Category Archives: People

Paia Youth and Cultural Center Rocks the Airwaves and the Waves

Posted on by
4

We had the opportunity to visit the Paia Youth and Cultural Center on Paia Bay in Maui last week. It was the host site for the start of the fun race portion of the larger and longer Maliko Gulch run of the Olukai Ho’olaule’a. The  first thing we noticed as we were signing up and getting to know some of the other 100 fun-racers out on the lawn was the great selection of music playing.  Then a voice that sounded like a very young DJ came on the air – what was that all about?

I saw a person who seemed to be organizing some of the paddlers and seemed in charge of the building so I introduced myself and came to meet Peter. Peter told me that the music was provided by the youth staffed radio station located just above my head in the second floor of the center.  It was just 7:30 am on a Saturday so it was obvious that a dedicated team of youth were managing the station.

He explained that the Paia Youth & Cultural Center had just completed a long round of fund-raising. The celebration was coming up soon. Part of their effort in hosting this event was in appreciation of all the support that Olukai has provided them through the years.

Peter proudly showed me some of the new paddle boards and windsurfers they had been able to acquire for the youth in training. We didn’t talk long. He had some young paddlers to encourage and help with their equipment and consequent launch into the ocean just out in the back. Throughout the extremely neat and clean clubhouse were slogans and posters supporting recycling, not smoking, respecting each other and the Hawaiian culture.

Olukai – Strong tradition of giving

Posted on by
7

On May 12 we were fortunate to be on Maui and to have the chance to experience the last 3 miles of the famous Maliko Gulch run as part of the Olukai Ho’olaulea paddling event. From the first contact with the team from Olukai at Paia Youth and Cultural Center to the finish of the final participants a Kanaha Beach Park it was obvious that Olukai lives their vision and mission daily.

It is a lot more than the excellent products they deliver.  To summarize from their website, “OluKai was conceived from a desire to create a better class of products for the life we live in and around the water. There is a strong tradition of giving an offering or tribute in Polynesian culture.”  Let me share a story of just one of the dedicated Olukai team members I met and observed at the event.

Michelle St John, on the far right in the picture, first started chatting with me after I finished the 3 mile fun race segment and we were waiting for the Maliko Gulch racers to arrive in an hour or so. In the Olukai booth, she and some team members were answering questions, and generally giving us kudos and smiles for having done our first Maui North Shore down-winder. Suddenly, Michelle looked at me (62 year old, salt sprayed, sweaty person) and asked, ‘Are you thirsty?”

Heck yeah I was thirsty – I didn’t think to bring water on the SUP journey. The ice cold bottle of water she handed me was about the best tasting refreshment in the world! Because of that exchange I happened to notice Michelle throughout the rest of the day.  She didn’t remain standing casually on the beach for long. As you can see by the banners, the wind had picked up by 1:00.  

Paddlers started arriving in droves, 10-12 at a time. As they sprinted to the finish, they ditched their boards and dashed off. The hand full of strong young teens ready to collect the boards and stack them out of the way were overloaded in no time.

Without a moment’s hesitation I saw Michelle dash into the fray, giving a hand or managing to collect and move 14 foot paddle boards for as long as it took.  Splashing knee deep in the surf or slogging through the deep wet sand there was one consistent thing – a big smile and plenty of energy.

 That’s the spirit that pervaded the day and the event.

This annual event blends elite competition with family-friendly cultural activities including canoe sailing, ancient Hawaiian games, traditional luau, hula, and live music. We had an amazing time – from the incredible clear waters and knee-knocking swells to the luau feast and traditional games.  What a great way to support Olukai and to be able to benefit their “Ohana Giveback Program.” We saw it up close and first-hand. This is not a “your logo here” company! Way to go, Olukai.

Waterwoman Karma with your SUP

Posted on by
Reply

We left Kahului Airport at 11:30 on Sunday and by noon we were neck deep in a full-immersion course on SUP on Maui.  We had pre-planned our SUP rental from Hawaiian Island Surf and Sport on Maui but we didn’t anticipate the connection with their staff – particularly with Deja! A few early conversations with Dennis O’Donnell had prepared us for getting a great SUP board and paddle for our week’s vacation. Once at the shop, we met the personification of customer service, SUP skills and local history – Deja Howard.

