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Inspire Clean Rivers: Youth Video Voice

Posted on June 26, 2014 by Water Words

Got video camera, phone or GoPro? Want to go to the Jack Johnson concert in Bend, OR on August 24? Well here’s a contest that get you in the running for TWO FREE TICKETS!

If you love the water – oceans, bays, lakes and rivers – you want to do what you can to keep them clean and healthy. Your 1-2 minute video can show us all how YOU’D keep the Deschutes River clean and clear of beer bottles, flip flops, cans, and any sort of trash. Many groups have organized around the goal of keeping rivers and streams healthy. In Central Oregon we are exceptionally fortunate. We have had incredible river restoration, monitoring and youth education driven and inspired by the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council (UDWC). Now the UDWC has a contest that let’s YOU be part of the solution.

How would YOU inspire others to keep the Deschutes River clean – video ideas? Jack Johnson tickets? Yeah!

The annual impact of their educational programs is beyond measure in terms on connecting youth to the environment, culture and sense of place our local waters provide. “The staff and volunteers continuously create programs and youth opportunities that celebrate every aspect of learning about our rivers and streams from writing to science to the arts.

Now for the FUN PART! Here are links to the UDWC “Keep the Deschutes River Clean” video contest. Be serious, funny, cute and clever in a 1-2 minute video, submit before August 1 and you have a chance to win 2 tickets to the Jack Johnson concert. PARENTS – you know you want to go to this sold out concert as much as your video-savvy kids do – so light a creative fire in them, take then to the river and hand them your iPhone – it’s gonna be fun.

The contest is open to all ages, read the rules and start filming, singing, dancing, cleaning the river, floating, paddling, fishing and making a great story.

Video Contest Submission Form and Rules
Video Contest Flyer 3

“Times Like These” by Jack Johnson
(We can change “what will be” by inspiring a clean river!)

In times like these
In times like those
What will be will be
And so it goes
And it always goes on and on…
On and on it goes

Molokai 2 Maui: Train with Peggy King

Posted on June 22, 2014 by Water Words

Peggy King has put in the training and downwind miles needed for the downwind racing season (photo credit: Jeff Chang)

July 12, 2014 – Peggy King will be on the starting line ready for the Maui to Molokai SUP race. This event, which begins in Honolua Bay, covers a stretch of water often described as “The Best Downwind Run On The Planet.” With her 60th birthday in the rear view mirror, Peggy King’s M2M training had been well-planned and solid. She feels ready for her second solos M2M.

We had a blast at the 2014 Olukai!

I ran into Peggy at the start of the 2014 Olukai Ho’olaule’a. She looked fit and with 20 fewer pounds on her lean frame she was an inspiration to me! Curious about her training (and ready for some lean muscle and more endurance) I asked her to share some details.

Peggy King’s Training Summary: My training for this event was planned and actually started way back in September of 2013. My main focus was on improving my overall fitness and accomplishing some weight loss( 20 lbs since July 13!) The strategy included attending classes at Crossfit Upcountry Maui 3-4x per week.

I am not a nutrition expert, I simply used common sense. For example, my diet plan began with the eradication of a favorite – Triscuits and cheese. It was the start of a few habits changes that made a big difference. Diet was rounded out with meats,veggies fruits, and what we all know is important, less sugar, processed food, and alcohol. Portion control is the magic. Athletes need water – so I was more conscious of that.

Time on the water is Peggy’s favorite training routine (photo credit: Jeff Chang)

My XFit class formed a training base that I supplemented with SUP surfing, uphill walking with my dogs, and some double exercise sessions to mimic the time and intensity of e what is required on a double Maliko Run. It was important for me to include scheduled rest days! When I’m tired I overeat, am clumsy and risk getting hurt! Noooo! I do not want an injury.

Paddle season is upon us now- I did some of the Kahului Harbor circles in calm water- not fun! I am aiming for a double Maliko run at least 1 x per week. Since February, I have been doing downwinders to the Kahului Harbor(not just ending my Maliko runs at Kanaha) 4-5x per week.

Falling during the M2M not only wastes a lot of time, but also energy. Paddling upwind into a body of water in the nasty wind is important- and a skill required for M2O( I’m not doing that one!) and M2M. After paddling 26 + miles of open ocean when you are tired it is necessary to have a solid base of skills and endurance.

