Suzie Cooney
SUZIE COONEY is a former sponsored motocross racer and windsurfer who currently fills her time surfing, stand-up paddling, windsurfing, and riding motocross. In addition to being a sports and lifestyle model, she is a professional fitness trainer who provides daily inspiration to her clients with her basic training philosophy: remain positive, follow a well-designed plan, celebrate the victories and forgive yourself when occasional lapses occur.
Suzie was born to a father who loved motorcycle racing and since she had no brother, his interests were quickly passed on to her. She raced dirt bikes and Quarter Midget dirt go-carts for years. In high school she competed in tennis, football and basketball. And then she discovered her first love: windsurfing. Her passion for slalom competition led to a multi-year sponsorship with Sheldon Sails. She has taken her athletic passion and history with her into her current position as a certified trainer on Maui, where she shares with others the lifestyle that has given her so much empowerment and pleasure.
When not training and helping others to foster a healthy, active lifestyle, Suzie can be found volunteering at the triage tent for the IRONMAN Kona, organizing women’s stand up paddling clinics, featured as the weekly health and fitness specialist on a local radio show, writing as a health and fitness columnist for Maui’s local paper, and most recently, event founder/coordinator for STAND UP for Women’s Health & Fitness, an international, non-competitive event that teaches women stand up paddling to benefit self-confidence, healthy lifestyle choices and breast cancer awareness.
SUZIE’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS & CREDENTIALS:
- In 2009, rehabilitating after a serious injury that left her with a broken left ankle and leg, and a severely sprained right ankle
- Organizing and leading free stand-up paddle clinics for women
- Eight years experience as a personal trainer certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
2010 GOALS:
- Continue to offer free events to teach stand up paddling to women
- Get back onto the windsurfer and dirt bike for the first time since last year’s injury
- Venture into bigger swells to challenge her surfing and stand up paddling skill level
- As always, achieve a greater level of fitness and share her healthy passion with others!
MOMENT WHEN SUZIE FELT MOST INVINCIBLE: Dirt biking across the island of Lanai full-throttle
HER HERO/INSPIRATION IN SPORT: Her father. He was a world-class professional dirt bike racer, ice oval track racer, trials rider, stunt rider and barefoot waterski champion. He walked quietly and was very humble.
ADVICE FOR ANYONE STARTING OUT IN SURFING, WINDSURFING OR STAND-UP PADDLING: Work on building your endurance slowly. Set small goals every time you venture out. Find a sports mentor who will help you and push you a little harder each time.
WEBSITES:
SuzieTrainsMaui.com »
StandUpPaddlingFitness.com »
SuzieModelsMaui.com »
Hi Suzie! Your story is an inspiration to me. I am a new SUP boarder in the state of Washington and love it! Since I got my new board, I’ve been out in Lake Washington a dozen times in the last 4 weeks in 48-52 degree weather! I have been a triathlete and half-marathoner for the last 7 years, with my heart in the running, but I may be done with competing there. I will try to follow your advice on paddling and am curious to learn more about your fitness philosophies! Teri
Like:
0
I’ve been fitness training with Suzie for the past 2 months and love it! Her attention to detail and her positive attitude makes me inspired to build strength and get fit. Her event…”Stand Up for Women’s Health and Fitness” last month ( in January) was excellent!
Stella Rivers, Co-Director, Maui Film Festival
Like:
0
I had the pleasure of working with Suzie Cooney as her lead photographer for a awesome program she and her partner Tommy Callen put together called, ” Stand-up For Womens Health and Fitness.” The program was facilitated at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea Beach Hawaii January 9 2010.
I was very impressed with Suzie not only because I find her to be a very honest down to earth person but, because she is extremely giving of herself and talents. Suzie makes you feel very comfortable and welcome when your in her presence. In fact, I am planning to have Suzie start guiding me on my journey back to my own health and fitness.
Thank- you Suzie for all your inspiration.
Nicole Sanchez- Owner
Behind The Lens Maui
Like:
0
Suzie Coonie is a breath of fresh air! Her “can do” attitude is contagious! We participated in her “Stand Up for Women’s Health and Fitness” event in January, as a sponsor and as athletes! What a ride! I had never been stand up paddling before. Suzie made sure that everyone, from the advanced groups to the very beginners had the tools and information they needed to have a great experience. It was such a fun day!
Sheri Mortimore, Marketing & Sales, Love Inside Out
Like:
0
Aloha! After posting my first comment about Suzie Cooney… I noticed that I spelled her last name wrong! My apologies to you Ms. Cooney! It certainly doesn’t take away from your style, your grace or your uncanny ability to lead 400 women into the Pacific Ocean for the best “stand up paddle cruise of our lives!” Thanks Suzie Cooney…you’re amazing :)
Sheri Mortimore, Marketing & Sales, Love Inside Out
Like:
0
I found Suzie Cooney on the internet when looking for a personal trainer. She literally ‘kick-started’ my health and fitness regime with a tailored exercise program I could easily follow at home, including a list for my grocery shopping. Since that day I have changed my diet and I feel much healthier.
