Win a Siren Stand Up Paddle Board!
by Team Athleta • Jul 2nd, 2010 • Category: Contests, Feature StoryThanks for your interest in the contest to win a Siren stand up paddle board! Entries closed at noon PT on July 16th. Click here to meet the lucky winner!
ATHLETA and SIREN are teaming up to outfit one lucky winner with a full stand up paddle setup!
With summer in full swing, the best way to fight the heat is to get in the water. You’ve seen our catalogs and chi articles touting stand up paddle as a great way to build your core strength and balance in the hot months (and you probably already know how much fun it is). So when Siren co-founder Kristy Murphy (2005 Women’s World Longboard Champion, surf instructor and stand up paddle enthusiast) called us to offer a Siren board and paddle for one lucky Athleta customer, we put together a contest for you.
HOW TO ENTER
It’s short and sweet. In 100 words or less, tell us why you would make a great Athleta and Siren stand up paddle ambassador in your community. If you’re new to the sport, tell us about your inspiration to get started. And if you’re a stand up paddle veteran, tell us how you’re going to hone your skills with this new board. When you’re ready, just post your entry in the comments below. Make every word count — we’ll be choosing just one winner! Good luck.
One entry per person. Entries must be submitted by 12:00 pm Pacific Time on Friday July 16th. The winner will be announced here on July 26th. Read the Official Rules for details. »
JUDGING
The Winner will be chosen by a team of judges representing Siren and Athleta. Judges will select the best entry based on the Participant’s interest in and reasons for wanting to stand up paddle. Judges will take into account reader ratings of each comment so be sure to “like” your favorite(s).
PRIZES
SIREN SOJOURN SUP 10′ BOARD – The Siren Sojourn SUP is the hottest stand up paddleboard on the water. Rather than relying on extreme width and thickness to provide stability, which can also make the board a chore to paddle, turn, and carry, Siren has incorporated some tricks to make the Sojourn SUP narrower, lighter and more maneuverable than any other, and at the same time much more stable.
The Siren Sojourn features a step along the rail line on the bottom of the board that creates a “pontoon” effect for stability: The more the paddler leans to one side or the other, the more the board will resist tipping over. A rounded pintail allows for easy direction changes, whether in the waves or flat water. Conservative rocker curve makes the Sojourn fast and helps to create a sure-footed feeling. The Siren Sojourn’s distinctive blunt nose shape allows us to keep the outline more parallel, which further enhances the board’s stability and speed. Whether you’re a novice paddling the lakes, or are a seasoned pro hitting the surf, the Siren Sojourn SUP can do it all.
Built using the highest quality materials: EPS core, super strong epoxy shell, eco-friendly Chromo-Tech Acrylic color and clear-coat finish.
HINALEA PADDLE – The Hinalea Paddle is a light and durable paddle built for speed and durability. Featuring a super-tough Dynel blade and anodized aluminum shaft, the Hinalea is the perfect companion for your Siren Sojourn SUP.
$250 ATHLETA GIFTCARD – Shop for swimwear, rashguards, UPF clothing, beach dresses, and anything else you need to be outfitted in style atop your new board.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE OFFICIAL RULES
ABOUT SIREN: Siren innovates high quality, environmentally friendly products for water lovers around the globe. We strive to build the best surfboards, stand up paddleboards and accessories so people are well equipped to achieve their dreams and conquer their fears (even if it is just a fear of the waves). Above all, Siren stands for doing all of these things with a smile and a tan.
Kristy & Amanda, Siren Girls
ABOUT THE JUDGES: Entries will be judged by Siren girls Kristy and Amanda, Suzie Cooney (2010 Featured Athlete, SUP instructor and sponsored SUP racer), and Megan (Athleta swim designer, surfer and creator of artisan surfboards).
Suzie SUP Surfing in Hawaii & Megan Surfing in Panama
SUP INSPIRATION GALLERY FEATURING SIREN GIRLS KRISTY & AMANDA
(Click here for more photos of Kristy and Amanda)
Related Chi: And the SUP Contest Winner Is… (Plus a Bonus)
Opening Up with the Stand Up Paddle Open
What’s SUP? A Guide to Stand Up Paddling
Baby on Board
Stand Up and “Sweep” Your Way to Better Health
After both of us were victims of layoffs in Dallas within 2 weeks of each other in the fall of 2008, my husband and I moved the family to Austin. We’ve been here 1 year, living off of small freelance projects here and there… making significantly less than we did in Dallas. But, because Austin is such a great outdoor and active town, we’re so much happier! We have taken the kids kayaking, but want to try paddle boarding too. Living in Austin has inspired me to try so many new active things like running my first 5k, kayaking and hiking. If I won, I would be the ambassador of the sport on Lady Bird Lake enjoying it in a town that is welcoming to new outdoor activities like this one!
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16
Being born and raised in Alaska I haven’t had the opportunity to paddle board. My husband and I are moving to Hawaii this winter and would love to learn paddle boarding. When we have visited Hawaii in the past we’ve watched paddle boarders while sitting on the beach. Not only does it look fun and relaxing but looks like a good work out! Winning this paddle board would give us the opportunity to learn a new activity in our new home state.
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7
I saw paddle boarding last summer when I was in Hawaii riding a jetski. It looked like so much, good exercise and yet somewhat peaceful and relaxing at the same time! This is something I think is great since I love the beach and outdoors and I know I could easily convince others to try out this new sport!
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5
I started a wave I cannot ride! Last November I badgered several friends to sign up for a women’s paddleboard event – a fun outdoor activity to do as a group. They were apprehensive because they had never tried it, so we signed up for a free clinic before the January event. They LOVED IT and ALL bought paddleboards. During this time I was training for my first triathlon…any extra funds I had were already committed. I would be a great ambassador for Athleta and Siren because I want to continue to encourage women I meet to START PADDLEBOARDING!
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12
I recently discovered Paddle boarding when I was in North Lake Tahoe. I love to experience the water from all aspects, whether it is swimming, scuba diving, kayaking, tubing etc…But overall, Paddle boarding takes my water experiences to a whole new level. I am able to travel through the water standing up, at my own speed and I don’t have to worry about waves! I love love love Athleta and all of the sports and health they encourage to our communities. I am so pleased they are supporting such a wonderful sport. I would love to use this sweet Siren Paddle board when I move to Lake Tahoe in a few months!
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8
I love being active and getting out to try new sports. I first saw people paddleboarding about a month ago down the American River in Sacramento. While I have yet to try it, I would absolutely love using it on all the waterways around the area, and also bringing it out to the ocean as well. There are so many opportunities in Northern California for a paddle board! Also, because I am a graduate student, I don’t have the funds to buy much new equipment, so this would be a great way for me to get started!
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7
Athleta introduced me to the sport of paddle board and my research extended from there. Born and raised in Florida I quickly developed a love for surfing, boating, canoeing, and anything else on, in or near the water. Having since moved to South Carolina I am still surrounded by great waterways but have reduced access to boating with the family. When I heard/read about paddle boarding I knew this was a great way to enjoy the water again without the need of others being available. Clearly this is not only a great workout but a great chance to enjoy the environment with or without friends. I have already shown the catalog to friends as a way to introduce them to the sport as well! I would love to have a board to show others a new and exciting way to have fun no matter what age you are!
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5
After fourteen years of nurturing my patients through Chinese medicine, I lucked upon the opportunity to design for a SUP apparel company. I was introduced to Athleta and delighted at the ethnic influences and quality that I saw. SUP for me has so much meaning: connecting to the water which is our most threatened and precious resource, building athletic confidence in people across all dividing lines, and spreading the aloha culture by honoring the memory of the sport’s origin- Duke Kahanamoku. If Siren continues with its environmentalism, I will gladly promote it in my continued efforts to spread greater good!
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9
I live in the land of 10,000 lakes and what better way to take advantage of them than Paddleboarding! I can only imagine cruising my SUP through Lake Minnetonka right next to a huge yacht or SUP’ing around Lake Harriett while watching all the runners and bikers circle the lakes. I’m a water baby at heart and this is the perfect fit for my love and passion for water, the environment and exercise! Plus it would give my canoe a buddy to hang out with!
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8
WOW! I love this giveaway! It’s so perfect. Our family has a beach house at Stinson Beach, CA, and I am always envious of the SUP people out there. It just looks too cool for school.
I am actually not a water baby at heart (I’m tryin’ I’m tryin’!), but owning a paddleboard could change that! It looks right up my alley. And it would be a fabulous sport to evolve into with my kids. I’d be the talk of the town in with my new sporty board and Athleta get up.
I know there will be WAY more ladies out there with fab stories to choose from- I’ve already told so many peeps about it too, but I just wanted to say two thumbs up for this giveaway! Good luck everyone!
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7
My son has severe OCD and anxiety disorder. We met Kristy at an event at Abacoa in Jupiter, Florida, and she talked a kid who was afraid to try anything into going to Paddleboard/Kayak camp.
He loved it, we also found he was very calm and his tics were not there during that whole week.Now we find that whenever his tics start or we see his disorder is getting the best of him, we go to the water!
Andrew now owns a Kayak and I own a used Paddleboard.
I would love to win this Paddleboard so the whole family could go out together, and I can give my board to Andrew and we can hit the water standing together… and maybe if we are out there enough, Andrew’s disorders will all but disappear.
Thanks for listening!
Debra
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
59
Love is something rare, and getting married in Maui to the man of my dreams was a blessing. It was our last day on the island, our families and friends had left and it was our only chance to be alone. As a total novice surfer, I convinced my husband that we should rent boards and hit the waves. What I hadn’t realized was that the surf shack gave us SUP boards, without the paddles, instead of regular surf boards. We didn’t realize the difference so we paddled out past the waves, getting connected to our boards on the water and magical things seemed to happen, a family of turtles swept under our boards, shore birds soared over our heads. Being on a SUP board was a slice of heaven. Since then, we’ve managed to take SUP board lessons by some of our friends that teach, and again, total magic. We do most of our SUP boarding on one of the Great Lakes, and it’s total magic every time we’re on the water. It’s an experience that I can only describe as love. And, love is what inspires people to want clean beaches, rivers, and lakes. All it takes is one individual to inspire a community to live in harmony with our precious resources. SUP boarding for me is about connecting deeply with nature and carrying a sense of peace with me even when I’m not on the board. One person can be the change and inspire others to reach out for dreams, to take risks, and to lovingly enjoy the ride of life.
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16
What a great give-away!
We have a home in Delaware, right by the Indian River Bay and the Atlantic. My brother-in-law from New Jersey brought his paddleboard down during his visit and we had so much fun! The bay is perfect for paddleboarding- with all of the little inlets and coves -and the big water if you dare!
I loved how the paddle board worked your core- and your entire body – for balancing. You are able to work your body and yet enjoy the beautiful nature that surrounds you when you are on the water. I would love to be able to go out and paddle daily!
I even think there should be a paddleboard 4th of July Parade!
Good luck to everyone and thanks for your consideration!
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4
Sweet idea! I live in Nebraska where it is flat and windy. We create our own adventures around here, but we do have lakes! I first heard about SUP on a triathlon podcast. I fell in love with the idea and have had a hard time convincing my husband that I “need” a SUP. We found out at the beginning of the year that we are expecting a little one in September (a wonderful surprise). I would love for this little person to see how strong their mama is and how fun it can be to play on the water, be outside, and try new things. There aren’t very many people who SUP around here and it would be so cool to encourage people to try it when they ask. I’d even share my board. :)
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4
I live in Nebraska and, needless to say, there aren’t a ton of water sports here! However, there are some truly lovely lakes and rivers and I do my best to get out and use them. It would be wonderful to bring stand up paddling to the middle of the country and show people another great option to get outdoors, get a great workout and enjoy life. I’m a member of a women’s hiking club, (Real Chicks Hike) and a kayak polo club. I think a stand up paddling club/group would be a natural fit! Thank you for the opportunity!
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5
I am a young, active mama to three little girls (ages 9, 7 and 4). When I discovered the sport of SUP last summer here on the New England coastline, I was ecstatic! My girls buckle up their life jackets and sit on the front and back of my husband’s and my rental boards for a family bonding, memory making experience. When solo-time presents itself, I like to head out to the Atlantic Ocean for a wave worthy experience. Receiving a Siren SUP board would inspire me to bring a strong presence of SUP to my community, especially other mamas, proving that we really can do it all!
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7
As a single mother I haven’t been able to afford my own board yet, but I’ve been borrowing a friend’s and getting out on nearby lakes. It’s like being a rock star! People stop, stare, and ask “What IS that?”. It is so much fun to introduce people to SUPing and have them give it a try. Women really take interest in the sport and are so enthusiastic, but don’t really know how to get started. It would be amazing to let people try my Siren Sojourn & recommend it as the perfect board to get started SUP-ing with!
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4
Being an active person all my life and working in the fitness field for over 20 years, I would love add paddle boarding to the many sports I already enjoy! I’ve wanted to get into the sport but haven’t had the means to do so. It would not only be a great way to kick off my 40th birthday, more importantly it would give me the opportunity to support ^ show paddle boarding to the Team Survivor women’s cancer survivor group and local triathlon club I work with when we go on open water swims. Always having to borrow a kayak so I can support the swims safely, this would give me a great opportunity to not only hone my skills but give others the chance to see & try how fun it is!
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4
I live in Michigan, the state constantly rating at the top of the “Fattest, most unhealthy states in America!” As a triathlete and an urban public middle school special education teacher, I am forever feeling frustrated watching the apathy around me. The state of the economy here is also no secret. I am just starting to learn about stand up paddling. I have an old beginner windsurf board that has been in my garage for over a decade. When I first heard of SUP my eyes lit up and I could finally see a purpose for my board. I just ordered a paddle two days ago, and can’t wait to give it a try. I am sure my board is not ideal for the sport, but I can’t really afford a new one at this moment. Michigan is a beautiful state, with many lakes to support my hopefully new sport. I believe it will be a sweet addition to my triathlon training, which really needs some new excitement!
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4
As my family and I embark on a new adventure together – moving to Austin – I am starting to feel a little hesitation and some fear. Don’t get me wrong, I love Austin and am thrilled about all of the opportunities to do the outdoor activities we love. But it’s the fear of having to start over again in a city I’m not that familiar with. I’m praying to meet friends with common interests such as our children, sports, anything outdoors, traveling, etc. Learning to stand up paddle would be an awesome way to explore the lakes in Austin as well as get to know other women that are interested in this sport. Anything that would help ease me into some new friendships would definitely be appreciated!!
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5
Access to more sports like SUP give women options to get outdoors. I experienced SUP today for the first time and found it to be very zen way to spend the day. Our business, SMT, strives to promote the athleticism and confidence in female athletes and provide them with the skills and access to outdoor sports. Often they need merely the introduction to the activity and the positive atmosphere of joining other women to develop a love of a new sport. Siren boards appear to be the perfect balance of style, design, and with features like lightweight and maneuverable, these boards were built for women!
We are surrounded by many lakes and rivers and having a Siren board to teach and promote the sport will make the venture into SUP for women a success in our region!
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11
First, I was an avid climbing until a recent car accident. With the injuries I sustained I am not sure what my climbing will be like in the future, if at all. As an athlete I know I will have to replace climbing with something. Secondly, I compete in sprint triathlons and wish to try Olympic triathlons however I have a huge fear of drowning. I think paddle boarding will help me overcome some of that fear, making me more at ease in the open water swims. Paddle boarding being a great all body workout is an added bonus.
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
59
Deanna deserves to win this. She is all about promoting health with fitness. I want her to win so then she can share the new sport with me.
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5
As a surf instructor for women, promoting SUPing is the next step in being an inspiration to all the ladies who may feel they are too old to start something new. Many of the women I teach to surf are very curious about the SUP & adding one to my quiver would really help promote this new sport to women. I would love to provide clinics for women & show them that living a healthy lifestyle is fun & exciting. Being able to educate people about the importance of taking care of our oceans & bodies is important to me as a mom & a surfer.
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
41
San Diego turns its residents into athletes. As a triathlon coach in a community surrounded by open ocean, “my office” includes multiple swimming, kayaking, and paddling venues. I work with many ladies who are aspiring athletes but are frightened of the open water. With guidance, these water babies learn to paddle out on their own and turn a scary place into a theme park. SUP offers my athletes and myself the opportunity to be active in a fun, new water sport. I would use a SUP to continually encourage others to live actively, face fears, and seek new adventures.
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3
I have been battling with my weight all my life. On top of that, I just recently won a battle with thyroid cancer. I know it is such a cliche, but I feel like I have a second chance at life. I have lost 60 Lbs so far and am still going. As corny as it sounds, one of my biggest motivations has been the Athleta catalog. I love there clothes and could not wait until I could order something that would fit. Happy to say, that day arrived .
I have never been on a stand up paddle board but I have a strong desire to learn. I have read many articles about the benefits of it as a work out. To help me lose weight, I taped a picture from the catalog of a girl on a paddle board to my fridge so every time I wanted to snack, I would think of me doing that someday. I would use a paddle board to help me reach my fitness goals and also just to have fun!
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8
Love is something rare, and getting married in Maui to the man of my dreams was a blessing. On our only chance to be alone and as novice surfers, I hadn’t realized the surf shack gave us SUP boards without the paddles. Nothing stopped us. We paddled out past the waves, and magical things happened, a family of turtles swept under our boards, shore birds soared over our heads. I want to inspire my community to live in harmony with our resources and experience a deep love of nature, one SUP board ride at a time. (100 word entry)
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5
I have always wanted to surf but being of ethnic decent it was not always available to me so I never really got a chance to develop my skills. As an Montessori Elementary Teacher, I can’t help but to keep researching things until I reach my goal . I think paddle boarding on a Siren board would be an awesome way to explore a craft that I have always wanted to experience. In addition to what it would do for me it would help my students and community see that no matter what color you are, there are no boundaries! You can accomplish anything! ~
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6
I live in North Carolina, but my brother lives in Hawaii. He introduced me to the sport of SUP on a visit last year and I just fell in love with it. My husband and I borrowed their SUP’s and paddled in the smaller surf and up the river and back. The river was far closer to my current level and I feel that taking a SUP out on local NC lakes would be very similar. I would love to be an ambassador to grow this relaxing and core-strengthening sport on the local NC rivers and lakes.
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3
I have been kayaking the waters of Sarasota, Florida for eight years. The experience is incredible and never gets old. I would like to move to a SUP to enhance the workout and the view. I belong to several non-profit organizations dedicated to protecting our water resources. We do many boating and kayaking events. With a SUP, one is more connected to the waterway than with a kayak or boat. Enhancing the connection to the waterway will improve the probability that people will take action to protect the waterways, and thereby improving the world one ride at a time. And also get a great workout in at the same time. What a powerful tool!
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4
We are blessed with friends who own a home in Puerto Penasco, Mexico. They are extremely generous to allow us frequent visits to their utopia and when we do — the water is amazing — calm, shallow, and possibly the cleanest body of water (Sea of Cortez). I would love to Paddle Board all over Rocky Point. I am a mother of three young children (1 year old twins and a 3 year old daughter). I can see this time as my moments to be free of all obligation and focus on the beauty of the water, the rhythm of the paddle, my body’s balance and a great spiritual connection with nature, God, and all that is good in our world. I would be so ecstatic to allow my friends to have this board call Rocky Point home to allow others the freedom of being of the water, in the moment and what else can your mind be thinking of? a deadline — no way! The porpoises of Rocky Point would want to get a good look at this — we will show them a good time!
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3
Paddle Boarding in Portland! Sitting in my office on a Friday after a long week, looking out at the Willamette River, missing my kayak and the warm southern Oregon rivers, a glimmer of inspiration takes shape in the form of a lone, upright paddler, striding over the calm water. Cramming into my tiny kayak is the last thing I want to do after sitting all day at work! My boat sits abandoned after three years in Portland. Ugh. With a paddle board, this office girl could get her groove back, get on the water, and build back strength and low back vitality before it’s gone for good!
Does Portland have more than one SUP? I’d love to be the next! Let’s bring Portland a new sport!
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14
After turning 40 last fall, I began to realize that my aches and pains I was gradually feeling were coming at me faster than I was ready! Carrying my last baby around on my hip all day left me with a hurt hip, which led to a sore knee, which messed up my back…you get the picture. I realized that I’m young enough to control these pains. My aches can be remedied by creating a strong core.
I’m not there yet, but my core is getting stronger. I’ve been eyeing a paddleboard as a new way to cross train. I’m determined to kiss my aches goodbye, all as a part of my own strong ME! The athlete inside of me has been asleep for 20 years and is now busting out. I’m ready for a paddleboard and also ready to rally the strong gals around me!
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4
Aloha!
I just moved to Maui from Providence, RI last week and paddle boarders are everywhere I look. My usual sport is kayaking, but there doesn’t seem to be a strong niche for touring/paddling like there is in New England. Every time I pass a beach, though, folks seem to be walking on water off in the distance! I’d love to give it a try.
Believe it or not, it is a difficult adjustment to live on Maui, especially since I am so far from my family and friends. I moved here to accept a job teaching high school English and I am excited for the opportunity. I spent all of my money getting here and getting situated, so I don’t have much extra money for toys at the moment. I think if I could get my hands on a paddle board, especially one as beautiful as this, I would find new ways to connect with the community around me.
Mahalo,
Jen
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7
I have lived on Kauai for 24 years and have tried to learn the art of surfing but never felt truly at home. I feel that when I see the paddleboarders heading out on the calm serene ocean whether it be early morning at Wailua or late afternoon at Kealia, I feel the peace and beauty of their connection to the board and the force of nature. I would love to develop the skill of paddle boarding and that amazing connection that it appears to bring between boarder and the ocean. I am usually at road biker or runner or yoga practioner, but if I were to be able to expand my abilities, my connection with the magnificent ocean and all of its lessons to learn from , then I would be a more complete human, a person being ever connected with this amazing planet.
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4
I moved to the island of Hawai’i 7 months ago for school. Hilo Bay is perfect for paddle boarding and I want to try it out so badly. I love the ocean and this would be so much more fun than kayaking. I am so jealous seeing people paddling on their boards. Sometimes, you’ll see a passenger on the board too! I am a student again and I don’t have the funds for a board at the moment. Please, I don’t want to row in a rubber dingy.
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4
The beach has been my playground since I was little. In my teen years I played beach volleyball, and paddled six-man canoe with my entire family. My parents taught me to respect the ocean and I have actually ended up helping to care for Hawaii’s marine environment as a career. I too want inspire my kids to develop a deep, lifelong relationship with the sea and as a start I have been taking them to SUP clinics. I’d love an SUP of my own to be able to paddle along side them as they grow into great watermen.
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4
I have dreams of paddle boarding, literally, and am searching for a new adventure to connect with eachother and the ocean with aloha. I had been trying to save up to buy a paddleboard of my own here on the Big Island of Hawaii, but got sidetracked becoming a young mother. I secretly dream I could one day afford a board to venture out into the ocean that surrounds me, taking my beautiful daughter along for the ride. People everywhere should enjoy the ride…I would love to show myself and others how to do this sport here in Hawaii!
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3
My husband and I, in our early 50s, are about to buy our first home (we’ve been nomadic, even while raising two boys) in Rockaway Park, NY, right on the ocean. It’s a small apartment (we’re both teachers), but when I saw a female paddle boarder skim along, I just knew that paddle boarding and life on the sea was for me. My nickname is Mermaid, and I live to be in and on the ocean. Finally, part of my dream is coming true. The other part is getting a board and becoming an inspiration to other women my age.
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4
Recently watched paddle boarders on the ocean in Georgia, from the distance they looked like they were walking on water. This new sport definitely looks perfect for me! I love the strength aspect, arms, core, balance. Now I wonder can I do this paddle boarding activity on the Ohio River in Kentucky. If so, I do need to take up the sport and embrace middle America!!
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13
I am a 39 year old Mom of 3 girls and I am always looking for new ways to exercise and be part of nature. I love to run and go to the gym, however I wanted to do something that my girls could share with me. I grew up going to Long Beach Island, NJ and played in the ocean until sunset. Now my girls do the same thing when we go to Loveladies, NJ. Peyton is 9, PIper 7 and Perry will be 3 in a few weeks. They love the water and are either swimming in the ocean or bay. I rented a paddle board last summer from one of our local surf shops and immediately fell in love. I would wake up in the morning and paddle up and down the canals. It was so peaceful and tranquil, you feel so close to the water and everything around you. So many people who live on the canals would ask me what i was doing and many of my friends would stop by to try it out. The greatest part is that my daughters LOVE it and my two oldest are really getting good at it. Even my youngest will go out on rides with me. She will sit on the front of the board and yell, “paddle Mama!” One of my favorite things to do is give the kids in the neighborhood rides on the board if they don’t want to ride alone.
Paddleboarding had become a part of my families life and I love the fact that I can share it with other people. It is an amazing sport!
