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What is Elite SUP?

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A great athlete is more than just the sum of their attributes. A great athlete brings something beyond the average to their sport. Not too long ago I wrote an article about Steve Gates Of Big Winds, a top notch shop in Hood River , Oregon. Established in the Columbia River Gorge in Hood River, Oregon in 1987, Big Winds is one of the largest windsurfing, kiteboarding and stand up paddleboarding product and accessory stores in the United States. Their staff members are experienced players who are passionate about their sports and equipment and ready to offer expert advice. In addition to an enormous rental/demo fleet for all skill levels, ourwindsurfing and stand up paddleboarding school is one of the best in the Pacific Northwest and our lesson programs include kids camps, junior camps, and private and group lessons for men and women of all ages.

One of the JET-Big Winds Junior Elite Team pleased with her race!

One thing not mentioned in a description of Big Winds is the passionate and inspiring, Steve Gates. There were many incredible moments at the 2012 Columbia River Gorge Challenge, but among my favorites were moments watching Steve interact with his JET- Junior Elite Team  members. Even though circumstances kept Steve on shore instead of out on the river for the event, he was an integral part of every aspect from start to finish. Each time I spotted on of the JET signature orange shirt (see picture at right) Steve was usually who they sought out.

One of the jet athletes in particular had just finished the course race on Saturday. He raced from the water and through the finish line, made a hard left and jogged down to the beach where Steve was watching the event. High fives and smiles, hands actively pointing out something on the course, the two were immersed in an exciting recount of an event that was obviously cool and meaningful to both. This sort of connection was clear throughout the entire event. Steve’s commitment to the teens’ development through SUP was heart warming to observe.

If you didn’t know who Steve was as he quietly supported every aspect of the event through both days, you might have missed him as he wasn’t decked in the bright orange of his team.  

Steve Gates engaged is all aspects of the Gorge Paddle Challenge from start to finish and months of training for his JET athletes.

Steve Gates who realized an idea for the Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge into a great happening is a terrific example of an elite athlete in the sport. No matter what his expertise and abilities have generated as far as his own athletic accomplishments, his commitment to developing the youth of Hood River toward their best potential inspires the word, “elite” as one description of Steve.

We’ve written before about the “grinnin’ and giving” among SUP leaders, Steve is right there with them. His ready smile and endless bounty of commitment to the sport we love inspires.

What inspires Steve you might ask, “I am inspired by everyone who is trying to make our planet a better place for everybody.”

Teach a newbie to SUP if you have a chance, notice who’s giving time and coaching to your local younger athletes. There’s something for all of us to contribute toward making our planet a better place – one gesture at a time.

Radiating Insights and SUP Aloha

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I live in Oregon and have had the good fortune to meet Karen Wrenn a few times. From those experiences I recognized that on top of being an incredible athlete and a stellar Mom, she is extraordinarily giving when it comes to what she’s learned through SUP. So I follow her blog, and follow her posts on Facebook.  You may want to as well.

Karen Wrenn introducing her group to proper paddle technique. Photo by Ed Shasek

Just last week at the Naish Gorge Paddle Challenge we arrived on Friday just in time to attend the Positively Kai Grom Clinic.  There, nearly engulfed by several dozen eager pre-teens was smiling, calm Karen.  Kids at that age can behave like a herd of cats, but they remained focused and attentive throughout the land training. Parents hovering around the edges seemed particularly pleased when Karen made sure the kids got their PDFs or borrowed one for water time. One worried mom pulled Karen to the side, hands holding tight on your young son’s shoulders. After a few moments’ conversation, with a smile, the mom handed off the boy who no longer seemed so hesitant. Confidence at each step of the way seemed to be the theme.

With the clinic on Friday, a course race on Saturday and a blustery down wind run on Sunday every on of the top athletes had plenty on their plates. Just the same, Karen took some time to answer my questions about what would be my very first experience on the Columbia River. I haven’t determined what race board to buy just yet and have only about 4 lake races using a 12’6″ Hobie or Amundson. Steve Gates had already hooked me on the benefits of using a race board like the Naish Glides he carries at Big Winds.  As a Naish team rider, Karen showed me why she chose the Glide as well.

