2014 Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard World Championships - Lina Augaitis and Art Aquino

One of my favourite things is to watch and be a part of, people fulfilling their dreams particularly paddling/outdoor adventure dreams.  We have had this opportunity with Werner Paddles and Nikki Rekman Sales team paddler, Lina Augaitis.  Lina's been ALL over the world stand up paddling this year in pursuit of fulfilling a dream.  With the support of her husband Andrew, family, friends and sponsors we are thrilled to share with you another Lina update.  We also welcome, Werner Paddler, Art Aquino with his perspective of the race (thanks, Art!!)

Lina and Art

M2O (Molokai 2 Oahu) Partner Style - Lina

Last year was my first crossing of the channel (Molokai 2 Oahu) SOLO UNL. There were many firsts for me last year when it came to BIG ocean paddling. I kind of threw myself out there for the challenge and adventure. It was all AMAZING and a great learning experience. 

This year, I came into the race a different paddler with different goals and a different history.  Being a truly competitive person, I knew this year I would not have 3 weeks to train on Maui and improve my ocean skills. I did not want to do worse than last year so decided to change it up and find a partner and try it partner style.  It was something new and different and adventurous but I still got to be out there enjoying the amazing atmosphere and ocean. 

I asked Art (Aquino) to be my partner, it seemed like a great fit, we were both from PNW, rode SIC boards, paddled Werner Paddles and he is kind of obsessed with downwinding... I also found out he is one stellar guy.... I felt lucky to have him as my partner and share this awesome experience with him. 

We were on a production 14ft SIC Bullet V2 which really is a perfect board for these conditions. Stable, glides with ease, great for catching waves and has the trademark SIC handle for a great grip in the wind. 

Our boat Captain, Captain Dan had a fab boat and two awesome helpers with him, Shelley helped with getting us back on the boat after our switches and the other mate took a ton of pictures! 

Art and I paddled together for the first time on the Wed before the race.. haha... We met on Maui and shared a Maliko run. We talked strategy and he gave me some downwind pointers. On Thursday we practiced some switches with a leash and on Friday we were off to Molokai. We didn't have much time but we totally made it work!

The race: 

I started us off. I had a pretty good start but everything always gets a little crazy when boats start finding their paddlers.. HAHA. At least I managed to stay on top on the board:) Art and I decided to switch off every half hour which was great, we got a little bit of time to relax and then just enough time to push hard and get into a rhythm. I would definitely recommend this timing for teams thinking of partnering up for M2O.  So once the first half hour was up it was time to jump in the water. I was the most nervous about the switches, hanging out in the water treading water until the boat came around and picked me up in the middle of the ocean was very nerve racking, who knows what is lurking down there under me. I later found out that some paddlers actually had encounters with sharks... AH.. Funny enough once we started racing I didn't think about sharks and scary ocean creatures too much and rather enjoyed the feeling of being out there in the middle of the ocean treading water... hmmm.. 

Anyways, Art rocked it once it was his turn and we were right in there in the mix of boats and other paddlers. We ended up heading slightly more north than the main pack but that was fine.... I felt great out there, having fun catching bumps and then chillin on the boat. It was nice to be able to eat and refuel while resting on the boat and then push hard while on the water.  We ended up finishing the race with Art crossing the line on the board and I was swimming out to the finish line. FUN! 

We managed a 2nd place in the mixed team division with a time of 5hours 24sec. Not too shabby if I say so myself. Thanks Art for being a stellar partner out there! 

I was on a SIC 14ft Bullet V2, a beauty of a board and ideal for the conditions at hand. I was paddling with a Werner S1000 grand Prix paddle. It was the perfect paddle. I used electrolytes (Nuun and scratch lab), Vitargo, Vfuel gels, ClifBlocks, clifbars, and some fruit as my nutrition. Thanks to Feed the Machine and CLifBar. 

live, love, laugh,..DREAM!
lina

M20 2014 with partner Lina Augaitis - Art

M20 was an outstanding and very memorable event for me as it was my first Ka’iwi channel crossing. I am so grateful that Lina had asked me to partner up with her on this journey, M20 was on my bucket list but didn’t think it was going to happen for me this year seeing how it sold out soo fast, I thank her so much for the opportunity and was honored to be considered.

I believe we really complimented each other out there; I have to admit I am pretty much a downwind junkie and she is such an all around strong paddler and truly a great person to be around, we just made perfect team!