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3
When I was 21 I moved to Maui and fell in love with the water and waves. Over the past 20 years, I have enjoyed all water sports and now live on a small lake in Michigan with my husband and four kids ~ 10 year old daughter and 4 1/2 year old triplets! Water is a part of our everyday life during the Michigan summers. I was introduced to paddleboarding by my 75 year old uncle about three years ago. Since then, I have taken all of my kids out on his board. They sit at my feet and search for turtles in the lake while I paddle. It is an excellent way to bond with each child, enjoy nature and get a great workout. I would love a board of my very own!
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5
I am a 50 year old woman with 3 children who has always put my husband and children first. This year my mother died, my working partner died and my husband walked out and I have been praying. My outlet for grief has been exercise and meditation. I believe that the peace and exercise of a paddle boarding is a great combination. I have recently lost 30 pounds and found athleta to outfit my new body with grace! As an older client I have been impressed with the comfort of shopping and the inspiration!!! I am a Sagittarian and never can get enough water activities. I would love to be the +50 woman for paddle boarding. What an inspiration to Women Standing UP!
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7
My son tried it and loved it. On his last visit to the So. Padre Island, one of his friends had a board and used it more that the owner.
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3
Since December 2009 I have lost 25 pounds. I made up my mind that I would no longer feel tired and weak, I needed to work to be strong and regain the body I wanted. Since that time I have come to realize how much I love living an active lifestyle. I started my journey by going to a morning “bootcamp” style fitness training and had a lot of success. By February I decided I wanted to try to run. The first time I went out to run I thought I wouldn’t be able to finish a mile; instead I was able to do 3. That success encouraged me to keep running; I completed my first 5k in March. In June I did my second. I am currently days away from running my first half marathon and will compete in a full marathon in October.
The reason I believe I would be a perfect paddle board ambassador is my newfound love of fitness. Paddleboarding would give me an opportunity to work my full body while on rest days from running. I have yet to see a paddleboard in Boise, Idaho, yet we have so many perfect bodies of water to use one on. I would love to bring paddleboarding to Boise and bring myself to a whole new level of fitness at the same time.
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I imagine it is like YOGA on the water. What could be more peaceful than the quiet glide of water beneath your feet as you INHALE the early morning mist of the lake? What could be more empowering than to feel your ENTIRE CORE – strong, balanced and moving forward? What could be more invigorating than to improve your fitness level while enjoying a SPIRITUAL moment in tune with nature? For all these reasons and more, I would love to be the winner of the SUP. Our active family spends nearly every warm weather weekend at the lake and a SUP would be perfect for every member – young or old, small or tall! “Paddle strong, paddle strong, paddle strong.” – this could be my new mantra if chosen to win the Siren SUP but all of the entries are so amazing? How will you pick just ONE? Thanks Athleta for always inspiring your customers to be the best they can be!
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I have been going up to Torch Lake in Northern Michigan since I was a baby for a summer vacation. . I remember a woman standing up and paddling on a board on the lake. It looked like a peaceful work out where you could enjoy the beauty around you. The woman did it for years, even as she got older. I live on a lake and enjoy working out and the beauty found outside. It would be fun and a challenge to have a board to paddle around on. Hopefully it would challenge others to exercise and try the sport.
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Paddle Boarding is so much fun, and a great sport even for the aging. I’ve had a knee replacement and find surfing is too difficult, but paddle boarding is a blast. I would love to win your board and paddle and share with my friends of all ages the experience of paddle boarding. It’s fun, it’s easy, and it bring’s one so close to nature.
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I just tried a paddle boarding class for the first time two weeks ago and LOVED IT! They are very versatile and easy to learn- I even tried some yoga on it. (Thankfully the water was warm- it took a bit more balance to go from one pose to the next so I did end up in the water twice!) Because I live in MN I haven’t seen very many of them out yet. I would make a good ambassador for the sport because if more people in MN had boards or saw more boards out there the sport would pick up a lot faster. I am also a teacher at a middle school and could teach about the sport to promote fitness with young people. There are several smaller lakes in my area that I could bring the board to so more people in greater MN could have some exposure to seeing the boards.
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My residence is in one of the “Fattest” States according to the government statics on obesity — Oklahoma. However, my goal would be to show off the Siren So Journ SUP board as a new and fun way to enjoy exercise and get fit. We have several near by lakes which would be wonderful for using the SUP & definitely a new market for this product. After many years of negotiation, our community is finally building a new YMCA, this is for the most part the only facility for fitness within 100 miles in our area, so an additional option for outdoor fitness would be very welcomed in our area!
This would also be a great adventure for me to start a paddle board fitness group to inspire people of all ages that getting fit can be fun and has great rewards!
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I am 43 year old teacher with a wonderful husband and two awesome sons. I run marathons, snowski, waterski, backpack and participate in many other sports for myself and to show my kids “Their mom can do it!” I want them to know that I will try anything so they can too. We live in Gulf Breeze, FL., a beautiful place that is slowly being destroyed right in front our eyes. We are slowly losing our Gulf but we still have our inland waters which would be an amazing place to SUP. I can just imagine the joy the first time we saw dolphins swimming around us. I would love this opportunity to share with my boys!!! (Just like I love all my Athleta clothing!)
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Where I live “everyone” kayaks in the summer to balance their winter skiing/boarding, but it’s never caught my imagination. Instead, I’ve been waiting for a sport that’d combine boogie boarding and sailing with core fitness and calm lake experiences. I tried a friend’s board last summer and was sold–except I can’t afford to buy one. I “tweet” and network online almost professionally, and selling the outdoor active lifestyle has always been my side job. My enthusiasm after one experience has already convinced a few people to try SUP, so imagine what might happen if I could do it regularly?
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In May, my husband and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary. He was attending a Marine Corps school in Pensacola so I flew down from Virginia where we are currently stationed, to spend the weekend with him. It is rare that we get time together, much less alone without our three kids. On that very short weekend, we tried paddle boarding. We didn’t take lessons, but with encouraging words from each other, clapping bystanders wading on the nearby shore and hours of hysterical laughter–we did it! Hundreds of people that day shared in our short moments of success and dramatic splashes. My husband recently returned from Iraq after a 13 month deployment and the time we spent learning to paddle board made me feel closer to him than I had felt in a long time. We have shared that experience with many of couples since returning from Florida. Not only have we been ambassadors of paddle boarding in Virginia, but to our friends stationed in far away places all over the country and and the world. We move every couple of years and would continue to share this team building, health exercise to Marines and their families and promote the many joys this sport has to offer.
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We spend our weekends on the Outer Banks of NC. This summer I have been spending time learning to kiteboard. I am a true Pisces, I love being on the water! Unfortunately, kiteboarding is a wind dependent sport and there is no wind more often than I would like. I keep telling myself that it is teaching me patience. Patience doesn’t mean not doing anything! So I have given serious consideration to learning SUP for those calm days without wind. The initial investment in kiteboarding has been steep so I have had to wait. It would be so great to be able to use that time to do another sport that looks so zen and fun! I am getting excited just thinking about how often I could do SUP and join others who are making this sport more popular out here.
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Athleta’s catalog inspired me to start running the year before I turned forty and, in 2003, I finished the New York City Marathon with my son at my side. Three years later I found a lump in my right breast and, in battling back, I embraced other sports, always in Athleta gear: yoga, tennis, Pilates. I live on Nantucket where we have ponds, a calm and picturesque harbor, and the wild Atlantic — all beckoning me to try a new sport: paddleboarding. I’ll share SUP with my community, inspiring friends and family to get healthy, try new things, and be the best we can be at any age and any stage.
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My husband is a surfer, my daughter and I are body boarders, and we all love to sail, canoe, dive, and play in the water together. Unfortunately, we live in Connecticut, and Long island prevents any wave to hit our coast. Fortunately, the protected bay where we live is perfect to raise kids into loving water, and all paddle together, with our neighbors and friends. The family expended recently and SUP is my new obsession. I want to have great time with the kids while getting my body back! Winning a Siren is of course the ultimate dream because the board is the perfect combination of girly-girly and eco-friendly!
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
178
Last summer I over came a life long fear of the ocean by joining a group of women who boogie board each morning. After attempting to make it past the waves four times, I made it on the fifth try and have been hooked on the water every since. I decided that each summer I will do something to challenge myself. Recently I went to support a friend who was participating in a SUP race at our local beach and the enthusiasm grabbed me. I determined that my goal this summer will be to conquer the waves on a paddle board and participate in that race next year. Maybe I will inspire others the way my friends have inspired me.
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We spend alot of time on the water in Wisconsin where I live. I have never seen anyone using at SUP so I would love to introduce this sport to this area. It’s a great form of exercise and would add a fun addition to my fitness routine. I would encourage my friends to join me. My husband and I used to kayak and enjoyed it immensely, but when we became parents, we stopped, and sadly, sold our kayaks. I miss being on the water and getting a workout at the same time. I would be a great ambassador for Siren, Athleta and the sport of SUP.
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In October my husband and I moved from land locked Kansas City to Miami Florida. Right away I began searching for running groups to make new friends and meet people with similar interests. In the few short months we’ve lived here I have found a new love for the ocean and can’t wait to involve more swimming, kayaking and paddling boarding in my life. I would enjoy developing a new all womens SUP group!
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Coming back from work, need to empty my head… No time to go surfing, need to pour a bath for the kids and cook… But enough time for a 20 minutes SUP tour on the water! Get everyone on my beautiful Siren board, stretch my legs, chose a nice sun cover in my closet, give the kids a drink, and let’s go! Listen to the kids telling me all about their day, wave at the neighbors out on their deck, while standing in the sun, on the calm water. Simple pleasures make me happy. A beautiful SUP would make me happier!
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
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My boyfriend and I spent 4th July on the beach, enjoying Lake Michigan. John has a paddle board and a shy 10 year old friend of the family had a go. She stood up on the board on her first attempt and took to it like a natural. She was so happy and proud. Her mother told us that she’s been trying to find a sport she’d enjoy, but that it was hard as she didn’t like team sports. It was a reminder of the power of sport to build confidence and self esteem and I would use the board to encourage others to give it a go and maybe find their ideal sport.
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I would be SO stoked to win a paddle board! As a 40 yo mom who seeks to inspire her 2 girls by being outdoors and athletic, by doing yoga, mountain biking, hiking, roller skating and who is always seeking more fun ways to be active (as well as a side goal of losing weight–17 pds. since February!), a paddle board would be one more way to inspire the girls and women of our community to GET OUTSIDE and HAVE FUN! Guaranteed, paddle boarding in our Southern Utah reservoirs is not on the map, YET, but I’m willing to lead the charge! I’d be an AWESOME paddle board spokesperson!
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It is rare to find a stand-up paddle boarder in my shore town of Belmar, NJ . . . especially a woman. This year, I lost my step-daughter to drugs, two days before her 19th birthday. Hannah never could find her passion and therefore drugs found her. This summer I have started a project called The Hannah Foundation, in Hannah’s memory. It is a project geared to inspire young women towards a path of athletics. My efforts are focused on young women and water sports, as I firmly believe that water is the epitome of peace and finding a passionate outlet. With the help of Athleta and Siren, I would be able to introduce the sport of SUP to young women who may not have thought it possible. With a strong background in athletics, I hope to change the lives of young women and inspire them to be the best they can be. Knowing the water is always there for them, hopefully, they won’t look to destructive behaviors in order to find peace.
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
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I’m turning 60 on July 22nd. I live about 70 feet from the Rainy river in International Falls, Mn. It would be great to walk down to the river and jump on a board . I’m game for a new challenge. I do go to the gym 3 times a week, but find that my core needs more toning and strength. As far as I know, I haven’t heard of anyone here paddle boarding. We have a great river and lake here surrounded mostly by Voyageur’s National Park. There is a lot of canoeing and kayaking. It would be great to introduce paddle boarding. PADDLE ON!
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Triathlons were my life. I began competing in 2005 and discovered I had somewhat of a knack for the sport and I was hooked! In 2007 I competed in a Half-Ironman distance and 2 olympic distance triathlons, winning medals in 2 of those races. My next goal was to tackle the full ironman. But, as luck would have it (bad luck at that), I discovered during a recovery run that my hip started to hurt. It grew to be so painful that I could not even walk a mile without it bothering me. I went to several physical therapists and doctors for over a year, but the pain still remained. I eventually had arthroscopic surgery in my hip (I’m only 31!!) in hopes it would heal the problem and that I could return to the sport I loved so much. Unfortunately, 2 years later, I still cannot run.
I had fallen into a deep depression about a year ago because I was so upset about not being able to compete. The sport had given me a sense of pride and accomplishment that I never had before, and now it had been taken away. But I came out of it, began focusing on yoga and cycling to satisfy my need for athleticism and competition.
About 3 months ago, I noticed a paddle boarding shop next to the yoga studio where I practice. It sparked interest in me. I thought, hey, I can do that! Now each time I go to the studio, I pause and stare through the windows at the paddleboards (they aren’t open when I go to yoga), longing to try it. I love the water, and this would give me an opportunity to return to it.
Currently, I am a graduate student pursuing entrance into physical therapy school. I want to learn everything I can about the human body and injuries, so I can help other people like myself return to sport or even activities of daily living. I also have a goal to help the community where I live. I teach yoga and build bicycles, and have a charity brewing in the back of my mind to offer yoga and cycling/mechanic classes to women. How I would LOVE to add paddle boarding to this!! I would use the board, if I won, to spread confidence, health, and pure fun to everyone around me.
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I live in an area that abounds in lakes and rivers. With board and paddle, I’d be on the water an awful lot.
I have 3 bad discs. I strengthen my core every day, but it sure would be great to have an activity that creates a strong core AND be fun!
I’m an avid downhill skier/patoller. I use skiing to challenge me, keep me strong in the winter. SUP would be a great way to do the same in the summer. If I win, I’ll make the locals and all my ski bum friends VERY interested in the sport!
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I did SUP for the first time in Hawaii for my 40th birthday. I loved the combination of balance, strength, and focus that SUP requires. As a mom I find my head goes a million miles a minute. When I was doing SUP my mind quieted, and the joy of being on the water and trying something new was all I could feel. That is something everyone should experience at least once. Now that I am back home in Madison, WI I would love to explore our 4 lakes by SUP, and help SUP become known to more people.
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
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Being out on the water brings me a sense of peace. All my stress and worries are left behind on shore. Paddle boarding is something I haven’t tried yet. I added it to my growing bucket list after seeing people paddle boarding in RI. If I won a Siron SUP, I would bring the sport to a lake in NE PA. I’d love to teach my teenage nieces and their friends how to paddle board. It would be great to get them involved in a sport which is great for the mind and the body.
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We have three small boys. I just found out that I am going to have to have hip surgery and my husband is freaked out to say the least. He is so worried about having to help out until I am back on my feet. This would really help in my recovery. What an opportunity for my husband and my oldest son to spend time together. My husband is always working and doesn’t get to spend quality time with our children very often. This would really help and give them something to do together. This board just might bring us all closer as a family.
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I am a 5th year college student in Western Wisconsin. I have a love affair with water, my heart truly lives for each wave and ripple. I am passionate girl who is always up for a new adventure; sailing, kayaking, wakeboarding, windsurfing, climbing, and a new love for flying.
I lived at my family’s cabin last summer while interning and living on the water helped me lose 45 pounds over the year and inspire others to be the healthy and active by using the water. The water is not just a great workout, but a great therapy tool. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer while I was in high school, the water calmed my anxiety and fears and she’s been cancer free for 7 years!
I would be a great ambassador because where I live and play you don’t see any paddle boards and I would love to show and share how great of a sport it is. I have a dream of starting a water sports school or using water sports as a physical and emotional/mental counseling technique and being a strong paddle boarder would be another step in the right direction!
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My mom is my inspiration. She died Aug 6 2008. Even though she had ovarian cancer, she was the bravest person I know. She encouraged me to do what I wanted, to learn and grow. I was in Iraq when my dad called and said “come home now”, what was to have been “at least a year left, with me coming back in 3 weeks”, led to a month. She must have known something b/c she asked me to stay and “take care of my dad”, and I am so glad I did, as he got sick, I became his primary caregiver, he died 9 months later. I know my mom and dad, they both would encourage me to do what I want, to see and do and experience. And I thank them for that. Right now, as I am unemployed, I try to get going everyday. I can’t do my triathlons b/c of the expense, but I swim laps at the community pool and go out and kayak. I’ve wanted to try stand up paddleboarding, but have not yet. I would be a great ambassador, who is more enthusiastic for a sport than a beginner who has fallen in love with it? While SUP is popular here in Annapolis, it’s still a new sight to see on the Bay. That should be me, I have a story and a love of the water and would be a great inspiration to others, and hopefully it would help me lose those 20lbs I gained in Iraq. That is why my kayak is a bit snugger than before!! :(
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I am 51 years old. In the past 2 years I have stood by my mother and one of my dearest friends as they dealt with life threatening illnesses. In January, after much prayer and meditation, I made a decision to start living my life as if each day is a fresh opportunity for adventure.
I want to live, but not just an ordinary life. I want a life filled with laughter, friends and challenges. I started running so I could become more fit and also spend time with my children who are both runners. I am an avid tennis player. I rarely turn down an invitation to spend time with my friends, as I know how fragile life is. I rafted and camped down the Colorado River this summer with my children. I LOVE my new life!
Why am I a great ambassador for the Siren SUP? The Tennessee River is right outside my door and I can think of nothing more beautiful than me and all of my wonderful friends paddling into the sunset.
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
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Having just retired I have more time now for active outdoor sports. I live at the beach just off the Chesapeake. I suffer with arthritis and have more time to enjoy exercising inside in the yoga classes for seven hours a week at the senior center. Beverely Beach is the perfect spot for using a paddle and board because it is shallow for quite a way out pass the rock piles. I would love to own and show off this board to the whole neighboorhood and share it with my grown kids and my grandchild. I can imagine that it would give me a total body workout while I’m having fun outside.
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I enjoy wearing Athleta’s functional swimwear for water sports. For 30 years as a scuba diver I enjoyed the sensation of gliding underwater. At 50 I developed some issues that limit my diving so now I SUP. Gliding on the water rather than under it fulfills me, and the stability of a SUP is essential to the enjoyment and fitness benefits it can provide. The features of the Siren board would allow me to expand my skills to the surf, and to be an ambassador for the sport by sharing this board with friends exploring SUP for their first time.
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My family and I live on the Pithlatchascotee River which opens onto the Gulf of Mexico. My husband and I have been looking for some new way to exercise on the water that would be lots of fun at the same time and paddle boarding fits the bill. We live in a community on the water that spends their free time boating, paddling, floating or anything we can find to do on the water so the paddle board will be a hit with our neighbors. I bike, run and swim and would love to work my core on a paddle board. I grew up on the east coast of Florida and I miss the waves we used to surf and body board on. The waves on the Gulf coast of Florida need something bigger like a paddle board to surf with so I would be in heaven with one of these! It would bring my surfing dreams to life.
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The following Siren Stand Up Paddleboard Ambassador Contest entry is respectfully submitted by Janet Ruggieri
Anybody who can ride a bike can paddle board. Yup, it’s fun, cool, wild, and well worth the money. You don’t even have to know how to swim–you can wear a life preserver! Hoe he’e nalu (Hawaiian for paddle boarding) is an ancient form of surfing. Traditional paddle boards rely on width, thickness and length for stability which makes the board heavy and tiresome to paddle and turn. The Siren Sojourn incorporates new technology to make it narrower, lighter and more maneuverable. It’s a great way to get together with surfers, kayakers, sailboarders, wind surfers or other paddleboard enthusiasts to get active, get connected, and beat the heat. Surfing instructors use stand up paddleboards so they can turn easily, see students and see oncoming waves. It’s like surfing, only anybody can do it within ½ an hour, hour max. Wonderful way to spend an hour or a whole day on the water. Definitely beats staying in ac, watching TV, and getting dumber by the hour and wider around the waist!!!
Whether you surf in waves, ride a river, or paddle on a glistening lake, it’s great for core strengthening and balance. Go at your own pace, fast or slow. It’s good for your knees, good for your back, easy on your neck, and great for toning arms and belly. It feels wonderful when you are finished, but you just ache to go right back out after a little rest.
First experience: Renting a board at the Outer Banks this summer. Within 15 minutes I was standing, balancing and paddling forward. Within 45 minutes, riding waves. In an area known for riptides, with four fearless young girls on board, we suddenly realized we were way, way….waay out. But, I could easily paddle us all back, with no trouble. I was sure I needed to pursue this sport. It’s nothing but fun!
Dragging it with the rudder up by the front handle across sand was fine, but I’ve been told to get a little dolly for carrying it. If you don’t have a roof rack, I’ve heard strapping it on with swimming noodles for cushions and straps is a cheap makeshift way to transport by car. Most paddle boards are wide and thick for stability, but they are heavy and a chore to paddle and turn. The Siren Sojourn is narrower, lighter, shorter and more maneuverable. So what’s stopping you? Let’s get our Siren Sojourns and go paddle boarding!
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I am a mother of two living in a beach community on the east coast – and vacationing on Cape Cod in the summer. I consider my self an athlete – wave rider, and true lover of the ocean! I have not tried paddle boarding but my 65 year old mother has! She tried it on vacation last year and is hooked. She feels that it gives her the freedom to be on the water, exercising, and having fun all at once. I would love a board to share with her on Cape Cod – what an inspiration to see my mother (a.k.a. surfin’ grammie) trying new things and getting her daughters and grand kids to try new things too. I would love for us to BOTH be ambassadors of the sport together. Thanks Athleta!
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Short and sweet, I have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but it’s not going to “have me!” I’m an avid runner and LOVE SUP boarding. While I don’t have a board of my own, I have throughly enjoyed SUP boarding here in Austin, TX. I believe that I have been given a voice to raise the awareness of RA. (Think Larry the Whale!) By winning a Siren board, I will use it to spread the word.. “STAND UP to RA!!” Just because you have RA, don’t let it stop you from doing what you love!!
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When my father died of cancer two years ago, we scattered his ashes on the tide line in Destin, FL, in the waters that made him a fisherman. My mother still lives in their house on the bay, where his fishing boat sits, silent. This 4th of July, Dad’s birthday, I took Mom paddleboarding. With my 2-year-old sitting on the board at my feet, I watched Mom, at 69, become a child again, and see the bay from a new perspective. I would like to give the board to her, so she can make the bay hers. She says she might even consider entering a paddleboard race.
Mom rarely does anything special for herself. Last year, it took us six months to convince her to buy a beach cruiser bike. Now she’s got the whole neighborhood biking. I think she could be a similar ambassador for SUP, and an inspiration for anyone — including me and her grandson — who sees proof that you don’t ever have to stop learning, moving, and growing.
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
21
have never tried stand up paddle boarding, but I read an article about it and a person starting at a late age and am very inspired to try. As I get older, I want to stay young at heart by trying new sports and staying active. It sounds great for
someone who sits on her romp all day as well! Women like Kristy of Siren
and companies like Athleta, inspire women to stay strong and active and I would like
to help inspire my friends and family as well by being selected as ambassador of stand up
paddle boarding! Thanks for the contest!!!
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3
Being a hard core water baby this seem like the perfect summer sport. I recently moved to a house on a lake and I love the daily access to the water. What better way to enjoy the morning sunrise or evening sunset then on a paddle board? While I’m an avid swimmer, runner and soccer player, I would love the opportunity to represent Siren and be their SUP ambassador. I’m also a girl that loves a challenge and I think this will definitely rock my core. It would also be a great opportunity to encourage others to try something new and out of the box.
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Once a 205lbs on anti-depressant(s), I have become a lover of embracing life and showing the world one can overcome any obstacle. My inspiration to paddle board is simply an interest in outdoor life, in the three years I have literally flipped the switch in my mind to “LIVE LIFE”. I have become an avid runner (1mile races – marathon), and kayaker, eventually lost 55lbs. I would show my community the full benefits of paddle boarding, either by recreational viewing of wildlife or if I decided to take it step further and race on the paddleboard or both
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I go to a very populated lake here in the midwest almost every weekend. In Indiana, paddle boards have not yet caught on, and many people have never heard of or seen it. There is a relatively large group of sailing enthusiasts on the lake, but the majority of activity on the lake involves power boats and waverunners. I have an old windsurf board that I have already taken to the beach several times and my children as well as other kids and adults have absolutely loved playing around on it. The perfect next step would be to show them a real paddle board.There would be ample opportunity to introduce this activity to hundreds of people here and promote both the wellness aspect as well as environmental impacts.
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I already love your clothes and tell all my friends abpout them..IF I WON THE BOARD I WOULD RAVE EVEN MORE ABOUT YO GUYS.I have a friend who has daughter with TS and she is a water bug. we would love to give her a go on this bord. I would be an honor to have any gift you would love to give us.
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While fishing in beautiful Nantucket Harbor, this busy mother of two, had an “I can do that!” moment, when a woman on a paddle board emerged from behind a nearby boat. My energized mind flip-flopped as I envisioned myself on that board enjoying a beautiful leisurely evening riding the tides, to paddling my heart out, adrenaline flowing as I train for and cross the finish line in my first island based triathlon. I can’t wait to be the inspiration another mom needs to get out there as they see me flying by on my new Siren Stand Up Paddle Board!
