Category Archives: People

Full Immersion – to be your best!

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The very best surfers, paddlers and SUP watermen (and women) make it all look so easy. Do you ever wonder how they get to be so seamlessly great at what they do?  Part of the answer is a mix of practice, passion and full-immersion in their element.

My niece, Michelle Alvarado of Wahoo Films, spent 3-4 hours a day during a recent summer fully immersed in cold, rushing rivers around Oregon. She was filming underwater for a film called Deep Water – more great stories on the Deschutes and Wychus Creek are available at “Ripples of Change.” One reason the stories Michelle shares and the impact of her messages are so profound is that she solidly connects with her subjects – the rivers and its fish inhabitants. Being fully immersed in the cold waters brings a unique perspective and power to Michelle’s message – much to the betterment of the rivers’ health. There’s nothing quite like the learning experience of being pushed downstream while trying to stay focused and eye to eye with an illusive steelhead.

Connecting with water can happen during a wind swell pushed to head high by a raging wind vs a powerful river current. I got slapped silly and pretty well schooled during the September 2012 Naish Gorge Paddle Challenge.  After the race, I had the chance to chat with Candice Appleby and learn how much value she puts in diverse training. As a standup paddler, I had no idea how important prone paddling might be.  Candice explained, “When you are lying on your board paddling through ocean, waves, wind and current you get a completely different understanding of the water than when you are standing up. Not only do you work different muscle groups by prone paddling, but you experience subtle insights that are valuable for surfing, for down-winders and for standup paddling in general.”

Maybe Candice doesn’t need to prone paddle and maybe Michelle doesn’t need to scuba dive with fish – to be excellent… but maybe that is exactly what allows the best to rise to the top of any field. Maybe the best way to become better at standup paddling is to know the water – and fully immerse in the elements that define our sport.

The boards and paddles we choose to connect us with wind, waves and water are the result of a long decision-making process. I have chosen to use a number of paddles from KIALOA Paddles over the years. We spend a lot of time training for our standup paddling experience and getting the right paddle for our best immersion in the sport is important. I recently had a chat with Dave Chun of KIALOA Paddles and we discussed the selection process for most people. Many paddlers decide to demo a paddle and after 5-15 minutes we might decide we love it. It’s wonderful. 

In reality, Dave explained that it might be better if a person paddled for 45 minutes or more and then picked up a demo paddle. When the body is a bit fatigued and we are immersed in the water and weather of the day, we will get a better perspective on how the paddle actually connects with our current skills and fitness.

When asked about paddling technique, Dave Chun says, “Listen to the board, Don’t worry about what you look like. Listen to the water coming off of it. Feel what makes it go fast and smooth.” That bit of advice goes in one ear and out the other if the listener has not explored the full-immersion of what it’s like to move in water. Listen and feel – observe and immerse. That’s the method for discovering how to make your standup paddle experience the best it can be.

Connecting Across Generations

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For the third time in as many years, Kai Lenny has won the overall title on a Waterman League World Tour.  Battle of the Paddle Champ Danny Ching calls Kai, “the best paddler in the world,” for his prowess in both wave and race competition. Lenny wrapped up his Standup World Series overall win this past October at Turtle Bay on the North Shore of Oahu during the Standup World Series Finals.  Kai Lenny dedicated his first ever sup race world title to memory of Naish’s Harold Iggy whose unexpected passing last January saddened all who knew him. 

Iggy has made boards for over 50 years. He was behind many of the best known Stand Up Paddleboard shapes in the world today, including race boards like the Naish Glide and Javelin. There is about a 50 year span in age between young Kai Lenny and his mentor and friend, Harold Iggy. Connecting across generations is a strong tradition deeply embedded in the Naish culture.

Anyone who’s ever ridden a Naish SUP board has probably seen his unique signature right above the fin.
In a few weeks we will be heading to Maui to do some downwind and surf training, looking forward to the Ho’olaule’a in May. We will be fortunate to have Naish Glides for the week. We may even have the chance to try the Javelin 12’6 LE – that would be fantastic.  It is no small thing for us to be using boards designed, shaped and modified with input from the extraordinary watermen and women of the Naish team. Seeing Iggy’s mark on the boards will be a reminder of the traditions and connections across generations that influence excellence.

“The surfing world lost an icon, a legend, and a friend to many, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a mentor.”
said Randy Naish, who was with Harold on the water that tragic day.