So as to be expected, the ocean conditions were very different from the Pailolo Channel/M2M race I took in last April. However the wind waves and ground swells were very similar in size… but shape and direction for the M20?? …not so much :)

Lina had an extremely solid start in the slightly bumpy water generated by boat wakes and other paddlers, she did a great job getting us out into the front portion of the pack. Our first switch came in at 30 minutes at which point I literally jumped off the boat for the on-water switch (very interesting feeling lemme tell ya…) and by this time a large percentage of the swells started coming from the north or on the right side of the board, so we were constantly dropping left into ocean swells some as big as head high or more and riding them right… we did this over and over as much as we could until the 20 to 25 mile mark at which point we slowly started to turn south and were able ride the swells similar to a typical downwinder but with much more chop than say a Maliko run. Then nearing the end of the race we hit the infamous China Wall section of the run, that’s where ground and wind swell oppose each other and push up against a cliff that drops straight into the ocean creating junkie swells that were pretty challenging to ride. Then we finally got around the point near the Spitting Caves and the waves started to flatten out… but we weren’t out of the woods just yet…  the wind direction changed to offshore and then once again powerhouse Lina Augaitis took charge as if it was truly no big deal and got us pretty close to the finish line until our last switch.

The race was over but the memories will pretty much last a lifetime. It felt soo good to be done but left me wondering about next year and the possibility of doing it solo. Hmm…  ;)

Special thanks to Bluesmiths, WernerPaddles,  Urban Surf, Paddle With Riggs & Captain Dan. 
Also, thank you SIC for lending us the board we couldn’t have done it without you.

 

After party, podium photo!

West Kootenay River SUP Race Re-Cap

What an amazing weekend in the beautiful West Kootenays with the BC SUP community last weekend at the BC SUP Cup River SUP Race hosted by the folks at Endless Adventure.

The weather was spectacular and HOT and the rivers kept us cool and on our toes!!!

Mark and I had the pleasure of taking Mike Darbyshire's River SUP Clinic on the Upper Slocan on the Friday and it was a great learning experience and a lot of fun.  If you have a chance to get in on one of Mike's clinics do it.  He's knowledgeable, fun and safety is a top priority.

Thanks to Mark Klein aka my husband and the other half of Nikki Rekman Sales for the photos!

I look nervous...I was a bit.  Thanks to Kokatat, Werner, Jackson Kayak and Predator for my awesome gear!!

Mike D getting me on the Slocan River in the River SUP clinic - so much fun!

Saturday was the long course race down the mighty Columbia River from just outside Castlegar to Genelle, BC - 16.8 km.  Nikki Rekman Sales team members came out on top with Mike Darbyshire taking the top Men's spot, Lina Augaitis top Women's and our Alberta-boy, Eli Fischbuch taking top Junior!  We are proud to have all three athletes paddling with Werner Paddles!

Start on the Columbia River

 

First guy across the finish - Mike Darbyshire

First woman across the finish - Lina Augaitis

First Junior to cross the finish - Eli Fischbuch

We wrapped up the Saturday festivities at the Lion's Head Pub (THANKS Troy and Carly for hosting!!!) with entertainment by musician, Shane Phillip. FYI - the food at the Lion's Head is FANTASTIC.

Sunday was the most fun for participants on and off the river for the first ever BOARDER CROSS back on the Slocan River.  Very entertaining to watch!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these Nikki Rekman Sales team members - Lina, Mike and Eli!!

THANKS to Kokatat Watersports Wear and Werner Paddles for outfitting folks in the river SUP clinics and in the Boarder Cross with rescue PFD's and paddles.

We participate in a lot of paddling communities in and around Western Canada and the BC SUP community never fails to impress me.  This is a group of welcoming, fun and gracious individuals and I am so thankful you have embraced us into the fold.

Nikki, Chris from Endless Adventure (our event host along with wife Andrea) and Mark photo: Andrea Ryman

Special shout-outs to Chris & Andrea from Endless Adventure and Mike Grant for hosting all of us.  Mike Darbyshire for inspiring people on and off the river.  To our team members, Mike, Lina and Eli - your support of us and our brands is so very much appreciated and we love connecting with you!!


Vanessa Fischbuch thanks for getting Eli to all the races and for being an amazing example of how to parent awesome kids.

Super-Mom - Vanessa enjoying some time on the Columbia River waiting for Eli to finish his race.

