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KIALOA and 'Elele Evelyn O'Doherty have teamed up to bring you brief highlights of KIALOA paddlers from the East Coast! Tune in weekly to meet more great people who simply enjoy paddling!
Where are you from and where are your favorite places to paddle?
Born and raised on Cape Cod, MA. My favorite place to paddle is Monk’s Cove. It's an off the beaten path cove with deep water access located in Monument Beach that is a village of Bourne, MA where I currently live. There are days when I am the only one out there and can paddle out past the islands close to the shipping lane that enters the canal. It is an amazing site to be paddling along and looking over to either see a Cruise Ship or a tanker.
When did you start paddling & what inspired you to start?
Seven years ago, with no experience and determined to try Standup Paddling, I went online and ordered my first SUP from Smooth, a company in California. When that board arrived, it was like Christmas day at my house. I could not get the box open and out on the water quick enough. As soon as I stood up on that board for the first time, I was hooked. I was inspired after a family trip to Florida after watching this person just gliding across the water on a board on the open ocean. Watching this person was so amazing as it just seemed so peaceful. Growing up on Cape Cod, I was always out on the ocean and this was another way to enjoy the ocean.
What are some other activities and favorite things in your life?
In addition to Standup Paddling, I am part of the CrossFit Community at Seaside CrossFit. I compete in the Reebok CrossFit Open each year in addition to competing in Spartan Races, Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Skiing, SUP Surfing, and Wake Boarding.
What are your words of wisdom?
Don’t be afraid to try something new as the regret will be to have never tried at all. I look back and wish I had taken on new adventures younger in life. That said, I have no regrets now because I try to challenge myself every day with a new adventure. Whether I fail or not, I’m happy that I accepted the challenge.
Any paddling goals for 2018?
My biggest goal this year is to take on the Carolina Cup Graveyard SUP race for my third try. My first year, I disqualified myself. Last year I was pulled by race officials with 2 miles left to go due to ocean and weather conditions. This race has been the sole focus of my training I am not looking back. Instead, I am looking forward, using my previous experiences to train harder and be prepared to take on this race. Every day I focus on surfing into the finish, running across the finish line and hugging my husband. The more I keep focusing on this, the more I push my training to make this a reality.
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