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My husband and I lost our 17 year old son Max to a tragic kayaking accident just days after he took 4th in a national competition 2 1/2 years agao. Since his death a number of his good friends, leaders in our community and friends of our family have rallied to make a second recreational “wave” on the Clark Fork River in his hometown Missoula, Montana in his memory- “The Max”. The owner of Zoo Town Surfers and one of Max’s best friends and mentors is determined to get me out on a paddle board to enjoy the benefits of the river in a form other than kayaking and to enjoy what it has to offer in terms of a workout and excitement. In addition we have a cabin on Flathead Lake with ample opportunities to explore the shore and areas around with the added benefits of a workout. I am hoping to once again enjoy the water both rivers and lakes after the tragedy that has plagued my life forever.
Sally
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My daughter Ali (13 years old) was just diagnosed a year ago with a autoimmune disease called Crohns as well as a eye condition called Nystagmus. We have hit some low points in the last year watching all her peers develop and participate in team and individual sports. She is tired of watching on the sidelines! As a mom who believes in raising strong women, I am determines to help her find her passion. One activity she has found relaxing and slowing getting her stronger is swimming. I would love to expose her to more. Paddling might be it!
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Just returned from our lake cottage in Michigan where I saw a paddle board for the first time ever! My husband commented ‘yeah, I hear that’s what Chris Chelios (retired NHL great) used to do for his workout’…I am 52 years young, and have been doing a Boot Camp at our local YMCA since 9/14/09 (but who’s counting?!!) My motivation to get in shape has been watching my parents age not-so-gracefully. I would like to do it better – lots of variety of cardio workouts have helped me make a lot of progress in almost a year. This paddle board would provide a fabulous option for me and my family and friends up at our lake! I am intrigued and excited!!
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3
I just returned from helping my Mom move to Fernandina beach Florida. I anticipate many visits to that beautiful area along with the rest of my close and extended family. For the first time I saw a paddle boards and thought they would be great way to explore the area and experience the water in a different way.
The paddle board set up would be appreciated by ALL of us and probably many more. I love to share!!!
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I am a single mother to one very fantastic little boy. We are vegetarians for life and extreme environmentalists.
I swam my way through college but once I retired from swimming after, I took up surfing as a way to stay in shape and get acquainted with the ocean. I saved up my pennies and bought a used 7’1″ funboard for my son and I to use. My son and I moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia but, as many of you might imagine, Virginia Beach, Virginia is not the best place to find great waves. I have, therefore, gotten acquainted with Stand Up Paddle Boarding and have once again fallen in love with that sport. Being a single mother, I do not have funds available for a new (or even used board) and would be honored to be given this opportunity. It would not only open another door for my son, but the job that I am doing raising my son alone would also be something that many women can relate to. I think I would make a perfect representative for Siren and the ambassador for SUP.
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5
This contest is exactly what I’ve been looking for! I am a Sports Dietitian, Exercise Physiologist, Triathlon Coach and Ironman Finisher. My philosophy is “There is an Athlete in Everyone”. I lead sports training groups and paddling is the perfect activity to prevent burnout and to provide a unique physical challenge! A SPB will strengthen core, improve balance and be a source of fun in the open water! I would also use it as an open water coaching tool. I want to create some “paddle board buzz” on my hometown lake. Together we will bring Siren Paddle Boarding to Connecticut!!
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6
I saw an article on paddle-boarding and knew I had to do this! I had back surgery last summer for DDD and herniated discs and have found many obstacles in my love for sports due to the pain. Paddling/kayaking has always been a favorite of mine, but it seems that the twisting is really hard on my back. When I saw paddle-boarding I knew it was an activity that would be a great core strengthener which is exactly what I must have! I haven’t seen anyone doing it in our area and I’d love to be the first!! Pick me!!
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2
To paddle, to paddle
to make a wake
here on the water,
in Moses Lake.
A new sport that I
have been wanting to try
in a place where no board
has been spotted before.
My kayak I paddle
from shore to shore.
But a Stand Up would be
just a little bit more:
a different perspective
an awesome collective
of excercise, fun and never a bore!
Like:
12
I am 45 years young, was recently laid off from a job I truly loved, and have always been a very athletic person. Several years ago I broke my right clavicle and it never fused, the doctor said I had a “floating fracture”. Although recently repaired, the downside is that I still cannot do all of the things I love like running or biking. So, I truly believe that working out on a SUP will help keep my core and overall body fit as well as keep me moving and motivated to never give up on my health. I have always found that if I feel down and like nothing is going right in my day, all I have to do is get outside and start moving and the sun shines just a little brighter just for me. If selected, I will make a great SUP ambassador in La Playa and on the San Diego waterways.
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4
Two years ago during my vacation to visit my sister’s family at their Baha Mexico home outside of La Paz I first experienced stand up paddle board and instantly fell in love with it! This summer I saw someone stand up paddle boarding on the Willamette and was so amazed, I didn’t even think about doing it in Bridge City, (Portland, Oregon), but of course I could! I live close in right near the River and have been thinking about it non-stop ever since. I started looking into buying some gear late last month but haven’t made a purchase yet. Winning a board and gift card to my favorite yoga outfitter sounds perfect! Thank you!
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3
With 3 kids( 14,12&3), 3 dogs and a husband with a “trick”back we are always in search of great family activities and we think we have found it with “supping” as it is called here in Colorado. I have an inflatable board that was given to me for mother’s day…it has since seen serious use! We have been sharing and renting boards to keep everyone on the water. my kids are amazing… while i’m just cruising with my dogs they are out there doing 360′s! We would love to keep this family activity going( how many things are there that teenagers will happily do with their parents?) We recently introduced 3 other families with little kids to the sport and everyone is hooked! We are a family of paddleboard ambassadors!
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3
I grew up in Southeast Alaska, and surfing was not a really big sport, for obvious reasons (brrrr)!!! However, I moved to Southern California in 2001, and while my husband and little water baby love the surfing life, I have not had the opportunity to get into it. I have seen paddle boarders in the water, and it looks like a fantastic, fun way to power through the water. I would love the opportunity to get into the water and enjoy it with my family!
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3
I’m 58 and my life has been turned around because of exercise. It would take to long for all the details. Never would anyone think I would be a spin instructor, lift weights, run, bike and tried climbing. Right now I’m training with Team in Training to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, I will be running a marathon. I saw a paddle board last night, got to try it out.
Loved It.
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3
Sounds like a really good exercise for a 63 year old cancer survivor (me,) my adult daughter, and my 16 year old son. Together we could really make some positive waves!!! Since living in North Idaho for the last 20 years, and being aware of the beautiful and many lakes & rivers in the area, this board and paddle would be just supreme. I would really love to take this to Pend Orielle Lake and achieve some degree of balance/competency, and share it with my kids, and other board enthusiasts that may not have seen the Siren board, or enjoyed Athleta clothing like we have!!! I will say my prayers.
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3
Being a true “waterwoman” is my life. My family loves being on or in water everyday. I’m a perfect ambassador for you! Being immersed in watersports community in San Diego: My friends & I paddle outriggers -raced 12 miles to Crystal Pier & surfed to finish! Steered USA Dragonboats –won medals in Prague! Paddled surfski in “Bay 2 Bay” race, got 3rd place, behind 2 guys. Girl Power! I’ve been wanting to race SUP forever, but since teacher cuts, money’s short. I hoped for surprise SUP Mother’s Day… instead my boys gave me an awesome Athleta “Taj Tunic”! Love it!
“For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), It’s always our self we find in the sea.”~e.e. cummings
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3
I’m turning 40 tomorrow and for the past year have been trying to get back in shape and lose weight from having 2 kids (almost 14 years ago) have lost 35 lbs would like to lose 10 more. Love the outdoor sports, kayaking, biking, walking. Live a 1/2 hour from the lake and hour from the ocean. Would love to try paddle boarding, learn a new sport and enjoy the outdoors. I just discovered Athleta and love it.
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3
I am a 39 year old mother of 3 very active boys. I enjoyed various sports prior to having my 3 children and my interests soon took a backseat so that they could develop there own over the years. Well…it’s my turn again. Five years ago, wemoved to a shore area and frequent the beach often. My boys surf and I recently started tennis lessons and running again. I would make a great ambassador because I get out there, get involved and sometimes end up taking over (lol)whether its school, scouts or sports. I’ll try anything and would love to get my exercise in at the beach with my boys and our community. I want to take advantage of what’s around me – the water. My inspiration…the opportunity to do something new, in a place that I love and hopefully to encourage others to join me. I want my boys to see me staying active and this could possibly introduce them to something new and fun as well. Thanks for the chance.
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5
It’s time to introduce the world of Paddle Boarding to North Padre Island, Texas! I moved here about a month ago and have only seen one other woman paddle boarding. Someone has to build the paddle boarding community from the ground up-why not me? It’s easy to use on your own, the gear is light, and you can have fun at your own pace or along with others! Lots of women enjoy paddle boarding because they get to enjoy the water from a new aspect. And of course, anybody wants to have fun! Can you express yourself through paddle boarding? I look forward to introducing more women to this exciting sport to explore new interests! If I am selected to win this paddle board, I will not let it become a dust collecting household item. Since my backyard is on a canal, I will easily be able to drop it in the water whenever I have free time to relax and enjoy the world around me.
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
82
All I can say is that I want that board. I want it! I already snowboard, skateboard, and surf. I need a new challenge. I live in landlocked PA but spend a lot of time on Long Beach Island, NJ. Besides my 63 year old father, I am the oldest “kid” in the water. I have three children who I hope learn from my example that challenges and new expierences are fun and exciting. I’m usually never the best at what I do, but I am always the one having the most fun.
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6
I’ve returned to my hometown (Ocean City, NJ) to teach ecology/biology and coach. I love OC because locals are very active and eco-conscious. The field hockey team and I do workouts/yoga on the beach and kayak in the bay. Many players on the team want to learn SUP. For myself, playing Division 1 field hockey has taken a toll on my body. My husband is an avid surfer and kiteboarder and I’ve enjoyed them, but my knees suffer. SUP would allow me to get a low-impact workout and share another positive water sport with the community.
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6
I first became excited about Stand Up Paddling while in Maui, Hawaii to compete in the Xterra 2009 World Championship race. My hometown of Springfield, Ohio has recently opened a premier recreational waterway on Buck Creek in the downtown area. It’s just off I-70 and within walking distance to thousands of students at my alma mater, Wittenberg University. I am a multi-sport mom and Athleta Chi Blog contributor on a mission to inspire families to get fit outdoors. Please give me the opportunity to promote Stand Up Paddling to students and families in Ohio as an accessible outdoor recreational opportunity.
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
232
Waiting to catch a wave….As I patiently sat on my surf board in Tamarindo Costa Rica I see in the distance a guy on a paddle board with his dog. I continue to watch him in the distance while I wait and wait and wait for the perfect wave. Then I was awaken by a nice 5 foot swell and continued to focus on the famous Costa Rica surf. I have been home for about two weeks now and I continue to think about my exercise routine, I teach a boot camp, just finished the Escape form Alcatraz Triathlon.. I think how would a Siren Stand Up Paddle Board change my life! Hmm my 2 & 4 year old could jump on the board and come with me on my workout. I could introduce my boot camp followers to a different kind of sport. Abilene Texas needs something other than fishing boats, and wakeboard boats on the lakes; I would love to show everybody a new toy!! So the next time I think about paddling out on my tummy in the Costa Rica Surf I may consider standing up on a Paddle Board and getting a different perspective!!
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6
My husband and I are full time working parents of 2. Sean 10 and Emma 6 (soon to be 7). Our family time is spent on our sailboat at Catalina Island. It is truly a family getaway with no disctractions other than our beautiful surroundings of the island. My kids sail, kayack and swim like fish when we are there. We are starting to see a few of the paddle boards. We even saw a little girl Emma’s age do a cart wheel on one! You can imagine Emma’s delight at seeing that! I would love the kids and I (hubby too) to learn a new sport together and maybe one day Emma will do a cartwheel on one! Thank you!
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4
Greetings from the mountains of West Virginia. I am a 35 yo active sports, fitness, and environmental enthusiast. I live nestled in the beautiful town of Lewisburg, WV, where both raging and passive white water is our name sake in this state. We are always looking for that next fit “high” in our area. My friends and I pride ourselves on being the pioneers of innovative fitness.If Siren chooses myself as their next paddle boarding ambassador, I will personally see to it that women of all walks of life get out and enjoy such a liberating and exhilarating experience that paddle boarding has to offer.
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4
I just tried a paddle boarding class two weeks ago and LOVED it! It is a very versatile board that can be used in many different ways. I even tried doing some yoga on it- thank goodness the water was warm, it took a lot more balance to go from one pose to the next on a board! I live in MN and there aren’t that many people who do paddle boarding yet so I would make a great spokesperson for the sport by promoting it in areas where not that many people do it yet. There are several lakes in MN (around 10,000 or so)that I would like to bring the board to. Being a teacher also makes me a good person to promote the sport in the area schools. It relates well to the standards for health and wellness plus I am super excited about the sport and using the boards with my family and friends.
Like:
15
I was born and raised in Hawaii so I live and breath to be close to the water which isn’t always easy when you have come to call Des Moines, Iowa your home. I love to Kayak and recently joined a rowing club which is quite a bit different than paddling, but I’m starting to get the hang of it … anything to be close to the water! So I have been looking into SUP boarding but none of the sports store in my area seem to know anything about the sport. I’m currently looking to purchasing a SUP board but it is not looking to be the easiest thing to do when live in the middle of the united states. Shipping is just ridiculous on a ten foot plus board! I longingly look out over Saylorville Lake which is 10 min from my house and think how great it would be to get out there and paddle on a SUP board we also get some decent surf from time to time which would be prefect for SUP boarding. What else I can I say other then I really, really, really want that board and think it would be totally awesome if I were able to get my friends out and try it I just know they would be hook.
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3
I am new to water fitness. Last week I tried stand up paddle boarding for the first time. At 38 and previously afraid of water I never imagined how relaxing and fun this could be. I was sporting my new bikini from Athleta…after losing 100 lbs in the last year and got brave to expose my new self and to be completely in the water for the first time in decades for my first lesson. I can not wait for my next lesson later this week. My trainer is planning to meet me all over the state for lake and bay experiences. I don’t want to waste any summer day!
Being new to this I will convince all friends to join me for this great sport and having a board would allow me to teach one friend at a time while having fun.
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5
Hi, I am a 50 y/o kindergarten teacher from Colorado. We summer at a lake cabin in Washington (Loon Lake). My 15 year old daughter and I made a stand up paddle board out of an old wind surf board and a canoe paddle. I love the exercise and my daughter enjoys taking our yellow Labrador, Jolie on rides. We would love to experience the real deal.
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4
We recently moved to a home on a small lake in Northern California. Since our move, our 6th grade daughter has yet to find her niche – either with friends or with activities. She has some learning disabilities and a small size that makes it all that more difficult. She’s tried several water sports, but hasn’t found anything outdoors that she can master herself or that has inspired her. As parents, we don’t want her to become a couch potato and want her to learn to love and embrace nature and water sports as we do.
We regularly watch SUPs out on the water, but they are almost ALL men or teenage boys – no role models in sight! We want to see her find her passion in a sport that promotes serenity, peace and CONFIDENCE that would be gained by having her own board. We would love to be Siren and Athleta ambassadors in our community and show how women and girls can be athletic, be engaged and be leaders – even if they don’t fit the mold.
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3
I am astounded by the excitement shown by all competitors at SUP events! I wish I could be one of those few women who brave the sport. My anti-SUP fiancée introduced me to traditional paddleboarding eight years ago, but I haven’t mastered the proper paddling technique to conquer the sport (plus it is wet!). SUP seems a lot more user friendly, fun, and dryer than paddlboarding. I would love to have a SUP, do well on it, and crush my fiancée as he paddles next to me on his traditional board (wet) – while I am laughing, sightseeing, and dry!
Like:
4
Minnesota, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”! What a state to be an ambassador for Siren, as we have lakes and rivers galore! I’m 48 and extremely active! I live along the Crow Wing River and my family calls me a “river rat”! As an educator in MN, I have my summers off and I’m constantly going up and down this beautiful river with my kayak, but a diversion in routine is NEEDED! A paddle board has always been a dream of mine, and what an inspiration I will be for all my students! Mrs. Ambassador will be my new name!
Like:
8
Just this past weekend I experienced kayaking for the first time and was able to take advantage of some of the beautiful lakes, rivers, and creeks Buffalo has to offer. Buffalo, NY could really benefit from a Athleta and Siren stand up paddle ambassador to encourage the community to get outdoors and show others were not just about snow! I have always wanted to experience paddle boarding and would put 100% into learning the sport and encouraging movement in my community.
Like:
3
I would LOVE to win a Siren Stand UP Paddle Board! I have been wanting to try stand up paddle boarding for a couple of years now. I live on a lake in Maine and have always thought a stand up paddle board would be perfect for getting out on the water. I’m trying to get in shape and love the idea of being able to strengthen my core while also enjoying the lake and nature. I could even stick my six year old son on the end while I paddle! Nobody on the lake has one… I think I could start a new trend!
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4
During these summer months my husband, daughter and I spend a lot of time outdoors and at the beach soaking up the warm sun. We love watching the surfers and paddle boarders from the shore but we have yet to try either. Paddle boarding would be a great way for me to find some peace and serenity on the water as well as physical activity. I try hard to be a good role model for my daughter, who is not even two but loves to do “push ups” on the beach with me. The love of the sea is in her blood and I’m looking forward to the day when we both can enjoy a paddle around the bay together. There’s nothing more therapeutic than being on the water and feeling the salty breeze in your face.
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3
Jade Gianakopoulos would be perfect for this!
Like:
6
Living in Miami, I love to get out on the waters of gorgeous Biscayne Bay. Keeping fit and healthy is an important part of my life and I make sure to do something active each day. I love a good run on the beach and am happiest when doing anything near, in or on the water. If I had a stand up paddle board, I’d use it all the time to get in great workouts while having fun with friends and enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Thank you Athleta and Siren for inspiring and empowering women!
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3
Well, I am an athleta wannabe wilderwimp and will be spending my 60th birthday teaching college students a Lit & the Arts course at a field station at the Boundary Waters for September. What a thrill to try a birthday baptism on Lake Low to AMAZE my students, who thought my trike was eccentric. The loons will trill to the thrill! The wolves will howl with joy! It would initiate my 60s in wonder and adventure! Who says 60 is on the way out? or that adventure is just for the most able-bodied? Time for me to surf more than the internet! (I did surf as a kid in Hawaii for a year as a navy brat), and have been dying to figure out a coastless option here in Iowa–and the Boundary Waters would be it! I’m crossing my fingers and toes and trying on wetsuits! yes!!
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5
I have aspired to learn paddle boarding since I moved to Southern California but haven’t yet for financial reasons.
I divorced after 14 years with a violent and angry husband. I went to work and attended school full time, earning a B.A. in psychology in 2008. Accepted to grad school, I moved to SoCal with my three children to get a PhD in positive psychology. Running gave me the strength to leave my marriage and pursue my dreams. I’ve transitioned from marathons to triathlons, training for my first this fall. I represent women everywhere who became stronger through exercise!
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6
Aloha! I’m new to the sport of SUPing, but I’m so happy to
have discovered it! We live very close to a beautiful forebay with a
warehouse full of rentals – it’s become my latest obsession – but
becoming quite expensive! I would love to be the proud owner of a
Siren SUP! Such a perfect way to achieve fitness goals, mental clarity
& peace. As a nurse, student, wife and mother of 2, workouts that can multi-task are key! When I’m paddling on the water, it’s like meditation – my stress just floats away & I feel incredibly balanced and energized!
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5
Why would anyone even consider a mom like me? Indiana is fairly landlocked and certainly no surf. The nearest waters are only lakes with gentle waves. But what of a person’s dreams? My heart belongs to the beach and the sea. I save what I can to travel someday to my paradise, Hawaii. How encouraging to be just one step closer to the waves and winds of the ocean. I try to incorporate steps each year to gain my goal, these last months learning Hawaiian. Owning a board would bring the end one step closer!
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3
My story starts as a little girl paddling a pirogue and fishing the bayous and marshes of South Louisiana. As an adult, these waters are my backyard and a wonderful source of recreation for my family and me. With the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, we have been unable to frequent many of our regular spots. Winning this paddle board would give me a way to enjoy my passion for our coastline, while working toward my long-term fitness. I am a runner, cyclist and fitness enthusiast – the embodiment of the Athleta lifestyle!
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3
Last summer, after turning 40, my ten-year old daughter and I took up surfing. It has been a great mommy-daughter experience. To continue fueling our love of surfing on flat days, we tried SUPing. On my first day, I paddled for over an hour. What a great core workout! Just this past weekend, my daughter attempted it. She was completely confident and balanced! We live in a rural area that does not offer a lot of organized sports. Discovering new sports we can do together is beneficial for both of us. We are a two-for-one ambassador on the NH Seacoast!
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4
Wow. All of us have good reasons for this gift…
My family doesn’t go to church in the physical sense, our church is the outdoors. We frequently go to a family lake house and spiritually recharge under the sunset and sunrises. I have a 12 foot SUP board that I go out on first thing in the morning but I can’t have a family member join me with one board. (The size of the board is to accommodate my 6′ 7″ husband.)
We also entertain large groups of people at the lake. Just this weekend we had several friends trying out and loving our board. I would certainly be putting the SIREN name, ATHLETA and the joy of SUP out there to the masses!
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3
10. *PLEASE* pick me! (I used the magic word.)
9. I love canoeing and sea kayaking – paddleboarding sounds even more awesome.
8. I LOVE new challenges.
7. My husband will be impressed to see me paddleboarding.
6. My kids would love riding on a SUP.
5. I would love sharing this experience with family and friends.
4. My new Athleta bikini would be fantastic for paddleboarding.
3. I don’t think paddleboarding is common in NC – we need extra ambassadors here.
2. I am already a fabulous Athleta ambassador, spreading the word about their great clothes.
1. I will happily write more if I am chosen as the new Siren ambassador. :)
Like:
8
After reading several of the comments, I have felt inspired to experience paddle boarding and am so excited to take on that adventure at some point in my life, but the purpose of this comment is to give a shout out to Debra Wasserman. Having a 7 year old daughter with OCD, my heart just ached when I read her comment. My husband and I are constantly searching for activities to “change the channel” for our daughter, and if her son has found that being on a paddle board changes his channel, I want her to win that board. It is heart-wrenching to watch your child struggle with that, and finding something that will help, brings some hope. Here’s to Debra – best wishes and good luck!
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4
The first time I saw a paddle boarder, I was in Hawaii visiting friends. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and as much as I wanted to try paddle boarding, there simply wasn’t enough time. Now, back home, I live in a coastal beach area. Paddle boarding is now being offered at the local stands that rent canoes and kayaks to tourists. The opportunity to go out and view the ocean while standing up with a great landscape in front of you is so exciting! It would be great to have my own so that I didn’t have to depend on the hours of the stands and locations.
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3
After growing up in and living most of my life in the Midwest, I found a teaching job and ended up settling in Naples, FL. Since my move I have embraced living by the beach and the water. I have always been a avid runner, but have been looking for more ways to spend time on the water to fully embrace life on the beach. As a teacher, I often talk to my students about living a healthy life and the joy and benefits of moving and finding something active that you like to do. They would think it’s pretty awesome that their teacher SUP boards! It would also give me more adventure stories to share with them!
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4
Although I have never been, I can not wait to get on a paddle board. I would love be a part of the introduction of SUPing in my area. Growing up in Suriname, South-America, I swam, ran, played tennis and volleyball. In 1986 I moved to Chicago and got into rollerblading, rock-climbing, kayaking, skiing, hiking and cycling. Last year I participated in my first Olympic Triathlon. I MUST live near water, and have enjoyed living near Lake Michigan for the past 24 years. It is definitely more fun to be an athlete in your clothing.
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4
I am 51 today. [it's my birthday...it's my birthday...]
Unfortunatley Today is my first day back at work after spending a week in Tybee Island Georgia. [you know, where Miley Cyrus and group filmed "The last Song" ]
My husband and I have 7 kids, and out of that bunch including spouses and grandchildren, we had a group of 16 and we rode our bikes to the beach every day.
We Kayaked on the “back river” and over to “Little Tybee”.
I was intrigued by the surfers, and the paddle boarders, I even questioned one young lady about her board. I Jazzersize 3 times a week, and am always looking for another way to stay fit… especially if it includes the ocean.
Tybee and the surrounding Islands are a wonderful resource, we go there about once a month now that my husband has retired…but I would also be able to share SUP with all of my Jazzersize Divas here on the west coast of Florida. I wonder if I could skim oil while standing on a SUP.
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7
Summer is finally here! After long ten months of driving two and half daily to my favorite job, I did not have the time to do exercises in the house and I am an outdoorsy person. My body is back in shape after walking around the hills, riding long distances, and kayaking through the harbors of the Jersey shores. Now I want to try something new- paddle boat or kite surfing. Hmmm? Then I saw this contest – hey! why not, give a shot?
