Suzie Trains Maui BLOG

Saturday April 30th, 2011, Maui’s beautiful N. Shore attracted 72 paddlers of all ages and levels of experience for our second three mile Ohana OluKai Practice Fun Paddle!  With only two weeks away from the Third Annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a, we welcomed  SUP paddlers, prone paddlers and Heather our OC1  paddler; joined us from Paia Bay to the lifeguard tower at Kanaha Beach Park, in preparation for the New Ohana Fun Paddle @ 9AM, May 14th, 2011.

This paddle was our second practice paddle since our first April 2nd, 2011 was such a huge success. Click here to see the video. We wanted to share again and encourage families, new paddlers and those who’ve never done a down winder, to come and build their confidence.

Peter Swanzy and Julianna Prater from Paia Youth and Cultural Center had five youth from 13 to 14 years old join in the practice paddle. The youth have been training with Pete and Julianna over the last month and their training paid off as this was the first time that these youth had paddled this 3 mile distance. A huge sense of accomplishment and pride way to go! We also had paddlers from Sweden, Nevada and England participate.

For some, this was the first or second time ever experiencing a coast run. After everyone signed in, had a little morning coffee and juice, we all gathered as Matthew Murasko, OluKai Hawaii Ambassador,  announced our 3 mile course.

Then the ice chest was turned over to me, and I stood up and asked everyone to join me in some warm up exercises and jumping jacks to shake off any pre-paddle  jitters or butterflies!

The conditions were perfect and inviting. The trades were light at about 10 knots that provided for some fun glides.

The first group of paddlers arrived to Kanaha in 30 minutes and the last group arrived in 60 minutes. Upon completion paddlers were treated to water, juice, granola bars and Whoopie Pies, a chocolate cake-vanilla ice cream confection handmade by my boyfriend Tommy Callan.

Mahalo to the Maui lifeguards ( Tony Colletta ) from Baldwin Tower and Kanaha Tower for PWC saftey…and special mahalo also to Milton Martinson of Haiku for PWC water safety as well as SUP water safety guards, Chris Pagdilao, John Smalley, Joshua Kjorven, Randy Royse. Also lending a hand and expertise, Deb Driscoll and Blair Thorndike.

We’d also like to thank the crews at the Naish Maui Pro Center and Second Wind for providing a few extra boards for the kids from the youth center.

I know this paddle provided many an amazing, life-changing ocean experience. I was touched to see everyone supporting one another out there and on the beach. For others it was a chance to encourage their loved ones and friends to go to the next level. Well done.

Keep up that that training!  The real OluKai Ohana Fun Paddle is May 14 at 9am, same place, same course. Arrive by 8am and Register at OluKai.com. Entry Fee for the 3 mile OluKai Ohana Fun Paddle is $20 and includes one luau dinner wristband.

Aloha and thanks for supporting in community.

Suzie Cooney, CPT  Suzie Trains Maui SUP Clinic/Director/ Instructor   SUP Team Rider for Naish

http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com        http://www.standupaddlingfitness.com

Online Registration Now Open for the May 14-15 OluKai Ho’olaule’a

OluKai prepares to welcome paddlers, families and enthusiasts to Kanaha Beach Park, Maui, for the 3rd Annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a

Maui, HI (March, 23 2011) – Registration is now open for the OluKai Ho’olaule’a, a celebration of the ocean and cultures that surround it at http://www.olukai.com/hoolaulea. The event will be held at the Lae ‘Ula O Kai Canoe Club at Kanaha Beach Park, Maui, May 14-15, 2011.

 Elite watermen, waterwomen and paddling enthusiasts of all ages will have the opportunity to race the legendary Maliko downwind run on Maui’s North shore, an eight-mile stretch from Maliko Gulch to Kanaha Beach Park.

