Samata Mag

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opening

WHEN I AM ON THE WATER, PRACTICE BECOMES MORE THAN PRACTICE ...

Practice fast forwards into a place of supreme connectedness.

I’m immediately aware of the tiny habit and nuances in my practice. I am immediately aware of the body’s plea to connect the breath, heart and mind. Without which I would not be able to flow and hold postures. My body feels at home on the water. The vibrations melt and the purity and power of form fills in. ~TJ TJ Mangrum, One-Legged King Pigeon, Cinco Bayou, Florida PHOTO © SEAN MURPHY

publisher

REID INOUYE editor

BEN MARCUS managing editor

LUC Y LUCILLE copy editor

S TONE PARKER art director

DAR A FOWLER contributing writers

MA SON THORPE HE ATHER BAUS health & fitness advisors

SCOT T ES TR ADA C A SI RYNKOWSKI JULIE ROACH AMELIA TR AVIS photographers

ERIC HAK A PAUL ENSYDE

Printed in Hong Kong ISSN 2372-2282

SAMATA MAG A REID INOU YE PUBLICATION PO Box 625 Cardiff CA 920 07 © 2016

facebook.com/SamataSUPMag @Samata_Magazine pinterest.com/samatamag/ instagram.com/samatamag

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editorsnote PHOTO COURTESY: CHARLOT TE PIHO

AN INTRODUCTION IT IS WITH GREAT PLEASURE I have been asked to introduce our new editor of Samata Mag: Ben Marcus. Now some may think it’s odd to have a man at the head of a women’s magazine but the more I work with Ben the more I know he is a fit. He was an editor at Surfer Magazine for 10 years, and has written 20 books — including The Art of Standup Paddling, which has an entire chapter dedicated to SUP Yoga, featuring Dashama.

Ben grew up surfing Santa Cruz in the 1970s and was a dedicated surfer through the 80s and the 90s. While living in Malibu in 2007, Ben had a “SUPiphany” and retired his surfboard for good. He now is a full-time SUPista and has done a lot of paddling from Malibu to Montauk, Santa Cruz to Seattle, Las Vegas to Waikiki.

After many years of writing and travel - and two years of living in gloomy Seattle, taking care of his mother — Ben moved to Waikiki to get some sun and get healthy and try to figure out what to do with himself next. That is where Samata found him: living on a boat in Kewalo Basin, doing the long paddle from Kewalo to Waikiki and back, listening to Led Zeppelin, the Police and Talking Heads on Spotify, riding his Mongoose Brutus fat tire bike around Waikiki, eating NY steak and eggs for breakfast at the new L and L in Ala Moana Beach Park, hanging around at Snappers and the Mai Tai bar at the Royal Hawaiian. He was a little lost, a little lonely. He needed a mission and for his sins, we gave him one.

He is as experienced a writer and editor as he is a SUPista — although California passed laws against him doing SUP Yoga in public and Hawaii is considering a similar law — but that’s another story.

Ben says: “I worked at Surfer Magazine for 10 years.”

I’ve watched Ben transform our features for this issue, fleshing out the interviews and coaxing depth and the soul of the story and to reveal its heart.

So now a guy is the editor of a women’s SUP magazine. We will keep an eye on him and hope you will too. We have faith Ben is going to improve this magazine.

We — neither you or I — would not be here without it. It’s what connects us all, we are connected by water.

— LUCY

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WHAT’S SAMATA YOU? INTRODUCING NEW EDITOR BEN MARCUS

YEP, A GUY IS NOW EDITING SAMATA, a magazine for female SUPistas and yogis.

Creepy? Hope not.

Politically incorrect? Not really.

I’m a guy who doesn’t like talking about himself or writing about himself. I like to stay in the background, make sure everything is grammatically correct and politically correct and spelled correctly.

I’ve written a lot of stories under various nom de plume.

Let others have the byline glory. I’ve had enough. More than enough.

From 1989 to 1998 I was an editor/writer at Surfer Magazine and worked on 150 issues of that magazine. What I liked best was helping others with their writing: “We turn Spicoli into Shakespeare,” was our motto. I hope to do that at Samata. Make the writing as elegant and flowing as the women featured in this magazine.

Since leaving Surfer in 1989 I have put my name on somewhere around 20 books about Las Vegas and Malibu and surfing and the history of skateboarding and quite a few surfing books and one book on The Art of Standup Paddling. That book was recently revised and I had the pleasure of working with Dashama, who dashed off the SUP yoga chapter quickly and efficiently.

“Quick” and “efficient” are two golden words in editor world.

A long story about that whole period after Surfer — painful in more ways than bad backs. I was a lost and lonely wanderer, living in my van, taking two trips to Alaska — once with a cat named Ike that Greg Noll gave me. Lost and lonely, like I said, but at some point I ended up in Malibu in 2003, to write a book about surf wax for Zuma Jay. I ended up spending about eight years in Malibu writing a whole bunch of books, getting a screenplay stolen, and easing into a SUPiphany.

I remember when I first got to Malibu in 2003, I saw Laird in the parking lot at Colony Plaza with his mondo F350 Ford pickup.

I said, all wiseass: “You got enough truck there, hoss?”

He replied, “It’s for my standups.”

I thought, “Laird is doing standup comedy from the back of an F350? Weirdo!”

But no, Laird meant something else, a something else that slowly revealed itself to me over the next couple of years. Like when Tom Moore hired me to write a baseball screenplay and we paddled out at L____ D____ and there was Laird owning the place, standing up on a big, orange tandem board and catching waves with a paddle. Wasn’t exactly sure what in God’s hands he was doing, but he made it look good.

What was he doing?

Laird was standup paddling, and this was in the early years. I would come to learn that Laird started doing it on Maui in the mid 1990s and then brought it to Malibu during the summer and did it a lot: “Keeps my legs in shape for Jaws,” Laird would tell me later, and that made sense. The guy is a workout fiend.

At the time I, like most people, cracked jokes behind his back. I called him The Gondolier and other snide things.

And then I had what I call a “SUPiphany.” I tried standup paddling. First board was a 12’1” Laird that I think I “borrowed” from Randy French at Surftech - and never gave it back. Still have it. Thanks Randy.

Well that was that. Surfing was pau. At first I was paddling from Carbon Beach to First Point and back, when there were only a few SUP out there: Vince Klyn, Allen Sarlo, that Aussie dude with the Mercedes, the guy on the inflatable, a few others.

And now it’s been almost 10 years and I SUP as much as I possibly can, to try and stay healthy and keep my back from killing me and clear my head. In Waikiki for the past year I have been living on a boat, first in the Ala Wai in front of Chart House, and now in Kewalo Basin.

So here I am, Monday, February 8, 2016 at 8:45 AM, sitting outside the Starbucks on Ward, poaching their Wifi because my Hot Spot usage went over.

Looking forward to using Samata as a stable platform to take SUP into a bigger and better future - whatever that’s going to be.

Let me know how I am doing.

— BEN MARCUS Starbucks at Ward Center February 8, 2016 9:40 AM

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contents

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ON THIS PAGE

Forced by food allergies to eat a clean, healthy diet, Shae Foudy makes healthy look good. And she’s kicking okole as a competitive SUP racer.

PHOTO © ERIC HAKA

22 EDITORS NOTE 30 GOOD HE ALTH • Enter Sandman by Scott Estrada • DIY Whipped Body Butter by stokedyogi.com

34 GOOD FORM • Casi Rynkowski — Wall Balls • Julie Roach — Half-Crow, Half-Crane

38 GOOD BIZ • GracedByGrit

46 GOOD TR AVEL S • Lake Powell Paddleboards

features 52 THE R ACIN’ VEGAN

Shae Foudy = Bagels no. Winning yes.

60 LOVE EVERY MOMENT

On the Road with Anne-Marie and Four Friends

70 BAL ANCE

Charlotte Piho Home in the Cook Islands

78 NEW LIFE THROUGH SUP

Profile of an Ozark Native: Mother, Grandmother, Widow and Stand Up Paddler.

86 PE ACE OF MIND

TJ Mangrum Finds It on the Water

ON THE COVER

TJ Mangrum enjoys some quiet time on the water PHOTO © JENNA NOELLE

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goodhealth SLEEP

ENTER SANDMAN

BY SCOTT ES TRADA

THE TOPIC OF SLEEP has gained big momentum in the last two decades as research is connecting the dots from poor sleep to compromised health; how much sleep we need is still up for debate depending on who you listen to, but one thing is clear, we need quality sleep and a growing number of us aren’t getting it!

behind with a damp cloth. The extended benefits of using this oil reach far beyond just hacking your sleep. I recommend Ancient Minerals brand for solid quality. ancient-minerals.com 2. Raw Honey

There are lots of ideas and opinions as to how to get back to a place of sound, restorative sleep. In my experience as a health/ nutrition coach over the years some work and some don’t. What works for one person may not for the next - my take is brain chemistry and genetics differ across the board giving us widely different results.