Deja helped us select our board and while loading them on the car inquired about our interests, our visit, our curiosity about Maui. We let her know that we planned to do the Fun Race 3 mile segment of the larger Maliko Gulch Run. Cool, Deja planned to do the Maliko Gulch as she does each year. Luckily for us she’s a walking encyclopedia of Maui and Hwaiian lore.

We had no idea of the history that Maliko Gulch had and its impact on the agricultural progress of this area of Maui. In 1876, Henry Baldwin, who lost an arm and almost lost his life to a sugar cane grinder, managed to pioneer the processes around Maliko Gulch to bring water to the cane fields of the area.  Today’s SUP pioneers negotiating the tricky conditions at Maliko Gulch continue honoring Maui’s potential as Baldwin did. Sport, tourism and agriculture don’t intersect often, so it was very interesting to hear Deja weave history with the exciting event coming up.

Our experience in the Olukai Ho’olaulea would be our first and we were a bit nervous as the afternoon prevailing winds whipped our hair, and almost whipped the SUP boards off the car.  Noticing our questions, Deja shared some advice for us as we paddled the week before our fun race.

She advised us to practice paddling in all types of weather conditions; rain, big chop, side chop, light to heavy wind, gusty wind and even practice paddling directly into the wind.  She thought we should do some “mini” downwinders at a shorter distance to get our legs used to the chop.

We found that downwind paddling is a blast and very addicting.  Our experience was definitely enhanced by our first hour in Maui and the great customer service from Deja, Dennis and the entire team at  Hawaiian Island Surf and Sport .

Tradition, Technology, Together… Living It!

Posted on by
1

Again and again, island by island, the KIALOA spirit bumps into us as we travel.  Ed and I are 42 years into our marriage but a solid 48 into the life we love together. From the early days we were in, on and around the ocean (Atlantic in S. Florida) and Hawaii dreaming from the beginning.  We both wonder at what twists and turns our lives would have taken if we turned our back on the scholarship/college route that was the “right” choice and instead, headed off to Hawaii like Meg Chun did.

If you don’t know the story, it’s a great one. Meg met Dave Chun and over many years the amazing company called  KIALOA evolved. Sure, they share a great line of paddles with the world, but more than that, they share a spirit of ohana. They live and breathe technology and tradition together on the water. It is so much more than an accurate marketing message, it is real and we bump in to it on every island we visit. One example: Check out this link.

Most recently we visited Maui and were staying on West Maui. Ed and I planned to stretch the envelope of what our 62 year-old selves could do on the ocean – we planned to prepare for the Olukai Ho’olealau during our vacation (some people rest on the beach and enjoy “umbrella drinks.”)

Each morning we drove our car 4 miles down Kaanapali Beach and parked it. We walked back to our hotel along the cool walkway at 6 am.  The plan was to put our boards in the water and do a sweet down-winder back to our car (with a few surf sessions along the way). One morning we met Barry as he was prepping some paddlers for an outing in his outrigger canoe. What caught our eye was the “KIALOA” logo on the side and a quiver of brand new Kialoa wood outrigger canoe paddles. It was obvious that Barry was providing a top-of-the-line experience.

We chatted with Barry for a spell and learned of his personal paddling aspirations. Like many other pros we have encountered, Barry was especially grateful for the support and sponsorship of Meg and Dave Chun at KIALOA. We stood on the lawn as the early morning light brightened the skies and illuminated Lanai out to our right. Like many of the paddling athletes we’ve met in the past, Barry could “talk story” about the spirit of Kialoa endlessly.

He had so many tales to share, and experiences to remember. It was cool to see so much enthusiasm for taking the casual “tourist” out on a traditional outrigger experience. For Barry, the few hours he had with each guest was simply a chance to instill an appreciation of the sea, of the Maui traditions and of the paddling culture. 

An hour later when we were deep in to our down-winder we saw Barry and his paddlers working their way upwind on what would sure to be a treasured memory of Maui.  Even in the hands of first time outrigger paddlers it was great to see that Barry provided the best. Each member of the day’s outrigger “team” was using a quality KIALOA paddle made of fine woods and exquisitely finished. The feel, the balance and the beauty all added to the experience for the all. It is his way, it is the way Kialoa inspires.

