 8 mile SUP race May 12th or the OC1 race May 13th click here.
Aloha, just a reminder that you can find me on the air every Tuesday on KNUI 900 AM @ 7:30 for my weekly Health & Fitness segment on Maui’s number one talk radio show, The Maui Breakfast Club. We are in our third year with Tom Blackburn Rodiguez and Kellie Pali.
Topics for Apri 2012 Tuesdays KNUI 900 AM @ 7:30 ( These shows will be recorded an available after air date so be sure to check back if you miss them ) Here are samples of past shows. Click here
4/3/2012: – All about my Women’s Luxury Stand Up Paddle Fitness Experience at Lumeria Maui PRESS RELEASE
4/10/2012: Open Ocean Physical Stamina – Specifically how to be safe on Maui’s epic N. shore or on any big body of open ocean. We’ll talk about how to be well prepared both physically and mentally. This will be extra helpful for new downwind paddlers, one man canoe paddlers and prone paddlers. I’ll share some tips on fitness training and water safety. Maliko safety. Read more here
4/17/2012: Pink Slime – What is it, how to avoid it and what is going on with this awful low quality “meat” filler that is making us fat, sick and …grossed out. That’s another show! Check out what Wikipedia says about pink slime.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_slime
4/24/2012: How You Can Be a Healthy Inspiration & Coach to Friends, Family and Coworkers - Living a healthy lifestyle comes easy to some of us, but not everyone is naturally motivated or knows how to get started. Learn how to be an example of health and fitness to everyone you know. Tips on how to “share” and not preach so your influence is long and life lasting.
Lumeria Maui is pleased to announce the addition of two professional athletes to our watersports faculty. Legendary surfers Suzie Cooney and Buzzy Kerbox will be spearheading the Lumeria Maui watersports program, offering classes in surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, wind surfing and kite surfing. Visitors may sign up for classes to enhance their stay at Lumeria and on Maui. Experience the “sport of kings”! Please see our watersports page for more information about our watersports classes and activities!
Sign up for Suzie’s May 2012 Stand-Up Paddling Fitness Experience at Lumeria Maui! Limited space is available! More information can be found here.
I’ve had the sincere pleasure of meeting and getting to know Chef Craig King. As a personal chef to the stars, his knowledge, depth and worldwide reputation on organic gardening, and delicious, healthy food preparation is enjoyed and devoured by thousands. We are lucky to have him here preparing amazing menus, and of course seeing his garden of health literally grow here on the N. shore of Maui at the beautiful property known as Lumeria Maui. Here his known “farm-to-table” practice is enjoyed by many guests.
Besides seeing him prepare a feast for a special few or a few hundred, his kind ways and natural talents shine through in every bite. I was overwhelmed with the first samplings one evening and to taste not only the freshness of the buffet he prepared, but the blend of flavors that exploded from the simplest herbs and green selections were over the top.
Get to know Craig and watch these videos on how you too can eat for energy and I’m sure he will inspire you to not only grow your own fresh veggies but you’ll learn so much on how to sustain your own personal energy and vitality. Also scroll down to watch his “Here We Glow” video of his special cleanse. He is offering workshops on Maui on how you can do a “healthy” cleanse that leaves you feeling vibrant and strong. Contact and cleanse info below.
Chef Craig King:
Chef Craig King has been at the forefront of the healthy food revolution for more than 20 years. As the personal chef for some of the biggest names in the natural food business (Steve Demos, White Wave/Silk; John Mackey, Whole Foods; Michael Gilliland/Libby Cook, Wild Oats), as well as some notable Hollywood stars, Craig brings a deep understanding of food and its evolution to the show. He has a keen ability to create food that meets the client’s need in real time–– knowing how to balance what the client wants with what the client needs. He recently created and directed “Here We Grow”, a documentary film highlighting our troubled food system. His latest venture has been helping transform food in various institutional settings, including assisted and senior living centers. The installation of gardens in seven senior community centers helps highlight the beautification of the food transformation and demonstrate the practice of the farm-to-table philosophy. http://craigkingenterprises.com/
Here We Glow
Chef Craig King is offering his Glow Cleanse for you to enjoy. You can learn more here:
You may contact Craig direct at 820.281.2381 or e: ckcooking@hotmail.com to enjoy his company and receive a private consultation.