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4
I am a wife/mother of 2 active kids, work full-time and recently entered my 40′s. I got introduced to paddle boarding on a recent trip to Maui and LOVED IT! – an amazing experience and fantastic work out. I pride myself on staying in shape and very active for me and my family. We live in Wisconsin near Lake Michigan and would love to have a paddle board to incorporate into my own weekly workouts. Plus, I would love to introduce my friends and family to the joys of paddle boarding – more ways to take advantage of Lake Michigan and all the other great lakes we have in WI.
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3
I love the water and will be moving to Chautauqua Lake, NY where my fiancé lives. I was a lifeguard and have helped many kids and adults feel more comfortable around the water. My fiancé however is not the water lover that I am and prefers to stay in the sand. (He does however appreciate me in Athleta bathing suits.) I need a new compact, solo, water hobby. If I become the winner of the Siren board and Hinalea paddle, I will start a new trend on Chautauqua along with starting another water sport for my married life.
Like:
3
Living in the mountains around Park City, UT I don’t get many chances for paddleboarding. But thanks to a recent trip to Islabela, Brazil I discovered this incredible sport and have been longing for my own setup. Watching all of the expert kite surfers suffer with balance on their paddleboards, I found a new sense of confidence when I was able to adventure right past them kicking around in the water while still getting a great core body workout! For me, paddling truly connects you to the water, whether in a high-mountain reservoir or the oceans of Brazil. The thrill of a balancing act mixed with the rush of self-propeling yourself across a massive lake is unmatched by other water sports. I would love nothing more than to help introduce paddleboarding to Park City…and get a great workout in the meantime!
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3
Wow, what an awesome contest! I grew up in Huntington Beach, CA and 7 years ago, moved to Salt Lake City, UT. Though we go back often to visit family and friends, we miss the beach lifestyle and the convenient ease with which you can access water there.
I first heard about paddle boarding through Paddle With Purpose (paddlewithpurpose.com) and was inspired to try it myself. Though I have not had an opportunity to do so yet (not many options that I know of in SLC for board rental, etc.), but if I won the board, it would be a priviledge to not only learn it (and kick butt at it), but bring more awareness to the sport in Utah! Even if I don’t win, I will likely end up on a board in the near future — loving every minute of being on the water again.
Thanks for the opportunity!
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
20
First time I heard about paddle boarding from my son, he lives in Santa Barbara, CA, and that sport is very popular there. For some reason it’s fascinate me so much, I promise myself to try it! I live nearby beautiful Nor Cal lakes, and water sports are popular here. I love waterskiing!
This year I visited Maui, and I tried paddle boarding. I love it! I was so excited about doing it; I didn’t paid attention about what is going on around me. My boyfriend was screaming something to me from a shore. I looked around and I saw a whale so close to me, I didn’t know if I have to be happy, or scare…hahaha.. I will never forget my first experience with a paddle board. I promise myself now to make it my new hobby. I keep my promises!!! See you all paddling…Good luck to everybody. Btw, Athleta makes great clothes for tennis, my other favorite sport.
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5
Michelle is the best!
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3
I have tried paddleboarding a few times and love it because it enables you to stand up above the water getting the utmost view down below the waters surface. My 5 year old son loves to lay on the front of the board while I paddle us around. It is a great way to play together and get a great workout. If I had my own Siren Paddleboard I would not only paddle us on the lakes in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains, but also try the board on the South Fork American River in California where we live in the Coloma/Lotus Valley.
The design of the Siren Paddleboard looks great with the side rails on the bottom for boyancy and rounded tail. I would be extatic to win and add this board to my fleet of adventure toys which includes my Ibis Mojo Sl mountian bike and Eskimo Xeno whitewater kayak and K2 Phat Luv powder skis. Got my fingers crossed. Thanks for the opportunity.
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3
The first time I saw SUP was on Athleta’s chi site. It looks like soooo much fun! I really enjoy canoeing, but get tired of sitting. SUP looks like the answer. How fun to glide around Atlanta’s lakes and waterways. You know, it almost looks like you are walking on water! I would be a great ambassador for Siren because I am 40-ish and easy-going. I’m certain that when people see me doing it, they will want to know how they can become a SUPler and I can tell them how much fun it is!
Thanks for your consideration.
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3
A few months ago I found out I have osteoarthritis, FMS, and degenerative disc disease. Despite all this I work everyday at maintaining an active lifestyle so I can feel better and am a positive role model to my kids despite facing adversity. I feel I could be a positive role model/ambassador for people facing similar adversities. I watch SUP’s at every beach we go to along the Santa Barbara coastline and feel absolutely drawn to it. I would love to be on my own board showing my boys that we have to work with the challenges we are given.
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4
WOW. What amazing and unique women responding to this contest! Just reading the entries inspires me to get moving and get out on a SUP! I have 4 young children, 3 boys and a girl, will be turning 40 next week and just celebrated my 15th wedding anniversary–I’d love to celebrate this point in my life with this gorgeous board and to inspire my daughter and children to try something new…it just may be what you didn’t know you were looking for! Lisa in NH.
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I LoVe to surf on my longboard, here in so cal, and always see stand up paddle boarders. It’s soooo mysterious!
It would be awesome to give it a try. Is it easier to paddle into a wave then?
I’d share the board with my Black Surfers Association (and non Black Surfers Association) buddies ~up and down the coast~ so the use of it would go a long way :D
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I grew up surfing and sailing in So. Cal., spending two weeks of my summer on the lakes of Minnesota slalom skiing, wake boarding, kayaking and sailing. Now I live in Lake Oswego, Oregon and spend vacations in Hood River, Washington’s beautiful Hood Canal and of course the lakes of Minnesota… I’m a triathlete who needless to say, relaxes by enjoying water sports. I’ve been dying to own a Siren Stand Up Paddle Board. So much so that my friends are tired of hearing me talk about it. However I don’t have the extra money to rationalize the purchase with my family. Help me make the plunge! I promise to photograph and write about my experiences on Facebook.
BTW… do you know if any “Paddle Board, Bike, Run” triathlon’s exist? If not, may I suggest a Siren Sponsored Paddle Board, Bike Run in Oregon next summer? Sounds like a ton of fun to me!
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Since its arrival, page 92 was ripped from my Athleta catalog and carefully taped to a spot on my wall. I’m drawn to the image, yet despite my Jersey Shore heritage, I’ve never stood on a board, paddle in-hand, so I’m wondering what the draw is all about…
It’s been awhile since anything’s inspired me; I lost a baby, and with him a piece of myself. But, staring at page 92, I feel the ripples of promise and possibility, tiny waves of inspiration seeping through the cracks of my broken self.
So maybe renewal begins with a board and paddle?
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My 14 year old daughter is a surfer. While this in itself is not a rare thing, the fact that she is able to do it at all is something of a miracle. She was born with what doctors call a “unique skeletal dysplasia”, including severe bi-lateral club feet and deformities of every major joint in her body. After 16 surgeries and 3.5 years with casts on both legs, we find out that she is very good with balance-related activites. We travel to Maui once a year and she is in the water surfing every single day. She would love it if I would learn to paddle board so we could spend those wonderful times in the water together. I know paddle boarding is a terrific workout and stress-reducing, both of which are great reasons to try it, but quality time with my beautiful, courageous, and inspiring daughter would be icing on the cake!
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I love to travel with my grandchildren, and water is a big part of our travel. We have surfed in Hawaii, kayaked in New Zealand, swam in waterfalls in Cambodia, and boated on Scotland’s Loch Ness (looking for the monster!) My grandsons are both surfers, but I am not (or rather, I am not very good). I would love to share their passion for the ocean and to take other grandmothers with me. How fun to have a grandmother’s and grandchildren’s surf and SUP day!
What better way to pass on the love of the ocean than to combine it with the love of family and the excitement of travel.
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I am a wife, mom, college professor, PhD student, yoga enthusiast and outdoor lover. I battled a beat breast cancer three years ago and as a self-reward, completed my first triathlon one year after finishing chemo (and right after my 40th birthday!). My goal is to act as in inspiration to others that life is an amazing adventure and that small “challenges” like cancer are only temporary. I love being in, on and around the water – living in Wisconsin makes access easy. However, we aren’t known for our surfing! I think it would be exciting to be an ambassador for a beautiful, soul-recharging sport like SUP in the midwest! What a great way to get women active and out on the water, destressing and getting exercise on a board. Yoga on the water anyone…?
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I fell in love with my husband seventeen years ago on a surf date. Two kids later and many happy years together, our surf lifestyle has had to change. Due to ear issues, my husband began to use a SUP while I continue to surf a longboard (it’s kind of lonely). After trying his SUP I loved it right away and noted the added bonus of a core strength workout. I would love a SUP so we could go out in the ocean together and be the couple we started out as but now would evolve into stand up paddle boarders.
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I love the outdoors and seek ways to play in it. My friend recently introduced me to SUP and I’m hooked. I have a son who cannot walk or stand, but he can kneal. My husband and I have tried to find every way possible to get him into the outdoors and enjoy the things that we love. My son sits on the front of my paddle board while I paddle around. Skiing, climbing, canoeing…..I’d love to be able to add regular SUP trips to his (and my) list. We’d love our own so we could go more often.
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Outdoor surroundings motivate me to move, work harder, and exercise longer, and I encourage my friends to join me. I love water sports and if I’m selected as the Athleta and Siren stand up paddle ambassador, you will find me at the lake, as soon as the Siren Sojourn SUP arrives, mastering my paddle techniques wearing my Athleta swim suit and rashgaurd. I’ll need practice so I can join a Siren Surf Retreat in Hawaii, and get expert advice from Kristy Murphy and her team, to share with all my friends at home, that have taken up paddle boarding.
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Teaching a farm kid to surf maybe tough, but teaching them to paddle board I can.
Kids often challenge me with how math is real outside the classroom, and with a teaching tool like the paddle board, I could make my lesson come to life! There is so much math there! We do have a pond on the school grounds and I would love to take the kids out and let them give this paddle boarding a try, with prizes of course for the ones who can make it across. This of course is after the math lesson!
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I am a 41 year old mom of two surfer boys, ages 12 and 9. My husband and I are natives of Southeast Coastal Georgia and at every opportunity, we take our boys to the beautiful barrier islands just a few miles by boat from our home. I have pictured myself on a paddle board like those shown in the catalog, peacefully gliding through the calm waters surrounding the beautiful islands we visit every possible weekend with our boys and close friends.
Last month, I got my chance to try the sport on our annual family vacation to Edisto Beach, South Carolina. We rented a paddle board from the local surf shop and we were all hooked, kids included! I could tell that I was getting a good core workout, but I felt so peaceful at the same time. My youngest son sat on the front of the board and we could have paddled around forever, just the two of us on the water, absolutely quiet.
I have told my story about my paddle boarding experience to everyone I know, most people around here have never heard of the sport. I would be the first paddle boarder at our beaches, and hopefully it would inspire others to enjoy the water on a level you can only get on a paddle board.
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I live on St Simons Island in Georgia. My husband and I are very active and always looking for new adventures. I have never seen paddle boarding down here. In fact, I actually saw it for the first time in the Athleta catalog. I have 2 young boys (9and5) and we always try to engage them in new and fun things that will keep them active and tied to the outdoors. Life is too busy…It would be great to engage in some quiet family time atop paddle boards, cruising through the marsh-lined rivers of the Golden Isles of Georgia. I know paddle boarding would catch on quickly down here and I look forward to it becoming the “next big thing”!!
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I have been dying to try one of these out! Kayak and sail on Barnegat bay in NJ and this would be a great addition to our fun family exercise.
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me….silence on the water……..ready to share my joy of adventure with everyone I meet at the edge of the water
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Ode to the Siren SUP
O to ride upon a prism of azure fluidity,
Pure pleasure, beauty and strength. These graces
Would flow thru me if only blessed with
The Siren SUP. A kind of magic
There would be, me, hovering upon the frothy seas.
Trident as paddle dug deep into the
Promises only water can keep. Neptunian
Joy as the sirens sing their songs to me.
Board, paddle, me: If we were united a
True Athleta woman I would be.
Thank you. I’m inspired and ready to learn and share this new adventure!
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
39
I am an athlete, a mother of two boys, and a physical education teacher. I inspire children daily to live a healthy lifestyle and I dedicate my school curriculum to lifetime activities. I live in the Inland Pacific Northwest with dozens of lakes in the area and I have only seen a stand up paddle board in the pictures of your catalog. I dedicate my life to sharing my passion for lifetime fitness. My paddle board would be a platform for sharing this passion.
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I was pondering what I might write when I came across Debra Wasserman’s comments.
Now I am just hoping and praying that she and her family win your wonderul prizes!
Godspeed to everyone on your SUP!
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Picture a blue lagoon, ancient Redwood trees, a pristine beach and a blissed- out girl stand up paddling on her brand new Siren Sojourn Sup! The place is Trinidad, California. The girl is me, nutritionist, mother, wife, yoga lover and wellness advocate. Unemployed for over a year, I recently launched Nourishing Retreats, wellness inspired getaways for women. Award me a stand up paddle and I will share this beautiful sport with customers and blaze a trail for other women to join in the fun! Help me expand their minds, bodies and spirits! Make me that goddess ambassador. Namaste!
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I’m sixteen living in San Diego, CA and I LOVE to SUP! It’s so stress relieving and helps my core, balance, and strength- the ultimate cross-training workout! My best friend and I started the first ever youth SUP club/team just this year. We have about fifty members and we meet three times per week. Everyone that we have spread the sport to loves it! The only problem is that we only have six boards for our whole team because they are so expensive. Winning this board would give more kids time on the water and help our club so much!
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
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Susan, I liked your essay and I voted for you. After revewing them all it looks as if you might be in the top ten… Best of luck! Love ya, Karen
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My SUP inspiration: freedom for the soul, soothing my fear of water, jumping in with no hesitation
Current situation: borrowed rescue board. Imagining it’s my very own SUP
Creating: love for water. Taking place of apprehension.
Allowing: open water swims, connection to nature and mama earth, dreams of an actual SUP
Obsessing: finding a used board online, attending local races, yearning to compete instead of observe
Ambassador to Reno/Tahoe: represent two amazing companies, learn, develop, and compete with the Sojourn. Introduce people to SUP, promote health and vitality, share an amazing experience with friends and strangers and spread SUP love!
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
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Paddling would be an awesome addition to our lake community’s unique summer camp. Currently, campers enjoy biking, swimming, fishing and canoeing. With a SUP board, I could teach paddling as another activity. I love this combination of fitness and fun.
What I love most about paddling is the positive effect it can have on my young girls in whom I hope to instill confidence and strength. As my girls and their friends become strong paddlers they can skip the “What do I look like in this bathing suit?” phase and focus on the “Look what I can do in it!!”.
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
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Grandma Kate, GK, has brought paddling to the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, CA! Beach goers are amazed as this hip grandma pulls up with her board and then hops right on it to paddle out in the lake. She has a following of children, including her grandchildren, who love to follow her in their kayaks.
This athletic grandma is an inspiration to all of the grandparents on the beach, who may have thought they were too old to try this amazing sport. She generously encourages anyone interested to try her board!
Seeing this grandma paddling brings life to the lake!
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Wow, when I saw this I got so excited. Honestly, a great paddle board, who can pass that up? I moved out here to Kauai a year ago. About a month after I moved here I saw some people paddle boarding. I have borrowed paddle boards ever since. Paddle boarding has something about it that I love. It can be peaceful and serene like when you are paddling down a river, and then an the same time you can catch a wave a feel a huge rush and a completely different feeling. I would love to be able to have these feelings consistently and frequently and having this board would allow just that. Life is just happier this way and that is my inspiration.
Mahalo and Aloha.
Mary
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About 3 years ago I was training for a marathon, to go out and run 15 miles a day was how I balanced my chi. I have always had very bad feet and decided after the 1/2 marathon during training I needed them looked at. I was referred to a butcher, a-hem “surgeon”, who ended up re-aligning my big toe only to wedge my cartilage out so I was wearing bone on bone with each step (which was a small issue compared to everything he did). Needless to say, running is no longer that passion or release for me and the first time I was on a SUP in Miami last year was the first time I actually felt that inner peace again. I would do paddle boarding every day just to feel that feeling again.
Thanks for this chance!
Lexie
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I saw this and all I could think of was WOW! I am a native Ca girl who has lived on the East coast know for a while. I have 3 daughters and am a swimming instructor. I am constintly looking for fun things to do that we can do as a familly to improve our health. I was overweight as a child and am trying so hard to show my girls that exercise can be fun and being healthy is the best thing for your mind and body. I stive for them not to know the pain I was caused due to my weight issues. This board would be so much fun and a great way to bond with them and show them I was right. My middle daughter is just fasinated with surfing and anything that has to do with water. I think winning this would make all of my family happy not just me. We would be learing a new and exciding sport toghether.
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I am a single parent of two children, ten and five months. Everyday I try to bring new experiences for them and myself to keep us motivated and moving forward. Winning this board would mean learning something new, experience something different, bringing us closer as a family and showing them that there are healthy ways to bond.
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A couple of years ago we moved to Chattanooga, TN and live on a large lake off the TN river. In an attempt to get my 8 year-old son to be more active outdoors we purchased a kayak. He didn’t express an interest in it so I started using it at age 43. Well, this summer he fell in love with the kayak and now I don’t get to use it because he is always in it. That’s great for him but now I’m out of luck because I can’t ask him to get out of it because he is doing what I asked him to do, exercise. And he is finally getting some upper body strength and forming arm muscles. YEA!!
My husband just started wake-boarding at age 53 and I would love to try it but I broke my knee in high school so the doctors told me skiing or wake-boarding would be out of the question. There are a lot of kayaks, canoes, knee-boards and wake-boards on this lake but I have not seen anyone using a SUP here in Chattanooga so I could start a new craze on the lake. I could paddle next to my son when he is kayaking. Could this mom of 45 beat a 10 year old? I think so!
I have never tried a SUP but I know I would love it. I desperately need core strengthening to help my posture as I am getting a little hunched over in my old age. Thank you for your willingness to offer a Siren board and paddle to a lucky winner.
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I have never had the opportunity to paddle board but I have recently discovered my love of the water. I am learning to swim,water ski, tube, etc. I would love to add this to my list ofadventures on the water. I spend the majority of my summer at a local lake and would love nothing more to have one more fun activity to do while I am there. It looks fun and challenging both things which I love!
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I am a 38 year old and recently divorced after 15 years. Needless to say it’s been a rough year. However, I have an amazing support group of great girlfriends who have been helping me though these tough times. They made me a list of 50 adventures that over the years they have heard me say I wanted to try and were two scared or was held back from doing so. (I know how that sounds and it’s a long story) The list has been amazing it has challenged me to constantly step out of my comfort zone. I even added a few items myself and paddle boarding was one I was the most excited about. Living in VA Beach there is a ton of amazing spots to try the Siren Sojourn SUP so I hope I can be selected! Thanks for the chance!
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Married at 18, 4 children, (the oldest with a disability). My personal desires were always on hold. We do those kind of things to ourselves, sometimes. I even went back to school, became a nurse, so I could take care of everyone else. At 39, I was overweight, exhausted and confused, then my Father had a stroke that left him unable to talk or walk. Turning 40 was difficult, but it allowed me to re-evalute the way I had been living my life. I decided I wanted to be around for those I had cared for, for a long time. I joined a gym and work hard! Started out, with much difficulty, walking. Began jogging, then running. I finished my first marathon (26.2 mile) last September. Have lost 65 lbs. and totally restructured my body, I look better now then when I was 18. My zest for life continues and I am always looking for new, challenging activities. I live in Mid-America, but I belong in California, by the ocean. Tomorrow I will be 47 and I am a Grandmother now. I would run with the opportunity of trying wake-boarding!
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Deanne—you are strong and I have no doubt that whatever you put you mind to you can accomplish! I remember your determination when you were younger and I believe it is still there! We were under dogs and you were one of our shining stars that made us champions! You go girl and good luck! ML
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Like many of the women writing in to share their stories, I am a stay at home mother of three. I am in the process of trying to reclaim my former identity; that of an athletic woman. It has been more of a slog getting to this point than I ever imagined; navigating through the waters of major postpartum depression after the birth of our twins. Although, going through that was a nightmare that I wouldn’t wish on any one; the really wonderful part is that I did come out of it to the otherside, to a place in my life where I am even more joyful and full of gratitude. I am a very lucky woman. I have my health back now and I feel like I am just beginning the journey to a more whole self. I completed my first sprint tri this summer and loved every minute of it. I kept thinking wouldn’t it be cool if there was a race with a SUP leg too? I am totally getting ahead of myself though because the extint of my experience on a SUP board is sadly limited. I have been obsessing over SUP for about 2 years now, primarily surfing on the internet instead of the water. I finally treated myself to a learn to SUP clinic this spring and LOVED it, only to face the bleak reality that this stuff is pretty darn expensive. You don’t see a whole lot of it where we live yet. I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world Cape Cod, MA. We live a short walk down to a beautiful harbor that is sheltered by a 7 mile barrier beach. Once you’re out on the water, if you paddle to the West the harbor opens up into The Great Marsh which is a maize of tidal marsh creeks and rivers just ripe to be explored on a SUP board. Why would I be a good Ambassador for Siren SUP boards?
I think the real answer is I am not a good beach mom. I know, I know woe is me. I spend my summers walking up and down a pier at a rustic beach club in Barnstable Harbor, shuttling the kids in and out of their sailing, swimming and tennis lessons. I do a whole lot of nothing really and yet, at the end of the day I am tired. I never learned to play tennis and can’t afford a boat so I am basically bored. Right now I am trying to organize and design a “Beach Boot Camp” even though I am really not that qualified to do so and I’m not real sure anyone will go for it. So many parents “live for their kids” putting their kids first, making sure they are having fun and learning new things. I know my husband and I do. I find myself asking now,why shouldn’t the parents get a chance too? I need someway to stay active and inspired and I would so much rather start a group of SUP boarders than do this crazy beach boot camp idea of mine. I can already see the smiling faces the laughter and the outline of a flotilla of SUP paddlers cruising out across the harbor to SandyNeck. I would like to ensure that more people get to have fun and learn something new while enjoying this spectacular place. Thanks for the chance to share my story.
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I would love to win the The Siren Sojourn SUP paddleboard and Hinalea Paddle for the exhilaration and fitness it will provide for me. I have five children, twelve year old triplets(two boys and a girl) and two daughters who are 6 and 8. As a family we kayak, swim in the ocean, ski and play golf. Family and fitness are important to me. I would really enjoy the paddleboard when we take the family to the ocean, bay and river where we frequent throughout the spring, summer and fall months. As I get older, I have found that working out the core is so important. The core fitness is crucial for all the sports that I enjoy. The paddleboard would be a very enjoyable way to continue to strengthen my core. As I learn more about the paddleboard and can teach my children, I can see our family enjoying exploration together to little bay islands and riverbanks, and possibly catching some small surf in the ocean as we have with our ocean kayaks. After meeting me, I believe you would enjoy having me as your Athleta and Siren stand up paddle ambassador in my community. Thank you for considering me for this prize and know that it definitely will not sit around and collect dust!
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I started a charity with my friends 2 yrs ago. http://www.citychicks4charity.org Based on recent unfortunate events in the gulf, i have been trying to organize a charity day to donate money to help clean up the oil contaminated waters. I thought a great way to do this would be a water based charity event. I live on the beach in NJ and my charity is based out of NYC. I would love to be able to be confident enough on my own stand up paddle to teach a stand up paddle charity day. I do not own my own board so i only get to go once and awhile. I would love to be able to borrow the rest of the stand up boards from the local surf school to host this charity stand up paddle day. It would be a great way to give back for winning such a great prize !
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I’ve been attempting to lose weight for a while but find it tough getting in the gym b/c I get bored so easily. I’d much rather be in the water, where it doesn’t feel like a workout to a water baby like me. The SUP board and its light cardio and core benefits are just what I’m looking for in a fun workout to keep me motivated and get me outside! Last year I tried my first Athleta suit and with its bra-cup sizing and cute details, I’ll never look elsewhere for a tankini. I’d be a great Athleta and Siren SUP ambassador because I’d be using these two products to change how I look and feel and improve my overall health.
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Am I dreaming? Already I have shared my first SUP experience with as many people as possible on Long Sands Beach in York, Maine without embarrassing my bigger, wiser sister! After 5 minutes of instruction from my brother-in-law, I was heading out over the ripples into the wild blue yonder. “Hello, Mr. Seabass. I am ‘Dana Banana from Indiana’!” So many of my friends and females in my BIG coast-to-coast family are adventurous and playful, but busy and stressed! Being near water is relaxing and healthy. To be ON the water…the remedy! I am dedicated to helping you help us!
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5
I live in a freshwater paradise. Running past our Lake Michigan bays in the morning, I think about how amazing it would be to gliding along the shoreline, taking in the sunrise on a SUP board. Nothing could make me feel more like a goddess – empowering moments like these must be shared!