Here are my top sleep hacks that have shown the best results over the years. Hopefully you’ll find a combo that helps you improve the quality of sleep because the quality of our waking hours depends heavily on a good night of zzzzzzzzz’s!

1. Magnesium Oil

This is the most absorbable form of magnesium, topical “oil” sprayed on the skin. It’s not technically an oil but feels like one because of its concentration. Magnesium is one of the top minerals needed by the body to perform over 300 enzyme functions including relaxing muscles, supporting lower blood pressure and hormone balance inducing natural sleep cycles.

By spraying a fine mist on your legs, arms and torso and lightly rubbing in for coverage your skin will absorb this essential mineral quickly in 20-30 minutes giving you a slight prickly feeling as it does. Do this before bed and wipe away the light residue left

30 Samata I V3N1

A very simple hack that works on the premise that our brains use more energy at night when sleeping, mainly from the sugar that is stored in our liver called glycogen. Raw honey is quick to convert into glycogen for brain fuel keeping stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline at bay which can disrupt sleep. This simple carbohydrate will also support serotonin production to promote relaxation. Part B of this hack is adding a small amount of coconut oil and sea salt on the spoon if just the raw honey doesn’t work best for you. The MCT’s (medium chain triglycerides) from the coconut oil help to regulate the honey and deliver brain food of its own as a complement. The sea salt aids in energy production as well and regulates stress responses also. Find the right combo for you but begin with just the honey, as that might be enough. One teaspoon of raw honey should do the trick; add the same amount of coconut oil if needed and a dash of sea salt.

3. Eat more healthy fats, especially at dinner

If you’ve read my topics for a while you’ll know I’m a huge fan of fueling your body on healthy fats rather than leaning on sugars.

There are many long-term benefits to this practice and good sleep is one of them. Teaching our system to run more on healthy fats gives us long-burning, sustained energy with the ups and downs

Email Scott Estrada; scott@risesup. com for info on this or other health/ nutrition topics.

of sugar burning, keeping the stress hormones lower, feeding our brain with ketones it loves.

We are satiated and crave less running on good fats and by the end of our day are more apt to relax and fall asleep naturally supporting healthy hormone balance. If you want to know a breakdown of all the healthiest fats and how to bring them into your daily intake send me an email and I’ll send a piece from a past issue of Samata that goes deeper into the topic. scott@risesup.com 4. Get out into bright sunlight and/ or get your Vita D levels up

This is an easy one if you’re on the water paddling regularly in a sunny region. Our body produces the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin in contrast to the bright natural light we encounter during the day and the darkness we sleep in at night (a strong argument to sleep in complete darkness). If you happen to be in a northern region that is less sunny and far from the equator you’ll have to get your Vitamin D levels checked and supplement as needed as a higher Vitamin D level is a cornerstone to good health supporting good hormone balance and sound sleep. Again email me and I’ll send

back a deeper piece on Vitamin D from a past Samata issue.

5. Fill your room with amber light

Amber light comes from a candle or fire, the kind of light that is wired deep into our genes long before we had modern bulbs that give off a more blue light spectrum that work against our natural health because they can block natural melatonin production. The downside of all the new tech gadgets is the light they emit at night when the sun has set and we should be winding down. Try lighting candles in and around your house especially the bedroom to get those amber rays from the flame in your eyes triggering a natural gene expression of relaxation and do your best to stay off all electronics with a screen (phone, tablet, laptop). This might be the toughest chore all day to stay off your smartphone in bed but could end up being the best move you could make for your health!

... research is connecting the dots from poor sleep to compromised health.

Life is too short not to sleep well! If your sleep isn’t good don’t compromise, find your solution and rest well — you deserve it.

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goodhealth DIY

WHIPPED BODY BUTTER

BY AMELIA TRAVIS

WITH WINTER HERE, your body may be experiencing extreme dryness. Here is my favorite recipe for a luxurious hydrating experience for your skin. I really cannot believe I ever used to enjoy using store lotions and creams when homemade body butter is completely natural and easy to do!

The best part - you can make them with whatever scent and therapeutic qualities you desire, so the sky is really the limit.

Ingredients: · ½ cup shea butter · ½ cup cocoa butter · ½ cup coconut oil · ½ cup light oil (like almond, jojoba or olive) · 10-30 drops of your favorite essential oils Instructions: 1. In a double boiler or glass bowl set over a pot, combine all ingredients except essential oils.

2. Bring to medium heat and stir constantly until all ingredients are melted.

3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

4. Move to fridge and let cool one hour or until mixture starts to harden.

5. Add essential oils.

6. Use a hand mixer to whip or a blender set on high for 5-10 minutes until mixture is fluffy.

7. Return to fridge for 10-15 minutes to set.

8. Store in a glass jar or tin with a lid and use as you would regular lotion or body butter. Above 75 degrees, it may soften and need to be kept refrigerated, but it will stay whipped at a lower temperature.

Visit stokedyogi.com or email Amelia at hello@stokedyogi.com

Homemade body butter is completely natural and easy to do!

32 Samata I V3N1

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goodform S TRENG TH

WALL BALLS

BY C ASI RYNKOWSKI

I

PHOTOS: RACHEL MCCART Y

FUNCTIONAL EXERCISES ARE ESSENTIAL when it comes to training for stand-up paddling, and wall ball exercises are functional to the core. Love ’em or hate ’em, they are a super-potent metabolic conditioning tool that can increase athletic performance. Squatting and lifting a weight overhead is also a common movement made in real life.

The benefits of wall ball extend beyond the gym.

More than 10 muscles are used in the wall ball exercise.

Squatting with a weighted ball then push-pressing it above your head is just part of the challenge. The catch and reload of the weighted ball requires deceleration that can be equally taxing. And don’t forget about the cardio smackdown produced when doing high-volume sets. This increases both your aerobic and anaerobic capacity. Mental toughness comes into play when the cardio component kicks in and the lactic acid builds up. All of this will benefit any SUP racer, distance paddler or recreational paddler who encounters a variety of paddling conditions.

step 1

Determine your starting position by holding the ball at chest height with your arms straight out until the ball touches the wall. step 2

1

Stand with your feet hip-width apart and hold the ball against your chest, similar to a goblet position. With your shoulders back and chest high, lower down into a full squat position. If you keep the ball in the correct position, it will help you get deeper into your squat.

2

step 3

Explode upward, driving through your heels, and push-press the ball up the wall. step 4

Absorb the weight of the ball as it rebounds off the wall. Slide back down into the full squat position, ready to explode up again. Repeat this movement fluidly until failure.

34 Samata I V3N1

3 4

Since 2007, Casi Rynkowski has been living her dream training athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and those who want to live a healthier lifestyle. Her passion for fitness outdoors exploded when she launched her outdoor fitness business, exposing clients to the idea of fitness outside the gym box. Surfing, standup paddling, climbing, ice climbing, winter mountaineering, hiking and riding became her new training ground in New England. Her clients not only found new ways to cross train outdoors, they found new passions for life.

Casi is an ambassador for BIC Stand Up Paddleboards, Werner Team Paddler, Virus Action Sports Gear, MTI Adventurewear, Reflekt Polarized, Adventure Medical kits and Seattle Sports Co. casiperformancetraining.com V3N1

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goodform YOG A

HALF-CROW, HALF-CRANE

BY JULIE ROACH

I

PHOTOS: TARA SPROC

HALF-CROW HALF-CRANE is a two-for-one intermediate pose I like to share in the H2YO class after we are warmed up. Start with a 20- to 30-minute paddle and anchor your board in a safe, calm area away from boat traffic. Warm up with a few sun salutes and downward dog poses to open the hamstrings. From downward-facing dog, step the right foot up in front of your right hand. Move both hands to the center of the board on either side of the handle. Sit back over the bent left leg and square your shoulder under your right knee. Rock forward and back a few times and press into your hands, lifting your torso with core strength. Come up onto your left toes and straighten the right leg. This may take a few tries, so don’t give up! Proceed with caution. Place your left knee on the back of your left triceps and float your core up! Press strongly into your hands, making sure both elbows are bent. The closer your chest is to the board, the easier it is to float both feet up.

Our H2YO series starts with easier, lower-to-the-board poses and progresses to intermediate poses. We offer poses such as half-crow half-crane in the middle of class, calling this “yogi’s choice:” a time for poses that are challenging, playful and, of course, safe!

Have fun with this one and keep practicing.

Florida native Julie Roach is an H2YO Yoga & Fitness Trainer and BIC Ambassador. She has more than 800 hours of yoga training, is a certified Level 2 SUP Instructor through the ACA (American Canoe Association) and is lifeguard-certified through the American Red Cross in First Aid and CPR. To contact Julie check out her website: H2YOSUPyoga.com.

36 Samata I V3N1

ee waterwear

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goodbiz

BY LUCY LUCILLE

THE NITT Y-GRITT Y OF GRACEDBYGRIT DON’T LET THE SUNNY SMILES AND FUN NATURE of Kimberly Caccavo and Kate Nowlan fool you. These women are armed with fierce determination and grit; it wasn’t just by chance that GRACEDBYGRIT was born.