Jeff Chang from the Wet Feet company took Peggy on the Hawaii Kai Run while she was on Oahu last week

Jeremy Riggs has helped me with my down-winding and paddling skills for 2+ years now,”being my chaperon” when conditions were really windy and nasty. As a result,my confidence has improved tremendously. I also sought out some wonderful coaching on my paddle stroke from David Kalama. I love and respect both these guys so much!

Since paddle/ downwind season has started, I’ve been challenged with the tiredness overeating/ training syndrome,but it’s getting better as my body adjusts to this workload! This is not easy for a 61 year old post menopausal broad like me.

I’m feeling both anxious and excited now as M2M approaches. I want to improve my time and qualify as a finisher sooo bad. They let me through last year at 5:34 although I fell a lot the last 5 miles. I did a fair race. This means I didn’t cheat by going to my knees or sitting down.

I am much more prepared mentally and physically this year. Who knows what the conditions will bring. It could be light or 45 mph! I could be “yard sale” falling across the channel! I’d like to think with all my training and weight loss I’ll do better than that! Fingers crossed and hope for the best.”

We wish the same for you, Peggy! (Note from Elder SUP- I have taken a clinic from Paddle with Riggs and you can too! Launches your skills to an entirely new level)

SUP Lessons from Seat 2

Posted on June 19, 2014 by Water Words

Timing and “The Catch”

That sound when the catch just doesn’t catch, that “gurgle.” Something about that sound screams, “Wrong!”

During standup paddling, as we work on technique, getting the catch solid is a direct driver of our speed and power. While a great coach and lots of water time can provide improvement, really refining the catch is a long term commitment. In order not to get bad habits, consistent feedback is a must. When I train for standup paddle races and events I do my best to get the stroke right, but what is missing is a constant feedback loop so only my good technique and habits stick.

When reach, the power stroke and a hasty return is perfect in timing, the feel and the sound is pure music and synchronicity. While we can practice these parts of the stroke while standup paddling, every aspect of our technique is even more easily analyzed while paddling with your team in an OC-6. A team provides feedback on so many levels: feel, tips and visual cues from others.

I have had the good fortune to paddle in Seat Two behind one of our more experienced team members, Lisa Jakubowski, as she brings us through a practice as stroke in Seat One. We don’t talk while training but recently she mentioned how she was trying to refine her stroke to avoid the “plunks” and “gurgles.” Being so close behind her, mimicking her style and technique, working on timing the best i could, I decided to work to eliminate the gurgle as well.

Focusing on the one thing was amazing. It began with watching her upper arm and shoulder as she moved through her power and return phase. As if we were connected, my upper arm/shoulder attached to hers. I began to get some solid timing, great for seat 4 and 6 to follow.

Next I matched her hip rotation, working to drive with my forward foot and hip at the exact same time that she did. Mid way through our 10-mile training drills she mentioned, “When I really drive with my hip, rather than over – reaching with my upper body, I actually get an ideal amount of shoulder rotation. That results in a greater reach. I pause that nano-second at the reach then make sure i get a solid catch.” (Here is a great coaching video from KIALOA Paddles ‘Elele Luke Evslin – coaching Lisa Jakubowski. Thanks to Lisa for sharing it)

Lisa gave me a few tips on how to “feel” that perfect moment between momentum and power when the catch can be ideally executed. At that moment the canoe seems to be moving with exquisite smoothness. The paddle matches the speed of the boat. As I began the return with my paddle I gave a gentle punch with my lower arm. This momentum opened my joints and stretched my muscles.

The energy of following the action of Lisa in front of me and the timing of the entire team in the canoe fed my ability to maintain speed, power and intensity as needed for all 4 laps of our 2.5 loop on the Deschutes River.

Luke Evslin demonstrates the REACH

KIALOA Paddles ‘Elele Luke Evslin demonstrates the Catch

All SUP is Yoga

Posted on June 12, 2014 by Water Words

In the moment with Amber Patrick, owner of Groove Yoga Bend (http://www.grooveyogabend.com/)

Yoga is meant to meet your needs day by day and moment by moment. Practice should reflect what you are trying to bring into balance at the time whether it is body, mind or spirit.

