Suzie Trains Maui BLOG

October 16, 2010   Maui was the place to be!  Stand Up Paddling, or SUP is sweeping all around the world but a few wonderful, special women,  got the glides of their lives and experienced a new found passion for a sport they can own and share with their friends and family. ( photos below in slideshow )

I had the pleasure of meeting so many dynamic, inspiring women today; all with the desire to learn or improve their skills in stand up paddling. There is something very cool about gathering a group of women together and sharing and adventure that is new and exciting.  They all showed up right on time and at 6:45 on the dot, boards were off the cars and lined up on the beach.

After introductions,  it was right into some active stretching with our paddles to prepare for the morning ahead. I promised no heavy push ups or sit ups, this time.. ! There was a small south swell running, and safety was on top of the agenda. I reviewed board safety, board features, paddle features and water safety. With experienced Maui waterwoman, Deb Driscoll, big wave SUP surfer,  assiting me, we lined everyone up,   and one by one, out we went, some for the first time ever experiencing what it’s like to paddle over a wave! All made it just fine past the break and then they got the thumbs up to STAND UP and go..  To help capture the day was Maui’s professional waterwoman and photographer, Julia Schweiger. Check out her website:   http://www.jdphotofairy.com/

 I have never had such a group that were such fast learners.  It was so rewarding to see Susanna conquer her fears and before you know it, she was up and hoot’n and yelling and we were all clapping and whistling!  Susanna, you are a shining star!  She said that she was so thankful for Deb helping her and staying with her. All of the gals really did great. The winds never really came up too hard which allowed us to stay out longer.  

Elizabeth charged!   Mary I think you could have gone to Lahaina.  It was the first time I was able to take a new crew on a little long distance challenge. Laurel and Mary and Gill leading the way. Julia Schweiger, our photographer and SUP racer herself;  had to paddle hard with me catching them at the turn!  What a workout.  To really test them, we did some push ups, core planks and leg squat.  Great job everyone!

As we came in, a few of them caught their first waves!  Doesn’t matter if you’re on your knees, standing or sitting down.. you guys caught some rides. Now you know what it feels like!  

We wrapped up the day with high fives and now with our new water friends, it was time to refuel and review what we learned. As their reward, my sponsors and supporters helped me fill a nice goody bag to add to the SUP experience. To be a proficient SUP paddler, you must have the right gear!

I’d like to thank those sponsors, Naish International and the Maui Naish Pro Center, Olukai Premium Footwear, ATHLETA, 
Watermans Applied Science and the American Heart Association.

Here’s what some of the women had to say about the day:

Aloha Suzie:
 
Where do I begin….How can I express my sincere feelings of gratefulness to you.  I cannot tell you how happy I was to be in your presence.  Your energy was so moving, your sincerity was inspirational, and your beauty (inside and out) was amazing.  Thank you so very much for sharing your knowledge and your love of the sport, (SUP) with women here on Maui and around the world.  Thank you for empowering us with the tools we need to be strong, be fit, and be beautiful, healthy, women of the world.  I totally appreciated your professionalism, your sweetness, and your true commitment to the sport.  Thank you for enforcing safety both in the water and safety pertaining to our boards.  Very necessary and important to always be aware that safety comes first.  And most of all, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing me to participate in this past Saturdays’ clinic.  I am so blessed to know such an amazing, compassionate, and beautiful woman.  God’s blessings to you as you continue to empower women!!!  Go for it Suzie!!!!!    My Aloha Always, Sandy

Our love and aloha to Deb Driscoll for her love and encouragement as well.  She was absolutely fabulous to all the women. 

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Dear Suzie,
 
Thank you so much for the clinic yesterday morning.  For me the group and your leadership as well as Debs’ created an atmosphere that enabled me to push myself beyond my fears and see my strength emerge.  The paddling was more fun than I can remember having in a long time and planted a seed to further my own growth as I look forward, stand up straight and paddle in the V shape as though I was flying free amongst a flock of birds on the wing.
 