Feel free to share your comments.
Welcome to Maui Craig! We’re all thrilled to have you as our neighbor and a part of our healthy ohana.
Whether you’re just learning to surf or pulling into a nice hollow Honolua Bay wave, the thrill of surfing or dreaming of a wave like this is definitely good for your health. Here, Maui photographer, Simone Reddingius captures this surfer dropping in. His muscles are ripped, he’s focused and you can bet his heart rate is high. The endorphins that make you feel so good are exploding as he carves that gun into the blue room for that magical moment. This, you can be sure is good for your health!
CLICK here to see more of Simone’s fine surf photographer and other talents.
Also, check out all the photos from recent Suzie Trains Maui ENews Highlights of Naish & Suzie Trains Maui SUP Fun Beach Fitness & Paddle Challenge special guest Kai Lenny, as 55 participants finished FREE event. See the famous “taco rolls in the sand”. See photos and event highlights.
Gear & Board Reviews: The Alana Series featured here is oh so lovely. Don’t let the frills or flowers fool you. These two high performance boards are delivering waves of fun and miles of exlporations!Follow @SuzieTrainsMaui
Please feel free to post a comment and tell us how you love to surf to keep healthy! Also, any tips you want to share about how you approach the New Year to make good lifestyle choices, feel free! Mahalo!
Happy New Year! Suzie Cooney, CPT owner of Suzie Trains Maui
Maui, HI. December 27, 2011 : Your New Year Approach to Health & Fitness Choices for 2012 on Suzie Cooney’s Radio Health & Fitness Segment with the Maui Breakfast Club, every Tuesday on Maui’s KNUI 900AM @ 7:30am.
Make a “lifestyle” choice for life not for one month. Reward yourself with a new surfboard, new running shoes, and make a plan and stick to it and see yourself in that lifestyle. Like what you see in the mirror, but love yourself on the inside first. Tweet
Most News Year’s resolutions fail because it is not motivating enough. Forget them, get real and get real simple. Reflect back and see forward. Trainers like myself can help you plan and chart realistic, simple changes that before you know it, it’s March and you’re still on track.
CLICK HERE to listen to Suzie's Health Segment Now
Feel free to share your comments and tell us your tips to help our audience can make long lasting, lifestyle choices. Let this be your year to set the pace for yourself, your friends and family. Live the life you always dreamed of now, make it healthy and simple.
Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trans Maui is a weekly guest on the Maui Breakfast Club with Tom Blackburn Rodriguez and Kellie Pali and shares every week, her healthy tip. From how to train for big surf, SUP stronger, train to be extra strong for windsurfing and kiting skills, or how to get off the roller coaster of yo-yo dieting and shed weight for good. For over 12 years she has helped hundreds of people get in the shape of their lives and live the life Maui offers. People come from all over to train and learn from her.
Tune in every week, Tuesday on Maui’s KNUI 900AM at 7:30am or click here to catch the daily, live broadcast from anywhere in the world.
Happ New Year Everyone! See you on the water! Check out my other website: http://www.standuppaddlingfitness.com/ Here you can change your life and discover a new way to get healthy with the awesome sport of SUP or stand up paddling. This is YOUR year to try something new!
Suzie Cooney, CPT
Suzie Cooney is available on the island of Maui for private, fitness training, stand up paddle ( SUP ) coaching, lifestyle coaching and for public speaking.
If you’d like to join my confidential mailing list and keep up to date with Suzie Trains Maui and other health related news, go here:
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Colorful and festive Hawaiian dancers performed various traditional hulas and encouraged members of the audience to participate. This was a crowd pleaser and very entertaining!
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Aloha, just a reminder that you can find me on the air every Tuesday on KNUI 900 AM @ 7:30 for my weekly Health & Fitness segment on Maui’s number one talk radio show, The Maui Breakfast Club. We are in our third year with Tom Blackburn Rodiguez and Kellie Pali.
about how to be well prepared both physically and mentally. This will be extra helpful for new downwind paddlers, one man canoe paddlers and prone paddlers. I’ll share some tips on fitness training and water safety. Maliko safety. 
Gear & Board Reviews:
Suzie Cooney is available on the island of Maui for private, fitness training, stand up paddle ( SUP ) coaching, lifestyle coaching and for public speaking.