No matter what your skill and experience level might be, having the best equipment and personal mentors always make a positive difference. Our skills, our confidence and our experiences over time all contribute to our connection to standup paddling.  In like manner, who looks to YOU for mentoring and inspiration?  No matter what your level might be, you can connect generations and reach new levels of confidence like Kai Lenny does.

There were times when the conditions at Turtle Bay were more than challenging.  Kai used his experience to move past any mental block that might have generated, “If I can handle Jaws mentally, and I feel super scared out there, I shouldn’t be scared pushing hard out here!” said Kai, who attributes his experiences at Jaws to helping him win that series of races. The mentors and powerful influence from Naish team riders added to that experience.
Experience, mentors, reflection and connection make all the difference. It’s great to observe a team like the Naish Team, and build those same traditions in our own “SUP TEAM.” We’d love to hear how mentoring or having a mentor has shaped your SUP experience.

Gray November to Sunshine SUP

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Fall colors invited plenty of Elder SUP paddlers out on the water to collect those rare sunshine days of brilliance

After five days of unbelievable Indian summer sunshine and 60-78 degree ranges in temperature, the gray (bring some snow to Mt Bachelor) days of November have returned. We had some serious frost for a few weeks in October which turned our leaves a brilliant array of color. A number of you shared pictures and e-mails describing how cool it was. We featured some photos by Dennis Oliphant of Sun Country Tours in Bend, Oregon.

With the forecast predicting highs in the mid-40’s, rain and possibly snow flurries at high elevation, the long darkness of winter seems daunting. Yes, we love to ski and play in the fluffy white stuff – but when standup paddling and water fun is #1, we start to think warm!

I spotted  this picture on a Facebook page today (sorry, I cannot locate the source). This amazing warm, tropical spot is incredibly compelling – yes, I wish I knew where it was so I could add it to my bucket list! How about you? 

Soon after I spotted that image, I followed a few Facebook posts from Sean Sweet of Sweet Waterwear and that lead to a few posts by the gracious and incredible Candice Appleby. Candice recently won the Hennessy’s SUP and Paddleboard Racing series for 2012. After getting 1st in the Elite Course Race and 2nd in Distance, she was crowned the Hennessey’s World SUP Champion for the 3rd time.

When the string of amazing performances Candice has accomplished in the most competitive events in standup paddling racing and surfing it’s likely that she spends enormous  amounts of time in diverse training and water practice. Many of us relegated to the colder climes for the next 5-6 months might breathe a heavy sigh and wish for those tropical waters.

Candice Appleby and some of the kids in the kids clinic – Los Cabos Classic Hennessey’s SUP and Paddleboard Race Series

There is an alternative, a way of creating a diverse experience around our SUP.  Off water training and other outdoor sport time is one way. Another: Take a look at the ways Candice has chosen to participate in the sport she loves. A great deal is genuine enthusiasm for sharing our sport with youth and supporting causes dear to her heart, like Anti-Bullying campaign called “Stand Up for the Children.” Sharing expertise with kids, well that’s something we can all do. Why not take some time this off-season and get to know what events your local SUP club or shop are planning for spring and summer? Get inspired, and have some fun with like-minded friends.

Please share your stories – the more the merrier.

Candice is nominated for SUP Woman of the Year again. And why are we not surprised!

Are You RED-y For Fall Paddling?

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Flip flops and bikinis, shorts and suntans – summer paddling has a personality all its own. Late in the summer, we did an article on the awesome colors we experience while standup paddling. The summer focus was blue.  Now that the clouds across much of the globe are more gray and the temperature more chilly, paddling on our rivers, lakes and bays has morphed from a world of sun and blues to the brilliant reds, oranges, gold and grays of fall. While those in cooler climes tend to have a bad case of “tropical-envy” during the long dark months of winter, there is a treasure of color during our Fall season.

I usually try to capture some of these colors while paddling. Last weekend, local standup paddler Dennis Oliphant took some pictures while hiking along some of our favorite sections of the Deschutes River in Central Oregon. It’s much more common to see Dennis, owner of esteemed Sun Country Tours,  paddling rivers, rapids, surfing oceans, and down-winding lakes.  Dennis has been on and around the water both as a professional and as an athlete his entire life, but on this day he was on the shoreline.

