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