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Improve Balance & Reaction Time: Indo Board Training Gear & Suzie on the New “Gigante” 24″ Disc
Waves are a force of nature like no other. Susan does a superb job to illustrate this and more. A great read!
My Cause: Mental Illness Awareness
Train With Me While You Experience Lumeria Maui
Suzie's Health & Fitness Team/Target Heart Rate Simone Reddingius Maui Photographer
Surf Stronger Order This!
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With only five days until the OluKai 5th Annual Ho’olaule’a SUP & OC1 race approaching this weekend, the weather forecast is soon to be taking shape! The trades are predicted to return as competitors will be competing for a purse of $15,000. We’ve had an unusual spell of Kona breezes that look like they’ll be on their way out!
Here’s a peek at the forecast for May 11th & May 12th:

Register now or day of event. For more information click here.
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The Biggest Downwind Event & Race in the World: MAY 11 -12TH, 2013
The 5th Annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a
REGISTER NOW HERE! Sign up before May 4th and receive a free pair of premium OluKai sandals.
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Ho’olaule’a – literally, it means “celebration”, but for us, it’s also an expression of gratitude. Each May, we hold our interpretation of this storied Hawaiian tradition on Maui’s north shore. The event blends elite competition with family-friendly cultural activities and gathers some of the world’s best SUP, OC1 & OC2 paddlers to race the legendary 8-mile Maliko downwind run. Friends and families come together to enjoy canoe sailing and surfing, ancient Hawaiian games, traditional luau, hula, and live music. We take this opportunity to recognize and honor our ‘Ohana Giveback partners, as the community shares collective gifts of time, energy, and spirit.
I hope to see you there!
Suzie Cooney
Owner of Suzie Trains Maui

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Special Trainer’s Note from Suzie Cooney, CPT
How to Be “Pro Self”
You can waste a great deal of time trying to find your waist line if you’ve tried without success. Are you on track after you’ve made countless New Year’s Resolutions year after year? Having a pro in your corner can make all the difference and save you lots of money, calories and improve your overall “life” performance.
Let’s face it shedding weight and getting toned, in either order can be difficult, frustrating and take a really long time if you don’t know how or where to start. We all need a cheerleader, a person to hold us accountable besides our boss or spouse; someone that can find a “fun” way to make it all happen.
If you’re ready to really get real, I’m real serious about helping you. It takes two and I can’t do it alone, so if you’re ready to hold yourself up, look in the mirror and start loving what you see, how you feel, you’re halfway there. You’re amazing!
I’m available via SKYPE world-wide or in person while you’re on Maui, or if you live local even better. Your health matters, how you feel about yourself matters. You don’t have to be a pro surfer, just the pro of yourself to be ”pro self.” Make the time, make the investment and your life will change.
Suzie Cooney,CPT
Owner of Suzie Trains Maui, LLC
Questions? Feel free to contact me through our website.

ALOHA & HAPPY NEW YEAR
What a way to surf into the New Year or as they call it SUPsquatching.
 photo by Erik Aeder
This photo was sent my way via Matthew Murasko as he said I could share the mayhem with you all. This crew is absolutely nuts and they are definitely having the most fun here! My crazy friends Matthew Murakso and famous waterman Archie Kalepa are doing all they can to keep this “thing” on the face of this big wave here on Maui’s N. shore and Matthew is trying to make sure it doesn’t pearl! And the REAL crazy thing about this photo, Archie IS the fin. He is steering with his leg I think. ( C4 gets credit for the craft )
Archie Kalepa was inducted to the Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame this past September. Read article here: http://www.lahainanews.com/page/content.detail/id/508532.html
You can meet Archie and learn more about his history and his legendary life as a Hawaiian Waterman at Maui’s TedEx Maui event, this Sunday January 13th, 2013. Here’s more about Archie and the event:
http://tedxmaui.com/2012/12/29/speaker-spotlight-archie-kalepa/
Well, it’s all in fun and sometimes you gotta let loose! The guys are a bunch of great and inspiring ones. They will always have your back and will always be wearing the biggest smiles.
Mahalo Matthew and see you all at TedEx Maui.
Suzie Cooney, CPT
Owner of Suzie Trains Maui, LLC
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Aloha everyone! Here is my list of some of my “favorite things” that are sure to excite and motivate the fitness fanatics or those who are re-entering fitness, or simply want to change up their routine. Tune in here and listen to my radio segment from my weekly health and fitness radio segment on the Maui Breakfast Club, December 10, 2012 and find the perfect healthy gift.
 Click Here to Hear Suzie Live
The training equipment I suggest here is appropriate for all ages and all levels of fitness. I like to keep things simple and functional as not to overwhelm people but to allow them to get the results they desire in a very easy and efficient way so they don’t get bored nor does there body. Click here to listen now.