Susanna

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Dear Suzie,
              What a lovely morning we had yesterday, with your SUP Women’s Clinic.   You established such a friendly and relaxed tone, so “first timers” like me felt reassured and emboldened to simply “get up and paddle!”  I was sure I’d be wobbling and falling but you connected with each one of us, and with your gentle enthusiasm you imbued us all with confidence.  In no time at all we were paddling over coral-heads and out to a boat that was moored in the bay.  
By starting early, we enjoyed calm conditions and fresh morning air ~ and our convivial group of ladies sure made for a very pleasant experience!    It was very satisfying to learn a new skill, and be able to view our beautiful beaches from a whole new perspective.
             Thank you so much for your sincere enthusiasm, the generous ‘goodie bags’ and for being such a kind and helpful instructor.   I look forward to getting more info on your Makena Paddling excursion, when we’ll hopefully have a group reunion and discover another beautiful stretch of coastline… 
 
Aloha and sincere thanks
from Gill  (“Jill”) McBarnet,    
Author and Illustrator of Hawaiian Children’s Books:

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OMG, what a blast!  What an amazing group of women.  I had a great morning with you, all.  Thank you, Suzie and Deb, for this wonderful clinic.  I can’t believe how much I learned today.   I’ll be at Puamana with my family tomorrow morning.  Can’t wait to practice the quick turn and teach that to my family!  Gabi, Laurel  and Susanna are meeting me there, too.  Hope rest of you can join us.  Puamana is the last beach park before Lahaina.
I’m planing to join the full moon paddling.
Also, Gabi, Laurel, Gill and I like to do a longer distance puddling at Makena soon.  I’ll let all of you know when so you can join us, too.
Happy puddling. ?(^o^)?
Sachi
283-6066

Ps
Thank you, Suzie, for the goodie bag, too.

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Thanks so much for the fun morning of SUP. I learned some great tips. My 16 year old son wants to come with me for the full moon paddle and bring a friend. Is that OK? They are experienced. What a great sport when a teenager will participate with his mom.

Thanks for putting together such a nice gift bag.

Laurel

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Dear Suzie,
 
Yes, I agree with all that has been written about the fantastic clinic that you ran yesterday.  It was exactly what I imagined and hoped it would be–an invigorating and fun morning learning a new skill on the beautiful oceans of our paradise.  I thank you kindly for you patient and thorough approach.  Between you and Deb I felt very protected.  I think I might have the bug now…I went again today with Sachi!  It was thrilling to be out on the water today with my husband and my youngest son (they are wave surfers). Can’t wait until my oldest son comes home from college so I can be out there with him too. You’ve opened up new and incredible opportunities to me.
 
With a heart-felt thanks,
 
Gabi
 
 
Gabrielle Galler-Rimm, M.D.
Developmental &Behavioral Pediatrics

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Thank you so much, for everything, Suzie! Bringing this group of women together made a perfect opportunity for me to get myself out there and try something new. All of the women were fantastic and so, so sweet. It’s always great to learn something in an atmosphere of such support — being the youngest one there, it was almost like I had a network of mothers to help me through it. Even after claiming the trophy of falling first in the water, the little, encouraging tips you offered me got me in line right away! I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this clinic, and I know that anyone who wants to try SUP can do it, and they’ll love it! You are such an inspirational person, Suzie. Thank you so much for doing all you do to show us what we are capable of!

Mary

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Hi Suzie,  I can’t thank you enough for today.  I have been so frustrated trying SUP without even knowing how to stand, hold my paddle or how to get in and out of the surf.  You are such a delightful teacher-the stretches, the comraderie, the expertise out on the water, trying to catch those waves.  I am absolutely sure that I now have a lifelong passion thanks to you!
Elizabeth

 Wow, I’m so grateful to be able to experience a day like today. I will continue my mission and through these lovely women, the sport of SUP will continue to grow and be recognized as not only a great way to get in shape, but to spread to the world that we must take care of ourselves and our health. Might as well have some fun doing it!

Deb Driscoll, Maui Big Wave SUP paddler and awesome assistant!

