Nothing like a week in Maui to test out how my winter training has been working!

This week has been fantastic! Learning lots, lots of paddling and lots of great people, not to mention sunshine and waves :)

But I had a moment today and got some writing done finally so here it is:

Attitude is Everything                                                                                                  
We’ve heard this phrase time and time again.  From teachers, from coaches, from parents, from bosses, you name it.  But few people actually pay attention to this and take the time to think about it.  Your outlook on things can change your perception and your level of enjoyment.
Today I was out paddling in Maui.  Rough life I know. But I was doing a downwind Maleko run and was frustrated, I was on the verge of being mad.  Nothing was going my way, in a boat I didn’t enjoy, waves just weren’t building like they had been the past few days, I was having to work way harder to get very little return – the acceleration just wasn’t there, whether that be me or the boat who knows.  I finally had my GoPro working again and was not getting near the kind of footage that I would have had the previous few days. Then it dawns on me, I’m in frickin Maui, it’s sunny, the wind is blowing, I’m on the ocean where we’ve seen loads of whales, turtles, flying fish and even a giant manta ray! I’m on vacation, doing what I love to do, paddle, why should anything right now frustrate me, I’m not going to let it frustrate me I’m just going to go with it.
Sure enough the rides started to come, the flying fish made the first appearance of the day then my giant turtle appeared in front of me. Yeah, today is going to be a good day no matter how much surfing actually gets done.  The goofy smile returned to my face for the rest of the run, my back didn’t hurt anymore, shoulder didn’t bug me, life was all good. 
I sit here now on the lanai staring out at the ocean, watching the waves break, trees in the yard bending and blowing in the breeze - the give and take. The trees bend with the breeze instead of fighting to stay standing up straight.  Seems to me that a lot of people out there should learn this skill, go with the flow, it eventually flows your way and more people are willing to assist in your journey when you’re adaptable and easy going. 

Usual stuff:

I'm loving my job here in Kelowna but still miss my Boylen kids even though it's been a few years. Thanks to those that have caught up with me on facebook and twitter (@type1kanu).

I've been named coach of Kelowna Outrigger Club and am so excited to start that programming as soon as I get home from Maui. Some members of the club have been doing Tues/Thurs Dryland training at Okanagan Peak Performance which started in January.

I have been using my KayakPro Mulitstroke since the start of the the new year as well to train new and experienced paddlers (as well as myself). This is a great training tool as I can manipulate a paddler's body and paddle to give them the feel of where their body should be and what it should be doing at each phase of the stroke. Also it's handy on those cold days when I just don't feel like getting cold, soggy and wet!

I'm debating whether or not I'll be coaching Dragon Boat for the 2012 season as I'll be gearing up for the 2012 World Outrigger Sprint Championships in Calgary in August. If you or your team is looking for a guest coach or a clinic, I can definitely fit that in!

Also, Levas paddles are available in the west! Marathon paddles (8" blade width) and outrigger (9" - 10" blade widths available) blades in stock. The lightest, strongest full carbon blade you'll find with palm grip and an unbelievable catch! You have to try it to believe. Contact me for a free demo!

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