Suzie Trains Maui BLOG

Full Moon Paddle on Maui August 24, 2010:

photo by Simone Reddingius

     Thanks everyone for coming out and showing your Aloha and braving the waters under the moon.  It was simply amazing as the moon was rising behind us, looking back at the paddlers with their green glow sticks!  Even the Mels showed up all the way from Haiku!

photo by Simone Reddingius Full Moon Paddle August 24 2010

There were shooting stars and a little bump on the water for a little night surf action!

A special thanks to Simone Reddingius for capturing these killer shots, to Jeremy Riggs and Randy Rouse for leading the pack and to Kyle Ellison and Donny for sweeping and keeping an eye on he group on the water. Deb Driscoll is not allowed to have more than one glow stick..    Ha Ha. 

Next time, maybe a little more water time and a beginner group? 

Join us next time in September!  Stayed tuned and join us for an amazing experience!

Here are some more photos by Simone:

photo by Simone Reddingius

photo by Simone Reddingius

photo by Simone Reddingius

Kihei Full Moon Paddle photo by Simone Reddingiusphoto by Simone Reddingiusphoto by Simone Reddingiusphoto by Simone Reddingius

photo by Simone Reddingiusphoto by Simone Reddingiusphoto by Simone Reddingiusphoto by Simone Reddingius

photo by Simone Reddingius

Come one come all for this fun, casual, social paddle on Maui!   Canoe or SUP under the full moon, meet new friends and enjoy a new experience.   Very casual and we meet at sunset. Look for the two tiki torches.

(weather permitting)

Glo sticks provided to first 70 people.

Click here for location: http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com/events-clinics/

Any questions, call me at 808-283-2121      Suzie

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.

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

Congrats to all the finishers and entrants on an exciting and inspiring 27 mile crossing!

Mormaii – Pailolo Channel Crossing – Standups

Here are some pre race photos taken by Maui Photographer, Simone Reddingius:

Maui to Molokai

Water Entry

Suzie Cooney Joins the Naish Team

Naish has recently signed team rider Suzie Cooney, Maui’s most recognized personal trainer. Suzie uses SUP as a training tool and a way to inspire people toward a healthy lifestyle. She has sponsors and supporters such as ATHLETA, Kaenon Polarizedand, OluKai Premium Footwear, and the American Heart Association. Check out Suzie’s website and blog and watch for upcoming clinics, coupons and physical fitness tips. Welcome aboard, Suzie!

You can see Suzie’s website and blog at:

http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com

http://www.standuppaddlingfitness.com/

Join her Face Book Page:

http://www.facebook.com/suzietrainsmaui

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

http://www.suziemodelsmaui.com/promotional_reel.html

Suzie Cooney – a private fitness specialist offers training in many areas to include: Fitness Training, Performance Enhancement, Corrective Exercise, and Sports Rehabilitation. Suzie’s knowledge and education is widespread and offers cutting edge training techniques to clients to enhance their work out sessions. Suzie is committed to her clients and field continually furthering her knowledge. Please check out Suzie’s new modeling reel. Yes, not only is Suzie a personal fitness expert but, she’s also a model.  Please feel free to click on the above link to watch her latest modeling reel where she shows her skills while Windsurfing, Stand-up Paddling and motocross riding and galmour!

Suzie Cooney is a certified fitness trainer through NASM. SUP Coach for FREE women’s clinics. She is sponsored by Kaenon Polarized, Paddles by KIALOA and a feature athlete for ATHLETA  check out: http://www.athleta.net/chi/featured-athletes/suzie-cooney/    She also rides with Big GUN Exhaust Systems

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

http://www.suziemodelsmaui.com

All media inquireies please contact:

Laster-Heathman Media               415.999.1944        

E -Mail: diane@lasterheathman.com
For more information on Suzie Cooney please check out her website at: http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com or contact her at               (808)  283-2121

The New Wave of Balance Training:

See Athleta’s Featured Chi Article here: http://www.athleta.net/chi/2010/04/15/the-new-wave-of-balance-training/

Suzie Cooney • Apr 15th, 2010 • Category: Gym+Training, Tips From a Pro