The transition from summer to fall catches us by surprise, often with a cover of clouds banking across the usually cloudless skies of the high desert region. In the next three photos, the blue of summer is toned with the gray of impending fall. With a few frosty nights under our belts, we are now being treated to the flaming reds and golds that reflect on the water and make every paddle almost sensory overload. Dennis captured a series of photos that share the diverse personality of the Dillon Falls section of the Deschutes River south of Bend. Celebrate the energy of this season. Put on your booties (and your safety gear, brrrrrrrrr if you do fall in) and immerse yourself in the brief, but exquisite, gift of fall color. Don’t forget the camera.

Elk Lake in the Fall. Photo by Peter Simons (Bend, OR)

Dennis Oliphant captures the serene mood of glassy water.

Healy rapids near Bend, Oregon

Photo by Dennis Oliphant

Photo by Dennis Oliphant

Photo by Dennis Oliphant

BOP Honors – Inspiration of the Paddle

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The ultimate SUP “game” envisioned by Gerry Lopez and his buddy Sparky Longley is called ‘Battle of the Paddle.” When the elite racers fall, flail, and maneuver their way around the yellow marks placed right in the surf break it has to look and feel like one huge foamy battle.

The reality of the SUP contenders battling out for top spots in the one-of-a-kind BOP comes through best in other moments in and around the event.  If you’ve ever been to an event when any of the top ten contenders, male or female, for SUP athlete of the year have been present you know what I mean.

In football you never get to sit with the best quarterback, on the bench before a game but in SUP the beach is open to everyone. Interaction with Candice, Conner, Karen, Suzie, Heather, Kai, Jamie, Chuck, Slater, Dave, and many others is easy and quite inspiring. The absolute passion for their sport and water, waves and wind they live by is contagious! They are a no excuses, hard -driving competitive bunch who train like there’s no tomorrow – but will share a pointer, a word, a smile and encouragement as needed. Clinics, blogs, movies – they share!

If you were like me, it was pretty tough to decide who to vote for in the various SUP awards offered to the public for input.  I have a hand full of favorites all with top-spot accomplishments. In the recent 2012 SUP awards by Body Glove tough decisions were made. Candice Appleby was awarded top honors for women while Conner Baxter won for the men.

The one thing that struck me as I enjoyed the stories, tweets and Facebook updates was this quote from Candice, ““I want to thank the other athletes- you inspire me.”

That camaraderie and mutual respect may not be unique to the sport of standup paddling, but it is one powerful, compelling aspect of how the best of the best live their sport.

Gerry Lopez was presented with the SUP magazine Lifetime Achievement Award for his influence on the sport

No matter where you paddle or SUP surf this weekend you can charge or chill with the attitude of those at BOP. Anyone can grab the attitude  of Gerry Lopez who won the SUP magazine Lifetime Achievement Award for his influence on the sport. He accepted his award and said, “I hope it makes a difference in how we all think. Surf with aloha and live with aloha.”

Okay, it’s Saturday! Grab your board, your paddle,and a friend then look for surf and inspiration – wherever you find it.

SUP to Community = Olukai

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My cool Olukais “hanging ten” during the last paddle of summer 2012

The familiar Olukai booth and banner are always a draw a SUP events around the globe. We expect the team with great smiles, customer service and community-giving stories are actively preparing for Battle of the Paddle (BOP) this coming weekend. I was thinking about the most recent Olukai team member I met, Julissa Downing from Washington who manned the booth at the Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge.  I had my cool orange Olukais “hanging ten” as I paddled Elk Lake on the last day of summer.

Enthusiastic member of the Olukai team – Julissa

Julissa had joined the Olukai team just a few months before. We hadn’t been talking more than a few minutes when the Olukai Ho’olaule’a Maliko event become the topic. Julissa exclaimed, “Oh, I hope to get to that event and participate in some of the community projects that we’ll be doing there. I love the giving back to community that’s an important part of Olukai. There are so many choices and chance for participating”

It is that spirit that enhances the superior quality and design of the Olukai products. It’s pretty easy to be a fan when their culture so aligns with that of paddlers, ocean-loving, island loving folks. Perhaps I did go a bit off to the extreme before my first down winder in the Columbia River during the 30-40 mph winds and intimidating surf – I decided I needed a symbol for luck and safe passage.

The symbol of the Makau, or bone hook, is present on every Olukai product. It is the traditional Polynesian symbol worn for strength, good luck, and safe passage over water. Since no shoes would be joining me on the 8 mile race from Viento to Waterfront Park I took Sharpie marker in hand and went to work. The result was a temp-tattoo that made me feel happy.