Two years ago, while Kimberly was preparing for a triathlon with her coach, Kate, the two began discussing the lack of choice in the market for high-performance, flattering workout gear for women, especially the kind designed for running and watersports. Putting their heads together, they designed functional and elegant clothes that made sense for land and sea. Their clothing is flattering and attractive, and each of their pieces has been given careful thought.

daughter. In her honor and to raise awareness they started Finish Chelsea’s Run. A 5K event in honor of Chelsea King to finish the run Chelsea started the day of her disappearance (and now is an annual event); all funds raised support Chelsea’s Light Foundation. Chelsea’s Light Foundation has helped to create the strongest laws in the country in protecting California children against known violent predators and are expanding to other states. They also recognize and honor phenomenal young Changemakers with college scholarships. A friend of the Kings also wanted to do a triathlon in Chelsea’s honor and asked all of her friends to participate on the Tri’n for Chelsea team. Chelsea had always wanted to do a triathlon but when her life was cut short she was not able to fulfill that dream.

Five years ago, 17-year-old Chelsea King was murdered in a brutal act of violence, and Brent and Kelly King lost their

Kimberly joined the Tri’n for Chelsea team. At one of the Tri’n for Chelsea team meetings, Kelly King mentioned that if

Kimberly and Kate in the GracedBYGrit 4x4 2001 Jeep Wrangler PHOTO: FRANK RODRICK

38 Samata I V3N1

Putting their heads together, they designed functional and elegant clothes that made sense for land and sea.

KICK BUTT SHORT AND DELICIOUS HALF ZIP

PHOTO: MARK TESI

Flagship GracedBYGrit in Solana Beach

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Grit is often what gives us grace. Experiencing grace by way of grit is one thing every woman has in common.

HEAD TO SEA HOODIE AND LAND AND SEA LOGO KNICKER

PHOTO: PHOTO: MARK MARK TESI TESI

HEAD TO SEA HOODIE AND LAND AND SEA BOOTY SHORT

PHOTO: HOLLY PARKER 40 Samata I V3N1

Chelsea had her phone or a whistle—something to attract attention—the tragedy of her death may have been prevented. Kimberly and Kate took this into consideration while training for the triathlon, deciding to include a detachable whistle with each apparel piece. They want women to feel empowered and to always feel safe while working out, whether running a trail or on a stand-up paddleboard. The GRACEDBYGRIT safety whistle has a flat, discreet design that can be securely looped inside the back pocket of their capris or pants, on their jacket sleeve, or around the back of their neck in tanks with a reflective elastic lanyard.

The final task was to come up with a name that reflected something that every woman had in common. At one point or another, every woman has experienced a significant life event that forced them to learn what they are made of. We’ve all experienced hardship and troubled times; those are our gritty moments, moments that can make or break a woman. Grit is often what gives us grace. Experiencing grace by way of grit is one thing every woman has in common.

SHOW ‘EM WHATCHA GOT CAMI AND LAND AND SEA BOOTY SHORTS

PHOTO: ANNA DANES

The team started showing their apparel at trunk shows across the country. Building momentum, they went to stand-up paddle races and charity events. They got a feel for what women loved and began building upon that knowledge.

They still host trunk shows though it’s not your average affair; it’s an “experience.” Because of that, they renamed the trunk show. It is now Fit Shops. Not only are you shopping fashionforward fitness apparel, you are also joining a movement of “gritty women” who are choosing to celebrate the strength behind every woman’s story. Hosting a Fit Shop is a great way to get involved with the brand. You receive free GRACEDBYGRIT apparel, food and drinks on GRACEDBYGRIT and the option to give back 20% of revenue to your favorite charity. It’s a party with your gritty girls!

LAND AND SEA LOGO KNICKERS AND DELICIOUS TANK

PHOTO: MARK TESI

PHOTO: CAITLIN NAVOR

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One of the other ways to be involved with GRACEDBYGRIT is to be in the Influencer Program. Kimberly, Kate and their team appreciate the support of anyone enthusiastic about their brand and have designed the influencer program to gather women who embody that special “Grit” and who want to do more to spread the word. Those who enter the program will be given discounts and other special benefits, and in return the company asks for a certain level of involvement and promotion through social media and within their own community. You can fill out an application on the GRACEDBYGRIT website.

The GRACEDBYGRIT flagship store in Solana Beach is home to a variety of events. Check their website and blog for the event calendar. The bonus? The internal GRACEDBYGRIT team is located right next door at their headquarters.

Have jeep and trailer will travel PHOTO: CAITLIN NAVOR

GRACEDBYGRIT is more than your average athletic apparel brand. It is a company founded and designed by women, run by women and supported by women. It’s about empowering women.

With taglines like #sweatyourstory, #gritty girls and #gracedbygrit, the company reminds us that we all have a story to sweat, but it’s up to each person to recognize those gritty moments and move through them with grace. Kimberly and Kate will help you get there.

GRACEDBYGRIT.com GRACEDBYGRIT HQ 153 N. Highway 101, Ste. 103 Solana Beach, CA 877.964.7481 To learn more about Chelsea’s Light Foundation, visit chelseaslight.org.

42 Samata I V3N1

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goodtravels

BY MASON THORPE

L AKE POWELL PADDLEBOARDS SUP IS BOOMING ON LAKE POWELL and Lake Powell Paddleboards are the driving force. We had a chat with owner Jordan Lapekas for illumination on how their business began, how it grew, and where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going: When did Lake Powell Paddleboards open?

April 20, 2013.

Oh yeah dude, 4/20! Party! What was the inspiration?

We travel a great deal for our custom graphics business and one day in 2011 while we were paddling in St. Petersburg, Florida, we were talking about all the exotic places we could go and paddle. Then it occurred to us that we have such an incredible, diverse country right here and there must be some epic places to check out without ever leaving the country. We decided then and there we would go on a quest to paddle in all 50 states.

So we loaded up our boards in our van and set out.

You paddled all 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii?

Yes we did! It took us about 2 years and we finished in Hawaii in Nov. of 2014. We have owned a national graphics business called TruckSkin since 2000 (husband Joe started it in Michigan). We travel the country doing trade shows and installations. That is how we were able to travel and do our 50-state paddle quest. We met in 2011 and our first date was a paddleboarding lesson in San Diego.

Most of the time we had no prior plan as to where we would paddle, we would just pick a state and head there, and on the way we would look on the map and spot a random body of water and just went for it. Some were incredible, some were surprises and some were downright scary. We were traveling across Arizona and decided to stop at Lake Powell and check it out. Our first stop was going to the local SUP shop, but we came to find out there wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t one! That gave us the idea that this incredible place needs one; so here we are.

Who did you carry at first, and how was the response?

Our first year we had stocked the shelves with about 40 boards from brands like Waters Edge, YOLO, Boardworks, Riviera and Red Paddle. We missed the mark because 90% of our business here is rentals so the following year we adjusted and moved locations and we were much busier. We decided at that point that we loved it here and ended up buying some land and began to build our shop.

We got the idea of using recycled shipping containers after seeing Container Park in Las Vegas.

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PHOTO: TREVOR SIMINGTON

Hundreds of colorful sandstone side canyons, coves and natural wonders make Lake Powell a paradise for house boating, fishing, photography and of course paddleboarding!

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Lake Powell Paddleboards owners Jordan and Joe Lapekas V3N1

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ABOUT L AKE POWELL 1. Lake Powell holds up to 27 million acrefeet of water and is 560 feet deep at the dam. That amount would cover the state of Ohio with one foot of water!

2. The lake is 186 miles long, and with 96 major side canyons with more small ones, it has more than 1,960 miles of shoreline—more than twice the length of the California coastline.

3. Hundreds of colorful sandstone side canyons, coves and natural wonders make Lake Powell a paradise for house boating, fishing, photography and of course paddleboarding!

4. It took 17 years for the Colorado River to fill it up. Lake Powell started filling in 1963 and reached full pool for the first time in 1980.

5. Lake Powell is the second largest manmade reservoir in the United States (Lake Mead in Nevada and Arizona is the largest).

6. Two of the most famous natural wonders in the world are here in our area: Horseshoe Bend (pictured here) and Antelope Canyon.

PHOTO: TREVOR SIMINGTON

Is there a population center near your business?

Page is a small town — about 7000 people year-round — but we have over 2.5 million tourists each year!

We have visitors from all over the world who come to see the world famous Antelope Canyon and of course, Lake Powell. We have had customers from as far away as Bangladesh, China, and Russia. Although language can sometimes be an issue, we manage to get everyone out on the water who wants to.

Were you the first SUP shop in the area?

Yes. Lake Powell is within the National Park and on the border of the Navajo Nation so there are no large cities near us. Flagstaff, Arizona and St. George, Utah are about 2.5 hours away.

How did you get local people into SUP? Demos? Rentals?

