And the SUP Contest Winner Is… (Plus a Bonus)

ATHLETA and SIREN teamed up to outfit one lucky winner with a full stand up paddle setup!

Thanks to all who entered our contest to Win a Siren Stand Up Paddle Board. Judges Kristy, Amanda, Suzie, and Megan put their hearts into considering each entry, and input from the Athleta Chi community — who stopped by to highlight their favorites with a “thumbs-up” — was a huge help.

After thoughtful deliberation, we’re thrilled to announce the winner…

210. Judy of Granbury, Texas wrote:

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!

CONGRATULATIONS JUDY! We appreciate your passion for SUP, and hope you’ll keep in touch with stories of your paddling adventures.

READ MORE ABOUT JUDY »

And Now the Bonus…

Because the judges put so much thought into considering each entry and anguished over choosing just one winner, we decided to throw in a bonus.  We asked Megan, Suzie, Amanda, and Kristy to choose a personal favorite, and agreed to send each of their choices a $200 Athleta Giftcard. Meet the ladies they selected…

MEGAN – “I chose #166 Michelle Barthuly because her passion for SUP really shone through in her writing. She appreciates so many aspects of what stand up paddle boarding can do — the peaceful feeling it brings, its helpfulness in calming fear of open water swims, and forging a deeper connection to nature and water. I wish her the best in her quest to develop her abilities and share an exuberance for the sport with friends and strangers!”

#166 Michelle Barthuly wrote:

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!

SUZIE – “Although I had many favorites, I personally resonated with #514 Dana Hegre for the work she does, and how she wanted to use the sport of stand up paddling as a way for these lovely people to empower themselves and STAND UP to their challenges. Mental illness comes in many forms and strikes 1 in 6 adults. It can be paralyzing, debilitating and most mentally ill people can remember when they had better days. My sweet mother is afflicted with schizophrenia and so are most of her siblings. She remembers when she was a runway model and a dental assistant and now her challenges are to quiet the voices in her head and to get through each day without a crisis. Dana, hats off to you and thank you for entering the contest. I hope that one day you can help these amazing individuals have success in their lives through stand up paddling!”

#514 Dana Hegre wrote:

SUP compliments my active lifestyle with superior cross-training and much-needed stress relief.

The REAL reason I would LOVE to be an ambassador is because it will help me to continue inspiring others be their best selves. I assist adults with mental illness find meaningful employment so they may actualize their true potential. I strive to build confidence in others by instilling hope and modeling a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle.

I aim not only stand out as an advocate for health and optimism, but to continue the work of empowering others to “STAND UP” on their own and for themselves.

Mahalo,
Dana

AMANDA – “The enthusiasm for an active lifestyle and positive outlook of #366 Anne Champney drew me right in. I love that she’s eager to share her zest for life with others, even as she meets the challenges posed as a military wife. Thank you, Anne!”

#366 Anne Champney’s wrote:

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!

KRISTY – “#234 Rebecca Boewe has captured the essence of SUPing with her words.”

#234 Rebecca Boewe wrote:

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.

NOTE TO GIFTCARD WINNERS: If you’re one of the winners and didn’t receive an email yet, please use the chi-mail form to contact us.