KRISTIN THOMAS never expected to become a competitive athlete, let alone at an age when many have given up on their physical potential. Always a water lover, Kristin shouldn’t have been surprised two years ago, when the former swimmer, windsurfer and surfer discovered the fastest growing water sport on the planet, stand up paddling. She dove right into this new world: two weeks after purchasing her first stand up paddle board, Kristin entered her first race. Most weekends you will find Kristin racing her 12’6” race board in the Pacific Ocean or inland waterways of Southern California. With over 60 races under her belt in just under two years — almost half on the podium with double digit winning finishes — Kristin expects the excitement of competition and the wonderful stand up paddling family she has met will keep her active in the race scene for as long as she is able.
During this SUP discovery, Kristin has fully embraced the cross-training philosophy. Her ideal week focuses on three to four paddles, supplemented with two early morning visits to the gym, a spin session, a yoga class, and a run. Nurturing her body, mind, and spirit simultaneously is always a focus for Kristin. There’s never a dull moment as she balances raising both high school and college-age children, a husband of 25 years, a career as a full-time educational consultant, along with her passions for educational and environmental causes, including serving as a board member of a non-profit that builds schools in Africa.
Beyond her heavy involvement in the race side of the sport, Kristin hopes to share her love of this “something for everyone” water sport. As an active member in a number of stand up paddle organizations, and as a reporter on an international SUP radio show podcast, Kristin only hopes she can help the sport grow and positively affect the lives of other women like her.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS & CREDENTIALS:
- Learning to surf at 40 with fellow surf mamas
- Winning Silver Blade Regatta, Battle of the Paddle (age group), and 12 other races since starting to race in January of 2010
- West Coast Reporter on weekly SUPradioshow.com
- Article in Women’s Surf Style Magazine
- Nominated for SUP Women of the year by SUPConnect
- Ambassador for SUPlove Boards, The SUP Company, Sweet Waterwear, Calavera, Smart Girls Who Surf Sunscreen, OceanMinded, The Soul Project, VestPac, REVO Sunglasses, and Original Nutritionals
- Sponsored travel to destination races in BC, Canada, Miami, Florida & Blue Ridge, Georgia and Surf Expo in Orlando, Florida
- Serves on the paddlers advisory board of World Paddle Association
- Active member of SUP Alliance
- Bringing three beautiful babies into this world (“if you don’t think delivering an almost 11 pound baby naturally isn’t athletic, you haven’t been there”)
- High School and Collegiate NCAA DII swimmer at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
- Masters in Education at UCLA
2012 INTENTIONS:
- Host free fitness events at the Athleta Fashion Island store
- Remain competitive against all ages of female SUP racers
- Be a leader in organizing and growing stand up paddling (Olympics 2016?)
- Maintain the incredible positive aloha spirit and feeling of Ohana in the SUP community
- Advocate for women in the sport of stand up paddling
WEBSITE: SUPmamaKT.com »
Kristin is a remarkable person and an excellent choice for Athleta – Power to the She!
We cant wait to see what 2012 brings to this incredible woman. Go Kristin go!!
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Kristin is not only an incredible athlete, she is a gracious and generous person. I’ve the good fortune to know her through the SUP community. She always has a smile on her face and has time to talk and support whomever she encounters. Go Kristin!
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Way to go Athleta for recognizing Kristin and the wonderful sport of SUP.
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Congrats Kristin… See you in Tahoe again and I hope you and Terri finally make your road trip up to the Bay Area. The Chi Blog was instrumental in my own SUP-mania.
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I’ve known Kristin for years and not only is she an amazing athlete but an amazing woman with an unstoppable spirit in all she does. Congrats for honoring Kristin….she will be an inspiration for the “Athleta Woman!”
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Kristin is an excellent choice. I’ve had the privilege of getting to know her over the past 6 months. She’s a great person inside and out and truly represents the Stand up Paddle Community to the utmost. Thanks for all you do Kristin!
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You could have not picked a better female althete to represent Athleta. I have been buying the yoga & sport/ swim wear for years & love the quality. And that’s what you chose with Kristen “quality” . I have known Kristen thru the SUP community for 2 years now and I am proud to call her my friend. See ya on the water Kristen!!!!
Lori P
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KT is the perfect ambassador for this sport and for your brand. Congratulations Kristin, and Athleta for having such a great person represent your brand!
BK
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Congratulations!!! Kristen is an outstanding athlete and a great all around person.
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Kristin,
Come paddle with me at Lake Powell this summer! I have a list of slot canyons to explore and local good ole boy barriers to break through in SUP.
Congrats on the award!
Best, mw
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Outstanding choice Athleta! Kristin is the best in all regards. I love your athletic wear too!
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My namesake, my benchmark! Saving for my 1st paddle board, hope to have it by May when I celebrate my 46th. Strong, balanced, committed, generous and healthy – all attributes worthy of pursuit!
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