tofino surf moments...

live, love, laugh,...DREAM!
lina

Christmas Holidays: Ski and Surf

Who doesn't love the week between Dec 25th and New years?????.... I sure LOVE IT.. especially when you can ski, surf, and trail run, all in the same week.... Pacific North West  love.

Christmas day ski/hike with skis/hot chocolate photo: Andrew Dye

Self shot after a great session at Long Beach

Going out in the whitewash photo by Andrew Dye

Catching some little ones amongst the wash photoby: Andrew Dye

there is more surf to be had...

live, love, laugh,..DREAM!
lina

SUpracer/SIC... a nice post-Christmas present

check out this lovely article "the bossman"/Chris from SUpracer wrote:

www.SUPracer.com/lina-augaitis-sic/

THANK you for the kind/inspiring words!

In tofino at the moment.... getting thrashed by the cold cold waves!!!!! and.... loving it!

live, love, laugh,..DREAM!
lina

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

andrew and i and our tree!

MeRrY ChRiStMaS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope you are enjoying this special time with family and friends!!!!!!!!!!!!

live, love, laugh,...DREAM!
lina

backcountry ski with Kala, Meg and Andrew(taking picture)

Paddle Royal: A test of will power

A little motivational quote to start things off

I've been eyeing the Paddle Royal race for a couple of years and was thrilled to have been able to make it this year.
There was a lot going on right before this race with finishing off work, becoming recognized internationally as a SUP athlete, and trying to figure out how one lives a pro athlete life. I wanted to do this race for many reasons but felt it important for me personally to go out and race to set off my new life as a pro. I didn't know what to expect with varying levels of stress, lack of proper training, and just a lot going on in general. I was blessed with such positive inspiration from the SUP community, family, friends, and pretty much everyone that no matter what my results would be I knew I was doing the right thing. I wasn't sure how I would react to the added pressures from myself and the media,... I was keen to find out...

Airport.... 

I arrived slightly earlier than others as I really wanted to make my way to the other side of the island to paddle and stay with a really great family and business owner. He owns Verde Azul in Aguadilla and helped provide me with a board to use for the race (Starboard All Star 12'6 x 25). I had planned to rent a car, drive down, and hang out/paddle with them. I did some further research about the driving in Puerto Rico and got scared, with the added poor weather, and high stress levels I just could not do it. The thought of renting a car, driving it on my own in an unfamiliar country in torrential rains put my stress levels through the roof.... I had to unfortunately abandon those plans and stay around San Juan.... I so wish I could have been with the Verde Azul crowd but after meeting them and loving them and seeing how amazing they are I can't wait to come back and paddle over there! I managed to jump on a BIC one design and Danny Ching's 404 board for some training out in the open ocean which provided me with some idea of what to expect out in the open ocean. Every day the ocean got progressively more intense with rising swells and increasing winds.... it was going to be a wild ride for sure... but I kind of enjoy that feeling of being slightly scared out there...

Photo by Mark Paaluhi

Thursday evening we had a race get together at the very awesome Velauno shop in San Juan... We were treated with drinks, great company, and talks from Eric Terrien, Jim Terrell and Chris Parker. Afterwards we had one of the best pizzas ever in a small pizza joint located on top of the shop... I got the pleasure to get to know some of the other top racers throughout the evening; sharing our adventure stories among other things. Everyone was excited and had tales to share.

Velauno Shop Thursday night. Taken from Velauno facebook page

Friday more racers were arriving, the rain was still downpouring, the winds still increasing, and my nerves and excitement starting to become noticeable. I went for some more paddling practice in the chop, tried to rest, hydrate, and eat! I definitely have a new obsession with coconut water.

Werner team members Friday

Hanging out with the ladies on Friday before the race day

Paddle Royal
Below is a little recap of how they come up with the final overall points at Paddle Royal:
The goal is to get the lowest number of points. You get to throw out your highest score and then the other 5 scores are tallied for your overall score. The distance race is worth two races and each sprint race is one. If you get 1^st you get 1 point, 2^nd 2 points, etc.... It is a cool way to try and find the most talented racer, one who can do the distance and have the speed and skills in the sprints.

