The marathon of Races is coming to a close: Board the Fjord complete. One more left: BOP

I love local races because I love the local crowd of SUPers. Deep Cove Canoe and Kayaks (Mike D and Karly) put on the 3rd annual Board the Fjord SUP race this past weekend. It was a great turn out this year with nearly 100 paddlers ready to paddle around islands and through mystical mountain mist.

I personally have been feeling the weight of stress/lack of sleep/poor nutirition:full time work...essentially I have been experiencing the difficulties of being a full time teacher teaching new subjects, trying to be a top elite athlete and trying to still spend some quality time with others (namely my main man!). I think pushing hard, and not getting time to recover is starting to creep over me. I need to play my cards right and be smart these next two weeks or BOP won't be the race I want it to be:)

 I had to make some choices this weekend. I really wanted to support two local paddling events this weekend but I knew my body and mind could not perform well in both. So I made a choice to not race in one of the events but got the opportunity to give back and enjoy helping others seek success in their first races. I helped out with the little chop race that was held in conjunction with the Big Chop and Super Chop races on Saturday. I was so glad I could be part of the event and really enjoyed being on the other end of the organization:) Thanks Bryan Tasaka for providing me with this opportunity.

Sunday was Board the Fjord and after two nights of at least 8 hours of sleep (which has been not the case in the last two weeks) I felt much better but still was not 100% percent. I decided to slightly strategize on this race. I wanted to race strong but not as hard as I possibly could. I feel like I achieved this but it was hard at times. I wanted to push as hard as I could like I usually do and found it hard seeing people(anybody) pass me. I ensured I held the first female placing but other than that I just enjoyed a good paddle along side some different folk. Andrew raced in his 2nd SUP race and did so well. He managed a 4th place finish in the 12'6 board length and totally crossed with a smile on his face:) Love it!


I suppose my favorite part of it all though was chillin with the deep cove gang and Nikki R, mark and Andrew afterwards. I don't normally get the time to just hang out at the race site with folks. I really do love the Deep cove crew.... I feel lucky!

Well, I have raced every weekend since Jun 29th. It has been a whirlwind of mostly amazing experiences.... and I am sure I will miss it but it will be nice to have  a rest. One big race left for at least a little while:)

thanks to everyone for all the support. I love you all!

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

Round the Rock, Seattle SUP race

Photo by Andrew Dye

Round the Rock was this past weekend. A grueling and beautiful 13 mile SUP paddle around Mercer Island. Last year I raced on a 12'6 in attempt to beat all the 14ft boards... I managed to come 3rd overall.... This year I went for a different approach of paddling the 14ft and go for the record:) 

I am sooooo busy with work right now that this will be quickly written in efforts to go to bed before midnight:) 

Andrew and I headed over to Seattle to meet with good friend and photographer extraordinaire Colin Meagher. He cooked us a lovely meal and we caught up over food and drinks(mostly water for me:)) I was feeling beat from the hectic week at work and tried to head to bed at a reasonable hour. 

The next morning I got myself organized in the usual manner of applying Onit Pro to my Starboard, drinking some Nuun, waxing my Werner paddle, and general stretching and mental prep(I dont actually do anything specific for this:)

At the start line I got myself to the outer buoy away from folks and hammered off the start to try to escape the crowds. Then I just paddled hard and tried to keep the lead pack of guys in my sight. I had no one to draft but had some guys around me to help me focus when my mind started to wander. I wasn't sure how fast I was going but at some point I thought I could maybe break the record, and I wanted to stay in front of the pack of guys right behind me so I just paddled hard. I think I may have broken the record? I for sure stayed in front of that pack of guys and I for sure came 10th OVERALL and 1st female overall... I am super stoked about everything. I think I am feeling slightly drained as I am still quite sore but totally happy and  proud. 

It was great to see folks from PNW, meet new people, and of course give high fives to my fav BC folks.... Everyone from BC paddled really well this past weekend and I am so proud to be part of that group of fine fine paddlers..... 