If you’ve spent the day staring at the computer, your body may yearn for an energizing, active practice. If you’ve spent the day hiking, you may decide a soft, restorative practice is in order.

Grace and balamce with Gillian Gibree, owner of Paddle Into Fitness http://paddleintofitness.com/

Grace and balance with Gillian Gibree, owner of Paddle Into Fitness http://paddleintofitness.com/

As a standup paddler, you are likely familiar with the fast-growing practice of SUP Yoga. Practicing poses while on a standup board is art in action.

In the truest sense of “yoga practice,” a different approach is also possible. Once you SUP, your body, mind and spirit are connected like never before. The paddling stroke delivers a rhythmic burst of exercise endorphins and release of adrenaline. As water flows by beneath your board, tickling your toes, the nervous system calms down. Subtle demands for balance and being centered call for constant adjustments. Many call SUP a great core exercise. In fact, it is a practice that can soothe you to your core existence. All SUP can be practiced in a manner that delivers many benefits of yoga even if you never execute a downward dog or Uttanasana (forward bend).

Have you ever been practicing stillness while in Child’s Pose as your mind raced, thoughts tumbled or an achy “this or that” distracted? Have you ever experienced an instructor whose voice led you through a guided path to calming, focus, and a quiet meditative state? If so, you have a solid understanding of what Power of Presence SUP (P2SUP) can provide.

Imagine yourself standing on your SUP board, paddle in hand, ready for a paddle across a lake, up a river, through ocean ripples or a glassy bay. Imagine being able to put your earphones on and connecting that ordinary paddle to a powerful mind-spirit guided practice. If this sounds intriguing, simply fill out our CONTACT form, ask your questions and join in.

SUP Yoga: Power of Presence

Posted on June 9, 2014 by Water Words

Beyond the pose – P2SUP connects to your mindful presence and power of attention

What if you could incorporate some powerful aspects of a yoga practice while standing and paddling the traditional SUP way? While your body moves with powerful, rhythmic and continuous paddling strokes your mind and spirit can engage in the sort of meditation and mindfulness that enhances a yoga practice. We invite you to explore Power of Presence SUP (P2SUP)

Serenity via SUP Yoga (credit Bowen Island Sea Kayaking)

No matter where you live, if there is water there will be standup paddling. The same goes for SUP Yoga. There are hundreds of well-trained instructors leading beautiful classes for all abilities. Why do SUP yoga? There are so many reasons.

Ideally, when we do yoga on the water, we can let go of control or wanting to execute poses perfectly. At any moment, the wind or current can change everything. Whether you practice yoga the traditional way (on land) or enjoy SUP Yoga, we invite you explore a different practice – one we call Power of Presence SUP (P2SUP).

The power of presence delivers many benefits even if my Triangle pose is less than stellar

What is Power of Presence SUP (P2SUP)? Presence is a noun, not a verb; it is a state of being, not doing. Our moments on the water, on our boards while engaged in the joy of paddling are precious. To generate the most benefit and to consciously savor the experience you can enhance your SUP with “the power of presence.”

P2SUP is a series of articles and (eventually downloadable podcasts) that will guide your SUP experience. Our attitude, perspective and mindfulness designs our experience. With P2SUP we gain more than strength and flexibility of body as we paddle- our mind and spirit develop new perspective and focus. Be present and breathe!

P2SUP was inspired by my yoga practice, but does not include traditional SUP Yoga poses or movement. Come explore!

Clean Water for Years: For Pennies

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Water Words

No matter how advanced the water treatment systems in most cities might be, as we travel we often come across water that just tastes -ugh! But for the most part, we can be confident that the water is safe to drink.