Flow-Flow (SUP & Yoga)

Posted on by
Reply

I had just finished the 2011 Bend Paddleboard Challenge and was all jazzed and happy to have completed the five miles in fine form – certainly not for speed, just for fun. (Photo by Jill Rosell) Sitting on the beach a bit later, I was watching the few brave souls in the “style” competition. Suddenly all the crowd on the beach noticed someone climbing down the rocky shore with a paddleboard and hop in the river. The next few minutes were absolutely an amazing mix of balance, style, grace, strength – and flow.  Easily winning the event was Kama Blasing, the surprise entry that sparkled the competition.

After that I paid attention to what Kama was doing.  Throughout the summer I heard quite a bit of buzz about the yoga classes available on the wide grassy area at Riverbend Park – both on land and on the water. Inspired by Kama and Shanan Kelley, this series they call “Flow-Flow” caught on quickly.

Recently, I had the opportunity to talk to Kama and Shanan, partners in the unique Flow-Flow (yoga and SUP) classes. There’s no denying the passion and commitment they have for providing this opportunity to their students in Central Oregon. Looking toward warmer weather, they plan to share their skills with many more people this summer.  Whether you have had a long yoga practice or are just beginning, the experience is customized to meet your interest and abilities. (This season’s session begins June 11, 2012) Flow-Flow is available for private group parties.

Some background: In spring 2011, Kama completed her second 200 hour Yoga Teacher training under the care and guidance of Kat Seltzer. Kama also has RYT 200 Ashtanga from 2004 and second RYT Vinyasa Yoga Spring 2011 at MYC. Participating in the Living Yoga program infused her existing practice with Flow. “True creative exploration of the mind, body and spirit though asana….on the mat and off.” It is her hope to share with others the ability to access, feel, and explore the magic of yoga. Shanan recently took her practice to the next level by traveling to the south of Mexico to study Restorative Alignment under Brigitte Longueville’s guidance, in the process earning her first 200 hour Yoga Alliance teacher certification. Returning stateside with a new view on how this ancient practice can enhance one’s life throughout their life.

clarify that Flow-Flow is offered twice weekly June-October Mon & Thurs 5:30-7:30pm

The power of getting into a “flow” state is explained really well by “the father of flow,” Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Understanding the power of “flow” and gaining insights on how to build more flow to life and work, I have read  Csikszentmihalyi’s work many times. According to Csikszentmihalyi, “the flow experience is typically described as involving a sense of control – or, more precisely, as lacking in the sense of worry about losing control that is typical in many situations of normal life. Flow describes well the sense of seemingly effortless movement”

We can all remember a time, usually back in our childhood, when movement, freedom and an absolutely effortless sense of flow was ours. For me, it was often that barefoot walk in summer-soft grass warmed by the sun. When Kama and Shanan described how they begin their Flow-Flow classes I was like, “Sign me up!” Class begins on the uneven grassy earth with a Vinyasa series that unfolds an amazing connection of breath, movement, earth and nature. After 45 minutes of Vinyasa flow on the grass the experienced is enhanced by taking SUP boards to the Deschutes River.  Each person can choose to simply paddle or to explore yoga moves or postures on the paddleboard. No matter what SUP skill level a participant has, this part of the class is based on committing and staying focused.

“Vinyasa yoga teaches us to cultivate an awareness that links each action to the next – on the mat and in our lives” (Photo by Paul Clark, Black and Red Photography)

Shanan Kelley just couldn’t keep a big grin off her face as she described the basic passion she and Kama have for their flow flow classs. From the beginner to the individual with a more advanced practice, they provide training that helps foster a shift in movement that supports change and is a catalyst for openness. As body tissues are gently coaxed toward opening an awareness of how that is a metaphor of the Flow-Flow philosophy.

Yoga done out in nature adds many dimensions to the practice. Grounding feet is far different done on the grass touching warm earth than similar grounding practiced indoors.  Raising up and reaching toward the sky – and being able to actually see the sky – wonderful! I am looking forward to trying this class.  As Kama and Shanan guide us, I am looking forward to being reminded to find the “okay” spot and being present where I am on that given day.

Life offers us many challenges and a culture of more-better-strive-best.  While Flow-Flow encourages exploration and change, there is something more.  According to Kama and Shanan, “Being a beginner is a treasure.”

If you have experienced Flow-Flow (SUP and yoga) in Bend, OR, please share your comments with us.