RESULTS HERE

live, love, laugh,...DREAM!

lina

Queen of Kalamalka and 14ft Women's Canadian Champion: A good way to start off September.

I never finished my post from last weekend.... Time flies when you work full time:) Last weekend I managed to win the Vancouver SUP Challenge which also provided me with the BC SUP Champion in the 14ft women's class. Gary and Shannon put on a fun event! Once again I was so proud to be  a part of such an amazing community of stoked, wonderful people. I raced well despite feeling fairly ill throughout the day.  The following week was my first week back at work and it's been hard to adjust to the lack of time and increased stress load.... I tried to ensure I got some exercise in when I could and to stay as positive as possible although I did notice the number of hours of sleep decreasing and my nutrition got all screwed up... I have to work on these but I don't think it will happen this month;)

Leading up to Kalamalka Classic and Canadian Champs I was feeling nervous. I was scared that with the extra stress of work I wouldn't perform as well. I was nervous as I wanted to reclaim my title which I lost while I was in China. I was nervous because it was the first Canadian Championships... I am feeling strong out on the water and a summer of racing has definitely helped me be in race mode.,... but I am human and as I continue to find success in the sport the pressure slowly builds (mostly pressure that I devise...). I love it but it can be a handful at times....

Andrew and I arrived in Vernon at about 1am Sat morning.... We set up camp at Dutch's Campground and tried to get in some decent sleep. The next day was pretty awesome. Kalavida Surf Shop did an amazing job running the event. There was always something exciting going on, things were on time and people were involved. The opening prayer and circle set the ton and boy was it a positive one. It also always helps when the sun is shinning and its warm out:)

The clan photo: Nikki R

Wikiholo Short Course:
The short course had two rounds for the women. Both rounds counted for points and the second had a larger weight value. The start we did is my favorite way to start a beach start (even though it was where I made a big mistake in Tahoe earlier this summer...). We get our boards ready on their sides and our paddles in the sand. At the start gun you run to your paddle and then pick up your board and run it into the water and jump on. The first round I wasn't sure what to expect. I had an awesome start and just hammered out to the first bouy. Thank you Dave Billeness for the board lend (2013 Starboard 12'6 Sprint). I got to the bouy first and just kept hammering until the run. Once I could kind of figure out how much of a lead I had I was able to take it slower on the second loop. I cruised into the beach in 1st place. I was happy with my paddle and result but it wasn't over. We had to wait slightly longer than I anticipated and decided to forgo eating a lunch even though it was about that time. These shorter races are the pukey ones and having food in the stomach does not feel good.... I just kept hydrated and snacked a little. The mens race was really fun to watch... some really good competition where it could have been numerous people taking the podium.... Our second and final round was the one that really counted so I wasn't feeling relaxed until we could get that over with. I was going into it with more confidence and knowledge but was very careful not to be too confident.... I once again had a good start and managed to get to the first bouy first. I had a solid first loop and run and provided myself with a decent lead. On the second round though something happened I fell on my second bouy turn... I have no idea what happened and it totally shocked me... I got up sooo quick and just paddled my brains out... I was so scared that I had messed things up but luckily it was a mistake that didn't cost me the win. phew.

Start of Wikiholo photo: Andrew Dye

FUN RACES:
I like to participate in all the events so I took my turn at the inflatable Naish sprint races and we put together a fun WERNER relay team (Andrew was part of it!YAY!)... The team relay was a great way to finish off day one. We enjoyed a social beverage at the Tiki bar and dinner on the beach.... I love the races that allow us to be social, meet new people and enjoy everyone's awesomeness!!!!!!!!! As fun as the evening was the BIG race was lingering on my mind..... The crossing and the Canadian Champs.