My Favorite Health & Fitness Gifts:
Gift Certificate for a Personal Trainer: Having someone in your corner is so helpful. Whether your trying to shed 5 or few more pounds, prepare for an event or race, or simply want to have a personal program designed to keep you on track and mix it up, a well qualified personal trainer can help. Check for certification such as NASM, make sure they are insured and have a good reputation in the community.
Indo Board Balance Trainer: FREE SHIPPING UNTIL DEC 17th Order here Everyone knows that I am a huge fan of this equipment. It not only helps the surfers and standup paddlers in your life, but if your’e just coming off a knee, ankle or hip injury this functional training equipment can do wonders and help strengthen the weakest core muscles, improve your balance and leg, hip and knee strength.

The Sc Continue reading Radio Segment: Top Pick Gifts of Health and Fitness
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In my line of work, I meet so many people who leave a lasting positive impression on my life. But when I learn that I’ve done the same for them, it makes what I do even that much more meaningful!
At the risk of tooting my own horn, I’d love to share this blog post with you from two of my very spirited clients, Ed and Judy from Bend, OR (you might remember them from an earlier article: Eddie’s SUP Fitness Journey Part One: Goal Olukai Ho’olaule’a SUP Race Maui 2013).
Original article published by Elder SUP on elder-sup.com
“Sometimes fate seems to send a subtle message in ordinary observations. This time it came from a name and the resulting initials – Suzie Cooney, SC. Ed and I are in week 8 of our “Eddie Will Go on the Olukai Ho’olaule’a” race – comeback from extensive shoulder surgery. Week 8 is the best one yet. We are actually in Maui and are SUP surfing and doing sweet down-winders every day on our Naish 14? Glide GX. Last night we had dinner with our trainer-from-a-distance, Suzie Cooney, CPT of Suzie Trains Maui.
There’s nothing like a face-to-face conversation over ono burgers at the Fish Market Restaurant in Paia, especially after all the support we’ve gained from Suzie over the past months. How did two 63 year olds from Oregon come to be trained by Suzie Cooney on Maui? That’s quite a story.
We were casually playing at down-wind riding while on vacation in Maui in May 2011. Hearing that the Olukai Ho’olaule’a offered a “fun race” of just 4 miles we grabbed our rental surfboards and registered. The day of the race we were all butterflies and doubt. Ed was having shoulder surgery 4 days later and we were second-guessing everything. Then the announcer gathered us all for a pre-race warm-up, and we met Suzie.
With a warm smile and ultimate encouragement she talked and moved the nervous group through breathing, stretching and a warm-up. Surprisingly, by the time we were done the group had a relaxed and solidified feel. Then we were off for one of the most exhilarating fun-runs ever. We decided that when Ed was able to train after his surgery, just seven weeks ago, we would start training with Suzie. We set a goal to do the 8-mile run from Maliko Gulch to Kanaha. Suzie’s regimine has been just what Ed needed.
Meeting up with Suzie last night confirmed it, she has the absolute best initials for her spirit and talent:
1. SC – Sincere compassion: Ed is coming back from an injury and Suzie’s compassion for the struggle is obvious. It takes quite a bit of digging to gain the information that might attribute to that. Suzie is no stranger to injury, rehab, set-backs and the value of dedication and solid training. She has walked the talk, and then some.
2. SC – Social commitment: Much like Olukai, the sponsor of the Ho’olaule’a, Suzie has always had a strong commitment to her community and sharing her expertise and talent. We love that and it sets the same tone that we go for at Elder SUP
3. SC – Strategic communication: Suzie is about the busiest person I know. There is no place for the luxury of time wasted. When we use SKYPE or e-mail to gain insights and training strategies Suzie is always ready to communicate, but to the point and with Continue reading Eddie from Oregon SUP Training Continues To Stroke & Stoke on Maui