Then Suzie invited me to her Stand-up-paddling classes, and I absolutely fell in love with that sport. In January 2010 Suzie organized a ‘Standup for Women’s health and fitness’ event at the Wailea Beach. More than 300 women were on the water, from beginners to advanced skill levels. It was such an inspiring event, and I must take my hat off to Suzie for her creativity, persistency and hard work she has put in to stage this program.
I am looking forward to the next adventure with Suzie….
Like:
0
Suzie is the best!! One of the most inspiring woman I have ever met. She has encouraged me to be the best I can be. I had a few training sessions with her where she got me going with an exercise program that she designed to fit me and advised me with some excellent hints to eat better. She is a super energetic woman and a woman I’m very proud to call my friend. Keep it up Suzi – you keep us all going. Gayle Hueth
Like:
0
All is have to say is… A woman that can dirt bike across Lanai is cool. I admire Suzie in so many ways. She has it all; style, elegance and grace, but she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty and have fun. I always knew Suzie was unique and had many talents, but after her stand-up paddle event last month I realized how amazing she really is. I’ll be honest, I didn’t want to go to the event. I thought 300+ women stand up paddling, it’s going to be like herding cats. It was quite the opposite. Suzie was so organized and the day was run so efficiently, it was truly one of the funnest days of my life. Suzie is so inspirational and her knowledge is priceless.
Like:
0
Suzie is a such inspiring woman! She is delicate, intelligent, graceful,
super fit, elegant and the same time very strong. She has ecletic knowledges
from dirt bike, surf,nutrition, fitness, sport medicine and much more but
what I was the most impressed about her lately was the turnover that she
did in the last seven months after been serious injuried on the both legs
she converted the painful and limited situation with a very positive attitude putting together a mega stand
up paddle event with a lot success!! Congratulations Suzie, you make a difference!!! See you in the water!
Like:
0
It has been a great pleasure getting to know Suzie and working with her as a photographer. I have taken fitness clinics from her and all I can say is… she knows her stuff!! She is patient, kind, professional and truly inspirational!!
Suzie put together a great event in January and I was proud to be a part of it.
Thanks Suzie for giving me a chance.
Simone
Photographer
Like:
0
Suzie is a true professional. She personally trained me and developed my core strength to the best it has ever been. I was very happy with her services and impressed with her enthusiastic support and I would highly recommend Suzie as your personal fitness trainer.
Suzie Trains Maui and Beach Boy Events put on an outstanding Women SUP Event this past year at Wailea Beach, Maui and I was so glad to be a participant. I had such a great time and enjoyed every minute of it. Suzie does her job so well that I think she is a true natural. She makes it fun for the client to become healthy and feel vibrant again and she also comes across that she truly cares. This is a great quality in her along with her uplifting spirit and inspirational personality.
Aloha and Mahalo,
Keep up the excellent work Suzie!
Michelle Wagner
Like:
0
Aloha!
I concur with all the wonderful comments above. From the moment I first met Miss Suzie, she has been a pure joy to work with on all levels. She’s extremely dedicated, professional and excited about life—an inspiration to us all. Her recent SUP event will be go down in history here on Maui when it comes to women’s fitness. Tommy and her are two of the hardest working athletic pros Maui has had the pleasure of calling their own. Thank you for all you do. You have changed the lives of countless individuals.
Her most redeeming quality, in my opinion, is her good nature. She makes women of all walks of life in an array of shapes, sizes, ages, etc. feel beautiful, loved and accomplished. She challenges you to reach within and find that determination which will take to levels of mentality and physicality you never felt possible.
Rock on sister!
Aloha and much love,
Trisha Smith
Maui Weekly/Maui Breakfast Club
Like:
0
Aloha!
I concur with all the wonderful comments above. From the moment I first met Miss Suzie, she has been a pure joy to work with on all levels. She’s extremely dedicated, professional and excited about life—an inspiration to us all. Her recent SUP event will be go down in history here on Maui when it comes to women’s fitness. Tommy and her are two of the hardest working athletic pros Maui has had the pleasure of calling their own. Thank you for all you do. You have changed the lives of countless individuals.
Her most redeeming quality, in my opinion, is her good nature. She makes women of all walks of life in an array of shapes, sizes, ages, etc. feel beautiful, loved and accomplished. She challenges you to reach within and find that determination which will take to levels of mentality and physicality you never felt possible.
Rock on sister!
Aloha and much love,
Trisha Smith
Maui Weekly/Maui Breakfast Club
Like:
0
Ooppps! I didn’t mean to post the same comment twice. I guess my browser decided I felt very passionate about it and posted it again. Ha!
Aloha to all and congrats Suzie on your honor. Work it girl! :-)
Like:
0