Paddle Some Play in Your Day

Posted on January 8, 2015 by Water Words

Paddling Toward Play

January 7, 2015 by Water Words Leave a comment

Play. Play outside. Play outside on the water – now we’re talking! So, let’s go after it!

Photo by avid paddler , Dennis Oliphant

Heading out to our favorite water, be it ocean, lake, river or bay, delivers an absolutely great “play” experience for all ages. Last night we had a rare winter 60 degree evening, no wind and clear skies. The sunset was pink and gold perfection. After a week of sub-freezing evenings it was the ideal time for me to grab my board and go for a paddle. Did I go? No, I was too “busy” for play.

Long after I forget what “busy” stuff I had to accomplish I will remember that I did not go out to play when my mind, body and spirit really needed it. Has that ever happened to you? In a world of busy-ness and multi-tasking, do you ever feel that despite being so very busy you can’t get it all accomplished? Too many irons in the fires of life, and not enough time for pure play. How do we design our balance between priorities, responsibilities and the value of playing outside on the water?

Chuck Patterson demonstrtaes an attitude of childlike play and abundant gratitude in his daily photo posts.

Chuck Patterson captures the play every day – and shares awesome photos daily on Facebook

For the lucky few there is no dichotomy between play and work – they seamlessly meld into a satisfying flow. For most of us, “work” and the obligations connected to the life we love and want don’t leave enough time for our definition of “play.” While we put work at the forefront of our minds and lives, our health and happiness might take a back seat. What successes do we Believe will make us (and those we love) happy in the long-run? Can more play make a positive difference?

How often have you connected with your yoga practice or time on the water standup paddling only to discover that you emerged an hour later refreshingly energized or calm? What a difference that vibe has on the rest of your day and for those you engage with. The call to connect with regular “play time outside on the water” aligns with the simple, human need to be outside, free, bold and active. (More here)
The phone or computer home screen images of tropical oceans or sunset over a calm lake often hypnotizes while while at work or indoors. Count and collect the minutes you dream or feel distracted while at “work.” What we long for is time – and permission – to play. This is what we inevitably all want, yet are confused by a myriad of pressures as to how to attain it.

Consider the value of hopping off your board after a nice long paddle with a new sense of stress-free exuberance? Who hasn’t experienced the glow from being out in nature in the sunshine – or even the fog, rain or wind? We paddle with presence while stress and anxiety melt away. What about our lives is enhanced when we postpone the meetings, the emails, and the errands when standing on our SUP watching the sun go down?

Scheduling in a paddle, blocking an hour so that you can rush to the water, paddle hard while watching the clock then bounding back to obligations does not invite the power of play. The YOU who loves to be outside playing on the water deserves the new possibilities and child-like wonder that play can provide.

What did I do today? In the midst of another busy day I determined the warmest portion of the winter Wednesday and scheduled in a 45 minute leisurely paddle with no agenda other than being out on my board on the water. It was stellar!

I threw my inflatable Naish ONE and my KIALOA Paddle in my car when I left for meetings and work at 7:30. By 12:30 I was at the river park. A 5-minute warmup was provided by pumping up the Naish ONE and by 12:35 I was out on the water – where will you play today?

Naish ONE: Alpine SUPping Robby Naish Style

Posted on October 26, 2014 by Water Words

Naish ONE inside, some snacks and a camera! Ready to go Alpine SUPping

Fall has hit the latitudes affected by winter snows and that shoulder season brrrr. It’s our last chance to grab a backpack and hike to the alpine regions that are absolutely stunning this time of year. Our backpack gear is cool-to-the-max because tucked inside the pack is a Naish ONE!

Robby Naish says, ” I am constantly telling people about the many benefits of our inflatable stand up paddle boards.

Robbie Naish ready to Alpine SUP - Photos by Filip Zuan (www.filipzuan.com)

Robby Naish ready to Alpine SUP – Photos by Filip Zuan (www.filipzuan.com)

Here are a few shots from an Alpine SUP adventure in St. Moritz, Switzerland that never would have been possible with a composite board!