Maui, HI
November 27, 2012
Stand up paddlers of all skill levels gathered on the serene grounds of Lumeria Maui on November 3rd for the SUP Pro Talk Workshop with Suzie Cooney. The educational (and fun!) land-based event touched on many important topics for paddlers, including the health benefits of SUP, water safety and ocean preparedness, SUP fitness techniques and training demos, and equipment reviews.
Clay Everline, M.D., co-author of the Surf Survival Health Hand Book, was on hand with a valuable lecture on First Aid, and pro paddler, Jeremy Riggs, heated the afternoon up with his tips on downwind paddling. Suzie Cooney, as charming as ever, kept the crowd entertained and engaged with her informative and “hands on” teaching style.
The big winner of the day was the organization Bring Change 2 Mind, as 90% of the event’s proceeds went to supporting the group’s fight to erase the stigma and discrimination of mental illness. The organization, founded by actress Glenn Close, provides educational material and a meeting place for a broad coalition of organizations that provide service, screening, information, support and treatment of mental illness.
Suzie shares:
“We were thrilled to sell out three months in advance. That really confirmed to me that people are eager to learn and support the sport. I’m a big advocate of those dealing with mental illness, so I wanted to spread the word about the organization I support, Bring Change 2 Mind.org.
Clay Everline, M.D. was very informative and entertaining, as was Jeremy Riggs, our local downwind pro who shared some of his helpful tips. The participants had great questions, which was helpful for the entire audience!
The event supporters and sponsors including, Naish, Kaenon Polarized Eyewear, Indo Board Balance Trainer, Pocket Fuel Naturals, Scosche Health & Fitness and CamelBak Hydration Packs, were all very generous in providing some great raffle prizes. People were stoked to win products that compliment their SUP lifestyle.” -Suzie Cooney, CPT, owner of Suzie Trains Maui, LLC
For more information about Bring Change 2 Mind, visit: bringchange2mind.org
For more Stand Up Paddling Fitness Techniques, Success Stories, Workouts and Upcoming Events, visit: standuppaddlingfitness.com
THIS SPECIAL HOLIDAY OFFER ENDS, DECEMBER 17th!

If you’ve not tried the Indo Board Balance Trainer’s full line of training gear, it is the most “functional” fun you’ll ever have. Whether it’s a gift for you or someone you know, no matter what level of fitness or goals in your training you may have, this gear will deliver!
I’ve written so many articles about the benefits training with the Indo Board Balance Training equipment on how anyone can build their total body strength, no matter what level of fitness. Here’s one on leg strength. My clients and pro athletes range in so many arenas and levels of performance to the person returning to fitness. This is also excellent for cross training for any athlete or sport.
Your legs, hips, abs, and even your upper body will benefit from all of the exercise you can perform on this training gear. You advance or progress accordingly to your currently level of strength and it’s so fun and easy. You can perform endless exercises and make your training program totally efficient. When you order your Indo Board Balance Training gear, it also comes with a helpful DVD.
 Pro SUP paddlers Kody Kerbox and Casper Steinfaith showing off their strong leg training
My background is working directly with orthopedic sports surgeons, the patients and then myself. I broke both legs several years ago and the Indo Board Balance Trainer Gigante Cushion coupled with the Kicktail board was my main source of rehab. Granted I check in with my doc, but wow I was back to surfing amazingly and SUP and windsurfing with new found strength.
You hear of the “core”. What is the true definition of the “core” ? It is everything in your body excluding your extremities. It’s not just your abs as many mistakenly thing. Your butt muscles, or “glutes” need to fire in addition your brain needs to send signals to the deep pelvic floor muscles and then to the main joint to stabilize the appendage you may be stressing. See this article on more on the core. Here I am with Indo Board’s founder and amazing surfer, Hunter Joslin:
 Hunter Joslin and Suzie Cooney
Now THIS is core training:
I’m a believer in what is called “brain training” and this also allows you to incorporate the neuromuscular uses of all the finite muscles around the major joints, such as the hips, knees and ankles, to fire in the necessary pattern to help develop one’s sense of reaction to a platform that is always moving. This is also referred to as reaction training; the ultimate level of training that recruits the muscles that tend to be under-active to join in on the challenge.
 Here Suzie is on the IndoBoard Gigante Flo Cushion and the Kicktail board
Bottom line, it’s SO fun you don’t even know you’re training. The sports that really notice the immediate cross-over affect are surfing, windsurfing, kiting and stand up paddling;- all sports that have the common element of water that is changing underneath you.
However, you do not need to do any of these sports to enjoy the benefits.
Hop aboard and order yours today! If you need help deciding on what you may need for your health and training needs or for someone else on your list, please feel free to contact me through this website. I’m happy to help.
Suzie Cooney, CPT
Owner of Suzie Trains Maui, LLC