A big mahalo to Deb Driscol, my assstant coach who shared such an enthusiatic, postive way of teaching. Julia, the photos say it all!  Thank you for taking the time to stop by my website. I have one more clinic this year with just one opening,  November 13th, 2010 here on Maui. After that, it’s off to Costa Rica and other fun places across the globe!

Get out and paddle and STAND UP for your health.

Aloha!

Suzie Cooney, CPT 

Suzie Trains Maui  http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com

   You can also follow me and other events on Face Book:
                 http://www.facebook.com/suzietrainsmaui

photo by Simone Reddingius

As most of you know, SUP or stand up paddling is a big part of my life and I enjoy teaching others and sharing the health benefits of this sport.

Here is an article I wrote for ATHELTA to share my knowledge and enthusiam for how I see the sport shaping the world but more importantly, how it’s getting more people healthy.

I encourage you to read and share how SUP has benefitted your health!  Click here to read the full story:

http://www.athleta.net/chi/2010/08/20/stand-up-and-%E2%80%9Csweep%E2%80%9D-your-way-to-better-health/

Well, by the overwhelming response and stories I read as one of the judges for  the most recent ATHLETA and SIREN SUP contest, one can say that any age, any person  can “sweep” their way to better health, just about anywhere there is water. People all across the world are “sweeping” their way to better health and having more fun than they ever imagined. “Sweeping” is a slang term used to describe the sport that is going viral faster than any social networking media and changing the world of sports on any body of water — and just about anyone can hop aboard.

Stand up paddling, paddle surfing, or SUP is helping people of all ages and  sizes catch the surfer’s glide, and helping people in all walks of life get fit and healthy, faster and safer. People are simply getting addicted. The Wall Street Journal recently reported on the rise in popularity — not just for those, like me, who are fortunate enough to live in Hawaii or California, but anywhere there’s an ocean, lake, bay, or even river rapids, you can find this world phenomenon catching on. There are SUP fitness boot camps and clinics popping up anywhere there is water. You may have noticed more races and events happening in your community too.

Below are some photos of a recent FREE women’s Sup clinic last month, and these gals were wonderful.  In the first hour, there were smiles across the ocean and a new found ticket to health.  I do these monthly to ensure the health of our community and introduce women and men to a new way to get fit! For “fun” I had the girls attempt a few push ups. They were amazing. On the right is Amy Hampton, the Director of Maui’s American Heart Association, getting her heart pumping!

WHAT’S SUP?

According to Wikipedia: Stand up paddle surfing (SUP), or in the Hawaiian language Hoe he’e nalu, is an emerging global sport with a Hawaiian heritage. The sport is an ancient form of surfing, and began as a way for surfing instructors to manage their large groups of learner surfers, as standing on the board gave them a higher viewpoint, increasing visibility of what was going on around them — such as incoming swell. To begin with, this started with using a one-bladed paddle, whilst standing on a normal length surfboard. The popularity of the modern sport of SUP has its origination in the Hawaiian Islands. In the early 1960s, the Beach Boys of Waikiki would stand on their long boards, and paddle out with outrigger paddles to take pictures of the tourists learning to surf. This is where the term “Beach Boy Surfing”, another name for Stand Up Paddle Surfing, originates.

THE BENEFITS OF SUP

Not only can you lower your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol and feel more energized after a session, but the overall experience of being on the water is often touted as “aqua therapy.” The benefits of having a sport you enjoy and can do on a regular basis can alter many of the morbidity factors that decrease our health and plague our society.

I use this sport as a cross-training tool for almost all my clients who are comfortable in the water and who can swim.  It is low impact on all joints and is also being used to improve balance and core strength for people recovering from serious injuries.  I used my stand up paddle board to recover from a serious bilateral leg and ankle accident.  I have also witnessed this sport transform people’s lives overnight, by instilling a new found level of confidence and achievement, making them feel invincible!

As a sponsored team SUP rider for Naish International, instructor, and SUP clinic organizer, I love to introduce the sport to everyone who visits Maui, and help others perfect their paddling stroke  — from flat water fun to waves, and the really popular coastal long distance down winders we do here on the North Shore of Maui.

