We are reporting on a 30-week program of preparing to do one of the more challenging down-wind runs of our SUP career, from Maliko Gulch to Kanaha. A few weeks ago we jump-started our exposure to the down wind training options in Maui by reserving a trip in early December. That’s just 6 weeks away! Holy cow – we won’t have our much-anticipated toned abs and solid cardio base of training established by then. We’ll be close to the same 63 year-olds we are right now. What if our trainer, Suzie Cooney or others who are encouraging us take a look and think, “You’re kidding?”

Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui using a Go Pro to record her Maliko Gulch down winder on the Naish Glide 14′

For one, we’re pretty darn excited to be using Naish Glides, (12’6″ for me and 14′ for Ed) for some down wind practice runs in the Kihei Pier to Makena landing on the south side of Maui.  Of course we’ll be taking photos and maybe even some video.  We know a number of the Naish SUP team riders (Chuck, Kai, Suzie and Karen) casually, but enough to know their elite and honed training status. We wondered, will our experience and stories be top-quality enough?  How about photos of non-elite not-ready- for-prime-time US?

What a silly line of thinking all that was.  All of us are works in progress. In fact, just when you plan out a time frame for something, new opportunities and challenges always open up on the horizon. Ed and I are doing our 30-weeks of training as a focus on the Olukai Ho’olaule’a event in May.  Immediately afterward it will be summer in Oregon with all sorts of fun paddle opportunities, trips, events and fun with friends. As September swings around, it’s time for the Battle of the Paddle and some cool distance race excitement.  The adventure of staying fit enough to enjoy what standup paddling and surfing has become for us at this stage of life is a constant journey. We are truly going to be a work in progress for a long time.

As George Bernard Shaw says, “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”  Probably much more important than seeking a solid 6-pack abs or a certain BMI is the week to week process of moving toward who and what we’d like to create in ourselves.

Many of our readers are regular athletes, simply enjoying standup paddling as one of the coolest hobbies ever. Like us, they enjoy having an incredible access to the ocean, lakes, streams and bays via a great board and a top-quality paddle. Being prepared for the wind, waves, currents and weather – very important. Staying fit and flexible (mentally and physically) through the on-going training we all need = priceless.

Here’s a map of one run we’ll be enjoying on our Naish Glides this December – where’s your next adventure?

We’d love to hear what you’re doing to stay ready for all the SUP fun on your calendar. Just e-mail us and we’ll share your story and your website here at Elder SUP.