Long Course
Saturday morning we awoke to howling winds and huge swells. As we gathered for the race meeting we were told that the coast guards cancelled the open ocean section of the race due to their concern for safety... I was bummed as I was excited for the adventure of going around Old San Juan but also happy in a race way as I knew that the strong ocean paddlers would have had a huge advantage over me due to experience in those conditions... I made sure I had Nuun in my water and some gels in my pack. I used my Werner Grand Prix S1000 paddle and was on a Starboard All Star (12'6 x 25). I decided to wear a leash, looking around most pros didn't use a leash but I figured since we didn't have a run in the course, it wouldn't hurt to have one just in case it would get a little gnarly at some point (it turned out to be a good call wearing the leash. it did get gnarly).

Photo by Michel Terrien

We had a new race start format which I think I will like but needs some practice in perfection by everyone involved. That being said I had a mediocre start but quickly gained the lead amongst the women. The women started 1 min behind the men and we quickly caught up to the slower men before the first buoy. It is always interesting when we are mixed in with men, it def keeps us on our toes trying not to get intertwined with falls and drafting. After the laps in the lagoon we headed out towards the channel. I kept my lead but I had no idea how far in front I was to the other ladies. We had a pretty solid downwind run and I was hoping that I could keep my lead and not falter. At the end of the chanel we came to the green turn around buoy. What I was staring at was overhead waves breaking, men surfing and men scattered all over the place as well. I thought Holy Sh*t is this for real? I am going to die! HA.... but at the same time my brain was telling me I am a PRO I can't get intimidated, Lina put your head down and paddle with confidence you will make it! So, that is what I did, I just paddled hard and hoped to stay on top of my board. As I got closer to the turn I noticed that the waves were not breaking on the buoy but closer to the rocks so I took the safe route and headed away from the rocks and therefore away from the huge breaking surf. I was wondering if this strategy would have lost me time but I just didn't have the confidence that I could surf those waves... I was sure glad I had a leach though. On the way back it was a pretty brutal headwind. I was out in front so had no one to draft, I didn't know how far ahead I was so I just kept paddling trying to hold my lead. I tried to stay close tothe edge to get out of some of the wind but most of the time there was no escape. I was just waiting for the bridge as I knew then it was almost over. I didn't eat throughout the race but I did drink some from my pack. I managed to pass some men. At the bridge I took the left entrance but didn't realize it was really short and had to crouch so low to get under the bridge. I was kind of angry at myself for doing that but it seems in the end it turned out well as I didn't get as much of the current as those that passed through the middle hole. I crossed the line first among the women and 13^th or so overall... I was very happy with my result and enjoyed the glory for a short bit. I didn't want to get too excited as I knew there was a whole second day of racing which could totally affect my placing...

Sprint Races
The wind did not let up even in the protected lagoon. There were 4 sprint races... of varying length all counting towards the overall standings. My goal was to go out hard on the first two secure some more wins and then hope I could hold on to the top 3 for another race. The starts were important in this race as well as strategy and buoy turns. It was tough to manage hydration and food as the races were spread out and we didn't really know when we would be going throughout the day. We started the first race at 11am and the last race around 4pm. The first race was the longest. I got a solid start and was able to hold onto my lead the entire race. The second race was slightly shorter but again I had a solid start and held onto the lead. In between the 2^nd and 3^rd sprint races there was a one design team relay race. I decided to join a team as there was some cash money for the win. Chuck, Chris, Frank and I joined forces and managed to win the team relay!!!! We were stoked!

The winning relay team!

On the 3^rd race I had a lead off the gun but at the second bouy turn Brandi took the inside line and managed to sneak out in front, it was a great battle... she has some solid turns and totally deserved that win. We had a pretty huge break before our last race which was a straight line sprint. Brandi and I figured out that no matter what happened we had locked in our positions of 1 and 2 and so celebrated with a beverage and felt relaxed with the pressure off our backs. There was a serious battle going on for 3,4,5,6 places among the women and for the men it all depended on the final sprint. I had an awful start but managed a win in the final race. The race to watch though was the pro men in that final sprint. It was AMAZING, the battle, the speed, the determination... Danny Ching managed the win and therefore the overall win for the weekend. Congrats to all racers, thanks Jaime from Velauno for putting on a great weekend!

Photo by Mrak Pahuuli

Awards! Lina 1st, Brandi 2nd, Helga 3rd, Gail 4th, Bailey 5th

St Thomas with Gail, Erik, and Jaecey....
I feel blessed to know amazing people. Two of these amazing people are Gail and Erik who live on St Thomas. They invited Jaecey and I to stay with them and experience life on St Thomas Island. I will try and summarize my time there.
Every Day all the time: Amazing views, warm water, and lovely people... I was trying to figure out if I was on vacation or working?!? HA. I wanted to use my time there to train in open ocean waters, surf, and downwind. So, is this work or vacation when you are an athlete? I tried to do a little bit of both I guess. When we were out on the water I took it seriously and tried to learn but also had loads of fun and enjoyed our adventures. I wanted to pack it in.... I don't get to enjoy warm waters very often so I was all about water fun!
Luckily so were Gail and Jaecey!