Our community has a highly visible waterfront, and we’re obsessed with water sports. With only two rental SUP boards citywide (and no surfing to be seen), availability is limited, and group paddles are but a dream. I long to be a local pioneer, a champion for SUP!
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Water water all around
Bay and river
lakes and Ocean
sunshine splash
fun in the sun
stand up sit down
paddle board
Great sensation
connect with nature
from this shore to that
improve balance
waves in motion
be an adventure
explore
your core!
I would be the very best athleta ambassador on the East Coast! Would take the board out to the local lakes, bays and Oceans. If some one asked “Hey, Could I try! I would say sure. To you that would mean one more customer wanting to buy a paddle board. You would enjoy having me as your Athleta and Siren stand up paddle ambassador in my community. Thanks for considering me! An Outdoor enthusiast water, scuba diver, kayak and now paddle board recreation specialist. Thank you for considering me for this prize.
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2
Water water all around
Bay and river
lakes and Ocean
sunshine splash
fun in the sun
stand up sit down
paddle board
Great sensation
connect with nature
from this shore to that
improve balance
waves in motion
have an adventure
explore
your core!
I would be the very best athleta ambassador on the East Coast! Would take the board out to the local lakes, bays and Oceans. If some one asked “Hey, Could I try! I would say sure. To you that would mean one more customer wanting to buy a paddle board. You would enjoy having me as your Athleta and Siren stand up paddle ambassador in my community. Thanks for considering me! An Outdoor enthusiast water, scuba diver, kayak and now paddle board recreation specialist. Thank you for considering me for this prize.
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2
Wow! I have never seen these boards here on Cape Cod! My sister, my niece, and I enjoy our kayaks but these look amazing! We are on the water as much as we can and would love the opportunity to experience these boards.
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Here in the Pacific Northwest, no matter the weather report, it’s alway 50% chance of rain. I live in a beautiful environment with opportunities for hiking, running, biking, and numerous yoga shops. With unpredictable weather, residents are more inclined to remain indoors. With our high rate of M.S. in women, we need positive examples of women getting outdoor in any weather! I feel a passion for being outside and desire to motivate others to follow. With the SIREN SOJOURN SUP 10′ BOARD I will introduce a totally awesome unfamiliar sport, and a positive example to the women in my community!
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I spotted my first SUP on Clark Lake in Michigan last summer while I was using a kayak. Was very interested and next noticed the board used in the Athleta ads. Again this summer at Clark Lake saw another board. I’m becoming a believer that I can do this especially on a Siren SUP. I’m 65 years old and already have the Shadeseeker hat. So I’m halfway there!!!
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Just went paddle boarding for the second time ever! Have a great friend who shares her board! I live 2.5 miles from the ocean and just a mile from the intracoastal in Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach, NC. I run and bike and frequent the beach, but until a week ago, I had NO IDEA how great it feels to paddle a board! I am lucky enough to see the water every day but I have no boat or board. The marshes here are beautiful – the wildlife spectacular, and the paddle board community here is growing like crazy! Just imagine what I could do with my own! I would totally share! Athleta and Siren – you are my new best friends!
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I like Jade Gianakopoulos comments.
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Here in the midwest, it’s not common to see SUP boarders—I saw my first one a year ago along the north shore of Lake Superior and thought it looked magical. I’d love to try it and introduce others in the midwest to SUP. Trying new activities feeds my soul as does sharing my outdoor interests with my girlfriends who have been my best buddies since grade school. I would love to surprise my friends this year on our yearly getaway in August by bringing along a SUP board and having us all share it and try it out. What fun!!
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Here on Otsego Lake, Cooperstown, New York- – we have a strong base of avid outdoors people and loyal Altheta fans, but no SUP boards in sight. I’d love to change that and introduce a new sports to a community of summer tourists and hometown sports people who will embrace this sport as it did Ultimate Frisbee :-)
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2
Paddle boarding looks like a lot of fun as well as a fantastic workout! My husband surfs and I’ve tried it many times…without success, so I think I need some training wheels that paddle boarding could provide. I would love to be out in the water near my husband doing “my own thing” while he does his. Since I am a teacher, I would really enjoy learning to paddle board and teach it to our friends when they come to visit us in San Diego this summer. Thank you!
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My fiance and I had the great opportunity to live by the ocean all last year. On the lovely 18 miles of seacoast that there is in New Hampshire. During that time we learned how to surf together starting in February!! Although that sounds nuts, we had learned that the early spring and fall were the best times for real good surf-able sized waves so we dove right in, plus wet-suits are amazing!! We had so much fun learning together and are still not very “good” at it but we gained such an amazing appreciation and love of being in the ocean.
Then early one morning we saw someone out SUP boarding and to us, from afar it looked as though they were walking on water!! Amazing, we thought what is this!? It looked so calming and beautiful to be out exploring the water like that. Since then we have been excited to try SUP boarding ourselves. We’ve have recently moved away from the ocean and miss it everyday but we do have lots of lakes near us and ponds that would be great for taking on this new adventure, plus the ocean is still not far away! And you don’t see many people doing this SUP boarding around, it draws such curiosity and interest, at least for us it did to see someone doing it. I would love to be another person to expose others to this amazing sport. What a great contest, thanks for considering me.
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Being a single mom, I’m limited on the experiences I can offer my girls. We LOVE to go camping at the lake. We go swimming, hiking, and fishing. Creating fond memories for the two who are my world, is what I strive for. One can only imagine such an awesome way to experience the lake, by gliding on top, as the sun sets; connecting the mind, body, and spirit with nature’s energy. My girls and I would love the opportunity to embark on such a wonderful adventure from atop a standup paddleboard!
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
21
For passion, strength and confidence can not be found
By standing still on solid ground
If I were so lucky to have my own board
I could share with others in my reward
I would say in the beginning
There will be less standing and more swimming
But either way I know
This is a sport I want to grow
Giving to others is how I try to live
You cannot get unless you give
So if I were to win, I will not let you down
I will spread the paddle boarding love around my town
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5
I live in Black Mountain, NC, just outside of Asheville. I am a working mother of 4 kids (all under 7 years old). We have some gorgeous lakes around us that are perfect for SUP’ing.
I have only been paddleboarding a handful of times, but I love it! It takes all of my worries away and makes me want to focus on ME. My family and I spend alot of time hiking and playing in the water.
The several times we have SUP’ed we rented boards and I had my 3 year old daughter on the front of my board, my husband had our 5 year old son on the front of his board and our 7 year identical old twin boys have each ridden by themselves.
If I won a Siren SUP I would definitely make a great ambassador. I have already started a biking craze in our town by getting people to park their cars and bike to work instead and also by getting friends and neighbors to get outside and ride bikes with their kids in the evenings. I would love nothing more than to see others on the lake SUP’ing. I have wanted to start a SUP yoga class, so this would be a great opportunity. I love introducing new things and new ideas to people in our small town!
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Whether wrestling sharks off The Great Barrier Reef or salvaging valuables off the HMS Titanic, my love for the open water knows no bounds. Well, except one. I have no vehicle. Oh sure, I’ve been offered yachts and tankers (hey, who hasn’t?) but I’m holding out for the one item that will blend my passion for adventure, the water and athletic challenges. Oh wait look, here it is!!!
Getting me a SUP board will provide me all the transportation I need to fight oil leaks, save the glaciers and rescue injured dolphins. It will also allow me to be seen by my dozens of Facebook friends, thus fulfilling my endorsement obligations to the Goodwill store beside my house. Wouldn’t you love to be a part of Team Kim?! Be an early adopter and climb on board. The train is filling up and will soon be leaving the station.
Okay, in all honesty, I’m getting married soon and can’t afford lunch, much less the end-all, be-all of paddle boards. But I really really really really really want one badly. So how about it, would ya, could ya?
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I just moved to San Diego to be with my son and his young family. They all like the water and water sports. I used to ski but was not around water sports. I recently saw people Paddle Boarding in the bay and thought it looked like a lot of fun. I would love to learn to do this because it seems like a great family sport. I can’t surf or windsurf but with a Paddle Board I could take part of the fun in the sun and teach my grand kids to do this with me.
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Being on the east coast we don;t get the waves but still need to surf. In the summer it is too hot and the humidity is high so to exercise it has to be on the water. Most of my female friends choose not to go after waves or in really deep water and we just want to paddle along. We want to get a group together and make a chain paddling before the BP oil spill and need all the borads and paddles we can get.
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What an awesome giveaway!!!! I am an avid runner as well as a cyclist. I have also been surfing since 2008 on a triple stringer, T & C 9’4. I will tell you, surfing is one of the best things I have experienced. The pounding of the hard concrete when running marathons can be a stressful workout to your knees, however in the water you just glide, no pounding, no cars to get hit by…the worst thing…a jellyfish sting (well, there are worse things but we won’t think about that). The first time I saw a paddle boarder was in Nosara, Costa Rica…it looked so cool to just glide over the ocean/rolling waves…seamless! Not only did she look killer doing it but it intrigued me to get interested in the sport. I live in Jacksonville Beach, Florida – I would make a great Athleta and Siren stand up paddle ambassador in my community by the simple fact that I would use the board! One of the main reasons I don’t have one is the money is an issue. As you know, these board can be pretty pricey to get a nice one. I would honor the oppr. to own one of these boards and would go into this sport wholeheartedly! Whoever wins this, I’m sure will be super excited!!! Hopefully they will buy a new outfit from your website and respresent team Athleta! :) Cheers!
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I was a mid-western, tom-boy type of a girl. I grew up in the country and played in the mud with my brothers. 5 years ago when I was 25, I had some sudden, major health issues with my lungs that put me down for a year. It was the worst, yet best thing that happened to me – it completely opened my eyes to be that active, fun girl I used to be. So here I am, living life one joyful breath at a time! I love and embrace all sports and enjoy anything to do with water in our brief Wisconsin summers from boating to paddling of all sorts.
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Aloha! As an avid sailor and kayaker, I first learned SUP visiting friends at Hanalei in Kauai. It was heaven on earth. Sailing off shore has given me many ZEN moments, but SUP was the ultimate. I am a novice and am yearning for daily morning paddles. I was accepted to a PhD program in Mind, Body Medicine and SUP can be an integral part of my practice. Total integration of body mind and spirit all in one sport and perfect for core work. I can’t wait to share the art of SUP with all my Hawaii sisters!
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18
A couple months ago, on the heals of my 41st birthday, I came to the realization that I was living my life for a paycheck and not feeding my soul. I immediately decided to list everything I was passionate about and wanted to experience in my life. On that list? You guess it! SUP. I’ve watched SUPers in Santa Cruz and Sayulita with awe and excitement, and dreamed of being one of them ever since. In the past month I’ve renewed my love for yoga (pursuing my certification, my love for Pilates (working on completing my certification), and enrolled in a school for Holistic Nutrition in New York. Being fit, healthy, whole and more importantly, helping others feel the same is something that feeds my soul. SUP combined with these incredible gifts in my life could give me an additional word to spread and provide yet another tool to not only feeding my soul, but all the souls I touch. Living in No. Cal the opportunities to truly experience SUP are endless and I can’t wait to become an embassador! Thank you for giving me this opportunity. Boundless Joy, Donna
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Growing up in the South, my friends and families flock to the Alabama coast and Florida panhandle for summer rest and relaxation. With the oil spill tragedy filling our newspapers and TVs’ with more and more bad news, we are discouraged from making trips to our beautiful beaches and don’t know how to fill our spare time on the weekends! I am new to the stand up paddle board sport but kayak our local rivers and lakes regularly. This is becoming quite the trend and my interest peaked while reading an article in Southern Living about the sport. I would be a great ambassador in my community because people of all ages are looking for new things to do with our beaches out of commission! And—this will make them burn some calories to boot! That is a WIN-WIN for ALABAMA.
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I want to set an example for my 10-year-old daughter the importance of healthy living, exercise, and the beauty of our surroundings. Each month when my Athleta catalog arrives, Alena searches the pages and admires the athletic women. A paddle board would add to the variety of activities that we could share. While Colorado is very arid, we have beautiful reservoirs and public lakes where Alena and I could learn how to paddle board and share this adventure with our peers. Together, we can set example for the next generation of young athletes.
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I spend at least 80 hours per week in lab, working on my PhD in molecular biology. The work friends I spend a majority of my time with aren’t as active or athletically inclined as I am (Competitive swimmer turned marathon runner). I was recently introduced to paddling, and immediately fell in love with feeling so free and open on top of the water. I decided paddling was the perfect activity to experience with anyone, athlete or not, I want to spend time with. The first step is for me to get my very own paddle board…
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I am a water lover living in rural northern Michigan, a pristine natural area surrounded by the Great Lakes. Summers are short here and consequently intensely cherished! I have been a swimmer since in utero, a canoer/kayaker for 10+ years, and recently a sailor. I am attracted to all non motorized water sports!
I recently discovered the paddle board in an Athleta catalog and was instantly intrigued, but after a frustrating google search I called the catalog rep, “What do you call this thing?”.
I would love to be the one to introduce this sport to our area!
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Growing up on Cape Cod, I’ve no shortage of love for natural water. Now in New Orleans, I am surrounded by bayous, rivers, Lake Pontchartrain, and Gulf Coast. Water sustains us, spiritually and culturally, and now, the heartbreaking Oil Spill threatens our entire way of life. I haven’t yet seen SUP here, but would love to, and I believe it would be perfect for the New Orleans environs. It would be symbolic to be on a board and stand tall in our aquatic environment, in the face of the disaster, and be brought back into the realm of the water.
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6
After seeing SUP for the first time last year,I knew I had to try it. I walk 4 miles everyday and do pilates 2 times a week ( in my Athleta wear)…I tried SUP and after 3 attempts I was up and loving it! I need a board to use on the lake where I live and the ocean that I love.
I would be the perfect Athleta/Siren ambassador. I share, with anyone who will listen, how much I enjoy SUP, and because I’M 74 YEARS OLD, I’m PROOF that SUP is not about age…..It’s about attitude!
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
298
With all due respect, it is obvious that you all are not hanging out “Down East” North Carolina. I am already an ambassador for Athleta in this small, coastal, rural community. I can be seen day in and day out wearing Athleta clothing. My all time favorite being the dipper shorts. My husband and I spend our days sea kayaking (me in my dipper shorts) out to the barrier islands and in the shadow of the Cape Lookout lighthouse. (Not the most famous one with the stripes, that is Cape Hatteras; but the other very recognizable one with the diamonds). I love it! My dipper shorts keep the sun off my legs (I like the Bermuda version) and they dry quicker than one of those famous wild ponies can wink. The only problem is that sitting in my kayak, no one can see them! The Stand Up Paddle is the perfect answer! I will be a trend setter on my SUP in my dipper shorts!
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
34
I am recently divorced and met a great man who paddleboards often. This weekend I discovered paddleboarding is a chic magnet. Woman and men are drawn to him and his board. He gives lessons to everyone on the beach. I took to the sport naturally and I’m addicted. It would be awesome to have my own board so I can practice my skills and blow him and them away. Ironically,my boyfriend is getting a hip replacement this week. I would love to impress him with my own board and the courage to go out on the water without him.
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I vote for Judy, #210
The perfect picture of health and beauty.
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Adventure! Courage! Challenge!–reasons I would love to join the community of athletes who paddleboard! I am a military spouse and have always been very active. Last year I wanted to challenge myself by learning something totally new and different: I learned to sail! I have fallen in love with sailing and all things water! I want to be an example of a strong and courageous woman for my children by constantly learning new things and striving for new goals. A paddleboard would be an opportunity for me to learn something new with my children for their future and mine!
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My vote is for Elo! She rocks and is inspiring! She’s a role model and a fashionista, she will promote the paddling the minute she’s on the water!!!
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After moving to Hawaii for school, I can’t get enough of the water and the outdoors. My main passions are running and cruzing the beach. I suffered from several knee injuries when I was younger and was really starting to feel the damage in both of my knees, presumably agitated by the humidity. I wanted to keep active and healthy so I took to surfing. And I fell absolutely in love with it! Being the broke college student, I started borrowing a friends long-board and tagging along whenever she went surfing. She recently sold her board to another friend for a price way out of my range. I’ve wanted to buy my own board but can hardly afford to eat anything other than mac n cheese! A board of my own would give me the freedom to exercise and spread the contagious habit in a country that so desperately needs the motivation to be healthy! Not to mention the waves are flat in the summer so with a paddle board I could cruz around the bay, spreading the aloha on those flat sunny days :)
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Trying to encourage my students I decided to learn to surf. January and terrified I paddled out for the first time. That July I ended up with twelve stitches on the forehead from the board hitting me. Because of my students, I knew I had to get back in the water. I tried again on a rented SUP and fell in love; like meeting the “one” when I found my balance and started paddling – I knew I found something I would work at and with for the rest of my life and something I could share with my students.
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I live on Kwajalein Atoll, a military base in the South Pacific. I’m the Community Activities Manager responsible for the recreation and entertainment on the island. I tried paddle boarding in Fiji and loved it—I wanted to share! Budget cuts have kept me from ordering a board for community use. This island is only a half mile wide and three miles long. We ride bikes everywhere and enjoy a variety of water sports—but I have never seen anyone here on a paddle board. It would be great therapy for my back and fun for everyone else. Pick us!
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Steward of Ocean.
Raised in the Scuba Diving industry on Santa Catalina Island (CI) fortunate enough to have role models. Mother: watching her compete in outrigger cross channel events and ocean swims. Father: Dive instructor, Boat Captain, and Ocean expert.
My adult life: teaching diving, boating, channel swim fundraiser competitions, and respect of the ocean.
New venture: start non-profit to establish secure moorings on CI.
Funding: Annual SUP and PB crossing.
I would like to compete and hold event. I do not have enough personal funds to purchase my own SUP.
Please consider me, Steward of the OCEAN
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I’ve never done paddle boarding and only heard of it through Athleta. From my observation, it is a great way to build leg strength and balance, which are required in Martial Arts. I’ve taught and practiced Martial Arts for 20 years – from kids, teens to adults. I can see that paddle boarding would be a great supplement to our training. Strength, balance, coordination and focus of the mind and body are assets shared by both disciplines alike.
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I have been SUP for two years using rented boards. I live on Long Beach Island, NJ and enjoy many water sports including sailing and kite boarding. SUP is my favorite activity limited only by the high price of board rental. SUP is a whole body workout using core strength and flexability. I also find it is so peaceful and relaxing to be gliding on top of the water looking down at the sea life below. I feel connected to the bay much more than when sailing or kiting. I have recommended it to so many friends who also have enjoyed a great workout while experiencing a connection to the water and the life below the board. I look forward to owning my own board to share the experience with my eight yr. old daughter who also shows a love for water activities.
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I give a great big vote to #10, Judy….she is an excellent role model for health and should own her own board.
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The ocean is a magical place that has taken me on many journeys. When I was two I almost drown in the bay, I must have been trying to become a fish. I learned to surf when I was eight. Salt water was never far from my skin. At 24 The Budweiser boys laughed at me when I brought my 9’6″ over the sea wall, but only until I rode the first of many. I solved a lot of life’s mysteries on top of that board. When I was 27 I started outrigger canoe paddling, amazing sport, wonderful friends, great adventures. At 42 I paddle my two little girls around on the top of my board, looking for mermaids, and buried treasure. One day I will be a fish!
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I have been in love with sports, athletics, and the outdoors all my life. As a fitness professional I strive to be a good example to my clients, but most of all I want to be a great role model for my daughter, Sofia. I hope that she grows to love being active all her life in the same way that I did. She is 3 years old and I am teaching her to swim this summer. She has shown some trepidation in the water, but has a never quit attitude like me. I always encourage her to try new things. This summer I am trying stand-up paddling for the first time in Austin, TX. Sofia and I were in the car when we passed Lady Bird Lake and saw some SUP boarders paddling along. She asked, “Mama, can I walk on the water too?” I told her that we could give it a try. I enjoyed canoeing and kayaking on the Louisiana bayous when I was growing up, so I thought I’d like SUP boarding too. We spend so much time seated in our modern lives; sitting in our cars, at our desks, on our couches, etc. There’s just something magical about standing up on the water with a good view of what’s ahead. I have these visions of paddling along in the Texas sunset with my daughter seated at my feet. I want her to have a healthy respect for the elements, and not feel compelled to stay cooped up inside all the time. I want to inspire all women to get out there and “stand up”, get stronger, and enjoy the view from their feet of what lies ahead.
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As I consider becoming an ambassador for Siren’s environmentally friendly paddle board, I must reflect on what it means to prioritize fitness and environmental conscientiousness after the age of 30. I am a woman in her fourties who strives to think of fitness in terms beyond the numbers on the scale. All that I do now involves my core, both physically and mentally. I refuse to believe that all is against me when striving to make my body better than it was the year before. I want to prove that it is possible. I live in New England, a place where outdoor activity is fostered and where I have lived all my life. How cool would it be for me to put Siren’s paddle boat on my Jeep and head for the ocean with my 12 year old son along side? How wonderful to power myself across Crystal Lake without the need for a motor, standing tall, wearing what I wore in my thirties and looking even better. Can I do it, yes I can! Just watch.
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I’m a health professional and am quite land bound while making healthy living part of my life. I love dancing, running, and hike when I can find a buddy. Recently, I’ve felt the pull to explore the surrounding waters and to develop a new and different connection to health and my environment.
I think, though, the best part is that a close friend does stand up and its what makes Hawaii feel like her home. She’s one of my favorite people and convinced me through her growing happiness from stand up that its more than exercise or getting the water.
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Like many comments before me I to have much to say but I will keep this simple and sweet like the way I will feel as I paddle around Waikiki ~ my home. I am a devoted mother of three beautiful island keiki’s and have very little time for my self. I will use this board to help better connect my self and my children to the wonders of our ocean. I hope they will continue to be active and love this place as much as I do. This paddle board will allow me to be a positive role model for my keiki’s as I live a healthy blessed life ~ mahalo.
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After seeing a SUP’er for the first time 3 years ago I was instantly intrigued. Not being able to afford paddleboards at the time, my husband got creative buying used windsurfer boards for a song, splurging on the paddles and we haven’t looked back since. We answer countless inquiries about what on earth we are doing wherever we drag our boards here in Vermont. I absolutely love introducing this sport to new people. It is the perfect combination of being a fantastic workout, yet gentle on the body and the environment. I love that the Sojourn is ecofriendly to boot!
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I am a surfing Yogini! As a Yoga instructor I am continually extolling the importance of a strong core!
This inner strength is not only physical, but a representation of our mental strength as well.
The SUP is the perfect medium to cultivating this mind/body connection. I teach at a Yoga/surf retreat 3 months in Peru. I tried SUP last year and was in awe of the serene calm I felt; yet with much activity going on in the body. I would love to take my own board down with me in October sharing with local girls!
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My vote goes to Elo (#56). She needs to relax after crazy days and she deserves to enjoy time off with her her beautiful family!
http://ww5.komen.org/Bio.aspx?gn=PDF0706844&c=pdf&cycle=2006-2007&PI=1
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With my husband and me both in the military, we’re always traveling to new places. Our latest adventure has led us to the Virginia after leaving Hawaii. While in Hawaii, I ran many races: triathlons, marathons, cycling and went surfing. Just as I was leaving Hawaii, a friend let me borrow her SUP board to try. When we moved to Virginia, we were introduced to SUP by our close friends in the Outer Banks. Not only paddling but surfing on the board has left us with a new perspective and we want to show others that anyone can do it!
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Every summer I am lucky enough to live at my in-laws beach house on the coast of SC. Each year there are more and more paddle boarders enjoying the ocean. My husband and I were looking forward to buying one for ourselves but we recently found out our only son has autism and his therapies take all of our extra income. Being a teacher I have every summer off and would love to let my son enjoy riding the board with me for years to come.
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I live in South Lake Tahoe. I know, I’m lucky. But even more than my address I am blessed with an extraordinary group of women that I get to call my friends. The majority of our time together is spent before most people are awake. We meet before the sun rises at various locations. We run, we work out, we talk about our kids and husbands. We share each others triumphs, and lows. We run races together, and we encourage each other to try new things. These women continually amaze me with their dedication to improving themselves. They are strong in more ways than how fast they can run, and how long they can hold a plank. I would love to be able to share a new way we can meet in the morning and spend time together enjoying the beauty of where we live.
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Balance. It’s the key to life. Finding balance ensures happiness, success, and peace. We strive to find the work-life balance, a balanced diet, all sorts of balance. It involves trial and error and requires perseverance. That’s what paddle boarding will represent to me. An opportunity to find that balance, show myself that I can, and reap the benefits; even if just for a short time until I step off the board and back into my life. But after that time on the board, I will re-enter with more confidence in my own ability to find that balance, wherever I look.
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A smile and a tan, thats me put simply! I would love to be an ambassador for Siren/Athleta and share my love for the outdoors and healthy living. I am an outdoor gal and would be proud to paddle up and down California’s waters standing on a Siren SUP. What an opportunity to expose women to a sport, a community, a passion. Simple, beautiful, strong and with a smile on my face and Atleta on my body!