If you have been a part of any of the Olukai community events, or have been the recipient of their good work like the Pa’ia Youth and Cultural Center, please send us your story or comments.  To jog your memory, here are some photos from recent team efforts. When we say a company has a true culture and heart, THIS is what we mean!

Community Give Back Day

Battle of the Paddle – GO!

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Dana Point will be bursting to the seams with every sort of standup paddler from the most elite to the curious newbie. From  a huge array of vendors on the shore to the high-energy races and the exuberant fans, friends and families this is a not-to-be missed stand-up paddle (SUP) exposition that is an ocean festival celebrating what has become a global lifestyle. The expectation for more than 1000 entries is highly realistic – and I truly wish I could be entry number 1001. My guess? There are plenty of you out there who’d love to join in as well. There will be something for everyone. From beginners, to family and company relay teams, to high intensity elite competition, Battle of the Paddle is a showcase for the water sport we love.

Long before I ever thought I’d have the skills to consider heading out for an event like Battle of the Paddle I received the 2009 Commemorative Promo DVD called, “Stand Up and Make a Difference” for the Battle of the Paddle. Seriously, the dream began. Just this summer we purchased a new Mike Waltze film called, “That First Glide.” The hook was now seriously set. 

The story began with images evoking the pioneers of 2000 years ago venturing from Tahiti on their paddle canoes. Over time, Hawaiians introduced surfing and paddling to the world. Over many generations, the “beach boys” refined their sport purely out of having fun on the waters that sustained and influenced their life and culture. No doubt you’ll be in awe of some of the waves the film captures, monsters being ridden with an evolutionary array of boards and paddles by modern day pioneers that include Gerry Lopez, Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama, Chuck Patterson and many more. When you take the time to watch the film it’s hard not to get jazzed about riding waves and paddling flatwater that is accessible to any of us. The segment showing Laird and Dave simply playing on waves that many of us might find “not good enough” is a perfect example of the absolute versatility of standup paddling from the perspective of two of the greatest watermen.

This is what it’s all about – Rainbow Sandals Founder Jay ‘Sparky’ Longley looks to the future of SUP – 12-year-old Riggs Napoleon, son of Aaron Napoleon. Photo by Chase Olivieri.

Back to the theme of this article, the Battle of the Paddle. There is a short interview midway through the film in which Gerry Lopez is asked about the inspiration for what has become such an incredible SUP event. There is a pause and then a grin, Gerry explains that he and Sparky Longley (founder, Rainbow Sandals)  both became enamored with standup at about the same time. When they started thinking about what kind of event they could design Gerry knew exactly what kind it should be. “The race should start right in the surf and go in and out through the surf with the course set right in the middle of the surf break.” And so began one of the most compelling and challenging ocean events drawing in some of the best ocean athletes in the world.

The elite racers have to mix it up with a sprint through the gauntlet midway through their race. They return to the surf for another loop. Obviously these elite athletes have to stay tuned in to the condition and be in top physical shape.

One aspect of BOP is that it includes events that stretch standup paddlers of all levels to the best of their current abilities. The Open course begins outside of the surf break. Demos and “fun” events allow beginners to feel a part of the energy and culture.

To all of you reading this who are “BOP Dreaming,” take a look around your own backyard – or ocean, lake, river or bay. We are blessed with endless numbers and types of events organized by people with a similar passion for getting the SUP “game” right. Maybe you are one of those people. If so, please share a story or comment about your event. Just like we are collecting stories about SUP retailers and professionals working hard for a cause, we want to collect stories about people who infuse local events with a passion and energy similar to what the BOP has nurtured.

Read a bit about one such event organizer, Steve Gates of Big Winds and the Naish Gorge Paddle Challenge in Hood River Oregon. Then send us e-mail with your story. We might not be part of the 1000+ at Battle of the Paddle in Dana Point next weekend, but we can be a part of the culture it inspires.

Surf is Where?

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A few weeks ago a group of friends headed off to Pacific City, Oregon for one of the last summer weekends. With temperatures cooler in the easterly cities, we hoped to avoid the ubiquitous fog that generally shrouds the Cape Kiwanda shoreline. Not so – we had foggy conditions throughout the weekend. The picture to the left shows one of the big sun breaks and an average of the wave conditions. Sure, the occasional larger set rolled in. and so did the wind. The picture to the right shows the chaotic sets we enjoyed for most of Saturday. 