Where in the world is Robby Naish

Every day on the water is a good day and with one of these, you can make that happen a lot more often!”

Find YOUR nearest alpine lake and let the hike-in Naish ONE adventure begin

Secret Lake by Broken Top – Oregon Photo by Tyler Roemer

Our first Alpine SUP adventure to a breathtaking, incredible “secret” lake tucked behind Broken Top in Bend, OR was an adventure. (Story here). Discovering these lakes and taking the hike set the stage for the sweetest of paddles upon arrival. All you need is a map and a plan to discover these treasures.

We drove through frozen, rutted snow at the edge of a 3,000 ft drop cliff in the Steens in Eastern Oregon to find our alpine lake. We were headed for Wildhorse Lake but the 1,100 foot steep drop of the trail covered in ice was not something we wanted to attempt. (video below). Instead we found a terrific alpine lake to hike to – Fish Lake nestled among the Steens at an elevation of 7400 feet. Surrounded by a healthy stand of willows and aspens, here a wide variety of wildlife can be found including beavers further down Lake Creek below the lake. It was glassy calm, with the only ripples provided by the lake’s namesake – fish! And plenty of them.

Thanks to Naish SUP for sweet inflatables, KIALOA Paddles for design and technology, and the Beatles for the tunes in the video below.

Action and Adrenaline? SUP & BOP 2014

Posted on October 11, 2014 by Water Words

For some time, I have been following the articles written by Annabel Anderson on Distressed Mullet. Between those articles and a number of videos full of succinct and relevant training tips my technique has been improved. In addition, Annabel has a knack for putting us in her shoes via a wonderful weaving of words.

I ran into Annabel at the Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge. She had never met me, she was busy preparing her mind for the distance race. Yet, when I introduced myself and mentioned how much her tips had helped me I got that famous Annabel grin and big hug. Talk about down to earth and connected to her fans.

Photo by OnIt Pro

Later in the weekend Annabel shared a bit about her personal training routine, her lifelong pursuit if excellence across so many sports and the unique challenges in SUP. She loves to run, ride bikes, ride horses, sail, play on boats – it’s all about playing the game of life! Connecting a solid passion for what she does with that playful sense of fun defines Annabel.

Annabel Anderson on BOP 2014 and SUP’s evolution

Be sure to read her most recent article on Distressed Mullet, “Eerily Prescient Pre-BOP Musings.” She predicts with a bulls-eye accuracy, weaving insights and words like these, “There will be a show. It will be a show of bravery and of survival. It will be a show of heart, courage and humility. It will be a show of athleticism and skill.

In the age of action and adrenaline sports, where ice skaters line up four abreast and take to a frozen motor cross downhill course, tomorrow the sport of SUP will truly legitimize itself as the aquatic version of Red Bull Ice Crushers.” Don’t miss this one!

Positively Kai: Family, Attitude and Aloha

Posted on August 23, 2014 by Water Words

The Lenny family enjoys a close connection to the ocean – and to each other. Aloha, dreams, hard work and smiles.

Martin Lenny told me a story once, it was a story that started with family – a family connected to the ocean. In the early days as Martin and Paula were working double jobs while raising their family, they recognized that their son Kai was active – super active. Kai, whose name means, “ocean” in Hawaiian was happiest in the ocean.The best way to feed his need for action was to top off each day with time at the beach – doing whatever ocean sport was suitable for Kai’s age.

Fortunately, his family recognized that Kai had more than just a love of the ocean, he also had a passionate dream. Kai learned how to surf at the age of 4, windsurf at 6, stand up surf at 7 and kite surf at 9. Learning how to do these sports all happened naturally, and from it grew his love affair with the ocean and the waves. Mentors have been integral to Kai’s ability to soar toward his dream.

The early days’ mentoring from Robby Naish has evolved into a lifelong friendship. Few his age have enjoyed training with not only Robby, but also legendary watermen like Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama, Buzzy Kerbox and Chuck Patterson. Kai eagerly adopted just about every sport that involved water, wind and waves.

