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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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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
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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’a which 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.
Continue reading Maui, Hawaii:Fourth Annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a Highlights, Photos and Race Results
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.
# # #
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.
I first discovered SNP’s Board Enhancer under a tent in Oahu at the recent Battle of the Paddle. There Andy and Tom were lining up the competitors’ boards slicking them out and getting them ready for the SUP race of the year! Andy was kind enough to take my Kaenons and demonstrate what the technology offered for sun glasses too! Makes sense to me.
 Surf Nano Product Kit
So, with the Naish race that was coming up back on Maui, Andy gave me a kit to try. I ride the 14ft Naish Glide. The application was simple and I still had enough Cleaner and Board Enhancer for a couple more applications. I also used on my paddle blade as Andy suggested.
 SNP Board Enhancer Application
After the Cleaner I applied the Enhancer to the sponge that’s included, and applied to the side rails, and front bow of the board about 12 inches back, bottom of board and paddle blade. I waited about 5 minutes, and with the buff towel that was in the kit, wiped and rubbed it off. I also used a buffing cloth that I had to make it extra sweet!


- Buffed out
Check out this video of Andy on his local news channel descrbing the benefits of SNP:
http://www.nbc40.net/pages/videoplayer/video.php?vid=14173
The race went well and I felt like I had some extra juice for sure. I’ll continue to use SNP’s cool product and will try on my whole quiver, surf boards too!
Thanks Andy and Tom. Hope to see you guys in Maui soon.
Suzie Cooney, Suzie Trains Maui

http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com

Join me on Face Book at Suzie Trains Maui for fitness tips, health news and the latest in SUP fun : http://www.facebook.com/suzietrainsmaui.com

Naish 5th Annual Paddle Board SUP Championships Maui July 18, 2010 Race Results
 Jamie Mitchell photo Jimmie Hepp
It was an amazing day and terrific finish! Before the race however, rain squalls passed through that threatened us, as we stood under the Naish tents. We had a staged start inside the gulch this time and it was a little hectic on the holdling line! Next to me, good friends, and people from around the globe attended including paddle board champion Jamie Mitchell. Our local favorites, Dave Kalama, Scott Trudon, Connor Baxter, Buzzy Kerbox, Andrea Moeller, Karen Wrenn, Julia Schweiger, and many other outstanding athletes and friends, too many to mention, and some novice caught lots of glides and the wind finally came up nicely averaging about 20 mph. (results below, after photos)
 Dave Kalama & Scott Trudon
Race Start: Maliko Gulch to Kahului Harbor: 9.54 Miles

Results:
From the Maui News: Eight-time defending world paddleboarding champion Jamie Mitchell competes in Sunday’s Naish Maui International. Mitchell was the top paddleboard finisher, covering the 9.54 miles from Maliko Gulch to Kahului Harbor in 1 hour, 17 minutes, 16 seconds. The top female paddleboarder was Becci Gardiner in 1:50:41. SECOND PHOTO: Dave Kalama heads to his third stand-up title in the Maui International – he finished in 1:13:48. Andrea Moeller was the fastest female stand-up competitor, in 1:22:11.
Maliko Gulch to Kahului Harbor (9.54 miles) Continue reading Naish 5th Annual Paddle Board and SUP Championships Maui July 18, 2010 Race Results and Slideshows
It’s no wonder people love the Naish 14 foot Glide. It’s width of 27 1/4″ and thickest point of 5 3/4″ and the nice hard rails and squared off tail, allows one to glide and connect swell after swell, especially on a good day with 30 mph winds at your back! Or even if your just cruising the lakes for a tour, the board is steady and has the nicest sweet spot. Dropping into Camp One, the swells actually had some size. I loved how the board handled a decent size drop and held good top speed without hesitation or drag.
Here’s a couple shots Maui photographer, Simone Reddingius snapped as we passed Hookipa, on Maui’s N. shore. The conditions were perfect, with a NE direction of winds averaging 20-25, and occasional gusts to 30!
 
The new bamboo composite carbon paddle was incredibly comfortable and the blade width, perfect. The smaller diameter, matte carbon finished shaft and friendly handle is a good combo. It was stable, allowed for a quick paddle entry and exit.