Day 1 We SUPsurfed. They were perfect size, deep reef, no crowds.... I was in heaven... I used my Werner Nitro paddle which worked awesome! It took me a while to figure it out but by the end I was catching some waves for sure.

Practicing some turns on our way to the waves photo by Jaecey Suda

Day 2 We SUPsurfed and did an awesome downwind run. The SUPsurfing was slightly bigger but still good. Again it took my a while but then I was catching them and riding them out the side:) YES! Improvement! The downwind run was just so fun! Colin Butler from !!!!!!!!!! took us out on his fishing boat. He dropped us off off the coast of St James Island and we paddled 8.5miles back to the lagoon/harbour. It was so nice to be out in the big ocean, the swell was overhead and we were having a blast catching glides, falling off, and just being in this beautiful area. I still am nervous when I fall off the board about sharks and other large underwater creatures but I try not to think about it too much:) I was working on catching glides and riding them, trying to read the waters like Jeremy Riggs taught me in Hawaii. I used my Werner Grand Prix small blade, My Virus tank and Sweet Waterwear shorts.

Downwind photo by Colin Butler

Day 3 The wind and waves died off in the morning so our plans for another downinder failed but as we switched plans to paddle over to some islands and snorkel the wind decided to pick up which made our paddle slightly more entertaining and more of a work out.

Gail and I with a truck full of fun photo by Jaecey Suda

Day 4 We packed it all in. We got up early and Erik dropped us off at Megan's Bay beach where Gail and I practiced too many bouy turns to count. The beach is clean and picturesque. We then paddled back to Hull Bay where Gail and Erik live. Then Gail introduced me to the Insanity work out... my butt still hurts... but doing it outside with a gorgeous view and carribean winds cooling you down makes it bearable and fun! HA. Friend Meredith joined us for a small downinder on the south side of the island from the Ritz hotel to Gail's parents place. We switched arounf between different SUP boards and her unl prone board. It was my first attempt at prone paddleboarding.... TOUGH... not sure how people do this from Molokai to Oahu but I can see the benefits of using it as a cross trainer! We were going to snorkel but went for some beverages instead! We enjoyed dinner at the Hideaway, the local beach restaurant/bar.... and finished off the evening with a game of Trains....

I don't want to give a away all the secrets but I can say St Thomas is a great island for water adventures. Gail and Erik amazing hosts. I got a lot of good open ocean training in which I am so grateful for! Now, its back to Vancouver, back to my hubby, back to the cold, and back to training in a different way as well as some serious planning and working on the computer..... These last two weeks have confirmed to me that following this dream at this time is the right thing for me right now. I know it is not always going to be glorious but for now I will bask in this glory and take the tougher times as they come.... Although it seems like a luxurious easy “job” like any I know it will have its ups and downs,.... but I am ready for them!

MORE ARTICLES ABOUT THE EVENT
SUPracer: HERE
SUPtheMag: HERE


THANK YOU Werner Paddles, Nikki Rekman Sales, Trident Sports, OnItPro, Virus Performance Action Sports, Feed the Machine, Ultimate Potential, Pro-Lite, Ryders Eyewear, Surffur, Chacos, Crossfit Vancouver, Sweet Waterwear


Live, love, laugh,..DREAM!
Lina

A quick update of all the nice things people are saying:)

THANKS  SUPtheMag for the nice post:)

http://www.supthemag.com/features/sup-women-lina-augaitis/

THANKS SUPracer for the confidence:)

http://www.supracer.com/2013-paddle-royal-predictions/

Tomorrow is day 1 of the Paddle Royal.... Its gonna be windy and big swells.... gonna be interesting:)

check out SUPracer.com for results

THANKS for all the good luck wishes:) they will give me strength through the rough waters tomorrow:)


live, love, laugh,...DREAM!
lina

Love these people and their products:)
Werner Paddles, NikkiRekman Sales, OnItPro, Virus performance Sports, Trident Performance Sports,  Ryders Eyewear, Surffur, Feed The Machine, MDrive, Ultimate Potential, Vancouver Crossfit, Sweet Waterwear

The first week of my life as a full time athlete....