Team Werner relay team. Photo: Nikki R

Kalamalka Lake Crossing.
First off: Congrats Andrew, my amazing hubby for paddling in his first race and his first crossing of the lake. He killed it! I am so proud of him and so happy that he liked it too! YAYAYAYAYA

Second:  thanks Nikki Rekman and Mark for the shuttle and for being a wonderful supporter and friend.... I love that you were there and I love your stoke and love for all things paddling, people, and community!!!!! We are lucky to have you!

Third: I am a Canadian Champion and doubly awesome once again the QUEEN of Kalamalka Lake.... So, The 14ft racers started last.... I had a decent start and found myself heading into the channel in 4th overall... I had my sites on Stu, Norm, and Mike.... my goal was to stay as close to them as possible.... I was feeling pretty good, the heat was not bothering me and I really did not get that sore. I tried to work on my stroke, remember to drink, and to try and look around a little (it is sooo beautiful)... I managed to pass Mike and then I wanted to catch Stu and Norm but they were too speedy and there was no chance:).... so I just wanted to paddle well.... and I did! My Werner Small Grand Prix paddle rocks the house and my 2013 Starboard 14x24 Sprint is fast and comfortable..... Two pieces of equipment I definitely could not do without.... Also I wore my photochromic/polar Ryders Eyewear Strike sunnies and they sooooo worked... no fogging and clear views.... YES! Chaco sandals is what I wear on my feet before, after, and always.... love them

coming into finish of long course photo: Mark and Nikki

1st place women 14ft CAN champs

So in the end I got to reclaim my QUEEN of the lake title and add a 14ft Women's Canadian Champion to my name... Not a bad weekend if I say so myself....

King and Queen photo: Nikki and Mark

RESULTS: HERE

Again, this SUP community is just sooooooooooo amazing, the people are generous, happy, supportive, stoked, fit, fun people to be around.....

The racing marathon is almost coming to a close..... still some more racing in September but it's been an amazing wild ride and I could not have done it without my hubby, Andrew LOVE HIM!

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

Battle of the Bay Aug 17/18, 2013

After a week of fun mtn biking we were off to Battle of the Bay in San Rafael. As we entered San Rafael I had some skype business to take care of and then we headed over and visited 101 Surf Shop. These guys are AWESOME! So welcoming and happy...
Thanks to my amazing navigational skills After doing a full tour of China Camp State Park and tracing back our tracks we finally found ,McNear Park:)
We got to camp at the event site Fri to Sunday... only a couple of us camped but it was beautiful and fun with amazing sunrises and sunsets and good conversations. I wish we could camp at more event sites;)
I was paddling:
2014 Starboard AllStar 12'6x 25.5: It was fast and good in the chop. I felt stable and comfortable on the board. I look forward to paddling it more in the future.
Werner Small Grand Prix Paddle: as always AWESOME!
New Local Honey bikini: love racing in my bikini..... she is small and local to Santa Cruz and just has a great vibe and beautiful suits!
Laiph shorts: comfy and great!
Onit Pro: Makes me glide oh so fast:)
Chacos: my faborite sandals before and after all of these races....
Ryders Eyewear: cool and functional sunnies... I wear them everywear: my fav are the Tranquilo style

Distance race 10 miles
We got it all  on this race:from head wind, side chop, more side chop, small downwind, mega headwind, weird side downwind  all the way to the finish. It was hard and there were moments where I was wondering what I was doing suffering so much but at the same time I loved it. It was totally my kind of course.... I for some reason have developed a niche of enjoying and succeeding at the punishing stuff?!? I sometimes wish I was really good at the fun stuff like surfing and downwind:) Anyways, I had no idea where I was concerning the women etc so I just pushed hard the entire way. I managed to come in first female and 11th overall....

Landshark Sprint
SO FUN! We were all on the same soft top boards... no rules (maybe we needed SOME?!?!) but anyways I am glad Morgan stepped up to the plate and sacrificed her finish to throw us all off our boards... haha... It was great fun watching the young guns out there.. they are so quick on their feet, light, and have no fear... they were able to jump from board to board and pull some pretty amazing feats.... we gotta watch out for them 'cause they are going to show us up very very soon!