By Suzie Cooney, CPT owner of Suzie Trains Maui, LLC
It’s no doubt that Hunter Joslin, Indo Board Balance Trainer’s Founder and developer of the popular Gigante Flo Cushion, entertains and trains with me at this year’s Battle of the Paddle at Dana Point. Hunter was wowing the crowd with some tricks this weekend as Chip Martoccia, VP of Operations and I cheered on.
 Hunter Joslin and Suzie Cooney having Gigante fun at 2012 BOP, Dana Point
I’ve been a team rider and ambassador for Indo Board Balance Trainer for some time, and thoroughly enjoy my time with Hunter and crew. We never miss an opportunity to play around and challenge one another. He’s quite the surfer and in very good shape. We’ve shared a few waves together on Maui, and I can say he is just a little competitive!
Hunter asked if I’d do this photo shoot and share some new tricks I’ve been working on in my studio here at SUZIE TRAINS MAUI. Of course! Turns out he had never tried or seen any of these so I was stoked, but under the gun to give him my best.
These exercises are THE ultimate core challenge and require good form, good posture and good overall anatomical health. Remember the core is where all movement begins and is everything excluding your extremities.
This type of training, I also refer to as proprioception training to encourage cat-like reflexes for your lifestyle, prevent injury and to provide the opportunity for your brain to command each finite muscle, tendon and ligament that supports all joints.
Continue reading Indo Board Balance Trainer’s Founder Hunter Joslin and Suzie Cooney Advanced Core Training Exercises on Gigante Flo Cushions
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At approximately 7:30am, local Maui resident Dave Peterson is okay after tiger shark knocks him off board this morning on Maui’s North shore, at a popular spot called Bone Yards near Kanaha Beach Park. According to another paddler, shark appeared to be 8-9ft long when it attempted to take a big bite of the stand up paddler’s board.
It apparently bumped him so hard, he fell onto the back of the shark. He then began hitting the shark with his paddle and then it paddled away. Dave is a well-known shaper and waterman, very familiar with this break and we’re just stoked he’s okay.
I’ve seen quite a few in my 13 years here, but to get bumped liked that must have been such a scare. We always know it’s their place first and we all respect that. Occasionally for whatever reason we do hear of incidents but this seemed to be quite aggressive so the beach was closed for the day.
Courtesy of Hawaii News Now:
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/19857328/shark-bite-closes-maui-beach
Hawaii News Now – KGMB and KHNL WAILUKU, MAUI (HawaiiNewsNow) – A portion of Kanaha Beach on Maui has been closed due to a shark attack. Officials say the 6 to 8 foot shark took a bite out of a board that was being used by a stand-up paddler. Maui Communications Director Rod Antone says the attack happened around 7:30 a.m. at an area known as “Kite Beach” which is on Maui’s northern coastline, east of Kahului.
Antone says the paddler scared off the shark by hitting it with a paddle. The paddler was not injured. Also check out: http://mauinow.com/2012/10/18/breaking-shark-takes-bite-out-of-board-kanaha-closed/ Click HERE for MauiNow.com’s interview with the stand-up paddler. Kanaha Beach has been closed in the area the attack area stretching from Kahului Harbor mouth to the Kahului side of Spreckelsville. Shark warning signs are posted. Lifeguards remind beach-goers to be aware of any unusual activity taking place in the water and to get out of the water immediately if a shark is spotted. Any sightings should be reported by calling 911 and asking for “Ocean Safety”.
A special thanks to the Maui lifeguards and fireman who have our backs out there. I know they’ve been there for me!
Aloha, Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui
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