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1
Living in Arizona can limit one’s enjoyment of the water (simply because there’s not enough of it). The lakes in my area do not allow swimming, any use of the water here must be done by kayak, canoe, boat, raft, or better yet PADDLEBOARD. Many people here don’t even know what a paddle board is, and I am constantly trying to describe it, but they usually look at me like I’m crazy to want a “surf board” for our lakes. Now in my thirties, I am seeking more interesting and fun ways to stay active (swimming, cycling, triathlons, and Roller Derby), I would LOVE to add paddle boarding to that list. Prescott, Arizona NEEDS a paddle board Ambassador; they don’t even know what they are missing out on.
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2
Few people in central Michigan have ever heard of stand up paddling. As a graduate student, I don’t take any gift for granted. My classmates, friends and I are active people who will try anything, and I know word will spread like wildfire once they share and experience what the sport has to offer. I have never experienced SUP for myself and would love to, especially now that my husband and I just moved into the lakehouse my grandparents built. The lake is calling my name! Please let me answer with this awesome gift.
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
20
I am part of the Pacific BlueFin SUP Club/Team that was just recently created in southern California. My best friend Amanda Shoemaker (comment 164) showed this wonderful sport to me and i instantly fell in love with it. We started going to races together and noticed that we were usually the only teens there. Then this idea came to us that we should make a team ourselves. We have support from so many people and everyday more people become interested. We have about six boards to cover our whole club so this board would help us so much!
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8
I am a mom of two active young boys from Kansas. I always try and find new and exciting sports to do outdoors with them, so they can expirience new and exciting ways to enjoy the outdoors. We kayak, rock climb, hike, camp, canoe, and love snowboarding and snowshoeing in the winter. I just learned about paddle boarding through the contest. It looks like the perfect thing to do for someone that doesn’t live near a beach. The boys are exicited to try it out just from looking at the pictures. This would be an ultimate expirence for us to share as a family, and one more exiciting activity to add to our fun list of things for us to get out and enjoy nature! It is something that definetly hasn’t been seen yet on a lake or river in Kansas an we would love to represent the sport and bring it here directly to get others involved!
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I must start thanking SIREN & Althleta for this AMAZING opportunity to win the HOTTEST SUP “SIREN SOJOURN”! I’ve been so excited to try, but not being very althletic, I was a bit trepidatious. I decided to finally go for it! I’M HOOKED! I can’t believe what a great feeling & adventure it provides! It’s almost like walking on water, but much better! A great core builder & way to connect with nature. I felt so at peace I never wanted to stop. Now my 9yr daughter is excited to go too! I’m thinking of every possible way I can afford two boards for us as we live in the Bay Area of SF & there are so many beautiful places to enjoy & SHARE this awesome experience with others. I’m grateful to whomever came up with this new way to be in nature & stay healthy in Mind, Body & Spirit! Thanks for your conscious High Quality & Enviornmentally thoughtful design!!!
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2
Dedication and passion for my career working with student-athletes consumes much of my time, but summer weekends and Sunday mornings allow me a few hours to collect myself and enjoy life’s simple abundance. I would love the freedom and luxury of paddle boarding during a “stolen” early morning sunrise trip to the east coast of FL. Using physical strength to glide through the water can rejuvenate mental and emotional strength to navigate life’s challenges. I often run for stress relief and exercise, but paddle boarding would open a world of restful relaxation and amoments of silence from life’s storm. Sharing my new escape with co-workers and friends who share passion driven lifestyles would inspire them to take a moment for themselves and reconnect with who they are and their true values.
What an awesome giveaway! Best of luck to everyone involved! Thanks Athleta!
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I’ve wanted to try the SUP since seeing it on a travel show 3 years ago. I immediately thought it would be perfect for our cabin on a small, quiet lake in Northern Minnesota. I think this is as close as I’m going to get to surfing in Minnesota and I can’t wait to try. In the Midwest we have so many lakes and so many water sport options, but I most enjoy those that allow me to experience nature to its fullest. I look forward to the SUP as a new physical challenge and as another way to teach my 4 nephews about two wonderful resources we have the benefit of experiencing; clean water and the great outdoors.
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1
I grew up on L.I. enjoying the beaches and participating in athletics. I have kids of my own and life has been a huge challenge in terms of health. My son was diagnosed with kidney disease and then it was discovered that he inherited it from me as did my daughter! We have worked hard to make life normal and I strive every day to stay active and healthy with yoga and running. My daughter loves sports but my son just hasn’t found his interest. Maybe paddle boarding? I can see us at West Meadow Beach on L.I. Paddle Boarding!
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I’ve been kayaking for about two years now, and find that my bum gets sore and I’m not getting enough of a workout on my lower half, and as of recently I began paddling standing up in my kayak. It wasn’t untill this past spring, when I went to Hawaii and was awed and inspired by people standing on boards in the water and paddling. My husband and I immediately thought this activity could pose more of a positive challenge, get a better work out than just kayaking, and we could take our laborador (Liana) with us. Plus, with us living in a lake community in Georgia, we could be one of the early people to introduce this activity to our community, since we both are heavily involved with community beautification projects such as adopt-a-stream, river/lake clean-ups, and Georgia River Network.
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My whole life changed on a beach in Cambodia. Eyes met, hearts skipped beats, talking until morning. A shared dream to LIVE IN PARADISE. With lightly packed bags, no set plan, a vision, everything fell into place!
Less than a year after that first meeting WE ARE LIVING OUR DREAM on a beautiful Guanacaste jungle beach.
Now, we can’t stop watching the guy playing. Wafting through the water- stick in hand. Easily duck diving with pole tucked under body. Gliding along on longgggg waves shortly after his feet get wet. LOOKS LIKE A BLAST, WE’D LOVE TO SHARE!
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i think jane #211is the perfect example.on the other hand all of these sumissions have a very good story and point.
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Amateur self propelled water sports nut looking for new way to play on the water. My kayak is attached to me all summer. I may be a virgin paddle boarder, but as a Michigander, I LIVE for summer! It’s our reward for the 9 months of winter. Our home on Lake Huron is filled with family, friends and fun all summer long. What’s the point of living on the water if you can’t share it? I vow to tell, teach, show, and share with anyone that will listen and would be honored to be your Athleta /Siren paddle boarding Ambassador.
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5
Corpus Christi, TX was named one of the “fattest cities” in the US. As a personal trainer and group fitness instructor this saddens me. I recently asked two of my clients to spend the day with me at a Surf camp. We paddled and wiped out many times, but we enjoyed the challenge of doing something new and outdoors. Corpus Christi does not advertise much about SUP. We have a beautiful coastline and the perfect weather year round for Stand Up Paddle boarding. Let’s bring the the challenge to South Texas and get our community moving towards fitness. SUP would be a great option and improve the functional skill of balance while on a board. I would embrace the honor to be an Athleta/Siren paddle boarding Ambassador.
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1
I’m a part of a triathlon group in the Houston area, Bay Area Multisport (BAM!). We have a little bit of everything for everyone whether you are doing your first triathlon or training for a sub-11hr Ironman. But as we come to understand all too quickly is that safety must come first. And as a second season triathlete I still get nervous in the open water swims. I would share this SUP to help our athletes build confidence by using it in our group swim sessions at a local lake. Besides it being a great safety tool for the group the user would gain core strength without thinking about getting that extra workout in! Let BAM! be the next Siren board Ambassador group!
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Turning 30 soon made me realize
I can no longer stay this size…
Signed up for a ½ marathon
What a task…
I haven’t looked back
I know I can last!
A newfound passion for the outdoors
Relinquishing my stress
Leaving me wanting more
Working out 6 days a week -
Exercising on the water would be totally unique.
You wouldn’t be sorry if you chose me
‘Cause I’ll be rockin a healthy body – This you must believe!
25lbs lost, 23lbs to go! Would love to include my family/friends in on a great way to exercise. Thanks for this opportunity!
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9
I think I would make a great Siren SUP “ambassador” because I live in New Mexico, and I think (although I hope not!) that I’m the only one out here in the Land of Enchantment that’s doing SUP! I bought an inflatable SUP at Costco – because it was the only one I could find out here! – and I LOVE it! Now all the teenage girls at the lake are slowly starting to meander over to my truck as I’m unloading and asking me “What’s that?”
I’d love to have a “real” SUP because my poor inflatable leaks air after about an hour (Costco…what’d I expect?) and it would be AWESOME to have those girls give it a go on my Siren SUP instead of just watching from the safety of their beach towels.
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1
In Sept I will be turning 56. On my fridge door I have photos taped up that I cut out from Athleta catalogues. They inspire me every day to get more fit and daily challenge my self to “bring it”. I am a single mother of 4 kids, and I try to keep them laughing and stunned by my newest efforts. It would be a joy for me to have a new sport to tackle, I already boogie board and long board!!!! Am living in Southern Calif. near the beach.
I inspire many gals my own age to keep raising the bar. Showing up at the beach with a new board and paddle would probably start a frenzy !!!! Please consider me for the new toys, I would absolutely love to have them…. paula
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2
Walk on Earth or walk on water, let me show you the beauty of the latter! Water sports like SUP include a lot of watching, waiting, appreciating, learning and finally . . . doing.
After watching paddle boarders while surfing over the past few years, I began quizzing the SUP locals of Dillon Beach, CA on my 33rd birthday this past April. Uncertain about starting in the cold waters around my home in San Francisco, I tried SUP in gorgeous Hanalei Bay, Kauai and found my SUP stoke. Join me in the next adventure of learning this incredible sport!
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1. Turning 30 soon made me realize
I can no longer stay this size…
Signed up for a ½ marathon
What a task…
I haven’t looked back
I know I can last!
A newfound passion for the outdoors
Relinquishing my stress
Leaving me wanting more
Working out 6 days a week -
Exercising on the water would be totally unique.
You wouldn’t be sorry if you chose me
‘Cause I’ll be rockin a healthy body – This you must believe!
25lbs lost, 23lbs to go! Would love to include my family/friends in a new way to exercise. Thanks for this opportunity!
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3
All right, less than 100 words and sweet… Not easy to write after all these ladies; I am healthy, I have no kid, I’m in my late 20s, and I’m not a professional athlete… But I love water, and I have lots of friends! If I win, I will really use the SUP. EVERY DAY. And I’ll recruit my girlfriends to keep me company!
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4
Owning a Siren paddle board would be a wonderful outdoor activity for my daughter and our family. It is a healthly activity to learn and share together. I often joke that my family are nomads because of the frequency in which we move. Our military family that has to uproot and move around the country to wherever my husband is needed. Our recent move has led us to a return assignment to the beautiful state of Hawaii where outdoor activity and water sports abound. My daughter, who finds it especially difficult when our family relocates, has discovered a sense harmony with the blue Pacific. She has blossomed and became “re-energized” when learning to boogie board, snorkel and swim. Its truly amazing to witness the changes that occur when she can go to the beach and put aside her days stress from school, homework and missing loved ones. Her confidence and willingness to try something different in the ocean was evident when she saw a very young child paddling without a parent. She turned to me while treading water and told me that she could do that too because she was meant for the water. Owning a Siren paddleboard would open up a great opportunity for her to have more experiences in the ocean and sharing a Siren paddleboard with schoolmates, family, and whomever else would greatly enhance her adventures in paradise.
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1
As a 40 year old 7th grade science teacher and mother of 3, I require a summer recharge to keep me going. I live 30 minutes from prime stand up paddling terrain – the coastline of ME and NH are persistently calling to me! I am in my happy place if I’m in the water and the sun is shining – it releases my inner goddess. Winning the Stand Up Siren board and Athleta gift card would absolutely make my day! Plus, as a role model to my daughters and students, I think that it would be an amazing way to prove that you are never too old to learn something new! Please, make my day!
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1
I recently moved to a coastal community in Rhode Island while completing my degree in kinisiology/exercise science and have fallen in love with the beach! I am fortunate enough to be able to visit the beach two to three times a week to walk, jog or swim, but I really want to get more involved in other water activities. I have seen people paddle boarding a handful of times and have desperately wanted to take it up. It looks like a lot of fun and a seems like great way to get a workout that is more off the well beaten gym route. I love to exercise and try new things, I’m hoping that this will be the next new exercise frontier for me to explore!
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I love the water. It transforms me. It lifts my spirits and gives me peace. I am drawn to all bodies of water and am living my goal to swim in as many in the world as possible (25 so far). I swim distance, paddle board, am a novice surf and windsurfer, kayak, crew, water ski, scuba, snorkel…….you name it anything on water is great and worthy. The water is forgiving yet challenging. My son and I both paddle for core strength. Winning a Siren means we could master and paddle together. Even with diabetes, I stay active and often inspire others who consider diabetes an impediment. I inspire them to change their habits and try to control their disease and get fit. I would be honored to be an ambassador for health, both mind and spirit, by mastering the paddle with a Siren. Fun, friends and family while improving fitness, loving and respecting the water…..namaste.
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3
My husband has just been transferred from Cleveland OH to sunny Atlantic beach NC with the US Coast Guard and we can not get enough water sports! It is fabulous to be back in the sun and sand and we would LOVE to master this sport together. Too often my husband is teaching me how to do something and I want to find something new for us to learn together as a couple. The wonderful thing about being a Coast Guard family is we share new experiences with other families and I can already think of half a dozen families that will be clammering to try this with us.
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1
Aloha,I wanted to share my ALMOST first experience to the stand up paddle board. Our family was at a reunion on Maui where my husband and daughter were able to try SUP for an hour. I personally was not able to experience paddle boarding due to an injury so I watched the fun from shore screaming and laughing. We just recently moved to Kaneohe on Oahu and the ocean is near and the family is looking for a great sport to invest our time in. I love the fact that the board allows you the ability to be comfortable in the ocean and it doesn’t have an age range or body type just the will to be one with the ocean. I think our whole family would thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to experience wave riding on a non-competitive pace. I am new to your clothing line but would love the chance to wear your swim suit sets or use the athletic wear for my everyday attire in my busy life as a wife,mother,student, and small business owner. Mahalo nui loa.
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1
I am an active 45 year old mom of two young boys. We live on a lake in Wisconsin and participate in many different sports. I am always encouraging them to try new things and keeping active, eating right and staying in shape are a top priority to me. It has been a wish of mine to purchase a SUP this year knowing it would be a fun and new way to spend the mornings while teaching them something new. Such a great work out for the whole family while enjoying the beauty of the lake and outdoors!
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2
Well,I wish I could be a better writter. I am 34 years old with 2 wonderful girls and have had to go through 2 brain surgeries and a head bleed. I was very active and completed an olympic triathalon a month before my health took a turn for the worst. I finished an olympic tri but had to leave the hospital with a walker and my left side weak. Part of my therapy included paddling with my husband to regain my balence. I want to be an example for my girls to never give up and overcome what ever life throws at you. I have been diagnosed with a disease that is commonly know as the suicide the disease “Trigeminal Neuralagia”. I will fight this and continue to life life to the fullest with my family. I want them to remember how hard I fought instead of me being on a vent in the neuro ICU. Paddling has been part of my therapy, both mentally and physically. It calms my soul.
Paddling with my husband has brought us closer together.
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3
In my life, I am the ambassador of diaper changes, pre-school fundraisers, playdates, of convincing my kiddos to eat their green veggies. I love these important jobs, but I long to be the Athleta/Siren SUP ambassador. When my husband introduced me to SUP, I was hooked. On the water I feel at peace, at ease, connected with my body and mind. I love standing on the water, feeling my strength push against that of the water with each stroke of the paddle. I want to share this exhilaration with others, with all those longing to be “one” with the water.
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15
My husband and I are business owners and the past two years have been very challenging for us. I have been blessed to have been able to be at home with our two children for the past 11 years but recently had to go back to work to help relieve some of the financial stress.
At age 47 I decided to go back to work in the fitness industry. Never having work in the industry but always being an active person who loves to workout I decided to follow my passion. In the past eight months I have become the operations asst, a certified cycle instructor, a certificed Lifeguard and am currently studying to become a Personal Trainer.
I would love to include Paddle boarding to my own personal workout enjoyment and be able to teach and share the joy of Paddle boarding to others.
I have found that there is nothing better then helping others lead a healthier lifestyle.
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1
I voted for Judy #210 Good luck Judy!!!!!
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Iam 53 years old five almost feet tall and learning to Kite board and paddle! Raised on the US north coast (Lake Michigan) we learn early to get out there while weather is good, and I spend as much time as I can in and on the water. First introduced to the stand up paddle concept last year while I was visiting Maui, gave it a try and found its not as easy as it looks, which makes me want to master it all the more. Very addictive and makes you feel good! I love the look of this Siren board, the way its engineered for stability in the water and easy of transport, I could throw it on top of my little car and go. I wake up at 4am each day, get outside and hit the water when its nice and flat, I would love to show off this board and say hey ladies this is paddling give it a try!
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2
I am a 34 year old stay at home mom. All I’ve done for the past 13 years is raise kids. Now that my kids are older and can do more for themselves I am ready to get out and do something I’ve never done. I have seen on facebook people post about the paddle boarding and of course Jennifer Anniston on the front page of People. It has me curious as to what all the fuss is about. There is a paddle board group at the lakes down by LSU and I would love to join them one day and see for myself. It would be wonderful to finally get outside the home; even though I have enjoyed every minute of being a house wife, and do something fun. Not to mention the health benefits it seems to provide. Please conisder me for the honor of Paddle Ambassador for my community. If you do, not only will I make the sponsors proud, but it will be the very first time in my life I won something! :)))
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1
Being a pioneer in the women’s movement into boarding back in the 90′s, I have longed missed the surfing aspect of the sport since moving to Colorado. Finally, after searching for so long to find co-SUP’in partners in crime without success, I started and funded the Colorado SUP meet-up group. The challenge I currently face is the inability to expand and help others experience the SUP’in experience because I cannot afford my own board. If I was able to win this board, I would freely allow others to share in the ride of the ride at the meets so others can also experience SUP’in and help contribute to the building of a community of Colorado SUP’erz. I believe that giving to not only me, but also to the SUP’erz community is why I would be the choice Paddle Ambassador for such gift. This board woufd be an outlet for many who want to experience the wonderful world of SUP’in….. Thank you!
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2
Just keep going girl Life is about change just look forward to whatever wonderful experience comes your way. We arelly are here for a purpose. Don’t know you but already love you
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1
I will super-charge it with this board – ocean, rivers, lakes. I have tried SUPing a few times, and most recently had to fake it with an inflatable kayak on the Yampa river in southeastern Utah. My girlfriends love to follow the charge — surfing, skiing, snowboarding, biking. Some have expressed interest in SUPing, so we gave it a go in the ocean recently but the board we had was too short (9’2″). I also want to introduce the sport to the Dragon Boat paddlers in our area. They are breast cancer survivors who use paddling as therapy as well as recreation and competition. I can already feel the sparks that we be flying off this board!
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1
On a small body of water nestled between Tahoe and Sacramento a siren paddles across the calm waters–luring others to join her in this peaceful fluid sport of paddle boarding…
I first tried SUP in Maui this year and I’m hooked. I ride my board a few times a week and each time, someone will stop me to talk about it. I am the stand up paddle ambassador on Lake Combie in Meadow Vista and would love to ride a Siren board while doing it. Help me lure more to the SUP experience.
Live Aloha Sirens!
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1
SUPing TuTu*:
The standing (up) remark in our household is “TuTu* would go”. That’s me, Robin. I am 57 years young and have always been outside (the doors and the norm). On the Wild Rivers Coast of Oregon we are blessed with clear rivers and beautiful coastline. Living here most of my life, folks are used to seeing me outside being active. I work hard and play harder. Gregarious and helpful, I would make a great senior Siren** Ambassador.
*TuTu: Hawaiian for grandmother
**Siren: half female, half bird (like me, Robin!), daughter of sea god Phorys and river goddess Achelous.
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4
I grew up rowing on a man made lake in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. The summers were short and time spent on the water was limited.
Currently, I am living in St.Joseph, Michigan, with just a short walk from my house to one of the best beaches. Summers are longer and the water appears to be limitless.
Every year I swear I am going to get back on the water. It has 10 years I have still yet to full fill that promise I made to myself.
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7
Love. That is the simple reason for becoming your ambassador. I love board sports. Living on the East End of Long Island I am always surfing (longboard and short), kiteboarding, and in the winter snowboarding. As a mother of 2 small children and a music teacher, I am committed to setting a healthy example for the children in my community. My entire family celebrates this lifestyle. It would be my pleasure to teach and promote the sport of SUP. I am new to this board sport and cannot wait to learn more. I really don’t see much of it here and feel the benefits to the mind, soul, and body would bring pleasure to many around this coastal community. Please make me your Ambassador, I will not let you down and would have a lot of fun doing it:)
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14
100 words, ready, set go:
To start a free SUP “posse” – coastal Massachusetts – L.O.V.E. SUPs! Life, Ocean, (being) Vertical, Environment.
I don’t own a board, but found when using a friends, that SUPs provided me a sense of freedom, independence and confidence that I have not felt for many years.
SUPs have brought passion back into my life I want to SHARE this with everyone – and I KNOW I can!
This opportunity would enable me to work with my community to demonstrate that anything is possible, no matter how big or small the hurdle! I promise to serve as the best SUP Ambassador!
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
29
I was introduced to SUP last summer at a women’s event held at the Boulder reservoir. After one ride I was hooked! I would LOVE to be the SUP ambassador to all of my land locked family in friends! This past weekend I rented a board and taught my daughters, 6 & 8, how to SUP.
Since 2004 I have competed in several sprint triathlons. In 2010 I am taking on distance races, including my first marathon this weekend. My ultimate goal with SUP would be to compete in a tri that included it as one of the 3 challenges.
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1
I’m new to paddle boarding and super excited about learning! I could not afford to purchase one right now as my husband is searching for a job but still want to learn! I live 20 miles from the beach and would love an excuse to go. I could tell you all the great things I do and about my cancer scare but I’d rather not focus on the sob story. I am in the prime of my life and we should take every single opportunity we can to fulfill our dreams and help others fall in love with the outdoors!
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1
“for whatever we lose (like a you or a me), it’s always ourselves we find in the sea.” — e. e. cummings
I am a mother of three and am currently going through a long, drawn-out divorce. Living day-to-day, I find strength and peace through my children and my immense love for pilates and yoga. When I feel encompassed and overwhelmed, my girls and I go to the beach, take in all the sights and sounds, and then play in the waves until the sun goes down. I have just recently fallen in love with paddleboarding. There is a peace on the water that cannot be found anywhere else. I hope to teach my daughters how to live life to the fullest, and I can only hope they love the water as much as I do. You don’t see many paddleboards here in Jax, FL. I would love to share what I’ve learned, not only on paddleboarding, but on living and loving life. For life is sweet.
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3
Being an at-home mom of 4, it takes a lot of dedication to stay true to your fitness goals. I lost 80 pounds in 2009, and am striving to maintain it. When I moved to Florida a year ago, I fell in love with scuba diving, the ocean, and it’s inhabitants. However, now that we have the Gulf Oil Crisis, we’re not in the ocean much. We went to Yolo Boarding (SUP), and absolutely fell in love with it. What a great workout, and what a great way to enjoy the lakes here! I’m also training to be a Group Fitness Instructor – I love to teach people about working out, being healthy, and finding ways to enjoy themselves at the same time. I’d happily be a Siren ambassador! I love to learn new things & pay it forward by helping others achieve their goals.
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1
Why settle for 1 community when you can touch the world? I am the crew on a yacht that travels the world to some of the most fantastic destinations on the planet…think Maldives, Seychelles, Caribbean, Mediterranean…currently Brazil. I love the ocean and all water sports. I learned to kiteboard last year, and have just gotten back into shape after a broken ankle from a snowboarding accident. I have not yet tried a SUP, but I’m itching to have a go. If chosen as the Siren Ambassador, I can promise to bring the sport to different destinations around the world and get like-minded water and fitness lovers interested.
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10
Athleta!
I’m Sam- an impending college graduate. I have realized that an 8-5 job is never going to cure me to normalcy; I leave in January to start vagabonding. I do things out of passion, not for victory or to tell the story. My co-mission while traveling: to meet and write my way into others lives- so I can encourage them to go for their unique passions. I would love to add a paddleboard on my luggage. To me, having my own board would allow me to grow a connection through a means other than the world languages I lack!
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Grew up by the ocean, but was afraid;
After almost drowning, I was advised to stay away.
Loved the beach, fitness, and sun;
Always thought surfing looked like fun.
So I tried other board sports instead,
To keep the water safely above my head.
Never one to give up, I gave the waves another shot;
In Florida, Australia, Costa Rica, anywhere that was hot!
No longer afraid though it took years,
I’d like to show others they can conquer their fears.
Trying new sports has changed my life and views,
Which is why I’m the ambassador you should choose!
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19
My family and I rented one of these on our vacation in Lake Tahoe and loved it. What a fun “toy” to bring us all together. We had so much fun taking turns paddling around the lake and giving our kids (age 6 and under) rides. My mom, who just turned 63 years old was loving it! After a quick lesson from my brother my 10 year old daughter paddled right out by herself. It’s great to find sports everyone likes and can enjoy outside together. SUP would be fun to try in the ocean too.