If you want to test-ride the Naish Glide or any other board, contact the Naish Maui Pro Center in Kahului:

http://www.naishmaui.com/
To contact Suzie : http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com
http://www.facebook.com/suzietrainsmaui


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
| Saturday May 15, 2010 9am – 6pm |
| 9am to 10:30am |
- |
SUP Race check-in at Maliko Gulch |
| 10:30am |
- |
Pule, opening blessing at Maliko Gulch |
| 11:00am |
- |
8 mile SUP Downwind Race, Maliko To Lae ‘Ula O Kai Canoe Club |
| 10am to 3pm |
- |
Free sailing canoe rides on Team OluKai’s sailing canoe Kamakakoa |
| 10am to 3pm |
- |
Free Hawaiian games hosted by Maui Cultural Lands |
| 3pm to 6pm |
- |
SUP awards, luau dinner, hula performances, and free live music from John Cruz at Lae ‘Ula O Kai Canoe club |
| Sunday, May 16, 2010 9am – 4pm |
| 9am to 10:30am |
- |
OC1 Race check-in at Maliko Gulch |
| 10:30am |
- |
Pule, opening blessing at Maliko Gulch |
| 11:00am |
- |
8 mile OC1 Downwind Race, Maliko to Lae ‘Ula O Kai Canoe Club |
| 10am to 3pm |
- |
Free sailing canoe rides on Team OluKai’s sailing canoe Kamakakoa |
| 10am to 3pm |
- |
Free Hawaiian games hosted by Maui Cultural Lands |
| 3pm to 4pm |
- |
OC1 awards |
Competition
| Stand Up Paddle Race Information |
| Race date - |
Saturday May 15, 2010 |
| Start time - |
11:00 am |
| Entry fee - |
Elite racer $100
Recreational racer $50 |
| Race start - |
Water start outside of Maliko Bay |
| Race finish - |
Beach run finish at Kanaha Beach in front of Lae ‘Ula O Kai Canoe Club |
| Race length - |
8 miles |
| Check-in - |
9am to 10:30am at Maliko Gulch parking area
- All racers recommended to arrive at least 1 hour before race begins.
- Photo identification required for check-in. |
|
|
|
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.
| Elite SUP Prize Money (gender equal) |
| |
| Elite SUP Male |
Elite SUP Female |
| 1st |
$1,500 |
| 2nd |
$750 |
| 3rd |
$600 |
| 4th |
$375 |
| 5th |
$300 |
| 6th |
$225 |
|
| 1st |
$1,500 |
| 2nd |
$750 |
| 3rd |
$600 |
| 4th |
$375 |
| 5th |
$300 |
| 6th |
$225 |
|
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 Age Groups |
| |
| Recreation SUP Open Male |
Recreation SUP Open Female |
| Under 18 |
| 18-29 |
| 30-39 |
| 40-49 |
| 50+ |
|
| Under 18 |
| 18-29 |
| 30-39 |
| 40-49 |
| 50+ |
|
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).
| Recreational SUP under 14’ Age Groups |
| |
| SUP under 14’ fixed fin Male |
SUP under 14’ fixed fin Female |
| Under 18 |
| 18-29 |
| 30-39 |
| 40-49 |
| 50+ |
|
| Under 18 |
| 18-29 |
| 30-39 |
| 40-49 |
| 50+ |
|
| OC1 Race Information |
| Race date - |
Sunday May 16, 2009 |
| Start time - |
11:00 am |
| Entry fee - |
Elite racer $100
Recreational racer $50 |
| Race start - |
Water start outside of Maliko Bay |
| Race finish - |
180 degree buoy turn to water finish at Kanaha Beach in front of Lae ‘Ula O Kai Canoe Club |
| Race length - |
8 miles |
| Check-in - |
9am to 10:30am at Maliko Gulch parking area
- All racers recommended to arrive at least 1 hour before race begins.
- Photo identification required for check-in. |
| Race Registration - |
There are three ways to register:
1. Register Online
2. Download PDF and fax to OluKai at (949) 315-3420 (949) 315-3420 (949) 315-3420 (949) 315-3420
3. Register at Neil Pryde, Maui
(400 Hana Hwy Kahului, HI 96732, (808)-877-7443 (808)-877-7443 (808)-877-7443 (808)-877-7443 ) |
Elite OC1 competitor- You identify yourself as an experienced and competitive waterman or waterwoman. Elite competitors qualify for prize money. No age group requirements.
| Elite OC-1 Prize Money (gender equal) |
| |
| Elite OC1 Male |
Elite OC1 Female |
| 1st |
$1,500 |
| 2nd |
$750 |
| 3rd |
$600 |
| 4th |
$375 |
| 5th |
$300 |
| 6th |
$225 |
|
| 1st |
$1,500 |
| 2nd |
$750 |
| 3rd |
$600 |
| 4th |
$375 |
| 5th |
$300 |
| 6th |
$225 |
|
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.
| Recreational OC1 Age Groups |
| |
| Recreational OC1 Male |
Recreational OC1 Female |
| Under 18 |
| 18-29 |
| 30-39 |
| 40-49 |
| 50+ |
|
| Under 18 |
| 18-29 |
| 30-39 |
| 40-49 |
| 50+ |
|
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.
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