I had never been in the Columbia River, not had I ever paddled any board larger than 12 feet long. I asked Karen, “Would it be crazy for me to use my 11’3″ Amundson surfboard in the conditions we’ll have in Sunday? Will I be like dead last, or crazy slow?” The winds were expected to be 30-40 mph and i was freaking out more than a little.

That was the beginning of a valuable conversation. I learned where to go on the river and what to do should a barge come along. (A HUGE double barge did send me almost to the Washington side of the river)  She explained the sort of swells I might encounter and how to surf them to connect the most glides. Best of all, her easy assessment of my ability to not only do the race but also enjoy it gave me one more level of confidence.  Cool too, was being able to watch Karen’s technique in the course race, rounding marks, planting her paddle for the “catch” and using her legs and core. And did her Glide ever “gliiiiiiiide!”

Karen Wrenn rounds the bay buoy in the Naish Gorge Paddle Challenge course race. Photo by Ed Shasek

I guess it all added up. Holy cow! I am solidly addicted to the sort of conditions we had on the Gorge Paddle Challenge downwinder. Totally jazzed I can’t wait to get back there to do it again – Summer 2013.

It hadn’t been too long ago that the ultimate SUP race, the Molokai 2 Oahu race took place. I have been a swimming, sailing, surfing, ocean person since birth and crossing big ocean expanses (with safety and support) has been a dream. (I wrote about that dream in an earlier blog)  Could I ever train enough in this seventh decade of life to manage that? Deliriously I thought – maybe?

With further insight I realize that the novice attempting that crossing – in or out of that event- would be somewhat disrespectful to the power of that channel and the esteem of the challenge. Karen wrote a powerful blog about Molokai 2 Oahu not too long ago. The article wove the challenge with the tradition. It underscored the dedication and training commitment the athletes who successfully cross the channel have invested.

I know that the Molokai 2 Oahu will always be what it has been to me – a dream. But it is also a window to what the top athletes in SUP can do. In my own way, at my own level I can be my best by keeping personal abilities in perspective. Training as much as I can as wisely as I can toward the events that make sense for me might be more fulfilling than chasing a dream.

Karen Wrenn with her signature smile racing to the finish.

Thanks to the athletes like Karen, Candice Appleby, Brit Oliphant and Suzie Cooney we can all aspire to our best. Follow their blogs, see what they dedicate to the sport through Facebook and YouTube video. Be the best YOU can be and celebrate the journey. Smile!

Positively Kai: Inspiring Youth

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Kai demonstrating proper arm position. Every one in the group had a chance for one on one technique guidance. Photo by Ed Shasek

We were fortunate to arrive at the 2012 Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge a day early, in time to watch one of the youngest elite standup paddlers hosting his Positively Kai Grom Clinic.  Kai Lenny had a great weekend winning both the course and the downwind races – and the waterman award. If you had been there to wander around amidst the 200+ kids and parents participating in and observing the clinic you may have formed your own idea about who won what!

One of the youngest SUPers with one of the many volunteers

We usually think of a sports leader as one who has had decades of experience. Often, the time to actively share expertise with the younger generation occurs after the athlete has reached a certain level of age and maturity. Not so in the case of 19 year old Kai. He and friends, including Chuck Patterson and Karen Wrenn (all Nasih team riders)among others, staged a remarkable day long event. Some of the paddlers, even as young as 4 years old, had never paddled before. No problem. All were brought up to the level that allowed independence for a casual race on  a hot and fairly calm day on the Columbia River.

It’s hard to know how many of the 200 participants came away newly excited about standup paddling and how many might be inspired to continue to hone their skills.  In a time when kids often admire their sports heroes from a distance it’s great to watch the youngest generation mentored by one of their own. That is the SUP Perspective and mission.

Photo by Ed Shasek

Many of the grom clinic participants lined the shore of Hood River’s Waterfront Park on Saturday and Sunday watching their favorite pros up close and personal. One of the turn buoys was barely 10 yards from shore. Watching the elite men and women rounding that mark was super exciting stuff. Turning techniques and race strategy, segments of drafting or breaking off on a sprint mixed up the event for spectators.