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First, let me be honest and say that I am far from an expert paddler. But, I fell in love the first time I tried it. I was in Hawaii, pregnant with my first child in 2007. It was awesome – standing up with minimal effort and gliding across the blue water even with a blossoming belly.
Living in San Francisco, while the conditions are colder, it inspires, seeing people out on the Bay. With a SUP, I and those around me (including my kids) would access the holistic benefits of spiritual and physical strength, and revel in the joy of stand-up paddle.
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2
Ever since I went on a camping trip this spring to FL I have WANTED AND NEEDED a paddleboard! This board looks sick! As a newly graduated Nurse, lifeguard, swimming instructor and aquatic therapy for kids volunteer, I want to show people how to live a long, healthy, fun and active life!
I am the BEST ambassador for SIREN and ATHLETA and my community would benefit! I live right on the Fox River in Illinois and they’ve never seen anything like this. My friend owns a kayak shop and I could give lessons and maybe get more beautiful SIREN boards!
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
29
I live in smaller mountain community in Colorado that is filled with athletes and outdoor enthusiasts of all levels and interests. Our beautiful town is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and lakes and most people in the area devote a large part of their lives to multiple sports including biking, kayaking and rafting. Just recently have people in this town started discovering SUP’s and how much fun they are! They are being used on both the rivers and lakes… in rapids and flat water. It’s definitely the new craze and people are searching out how to get one and which brand is the best. My inspiration to start stand-up paddling is that I have always been drawn to board sports like snowboarding and wakeboarding and I would love to add the SUP board for both the river and the lake. I am a little intimidated to kayak, but have been fascinated by the SUP ever since I saw one on the river last year. I would be honored to be the ambassador for Siren and Athleta on a new SUP so I can first have so much fun learning a new sport and secondly, promote the Siren brand to my fellow members of the community…. people just like me who are always interested in adding to the arsenal of toys to enjoy our outdoor paradise!
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1
Growing up in Kona, and now raising a family here, I live in the world of water sports. It was my world once…I would like it to be again.
I grew up paddling and swimming competitively, beaching, boating, surfing. I lived in the water! At 40, mother of 3, I l want that healthier lifestyle and to get off my towel. I need activities that are healthy AND enjoyable.
Enter SUP… I tried SUP for the first time and loved it! I would bring SUP to the moms on the beach wanting to get back to that active lifestyle!
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1
In March of this past year I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I did not know what it meant for me and my family, having 3 young children. The doctors told me that I was in great shape and the key to managing my MS was to keep active and get more involved in the outdoors. Since I was an avid hiker it was easy to see myself doing more. In May my husband bought me a new bike and in June a new Kayak. Every day I strive to get outide and do more and more. Thankfully we have rivers and lakes near my house that allow me to pursue my love of the outdoors and continue to live stronger every day. I would love to learn to paddle board and to show others with MS that it is not a death sentance, but a new lease on life.
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2
I am a man. I would love to win a stand up paddle board because due to difficult economic times, I have been unable to buy my wife a decent gift for a couple of years. I, but more importantly she, would be OVERJOYED to win a stand up paddle board. My wife would use it at the NC coast where we spend a great deal of time but have yet to see a SUP. It needs an introduction here! Believe me, we would be great ambassadors for both Athleta and Siren SUP because the board would be well used, frequently discussed and be the “talk of the core sound”.
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
25
We live in a lake community and my daughter has been yearning to learn stand up paddling for quite a while. She saw what great athletic shape the models were in the stand up paddle photos in the Athleta catalog, and thinks it’s the coolest new sport today. She’s getting married later this month and she and her new husband will be living with us after the wedding until she can find a job. She would be a great Athleta and Siren stand up paddle ambassador in our community because of her love and experience of water sports.
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1
I would be so honored to win a SUP. I am a nurse and fitness instructor. I teach a class called Paddle Fit, which is a a core based challenge on a SUP. I am so freakishly obsessed with SUP and getting people out on the water. For 13 years I have been teaching indoors on land, this past year I have been trying to bring the “people to the water” for a workout that not only challenges the body, but invigorates the spirit and touches every sense that we have. Sometimes, working out is more about the mind,than the body. ‘imagine planking and having a dolphin jump in front of your board.” Winning a SUP would be a dream come true for me. Kat
I would also LOVE LOVE LOVE to be an ambassador for Siren & Athleta. I am a alumni Lululemon ambassador.
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1
My passion for the ocean brought me to Athleta when searching for an athetic swimsuit for surfing and body boarding. I’m a yoga instrutor and love their yoga clothes too. I’m in the ocean most days since I live in Hawaii. I have never SUP but have friends that love it and I have wanted to have a SUP yoga class. That would be creating a lot of chi! A whole new sport I would love to start here. Also this awesome Siren SUP would be a great way to explore our deserted beaches from the water. Namaste
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1
I have been a beach bum water girl since the day I was born. I have lived on an island on the coast of MA my entire life and spend my summers swimming, surfing, boating and kayaking. Some years back I was a lifeguard and that was when I was first introduced to paddle boarding. I have been interested since but do not have a board of my own to further my interest. If I won this board I would bring paddle boarding to the Island. In my eyes, the Ocean is our most precious resource and with the recent oil spill we need to do all we can to raise awareness and generate more interest in the our beautiful oceans. With this paddle board I would be the ambassador for the east and the Atlantic and help others to see what a joy the ocean can be!
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1
30 days ago I went SUPing for the first time..and definitely not the last. I slipped, spilled and laughed a few times before getting my legs along the Michigan shoreline..and when I did, I felt absolutely amazing! I watched the sandbar glide beneath me, the sunlight bouncce over the ripples and the mesmerizing sense of nature, self and my higher power all at work as one. Wow! I fell in love with that feeling and plan to pursue it over and over, and bring others to that place through Stand Up Paddling. A siren’s song is one that can’t be resisted. What better board to ride while catching waves, rippples and an a true sense of self…I’m all in.
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1
30 days ago I went SUPing for the first time..and definitely not the last. I slipped, spilled and laughed a few times before getting my legs along the Michigan shoreline..and when I did, I felt absolutely amazing! I watched the sandbar glide beneath me, the sunlight bounce over the ripples and the mesmerizing sense of nature, self and my higher power all at work as one. Wow! I fell in love with that feeling and plan to pursue it over and over, and bring others to that place through Stand Up Paddling. A siren’s song is one that can’t be resisted. What better board to ride while catching waves, rippples and an a true sense of self…I’m all in.
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1
I like that Nancy lives and practices alingment of …mind, body, spirit… warm aloha .. zelda
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4
I’m obsessed with SUP. From the first time I saw one I’ve had a profound organic need to paddle. I love to surf, I love the ocean, I know my soul will thrive dancing upon it. With a wedding in October to finance and a fiancé just out of surgery, a board purchase is not plausible. I do believe in miracles though, I see them everyday…I can’t relate what an amazing, and timely gift this would be in less than 100 words, but I can say that I could use some good in my life, I need to paddle.
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1
After having a baby, business being bad and trying to get back to my physical and emotional wellbeing a friend took me paddle boarding. From that day forward I fell in love with it and with me again. That time on a board and with my surroundings is my zen. The time in my day when everything is quiet and I can focus. I would love the chance to be on my own board and have my own place in the world away from the everyday stress and balance
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2
Having always been an active girl growing up, after marriage and 3 daughters it was even more important to stay active. As our girls grew up our love of sports led us to try many different sports and activities. When our family grew and we were blessed with grandbabies we continued to stay active and try new sports that would include the whole family. With that in mind a Stand Up Paddle Board would be a great addition to our family.
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9
I have to contribute my love of activity to my mom. She pushed me to do my first 5k, my first triathlon, and now SUP! We were always an active family growing up. She has made me who I am today, an adventurous, positive person who loves life. I am raising my children the same and hoping to continue the cycle. As a grandmother she has not slowed down, and we have friendly competetions to keep up with her. I am really writing this for her, she has inspired me and my 2 sisters to lead healthy, active lifestyles. She is our little “powerhouse” , (Mighty Mary) and is #300. Please vote for her. :)
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8
I live on one of the worlds three natural glacial formed Blue water lakes. The anxiously awaited Midwestern summers are filled with biking, kayaking, hiking, triathlons, swimming and sailing. Last year an out of town visitor brought his paddleboard for us to try. All were able to get up and paddle first time out and loved it! I want to introduce the SUP activity to this area and start selling the Siren boards here. I am on the board of an organization which promotes outdoor activities and feel like this sport would be the perfect fit here
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12
I applaude #210 and encourage her to keep going!
I am 34 and an avid runner and always looking for something new to experience. This summer has been a beach summer for us going to Rhode Island every weekend and I have seen a couple of paddle boards off the coast. I am very interested in the concept and I know that I would be a natural.
If chosen I would want to host a SUP get-together for the community in Narragansett, RI to share, learn and explore the sport as group and encourage each other to keep going, no matter what it is.
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Wisconsin is known for its dairy, beautiful landscapes and the Great Lakes- not as a center for water sports. However, with Lake Michigan ten minutes from my family’s home, there are an abundance of water sports- just not paddle boarding. My oldest daughter helped start a windsurfing program at a local sailing club, and there are kite boarders, surfers and parasailers seen everyday. I would love to bring another water sport to the area because it would be another sport for men and women to experience and use as a tool to benefit their mind and body.
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While living on Maui, I was introduced to SUP. At the time, I wasn’t feeling my best physically or mentally and SUP became part of my regime towards better health and happiness. Soon after, I moved to Portland, OR and embarked on a new chapter of my life that sadly, hasn’t involved SUP (yet!)
If I were to win the SIREN board, I would introduce more PNW women to the sport by hosting free womens SUP workshops. They would focus on building health and confidence through the sport. I would be proud to be a SUP ambassador for Portland!
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Good luck, Amanda.
Friend of Kerry’s
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I am a chiropractic student in Minnesota (land of 10,000 lakes!) and seeing that Athleta is holistic minded encourages me to want to share it with my fellow students (my school has TCM and massage as well). SIREN boards are used on the lakes here by my apartment and I would love to enjoy this great workout as well as promote it to friends, students and future patients! There is truly nothing better than enjoying life out in nature and staying healthy because of natural choices.
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This is awesome for Amanda to start this club. What a fantastic past time; fun, sun and exercise. This is a great way for people to spend their summer in a healthy manner !!
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I am a 62 year old tennis player and also LOVE the water. I am a water ski I would be a super ambassador for paddleboarding here in Shreveport, LA. To my knowledge no one is paddleboarding in my area so how great it would be to show off my board and the sport to this area!!
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Amanda exemplifies teenagers who make a difference through service to others.
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After suffering severe gestational diabetes, I realized that my future health depended on getting into and staying in shape. I have competed in 2 triathlons, 1 half-marathon, and many 5Ks in the past 5 years. Despite consistent yoga to improve flexibility, I am finding that I must vary my workouts a lot. I love the lake and SUP would give me an opportunity to ‘exercise’ while enjoying the beauty near my home. I have never seen SUP on our lakes and would love to help introduce such a fun sport to this area.
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I’m your girl! I’ll scream Siren’s name as I paddle into waves, races, and new ocean adventures! I love to surf. It was hard to learn at 22, but now at 31 I can’t imagine life without it. Recently I entered the paddling world, very different from surf community. I’m helping to safely escort my friend as he undertakes the daunting challenge of crossing the Moloka’i channel. He is paralyzed from the chest down and at times needs assistance. I’ve seen the paddling community embrace him and I yearn to join. I’ll wear the Siren name loud and proud in Hawai’i.
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I took up SUP in 2008, riding on a hand-me-down board from a friend I paddled outrigger canoes with. The only thing better than the spray of salt water in my face and sore shoulders at day’s end is the opportunity to encourage other women to get outside and play. I intend to hone my mad skills on a new Siren board on the shores of the Big Island, dragging locals and tourists alike to the beach, and continuing the tradition I started in San Diego with Team LUNA Chix and the Breast Cancer Fund: encouraging women to get active!
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
145
I took up SUPing a few months ago for exercise and for my daughter to see me out on the water. My daugher has seen me and so have the majority of women in my small mountain town. I would love to win this board, so I can invite women in my communtiy to paddle with me. The sport is expensive and there is not one rental shop on my side of the cascade mountains. If given the chance I would introduce so many women to this great sport. And then their daughters can see them out on the water.
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I’m a physical therapist in Hawaii and have a health condition where my connective tissue is very flexible and need to exercise and keep core strength daily to keep my body operating. I watched SUP’ers and learned it’s values in body stabilization. My first experience was in Haleiwa, HI with a friend knowledgeable with the ocean and surfing. I LOVED the workout and the ability to see into the ocean. A beautiful sea turtle swam right between us! I would love to promote the benefits of this wonderful exercise in my town so my patients exercise and enjoy the ocean.
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I live on Kauai, Hawaii and have worked with children and teens for years to believe in themselves, to stand up for themselves, through physical culture of peaceful martial arts, qigong and yoga. If you recognize the benefit for children that would occur if I had your paddle board, I vow to offer ‘Stand Up (for Yourself) Paddle’ days free for underprivileged children on Kauai.
When we’re young we learn “Stand Up for Ourselves”
As teens we learn to “Stand Up for Something Important”
Later we learn “Stand Up and Be Noticed”
And now it’s time to “Stand Up Paddle!”
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I want to bring paddleboarding to the Island of Dominica! I’ve lived here for a year now and have yet to see a paddle board (and only a few surfboards). I’ve only tried stand up paddling once in Hawaii but would love to get back out there on the water and give it another go. I think my friends would really enjoy it too… I live on the coast and go for a swim every morning and think it would be nice to switch it up and get ON BOARD!!!!
Peace & much island love–
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HERE IS MY THUMBS UP FOR YOU.
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Colorado is known for days of sunshine and …surfing? Not so much, but when the water is liquid, more and more people are grabbing boards and getting out on lakes and rivers. We paddle for fun, for the workout, to clear our heads, and to energize our souls. What could be better than communing with nature while getting the most fun core workout on or off the water? Being an ambassador for Athleta and Siren would allow me to connect with and inspire others as I spread the stroke of this incredible sport and the aloha spirit of SUP.
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Wooohoooo!! We love SUPin!! Im 27 and I run a small nonprofit organization that works with homeless shelter youth. My focus is to get them out and teach them a healthy, active, ambitious lifestyle. I take them surfing, SUPing, hiking, etc and do tutoring after school. I do it myself and on my own dime so, its not much but so much fun! I would love to have a personal SUP board to go and find hidden adventures to take them on (that are safe and fun). Plus it would be just one less board I have to rent ;)
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At 51+ I swim like a fish long distance in the Puget Sound year round. I have been mistaken for a seal by a seal and at times feel so drawn to the water as to wonder? I used to row crew and love the feel of being in and on the water. No longer able with titanium back parts, I am searching for a sport to add to swimming. I have inspired several island friends to join me in the sound and surely would expand the following on a board.
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In the past few years I have been concentrating on promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for my son and I. Most of my life I have have struggled with my weight, and was unable to exercise as it was very uncomfortable. A few years back, I decided to start exercising slowly and introduced new activities as time went on. Instead of thinking of it has dieting, I was exercising to promote of healthy state of mind. I started out hiking when I has over 300 pounds. As I started to loose weight, I began biking and hiking with my son in his carrier, and stroller. From there I moved on to cross country skiing, and then started jogging/running which I never thought I would ever be able to do! This summer I had the chance to get my son out on a kayak and he absolutely loved it, and was completely relaxed! After seeing some paddle boarding in action,I did some reasearch and found it was an activity that my son would be able to take part in as well. If we get a chance this summer to try it out and gain some balance, we may be able to get my dog to hop on with us!
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I have lived in Chicago all my life, the cold weather, has propelled me south. Living here in North Carolina I have the oportunity to explore the mountains and lakes. Most people here kayak or have boats. It would be nice to see something different something exciting and sporty. The stand up paddle board certainly has awaken my sense of adventure.
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Pick Me! Pick Me! I used to live in New Jersey. After 9 11 my husband pick up our kives and children and we moved to the sleepy beachside town of Brunswick, GA. We live near St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island. Very beachy area but no waves because we live in what they call the Georgia Bite. The indentation of the land between Savannah Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida. It would allow for the PERRRRRFECCCCT Paddle boarding experience. After 9 11 when so many people in our community perished, we have found a place of wonder and beautiful nature and a keen sense of peacefulness. My kids go to a little school near the beach where they can wear flip flops if so desired. Love it. Love your clothing line! Just bought three dresses!! PICK ME PICK ME AND…….. come visit us in the “The Golden Isles”. Much love Jodi Pharis
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As an elementary physical education teacher of 750 elementary age students per year I try to keep up with new and exciting athletic activities so that I will be able to relate to my students as well as help to instruct them on the many things they can do to live a fitness filled life. So last year when I first began noticing stand up paddle boarding in nearby Lake Michigan my interest was immediately peaked. I found that even though it looks a little difficult when you see athletes on the water doing it, its actually a very natural feeling and provides relaxation as well as exercise and adventure. So I know that many of my students would be able to learn it and really like it! I would be a good ambassador to those in my community of Holland ,MI as well as to my students in nearby communities. Owning my own board would help me to gain confidence and be able to allow others to try out the sport through practice on my board. Stand up paddling is a great example of a sport that can help us stay fit for life!
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Aloha! I am water sports-woman living on Oahu, HI, that has had to get creative since I started my family 3 years ago. My husband and I found stand up paddling to be an awesome workout (even during pregnancy) , a great way to get the kids in the ocean, and a close feeling to the outrigger canoe paddling we love. We were able to buy our first (and only) SUP board last year. Since then we have had another baby, and now there are 4 of us LOVING this sport. WE take turns with our daughters (Rylee: age 2 Shayne: Age:13 months) on our board and never go to the beach without it! We are moving to Washington state where we recently visited and fell in love with SUP on the beautiful lakes…I would be so trilled to have the Siren Sojourn SUP Board!! It’s the best all around board and I cannot wait to get my whole family out together!! How stylin with my Athleta gear!
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I would make a great Athleta and Siren stand up paddle ambassador in my community because I would use the same philosophy with adults that I do with the children I volunteer with at my kids school. COURAGE. I tell them to choose 3 things they would like to try but need a nudge of courage to get started. Write it on paper, put it in a box, then pull one out and just try it. Get support from friends, learn, and go do it. I’m at a new phase in my life where my three kids will be in school and I’ve been searching for an opportunity and direction for me now. This could be it! I love the concept of strengthening your core but it would do so much more. Connecting with the water element of our earth and finding that time we all need to reenergize our minds and bodies. And southwest FL is a great location!
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I would use the same philosophy I do with the children I volunteer with at my kids school. COURAGE. I tell them to choose 3 things they would like to try but need a nudge of courage to get started. Write it on paper, commit, then just try it. Get support from friends, learn, and do it. I’m at a new phase in my life where my three kids will be in school and I’ve been searching for an opportunity and direction for me now. This could be it! Strengthen bodies, calm minds, with the greatest element on earth…water!
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I would love to be the Siren ambassador in North Carolina! I grew up water skiing on the lakes here and now I compete in triathlons across the state. I am currently training for my first Ironman. Stand Up Paddling would be an excellent addition to training. What a fabulous way to keep your core fit and strong. I would be able to spread the excitement of this sport to my daughter, friends, and training partners. How fun! This could be a phenomenal way to start a new adventure!
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My husband and I are very active in our triathlon community. We are members of one of the nations largest triathlon groups, The St. Pete Mad Dogs, and have completed numerous triathlons around the country including the 1/2 Ironman in Panama City. Living in Florida miles from the beach allows us to train nearly year round! We have a jetski as well so we are out on the water often. Stand up paddling is becoming more and more common among fellow triathletes as it is great cross training. Being part of The Mad Dogs would allow for me to promote the sport along with the great Siren Paddle Board won during this contest!
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I would be proud to bring ambassadorship to Northern California in my hometown of Folsom. There are many water-sport opportunities in this beautiful suburb located just outside of Sacramento. We have two lakes and a river both within jogging distance, and i would be most honored to bring such an elegant paddle-board to the envious attention of my friends and neighbors. I’m quite sure that with a little practice, they will envy my paddle board skills too! :)
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I am a recently converted water-lover. For a very long while i had convinced myself that I was not a very good swimmer, and instead spent my passions on climbing rocks, riding my bicycle, wandering trails, or on my yoga mat.
I believe these things are moving meditation.
I’ve found, however, that my aversion to the water could actually be attributed to a little bit of fear and a little lack of practice. I’ve been in the ocean every day this summer and am enamored.
I believe in finding ways to let my limbs express themselves and play, and appreciate every way my body moves for me. I love the outdoors. I would be beyond excited to find the balance and play of stand-up paddling.
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My family and I spend all our spare time on the Illinois and Fox River in Ottawa, Illinois or at our families lake house in Wisconsin. We waterski, wakeboard, boat and try to have a lot fo fun. I think a paddle board would be beyond fun for our family. I have never seen a paddle board on our river or lake.
It would be fun to be the “first” in our area to have a paddle board. We are trying to be good fitness examples for our kids…how much more fun could a paddle board be!
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I moved to the Outer Banks, NC (OBX) after our company closed. I started SUP two years ago when I turned 50. I was tired of sitting on the beach watching my husband have so much fun. I was intimidated by the ocean but now SUP almost every day. We started the first OBX business dedicated entirely to SUP because of our love for the sport. Women who see me paddling, notice my physical condition and are encouraged to give it a try. I have a 100% success rate in teaching women of all ages, shapes, and sizes.
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Your Siren paddle board would love living with me in Portland, Oregon. I’d consider it my summer job to adventure through the lakes and rivers of the northwest on my paddle board. I’m confident the best aqua ambassador for the job. I run marathons and road bike. My swimming has been confined to swimming laps in a chlorinated pool. Your Siren paddle board would grant me summer freedom from the swimming pool!
I’ve always wanted to start a water sport and paddle boarding would be my ticket to explore the lakes and rivers of the northwest. It would make my summer complete! My friends and I would I’d float it down the Columbia river and around Sauvie’s island. I’d teach my friends how to paddle board on her.
Summer is the best season in Portland, Oregon. I’m a intensive care nurse and paddle boarding would be good aqua therapy inbetween my shifts at the hospital. At night my paddle board and I would wearily head home to rest. In the morning as the sun peaks out from the edge of the earth we would wake up and go for a good long swim.
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For seventeen years I have faithfully followed my husband around the world while he serves his country in the United States Air Force. Finally, we are going someplace I’ll love, Hawaii! I’ll be spending lots of time on the water while my five kids learn all kinds of sporting activities; sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, boogey boarding, and the entire time I’ll be on my Siren Sojourn SUP provided by Athleta. I’ll be the envy of all the girls on the beach!
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I was born and raised in the desert, so I have never had a chance to go paddle boarding before. I’ve seen pictures and videos of strong beautiful women having a blast on the water and I want to be like them. I also live near Lake Powell, AZ-UT, and I doubt it would be the first, or even the second or third, place that anyone would think to paddle board. Perfect place to get the word out!
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My experience so far is short and sweet. I’ve tried SUP with a friend and taken a SUP clinic with a local paddling store here in Portland, OR. This week I will SUP with a group from the paddling store on a tour they call “paddle with the people”. I am very excited to have a board of my own because my 3 year old sat on the board with me; he absolutely loved it and wanted to paddle himself. We would show people the pleasure and fun of what I think can be a great family activity.
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As an occupational therapist, I have learned many things from my patients but most of all to embrace life and be thankful to have a mind and body that allow me to do the things that I love. I was in a motorcycle accident, but got another bike. As I am writing this, I have staples in my head from a surfing accident yesterday, but it will not stop me from surfing again. I would be an excellent ambassador of SUP because I am enthusiastic about life and encourage everyone I meet to do the things they enjoy in life.
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As a life-long resident of the Jersey Shore, I know that it is a beautiful place with fantastic waterways and miles of gorgeous beaches. As an outdoor adventure camp counselor I’ve had the opportunity to learn new skills such as climbing, sailing and kayaking. As a collegiate rower, I am always looking for ways to stay in shape and mix up my workouts. I think that I can use my location, my enthusiasm for new sports, my athleticism and my love of teaching people new skills to my advantage as an ambassador for Siren and Athleta on the Jersey Shore.
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I’m closer to 58 than 56 but thanks to exercise, sunscreen, and enthusiasm for embracing life’s challenges, am genrally told that I look much younger but, more importantly, feel great! I feel lucky and blessed to live in the NH seacoast area, which affords multiple opportunities for enjoying outdoor sports. Hiking or skiing the Whites, biking along the coast, &/or kayaking in & out of the harbours are just heavenly. Racing my little sailboat against the “ladies” ( who are cut-throat) keeps us all on our toes. I love a challenge! I’m an enthusiastic woman who loves to share experiences and information with others. I am always hoping I can support others to convert to healthier, more active lifestyles. I’ve been enviously watching several folks SUP’ing over the past 2 years and have wanted to join them; I would love the opportunity to learn and share this info. I bought a kickbike several years ago and use it around town (it’s a killer leg & butt workout!). I could have sold a hundred of these within my first season as I’m always stopped and asked about it (I pass on the website!)..so I think I could become a similar advocate for SUP while discovering, learning, and enjoying a new opportunity to be on the water.