Robert Stehlik Walks (on water) the Talk

Posted on by
1

I first “met” Robert Stehlik through a few of his Zen Waterman blog which he co-authors (the SUP part) with Len Barrow (surfing).  The blog explores Surfing and Stand Up Paddling as Zen arts with features including: focus and paying attention to technique, equipment, mental aspects, the interplay with nature and others. His interview with Gerry Lopez was one that caught my attention – and before I knew it I’d read through almost the entire blog.

As a 62 year old hoping to maximize both fitness and results through honing the best techniques possible, Robert’s article on “catch and reach” was really interesting. That did it. I decided to give Robert a call in hopes I might meet him and learn more about how he trains and coaches the SUP novice and experienced crowd on Oahu. I was planning to be there the second week of December. As luck would have it (YES!) I arrived in time to experience his December clinic.

For Robert, the clinics are much more than a chance to sell boards. The most important things is to make sure that the initial introduction to the sport is a positive one for the participants. That philosophy was integrated into all aspects of the clinic we experienced.

We walked to the meeting area near AlaMoana and saw about 30 people, most out on the water trying the vast array of top quality boards and paddles.

One local newbie, Emily,  trying standup paddling for the first time confessed that she has a tendency to be tense when learning a new sport. It isn’t the challenge – she loves that. Her concern was that she would do it all wrong.  Emily was lucky – she met one of the Blue Planet Hawaii trainers, Phil. Phil was just one of the patient and skilled trainers ready to surprise people with easy to follow training. One by one we saw it happen. Just like Emily, people were embracing their new favorite sport.  

Phil was quick to explain that while SUP can provide excellent fitness benefits, the most compelling aspect is its ability to connect people with nature.

Teaching is far more than a casual side interest among the team at Blue Planet Hawaii.  Robert definitely walks the talk. His background of training and dedication to meeting his own personal SUP goals become fodder for sharing with customers, clients and SUP students. Robert completed the Molokai channel crossing race on a Stand Up Surfboard in 2009,   one of his big personal goals. Months of training and planning paid off and he finished the 32- mile course in a respectable time of 6hrs 15min and 7th overall of all Solo SUP paddlers.

True to his personality, Robert was quick to thank his wife Sharon for her support. She came along on the escort boat and let Robert go on long training paddle runs for the last few months before the event. It takes a team – and that is what Robert has developed at Blue Planet Surf.

Summer SUP – Winter Training

Posted on by
Reply

Sitting here in the wintery world of ski-season, quads wonderfully shredded from 3 days finding off-piste fun, I started thinking about some compression tights to wear pre and post exercise. I remembered that Karen Wrenn was wearing something when she visited one of our river races last summer so I took a quick look at her website to determine what brand was good for SUP. Bummer, I can’t tell from this photo.  No problem though. I had the chance to explore Karen’s website and blog – great information right when I need it.

Just in time for paddling season this year I will be turning 63 (for real???) and staying ready to paddle in races and long tours is a priority. I “enter” races but I don’t “race.” While every stroke is the strongest I can muster at the time, and the camaraderie of the race is so much fun, I am usually the last to cross the finish line on my 11’3″ Amundson.  Occasionally I borrow a race board, most recently from Dave and Meg at Kialoa, but my agenda is all about the paddle in the water, the connection between heart/lungs/muscle/sights/sounds and friends on the water. Training for all that is important.

Reading about Karen’s busy life as mother of three and the off-season whether she deals with in Portland was inspiring.  She suggests ways to stay motivated and carving out the 45 minutes or so needed to stay in shape.  Especially interesting is her explanation of her cross-training routine.

On her blog, Karen explains,  “Circuit training is great because you can get your heart rate going, build muscle and muscle endurance. I will first do something that elevates my heart rate followed by a couple exercises that include strength and balance. For example, I might do 20 double jumps (or you could do 100-150 single jumps) with a jump rope and then move right into 20 kettle ball swings (from a squat position swinging the kettle ball to shoulder height coming to a standing position) and repeat. Then I would move into a plank position with elbows on a ball and roll the ball forward and back for 20 reps. I would do this circuit 3 times and then move on to another circuit.

Another idea of a circuit is to do 15 split jumps on each leg (http://www.livestrong.com/video/5310-split-jumps/) and then 20 tri-cep dips then 20 reverse crunches (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVVlXA0dqGg) and repeat this circuit another two times. Basically, come up with some circuits of three exercises. Have the first exercise of the series be something that will elevate your heart rate ( jump rope, running stairs, sprints on a rowing machine) add a strength exercise ( kettle bells, push ups, tricep dips, pull ups, etc…) then add in a core exercise ( reverse crunch, plank, medicine ball sit up and throws). After you finish one circuit of three then move on to another.

