[ Cali Paddler is always impressed at the dedication and drive shown by our young paddlers. Not to mention their coaches and parents who support their paddle lifestyle. We are so proud at this upcoming endeavor, the MBX race from Santa Cruz to Monterey. If you haven't heard about this epic race check out some previous articles here. Thank you Jocelyn Wilson for this great intro of the dedicated paddlers! ]
Two years later and I’m back writing about my experience with MBX, except this time it’s about our keiki. Now, I’ve only been coaching these kids for about 2 years. By coaching, I mean I’m basically their den mom and assist Mike Smith, Head Keiki Coach for He’e Nalu. It’s pretty much it’s own insanely quirky family, including our amazing, supportive parents! So, when we had a crew of 9 keiki come up to us, explaining how they wanted to participate in MBX (Monterey Bay Crossing), there was no second guessing if these kids could accomplish it or not. They’ve proven enough times that if they set their minds to it, they can surpass any obstacles in their way. I’ve been privileged enough to be a part of this amazing adventure and now I share it
with you.
Companies that 'get it'!
Paddle Articles
Nine keiki. One canoe. The race...Monterey Bay Crossing!
CP Fitness - Just Add Water
CP Explorations - Catalina Island
For many years now, I have wondered what was on the other side. Beyond the little pocket town of Avalon and gates to dirt roads and bison. Far past the waters where the half day fishing boats stop. Catalina Island marked to me a giant body of land begging to be explored by water. I just knew there were coastlines with giant mountains and cliffs, pocket beaches that may not have ever had people walk upon, and of course, crystal clear water teaming with sea life. So when I became friends with Ernie after the Salton Sea Race and the CP Retreat in March, I asked him if he had paddled the islands perimeter since he moved there this past year. And when he answered "no", the next question was immediate...“would you like to?”
Molokai 2 Oahu - Tips and Inspiration from Carter Graves
[Cali Paddler is always inspired by those who take on big challenges in paddling, and share their experiences with the rest of us, so that we can succeed in our own challenges and push the envelope in paddling. We recently reached out to Carter Graves, 2-time Molokai 2 Oahu Prone Champion (women's open stock), and asked her to share with us her biggest take-aways from this race. So that perhaps more of us here, can someday accomplish such great feats. Thank you Carter! ~CP ]CP Review - Inflateable SUP from XTERRA
Every been curious about what it is like to paddle an inflatable SUP? Want to know the impressions of one from someone who is used to fast race boards and traveling far on paddles to explore as much as possible? Well, look no further, because we just finished a 10 day trip with lots of paddling, various conditions, and all sorts of water types. Check out our impressions of the 10' XTERRA board. What did we like, and not like? And did it pass 'the family test'?CP Fitness - Shoulder Impingement
[ CP Fitness welcomes again Shanimal Fitness to help us find solutions for shoulder pain caused by impingement. Enjoy! -CP ]
Paddlers and athletes who have shoulder impingement a lot of times will have surgery to unhinge or release the shoulder. Shoulder impingement is when a paddler lifts the arm and the humerus bone impinges or pinches the rotator cuff muscles under the coracoarcromial arch. This can cause tears in the rotator cuff. Usually if you go to a surgeon they want to do surgery, that is their job. Basically, the surgeon destabilizes the shoulder by removing very important structures at the top of the shoulder. So you have a shoulder that no longer impinges, but is now unstable as this ligament holds the top of the shoulder bones together. This then sets up a new problem that also beats up the rotator cuff.
CP Exlorations: Big Bear Lake
Join us as we explore one of Southern California's most scenic lakes to paddle. Nestled among beautiful alpine backdrops and with a wonderful town beside it to quelch your post-paddle hunger, this SoCal Inland lake is as special as any place we have found. Take a gander with us the multiple launch spots, and great inside tips to ensure you have a great paddle experience here!
CP Reviews - The Paddle Dojo - Checking out what the hype is about
10 Tips to be a Better Paddler
We here at Cali Paddler are always striving to be better, and have more fun, on the water. Whether it is related to fitness, technique or attitude, there are many well documented ways to becoming a better paddler. However, some ways to improve your SUP, Prone, Outrigger Surf-Ski or Dragonboat performance are not as commonly known as others. We wanted to share the following top 10 tips to help you paddle better, and open up our Cali Paddler Treasure Chest of Secrets....to YOU! Enjoy
Letter to my beautiful kids – Before going to the Yukon River Quest – 444 miles
A parent paddler, sharing his letter to his kids before his adventure...
"You have seen me going training countless hours in the past 6 months, you have seen me lost in dreams and thoughts and questions over this race, you have heard me tirelessly speaking about it, and you have seen me prepare my luggage today.
With this letter, maybe in a few years once you will have grown a bit more, you will be able to read the main reasons why I decided to do this challenge, what it means to me, and what in the process I’d like you to humbly learn from me..."
Paddle Pledge Non-Profits