Today 6,500 people will die because they lack clean water. 4,100 of them are children. While we may not be able to help them all, it makes a HUGE difference in the lives of the ones we are able to help. One group actively seeking and delivering solutions helping people with life’s most basis need. WATERisLIFE! – See more

Far from the third world countries plagued by lack of clean water, WATERisLIFE collaborated with scientists at Carnegie Mellon and the University of Virginia to seek technology that could make a dramatic impact. The result is a revolutionary Drinkable Book, created by Dr. Theresa Dankovich. One book can provide a person clean drinking water for 4 years! Check out this short video demonstrating how the Drinkable Book will have great impact in the developing world. (Full video below)

Important highlights about the book:

costs only cents to make
each filter can sustain a person for 30 days
each book contains enough filters to sustain a person for 4 years
bacteria count reduced by 99%, making previously contaminated water of equivalent quality to U.S. tap water
filters and kills waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid and E. coli.

SUP Racing – The Power of Confidence

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Water Words

Confident and ready to do the Olukai Ho’olaule’a with my 12’6″ Naish Glide, my KIALOA rash guard and Sweet Waterwear Women’s Pro Elite Performance tights

The unknown – it’s exciting, scary and often avoided. In 2012 while reading a blog post by Suzie Cooney (certified personal trainer – Suzie Trains Maui) I heard about an open ocean, down wind race event. It was the Olukai Ho’olaule’a – and Suzie inspired us to give the 3 mile “fun race” a try.

We were hooked after the fun race (luau, music, sailing on the Olukai sailing canoe and the spirit of aloha) and started training for the 2013 full Olukai Ho’olule’a run from Maliko Gulch to Kanaha Beach Park.

The conditions for the 2013 event were the worst(according to many locals) in the five years the event had been run. Winds was light or from wrong directions and the swells were breaking huge on the inner reefs. Deep ocean swells were coming chaotically from directions that didn’t invite an easy connection of glides.

I was riding the Naish Glide 14′ (27 1/4 inches wide) after a week of practice. It was rocket fast and – for my skills – something I could handle in consistent friendly small swells, but not THAT DAY. Yup, I was in the water a LOT! Just the same the experience was exhilarating and I could hardly wait for the 2014 event. (video here)

Blue hat is me at the N1SCO World Championships in 2013 (Lake Las Vegas)

Here’s where confidence made all the difference. Living in Oregon, far from Maui and the type of conditions I selected for my favored racing environment, many resources allowed me to be fully prepared for absolute fun and my best Maliko run to date. I continued to train with motivation and advice, stories and smiles from Suzie Cooney. The team at Naish Maui Pro Center listened to my adventure with the 14′ race board and helped me select the 12’6″ Naish Glide for this year’s Olukai Ho’olaulea. The video below shows highlights. I was confident, stable and caught dozens upon dozens of swells and glides. After almost a year riding and paddling, catching waves and racing on my inflatable 12’6″ Naish ONE I hit the water ready for fun!

The wind was more fresh (Yay) than expected and it was a headwind workout to get to the starting line. I put my head done and started cranking up my speed to get there in time for the start. Confidence-builder = hearing the cool, calm voice of Suzie Cooney who’s always ready to share her expertise on the water. “Slow down, stay calm, and save your energy for the event,” she said with a grin.

And before I knew it, we were off – and it was SO MUCH FUN. I placed better than I expected among the top 30 women – and what’s more. I gained so much confidence that my next down wind races will be on the newly designed Naish Glide 14.0 GS. Locally I can rent one from Big Winds for the Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge and reserve one on Maui at the Naish Maui Pro Center. Read more on 5 Steps to Build YOUR Racing Confidence.

5 Steps to Building SUP Racing Confidence (Click for Full Article)

5 ways to Build SUP Racing Confidence

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Water Words

If you want to be a writer – write! If you want to gain confidence in racing – race! Here’s a short list that can help, especially if you live far from the sort of water you’ll be racing in and if you will need to rent top-quality equipment for the event.

1. Practice on the equipment you will be using for the event – I went from using an 11’3″ all round SUP board to using a 14′ Naish Glide (the 2013 27 1/4″ wide 14.0 foot Glide). I got to Maui 6 days before the 2013 Olukai Ho’olaule’a and went directly to the Naish Maui Pro Center where Coach and Jay listened to what my husband, Ed, and I wanted to do. With every type of SUP surf and race board available for rent, they analyzed our skills in order to match us with what we could handle. A half hour later we were headed to the water with the 14′ Glides on the roof of the rental car.