A $15,000 prize purse will be shared equally between the Elite men’s and women’s divisions of the Stand Up Paddle (SUP) and OC1 races, while recreational paddlers will compete in age groups for trophies and prizes. The SUP race will start at 12:00PM on Saturday, May 14. The OC1 race will start at 12:00PM on Sunday, May 15.

Space is limited, register online by May 4 to receive a Premium Race Package including luau dinner, technical race jersey, and a pair of OluKai sandals. Online registration closes May 10.

Not a serious paddler? Ocean enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to register for the ‘Ohana Fun Paddle. This 3-mile non-competitive, non-timed paddle starts at 9:00AM on Saturday May 14, and runs downwind from Paia Bay to Kanaha Beach Park. All human-powered ocean craft are allowed, and a portion of proceeds goes to the OluKai ‘Ohana Giveback Program benefiting Maui Cultural Lands and Hawaii’s Junior Lifeguard Program.

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About OluKai:

Founded in 2005, OluKai was conceived from a desire for a premium ocean lifestyle brand with a distinctively different point of view and deep values. We are committed to building a unique and better class of products that blend ocean heritage with modern performance. The spirit of Aloha inspired the creation of the Ohana Giveback Program as our commitment to our Hawaiian family.

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!

OluKai Ohanas

I have a very active lifestlye here on Maui! From the training studio to the beach getting ready for down winders. surfing and everything else. I wear my women’s designed, “Ohana” style slipper and enjoy the comfort  and the high quality. 

OluKai Ohana Slipper

The OluKai’s philosophy in sport and life reflect what it means to be apart of the special Ohana as we live our lives on the islands.

“The OluKai ‘Ohana encompasses everyone who touches the brand – craftsmen, artisans, designers, sales teams,retailers, customers – as well as the culture that inspires it.”  Click here to learn more about how OluKai gives back to the community and shares Aloha to all of those who wear their footwear.

I recommend this slipper for it’s style, comfort and durabilty for all that you do in your active life! There are many great styles to choose from.  Experience for yourself and go to:

  http://www.olukai.com 

Thank you again OluKai for supporting my efforts on Maui and how you give as you do to our Ohana, and others across the world.

Aloha,

Suzie Cooney, CPT of Suzie Trains Maui

   For inquiries on my training services please go to http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com

        you can also follow me on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/suzietrainsmaui.com

Video Teaser: 2010 OluKai Ho’olaule’a Ocean Festival from OluKai Premium Footwear on Vimeo.

A celebration of the ocean and the cultures that surround it.

May 15-16, 2010 – Kanaha Beach Park, Maui 

Ho’olaule’a Schedule of Events

 Competition

Elite Competitor- You identify yourself as an experienced and competitive waterman or waterwoman. Elite competitors qualify for prize money. No age group requirements. No board length or rudder restrictions.

Elite Competitor- You identify yourself as an experienced and competitive waterman or waterwoman. Elite competitors qualify for prize money. No age group requirements. No board length or rudder restrictions.

Recreational SUP Open- You are novice to advanced waterman or waterwoman. Recreational competitors compete in age groups for trophy and gift awards. No prize money. No board length or rudder restrictions.

Recreational SUP under 14’ fixed fin – You are novice to advanced waterman or waterwoman. Recreational competitors compete in age groups for trophy and gift awards. No prize money. Board length must be 14 feet or under with a fixed fin system (no steerable rudder).

Elite OC1 competitor- You identify yourself as an experienced and competitive waterman or waterwoman. Elite competitors qualify for prize money. No age group requirements.

Recreational OC1 Competitor- You are novice to advanced waterman or waterwoman. Recreational competitors compete in age groups for trophy and gift awards. No prize money.

Celebrate Hawaiian culture with free Hawaiian games & sailing canoe rides.

Hawaiian games hosted by Maui Cultural Lands:

• Ulu Maika (a form of lawn bowling)
• Moa Pahe’e (a form of dart sliding)
• Konane (a form of checkers)
• Hukihuki (tug of war)

Sailing Canoe rides hosted by 2008 & 2009 Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Champions “Team OluKai” in their renowned vessel Kamakakoa.