Our first year we did free demos every Wednesday and Sunday to get the locals out. We live on the border of the Navajo Nation and we have been working with the local community to try to get the Navajo kids out on the water - many of whom have never been to the lake. We are part of the Chamber of Commerce and were voted “Breakout Business of the Year” for 2015 by the community which was really awesome. We participate in the SUPIA Youth paddle days event in June, and give a lot of free rentals to local charity events.

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Was business fast or slow at first?

The real challenge was to get our CUA (Commercial User Authorization permit) to be able to do lessons and tours within the National Park. That took months and we had to jump through a lot of hoops because we are the first company to do SUP tours and lessons so the Park Service wasn’t sure what to do with us.

It was slow our first year: 2013. Many visitors had never heard of SUP before. The next year we saw an increase and last year was crazy busy. We are now getting a lot of Chinese customers when the previous two years we hadn’t had any. SUP is definitely a global sport now. We have now branched out and rent and sell kayaks and fat tire bikes.

How did business start to catch on/catch fire?

We understand that the only way to really experience something is to fully immerse yourself in your surroundings and step outside of your comfort zone in order to encounter something that will change your lives forever. Once we would show people photos and tell them about this area they would go out and paddle and when they would come back they would tell us how incredible it was! That is what makes this such a fun business to be in. To see that stoke on their faces makes it all worth it.

LAKE POWELL PADDLEBOARDS: 836 Vista Ave, Page AZ 86040 928.645.4017, lakepowellpaddleboards.com

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RAC Vegan The

SH A E F OUDY = BAGEL S NO. W INNING Y E S.

BY MA SON THORPE

SHAE FOUDY HAS FOOD ALLERGIES which means she has to be very, very careful about what she eats, which means she has to avoid a lot of unhealthy foods and stick to a vegan diet - which is one of the facets which makes her a very competitive, up and coming SUP racer.

When the Dana Point native was asked if she was allergic to too much Pedro’s Tacos, she laughed it off, and said it was more serious than that: Hahahah yes too much Pedro’s Tacos. I was definitely born with some challenges when it comes to food. I am allergic to gluten and to casein (which is the protein in all dairy products). On top of my allergies I am a vegan. This was a personal choice because I found that it is easier on my body when I’m not eating any animal or bi-product, but don’t worry I am not an angry vegan hahaha.

I was diagnosed with these allergies in 2007 when I was eight.

Once I found this out it turned my whole life upside down. I was about to discover everything basically has gluten or dairy in it. More importantly I couldn’t have bagels or cinnamon rolls anymore - that still makes me sad. Now I actually appreciate these food restrictions because I have a much cleaner diet than most people and it literally forces me to be healthy.

INâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Shae Foudy digging hard at the Hanohano Huki Ocean Challenge race 2015 in Mission Bay, San Diego. This is one of the bigger So Cal winter races.

Foudy took second behind Candice Appleby.

PHOTO: MIKE MUIR

PHOTO: MIKE MUIR

I H AV E A LWAY S LOV ED T HE SE A A ND FELT A SENSE OF

comfort W HEN SUBMERGED IN I T S WAT ERS.

LEFT IMAGES: Shae on Oahu, teaching paddle stroke technique at Ala Moana Beach Park BELOW: Eating clean and vegan at Peace Cafe in Honolulu, whether at home or traveling is a very important part of Shae’s lifestyle PHOTOS: ERIC HAK A

When I first got diagnosed I didn’t realize how serious they were and the consequences that would come if I still consumed the food that I am allergic to. The first year I cheated and I would have things like a bite of pizza or cake and pay the price later that day. It would make me extremely sick and I would get stomach pains similar to what the stomach flu feels like but much worse. I had to go to the hospital only once because of a really bad reaction that I had to accidentally eating gluten. Every time I go out to eat I get anxiety that there is possibly gluten or dairy in the food but for the most part my allergies aren’t a big deal.

Shae was eight when doctors diagnosed her food allergies. She had been surfing since infancy, longboarding since age six and paddling Outrigger Canoes when she was eight.

I have practically grown up in the ocean. I have always loved the sea and felt a sense of comfort when submerged in its waters.

Five years after she began eating properly and paddling outriggers, Shae got into SUP - bypassing the typical learning curve and going directly into the fire: I got into SUP after my first official race (which was also my first time on a SUP) at Battle of the Paddle 2012. If it wasn’t for this day alone I don’t think that I would be where I am now. Before I even thought about doing SUP as a sport I was involved in outrigger canoe paddling with the Dana Outrigger Canoe Club Juniors. My Outrigger coach at the time was Mike Eisert. Mike told my mom and I that he thought he saw potential in me for the sport of standup paddling. With this idea in hand Mike and my mom convinced me to try SUP and it just so happened that Battle of the Paddle was coming up.

Shae lived up to the expectations of her mother and her coach: Through Mike and my mom’s motivation I decided to do a small race at BOP. I ended up winning that small race on a 12’6 Ohana SUP board, which was a classic. We still have this board actually! At that point in my life I was very hesitant to try anything new and SUP was just that. It pushed me to expand my comfort zones and I fell in love with it. I didn’t get involved with it for any specific reason but to just try something new and it ended up becoming an insane passion and love of mine.

Dana Point Harbor is just under a mile long and about 1600 feet wide and the channels offer a perfect, protected, roundabout circuit for standup paddlers - cruisers and serious competitors.

When I first started to get into SUP and training I mostly trained at the harbor because it was an easy and safe place to start out. I also paddled at Doheny State Beach a lot. I frequently went down to San Onofre to SUP surf and longboard when I wasn’t training.

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Shae during a winter surf session at Chunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reef, on the North Shore of Oahu PHOTOS: ERIC HAK A

Shae started regularly competing in 2013 when the Riviera Paddlesurf Junior team formed.

This team was driven by Mike Eisert (once my Outrigger coach) who chose a small, select group of kids who participated in outrigger and who he saw potential in for the sport of SUP. I was lucky enough to be selected along with six other of my fellow friends. I started competing simply because I just loved it. My personality is naturally competitive so it was a good fit.

The concept of being on the ocean but not actually submerged in it perplexed me enough that I ended up shaping my life up to this point completely around standup paddling.

So my timeline would start at the 2012 Battle of the Paddle, which was the first time I ever SUPed. Then I went on to do small local races along the Southern California coast. As the 2013 BOP came around I had gotten much more competitive

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and much faster and ended up competing in the junior long course and placed first for girls. This gave me much more confidence to want to get faster and some day be racing alongside the top women.

The year 2014 has to be the year where I grew the most in terms of standup paddling. I was invited to be a part of Team USA going to Nicaragua for the International Surfing Association World Standup Paddling and Paddleboard Competition. This event proved to me that I have what it takes to push myself harder than I knew I could. As the year progressed I trained harder than ever before. Coming back from Nicaragua in May inspired me in many ways.

Battle of the Paddle 2014 took place at Salt Creek, which was a huge change of turf from what I was used to. I competed in the Pro division and made the top 10 in the short course and top

five in the long course. This was a very big stepping stone for me and showed my hard work was paying off.

Shae’s biggest wins were in 2015. She traveled to compete in the Carolina Cup and, “got a really great experience from that race.” The Santa Monica Pier Paddleboard race was groundbreaking for Shae as an athlete. She placed third in the distance race behind Candice Appleby and Annabel Anderson and took first in the sprint surf race - which let her walk away with first overall.

She also traveled north to Oregon for the Gorge Paddle Challenge and took fifth place for the short and long-course races. Later in the year at the first annual Pacific Paddle Games, Shae placed third in the long course and sixth in the technical surf race: “I started paddling at the very bottom and worked my way up through hard work and my love for the sport and ocean driving me.”

Shae is a happy member of the Riviera team: “My current fav boards are my new Riviera Paddlesurf custom 12’6 race boards. They are so fast and light!! I’m really stoked with them and to be involved in the company.”

Competitive SUP has allowed Shae to travel to Carolina and Oregon but she is aware of other states that await. Her only international trip was to Nicaragua: “Nicaragua is the most memorable place that I have ever traveled to for a SUP

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race. I haven’t gone anywhere else out of the country but I hope to this year.”

Shae turned 17 in December. She is a junior at Dana Hills High School. To paraphrase that famous high school movie, Fast Times at Ridgemont High: What’s next for Shae Foudy?

My plans as a competitor in the future are to definitely still be competing. School comes first and foremost but I know that I will still be training for the competitions.

I want to travel the world at some point in my life and to be able to do that with SUP would be totally radical. Key places that I want to travel to would be Greece, Tavarua, France, and the Maldives. Places that I would like to go to paddle are Japan, Bora Bora, Bali, Hawaii (Oahu and Maui), Brazil, Australia and the Bahamas.

There has been talk about SUP making it into the Olympics sooner than later. A competitor like Shae would be aware of that. Does she have Golden Dreams?

I most definitely have the Olympics in mind. It is a dream of

mine to compete in the Olympics or to be a person driving its entrance. I think that this sport is more than worthy to be among the other Olympic sports. If it were to be in the 2020 Olympics I would be around 21 and I consider that a perfect age to be competitively racing in SUP. Shae has a lot of races to come before the Olympics — if that happens at all: My dream races include Battle of the Paddle Brazil, Molokai to Oahu, Barcelona SUP World Series (Spain), Ultimate SUP showdown (Hawaii), Germany Lost Mills Event (Bavaria), and the Japan Cup. And what about the Mother of all SUP races: Molokai 2 Oahu?