Hours of practice on that equipment gave us both an eye-opener (27 1/4 inches demands a new balance skills!) and time to gain confidence on the boards we would be using in our Maliko run event. (see the story that explains why I chose the Naish 12’6″ Glide for the down wind event this year and why I will be riding the newly designed Naish Glide 14.0 GX or GS for my down wind events moving forward).

We had a hundred questions and they had both the answers and the patience to share with us even though we were in town for just a week. Find the local team with that degree of customer service and expertise.

2. Plan ahead and talk to experts you can trust – The moment we completed our practice “fun” short Olukai Ho’olaule’a event in 2012 we began planning for the full 2013 event. Completing that event let us know where the “holes” in our skill set were. We started planning for the 2014 event immediately. Having the resource of Steve Gates and the team at Big Winds in Hood River, Oregon is awesome. We participated in their downwind clinic with Jeremy Riggs and gained more time on the 14′ Naish Glide.

Elite racer (and overall women’s winner) Fiona Wylde and friend ready for Naish ONE fun

At the Naish Gorge Paddle Challenge in August 2013 we were able to try the Naish ONE, the inflatable 12′ 6″ SUP board. Thanks to Charlie Burwell and the Naish team members on site, particularly Chuck Patterson, we saw how versatile and absolutely cool the Naish ONEs were (and bought 2 of them!)

Over the year leading to the 2014 Olukai Ho’olaule’a we communicated often with Coach and Jay at the Naish Maui Pro Center planning which board we should rent for the event. Since we were spending so much time on our Naish ONE boards we decided to use the 12’6″ Glide. Our goal was to stay on the board (talk about ultimate stability and glides!) and not worry so much about speed.

After the event we were able to reflect on the experience with Jay an determine that the newly designed Naish Glide 14’0″ GX and GS is going to be the board for us – as our skills dictate, for the 2015 event. The newly designed Glide is 29 1/4 inches wide which will give a sweet stability along with the speed we want. Luckily, Steve Gates at Big Winds has reserved that exact board for us to use for the August 2014 Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge. We plan to do some down wind training runs with his clinic leaders.

Find your local experts and experts at your travel destination. It makes all the difference in confidence.

3. Practice in conditions similar to your event – Living in Oregon’s high desert does not provide lots of opportunity to practice in the conditions that Mother Nature delivers in open ocean down wind races. We are fortunate to be able to travel about a 3-hour drive to get similar challenges in the mighty Columbia River.

When we need to be more local we check the weather report for windy days on local lakes and reservoirs. Four friends, two cars and a shuttle plan can provide a great day of fun – and the practice we need.

Suzie Cooney (CPT) of Suzie Trains Maui lives the training advice she shares both on Maui and online.

4. Train for the demands of the event -Winter! What a perfect excuse to forego paddling and take up couch surfing (Noooo!), skiing or snowshoeing. If you are serious about your paddling technique – paddle. If you are serious about your strength, endurance, flexibility, balance and speed – get a trainer who paddles. We have an area in our garage filled with TRX equipment, Indo boards and a spin bike. We fear we would not be either skilled at how to train or motivated to stay with it without the inspiration of Suzie Cooney. Check her blog for examples.

5. Leave your expectations at the door – Every event delivers as much of an adrenaline rush as it delivers a chance to connect with like minded SUP athletes. SUP is unique in that you are right there in the watery “arena” with the most elite paddlers in the world – so often. We compete in the most beautiful waters on the planet. Sometimes the sun doesn’t shine or the wind blows snot or the temps drop to some crazy cold level, but if we show up, compete and finish then we win. We win the fodder for “talk story” and plans for next time. As Connor Baxter says, “Always have fun and never give up.” That works for me!

Kahului – Home Away from Home

Posted on May 17, 2014 by Water Words

There is a powerful, magical magnetism that draws surfers and ocean lovers to the North Shore of Maui in the winter. An equally strong pull brings paddlers, standup racers, wind and kite-boarders in the summer. All year long the beaches and local surf breaks are alive with adventures for both athletes and beach-goers.

We recently had our third stay at the Courtyard Maui Kahului Airport – our home away from home during the 2014 Olukai Ho’olaule’a. It’s located on the shores of paradise right off the runway – convenient, modern, impeccable and quiet. This Maui airport hotel features the latest, contemporary Courtyard hotel design and exclusive amenities.