Bye, for now! I am heading to the gym and then to the trail. SUP season will be here before we know it. How do YOU train off-season?

SUP Spectrum: Colors

Posted on by
7

A recent post on the Kialoa Paddles Facebook page caught my imagination (and made me really want a new paddle!) Their 2012 line reflects technology and tradition with a SUPer dose of awesome design.

That collage of color reminded me of a shot we took back in the summer of 2009 when the Central Oregon sport of “sarong sailing” was (maybe) invented on Hosmer Lake.  Local artist, Cristina Acosta, had created exuberant designs on silk. It was a sunny day and we had a few of her sarongs with us as we headed out for a paddle/picnic day. As we entered the widest part of the lake, coming into view of Mt. Bachelor we were chatting excitedly about how the snow melt we were paddling on had been sweet spring snow under our skis just a few months before – when suddenly the wind picked up! Ed, the most dedicated sailor among us, wished out loud, “Too bad we don’t have sails to harness this breeze!”

Coming at us from the side it was perfect for a broad reach. Without a moment’s hesitation, Cristina whipped out a few of her sarongs, which immediately caught the breeze and shot us forward in a blaze of color and design.  Greens, blues and yellows filled the sky – along with giggles and woohooos.

During our lunch in the middle of Hosmer Lake we had a chance to hear about the silk-screen process Cristina used to create her variety of silk sarongs. We debated the pros and cons of possibly refining methods for attaching the sarong for more technical “sailing.”  That idea quickly went out the door by the end of the afternoon. The pure casual ability to take a sarong from around our waist and hoist it into the wind for a few minutes of “wind-surfing” won out. Ed crusied toward his favorite ski mountain while Cristina and Judy tried the “catamaran” method. 

Not long after our day at Hosmer, we took a SUP along the Deschutes River at Sunriver and paddled into Spring River, a cold and clear finger of exploration opportunities.  The day was sunny again but as afternoon approached the wind turned brisk. Of course we had our sarongs.

Isabella and Cristina harnessed some breezes – what a picture! We probably took 30 shots of the reflections of color and paddle boards in and below the crystal clear water.  

Jimmy Spithill: Standing up for Standup

Posted on by
Reply

During the Louis Vuitton Junior Trophy, BMW Oracle skipper Jimmy Spithill – who first sailed in the America’s Cup as a teenager – was among the senior sailors encouraging the kids. He said, “We appreciate all the people who come to see us and congratulate us with the Cup. But for us, the exciting thing is meeting the kids. Especially the kids sailing these great little boats. These kids are the future of world sailing. And I wouldn’t be surprised if one day they’re sailing boats like these, but on a bigger scale, in the America’s Cup.”

Next generation – always the key to a great future, whether it’s sailing, SUPing, the environment or any number of challenging causes.  It makes sense that Jimmy would practice balance and core strength on a standup board between his adventures with Oracle Racing. Getting the job done in an ocean race means moving quickly on an unstable platform and maintaining a strong core for the demands of racing.  Sounds like the recipe for a SUP workout – for sure!

Dear to my heart (A few levels behind the passion for standing on water of any kind) is fitness. Jimmy Spithill chats, in the video below, about noticing what consumers are doing for fitness. (bye bye treadmill and crunches).  Not just sailors, but the general public is embracing a new fitness fun in the form of standup paddling.  Right on, Jimmy! he says, “We grabbed people from the shore, people who had never tried SUP and they loved it.  When people are engaged with the ocean they want to protect it.”

Enjoy!

Duke Kahanamoku: Wise Words

Posted on by
1

It’s holiday time and where we live we ride our sleds, snowboards and skis on “waves of frozen water.” That’s something Duke never did – but he talks about it on this page – a collection of some wise words.  Without really mentioning the joys of sharing, giving and knowing that there will be “enough” if you wait, he’s put it all into this quote:

Just take your time – wave comes. Let the other guys go, catch another one.
Duke Kahanamoku

When the sets are few and waves quite far apart it’s easy to get caught up in “needing” one – NOW! Mmmm, kinda reminds me of life. You too?

You may want to read about our buddy, Ka’ai Bruhn who grew up close to the Kahanamoku family digs.