M20 is a whole other beast than what I train for. I have thought about competing in it this year but I have not made any final decisions. It is a goal of mine to complete that race solo so it will be in my future.

And if that doesn’t work, she could always go into business, making gluten-free cinnamon rolls and bagels. There is a need.

Shae wearing the #44 jersey and her game face, at the 2014 Battle of the Paddle at Salt Creek in her hometown of Dana Point

The original Riviera Paddlesurf Junior Team, with coach Mike Eisert

PHOTO: MIKE MUIR

P H O T O : TAY L O R R A M B O

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T HIS E V EN T PROV ED TO ME T H AT I H AV E WH AT I T TA K E S TO PUSH M Y SEL F

harder

T H A N I K NEW I C OULD.

LEFT: Shae holding a freshie Riviera board at the Hanohano Huki race at Mission Bay. BELOW: Dressed for success, Shae gunning It at the Dana Point Ocean Challenge Race PHOTO: MIKE MUIR

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LOVE

HERE WE MISSION DOWN THE PAT H F R O M T H E PA R K I N G L O T TO THE BE ACH IN S TUNNING BIG SUR . WHEN YOU DON’ T K N O W W H AT B O A R D T O TA K E , A LWAY S U S E M Y ‘A N D A N D ’ M O T T O. T H I S M O T T O AL SO WORK S FOR MORE THINGS IN LIFE.

EVERY MOMENT ON THE ROAD WITH ANNE - MARIE AND FOUR FRIENDS B Y A N N E - M A R I E R E I C H M A N - T O TA H

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PHOTOS: ANNE DOK TER

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———————————— OOD MORNING

It is the 18th of August, 5:15 in the morning and my alarm beeps. I jump out of bed, realizing I am going on a road trip looking for waves.

We were also certain to ‘ride for cleaner oceans,’ do a beach cleanup and be messengers for our environment reusing when possible.

MEET THE CREW Jacqui arrives at 5:50. A pile of surf, SUP, and windsurfing gear is ready to load. With the best intentions to bring it all, we leave the 10’ x 34” Starboard SUP at home. We end up bringing six boards and a windsurfing rig; an impressive stack.

Lauren and Kelsey approach the garage scene a little after six and we all commute to the nearest Starbucks before we head down to Big Sur.

STARBOARD SUP, GLIDE SOUL WETSUITS AND SOFT SCIENCE SHOES JOIN THE RIDE. A few months prior to the trip, my eye caught this colorful wetsuits brand “Glide Soul.” Being a free agent with clothing and wetsuit brands again, I contacted them and received a super-cool, orange, leopard-patterned full suit. Talking to them a few weeks later, there was interest in a California photoshoot. I offered to help and proposed a road trip. Road trips are fun, exciting and affordable. Your ‘canvas’ changes and there is a real story of the experience.

There is no better way to hit the water then being inspired by what you see instead of ‘having to go out’ because the spot was chosen weeks ago.

Starboard SUP 7’7” x 27” had to come along as well as my “AMVRT” 6’1” surfboard I made for the trip.

Soft Science shoes ‘stepped’ on board providing comfy footwear. Soft Science is a new footwear brand offering a foot-bed that supports circulation and recovery which comes in handy being as active as we are!

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Lauren Moser, Anne Dokter, Jacqui Grallo and Kelsey Sandlin: I have known Lauren Moser since 1999 - my third season on Maui. I used to rent a room from her mum Kathy. Lauren and I crossed paths in those years, but we lived in different ‘worlds’ at that time. Mind you, the local surf community is a lot different than the seasonal, professional windsurf scene I was part of then. Years later when moved from Maui to California, I heard that Lauren and I lived close.

For the last three years we’ve been hanging out and she was of course invited for this trip. “I love the adventure of it…” Lauren said. “The feeling that the world is full of the possibility of laughter and surf. I love having miles of road before me, a best friend in the passenger seat, and the ocean as our destination.

And there were zebras!!!!”

In 2000, I met Anne Dokter at one of my “Roxy Surf Now” events in Biarritz, in the south of France. Anne was there to photograph ‘surfer girls’ for a Dutch teener-lifestyle-magazine. We hung out during the event and ended up sitting next to each other in the airplane back to Amsterdam. We had a clique being “stoked” world travelers living our dream with our windsurfing and camera gear. From then on we were friends and kept in touch in between travels, comps and shoots. When putting this road trip together I sent Anne a whatsapp: “I am planning a road trip with some surf friends, we are still looking for a photographer ;)) Fourteen days later, I picked her up in San Francisco. #Notevenmad (Hashtag of the trip)

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WITH A GOLDEN SUN SE T TING AND THE TIDE DROPPING, WE EN JOY SOME FUN JAL AMA BE ACH BRE AK NUGGE T S.

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O U R WAT E R B O T T L E S A R E B E I N G U S E D A N D F I L L E D O V E R A N D O V E R , B E I N G E N V I R O N M E N TA L AWA R E . T H E C O O L T H I N G I S , T H AT T H E L I D O F T H E S E B O T T L E S A L S O A R E G R E AT C U P S . A H A P P Y H O U R S U N S E T ‘C U P P E R ’ A N Y O N E ?

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—

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Surfers,

——————————— C ALIFORNIA AND ROAD TRIPS GO TOGE THER.

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—— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— ——

—— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— “To get a call ‘We need a photographer,’ that’s great,” Anne Dokter said.

“But if the call is made by a good friend, it’s even better. Surfers, California and road trips go together. Sponsors make it even more professional.

For me, being in nature, seeing all the surfers coming out of the water so happy, gives a lot of energy. Going in the water with them was just so much fun. The surf cleans your thoughts. Thank you for the invitation.” ` Jacqui Grallo was destined be my friend in California. She is the only other girl who surfs our local shark-infested playground. Most people are scared to come surf where we are, because there have been shark attacks. It keeps the crowds away and that’s what we love about it. Jacqui is smart, fun and up for adventures which makes us want to hang out. I barely could finish my sentence when I asked her to come along. “I am so grateful for the chance to get to know each of these amazing women and learn a bit about their joyful lives - creating art in many ways, exploring and experiencing the world, nurturing little ones, living and appreciating every moment to the fullest. I hope this is the first of many travels with my fellow Marina girl and I am stoked on the happy memories!”

Talking about the trip with Lauren, we figured we needed a fourth ocean girl to join and Kelsey, one of Lauren’s besties came up.

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L AY I N G I T D O W N O N M Y FAV O R I T E S TA R B O A R D S U P, T H E P R O 7 ’7 ” X 27 I N S TA - R E F R E S H E D A N D R E B O R N I N T H E S E C L E A N WAT E R S .

I met Kelsey in the water during one of my sessions with Lauren. She seemed friendly, mermaid-ish, eager to catch her waves and her laugh is contagious. “Nothing better than taking your time cruising the beautiful Cali coast with awesome women. Searching for waves, and being overtaken with the beauty that surrounds us. I am very grateful for the amazing memories and new friends. Cheers to more beautiful adventures.”

Thankfully Kelsey’s dad was able to help her Duder with the kids for a few days so she could hang with the girls. [“Duder” is defined as “her Dude:” Kelsey’s other half Adam, dad of her children who now had to take care of their kids for a few days as mama Kelsey wanted to come with us. That’s a cool duder.]

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————————————— ITINERARY

Jacqui and I decided on our sleeping locations a few days before our departure. The “Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn” located in Buellton and “Motel Malibu” made the cut for our low-budget trip with an average of 55$/pp/night.

With a small south swell in sight, we could score some fun waves in Big Sur and Malibu.

Looking at the wind charts in Jalama, I put in a request to windsurf this spot. I vaguely remembered this beach from 16 years ago and Jalama had been on my list for a few years now. How cool would it be to surf, SUP and windsurf this trip?

I warm up on my Starboard 7’7” SUP and catch some fun lefts and rights. I love how this board transitions quickly on these fast-breaking beachbreak waves. It also gives me enough stability to push through the closeouts.

Then I ‘have’ to try #12: my fresh-shaped, painted and built short-board. It is so exciting to try a board that you made yourself. This ‘lefty’ came my way and allowed me to do some turns. What a good feeling and already a double session before noon! Refreshed by the ocean we continue south on California 1. Our last stop in Big Sur is at the general store “Gorda by the Sea.” We refill our water bottles and buy a few more snacks for the road. We all noticed this cute ‘toilet quote’ here:

HIGHWAY 1 SOUTH CONTINUES With a steamy hot latte filled in my own ceramic mug, I get back in the car with Jacqui and Anne. Kelsey and Lauren follow us and before we know it we are overwhelmed by Big Sur’s beauty. Letting go of any potential planning or timing, we stop whenever we feel like it and take in the stunning views. “It is all about the journey, not about just getting there.” I love to see how stoked Anne is on the light and the location. The cold sea fog and warm sun play with each other providing a mysterious canvas with the green hills on our left and the gray blue ocean on our right, driving little winding roads. What seemed forever and at the same time only five minutes, we approach our first surf spot two hours after our departure. The waves look super fun. There are some overhead sets at this beach break and fun ‘corners’ to pick and rip. Colorful Glide Soul suits overwhelm the scene and we must be visible from a mile away.