Traditional prayer circle lead by gerry Lopez before the Positively Kai Grom clinic – huge turn out

A common thread among his mentors and his family has inspired Kai as he has become a champion, a leader himself: Give back to the next generation by mentoring and consistently sharing aloha. It was exactly this sort of mentoring and inspiration that helped Kai continue his life journey toward his own dream. It is very obvious that the entire Lenny family lives this commitment to sharing with the next generation of standup paddlers.

In the spirit of mentoring and giving back, Kai has created a series of clinics for groms (young surfers) called, “Positively Kai.” Yesterday in Hood River we enjoyed watching the free clinic supported by sponsors (Naish, Hurley, Red Bull, Nike, GoPro , Turtle Bay Resort, Vertra, MFC and others).

The clinic began with a prayer circle created by three concentric circles of hundreds of groms, family and friends holding hands and following the words of Gerry Lopez. Soon afterward, the groms were organized by age group and taken for more land instruction by the Big Winds JET team riders and many elite standup paddlers like Connor Baxter, Kody Kerbox, Chuck Patterson, Noa Ginella, Riggs Napoleon and more.

Age group races were an exciting part of the clinic but the real stories happened on the beach! One group of 8 year olds pow-wowed on the sand as the one more experienced paddler shared confidence and some words of wisdom to his peer.

A mom sent her 5 year old out into the windy bay with a grin. Why? She explained, “When she was 18 months old she began going paddling with me, sometimes napping on the board and sometimes falling off. But she has always loved being on the board with me. Now that she’s 5 she begged to come to this clinic and learn to paddle on her own.”

One exceptional paddler, Estani Bori age 10, had some obvious experience, skills and maybe that same passion that once fueled Kai when he was 10. He flew around the race course, then ran down to the beach to help collect the boards from the other racers as they finished. He was on the water doing tail turns and sprints all afternoon. I caught up with his father, Pablo.

“Why did you travel all the way from Tahoe for this clinic,” I asked. Pablo didn’t hesitate a bit, “Once I saw that Estani lives and breathes this sport I had to help him follow what he is passionate about.”

That sounds like something Martin Lenny said, back in the day. Pablo continued, “Estani goes to sleep watching his SUP heroes and he wakes up wanting to paddle, paddle, paddle. Once he started doing races it was great. The travel and the paddling is something we can do, father and son.”

Again and again all day long that is what stuck – the number of kids and parents, entire families smiling and sharing the stoke that is SUP. The energy of more than 400 people through the dance-off, the dinner of yummy burritos (Kai’s favorite) and the awards was stellar.

We ended with this from Kai, “I am inspired and stoked to see so many groms of all ages charging and having fun. You are the future of SUP and this is the best time to be a standup paddle athlete. The sport is young and has room for you to make your dreams happen – in SUP or whatever it is you dream. “

Dave Kalama: Keep it Fun & Keep On Going

Posted on July 25, 2014 by Water Words

M2O in 2 days – it’s gonna require a great attitude and experience in reading the ocean

Elder SUP

Born in 1964, Dave trains, paddles, surfs, innovates and appreciates the waterman life to the max

Dave Kalama has been around since day one of stand up paddling (literally) and has competed in the ocean for over 30 years. He consistently innovates and helps create the equipment he uses from boards to paddles – and he’s still got the passion, wonder, gratitude and sense of “awe” that creates a legend. It was an honor to chat with Dave recently. You’re gonna love his stories and perspective.

It started on Maui in 2012: If you have ever done a down wind run you know what I mean when I say – “Holy cow! What a rush. I want more!” With one down wind experience at the 2012 Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge under my belt, I headed to Maui for the Olukai Ho’olaule’a Fun Race.

At the post race luau I…

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Kahului – Home Away from Home

Posted on May 17, 2014 by Water Words

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

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

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

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

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

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

The hallway near our room

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

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

If Shoulders Could Talk – The “Catch”

Posted on April 13, 2014 by Water Words

After watching the Bend Oregon Outrigger Canoe Club practice in our local Deschutes River and observing the power, speed and fun the OC-1 paddlers generate I had to step off my standup paddle board for a try.

