The Hobie SUP team is diverse. We have elite racers such as April Zilg and Martin Letourneur, and seasoned recreational paddlers who love to mix it up once in a while (Michael Skelly and Kane Johnson, we’re talking about you). Then there’s Colin McPhillips, a three-time longboard world champion and all-around waterman.
All of them love to participate in the Pacific Paddle Games. They shared some tips for improving your performance out there, whether you’re racing yourself or a few hundred of your best friends.
Lexi Alston, pro SUP racer: One tip I would recommend for training is to push yourself, but also realize that the race you are training for is just a race and no matter the outcome you should just enjoy what you’re doing because there are so many things to love in life. Overall, stay focused on training, but do not overthink it.
Michael Skelly, master’s racer: In the open race there have been several hundreds of participants so getting your mind ready for paddling with people all around you and in turbulent water is a must.
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Kane Johnson, recreational SUPer: It’s been awhile since I have raced and never at a pro level so take my advice with a grain of salt. My tip would be to spend a solid amount of time working on your starts, beach and water. That really sets the tone and can make or break your race.
Bullet Obra, pro SUP racer: Practice a lot of buoy turns, you will be doing a lot of them in Pacific Paddle Games. Also in any “surf race” like the PPGs never give up because anything can happen in these races when there is surf involved.
Martin Letourneur, pro SUP racer: My best tip for training for the PPGs would be to train in the waves with your race board (make sure to respect other surfers and paddlers).
April Zilg, pro SUP racer: Play and have fun, if it’s not fun it’s not sustainable.
Colin McPhillips, all-around waterman: My biggest tip is to keep doing your thing, whatever it is that keeps you getting out there and going for it… Keep it up and don’t budge!
Byron Kurt: Use strategy, place an achievable goal for yourself and train in all conditions and the worse the better. Anyone can paddle fast in perfect conditions, with no buoy turns, no surf or chop, however it is the paddler that can put it all together in any condition that has the edge.