Our Courtyard “home away from home” has much more than the top quality accommodations and service we surfers, SUP paddlers and water athletes need to really live the aloha spirit of the islands. The moment you enter the stunning lobby, fine art images and decor surround the senses. How can it be that each staff member we encountered had a ready smile, efficient skills and in-depth local knowledge. We had so many dining experiences at “off the beaten path” restaurants filled with more locals than visitors.

The perfect place to kick back to relax, enjoy a beverage and talk-story as the sun sets

In addition, we enjoyed a few beers by the outside fire pit chatting with other guests. Breakfast in the Courtyard Bistro? Easy, quick and delicious!

After a day at the beach or in the surf nothing feels better than a good, hot shower. We enjoyed the elegant, modern facilities, plush towels and – when we fell into bed at the end of great days – high count, crisp sheets and comfortable bedding.

The hallway near our room

Yes, for convenience, great location, value and a place to live the aloha life during your stay on Maui’s North Shore give the Courtyard Maui Kahului a call.

Breakfast is easy and delicious – and surrounding environment sets the tone for ocean fun

SUP Lessons from Seat One

Posted on May 3, 2014 by Water Words

Yesterday most of the paddling I did was going for a wave – and did I ever catch a ton of them. There was an offshore wind and no organized swell, but the warm water of Oahu’s Waikiki break called Four’s was all fun.

Well, it was all fun until my husband, Ed, wiped out from a steep takeoff. The powerful off shore wind caught the edge of his board and flipped it fins up just as he hit. The gashing bruises delivered enough pain and swelling to keep him out of the water today.

A sweet south swell meandered in by 7 am and the wind was about as calm as we could wish for. I didn’t have the heart to take the SUP surfboard out while Ed couldn’t paddle, so I decided to do a solid 4 miles on my Naish ONE.

That’s where the “SUP Lesson from Seat One” made itself known.I took the first 1/4 mile to warm up a bit,weaving through the low tide reefs. Using what I learned from SEAT FIVE (article here) rotation, catch and driving my board forward rather than pulling my paddle back was my mantra.

The water was so glassy that I easily got into a groove. As my Naish ONE gained speed and glide I noticed my stroke BPM increased. As I moved through the water with acceleration, I noticed that it was too easy to miss the catch and let my paddle slide without any real power though the water. What was going on?

Then I remembered. Just last Monday night at Bend Oregon Outrigger Canoe Club practice I was in Seat One. A very similar situation played itself out as we went 70% of race speed for 8 minutes, then 80% for 4 minutes then 90% for 4 minutes. As stroke person I had to work hard to make sure I maintained a solid catch even as paddle strokes per minute increased.

No one would be better to remind me of what to do than the steersman, Jason Tedrow. A skilled and versatile water athlete and rabid competitor, Jason coaches with purpose (to catch the canoe in front of us and get to the highest speed we can maintain).

After each pyramid of percent of race effort he would critique our technique and remind us-

Keep your stroke up front and lively
Maintain your catch
Rotate from the hips and drive the boat forward
Timing, timing, timing

As the hotels of Waikiki whipped by in my peripheral vision, as I worked to stay steady and balanced. Sideways swells reached for my ankles I recalled the lessons from Seat One!

The bow wake of my Naish ONE invited a paddle stroke pace that was much quicker than my usual. My reach and catch was a rotation and drive combination. The faster my board went the more quick and sharp were my paddle strokes. Before I knew it I was turning at Diamond Head for the return 2 miles.

This practice delivered some solid cardio intervals and a huge measure of stoke! Headwinds greeted me on the return trip and I was getting fatigued. This was a perfect scenario for another “Lesson from Seat One.” When we were doing those sprinting pyramids I was often feeling “too tired to go another exchange.” Yet, focusing on the voice of the Seat 3 “Hut, Ho” and the encouragement of the steersman we all remained calm and maintained speed. I did that same thing as I worked fast and steady back into the wind.

Who knew it could be outrigger practice that refined me into a better SUP paddler!

Elder SUP

Connecting Across Generations and Oceans

Author Archives: Water Words