An interesting thing to note is the lack of crowds on the water. Many who came to check out the surf left grumbling about this or that, fog or wind or chill or wave speed. When we got out about 9:30 there were a few prone surfers and about 5 standup surfers. The sets were fairly infrequent so paddling out wasn’t too difficult, staying up while waiting for a wave – more so!

Looking over to the southerly side of the haystack rock, just off the south corner of the Pelican Pub, I noticed a silhouette and surf style that’s not easy to miss. It was Gerry Lopez. He’d been out long before any of us.  With ease, he’d caught dozens upon dozens of rides that made the graceful most of every wave.

The exact same waves deemed not good enough for many who’d visited the shore that day, were providing plenty of rides for one of surfing’s greatest – and for hours on end.  In the few hours I was out there honing more standing and balancing than surfing skills, I watched Gerry watch the waves. Patience to look for the right wave is not my forte, so I learned as I watched him watch. Observing his easy-powerful paddle strokes and graceful rides provided some serious lessons. On each wave, Gerry decided when to cut out of the wave to both avoid getting tousled in the washing machine shore break and to make the paddle out an easier task. Simply being aware of that important phase of riding the wave – exiting it at the right time – can save a lot of hard work.

I finally scored a wave that allowed me a very sweet ride. It seemed like so many I had missed so far, then out of the blue it held up and invited me to dig in for those last few strokes.  Once on, I let it direct me right – so easily.  Catching the second build of the shore break, I decided to end on that note and go ashore to warm up and watch some more. I was still perched on the tailgate of my truck when a few hours later a friend came in plenty exhausted. He commented on how cool Gerry was, giving a few pointers and generally bolstering confidence among some of the SUP surfers sharing the waves. The foggy, windy day warmed – maybe it was just the “aloha.’

I reflected on that surf session today at noon, oddly, while stretching into a forward fold at Groove Yoga. Instructor Cynthia Latimer was giving just the class my mind and body needed. She was bringing our breath and focus to the mat with the unique spirit she shares via her teaching I looked at my mat below my bare toes and considered if riding my breath and movement in this yoga class was really so different from riding a wave. This just right class seemed in many a bit like the ONE wave last Saturday.  Similarly, that wave was just naturally, easily right too.

My thoughts turned back to watching Gerry on some fairly mediocre waves last week riding, playing, sharing aloha with the other surfers and being in the moment. Truly living what he shares in his book, Surf is Where You Find It. Gerry explained in a recent interview that was part of his book tour,  “So I would like to say that we are all here in this life to LIVE. Life is moment to moment, if somehow one moment escapes you, if you haven’t lived it to the fullest, live the next one too. Keep paddling, keep breathing through your nose, live with aloha.”

In the moment when you get to your favorite surf beach and it is too flat, too hot, too windy or not enough of something, consider making the most of that moment.  If there is a way to go with the flow in a manner different than the agenda that brought you to that beach or that moment, consider making a considered, aware choice on how to live it.

In various studios and retreats in which Gerry shares insights and guidance through his yoga classes, you are likely to hear him say something like this, “This is why surfing is such a great metaphor for life. Life doesn’t hold still for us. If we don’t move with it, life just passes us right by, it leaves us behind. Surfing teaches you to be in that moment spontaneously, go with the flow smoothly. That’s how you get the most of the wave and it’s also how you get the most out of life. ”

At work, at play, on your yoga mat, and of course in the ocean, surf is where you find it. And being a “surfer” is what you make it.

Sup Perspective: Nature’s Colors

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Print by Peter French

Elk Lake at the Gerry Lopez Summer series

From the glacial blue of a high mountain lake to the azures of a tropical sea, a great deal of the awe for standup paddlers is simply standing high above our favorite waters drinking in color. I recently saw a photo of one of my favorite elite SUP athletes, Candice Appleby, playfully skimming along on a sweet wave. She was wearing her trademark grin as well as a fitted paddling top in a variety of colors that looked just right against the blues of the sea and sky.

A challenging place to take a standup paddle. The 2 mile trail to this lake at the base of Broken Top mountain (Oregon) is rocky and steep.

I took some time to search out just what she was wearing and got a solid clue from the logo on her compression tights.  I noticed she was wearing a very stylish two-toned blue racerback tank top. There was just something about the color of that top that had me suddenly exploring all the links of the Sweet Waterwear website. Since I like to keep sun off me as much as possible and I live in Central Oregon (land of the “don’t blink or you’ll miss it” summer) I was immediately drawn to their crew neck long sleeve style.