5 mile course race
I was nervous coming into this race.... right now I realize my strengths and weaknesses which is good and bad... good as I know what I need to work on and bad 'cause I know where things can go wrong:) It just so happens that although feeling a little sore in certain areas from the previous days long course I quickly forgot about it once the race started and felt strong throughout the race. The course was good for me, lots of straight aways into the wind and fairly long.... It was a tough start with trying to keep a good line and getting away from people that were obstructing it. I was feeling good the first lap but knew that I had to keep pushing hard to stay in front as I had some very fast ladies on my tail. It is tough sometimes trying not to draft the guys and finding a line that wouldn't be seen as drafting but I dealt with it and in the end it was okay. It is always fun to paddle along the entire field of racers dodging and feeling the stoke. Sometimes I wish I wasn't so focused and yelled some kudos along the way.... but I did my best after I finished when I felt more relaxed:)

Bay Challenge
All on the same BOGA soft top boards... lots of turns... I was pretty bad:) hahaha... but sooo fun!

Team relay
So there I was left wanting to race in the team relay but with NO team:( Then Chris made an announcement and I found myself with two great guys! They weren't the quickest but they had soul:) Thank you teammates for wanting to race with me:)

Then it was Awards! My first BIG CHEQUE, my first 1st OVERALL in California, Champagne, amazing supportive community, SMILES!.... I would love to go back!!!!

My first big cheque:)

Thank you Bluerush Board Sports for putting on a really great event!

THANK YOU ANDREW DYE: You are so amazing and I could not be doing all of this without you... I love love love having you there!!!!!!!!!!!

PICTURES CLICK HERE! by ANdrew

PICTURES by OnIt Pro

As always thank you to my amazing supporters: Werner Paddles, Nikki Rekman Sales, Tiki Starboard/Trident Performance Sports, Chacos, Ryders Eyewear, OnIt Pro, Laiph!!!!!!!! I love being a part of your communities

I also met some amazing new people such as Local Honey, Pro-Lite, Just Add Water, Zhik,...the list goes on:)

And lastly congrats to all the racers, supporters, and volunteers, you are all fantastic and all part of this amazing experience!

top three ladies Champagne time:)

Now I am back in Vancouver... work starts, there are more races, and its time to juggle it all for a bit... should be an adventure:)

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

Tahoe Nalu 2013

Practice on the 2014 Starboard All Star (12'6 x 25.5)

I once again met such amazing people at this event. I love the SUP community!!!!! THANK YOU for being so supportive and welcoming. 


After a great 10 miler race on Saturday I was excited for the Survivor race. I was curious how I would fair in a turning course. My forte is distance flat water but I am working on my course racing as well. It was 3 heats for the ladies. Eliminating racers each heat. The first heat was won by Morgan. I won the second heat with Morgan second. So it was down to the final... I was feeling good... nervous and excited on the start line. I had a solid run to my paddle and THEN.... I had my OOPS. As I picked up my board to run into the water quite quickly the nose fell forward and dug into the sand. It stopped me in my tracks. I was a little shocked but recovered quickly but Morgan and Gillian were already up and paddling. It was catch up time. Gillian also didn't have a perfect race falling in after the second buoy turn. It was my chance to pass her and I did and then Morgan was my target. Luckily there were two longer straight sections and I just put my head down and paddled as hard as I could. I was catching up. Morgan has a stronger buoy turn than me and there were two more buoy turns until the finish chute but I was gaining I could hear the announcers and the crowds.... BUT I couldn't catch her, she is a very strong paddler. In the end I was about a board length behind her and came in 2nd. It was a fun battle and part of racing is dealing with what happens.. I am very happy I didn't give up and gave it all I could, mistakes happen.... Apparently I provided some entertainment as well:) It was a good paddle paddled by all female paddlers. YAY! 