Hooked! After just a few weeks of OC-6 team practices I love the sport – and even more, I love what it has done for my SUP technique. While going fast and training for endurance is important, keeping injury-free while getting the most power from each stroke is a top priority. Like many of you, I get some training from clinics and pros when possible and make the most of YouTube videos by athletes and trainers we respect.

I actually had to get a sore shoulder in order to learn some key aspects of the outrigger paddle technique. In seat 2 one afternoon I sat behind a super strong paddler and a KIALOA Paddles ‘Elele, Jen Kjellesvik (Standup paddle and Payette River Games podium winner). On each reach before the catch it seemed to me that her elbow and forearm set higher than the shoulder – so I mirrored that. The imagery of power I got from Jenn in seat 1 made me feel fast and strong – but my upper arm and shoulder felt fatigued and sore. I chalked that up to using new muscles.

Later when we switched out of the canoe for some dry land training with coach, Meg Chun, we were working on the set/hesitation and catch. One by one we showed our technique – and I showed the way I had done the stroke during practice. “Whoa!,” said Meg. It seemed that what I thought I was seeing from seat 2 was not what was really happening. Jen’s FOREARM and hand were above the shoulder (set-hesitate for that nano-second before each catch) but the elbow floated below the shoulder.

Just as I knew from standup technique, to keep my elbow below the shoulder, the same was true for outrigger. Meg’s training and explanation in the dry land clinic really brought this solidly home. Thinking about setting the scapula, images of bracing with the leg and pulling on a door handle, and repeats of a hesitation before the catch gave muscle-memory to this shoulder-happy technique.

Lisa Jabukowski shows great from (Photo by Dave Chun)

A second lap in the OC-6 gave a chance to practice the technique – but a surprise bonus in imagery came paddling by. Team mate, Lisa Jabukowski, came past in her OC-1. For a few minutes she was off to my right. I watched her upper body through dozens of strokes and noticed her shoulder/back position before each catch and pull. I can’t describe exactly how her rotation was different from what I had been doing but watching her allowed me to make subtle changes. Everything about my stroke was feeling better and nothing was getting sore or unduly fatigued.

The next time I was in the water after that clinic I happened to be standup paddling. With outrigger imaging in my mind I kept my bottom arm straight and my upper elbow below my shoulder on the recovery. HESITATION, set and DIG for a solid CATCH. Then using my legs and torso rotation I moved my board forward as the paddle held steady and smooth in the water.

Again and again, 8 strokes per side, for about 4 repeats I went slow and with focused intention. Then it was time to see what a bump in cadence might do.

Sweet! There was an absolutely cool connection between the power in my legs and the rotation of my torso – which moved my shoulders to the proper plane (thank you, Lisa). I could feel the moment of catch before my legs enhanced by body rotation solidly ooooonched my board forward and past my paddle.

Next day shoulder soreness = NONE!! Muscle memory, great imagery and some solid coaching provided in the outrigger team setting is making a world of difference in my standup technique. If you have a chance to participate in both – give it a try.

Great training video by KIALOA Paddles ‘Elele, Luke Evslin (minute 4:00 was especially an “aha” segment for me.)

Kody Kerbox dropping in at Ho’okipa

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Water Words

Love the color of the water

Andrew Welker Photo

Kody Kerbox dropping in at Ho'okipa

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Who Won: Battle of the Paddle 2013

Posted on October 5, 2013 by Water Words

There was a moment during the 2013 Battle of the Paddle that will probably remain etched in my memory for a very long time. We were all packed like sardines 4-5 levels deep, shoulder to shoulder with our boards in hand. There were 400+ of us all waiting to hear the horn for “GO!” The sky was clear, the sun was warm and the set that was rolling in was waist high and beautiful. I felt the sand under my bare feet and the light weight of my KIALOA Hulu paddle in my hand.