Lauren borrows this beautiful longboard and glides into some left-handers.

Jacqui catches some fun waves on her 7’10 fun-board and 6’4” Totah surfboard.

Kelsey is feeling out her knee (unfortunately she sprained it a day before the trip. Being injured can be soooo annnooyyying)!

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Cherish every Memory Love every Moment Embrace every Possibility We are stoked making memories together that we will cherish for a long time. The spots further south offer little excitement after Big Sur. Staying in Buellton for the night, we decide to head down to Jalama Beach Park in the hope this beach break works as a swell magnet.

In Jalama the winds are down and small waves hit the shoreline. It is an unusual scene, because normally the winds are howling this time of the year.

We attack ‘the’ Jalama burger like a pack of wild wolves and chill on the beach before a sunset sesh. Despite the little waves and lack of wind, it is beautiful here and again so different than Santa Cruz, Monterey and Big Sur. The water is a lot warmer and our colorful spring suits feel perfectly warm. In the dark we find our Pea Soup “Jabroni” Hotel. The hotel serves our purpose and after a long day we hit the hay instantly.

Jacqui unpacks her cooler the next morning with all kinds of yummy breakfast items and reusable kitchen camping gear. Yoghurt, homemade granola bars, chia seeds, pineapple and cold-brewed coffee are displayed on our balcony. #notevenmad. The morning sea fog is

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CR ACK ING UP WITH JACQUI HERE GIVING THIS PIC S O M E ‘G O O F Y T O P S P I N ’ WHILE SHOWING OFF THE COMFORT OF OUR SHOES AND BRIGHTNE SS OF OUR SUITS.

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I N V E N T U R A ; H AV I N G F U N I N T H E O C E A N A N D S U N . “ L I V I N G T H E C A L I F O R N I A N T I K I L I F E”

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I N V E N T U R A W E F O U N D T H I S “ P R O P,” A S T Y L I S H S U R F VA N . W E T R A D E D O N E O F O U R C O O L WAT E R B O T T L E S F O R S O M E P O S I N G S H O T S W I T H T H I S O R A N G E B E A U T Y.

YOU K NOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SEE ‘ THAT

one wave’

———————————— THAT MAK E S YOU WAN T TO GO OU T ?

trying to lift in Buellton around 9 AM. Heading back towards the coast, the fog creeps back in. It is time for a fresh cupper in Santa Barbara to keep the amp going. Starbucks meets our coffee and environmental needs. Did you know every Starbucks in California has a water station that allows you to refill your bottles?

Visualizing blue skies, sunshine and head high waves in Malibu for the afternoon, we keep on ‘trucking.’ We see the typical Californian views with the long skinny palm trees, stylish old cars, surfers and ocean artwork everywhere. A little before Malibu, we see waves. The sun is starting to come out and we surf a quick session on our short boards. Being further south, the ocean is warmer again and we don’t need wetsuits. Now we’re talking!

The classic Malibu Point break is up next. We didn’t anticipate getting in the ocean here because the crowds will get ‘ya.

However, we were warmly welcomed and even my Starboard SUP was ‘all good’ to go. Well, let’s go then! Lauren is styling it up once more cross stepping ‘the plank.’ Jacqui catches her share and Kelsey finally gets in the water as well. Paddling around in the salty blue feels amazing, but her knee is not feeling good and a take off can’t be forced. I sneak in some little “reelers” on my 7’7” Pro-model. I love how this board meets my expectations in the higher performance conditions and in smaller surf.

The Malibu Motel welcomes us after sunset. Dinner and a Margarita in town follow not that much later to polish off another beautiful day. Just before midnight, while some outdoor light rays hit our ceiling van, Anne grabs her camera again to capture this light play. Her camera goes black and I giggle commenting to her the universe is messaging: “It’s time to go to sleep”. I recognize ‘that’ passion in her that is just there and never stops: “Love every moment.”

feeling it. But you know what happens when you see ‘that one wave’ that makes you want to go out? Yup! You grab your board and every wave will feel like a bonus.

I spot some dolphins and paddle towards them to say hi and connect with them in my mermaid’ish way. Always a treat!

Feeling inspired I even test my 7’7” Pro model for some SUP Yoga abilities. Did I mention how all-around this board is to me?

We’re feeling good about our trip and are happy to wrap it up.

Anne and I get back in our passenger seats while Jacqui grabs the wheel once more, powering north on the 101. A few hours, many chats, stops and stories later we are back home in Marina loading up my garage and emptying Jacqui’s car.

Driving over 700 miles (1126 km), surfing five spots and doing photo shoots non-stop in three days was definitely full on. Once being home, it felt like we were gone for much longer and ‘our movie’ starts playing back with all the things we saw, did and experienced. I am stoked I had the opportunity to bond with all the girls, have some fun and create new memories in California.

When “One picture tells a thousand words,” I better get quiet and let you enjoy a selection of our trip in this youtube clip: Photography-storytelling pictures by Anne Dokter. www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhlwnb8qc2o

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“Another foggy morning,” I think, opening one eye around 7 AM and then closing it quickly again. You may think that California is always sunny, but that is not the case. Today is the day we all need to be back home, so there is limited time to play. Anne, Jacqui and I venture to Ventura. Kelsey and Lauren need to hit the road to Santa Cruz. The waves look ‘so so’ and we are not really

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“All she wanted was for others to see the world in all it’s humble breathtaking beauty. Even if it was only for a moment. Experience has taught her that one shared moment of truth could nourish the soul for a lifetime.”

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF CHARLOTTE PIHO

BALANCE C H ARLO T T E PIHO FINDS I T IN T HE COOK ISL A NDS

BY MA SON THORPE P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F C H A R LO T T E P I H O

PHOTO: AMAURY TREGUER PHOTO: MICHAEL HOOPER

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ALANCE IS ALL-IMPORTANT IN LIFE. Charlotte Piho is a dedicated SUPista who balances anglo and Polynesian blood and balances her time between Australia/New Zealand and the Cook Islands - traffic and tropics, city mouse and country mouse, surfing and SUP, practicing yoga and passing her yoga and SUP yoga skills on to visitors and locals.

How did a nice girl like you end up in the Cook Islands?

I live in the Cook Islands for six months of the year and Sydney Australia for the other half of the year. I don’t like the cold so escape Australia in winter.

This said, last year I spent less time in Sydney, (three months) and more in the Cook Islands (nine months). Another thing right up with my dislikes is crowds. Every year I find myself wanting to spend more time in the Cook Islands. Sydney crowds at the peak of Summer WOW! The more time I spend in the Cook Islands the more I fall in love with the lifestyle and how serene and peaceful the island is.

What is the population of the Cook Islands?

Thirteen thousand.

Good people?

Cook Islanders have the most beautiful hearts. I do believe that you become what you surround yourself with. So I like to surround myself around beautiful souls and nature. The more I am there the nicer I become.

When people are driving around beeping horns, getting frustrated about waiting 30 seconds in a shopping line their negative energy can rub onto you. You don’t get that in the islands and I love that.

When you wake up to your neighbour leaving you a basket of tropical fruit on your doorstep and are served by supermarket checkout girls with ei katus (flower headbands) on their heads and big smiles on their faces it makes you so happy and grateful. People are so generous with their time and do everything they can to put a smile on your face. This beautiful energy is contagious and I find myself wanting to return the kindness always feeling so full of gratitude. People beep their car or scooter horns to say hello. I love this.

Looking at your photos, I wonder about your ancestry. Looks like a Polynesian/ Anglo mix. “A daughter of a double race” as Robert Louis Stevenson said about Princess Kaiulani.

My mother is a New Zealander (white) my father is a Cook Islander with Tahitian blood also. So I do have French Polynesian (Tahitian) blood along with NZ and Cook Islands heritage. I have a dual New Zealand and Cook Islands passport. I could also get a French passport through my great grandfather’s Tahitian (French Polynesian) blood.

This was my consciousness, as my heart, at first sight of the waterfall had wanted to paddle not swim. Looking up and seeing the waterfall in all its beauty, all it’s purity moved me to the depths of emotion and uplifted every part of me. (New Zealand)

I grew up in New Zealand as my parents wanted to provide me and my brothers with a good education but spent the majority of my holidays in the Cook Islands. The Cook Islands have always been a place dear to my heart as I have so many beautiful childhood memories - jumping off rocks, swimming and looking for sharks, helping my grandmother (Cook Islander) weave baskets, make flower leis and pineapple pie. I feel most at home in the islands and am proud when people say I’m such an island girl.