 It's all happening! Just one month ago I was an extremely nervous person as I made a decision to pursue a dream of mine; to be a full time athlete. Friday was my last day at Mulgrave School... It was sad to leave the students and staff (I am still involved with some coaching and OE days.... YAY!)  but I would be lying if I didn't say I was also excited about the year ahead. I will miss so much about Mulgrave and I truly hope it is not good bye forever.... Infact, the Mulgrave community has installed extra motivation and faith inside of me as I step out of the comforts of the everyday living and live the exciting life of hard work and adventure.... Thank you for the positive support Mulgrave.

 Before I know it I will be in full swing of doing my thing in the world of SUP...

I got to initiate my first day as a "pro athlete" by giving an informal talk to 20 or so Quest University students. I chatted about choices, taking risks, and cherishing opportunities. I also got the chance to explain all the wonderful opportunities within SUP and how amazing this sport truly is. It was a great experience to be able to share my story with others in hopes of inspiring and motivating them to pursue their dreams.... It can be done my friends!

I am curious how the year to come will fill out and am realizing that it is totally up to me to steer it and allow it to flourish... which can be slightly stressful at times. I have some goals that I hope I can achieve throughout the year but I know whatever happens this year I will learn and experience a lot about myself, others, and the world.  Taking these first steps in making the choice to truly go for it was difficult but I am already filled with positive outcomes.

Right now I am in San Fran on the way to Puerto Rico to race at Paddle Royal.

Paddle Royal is a race I've been wanting to get to since its existence a few years ago.... I am pretty stoked to check out a new country, and meet a new SUP community....

this is only the beginning....so much more to come.

check out  supracer.com for updates on race results....

live, love, laugh,...DREAM!
lina

And so winter cross training has begun....

it's ski tour season..... You get the cardio and strength of skinning uphill with all the fun of shreddin' the gnarly pow....plus killer views and fresh air....now that is my kind of training:)

live, love, laugh,...DREAM!
lina

It's Tradition... it's the MUDRIDE 2013

Great friends, delicious and copious amounts of food... and of course fun trails and this year I even got out on the SUP!

We rode on Burke Mtn and Sumas Mtn.... We watched people's homemade slide shows and videos... I paddled on the Slough one evening and Widgeon Creek/Pitt River/Lake the other day with Jonny and Marc! THANK YOU FRIENDS!

Pitt River/Lake Photo credit: Marc Power

Photo credit: Marc Power

Speedy Johnny paddling around in a surf ski! Photo credit: Marc Power

biking on Burke Mtn with Cashew chasing me. photo credit: andrew dye

OH.. and I purchsaed tickets for Paddle Royal in Puerto Rico! It's happenning...

live, love, laugh,...DREAM!
lina

Chasing Dreams...

I'm doing it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not only chasing but hopefully LIVING the dream. ...My dream that is! There will be more of the this

and this

hoping for lots of this!

and much more....

For the next while I will be on a special journey. I am taking leap of faith to follow my dreams and passions in SUP. I am heading into the unknown: pushing my limits physically and mentally as I experience a life as a high level athlete. I am going to share my ups and downs, lessons learned, and everything in between. There is a lot to learn, practice, and figure out.....

live, love, laugh,...DREAM!
lina

Go fast, take chances....

Thanks for a good session Paul... this quote reminds me of you.... and Andrew! I first heard it from you in my adventure racing days and then again when I met Andrew.... it's a goodie.


I had a stellar birthday weekend SUP surfing in Tofino... Best birthday present ever. I love Tofino..... beautiful, serene, and provides for some great surf... I was lucky to have my birthday on the same weekend as the SUP surf course held by Mike, Norm, and Catherine... They rocked it.... we joined in for some of the fun and games.....

NO pics 'cause we both surfed the whole time.... and then just enjoyed our time there and forgot about our cameras..... still getting used to the fact that I have a smart phone:) Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes!!!!!!

Adventures, change, fun, hard work, and something new is on the horizon:)

live, love, laugh,...DREAM!
lina

SUP season has slowed down... Mtn biking Thanksgiving

I think my body is telling me something at the moment... Probably... "Okay there miss... time to rest... .. I've been fighting a cold for the last week... NOT FUN. But FUN was last weekend....