Kids lining the shore raced up and down cheering for their favorites. My guess is that many of the Positively Kai Grom Clinic participants were back on their “home” river or lake practicing their new skills.  If any of you reading this had a child participating, keep us posted. If they plan to join in on the Gorge Paddle Challenge next year we’d love to see pictures.  We’ve seen some of your comments on Kai’s Facebook page – and welcome your thoughts here as well.

Better yet! How do YOU make a positive difference for the kids who see you paddle by and practically drool over a chance to give the sport a try? If you are thinking about ways, toss your ideas our way via our Facebook page. We can get some brainstorming going on.

In Bend, Oregon we have a super resource in the father daughter team of Dennis Oliphant and his elite SUP athlete daughter, Brit Oliphant. (video here) They have worked with the MBSEF ski and snowboard youth all summer. Off the snow and into the Deschutes River, Brit can be seen almost every day teaching paddle technique, core exercise, sweet whitewater skills and a few fast buoy turns.

Brit Oliphant using skills she has taught to MBSEF youth all summer. Top standup athletes are the “elders” of the sport when they help introduce the next generation to the sport.

Like youth everywhere, kids need your old paddles, the standup board you had before upgrading or a donation now and then. You may not have skills to share, but you can influence our youngest generation, get them out and UP on a SUP board on the water. That’s the way to spread aloha where you live.

Who do you know who’s out there connecting the SUP Perspective across generations – young to older or older to the youngest coming into the sport? Simply e-mail us, send a photo and we’ll share your “talk story” ideas here at Elder SUP.

Wanna Be Like Candice Appleby?

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For many standup paddlers events and races drive our focus. It’s only natural to look at the podium after events and observe the sport’s leaders we admire. As the top ocean athletes pose for that podium shot do you ever think, “I wanna be like that.” At the August 2012 Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge I gained more awareness of what “like that” meant for many of the watermen and women.

Wanna be like Candice Appleby? Looks like a great position to be in at the first place spot on the podium.  Flanked on both sides by six other leaders, Candice graciously accepted the check and trophy while acknowledging what a close, exciting race it had been all the way to the end.  Are you shaking your head, “Yes, if I won races I’d be like that too.” Especially if, when you were 12, your parents moved to one of the best surf towns in the country. It’s easy to think that’s what formed Candice into the champion she is – but fortunately there is much more to her. In those aspects of her life, guess what? We can be like Candice Appleby.

Discipline, focus, perseverance and “fun at work” are all key to what makes a champion.  No one is born fit and ready to be at the top of their sport and at the peak of their game. Training happens daily and consistently.  Wanna be like Candice? Be your best condition, your best technique and your best focus.

A rare quiet moment for Candice. Photo by Ed Shasek

Candice launched an Anti-Bullying campaign called “Stand Up for the Children.”  Wanna be like Candice? Is there an issue or challenge of importance to you in your local community? Step up and participate or lead for change.  The busiest among us seem to be the ones who take the time to make a difference.

In her free free time Candice volunteers with the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation, taking Marines from the Wounded Warriors Battalion surfing as part of their Ocean Therapy. What expertise can you share in order to enhance the lives of others?

One last aspect of our SUP sport is the incredible opportunity we have to mingle among the top athletes, paddling in the same conditions and running through the same finish chute. We also might share some similar pre-event butterflies.

Candice quelling some of my butterflies before the 2012 Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge. Photo by Ed Shasek

I had never paddled the Columbia River with its howling winds, big swells and big barges (that’s another story altogether!). Surfing on the Oregon coast had been good preparation, but at the beginning of the race I wasn’t too sure.  Good friend, Brit Oliphant had started her confidence building for me the week before – and that was why I was there ready to participate. The last minute help I got from Candice was much appreciated as well.

Candice was sitting at a shaded picnic table a few minutes before the start of the downwind course, adjusting her earphones and selecting her music.  I sat down next to her, probably looking pretty darn serious when she casually started up conversation.