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PHOTO: DAVID BRYANT

I moved from NZ to Australia to start new after ending a longterm relationship. I would have moved to the Cook Islands but it was not an option. I’ve always loved the ocean but am a hard worker and enjoy travelling and learning which all requires an income. The Cook Islands are very untouched — they don’t have a Ronald McDonald’s or traffic lights. They also don’t have many job opportunities. It’s hard to make a decent living there. The average income is $8 an hour — that’s not going to cover the cost of many boards, fins, leg ropes… I’m not a material person but I do like surfboard and paddleboards, good paddles and fins. I’m fortunate now to have built up a successful standup paddleboard business specializing in SUP yoga retreats which allows me to live there for most of the year. I don’t think I’d ever live there permanently until perhaps I find my soulmate — as it is a small island and I like to continue to learn and love exploring different places and cultures. It will always be my base though, my happy place.

I have a feeling you are a nature-loving, peace-and-quiet worshipper who draws energy from the sun like Superman.

My brothers call me Sunflower because like the sun I’m always bright and full of good positive energy and uplift others. Gosh I sound so humble here — I apologise.

How long have you been practicing yoga?

Since I was 13. I didn’t enjoy it when I was young. I thought it was a waste of time but as I was super sporty I needed to do it to complement my other training. I only really started enjoying it about nine years ago when I found I needed it to de stress and relax both my body and mind. My yoga has got me through lots of wipeouts in my surfing both physically and mentally.

How did you transition into SUP? I almost died after my appendix burst and after three weeks in hospital and a month still recovering to normal health I quit my job and moved to the Cook Islands. I followed my heart which craved a return to my roots, to make a living doing what I love.

At the time, what I loved was surfing.

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I returned to the Cook Islands with four surfers from Billabong for a story for Tracks Magazine where we searched for a perfect wave that I could then use to set up a surf school. I realized once back on the island that this was not a good idea. The local surf community didn’t want to publicize surfing and I completely understood this. Turns out I didn’t want to either.

I was fortunate to have two standup paddleboards sponsored for the trip so I started doing private paddleboard lessons. Got in more boards and started a paddleboard business.

Who indoctrinated you into the world of SUP? A Hawaiian friend of mine on the North Shore of Hawaii eight years ago. My technique was later improved with training with Travis Grant who I had over to the Cook Islands five years ago to help me develop paddleboarding on the island.

First board?

A 10’ 5” and 11’ 5” all-round Sunnyking Paddleboards. Sunnyking is based in Melbourne and had they not given me those two boards I would not be where I am today. They were a great platform for me to start SUP yoga with.

When was that?

Five years ago.

Can you detail the boards you have gone through and what you use now?

I love how much paddleboarding has evolved and how the boards just get better and better. I’m sponsored by Naish now and have been for the last three years. I have always been on the Naish Alana series which are pretty boards for females but also a great all-round board. I started on a 10’ 6” then went smaller to a 9’ 5” and then an 8’ 10”.

I still have an 8’10 which I use for SUP yoga and also surf when the waves are small and slow. My favourite board since I started paddleboarding - which is what I’m on most now — is the

like the sun

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;M ALWAYS BRIGHT and full of good positive energy

Even if a day isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t so bright from beginning to end, we still have the gift of breathing and living to see another day. (Cook Islands)

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Hokua 7’ 8”. This is the same model of board that Kai Lenny rides. It is a pocket rocket in the surf. You have to work so hard turning bigger boards and I love that the Hokua will make the drop on every wave (never nosedives) and it turns without much effort. I will be riding this board for the next year at least - I’m so in love with it. I could go smaller but as I like big waves the 7’ 8” is a better board for my style of sup surfing.

Do you give classes to locals and tourists?

Yes I always have a lesson on Sunday which I do cheaper for locals. My growth in paddleboarding will always include the local community. My main focus is on my week-long retreats rather than lessons. My retreats are so popular now I don’t have much time to do lessons outside of them. I do private lessons though at request.

Anything unusual about your SUP yoga classes in the Cooks?

I think everything is unusual about my classes because they will never take place in the exact same spot on any given day and no lesson is ever the same. If the wind is howling we make the most of it and do floating downwind yoga. If we see whales breaching outside of the reef we will stop and watch them and enjoy the moment. Having been teaching for almost five years now if I didn’t make every lesson special and different I would get bored and that would reflect on my students and my business wouldn’t be the success it is today.

Okay last question. Why beat around the bush: Will you marry me? I’m more intellectual than physical, but we could make it work.

Firstly I’d like to think I am as intellectual as physical. I did go to Law school for 5 years and have a Bachelor of Commerce Degree Majoring in Finance. In my last year of high school I was placed in the top 3% in Australia and NZ for Economics. I do spend a lot of time doing physical activities but I also love learning, reading and having conversations with people that have depth.

The most important thing with me in a partner is someone with a beautiful heart and soul that makes me smile and laugh and has good values. Given this question made me laugh, so it definitely could work. Shall I book a ticket over and we give this a go? Given I spend most my life on the ocean doing physical activities we wouldn’t actually probably ever really see each other so our relationship could be a forever.

Note to self - I can’t believe I just answered that.

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PHOTO: ATDUSK.COM.AU

a partner is someone with a

BEAUTIFUL HEART AND SOUL

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New Life

THROUGH SUP PROFIL E OF A N OZ A RK N AT I V E: MO T HER , GR A NDMOT HER , W IDOW A ND S TA NDUP PA DDL ER

PHOTOS AND S TORY B Y H E AT H E R B AU S

F

rom the South side of Puerto Rico, to Pensacola and finally home in the Ozarks, author Heather Baus was one of the top female paddlers in the country and world ranked â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including a podium for the M2O solo-stock and winning the Carolina Cup along with many races and podiums from East Coast to West Coast, Caribbean and Hawaii. She finished her career with a tandem paddle with her nine-year-old daughter at the Carolina Cup graveyard/ocean race and finally donated her MHL custom race board to the Special Olympic team at the Key West Classic SUP race. She now gives lessons, clinics and inspirational talks, and is a Maui Jim lifestyle ambassador.

Heather wrote this story about her mom.

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LouDonna Relyea was born in Springfield, Missouri in 1947. Raised in Mountain Grove, Missouri, a small town 60 miles east of Springfield, she met her future husband, David, at the tender age of 17. David, who was passing through on Air Force mission Goldfire, happened to stop by the local skating rink which LouDonna owned and operated during her high school years. It wasn’t soon after meeting David that they married when she turned 18 and graduated high school. She and her new husband stayed in Mountain Grove, residing in an old home a

stone’s throw away from the house “Obie,” as David endearingly nicknamed her, grew up in.

They owned and operated the Village Beauty Shoppe (hair salon) for 38 years. When not working, they spent weekends canoeing in the 70’s and sailing on a local lake in the 80’s, 90’s and later. Times were very lean, but they loved the outdoors and played every chance they could. Her husband David was the catalyst behind most of their adventures, organizing, in Eagle

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Scout style, every step of their extracurricular time outside of work.

By 2005, after a lifetime of work, Obie and David retired and began planning numerous trips in the new RV they had saved up for so many years. Then one day in mid-April 2007 everything came to a screeching halt: a dreaded phone call that David had been killed when his small plane which he had been piloting went down due to a faulty aileron cable.

Life must go on and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up to you to decide how.

LouDonna sold the boat, RV and all of the outdoorrelated toys and sought a safety net in the beautiful home that she and David had moved into shortly before the accident.

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Years went by and LouDonna would follow her daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SUP career through social media and SUP magazines. She continued to be active in walking, biking, and quilting (yes quilting is considered exercise to quilters).

As she became a new woman through the experiences of holding everything down alone, making decisions and doing what she wanted to do when she wanted to do it, she finally decided to step onto a paddle board.

She took a few paddling pointers and outings with grand-daughter and daughter where she felt confident to purchase boards of her own and paddle solo in Missouri. She then proceeded to build herself a custom trailer to load them on for her outings, as the boards

A

S SHE BEC A ME A NE W WOM A N ... SHE FIN A L LY DECIDED TO S T EP ON TO A PA DDL E BOA RD.

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were too cumbersome for her to lift onto the roof of her car: problem solved.

There are endless possibilities to paddle in the Ozarks.

Plentiful large, crystal clear lakes, spring-fed rivers and streams among gorgeous countryside in the Ozark Mountains. She most often drives just outside of town to a petite body of water called Austin Lake to log her weekly miles. It’s not fancy, huge or a destination to check off your bucket list, but it is a local source of water which to Obie serves as so much more than just a fishing lake run by the Missouri Conservation Department.

This small lake has given Obie both mental and physical

OBIE HIKING ON THE LOS T VA L L E Y T R A I L , B U F FA L O N AT I O N A L RIVER, ARK ANSAS

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strengths and an independent sense of adventure on the water. Not to mention the forest and lake critters that inhabit the area. Including fish, eagles, surrounded by a walking trail, mature trees, picnic tables, grills and a fishing dock.

