Maui Paddle for the Cure

My first annual Maui Paddle for the Cure was a lot of fun.  It was held at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali.

My friend, Tina, and I signed up & paddled together.  Since this was my first year doing this event, and I just starting paddle boarding this year, we decided to take the intro class.  I'm glad that they offer such a thing for this event, but if you've already been paddle boarding at all, you probably don't need to take it.  No worries if you're on the fence, it only lasts a few minutes.  If you are new to paddle boarding or unsure about the ocean, I would recommend it.

After the quick little intro class, my friend and I headed out.  We ended up paddling alongside a visitor to the island and made a new friend in the middle of the ocean.  When coming into shore after the paddle, all the paddlers that came in before you start to make a paddle tunnel for you to run to as you exit the water.  That was a lot of fun.

Once everyone has finished the paddle and been accounted for (yes they want to be safe and each paddler gets an ocean tracker), there is a lunch served and after party at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa.  The food was good, the music was entertaining although a bit loud for a relaxed event.  There were also vendors with products and a silent auction to help benefit the cause.

All-in-all I really enjoyed the morning and we will be doing it again.  Next year we will have a larger group and try even harder to get more people to join, have a little fun, and help out a great cause at the same time.  Thank you to all the participants this year and we hope to see you all again.

Tina & myself ready to rock.

All the paddle boards lined up and ready.

The introduction class.

An assistant directing us into the water.

Heading out.

myself (left) & Tina (right).

Here we go.

Paddle boarding!

Running the paddle tunnel as I come in.

Athena & Tina.

Related Articles:

SGDs blog:  Join Paddle for the Cure

Paddle for the Cure Information site

Dog Paddle Boarding, Step One

This video shows the beginning steps to teaching your dog to learn to love being on a paddle board.
To really get your new dog or puppy to love paddle boarding, the best way to start is with the board on dry land.  Here you will see as we add a command word "Get On" to her getting on the board and saying "surf" when the board moves.  By using food, we create a positive association with the dog being on the paddle board.
Use your food to lure the dog onto the board while saying your command, such as "Get on."  Once the dog hops on, give your "Good" and reward with food.  We then add the command "Surf" as we move the board around to get the dog used to the movement.  Give food rewards often in the beginning.  The more we do this, the more of a positive association the dog will have with being on the board.  Remember to never force a scared or timid dog.  Take your time.  If your dog is frightened of the board, start giving food if the dog even gets close to the board, then if they put one paw on the board, etc.  Keep moving slowly forward until the dog gets on the board then reward with lots of praise and delicious food.

Stay turned for more training videos on teaching your dog to surf as Ahsoka gets older.

Related blog articles:

Join our Such Good Dogs team for Paddle for a Cure
Dog paddle boarding with Devo