For more photos go to Mark's Flickr account HERE.  Please give him a photo credit if you use the photos - Mark Klein :)

See you on the water!

Stand Up For Men’s Health - Two Werner Paddles Athletes Help Raise Awareness Alongside Olympic Champion

Departing on June 12, two of Werner Paddles Canadian, SUP Athletes will be participating in the “Stand Up For Men’s Health” with Olympic Champion Simon Whitfield.  

Lina Augaitis and Mike Darbyshire will be joining Simon on a crossing of the Salish Sea.  Here are the details from the press release.  In addition, our friend, Yannick Michaud of Ocean River Sports will also be one of the SUP adventurers.    "I am excited to participate in this expedition, particularly in my own backyard.  The opportunity to paddle with a group of SUP athletes of varied experience, to  promote Men's Health in Canada, is fantastic", comments Mike (Darbyshire).

Lina recently returned from Nicaragua where she won Gold for Canada in the Women's SUP Distance Race.

 

Mike continues to train while hosting the TNR series at Deep Cove Outdoors in North Vancouver, BC.  Watch for Mike on the race circuit this season in Western Canada and the PNW.  Photo courtesy of:  Sundog Adventures Sports

 

 

In partnership with CMHF “Champion” Simon Whitfield, and in conjunction with CMHF’s first annual Canadian Men’s Health Week, Olympic Champions, world class paddlers and accomplished adventurers dedicated to improving the health of men across Canada will“Stand Up For Men’s Health”. 

The “Stand Up For Men’s Health” event will begin on June 12th from English Bay in Vancouver, cross the Salish Sea, through the Southern Gulf Islands and conclude in the Victoria Harbour on June 15th. The paddle will be a highlight of the first ever Canadian Men’s Health Week and ends on Father’s Day in Victoria.

KEY OBJECTIVES: To provide the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation (CMHF) and their supporters a high-profile event platform to promote the launch of a national campaign, and to create awareness around the mandate of the organization.

-  To leverage four Olympic Champions, including Simon Whitfield and their celebrity status to promote the mandate of CMHF through an event worthy of national media coverage

-  To build an event that promotes men’s health through active living

-  To be the first annual expedition series that provides ongoing media and brand awareness for CMHF and engages with Canada’s elite athletes who embody active living

CMHF is in the process of launching a national media campaign to promote the recently formed Foundation and its mandate. Simon Whitfield is a proud “Champion” with CMHF and is committed to building an exclusive annual expedition to promote CMHF, starting with #SUP4MH. With a shared passion, the two have the power to create an event platform that harnesses the team’s celebrity status, while providing CMHF and its partners with an opportunity to promote their mission to inspire Canadian men to live ten healthier years through positive lifestyle choices.

The “Stand Up for Men’s Health” event is presented by Duracell with support from the following partners: Canadian Tire, SunSki Canada, The Edge Food Energy Company, Starboard SUP, Westin Hotels & Resorts and Harbour Air Seaplanes.

Lina had this to say about the invitation to participate, "Personally,  I am very excited to be a part of this event.  I think it will be a great adventure (which I am always about) that is physically challenging as well as uses and promotes the amazing beauty and environment we live in here in the Pacific Northwest.  We are bringing together athletes from around North America to support a really great initiative and new foundation. Along the way I hope it inspires others to get out and enjoy the outdoors, think about the importance of staying healthy and open their eyes about different ways they can stay healthy in order to continue to enjoy their lives for themselves and others.  It is also a great way to promote this amazing sport of SUP and further demonstrates the positive community SUP has developed throughout the country and world. I can't wait to further explore our local waters!"

We look forward to some images from Lina, Mike and Yannick and some comments about their experience on the expedition at a later date.

 

Greetings from the SUP Race Scene in Mexico

Our very own Lina Augaitis has been quite the jet-setter in the first 3+ months of 2014 and here's an update from her recent Stand Up Paddle Race in Sayulita Mexico.

Sayulita is a quaint Mexican town with a perfect mix of touristy and real Mexican flare. Punta Sayulita a great venue for surfing and racing. The beach is perfect for spectators and for training. I am glad I got to experience this wonderful little gem of an event and town. 