For Christmas Obie received cold water paddling gear from Santa Claus, so it won’t be long before she is a seasoned, year-round paddler, off exploring lakes and maybe venturing down a river. Everyone has to start somewhere… the important thing is that you start.

Paddles up!

E

V ERYONE H A S TO S TA R T SOME W HERE â&#x20AC;¦ T HE IMP OR TA N T T HING IS T H AT YOU S TA R T.

R AF TING ON T H E B U F FA L O N AT I O N A L RIVER IN ARK ANSAS, WITH HER S O N - I N - L AW AND GR AND DAU G H T E R

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peace of mind

TJ M A NGRUM FINDS I T O N T HE WAT ER

N O O D L E A N D T J AT M O RG A N FA L L S PHOTO: JOYELAN.COM

B Y TJ M A N G RU M

YOGA. WHAT IS YOGA? To me, it’s everything. It’s finding calm in traffic. It’s creating the pause in my day to notice a kind gesture. It’s the choices in what I eat. It’s actually allowing myself to have a meaningful conversation with someone.

Yoga is more than contorting my body in peculiar ways to feel gratified in my practice. I believe this attitude about yoga and its full-spectrum practice is what fueled my discovery and love of PHOTO: SEAN MURPHY

SUP yoga.

TJ IN THE TOUGH LOV E YOG A S T UDIO PHOTO: JOYELAN.COM

I love it. I love SUP and then add my other love, the asana of yoga, and BOOM... “These Are a Few of My Favorite Things” tune comes to mind. It took a while for me to find SUP and SUP yoga, but when I did, I fell in love. The seed of love for yoga and water was kindled, unbeknown to the child version of me, by my mother.

My mother passed away when I was eight months old and I spent my youth grasping onto ways to feel connected to her.

She was a free spirit. A wanderlust dreamer. A water baby.

I found that I was a dreamer too, innately. I felt connected to everything around me in a spiritual way. I begged to be allowed to eat a vegetarian diet as early as I can remember and realized the power of a positive mental attitude very early.

I was drawn to things like meditation and mantra and body awareness. I found myself curious about yoga at 17. I printed instructions to poses off the internet and practiced them in the privacy of my room- trying to wrap my mind around why I was pulled to this weird breathing and movement.

<<

I spent my youth on the water. On the bay in Point Clear, Alabama and the Gulf of Mexico mostly. I used to pretend I was an American Indian princess (and sometimes it was Storm from XMen) and I controlled the waves and the water. What an aspiration. I innately recognized the power of the water, I just hadn’t found my relationship to it yet. All I knew was that I was fearlessly in love with being in/around/near water.

It wasn’t until I was in my mid-twenties that I truly fell in love with yoga while practicing at a lovely studio in Denver, Colorado. I then moved back to Atlanta and started practicing at Tough Love Yoga. What a studio. I learned more from my teacher, Neda, than I’d learned in my previous six years of practice. I learned how to hear my inner fire. Neda taught me how to listen to my strengths AND my weaknesses and how to learn from them. Tough Love is an alignment-Hatha yoga studio. After practicing with Neda for a little over a year, I decided to take her teacher training. I loved teacher training. I loved it so much that I’m taking yet another one of her teacher trainings focused on the style of YogaHour.

After I accomplished my first 200 hours RYT (Registered Yoga Training) I began teaching at Tough Love. I taught classes focused on alignment and FIRE. When I graduated from yoga teacher training I knew my main goal was to practice and teach SUP and SUP yoga.

While in Miami, a few years earlier, I witnessed SUP boards for the first time and found myself mesmerized. I immediately thought of yoga and how not only would practicing outdoors be rad, but add in being literally on the water!! What an idea.

So, when I returned to Atlanta, I walked into a local outfitters store, expecting to purchase a “regular” SUP and saw her... the BOTE 10’6” yoga board. I named her Yogina. And we were in love. I started taking her out every chance I could get. Since

HANGING OUT ON CR AB ISL AND W I T H H E R B O T E FA M I LY PHOTO: SEAN MURPHY

the power of the water, I INN AT ELY R ECO G NI Z ED

I JUS T H A DN ’ T F O UND M Y R EL AT IO NSHIP TO I T Y E T.

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the 10’6”, BOTE has released the Axiom and I am equally in love with the new versions of this board. The deck pad is only becoming more and more optimal with each version.

It’s really cool to see people’s reactions to using the Axiom.

I give gratitude to BOTE for taking on the task of creating such an amazing board, for yoga and fitness activities. This board is like having the right pair of running shoes when running a race.

PHOTOS: JOYELAN.COM

After indulging my love of being on the water I realized I needed more tools in my tool belt to effectively practice and teach SUP yoga. I went through the American Canoe Association’s level 1 SUP instructor certification program and SOLO training. Just to cover my bases of safety. It was fun!

A year or so later, my best friend and soul sister, Jenna and I went down to do a tour of the waterways of Florida. We went to as many springs as we could fit into each day. It was jaw-droppingly beautiful. At one spring we were greeted by a manatee that came up to our boards to investigate us. She was covered with scars. Terrible gashes in her flesh. Even one of the younger, smaller - and by smaller this juvenile was still a solid six feet long - was covered in scars. It made me sad and concerned for these animals and the condition of the human attitude towards these creatures our society holds.

This concern started the wheels turning, in my head, on how to create a sympathetic attitude in our human minds.

But it also makes me grateful that my preferred mode of transportation through their homes is by way of a humanpowered peace mobile that is a BOTE SUP board.

That’s it. That’s the magic. That’s the beauty of the board.

It’s a friendly way to experience things I do not understand or want to upset. It’s a minimal footprint maker in a delicate ecosystem. It’s been humbling to witness the rich ecosystem of the Dead Lakes, Florida’s vulnerability over the past 25 years. While spending time there as an adult

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PHOTOS: SEAN MURPHY

That’s the magic.

T H AT ’S T HE BE AU T Y O F T HE B OA R D. I T ’S A F R IENDLY WAY TO E X P ER IENC E T HING S I D O N OT UNDER S TA ND O R WA N T TO UP SE T. I T ’S A MINIM A L F O OT P R IN T M A K ER IN A DEL IC AT E ECOS Y S T EM .

PHOTO: SEAN MURPHY

PHOTOS: JOYELAN.COM

compared to the time I spent there as a child holding my grandfather’s hand. I’ve had first-hand experience seeing and experiencing its environmental changes.

Though this body of water continues to hold onto its prowess and stay beyond beautiful, the stark difference to the way I remember it, growing up, and the state it’s in now is impactful. I distinctly remember thinking, “This is the most beautiful place in the world.” If I had this reaction as a child, no older than 8, wouldn’t others fall in love with our waterways as I had?

How beautiful would it be to take a group of young people to tour these waters. To let them see and actually feel a part of the bigger picture. It could potentially change the calloused attitude our society is developing towards our environment. An experiential witness to the damage we are committing on a daily basis.

So, I knew I needed to teach SUP. And I knew that I knew some yoga. So, what about actively combining the two? I knew that I wanted other people to experience their own version of what I feel when I am on a board. Being on the water is everything to me.

The sound of the water as it washes across the nose of the board is like no other sound in the world. I love the silence I find while in movement. I love finding little creeks/streams/rivers to explore and be in complete silence — the kind of silence that allows me to even hear and listen to the humming sound bird’s wings create as they fly by. I believe SUP is a most perfect way to explore waterways while being conscious of our environment. It’s a perspective we aren’t casually afforded. Experiencing our waters on a board and maybe getting upside down and maybe looking around with our eyes and maybe noticing the view are “pause” moments in time. They’re moments begging for a deep breath to absorb the grace of our planet.

I hope to one day offer yoga classes every day the weather permits. I aspire to have classes targeted for restorative practices; for therapeutic practices; educational practices; and environmental education.

I think the easiest way for me to feel connected to all that is around me is to experience the water. It’s almost like it’s an instant drop-into meditation. It’s almost like cheating... Here I am, on the water, and the power of the universe has blatantly made me its servant. It becomes intensely obvious that I am a part of something that I can only pretend to comprehend and feel the need to bow to in reverence.

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the inspiration I find, IN M Y SEL F, TO WO R K TOWA R DS SUP YO G A .

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So, yoga. Could I one day, not only share yoga as a tool to help guide people to discover body awareness and possibly mindfulness, but also, maybe have yoga, combined with SUP as a tool to help create environmental awareness? The thought of using SUP and SUP yoga as mediums to save — even if only the most minute amount — our environment, makes my heart glow. It makes my blood pump and my mind feel excited. If guiding someone into a version of nature they’re unfamiliar with inspires a consciousness in them that potentially changes the tiniest habit in their day-to-day lives, then yes, there is good in this work. And what a beautiful work to be a part of. What a gracious demonstration of my love for our humanity I will have been afforded. This is the inspiration I find, in myself, to work towards SUP yoga. And even if I am the only soul these explorations of the mind and body inspire, I will have found success in my adventure of life. Me, my BOTE and my yoga.

Namaste.

PHOTO: JOYELAN.COM

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PHOTO: SEAN MURPHY

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