”Ohana

Luau dinner, hula performances, and live music for the whole family.

Luau dinner served from 3pm to 6pm on Saturday May 15. Luau dinner cost is included in race registration fee, or $10 for non-competitors. Purchase Luau tickets at the event. Limited availability, first come first served.

Hula performance from Hula Halau Alapa’i I Maluuluolele.

Free live music all afternoon, Saturday May 15, with special musical guest John Cruz!

Givng Back   Part of the proceeds raised benefit the OluKai ‘Ohana Giveback Program: beneficiaries include the Hawaiian Junior Lifeguard Program, and Maui Cultural Lands.

http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com  http://www.suziemodelsmaui.comhttp://www.standuppaddlingfitness.com

THE BODY BENEFITS OF SUP Stand Up Surfing!

Hop on, and let’s go! Everyone’s doing it and so can you!

SUP has been taking the island and world by storm! Nothing new to Maui, but new for some, who are reentering fitness and want to charge the waves or have a nice mellow session.  I believe that this is the best form of cross-training ever! Besides doing downwinders from Moliko to Kanaha,  even cruising early in the morning when the water is like silk, is a great way to start anyone’s day.

Okay, as a surfer and sailor, like all water sports here, you gotta be cool and courteous.  This sport reminds me of the early days of windsurfing. The comoradory is awesome, and so friendly. People are eager to lend a hand or give a few tips.  It’s a great water sport that allows you to enter in at a calm pace.  You do need to learn the right of way and you don’t want to be a wave hog, like some people I know!

I ask my clients often, so, “what water sport would you like to learn that I can teach you and make you feel strong?”  They say they want to SUP!  Some want to surf and sail, but stand up surfing works all muscles at all times. And you don’t have to be a hero waterman or super athlete to start!  I’ve had my heart rate come out of my body many times trying to catch some waves. I love it!

The body benefits are simply amazing. In my gym I am constantly training all my clients at all levels; some sort of balance training techniques. The goal is to transfer that what the body and brain learns, to your favorite sport or simply daily living challenges. The water is an unstable platform as is the beach and other surfaces.  It makes a HUGE difference on your performance and recovery.

Your brain, and all of the finite muscles of the ankles, knees, and hips are constantly firing and yelling to each other to keep you upright on that board.  Whoops, don’t look down because your brain will not like that. Keep focused on the horizon.  Also while standing, keep that paddle somewhere in the water.

Just like riding a bicycle, your brain will remember each and every time, what you learned from the last session.  You get better and better each time out. Your confidence soars and then maybe your trying to catch your first wave?  Ah, breakthrough!

Also, your upper body gets a super workout. You need to initiate the  power of your strokes, way down deep from your “core”. ( It’s an over used buzz word for low back, abs and deep pelvic floor muscles. ) Also there are many different styles of paddling.

For instance Dave Kalama who just won the recent Olukai  event, said his secret was the Tahitian style of paddling.  I could tell from the video coverage that he purposely used this type of paddling.  He’s always smiling and having fun and of course makes it look so easy.http://www.olukai.com/NewsEvents.aspxevent

Read the full story by Surf Magazine: http://www.surfermag.com/features/onlineexclusives/olukai_hoolaulea_ocean_festival_aloha_hawaii/

The legs have it! Even with all of the balance training stuff that I do, wow I’ve never had so much leg strength, nor did I realize just how important all the little muscles are that assist the larger muscles.   I am constantly challenged and surprised of how my legs feel afterward. And let me also tell you, it get’s your bottom fitting in the smallest of bikinis! 

For those of you who want to learn, give me a call and I can point you in the right direction.  If you want to get ready and rip it up off the water, I can help you.

This sport will lean you out fast! Hydrate well and please eat a nice combo of light carbs and protein, before and after a session.

Look both ways before you charge, and have fun!

Suzie