I think my friends and neighbors in the Charlotte area would all agree that we are lucky to live near such a beautiful lake! I know I have some of my best times out on Lake Norman and I'm so happy that Stand Up Paddleboarding has become popular! 

lululemon Birkdale is celebrating the 50th Anniversary this weekend!! Now that they are a part of our community they are looking for ways to support the lake and lake activities. Today they are displaying one of My Aloha Paddle & Surf's Suplove Stand Up Paddleboards. This is a great opportunity to check out this unique line of boards and to see what lululemon has going on that is new and exciting. 

For more information about Lake Norman click the link below....it has a very interesting history. 

I always talk about making fitness fun. If you dread it you won't do it. Staying active does not have to mean going to they gym and lifting weights and grinding away on a treadmill. Find something you love. This morning was a prime example of an event that made fitness fun! lululemon Athletica opened it's doors in Birkdale this weekend and there was no lack of fun energy today. Hundreds of people came out to support the opening and to participate in the fun run, exercise stations and Yoga Practice. If you want to surround yourself with active people these types of events are the right place to meet them. Thanks to the lululemon Birkdale team for organizing this event and bringing people together. Runners, yogies, triathletes, paddleboarders, pilates instructors, Pure Barre fans, crossfit "ers" all came together to network and enjoy being outside. Lots of fun! Below is a link to some of the pictures from this mornings activities. 

WOW! Amazing what a little sunshine and a new Stand Up Paddle Board can do for your attitude! I will admit (and this is tough) I've been in a winter FUNK. I went through a major downsizing and move (for a good cause) and we've had some odd rainy, cold March weather in N.C.

I am happy to report that things are looking up!! The sun is out....Stand Up Paddleboard Season is starting in full swing on Lake Norman in April and there are so many outdoor events on the schedule. Vitamin D is GOOD! To top it off my brand new Suplove Paddleboard is on it's way from California. I am anxiously awaiting it's arrival early next week and can't wait to get it out on Lake Norman.

These boards are incredible! So durable and FUN! I'll be happy to let anyone who is interested demo it. If you'd like to get one of your own feel free to contact me. If you live in the Charlotte area you can check them out at My Aloha Paddle Sports & Fitness showroom (www.standuplkn.com ) If you live outside of that area I can chat with you about how to get one. Hopefully you have NOT been in a winter funk. But if you have, Stand Up Paddleboarding might be just what you need!

I wanted to share this blog by Brody Welte who is the creator and visionary behind PaddleFit. This really resonated with me and I thought it might give you food for thought as well. It obvsiouly applies to other areas of your life besides fitness and Stand Up Paddleboarding.


I would also add something that I heard recently at a business seminar which is also key in personal/professional growth and improvement. Everyone needs a "truth sayer" in their lives. Your mentor might be your "truth sayer", that person who is close enough to you and cares enough to tell you how "it really is". Sometimes friends out of kindness say what we want to hear. There are times when we all need to hear the real deal even if it stings a little bit. This is how we take next steps to getting better and reaching our goals.

From Brody Welte:

Where did your coach or trainer learn their knowledge? This is a great question to ask and in our society today It is real easy to “fake it till you make it”.  The days of learning under someone and being an apprentice is long gone for the most part.  The ones that get the concept of learning under someone and being an apprentice have the greatest longterm success. It is something that I constantly try and focus on and I seek out those who I respect and admire. PaddleFit owes a lot to 3 people who I have been personally connected with and have learned under.  First and foremost I respect Dave Kalama for who he is and how he gives back to SUP.  He is the best teacher of any subject that I have ever met.  Dave has forgotten more about paddling than most people will ever learn and he is always trying to learn more and get better.  I am very thankful for Dave trusting me enough to show me how to truly paddle.  The second person that I respect a lot and have learned a lot from is Todd Durkin.  Todd has trained many of today’s pro athletes and has given more back to the fitness industry than anyone I know.  Todd has shown me the details of a great strength and conditioning program and has taught me to use the outdoors as your gym.  Last but not least is Mark Verstagen.  Mark’s company called Athletes Performance annual trains about 25% of all drafted professional athletes.  The greatest thing that I have learned from Mark is how to develop a system.  When you have a properly developed system you are the most effective in helping people achieve their goals.  All three of these guys I admire a ton and I am thankful for my interactions with all of them.  Whether they know it or not they have had direct, positive impact on PaddleFit.   less