That paddle and I had hundreds of hours and many, many miles of paddling together. We had surfed gnarly Pacific City in cold, chaotic waves. We’d gone up and down the Deschutes rRver through town and around High Cascade lakes all summer long. For several years I’d dreamed of being in that spot – at the start of the BOP. The stars had aligned and here I was! The usual pre-race butterflies simply didn’t hit me – I was super-charged with energy and happiness just being in the midst of so many people prepared to do a pretty challenging event. There was a possibility of a wave set hitting us all at the Hammer buoy turn, sort of like we had just seen with the elite paddlers . Whatever, I was ready!

To most, Battle of the Paddle is the race of the year. People flock to Dana Point, California to participate and watch the carnage of the elite race and to witness the top athletes of standup paddling battle it out. The event itself is one of the largest SUP races in the world with over 450 open competitors and close to 200 elite competitors. For me, it was a “bucket list” dream come true.

The green line went to the yellow buoy, our first sprint leg of the race. The black buoy is the infamous Hammer buoy

Suddenly the horn sounded and we were off! People were bumping boards, falling off, and running into each other. It was mayhem! I got hit from behind. I was being drafted by a guy who later told me he drafted me the entire race. That was cool since he was about 20 years younger. Did he realize he was drafting Granny? (LOL). I didn’t fall and somehow paddled up and over a few waves with a clear shot to the first buoy. That first turn was sketchy with people crowding and falling. I took a wide line far from the buoy and made a clean turn – the race was ON!

People were unbelievably friendly, apologizing for bumps, making way at buoys and generally chatting and laughing. Parents and kids on separate boards were using the event for a truly great shared experience. They were giving guidance, confidence and support when things got tough on the upwind and side chop legs. Time sped by, as did the 4.08 miles – too fast. I was savoring every moment from the feel of the waves breaking over my feet, to the pounding of my heart as I paddled hard, and the wonderful salty air and sunshine.

Before I knew it I was rounding buoy #1 for the last time and it was time for the sprint for the shore. I was shoulder to shoulder with another paddler and we were both giving it our all. A few hundred yards from shore a set came in and we both felt the first wave billow under our boards. We were ready as the second wave came up we paddled like crazy – I got it! What exhilaration to be propelled with a glassy wave all the way to the shore – holy cow!

A quick back step at the shore break allowed the wave to flow under my board, then it was JUMP ON THE BEACH – LEAVE THE BOARD, KEEP THE PADDLE AND RUN TO THE FINISH! Too soon it was over. But the epic adventure was just starting for the elite racers. With the OPEN class completed it was time for the elite finals. Spectators stood spellbound as the elite women, in their separate start, showed us what they were made of. It was absolute athleticism and SUP thrills. The elite men came next. If you haven’t followed the many videos and photos of that event Google it now! Kai Lenny, Connor Baxter, Danny Ching and every competitor gave us a show to remember.

Other dramas played out in the Open course and during the kids’ events. There were wins for all. One paddler in particular was Charles Webb. From an injury sustained in a motorcycle accident, Charlie competed as a paraplegic athlete and an “I can” champion inspiring us all. Riding out on an adaptive board, Charles Webb wheeled onto his vessel and with a nudge from the shore, embarked on the open water course. I saw him managing balance and paddling precision at the #1 buoy during the second lap of the course. Do yourself a favor and read about Charlie’s journey from rehab, to surfing to the Battle of the Paddle (article here)

My Kialoa paddle has opened so many door to this “elder” water athlete

At the awards ceremony I received a beautiful wooden paddle as a 1st Place trophy for my age group. I finished somewhere in the top 70% of racers – with about 300 in front of my finish and about 140 behind.

SO who won the Battle of the Paddle? You only had to be on the beach at any point during the entire weekend to know the answer. Every single person who was walking around with paddle in hand had a “win.”

