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How did you come to know of KIALOA and how did you team up – what was the evolution of this relationship?
Years ago, I came across an ad in Standup Journal of Kialoa Elele Karen Wrenn. I live in the North East where we have four seasons and the ad depicted Karen trying to motivate herself to get out of the truck and train in 50 degree, raining weather. I could relate. That inspired me to purchase my first Kialoa Methane paddle which I still have to this day.
What does being a steward of the KIALOA brand mean to you?
I am completely honored by being a part of this Kialoa family! I have been inspired by the brand from the onset of my paddling back in 2011. I am motivated by the people, the product and the community we all share. I am adamant about my loyalty to Kialoa blades and love how they feel in my hands, from my new Hulu to my GL Wahine surf paddle. This is an exceptional quality of product and I can feel the years of wisdom and experience that Dave Chun puts into every one of my paddles. To be a steward of Kialoa is to be a part of a family of like minded, passionate athletes who care about the planet and each other. Being a Kialoa athlete has changed my life. I hope it does yours too.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I have lived in New York all my life, near the beach on the East End of Long Island now for over 20 years. I learned to surf when I was 36 and it revolutionized my world. I wound up leaving my teaching career to be closer to the waters around Montauk and, today, make my living as a certified yoga teacher, sup racer, surf instructor and host retreats all over the globe. I love to surf with my whole heart from mushy, crappy North East waves to pristine firing conditions in PR & HI. Salt water heals my soul and fills my heart. I'll do anything to protect it and often host paddle clean ups or awareness fundraisers for clean water initiatives in New York State. I recently completed a film for the Nature Conservancy combining paddling and environmental advocacy and have plans for more of these in the future. I live in East Hampton, NY, love to read books about inspiring human beings, take long walks by the water or in the woods and surf with friends.
In addition to my paddling/surf/yoga instruction, I am also associate publisher today for Standup Journal and function as the Online Editor, Social Media Mgr, Ad Sales and carpet sweeper. Check us out at www.standupjournal.com.
2017/2018 Events you participated/will participate in?
In 2017: Rincon Beach Boy, Rincon Puerto Rico Race for the Bays, East Hampton NY Soundsurfer Waterman's Challenge, Westport CT Charles Island SUP Cup, Bridgeport CT Newport SUP Cup, Newport RI Paddle for Plummer, Salem MA SEA Paddle NYC Rell Sunn Surf Contest, Montauk NY
For 2018, I have on the docket the Carolina Cup Graveyard race, the Rincon Beach Boy, our Great Peconic Race series here on Long Island, Paddle for Plummer in Salem MA, SEA Paddle NYC in Manhattan, Newport SUP Cup in Rhode Island and a few others.
What community events, charity participation or other organizations are you a part of?
I co-coordinate our annual Rell Sunn Charity Surf Contest every year in Montauk, NY. It is a fundraiser for a local non-profit, the East End Foundation, that raises money for local families in need due to hardship or disease in the family. It is 100% the best day on the beach all summer!
I am an ambassador for the SEA Paddle NYC (a 24-mile adventure race around the island of Manhattan) which promotes the Surfer's Environmental Alliance, supporting clean water initiatives around Manhattan and hosts a surf therapy event for autistic children to give them the joy of a surfing experience. This race is challenge for any waterman/waterwoman and one GREAT way to see the city!
In 2017, I was an honoree for the Montauk Community Playhouse in Montauk, NY, another local non-profit, which includes a gym, theater, community center and soon-to-be indoor pool facilities for the local community.
What's are some of your favorite things to do?
I love to surf, take long solo paddles, meditate, write in my journal or for the magazine mentioned above. I love to talk to people about their passions and watch them light up. I enjoy teaching yoga and encouraging students to go deeper into alignment, develop strength and experience new things. I absolutely freak out when I get to teach someone how to surf!
What's your favorite food? Fish tacos.
What music are you listening to these days?
Ben Howard, Rob Riccardo, Jack Johnson, Trevor Hall.
Favorite place to visit? Rincon, PR and Montauk. NY.