It didn’t take her long to share a few pointers and instill that last dose of confidence I needed before launching into the 25-40 mph gusty winds. That gesture of sharing resonated well with me.  I tend to “go inside” when nervous but Candice demonstrated a better strategy. By taking the time to be aware of others who may need just a bit of encouragement I might have the opportunity to quell their butterflies – and mine.

Pick your own way and your own path (paddle) to enjoy our sport the way Candice does. Look around – our top athletes have done just that. What a cool community within our sport we can be part of.

Candice cool and calm at the start of the Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge. Photo by Ed Shasek

SUP Leaders Grinnin’ and Givin’

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KIALOA paddles and Naish team rider, Chuck Patterson and his signature smile

Perhaps every sport has its heroes, good karma ambassadors and experts eager to share their time, skills and experience with newbies – but SUP seems to have more than its fair share.  As with most categories of leaders in most any field, the busiest seem to be the most eager to share.  Chuck Patterson and Karen Wrenn gave clinics at the 2011 Bend Paddleboard Challenge. Before and after their clinic they shared freely with any paddlers hammering the questions their way – and always with a smile!  Karen is a busy mom and competitor, but like Chuck she’s and incredible ambassador for our sport.

When my husband and I were in Maui last May for the Olukai Ho’olaule’a race, we tried the shorter course from Paia Bay to Kanaha – rather than the full Maliko Gulch run.  Local SUP trainer and world class athlete, Suzie Cooney consistently gave of her time and experience before and during the event. The absolutely amazing spirit of the team for Olukai and the encouragement from Suzie infected us with a focus on getting prepared for the 2013 Maliko Gulch run as part of the Olukai Ho’olaule’a. We plan to learn from her online training tips and some actual training runs over the next months. If she hadn’t been so willing to share from her first meeting with two old SUP downwind “wannabees” we might not have had the confidence to complete training enough to compete (term used loosely – LOL)

KIALOA paddles team rider, Brit Oliphant

Most recently I have had the good fortune to know one of the younger leaders in  standup paddling, surfing, and all types of racing, Brit Oliphant. We share the same home town, and often cross paths on the Deschutes River that flows through town. As Brit offers training to all ages in groups large and small the constant is enthusiasm and a great smile. Day after day! Just out of high school, Brit has a love of life and maturity that’s rare at any age. While disciplined training has provided the fitness background needed to compete at the highest levels, an absolute love of oceans and rivers adds a special something else.

So, as I wavered in my commitment to watch-participate-watch, maybe, or participate (should I?) in the upcoming 2012 Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge I went out for an easy paddle with a friend yesterday. “Hey, Judy!” I heard as I walked past the Sun Country SUP rentals at our RiverBend Park. It was Brit, back from a one day training trip to Hood River where she and fellow paddlers had done a few rounds of the 8 mile downwind course.

In chatting, she heard me mention that I was still wavering about doing the event and might just rent the Naish race board my friend Steve Gates recommended in case I decided to do the downwind on Sunday. Now, I know that Brit recently got a brand new Joe Bark designed Candice Appleby Model 12’6″ race board. She’d paddled it to a win at the recent Gerry Lopez Elk Lake WPA race and was obviously thrilled.  That said, without a moment’s hesitation Brit said, ‘Judy, if we aren’t racing at the same time you can use my board on Sunday.” Sharing a brand new anything is generous – but a race board – what a cool gesture, Brit.

Generosity like that is rare.  I won’t be borrowing her cool race board, yet the offer was easily sincere. The confidence I gained from Brit’s wholehearted advice, hints and belief that not only could I do the event but I would have a world of fun (if the wind cooperated) at the same time.  Let’s see what Sunday brings. My guess is that we will see Brit competing toward the front of the elite class, smile shining, having a blast whatever place comes her way. For me, I hope I muster the nerve to give it a go. Better register now!  

We are friends – makamaka

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There is a Hawaiian phrase, “Hoʻohālau i ka hale a piha i nā makamaka'” which means “fill the house with friends.”

Throughout the summer months, my frister (friend who’s like a sister), Pam Stevenson, fills her house and her yard with friends in the Willow Tree concert series. Local bands play generously with donations going to local charities meaningful to the band.  Nearly everyone enjoying the riverside music under the wide branches of the idyllic willow consider Pam to be a close and great friend. Do you know someone like that? if so, consider yourself blessed. Plenty of people in Bend – and around the world – feel that way about Pam her her amazing spirit of adventure and joie de vivre.