Thanksgiving was grand.. Every Canadian Thanksgiving we head to Mazama/Winthrop Washington.... Great people, great trails, amazing weather.... delicious food.... ALL GOOD! Yay for lovely traditions! I hope we keep this one!

Since I just got my first smart phone I am figuring out the wonderful world of twitter and instagram etc.... I have finally caved.... it's happening...

What's up next? Surfing in Tofino this weekend! HORRAY!

live, love, laugh,..DREAM!
lina

Battle of the Battle 2013: 3rd place in the distance race!!!!!!!!

Top 5 ladies of distance race Fiona(5th), Jenny(4th), ME(3rd), Karla(2nd), Annabel(1st) photo by:Paul Romero

Wow! What an event: the best athletes in the world, waves, hundreds of exhibitors, tons of spectators, and amazing performances.....

Where to begin? The thanks this time because there are a lot of people who have helped me get to where I am.....
First and foremost special mention goes to ANDREW DYE, my husband.... he has been there for me in more ways than I can even explain. I would not be at BOP and doing as well as I am without him. I love him so much! THANK YOU ANDREW!

A huge kudos to Mike Darbyshire for driving, loading, unloading, dealing with boards, taking my stuff down to california and being such an amazing friend. He was my board handler extraordinaire, relay team mate and also rocked it himself in the elite short course.....Lookout for him, especially on the rivers..... YOU ROCK Mike!!!!!!!!!

Danny at Werner Paddles treated us like kings and queens with beds, food, paddles, and general taking care of us and making us feel strong and ready. THANK YOU for taking care of me this weekend and for providing me with an amazing PADDLE that I totally believe in and love!!!!!!!

Nikki Rekman for helping me get to the BOP races, for being such an amazing supporter throughout this and the entire year. She is not just a rep she is a strong part of the paddling community and a great friend.

Trident Performance Sports and Starboard boards for making fast fast boards that I love to paddle!!!!!!!!!!!

Chacos sandals for believing in me and making great product for my feet. I live in my chacos..... I wear them everywhere, all the time.

Ryders eyewear: they are local, they are friends and they make the best sunnies EVER!

On it Pro: they took care of my board, cleaned it, prepared it, and allowed it to be as fast as it could be. Great group of people: I am so stoked to be a part of their family.

Pro Lite: I met them in the summer and totally love their product. Functional and great looking bags for boards and paddles, lightweight leashes, and more. I am so stoked to be using their stuff.

Surffur: Met them at BOP and they design the coolest thing ever. It was made for cold people like me who padle throughout the winter in Canada and change in parking lots.... It kept me warm throughout the chilly mornings here in Cali! This jacket is killer!!!!!

Paul Romero: so excited to have connected with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love your energy and excitement!!!!!!!! and I cant tell you how stoked I am that you were there, helped me out and I think our future will be bright!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paul Romero and I at finish of distance race

Kristin Thomas: She is the most positive supporter and she saw something in me early on..... I guess what she saw is coming to fuition.... thank you Kristin for having faith in me!

Sweet Waterwear hooked me up with some sweet little shorts that I demo'd during the distance race... AWESOME!

I met some new great folks who carry awesome product this weekend as well: local honey, Virus, Indo boards, Supreme clothing, KIND bars,...

The Canadian SUP community has been my backbone... their positive comments throughout my adventures leading up and throughout Molokai to Oahu and the entire race season there after. I love getting the shout outs, positive comments, and updates! You keep me going! I love paddling with all of you and sharing this amazing passion we have!

THE BATTLE!

Luckily, my job allowed me Friday and Monday to travel and get ready. I arrived Thursday night. Mike D picked me up but unfortunately LA traffic exists even at 1am on Thursday evenings. We needed to drop off boards etc so didn't actually get in until 2:30am..... Luckily, I got to sleep in a little on Friday before hitting the water and practicing in the waves. I was actually surprised on Friday with my ability in the waves.... Due to focusing on my Hawaii adventures this summer I did not get a chance to get out in the surf and well it showed..... I have a definite weakness.... lucky for me it is going to be a fun ride working on it as really I get to be a surfer girl for the year..... more on that later....
I was happy to have gotten out in the waves on Friday.. it gave me slightly more confidence going into Saturdays short course race.