The top arrived in the same color combination I had admired Candice wearing at the race (their Pacific & Sky color combo).
That combination made me happy just looking at it.  I hoped the size would be just right so I could take it on our weekend SUP camping trip to the high lakes. I was pleasantly surprised that the medium fit extremely well – as I sometimes need a large. My back and arms have gotten strong and more “robust” after a summer of great SUP training. ) I noticed the content was 18% spandex so it has plenty of stretch to accommodate most all figures and shapes in a nice slightly fitted and very flattering way. Clearly a lot of careful thought and skilled design has been put into their styling and the all-important fit.

On the website, the material the Long sleeve top is made of is described as “Silky Soft Comfort– Our special tricot knit is soft & satin smooth, no chafing” You know how marketing speak goes, we mostly take it with a grain of salt. In this case the description was solidly right on! I had planned to simply try on the top, check the size then pack it in the duffel bag for the camping trip. Once on, it felt so darn good that I wore it the rest of the afternoon while packing and loading the boards.

Even though I was paddling the cooler high lakes of Central Oregon I was cozy and comfortable even on the frosty mornings in my Sweet Waterwear top. I felt on top of the world amidst a palette of blues – quite a bit like Candice did in that one intriguing photo I saw.

I have to mention that the same day I got the long sleeve top, I got a pair of Sweet Waterwear’s women’s pro elite performance tights. The story of why I got them (I am certainly NOT “elite”) and my experience with compression tights is coming up in a blog article very soon.

SUP Race YOUR Way

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Eager paddlers at Elk Lake outside of Bend, OR

You’ve signed up for the local race, a day of friends, water, standup paddling, often a good cause to support and the chance to hone your skills. It'[s a recipe for a great effort and a great day. Oddly, before a race there’s often a ripple of disclaimers as the competition draws near:

  • I’m tired (sore, out of practice, not feeling well)
  • This board is too heavy (long, short, tippy, slow)
  • It’s windy (rough, hot, cold)

Sarah Castle has an entirely different perspective on attitude when it comes to competing. She’s captain of the 2012 U.S. Paralympic Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team. That’s right, players competing in basketball that’s practically a full contact sport from their wheelchairs. No excuses, no disclaimers – just a team focused on pushing full-force for the entire game. Not only that, the team is really diverse in terms of age. We all know how challenging it is to maintain competitive endurance as we age. (New disclaimer – oh, by the way, I am older than you are) Imagine adding that challenge to the fact that every team is out to get TEAM USA because they nabbed gold in the past two Olympics.

Team USA comes into the London 2012 Paralympic Games as the two-time defending champions, winning gold at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games and the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.  One thing is certain, they  bring their best game every time. “We bring our best game and we play our game, every time. That’s all we can strive for,” says Sarah Castle.  No matter what the outcome of any event, that’s  a “win” that really matters.

So, back to the litany of excuses we often hear, and might even voice, when we come to our competitions. How can players compete at the elite level and avoid that pitfall of negativity? Surely, we at our level can bring a better “game” to our events. What do we need? Preparation, focus and passion for the “game.”

  • If you didn’t get out on the water or to your training routine enough before an event, you left preparation at home.
  • If you’re worried about your equipment or the weather, you’ve got focus out of whack
  • If you’ve got an enthusiastic passion for paddling at your best today for the entire route or course – then life is good!

A laugh can quell those butterflies

Deciding what is okay, and what make a grin flash across your face can make all the difference.  For someone who went from being an active healthy 11 year-old to adapting to after-effects of a disease that brought paralysis and the need for a wheelchair, Sarah Castle has focused on following paths that inspire her, working hard and getting her “grin” on.  What’s right for you? Sometimes the most remarkable thing an elite athlete or the weekend warrior can do happens outside the event. Have you ever:

We love our sport! Better yet, we love the heroes, leaders and players that inspire us to bring our own best game every time – and to be okay with whatever that is. Take the time to watch Sarah and our amazing US Team.
For more information on the 2012 U.S. Paralympic Team and Paralympic athletes, competitions and sports in the United States, visit http://www.USParalympics.org, the official website of U.S. Paralympics, a division of the United States Olympic Committee formed in 2001. U.S. Paralympics leads the Paralympic Movement in the United States.

Subscribe to their channel for more Paralympic content:http://www.youtube.com/usparalympics
Follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/USParalympics
Like them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/USParalympics