Winners All! We were all part of a gathering of the best in the world and hundreds who were at their personal best. We had amazing weather, brilliant sun and epic events to watch. We took our paddles and our skills to the ocean and showed up. We put our paddles to the water and self-propelled ourselves over a course full of chaos and unknowns. We came from near and far to add our energy to a celebration of so many things we love about SUP, surfing, paddling, wind, waves, competition, tradition and camaraderie. We all won! Thanks to Sparky Longley and Gerry Lopez, the Rainbow Sandals family and all the sponsors who made the 6th Battle of the Paddle all that it is. (some stats)

SUP Mentor: Candice Appleby

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Water Words

One year ago I had never set foot, or paddle, in the mighty Columbia River. I planned to be a spectator at the Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge. At the last minute, some confidence-building from Brit Oliphant and a 20-second chance conversation with Candice Appleby gave me the boost needed to “GO!” when the horn blew to start the downwind race in 2012. This year I had a bucket list goal: participate in both the downwinder and the course race no matter what the conditions.

The wind blew enough for the downwinder to make it fun and then it cranked up a few notches and nearly blew us off our boards on the 4 upwind legs of the course race. At the end of the weekend you’d think that the coolest stoke would have been from competing in the events. That wasn’t so. As in most great parts of life, the real stoke comes from the people and connections. Al Paterson who wrapped engaging stories and accurate commentating around every minute of the event was one such person. Seeing the smiles on the face of Steve Gates as he supported, inspired and just plain had fun watching his amazing team of JET athletes on the water was another treasure.

Steve Gates is the heart and inspiration behind this amazing team of young water athletes

On Friday afternoon, Ed and I were sitting by the water watching some of the elite athletes out practicing. Among them was Candice Appleby. You can call what she was doing “Practice” but there is no doubt that she was simply having a blast. She was negotiating tail turns and maneuvers again and again, all with a big grin and “wooops” when she’d splash in the river – back up for more.

Fun as it was it had to be exhausting, but you’d never know. From there Candice headed to a photo shoot with a few other of the elites and the next thing I saw, she was dashing around on the lawn playing tag with a few giggling kids. Throughout the weekend, parents would stop with their young paddlers to get a bit of advice or have a chat with Candice. No matter how close it was to a starting horn or how many others were around, Candice always seemed to have the time to connect, to talk, to hand off one of her hats and to make someone’s day!

She’s got time for the young – and the old. Both days I was the oldest female athlete on the courses – any win was a function of the minimal number of participants over age 50 (or 60!) This year I was fine doing the downwinder with Ed. In fact, couldn’t wait to jump into that one. The course race with the wind blowing stink X 3 was another thing. Standing on the beach before the event Candice came by to see how I was doing. A few pointers on staying aerodynamic upwind and a quick demo of how to execute the short choppy strokes that could power me upwind changed the butterflies into readiness.

The race that started before the OPEN Women was the grom race. One youngster who seemed to be about 10 was not crying, but close to it. Her mom was doing her best to share confidence. Candice strolled over and checked out the situation. A few minutes, a few smiles later with new determination that little girl leaped to her feet at the start horn and paddled her way into windy chaos, never looking back!

Sprained ankle taped and ready to GO

The OPEN race began, and we all set off. It was grueling to reach that first upwind mark. Candice had told me to gather my balance and mindset after turning that mark for the downwind leg. Good to remember. I had some water, eased my breathing steady and got some glides going. I am not even going to talk about the chaos and challenge that turning the downwind mark to begin the uphill battle back upwind was. Suffice it to say I was exhausted by the time I made my way toward the turning buoy on the beach after lap number one.

But from there, things got better. The wonderful JET girls in their bright orange shirts were fun to paddle around. Hearing them cheer and tease each other, give space at the buoys and generally compete with heart fueled the next few laps. As I approached that challenging downwind turning mark for the last time I noticed Candice was in the water warming up doing repeats up and down wind by the shore. Somehow she noticed me coming and gave a cheer that added energy to that last turn. Heading toward the beach and the end she got a pretty big smile from me as I set up my position and strokes for the most power in that last segment.

I don’t know how she balances it all. The world of an elite standup paddler is full of endless training, endless travel, and the need to be both leader and ambassador for our fledgling sport. These elite women certainly don’t do all they do for the money, that’s another issue entirely. For the many SUP athletes who benefit from athletes like Candice and their inspiration, we have the task of taking that example and making it our own. No matter what our experience or records of wins/losses, we all have something we can share. Thanks for the example and for the inspiration, Candice Appleby.