How did you get started in paddle sports?
I had an injury one summer when I couldn't surf. I was miserable. A friend of mine convinced me to try stand up paddling as a way to connect with the water when I wasn't surfing. I loved it and it's transformed my life in so many ways.
What is your pre-race meal?
My home made granola and a banana, every time.
What do you like to eat/drink after paddling?
I usually like to fuel after paddling, so I might have a salad wrap with sprouts, avocado, olives & dressing.
Proudest paddling moment?
1. The first time I completed the Graveyard Course at the Carolina Cup. I sat on the beach and just cried. It was awesome.
2. Winning the Hampton's Paddle for Pink in 2015. It is my hometown classic and I never in a million years imagined I could win it. Coming around that last buoy to hear the beach screaming my name ... I still tear up when I think of it.
What was your scariest paddling experience?
Ummmmm, being an idiot and paddling on a late winter day in my yoga pants and no jacket. The wind came up when I was at my furthest distance from home (about 4 miles) and I had to manage serious side chop coming back. I got dunked twice, had to WALK BY BOARD around the point to redirect when the wind was howling so bad and by the time I got back to my car, my speech was slurring. It was totally avoidable. I've learned my lesson. Safety first.
Tell us a little about how you train for paddling races?
I do a 6-mile loop here on the bay in my 'back yard' on a regular basis in whatever conditions are presented. Then, I try to incorporate as much interval training on the water as I can. Assuredly, I'm not a maniac about it and work better with a partner but intervals are the key. I also have a personal trainer I meet with at the gym 2x/week to work on form and strength training. I'll taper right before an event and clean up my diet as much as I can. I want to go into races fired up and exploding with energy! I need a clean system for that to happen.
Where is your favorite place to paddle?
Right here on Gardiner's Bay in East Hampton, NY.
Any paddlers you look up to?
Wow... there's so many: Chuck Patterson, Karen Wrenn, Candice Appleby, Dave Kalama, Kai Lenny, Chris Bertish to name a few... plus my homies!
Were did you grow up and what was it like?
I grew up in Bronxville, NY. It was a safe place to grow up as it is a small town with a great school system but I couldn't wait to get out.
What are some of the crazy fads you and your friends went through?
I had a TON of stuffed animals growing up. Literally, hundreds. I met another friend who had a similar horde and we used to create these crazy stuffed animal rituals where we'd get them all together, build a bon fire and throw them in the air chanting "Hiya-Hiya-Hiya-Ho!" Not sure what we were up to there but it was a lot of fun.
What were some things that you and your friends did as kids?
In summers, we played on the beach under the lifeguard stand, made ball rolls, boogey boarded and played marathon games of flashlight tag and bloody murder at night.
What did you get in trouble for most when you were young?
I ain't tellin'!
Something you want out of life?
A family, a sense of passion, community and faith.
What are some qualities that you value in a person? Honesty, integrity, courage.
What inspires you to do ‘good’ in the world?
Other people and places that I love.
Proudest accomplishment?
I instituted a women's surf division in our Rell Sunn Surf Contest which is a thriving part of that contest today. I also started a Meditation Group in Montauk that is still going strong. Also, teaching for 12 years in the NY public school system was full of incredible moments.
If you could re-experience one thing in your life, what would it be?
Some of those righteous waves!
What is something your really proud of and why?
I'm proud of who I've become. I had a tough childhood with a lot of challenges and today, I've worked hard to be an athlete, an instructor, an educator and a writer. Bringing your dreams to life is a great accomplishment and it takes hard work, but it's so worth it!
What are some goals your still trying to accomplish?
I'd like to raise a family and go on a few epic paddles, open water journeys and connect it back to serving the environment.
Who are your heroes?
My sponsors. Seriously, I can't believe you guys trust me to represent such an incredible sport with top-of-the-line equipment. Honored!
How would you describe yourself in 3 words? Honest, water-loving, spiritual.
What time of day do you like best and why?
Dawn because the world is still and the waves are the best!
Any nicknames you go by? Ev, Miss O (to my former students), Evy O.