How’s this relevant to the Elder SUP blog? Way back about 5 summers ago I got a call from Pam inviting me down to the river one afternoon. Seems a friend of hers was selling a standup paddle board and was giving demos. I’d always wanted to try the sport, so I headed on down to the river.  Pam and I both gave the (brand to remain un-named) very very tippy SUP board a try. I bought it on the spot.

So the obsession with standing on liquid, walking on water – and SURFING again after a 40 year hiatus began. Pam pointed me in the right direction when it cam time to buy my first paddle. We headed over to local KIALOA paddles – and I was equipped for a new sport pronto!  Central Oregon lakes and rivers were plenty for paddling but one day soon after Pam suggested, “Road trip! Let’s go surfin’!” 

My husband Ed, Pam and her coolest-dog-ever, Sprocket, loaded camping gear and boards into the car and headed for Pacific City.  The trip was all sun, the waves were smallishly perfect for us – and little did we know how rare that was.

Half a decade later – hundreds of waves and thousands of miles later – the standup life rocks. 

Hopefully we can connect people with friends and fun around a sport that celebrates the outdoors, our earth’s waters and getting happy and strong on the water. Take and minute and listen to Cecelio and Kapono sing about friends, then grab a buddy and your paddle. Go SUP!

You’ve got to seriously cherish the person who introduces you to a best friend, a first love, a great new restaurant – or to a sport that takes over.  Thanks, Pam!

Sup Friends Make the Sport

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Saturday was a glorious day at Elk Lake in Central Oregon with a few dozen standup paddlers (2 OC-1 and one prone) ready for the Gerry Lopez summer race series. My plan had been to do the open class on my 11’3″ Amundson surfboard but when my friend, Randall Barna called late Friday with the offer to borrow the Amundson 12’6″ race board I eagerly accepted.  Five years ago on my first tentative paddle on the Deschutes River, Randall and his family were out for a Friday afternoon paddle. Seeing how sketchy my skills were, he stayed with me for about an hour, providing technique tips and encouragement that made all the difference. Standup paddling in Central Oregon is what it is because of friends like Randall Barna and Cristina Acosta who authored the first and very comprehensive standupflatwater.com blog). 

It’s fairly easy for us to give a casual word of advice or support when encountering an SUP newbie. It’s quite another thing to keep a high level of generous enthusiasm for graciously sharing the sport over a span of more than 7 years – but that’s Randall, all the way!

In his sixties, he’s still got competition in his blood, but always with a grin. Drafting and pulling, often neck and neck with buddy, Tom Burke, Randall’s dead serious about his training and racing. More than personal outcomes, he’s always been ready to share expertise in organizing races, helping with courses, all the way to designing and maintaining local race buoys.

  

It’s not difficult for anyone living near any sort of body of water to notice that standup paddling has taken off like crazy. Everyone and his grandmother can – and seems to be – standup paddling. Inherent to the spread of our SUP culture is a spirit of aloha that can help the sport through growing pains and some hiccups as prone surfers meet standup surfers.  As the cool company, KIALOA paddles, demonstrates as a company mantra, we can be “together on the water.”

If you know someone who’s made a difference and shares the spirit of aloha around your SUP experience, please share your story with us in the comments.

First Crossings – Standup Pioneering

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Way back in 2008 during a summer trip to Tofino, Ed and I dropped our standup boards into beautiful Clayquot Sound from the harbor surrounding Tofino on Vancouver Island, BC.  A haven for kayaking, whale-watching and fishing, there is plenty of water activity on and around the sound. That summer as we paddled out toward Meares Island immersed in awe at the majestic old growth forest and cold, clear waters we became aware of curious onlookers from the numerous kayak groups. Finally one guide spoke to us, “What do you call that board you’re on?”

Apparently we were the first standup paddlers they had seen in the sound. Boating and paddling in the waters of Clayquot Sound is one of the most rewarding ways to experience this environment. We thought it pretty cool that we were the first to experience it from the SUP perspective.