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I have a love for and inherent desire to protect our natural resources. Living in Maryland our greatest is the Chesapeake Bay and the many rivers that feed it. Enjoying this gem is a privilege, and protecting it is a necessity. This why I support and practice environmentally friendly water sports. For 8 years now I have been an avid kayaker. In Hawaii I noticed paddleboards for the first time and just recently tried it on my own. It is a great physical workout, and allows for a fabulous view of the water while in a balanced, meditative state.
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Why would I love to win a paddle board; simple, to allow my husband and I to pass the love of the outdoors and all sports that go with it on to our son and our daughter (who will arrive next month)!
I JUST arrived home from our annual family vacation and this year my 2 year old son was able to get up on a paddle board, with assistance of course, and he LOVED it. I wish I could attach pictures here because the look on his face sums up anything that I’d try to type here.
My husband and I are extremely active and love the outdoors. From skiing and snowboarding to rock climbing and camping we enjoy it all. However, anything WATER is extremely close to my heart. I love it and can’t get enough.
I was first introduced to paddle boarding two years ago on a family vacation to Michigan. A relative of mine has a few boards and let my husband and I try them out. I fell in love with paddle boarding from the minute I started gliding effortlessly across the water! I’ve always loved anything water and kayaking was a favorite until now. I love being so close to the water and having the ability to just glide along, silent and peaceful!
If I give one gift to my kids I want it to be the ability to respect, enjoy and forever be in awe of nature and all the creatures we share this earth with. What better way to have fun, enjoy the water and get a great workout! If I’m the winner my new paddle board will be enjoyed for years to come! (thank you)
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
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I started working out at the end of March, at the age of 42, to try to get my “college soccer body” back. My trainer asked me my goal, and I said, without hesitation, “I want to be on the cover of an Athleta catalogue!” 3 months later and I am down 16 pounds (10 more to go), have replaced fat with muscle and feel great! Part of my training has included trying new sports – and SUP’ing was recently one of them. I was out for the first time at Boulder reservoir this weekend and loved it. What a great all over body workout and meditative sport. I would love to win the board to paddle the rest of the weight off and reach my goal (and in a couple months, be on the cover of the catalogue paddling it!).
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My boyfriend and I are moving to St. John in October. Stand up paddling is something that I will definitely take up once we move there. I have a great sense of balance, and sometimes at concerts I will balance a cup on my head while dancing. I love the idea of following my boyfriend out into the sea while he snorkels on my brand new Siren Sojourn sup 10′ Board. We can be together while focusing on things we love separately. It will be great to find other people on the island that are doing this to form a community and do it together.
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I run about 15 miles a week and practice yoga 3 times a week, so am fairly athletic, but I usually find myself too shy for beach sports- even though I live in Long Beach, NY where the beach is practically my backyard! I need to conquer my fear and learning to stand up paddle board would be the perfect challenge to get me up off my beach blanket and out of my comfort zone! I will be an inspiration to myself and others!
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
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I am a strong, proud woman of 33. I find my drive for living in the community of women that surround me. Two of these women have been exceptionally inspirational. After raising two girl and working full time, my mother, 59, went back to school three years ago to be a teacher and now shares her love of learning with a whole new group of children. My three year old daughter finds wonder in everything around her; from a butterfly alight on a flower in our yard, to the tomato we’ve taken in from the vine. We started them from seed in the spring. I learn something new from them each day.
Just recently I read an article about stand-up paddle boards and thought I might like to give it a try. I grew up swimming, boating, and sailing on a lake in beautiful northern New Jersey. So I hefted the board from an old wind surfer out from the shed, grabbed an oar from our canoe and gave it a try. Imagine what I could do outfitted with the Sojourn 10′ SUP Board. I know that with the gift of this board from Siren and Athleta, I will bring this excitement and connection with the water to our lake community. I can already see my daughter sitting on the front of the board and my mother accompanying us in her kayak. The strength and power of three generations of women, what a sight to behold?
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
37
I live in the middle of Pennsylvania and there is not much going on here. The sports that are most common around here are team sports, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer etc. I love being active and I often get rid of stress by playing sports. While I do belong to a club field hockey and lacrosse team, I have to rely on teammates to show up to play. I want to get involved in a sport that I have to rely solely on myself. I have always loved the water ever since I went to college near Virginia Beach, but since I moved back to PA there is little opportunity (none) to surf, so I figured I would try SUP. I am very excited to paddle around the lakes around here and just be by myself with nature.
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Hello. I use to be very active and absolutely loved anything to do with water. However, about ten years ago I broke my back skydiving. After many years of being scared of hurting myself again and going through lots of rehabilitation I have just recently started trying to get my life back(and my WEIGHT). I am happy to say I have started road biking and swimming. I have many times seen magazines with woman on sup boards with paddles and thought wow! I would love to do that! Being 38 years old I am excited to say…I truly miss doing the things I LOVE! I hope to be considered for the free board…Owning one would make me feel alive and excited to get back into the sports that I love!!!Living in Northern California I know I would get a ton of use with it!! Life is short and I don’t want to waste one more minute not doing the things I love.
Cheers!
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Every woman who takes time for herself and explores something new, adventurous, and tranquil such as paddle-boarding is an ambassador for us all, and for the true meaning of chi.
For many that begins with taking a moment to envision ourselves, as I just did… stepping onto the board, into the water. Taking off. Letting go.
I recall the sense of peace I felt the first time I saw a boarder in the ocean, and then when I was able to try it out on my own in Tahoe. Quiet. Calm. Solitary. Empowering.
Where I am in my life I often struggle with fear about balance (in every sense), about living the example and the true meaning of all I believe in. How honorable and what a privilege it would be to have an opportunity to share this with my family and community and to find a new adventure and place to explore paddling whenever I can!
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My husband and I are runners and met rock climbing. We are an active family and love recruiting others to join us in being outdoors and active. I live one mile away from a community lake and would tow the paddle board there by bike where I can invite friends, family and neighbors to try it. I will also share it with my church friends at our retreats in nearby Lake Tahoe. I’d love to use it to introduce love of water to my 18 month old son while also strengthening my core and getting a great workout.
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My husband and I have been very active over the last 22 years. We always prided ourselves on our health. We bought a condo on Maui 6 years ago for future retirement. We are know by some as the “pea in the pond couple”. Unfortunately, Joe was diagnosed with ALS a terminal disease. I have found strength and courage these last few years to stand on my own and paddle boarding gives me the feeling of serenity (which is hard to find these days). When comparing running, swimming, and biking I love the balance, complexity, and the adrenalin rush that paddle boarding creates. My husband can watch from the beach and I know each time I go out on the board it is not only for me, it is for both of us. I currently rent a board, it would be an honor to be the ambassador for Siren and represent them.
Aloha
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
69
In our small beach community, SUPing, like surfing, tends to be a male-dominated sport. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve put my phone # on waiting lists for SUP rental, only to finally get to pick one up after a dude has finished using it the entire morning!! (It’s not always easy for moms to make it up to the local surf shop at 8am to grab one of the 3 boards available for rental…).
While the physical workout is amazing, I have to say that the mental and emotional respite I receive after 2 hours on a SUP is unlike any other workout benefit I’ve experienced. Every woman deserves the opportunity to enjoy therapy on a SUP.
The opportunity to facilitate participation in this sport to the girls, young women, and moms in St. Aug Beach would be an extraordinary honor! Our community needs another SUP…and if I’m the Siren Ambassador, be assured that the ladies around here are going to share that title with me!
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I would make the perfect ambassador for my community because I live along the beautiful Oregon Coast, nearby Siletz Bay, is the perfect place to use my new paddle board! Many tourists from around the great Pacific Northwest come to visit to where I call home. Upon seeing how much fun my girls and I are having out on the bay, visitors and locals alike will want to rent and buy their own paddle boards from local surf shops up and down Hwy 101.
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
34
I lived on Kauai for a year and fell in love with the ocean waves but my love for home and family found me back in the Midwest. As an active individual and owner of a personal fitness business, I believe in supporting various fitness and wellness pursuits. Not only would I be excited to revisit my the love of paddling waves on Kauai with Stand Up Paddling back here on the lakes in Madison, WI but I would be able to bring this growing sport to all the others that I support, coach, train with, motivate and inspire.
~Reader Favorite~ Like:
277
My family has always been active in water sports of all kinds. When I met my husband 34 years ago, he introduced me to waterskiing and as our children grew up, we also got them up on skis. About 17 years ago, we all tried wakeboarding and fell in love with it to the point that our vacations usually revolve around water, waterskiing and wakeboarding. Our son convinced us to purchase a MasterCraft wakeboard boat a few years ago so that he could find tune his wakeboarding and the dealership included a wakesurfer in the deal. What a blast and it has become a necessity on any trip in the boat as an additional fun time riding a wave when we don’t have any to speak of in our province. I would love to try paddle boarding as it looks like just another great way to get some exercise and enjoy the water!!
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WOW! I go to Lake Chelan for a ten day camping trip with 60 or so family members. We leave July26th…. Something new to try! I have seen this before and would love to try. We bring alot of water toys to play with but this would be something new and fun for all age levels to try. They won’t get bored with this new board and I being a young 56 years of age would be ready for a new adventure. Beside that core strength stuff sounds good for women my age!
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***Rumi: “Why do we live in a prison when the doors are wide open?” As a physical therapist/yoga teacher my goal is to open doors for people on their healing journey. I would be honored to open doors to infinite possibilities by being your ambassador. I am motivated to represent you at surf contests, yoga events etc. I surf and I am a beginner SUP’er. Life is about fun, and sharing SUP with my patients would enhance their core strength and balance, and smiles. ☺ Thank you for opening doors and for your generosity. “A smile is the best accessory.”
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I live in Montana near the shores of Flathead Lake which has over 160 miles of shoreline. My boys and I are hooked on this fun new sport. We have access to a few boards but don’t own one. I believe the key to staying healthy is to get outdoors and make it fun. It’s one of the greatest examples I can set for my children. As they get older they share more and more interests with their dad such as hunting and fishing, I’m hoping this continues to be something they love to do with mom.
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After kayaking for years, I learned of SUPing and couldnt wait to try. Started paddleboarding in the last few weeks…LOVE it! I live near Lake Michigan and hit the water much as possible. I am always asked about it as it’s fairly new to the area and find myself talking about it to people all over, at the beach, at work, on way to work, explaining how awesome it is to be out on the water! I try to get everyone around me to try it! best to date – my bff’s 8 yr old son! He’s already awesome at it!
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We live in an amazingly beautiful area with many lakes within reach. I have recently been able to enjoy paddle boarding with a friend and a client. She just recently opened a retail paddle board store. Her passion has inspired me and has gotten me hooked. I am a mother of 4, and do hair part time. Since I have started paddling I can not get enough. I tell all my clients and invite anyone I can to come to a group paddle with us. My kids and I spend tuesdays at the beach……we will always have a paddle board with us at the beach my kids are hooked too. What a great way to enjoy the waters near us as well as get some exercise.
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I want you to know that I will take the BEST care ever of this new ‘toy’ of mine! I will USE it, but not abuse it! Neglect will never be an issue, on the contrary, wherever I go, my new board will go! I will share this new addition with all my family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances, letting everyone experience it and enjoy it! You’re considering the best new home for your board – rest assured, the Siren Paddle Board will never be alone! Choosing an ambassador is easy when you KNOW the gift will be loved!
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I’m 44-years old and have secured a new love…yesterday, I went SUP for the third time (in my Athleta tankini). Not only was I captivated by the scenery, the workout felt effortless. Today, the payoff; I feel like I did 3,000+ crunches.
Yet, the sweetest part of SUP. For the first time, I have an edge over my hubby in a sport, even when the paddle is sized to fit him! Could you imagine what I could do with a proper sized paddle and the speed of a Siren?? This would be too easy to talk about.
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We live in forks WA there is a lot of water around us and we love doing outdoor things I have never tried this but I really would like to I just cant afford to I would use it all the time! I think it would be an excellent way to get back in shape after having are new daughter 2 months ago, and it would be a good way to for me to relax too because I have a hard time spending me time without thinking of what I should be doing instead. I would also like to get my moms group to get one so we could all do it together because I think even the ones who enjoy ex resizing could enjoy this activity!
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I live in a perfect place to learn to paddle board, beatiful Lake Tahoe. I have enviously observed paddlers on the lake and have been itching to give it a try. Easier said then done, but with my new board I will be the one watched with envy, no worries, I will let all give it a try and then they will want to purchase their own Siren board! I have two daughters ages 17 and 20. What a great sport for them to do and share with their friends. Thats an age where they are always looking for something to do. Now we can all share paddle boarding with family and friends while wearing our Althleta swim suits or excerise outfits!
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I respectfully nominate myself for the Siren Ambassador! I am an Army wife and enjoy pursuing new challenges while my husband serves our country abroad. I learned to ride my own Harley, took other military wives kayaking, hiking and taught survival skills. Why not learn an amazing fun skill like stand up paddling! I would love to get started and then teach others how much fun it is. We are about to embark on the adventure that is a military move, what better place to learn than in the Sportsman’s Paradise that will be our new home!
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I would love to be an Athleta and Siren stand up paddle ambassador in my city of Richmond, Virginia because as a mother, teacher and an athlete, I have a voice that can help make a change for others in sports and an appreciation for nature. I have always enjoyed water sports such as sailing, kayaking, skiing and swimming. Paddle boarding is a new sport for me, but an opportunity to enjoy one of nature’s most beautiful resources. Our community has recently refurbished a century old lake in Forest Hill Park. It would be an honor to be a spokesperson for the sport in Forest Hill Lake. Small boats are allowed in this lake for recreational sport and the sport of paddle boarding could really take off here in Richmond.
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I will be 54 this August and have never tried paddle boarding. With the lakes and rivers where we live in WV, I think this would be a great sport to try. I have never seen anyone around here on a paddle board and I would like to be the first to start this sport in our area. As a family, we have always loved water sports. Boating, swimming, skiing, and wake boarding have been a big part of our lives and now with 5 grandchildren, I would like to start a new sport tradition for our family and our area. This would be a great new way to explore the waters around our area and to take when we travel to Hilton Head, SC to visit our daughter and her family.
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Hello, i choose # 210 , Judy. Sounds like a perfect ambassador!
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I can’t get this out of my mind!! Ever since I read about this contest to win a paddle board I’ve been intrigued! I had not heard about these before this and I WANT ONE!!! I live in Michigan and we certainly have no shortage of water to paddle in. I would love to be your ambassador here and what better time or place than the Weyerhauser Ausable River Canoe Marathon,where everyone loves to paddle! I love to kayak and canoe so this sounds like my kind of fun! I can see this being a huge hit here in Michigan!
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Having the quality clothes and gear that support and inspire me to be all that I can be in environments that keep my spirit organically connected with nature would truly be an incredible honor. As a responsible mariner and world citizen, I live my life as an example of how fitness combined with natural environments can enrich a persons life and the lives of others. I support and believe in the integrity of the Athleta and Siren companies as well as the authentic spirits of the remarkable, female athletes that both companies embody and encourage so beautifully. Thanks!!
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I am a military firefighter currently deployed in SE Asia. I spend my free time planning my adventures and travels for the end of this tour. If I were to win this contest, I would not only be a SUP ambassador for Lake Superior and my home community of Duluth, MN, but I will also bring the joy of SUP to my friends all over the world. I am new to this sport and excited to learn a new skill. I have a love for travel and the outdoors and can’t wait to further broaden my exercise horizons.
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Earlier this spring the remants of a windsurfing board washed up on shore near my parents home. Last week on a visit I saw this as the perfect opportinuty to mimic the same experience I’d been itching to do for months. In about thirty seconds I was standing and paddling on the pseudo paddle board with the assistance of a somewhat shorter than needed canoe paddle. For the following three days I couldn’t get enough. Since I left it is all I can think about. Standing atop that board, staring into the water with each stroke, I felt more centered and at peace than is often possible back home. Each musle isometrically contracting and responding to the waves provides the synergy between body and mind that I often search for in a workout. Please see the link to a picture or two of “my first time” on the board. Thank you!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=11517785&aid=2331796&s=40&hash=8627d3d16b6fb5d93d14f05815854908#!/photo.php?pid=41479825&id=11517785&fbid=741789460926
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I am a Nursing Student who lost 40 pounds through Triathalons. A chiropractor forced an adjustment, landing me at the ER with a torn TFL and three herniated disks!
Nine months later, I am recumbent biking and water walking–still not allowed to run. I am having trouble moving patients at work. My physical therapist recommends SUP to strengthen my core.
Please help, Athleta friends! A girlfriend (with three boys!) SUPs as her only “me-time”, and promises help transporting the board. After all my hard work becoming a healthy and fit person, the injury really broke my spirit.
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I just became a mom for the first time. Giving birth and seeing my baby flourish has rocked my world…more than I ever expected. More than ever I feel an overwhelming responsibility to become the person I want to be and do the things I have always wanted to do. On my road back to pre-pregnancy shape, please consider me for the Athleta/Siren SUP Ambassador so that I can continue to inspire my daughter by trying new things and ‘going for it’! Thank you.
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I think it’s great that two teenagers, Amanda Shoemaker and Paige Siniscalchi started a club with little or no support, have garnered and maintained interest, and have involved so many kids from their school. I think this sort of enthusiasm and hard work should be rewarded. Please consider them for the prize!
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I’m a water sports junkie and tried paddle boarding recently. My husband and I have continued to expose our 2 small children (aged 4 and 2) in many water sports like waterskiing, snorkeling, and good old fashion “slip and sliding”. We live on a river with young and older families who are always stopping by to see what kind of H20 activity we are submerged in because they know our “hatch” is always open. Experiencing just how easy paddle boarding is, I’d be honored to be the Athleta/Siren SUP Ambassador encouraging others to get their “sea legs” on start paddlin’.
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Being a cabin owner in MN, the land of 10k lakes, water sports abound but the Stand Up Paddle trend has yet to reach the Midwest. I didn’t try the SUP while in Hawaii, knowing that a lake was more my speed and style. I’ve lost over 65 pounds over the last couple of years through diet and Pilates and now that I can finally fit into Athleta wear, I would do the Athleta/Siren partnership proud with my transformed physique and some fine paddling on Cross Lake in MN. Murray, my Golden Retriever, will be paddling right alongside.
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I’m navigating. At 19, I follow my feet, each step for passion, each leap by inspiration. Two things make my heart sing the most: the outdoors, and people. And that’s what I think it takes to be a great Siren SUP ambassador. If I were to win this board, I can imagine mornings spent here on the water in McCall, or wherever else I end up, and opportunities taken to let anyone else interested try it for themselves. Some things you do lift you, some things you do lift others, and by lifting others we soar to new heights. Thanks for considering me for your Athleta/Siren Ambassador.
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Because I want Columbus, Ohio to be the new “out west”. I just returned from a Hawaii vacation where people live in the water and I got to watch alot of SUP’s in action. It would be a dream to live the life in Hawai’i, but I love Columbus. I am an active teacher, cyclist, and runner, and I live on Alum Creek State Park and see alot of athletes. I lead a beginner women’s community weekly bike ride and have watched women getting excited about cycling and triathlons and know they would be just as excited about stand up paddling. Kayaking is slowing taking off here, but I would love to be out on the wtaer and for people to see me on my Siren SUP baddle board and to tell them all the details and how it’s an awesome fun workout and great new way to spend time on the water.
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“I WANT ONE” is what our kids were screaming after renting paddle boards on vacation! Hubby’s a swimmer, I’m an Adventure Racer and we LOVE new activities, especially involving water! Living in Florida, the beach is just minutes away which is where we first spotted a Standing Paddle Boarder. After researching we found the cost was prohibitive in our current budget and with the struggling economy affecting hubby’s wages, well, it was a dream at best. Please consider our family for your Siren Standing Paddle Board….help us continue the outdoor advenures for generations to come!
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SUP St. Louis! I’m 28 and fresh to the sport. My inspiration to integrate SUP into my life is to meld two loves – my family and the water. I was not born into a family of athletes or water-lovers, so I’ve worked relentlessly to balance this harmony. I connect my respect for our waters with my community through simple, daily conversations that easily evolve into education. Missourians need to look beyond their power boats and return to the elements. I want to show them that you can surf in St. Louis! Thank you for this chance! Peace and paddleboards.
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New Smyrna Beach, Florida is the PERFECT place for paddle boarding and I’m the perfect person to represent this amazing product! I’m 50 yrs young, my kids are grown, and I now have my time and my independence back; thanks to my new found sport…stand up paddle boarding!
My favorite way to either start or finish the day is on my husbands’ Stand Up Paddleboard! The only thing that would make it better…is if I had my own Siren standup! I could market these with my eyes closed! It’s just that easy when you find something you enjoy this much!
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At a young age, I convinced myself that any salt water adventure would ultimately end in a scene from jaws. Given that, I am not completely misfortunate that I live in Chicago. As a young mother of three, this paddle board would be a great lake activity for the entire family. If you choose us, you would get an entire family of paddle ambassadors! Most importantly, this paddle board would allow me the freedom to participate in the annual Chicago Polar Bear plunge in March, without actually getting hypothermia. Always a plus for a mom of 3!
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If I could magically have one talent or even a super power, it would be to surf–like a pro. I’ve been an ocean lover since I was a little girl and my mom taught me to swim in the rough waves of the pacific coast in Guatemala. But for a brief experience on a trip to Hawaii, surfing has been only a dream. A few months ago, my very supportive mother in law sent me an article about paddle boarding saying she thought about me when she read it in Town n Country. I live in Coconut Grove, Florida and have access to Biscayne Bay, an idelic place to paddle board. I am a mom to two kids, including a seven month baby so my abs desperately need the work out and my mind and soul the time out in the ocean. I will be your perfect ambassador getting all my “mommy” friends to come out and paddle board with me on a new kind of “mom’s day off.” If you pick me as your ambassador, I will usher in an “endless” era of paddle boarding in South Florida.
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I worked with Rhonda and Team LunaChix for 5 years, she is living proof to get women outside and active and always in a safe manner. Good luck Rhonda, you’ll be a would be a great representative for Siren, xxoo, darlene
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Being in the water is a rebirth of the heart, mind, body, and soul. Growing up in CA I was initiated into the big blue ocean before I could walk, but nothing compares to the sensation of floating on the water. After borrowing paddle boards from friends over the fourth weekend I “caught the bug”. The new-found appreciation for mother nature has me renewed with a sense of want to share this sport with other women, especially young girls. The water destroys impurities and I hope to start a school for young girls struggling with body issues to make them feel beautiful apart from all societal pressures. I am a women of strength and courage, I am a woman who knows the ability of sport and water to transform the youth of today, the heart of the world.
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It is a long hard winter in Chicago. When the last of the ice recedes and Lake Michigan shifts from grey to deep blue we rush the sand beaches to live out our cabin fever dreams. I picture a fleet of Women riding the water on strong legs. Our children tracing waves with dangling fingers as they perch on our boards. It is a gift and a duty to share true beauty with them. The board is a bridge from city to nature. All you have to do is step on and paddle. That is what I want to do.
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Avoiding the traffic jams!! Living in Chicago, there are millions of people moving around the city all the time. I live by Lake Michigan, but the waterfront is always jammed with runners & bikers. I’ve seen the stand up paddle boarders in Michigan on the lake, but I haven’t seen a single one in Chicago. This city is full of vibrant outdoor athletic people like me! I would love to be the ambassador for Athleta and Siren to introduce this interesting workout to the people of Chicago. We are dying for a workout that lets us enjoy the lake while relieving the traffic on the waterfront! Let me show the people of Chicago how it is done!
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Had my first stand up paddle boarding experience this past weekend with Kristen Murphy herself at Boulder Reservoir in Boulder, Colorado. It was fantastic! I was immediately hooked and can’t wait to get out there and try it again. I’m thrilled to have a new summer sport to participate in and enjoy as much as my winter sport, skiing. I can’t wait to get my girlfriends introduced to stand up paddle boarding so we can have a gang of us out on the reservoirs of Colorado.
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I believe that the things that purge our fears are people, activities, and places where there’s peace, joy, and harmony. All my life, I feared the ocean. Since discovering and falling in love with surfing and stand up paddling one year ago, this fear has vanished. SUP, particularly, has transformed me—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Now, I’m a more active and fit woman. I’m empowered and joyfully communing with the natural world in ways I never imagined. I would be honored to share the eternal gifts of this sport with my community as an Athleta and Siren stand up paddle ambassador.
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As a year-round Lake Tahoe resident, outdoor activities play a huge role in my everyday life. When I see tweets and FB updates about friends SUP excursions, I get jealous. I am underemployed and have plenty of time to paddle, but not enough money to get my own board yet. I would absolutely love to win Athleta gear and a Siren Sojourn. I am positive that between me, my housemates and friends that the board would get daily