The short course:
I was in heat 2 paddling the 2014 12'6 x 25.5 allstar and using my 74" Werner grand Prix Paddle. It was great to watch heat 1 battle it out trying to make the cut off to continue onto the final race. The short course race is not all that short! HA. It is about surfing, fitness, timing, luck, and skill..... You paddle in and out of breaking waves, do lots of buoy turns, and multiple beach runs. I knew I didnt get to prepare enough for this race but I was hoping my fitness and paddling strength in combination with some luck would get me by and into the final. I felt good going through my heat. I chose to wear a leash (many ppl don't). it is definitely slower on getting on and off my board but the thought of loosing the race because I fell and had to swim because my board got pushed to shore doesn't interest me one bit.... I played it safe with a leash... and its a good thing! I didn't kill it throughout the heat but pushed hard, had some luck, and felt good. I made it through to the finals no problem.
We had a couple hours of rest where I tried to stay in the shade, drink and eat a little. I totally dont have a plan or a strategy (hoping to change this with some actual organized training:)) but I drank some coconut water, ate a banana and a KIND bar. I felt recovered going into the final.
I had a great start and was leading the pack to the first buoy turn.... I was in 3rd coming into the hammer bouy turn and then 4th on the first run. I held my spot in 4th/5th pack until.......my luck ran out and my wave skill was tested to its max....I fell at the wrong spot.... I fell at the beginning of a set of big waves coming through.... I got beat down every time I tried to get back up... 3 times in fact... all in a row.... I just saw a whole crowd of racers pass me.... I got up and felt a little demoralized... I couldn't believe it.... I had to shake it off pretty quick as there was a whole other lap to go..... I got my head together and could the pack in front of me.... I was on my way to catch the next pack when I had an oops at the hammer buoy one last time:) by the time I got up they were gone.... I just needed to paddle into the finish. It was tough to swallow at first.... I think mostly because I felt strong and was up there in the mix for top 5..... but after some time and all the positive kuddos I got from this amazing community I saw the positive in it all and thanked everyone and wanted to concentrate on the distance race...

The Distance race:
I felt pretty tired Sat night so skipped out on a dinner I really want to go to with a bunch of Canadian folk down there... but lucky for me I was on facebook when good buddy from my adventure race days, Paul Romero gave me some pointers on nutrition and strategy.... PAUL THANK YOu! Sunday I was nervous, I felt like I had put too much pressure on myself to do well on the distance race... It in fact is my strength right now.... I hooked up with Paul right before the race and he gave me some pointers, helped with my fueling and then we were off. I was nervous. The gun went off and a set was rolling in... I fell on the second wave going out... I was angry:) I got up quick and paddled my heart out. I took a more outside line just because it was where I was... I didn't get to draft very much out there.... but eventually our lines merged and merged right behind Fiona Wylde a wicked young phenomenal athlete and Werner teammate. I tagged onto the back of a board that was hauling and he took me past Fiona to right behind Jenny Kambalch, a friend and crazy fast lady (she got 2nd on Sat), I couldn't believe, I knew then that I must have been up in the front pack of ladies but wasn't too sure exactly where....I somehow managed to stay with this board through the mid bouy turn around and could see karla Gilbert(Australian superstar who got 3rd on Sat). and then I was right behind her.... WHAT?!? I was freakin out a little bit.... I was getting so nervous that it would be so me to just fall off my board right there. I quickly changed my thinking to ONLY POSITIVE thoughts and focused on her board in front of me... we had some switchs, but I just focused on staying with her..... We eventually got to the last bouy turn... I was hoping for NO WAVES:) but we got a small one.... and I caught it... I was stoked we were riding it in together for 2nd and 3rd place... then typical me and my lack of surf skill I fell off right before the beach, she had a clean run up and by the time I got to my feet she was through..... I got 3rd PLACE at BOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The biggest race in the WORLD!!!!!!!!!!I could not believe it!!!!!!! I was in shock for awhile there.... ha.

My oops at the end of the distance race photo: KT

Running to finish of distance race photo:KT

Teammate Fiona(5th place) and I at end of distance race photo:KT

We still had a team Werner relay race to do. Mike D, Dereck, and Tony were my teammates. We decided to enter the open relay race. No prize money but still prizes!!!!!! We killed it.... We managed a 3rd place finish..... Yay BOYS!!!!!!!!!!!

So I had ups and downs, I had good luck and bad luck..... I met amazing people and had such an grand weekend.... It was a Battle of the Paddle kind of weekend!

Fiona and I with our awards!!!!!! photo: Danny

MORE PICTURES WILL BE POSTED AS I RECEIVE THEM!

RESULTS HERE!

I can't wait for next year!!!!!!!

live, love, laugh,...DREAM!
lina