Saturday was race day for the elite short course. I was on the SIC X12 PRO using my Werner small Grand Prix paddle. The waves were a good size with some of the sets a little intimidating for the race boards. During warm up I managed to score a cut on my heel and was feeling slightly flustered and intimidated by the waves... I think people could see it on my face (even though I tried to look confident:)) The course was 3 loops with two beach runs. Off the horn a huge set was rolling in..at least we were all in the same boat having to battle the waves:).. I got through most of the set but got caught on the outside wave twice. Its always a little frustrating when you fall and get up just in time to see another wave crashing  right in front of you just big and awkward enough to knock you down again.. This is part of racing and part of the mental challenge to never give up and push through the tough moments.  I think I did better than most though through that first set. I think everyone got caught up in the set except the beast Georges he made it through no problems. Once I got through I started catching some guys on the outside. The first surf into the beach went well. I stayed on my board and caught some guys... I had a clean exit off the board which I was totally stoked about. The next loop I fell on one wave going out... my luck had it that every time I headed out a good size set rolled in:) good practice anyhow. I managed to maintain my position among the men and women throughout the course. I had three clean surf entries onto the beach which I was totally pumped about and is what I am proud of myself for. I may not look elegant surfing in but I did it:) I managed to win the women's and come top ten among the men. 

The following day was the distance event. We had a beach start and finish with three loops of spectator friendly course. On this day I chose to try out my new SIC X12 PRO LITE board. It is 24" wide so less stable but faster than the PRO. We started in a slightly more sheltered part of the bay so the waves were slightly smaller but still big enough to cause some excitement. This time around though the horn went after the large set:) To the second buoy I was with a bunch of the SIC crew but during the first long section I managed to pull away from a bunch of guys and then was alone for the rest of the race standing in 6th place. By the third loop the conditions were not in our favor with tough wind and water conditions. I managed to stay upright through the sections but it was hard work mentally and physically. The loop went something like this (headwind, side chop plus weird conditions, side chop on the other side, head wind.... x3). It was big mental push to make it around the course and good practice for the balance skills. My legs were definitely feeling it. It was grand to paddle into the finish and be done:) I managed to win first female and 6th overall on this day. 

The event does a good job in bringing people together with a huge concert on Saturday night (G love and the special sauce taking stage right there on the beach)... so cool. I love beach towns. Sunday night awards was  up on the cliff looking over the water... what a gorgeous venue.

live, love, laugh,..DREAM!

lina

 

Winter SUPin' with Lina Augaitis

The beauty of Vancouver is that we can paddle year round for those of us brave and smart enough to handle the frigid waters and low air temperatures. It can be a beautiful and very peaceful time of year to be out on the water with snowy mountain tops and quiet waters. I tend to paddle on my own out in the ocean, even in the winter time. I love it but have some key items with me to ensure good times and a safe return to a warm cozy house.

My go to pieces for most of the year in Vancouver are two awesome Kokatat products: Hydrus 3L Tempest Pants with socks – Women and the women's Gore-Tex Paclite Pullover. I get really cold feet so the pants with socks are ideal for SUPin throughout the winter. I can wear thick, warm socks and some neoprene booties over the goretex socks that are attached to the pants. The jacket is light enough that I don't sweat too much in it and it provides great protection from the elements. The combination of the pants and jacket are awesome it is comfort, warmth, and pro from wind, rain, and or snow. Under the pants and jacket I like to layer. I usually wear some icebreaker products which offers stink free, wicking, and warmth.

I also don't paddle anywhere without my Werner paddles. On flat water I use my small grand prix paddle. In surf I use my nitro. Sometimes, if I am tight for space or am biking to paddling I will use my three piece nitro as it breaks into a great size to put into my bike panier or in my backpack!

Safety is of the utmost importance when winter paddling. I am a confident swimmer, paddler, and first aider but still think about safety when I get ready to go for a paddle. Whenever I head out for a paddle on my own in the winter I always wear a leash, a pfd, and even bring a VHF radio with me. I choose a route close to shore and let someone know which direction I am heading and for approximately how long. Safety is crucial out on the water especially in the winter. It doesn't matter how strong of a paddler you are mistakes happen, and in the winter we have very little time to fix them before the cold enables us. Ideally, I wouldn't go out alone but sometimes schedules don't workout with others and therefore I do my best with prevention to ensure I return home safely.

All that being said you can go paddling in the winter and its loads of fun as long as you find the right clothes for the elements and be smart out there!

Live, love, laugh,..DREAM!
lina  

Follow Lina's blog here!