The starts of the Survivor Race

My OOPS on the final lap... :(

Elite Survivor Champs

MORE PICS

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8442196@N02

Thank you SUPracer, Werner paddlers, Nikkir Rekman Sales, Starboard Boards, Onit Pro, Ryders Eyewear, Chacos, Laiph,... You all help me make it happen!

Live, love, laugh,...DREAM!

lina

2014 Starboard 12'6 x 24 SPrint: at Lake Tahoe Nalu 2013

After Day 1: the 10 mile race. I am feeling tired but so stoked! I managed to win the female division!
I was on the new 2014 Starboard Sprint 12'6 x 24, used my awesome small Grand Prix Werner Paddle.  The water was relatively calm and the cooler air helped on the long distance race. I was pretty much on my own for most of the race so enjoyed the coast line and tried to paddle hard!

we will see what tomorrow's course will bring!

live, love, laugh,..DREAM!

SUNDOG Semiahmoo SUP race: August 4, 2013: I love the SUP family in the Pacific Northwest

I've been back from Hawaii for almost a week.... and still having fun! Vancouver/Pacific Northwest rocks in the summertime.... so I am glad I am squeezing in some fun in these parts as well.
Since I have been back I have been swimming in the local outdoor pool, mountain biking, strolling around local events, seeing friends, etc and of course paddling.

I am glad I was able to make it to the 10km race of the SUNDOG Semiahmoo SUP race. It is also part of the BC SUP CUP race series. It took place along the shores of the seaside town of White Rock BC. Andrew and I went mtn biking in Squamish with good friend SJ on Saturday. It was sooooo fun to be on the mtn bike, the trails were in good condition, I was feeling great, the sun was shining, we had ice cream and jumped in a lake.... AMAZING.... once we got back to Vancouver we got ourselves organized and headed down to White Rock to meet up with folks and check out the city....We ate at Uli's, a fun restaurant right by the water and then went and set up our tent in our little made up campground. We walked around and enjoyed the last of the evening events of the local festival in town...sort of romantic:)

Sunday morning proved to be a calm beautiful day. Loads of folks showed up from WA and OR as well! It was great to catch up with people and I loved the hustle and bustle of pre race madness. The race had three different loops and was a total of around 10km. I was on the 14ft X 24 Starboard Sprint and had my Werner small Grand Prix Paddle. I was feeling good but was unsure how much energy I actually had from M2O and everything I had done since my return. I had a pretty crappy start (semi beach start) I got stuck and sucked in without a chance to paddle and popped out the back. I had trouble controlling my board, it was tippy and went in directions I didn't want it to go... I was slightly flustered but then seemed to get out on the outside in calmer water and started to find my rhythm... I had a horrible first bouy turn with tons of ppl but as we paddled out to the first loop things were spreading out and I was slowly catching up to the front pack, my board was gliding so well and felt fast. After the first loop bouy turn I managed to pass Beau (awesome paddler from WA) and the front pack of 5 guys were ahead of me. The second loop I thought I was getting closer to the pack of guys and was hoping I could catch on the back of the draft but just couldn't get them. At the beginning of the third loop the front pack dispersed... I thought it was my chance to pick them off:) Alas, in the end I caught Matt and Mike D was just ahead of me... He was too strong and too quick I couldn't catch him... I managed to get through the finish in 5th overall and 1st female. It felt great! Andrew was out supporting me and in return of his support I wanted to support him and that meant heading out to Mazama/Winthrop Washington for a couple of days of mtn biking.... luckily I love it and so  I said my goodbyes and thank yous and we headed for the border.... The border line kind of sucked.... about 1.5 hours but once through it was smooth sailing (despite the thunderstorm) to Mazama... Two days of amazing mtn biking ahead along with swimming holes, good food, amazing scenery, good people, beautiful house,... the list goes on:)




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