As with any first ascent, or first crossing, one needs to be acutely aware of the local environment. In the case of Clayquot Sound the tides and current pack so much power that it could have been a dangerous undertaking to meander around the various islands and inlets. Of course we had flotation devices and leashes, but more importantly we embarked on the first crossing with a full awareness of when slack tide and low tides would occur. We studied, spoke to locals and planned our SUP time carefully.

The currents in the sound are fierce. We watched a few unsuspecting kayakers magically move backwards despite a strong forward paddle stroke. If you’re inexperienced with ocean currents, it’s best to get a few pointers from folks at the local kayak shop or harbor. We were intently watching a bald eagle fishing nearby when a large swirl of conflicting currents loomed ahead. The swirl was easily 60 feet across and rose several inches above the water’s surface.  We got on our knees and really had to work to stay upright and move through the obstacle to calmer waters.  Noting the time, we realized that slack tide was ending and the consistent schedule of the lowering tide was about to begin. This was not a time to wander off our course or toward the channel that opened out to sea.

In the photo to the left you can see how close the village of Tofino is to the open ocean (lower left). Another interesting local feature to be aware of is the seaplanes regularly landing in the sound. They land in an area shown (center of picture at left) that is close to our put in and take out point at the harbor.  Coincidentally, there is a relatively shallow bank that stretched about 200 yards across in the same area. Just when your path is taking you across the shallow bank and its squirrely currents, you are in the path of the approaching seaplanes. It’s easy to be safe – as long as you stay aware of the surroundings both natural and man-made.

Taking the time to learn some history and stories of your “first crossing” area can make the experience even more enjoyable. We had taken some hikes through the Pacific Rim Park area and saw totem’s along the trail and in the museumat  the Kwistis Visitor Centre and Wickaninnish Restaurant (a great place for lunch)

The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation is a Nuu-chah-nulth Nation with territory along the west coast of Vancouver Island in Clayoquot Sound and much of the Pacific Rim National Park. There are communities both at their Opitsat Reserve noth of Tofino in Clayoquot Sound and at Esowista inside Pacific Rim Park. The warm, south-facing beach on Meares Island makes an ideal village site. Opitsaht has been inhabited by the Tla-o-qui-aht and Ahousaht First Nations for thousands of years. Today, Opitsaht is one of two main villages of the Tla-o-qui-aht people. The village is only accessible by water. Children from Opitsaht travel on a school boat to attend elementary school in Tofino or high school in Ucluelet.

It was close to sunset when we rounded the nearby island and Opitsaht came into view. A group of men were unloading the day’s catch on the dock as they curiously  watched us paddle by. We acknowledged each other with a nod and exchanged smiles, then they went back to work. The traditions of their culture are as connected to the sea as the traditions of standup paddling. It was a great first crossing and one we hope you can experience some day.

If you have completed a first crossing of a lake, bay, river section or sound, share your story with us.  A few hours in a new place can be lots more enjoyable when some “local knowledge” is shared.  E-mail us or COMMENT with a link to your blog or website.

 

Showing Up – Make it Matter

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By 2 PM on Saturday, July 28 2012 the winds across Odell Lake (Oregon) were cranking. White caps (big for a lake) were hammering the shore alongside our campsite. And the downwind race was over hours before.  Just after 11 am, the red calico flag waved the casual start of the 32nd year of this annual event in light winds that assured safe passage for all competitors from canoes to SUP race boards to kayaks. The spirit of this race is all about the group. While the standup paddlers were wishing for a start the coincided with the predictable afternoon winds and waves to glide on, John Milandin (the race organizer) enthusiastically ushered us into the water as he has for 32 years. And we all had a blast.

Odell Lake Pioneer Cup 2008

The light winds for the first 30 minutes or so, gave way to a more steady breeze and some fun on the growing white caps as we approached Shelter Cove for the finish.  During the race on my 11’3″ Amundson surfboard I had plenty of time for reflecting on past races since all the other SUPers were far ahead on an array of sleek 12’6″ to 14′ race boards.  I paddled hard and tried to stay with the pack, but just didn’t cut it. So with my sweat and heavy breathing came thoughts of past years and friends we miss. The first time I paddled Odell Lake with Randall, Cristina and Isabella Barna we were joined by my husband, Ed and friends including  Eddy Miller. It was just a casual practice paddle that day, a cold windy August that found us all falling in and laughing often. By the time the 2008 Pioneer Cup came around we were way more prepared. We sorely miss the joyful love of life and adventure Eddy shared in everything he did through a life cut way too short.

