by Suzie Cooney, Featured Athlete | Well, by the overwhelming response and stories I read as one of the judges for the most recent ATHLETA and SIREN SUP contest, one can say that any age, any person can “sweep” their way to better health, just about anywhere there is water. People all across the world are “sweeping” their way to better health and having more fun than they ever imagined. “Sweeping” is a slang term used to describe the sport that is going viral faster than any social networking media and changing the world of sports on any body of water…

by Tara Krolczyk, Featured Athlete | It was one of those balmy, calm, Minnesota, end-of-July mornings. By daybreak the thermometer was well on its way to a goal of 90, and the air conditioner was starting to purr like a kitten, begging most of the state to stay indoors. A perfect day to head outdoors for our first LakeSUP.com Stand Up Paddle Open…

Meet Karen of Portland, Oregon, winner of the Las Olas Surf Safari Scholarship: “Karen is an amazing wife and mother. She provided the strength that held our family together through one of the most difficult times a family could imagine. For a year and a half our daughter Claire fought brain cancer. At one point she went into remission. We thought it was a good time for us to have another child. However, when it came time to announce to everyone the great news, we learned some bad news…”

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…

by Holly Beck, Pro Surfer & Adventurer | The scariest part of surfing big waves isn’t the wave you catch, but the wave that catches you. I was in Fiji recently surfing an offshore reef pass with a few friends. The waves were big. I’m talking about serious triple-overhead barreling monsters hollow enough for the male pros to stand up tall with arms out wide or straight overhead and still not touch the lip. The waves jumped up suddenly then stampeded sideways along the shallow, colorfully sharp reef. I’m a professional surfer, but I’ll admit that I was scared…

by Anne Marie Sebastiani, Triathlon Coach and Certified Personal Trainer | First my confession: swimming is not my strength. Oh how I wish it were! I really, really do. But what I’ve come to learn over the past few years in triathlon training is you can tell which ladies grew up swimming, and which ones did not. I, my friend, did not…

by Bev Sanders & Morag Sewell, Las Olas Surf Safaris | Meet Morag Sewell, Head Surf Instructor at Las Olas Surf safaris for women. A born leader, Morag’s quiet strength is evident upon first meeting her. I’ve watched Morag introduce many anxious guests to the ocean, always patient and focused, always coaching with ease…

by Suzie Cooney, Featured Athlete | Whether you’re training for your first trail running race or simply want to prevent yourself from any unwelcome stumbles or falls, balance training is an integral part of everyone’s fitness routine—no matter what age or what sport you enjoy…

by Bev Sanders, Founder Las Olas Surf Safaris | It amazes me how many mature women have considered the sport of surfing, but think it’s strictly for the young. As one who started surfing at age 44, I believe it’s never too late. And once you start there’s no reason to stop. Thirteen years of teaching women to surf has taught me some things. Foremost, surfer girls come in all shapes, sizes, and from all walks of life. ..

by Tamara Jacobi, Eco-Adventurer | We’re floating together in the brilliant morning light. I look over at my mom. In this moment she is the epitome of delight and serenity; a slight smile on her face as she gazes out into a spectacular horizon of ocean and sky. It’s just us, our surf boards and the Mexican Pacific; today, life is simple…