Stand up for Health & Fitness 2010

First of all; the amount of women who show up at the beach at 7.00 am is just overwhelming! 400 women; young, old, beginners and advanced all come together to support and motivate each other in and out the water.

The event is free to enter and the request from Suzie is to make a donation to the breast cancer donation instead.

Also; I am asked by Suzie to lead the advanced women; which is an honor and a lot of fun! I love sharing my stoke and ocean knowledge. It is one of the reasons I love my job besides getting my own 'ocean fix' many days a year ). As we paddle with firm and fun strokes towards Makena, we see a big show of hump back whales out on the ocean. It is as if they want to be part of our paddle and I am sure they picked up on our 'stoke' and happy energy out there.

Once coming back to the beach, we hang out with all the women that SUP for the first time ever. These women are being taught and guided by professional water sports athletes like Tiffany and a lot of volunteers that help all women launch their boards in and out the shore brake (that happens to be 2-3 ft - hawaiian- big!)

A third group joint us shortly; the intermediate group who is SUP'ing an scenic 45 min cruise with Suzie.

Once safe, dry and excited about our water time, we hydrate and refuel with healthy snacks and drinks as we listen to 3 motivational speakers.

These speakers touch all of us as they talk about dealing with chronic diseases, surviving cancer and nutrition.

There is a big message from each of them for us; to take care of ourselves, appreciate out health and our life and to find the strength to deal with everything that comes out way.

Dancing the Hula is next followed by a big 'raffle' where a lot of prices are given out.

What a day, what an impressions and how awesome to be part of it!