But, before you hop aboard, I’d like to offer my professional experience and expert resources about water safety, board and paddle selection, and how to maximize your fun to maximize your health so you can glide into your later years with a smile and healthy body!

WATER SAFETY

Continue reading ATHLETA Article: Stand Up and Sweep Your Way to Better Health by Suzie Cooney August 2010

August 28, 2010  Maui, Hawaii

Anyone who has had the luxury of visiting or living on Maui, can only describe the beauty of the ocean. Having the opportunity to experience it, play in it,  and making it a part of one’s healthy lifestyle, one can only be so fortunate.

Once again, I had the pleasure of meeting some fine women of Maui who joined me in this experience. These women charged on the water and did it with confidence, grace and power.

A Healthy Day of Fun on Maui

Stand up paddling   ( SUP ) offers all of that. Today we also had a surprise, a small pod of curious dolphins!  Rarely do I see them so close in and it really made for a memorable experience!

Meet Jenn, Peggy, Stacey, Monica, Janet and Amanda.  What a cool group of gals. Of course we laughed, splashed and tried a few moves on the board that caused a few grunts  ( Stacey…..     ).  What I also thought was great, is that we traded boards now and then to feel the different types of board that offered new challenges. Some boards were less stable, some more.   Their paddling strokes by the end of the hour were very impressive.  I had a stubborn droplet of water on my camera, so sorry for the blurry photos!

Peggy

Thank you, thank you, thank you Suzie! Saturday was an amazing day for me. I was definitely apprehensive about my capabilities. I have terrible balance, but I really wanted to learn a sport that would let me enjoy the ocean. Your instruction and encouragement gave me the confidence to try and I had so much fun (even if I did spend more time in the water than everyone else)! I now feel confident in learning the basics and I know that I can easily get back up when I fall. Enjoying the peaceful morning with a great group of women and seeing dolphins made the experience that much more special. I can’t wait until I can go out again! Thank you again, you really are an inspiration! And also thank you for the goody bag and to your wonderful sponsors, Naish, OluKai, and the American Heart Association, who so generously donated to our goody bag.

P.S. I didn’t want to return my rented board without getting a bit more practice. I met my husband and we went to Wailea Beach. I showed him what I had learned and then he too gave it a try. He’s not much of a water person but he shared my enthusiasm and so next time we’ll rent two boards and practice together. My goal is to purchase boards and make this a regular part of our life. And hopefully, inspire my daughters too! Thank you.  Peggy, Kula

Thanks to Suzie I can now call myself a Stand-up Paddler!  I had tried many times, to stand up on a board, and always failed.  It was so frustrating.  I could never get my balance.  Taking Suzie’s clinic taught me all the little “secrets” and tid-bits that you would not know on your own or a friend won’t tell you.  I was up standing and paddling immediately and kept it going the whole time!  Although I’m sure my form was not it’s best, I felt like a pro.  I have since gone by myself with no problems at all.  I am now purchasing a board and will make it a point to get out there as often as I can.  Great exercise, great scenery and great fun!  Thank you Suzie!  You are a dream!!  Stacey, Kihei

Hi Suzie!

Wow! Thank you so much for the AMAZING and INSPIRING free women’s SUP clinic you held today. With absolutely perfect weather and your constantly cheerful and encouraging attitude it could not have been any better.  We were greeted by lake like conditions and Suzie’s contagious zest for life.

Starting it off with helpful safety tips and a little basic SUP 101 we were off! It’s amazing how much more confidant I was entering the water today after getting some tips from a real pro.Once we were out and up, Suzie paid careful attention to each and every one of us individually as well as collectively; and continued to coach and encourage us all.

Continue reading Women’s FREE Stand Up Paddling Clinic on Maui with Suzie Cooney and Dolphins Too!

Girl Power!!

              July 24, 2010 :    Maui, Women’s Free SUP Clinic with Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui

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. 

The Flash Player and a browser with Javascript support are needed.

“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

“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

“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 

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.

http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com  

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.