Over the years we all have changed, standup paddling and boards have changed, but the consistent spirit of the Odell Lake Pioneer Cup stays steady. Each year no matter where we place or what the conditions, we all know that a BBQ on the deck of the lodge will be delicious. Some years a front of the pack ribbon was part of the take-away for me. This year it was quite the opposite. After all the awards were given out John turned toward me with a mischievious grin and said, “Each year we hand out a questionably prestigious award, the ‘sightseer award,’ to the person who just sticks with it and finishes the race no matter how long it takes.” 

Me: GULP! A little embarrassing to be dead last, but when confronted with John’s pure joy in handing out the award I couldn’t help but grin. After all, I regularly write about the joy of the process of honing skills and training for more than the race results. Thinking back on how it felt to dig that last paddle stroke at the finish (woooohoooo) was pretty cool.  Like in life, simply showing up is a big part of what makes us who we are. John is one wise person to consistently celebrate that “showing up” and sticking with it to the end.

Photo by Ed Shasek

Can’t wait for next year! In the meantime, there will be plenty of training days working on getting more fit. There will be lots of camping trips and paddles with friends and family. There will be trips to surf, watch beach sunsets and wait expectantly for the “green flash.” More than that there will be plenty of opportunities to embrace life, show up, look around and make a difference. In life I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by so many people whose spirit, love of life and people in that life continue to inspire. For those of you who read this, you know who you are!

Big Winds Connecting Generations

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Steve Gates of Big Winds in Hood River Oregon has a philosophy that resonates with Elder SUP, ” I am inspired by everyone who is trying to make our planet a better place for everybody.”

Connecting with the younger generation and providing them with skills and a community focused on those values is about the best way to insure a “better planet for everybody.”  Steve Gates enthusiastically shared his commitment to Team Big Winds in a recent phone conversation. There was no denying how cool he thinks the kids are and how impressed he is with their dedication to acquiring skills for their sport.

Team Big Winds showed up in force in early July at the Willamette SUP Cup in Lake Oswego, Oregon. The eighteen member team made up almost a third of the entire fleet! The challenging course had a nice variety of tight turns, long straights, current, breeze, showers and sunshine. Something for everyone!

Team BW placed 4 in the top ten in the men’s Elite, with Ben Grodner in 5th, MacRae Wylde in 6th, Rob Dies in 9th and Steve Gates in 10th (Steve is there in the center of the picture at left). Ford Huntington won the Rec Class in his first ever SUP race. Fiona Wylde just edged out teammate Alyson Fromm (a mere 5 seconds!) as the girls went 1-2 in the Women’s Elite. And, Team BW coach Steve Gates won the Men’s 50+ Class.

It was great fun for the whole team, with many participating in their first SUP race!

Now the training continues in preparation for the Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge, August 18 and 19, when Team Big Winds will try to defend its home turf as the best racers from all over world descend on Hood River for the spectacular paddling conditions of the Columbia Gorge.

I am both excited and a bit intimidated about participating in my first Paddle Challenge in Columbia Gorge. When my daughter and son-in-law eagerly made reservations to come watch me “swim with the sturgeon” my tummy did a flip flop. Seriously?

I am counting on a training run with Karen Wrenn and advice along with some great equipment from Steve and Big Winds to be a big part of my enjoying the event.  Steve has an extensive background in water sports, with over 30 years of windsurfing, kiting and SUPing. As he inquired about my skills, experience and goals for the race (safely completing it) he reinforced the need to have the right equipment. I am really looking forward to using the Naish 12’6″ Glide that is 30 inches wide (stable and easier to ride at my level).   It’s great to recognize the enormous spirit of sharing and support around the sport of standup paddling, and among the team at Big Winds.