Reigniting the flame

Been gone for a couple of months now - well more than that I think a full year.  I needed some inspiration so went looking for a challenge.  Found not just one but a couple of things to keep me busy for the next couple of years.

I'm back coaching!  From an early age I have always coached or been part of the development of body awareness not only for adults but kids as well.  I have changed my training over the last year to include Crossfit.  Through CF I have done a few courses to help get me on my way.

Heading out for a paddle with some of the local boys.

A level 1 CF instructors course is where it started.  A two day course down in Brisvegas.  I have one of the best mentors who I train with as well as instruct with.  Danny has been a great inspiration in going back to hitting the books.

A few months down the track and I have done an Olympic & Weight Lifting course through with Glenn Pendley who is one if the most respected coacjes in the industry.  I learnt heaps and have been able to implement some of his warm ups and routines into each session I instruct at CFN.

Donny Shankle, Me and Danny Nemani

The Kids with Damon Kelly

CF Gromitts - for the kids.  It is always good to learn good body awareness at a young age, and no better place to start than with the local kids from members of CFN.  Doing the basics helps develop good motor skills and awareness both in life and sport.

My next course is two days before the wife gives birth to our 3rd kid.  CF Football!  Something that Danny has been wanting to do for a while.  Some of his WOD are based around the CF Football programming so it will be good to go down and get first hand information on the way they program.

On the Ocean front, I'm learning a new skill. Prone paddle boarding.  One of my personal goals is to go across the Ka'iwi Challenge on all different craft.  I have currently been across on a 6 man, OC1 SUP and the next challenge is the Prone.  I have a steep learning curve but are willing to take the challenge.  I have teamed up with good mate and water sport expert Justin Mitchell - Yes Jamie Mitchell's brother, so I hope he can paddle as fast as his bro.

The plan is a two year window as it will take that long for me to save and train.  In the mean time as part of our training we are looking at the Coolangatta Gold as our first hit out.  Justin on the board and me swimming Justin managed to get a few more suckers to join us for the ski & Run.

Coming in from a swim - Peregian to Pita Street

Taj my board escort.

Over the last couple of weeks I have been swimming open ocean with my son Taj on the prone Paddle boards beside me.  A part from a few mishaps like getting stung by a sting ray and the odd jelly fish I have been happy with doing something new.  Not much surf around with the northerlies so that has helped a little - less distracting.

My goal from here is to help more in the training side of a few of the local SUP paddlers as well as a few more OC1 & OC6 teams.  Work on new ways to mobilise for our sport specifically and as always training smart.  With a growing family you have to make time for everything.

Up and Coming Races

Coolangatta Gold - 14th October - Next weekend!
Coolum - Power of the Paddle 20th November.

Something that I have always wanted to do but always been shot down is a 10ft over SUP Surf Comp.  This year the POP is taking the concept and running with it.

I am also going to try and update the blog a bit more.  Hopefully weekly so stay tuned.