Lina Augaitis

Oceanman and Vancouver SUP race

Posted on: August 10th, 2011 by Paddle Surf 1 Comment

 

Check out Lina Augaitis' recap of this past weekend's Oceanman and Stand Up Paddleboard Races, which took place at Jericho Sailing Centre in Kitsilano.

Thanks for sending Lina, and nice work!

Well,
I think my body deserves a big pat on the back and a big rest. Good thing I am heading to the cottage for a week for my sisters wedding and just some plain old relaxing cottage fun... I can't wait to be sun bathing on our wooden row boat sippin on gin and juice and beltching out some old school lithuanian camp tunes!

but first a recap of what its like to finish a tough 6 day adventure race and 6 days later try to push the body to its limits in a more sprint fashion race (x2).

Oceanman

I can't believe I managed to miss this event for so many years. Gary Parsons puts on one fun filled event. It all happens around Jericho sailing club and pushes the limits of a different kind of athlete... maybe more like the fish in us....

The race was a 1km swim, 5km kayak, 6km run and 2km stand up paddleboard.

I am not a horrible swimmer and I used to race triathlons, so although I don't enjoy swim starts I am no novice to open water/mass swim starts but on this particular day you wouldnt have known, and neither would I. I definitely knew my body was run down and hadn't fully recovered from my adventure race but I was trying to think positive and was super excited to get to be part of this race and experience it solo style. I knew a bunch of people racing, people in the crowds and Johnny was helping me out with support. I didn't want to disappoint anyone, including myself.

On the start line, the waves were big, choppy, and coming from every direction. The big yellow triangle bouys were moving all over the place. Gary yelled go and we were off, I tried to stay calm and just breathe nice and slowly. I started on the edge of the crowd, pretty happy with my choice, and then it all went downhill... I was hyperventilating, coughing, panicking, and then.....breaststroking (i never breaststroke, especially in a race).  I was trying to do everything in my power to calm myself down, think positively, and get through the 2 loop swim course. About half way through the first loop after lots and lots of people passed me I definitely was planning my escape route. I didn't think my body was recovered and able to complete the race. I was hooped. I eventually made it to the beach after the first lap, flipped up my goggles, WALKED (also a never for me in a race) around the marker on the beach and as I was deciding how to end my suffering, I saw Andrea standing on the edge of the beach, yelling GO LINA! At that moment I knew I was getting back in the water for the second lap. THANK YOU for being there Andrea, I am so glad I didn't quit. So I managed to just get through the swim, in last place of solo women. It was a little embarrassing and tough getting out of the water and running down the log to the kayak but when I saw all the support I had I started getting fired up again. I wasn't too far behind the others.

The water was still mighty choppy on the kayak. I put on my tweaker Ryders sunglasses and jumped onto my surfski. I was paddling the Fenn XT surfski (thanks Stu). I actually felt super stable and ready to tackle the cross chop and whatever else the waters had in store for me. I managed to pass one girl and a bunch of other boats on the paddle. Feeling much better.

Off the kayak Jen D helped me clean my feet and I put on my running shoes and off I was on the run. I wasn't feeling too bad, but obviously not my strongest. I just kept a good steady pace on the run. The run took us around Jericho Park. It was a really fun there and back course, all on trails! I managed to again pass some folk on the run. I was telling myself throughout the run to just keep a good pace and that SUP was next and that was my thing.... no worries!

By the time it was time for the SUP the waters calmed down a bit (which I was pretty happy about as I was on my 23.5 inch wide Starboard New). I felt totally stable and got to punch through the SUP section. I almost had a major screw up missing a buoy but Dale caught me just in time to let me know. I turned around and still managed to re catch the guys who passed me while I fixed my mistake.

I managed to come in 3rd for the solo female category but most importantly,...... I didn't quit and finished. I am proud of me and my mind!

Following the race there was a delicious salmon bbq, with beers, and pie, and lots of draw prizes!

Check here for more info!

Vancouver SUP Race

Pretty tired and sore from the previous day of racing the Oceanman, I lazily got on my bike and made the 45min ride back to Jericho sailing club. Again the wind was up and the waters ultra choppy. I was tired but also excited as I love racing on the SUP. I managed to get on a 25inch Starboard New, which for me was perfect. The 23.5inch was just a little too unstable for the conditions and that extra 1.5inches gave me the confidence and stability I needed.

4km Race

The first race was a 4km course. At first all of us endurance junkies were annoyed by the shortness of the long course. With the chop and headwinds and side chop..... it felt a lot longer and ended up being a really fun length... Good call Gary! I can never get a really good start on the SUP (I need to work on this) but I managed to get a better start than most. I stayed upright on my board. The start of the race was tough, really tough.... the waves were coming in sideways, and all over really and they were big... Rounding the first bouy Shannon was right on my tail... I just kept concentrating on the water and what I needed to do though, as I was still on a pretty tippy board and one moment of loss of concetration would mean I would be in the water... The head wind heading out to the far bouy was tough. You really needed to power through each stroke (totally what I love). Coming in from the far bouy it was a fun downwinder and I was trying to experiment with riding some waves. I haven't had much chance to practice downwinders but would like too... they was fun! I came in as the 2nd 12'6 rider and the 1st female overall! I was pleased.

Relay Race

Mike D, Kimo, and I were a team for the relay. The relay was a 1km course that we each did. Mike started us off. He was in a tight battle with Gary P. They were both on the 14 foot Ace. Mike came in about 5 seconds before Gary and then it was my turn. I was head to head with Shannon. About a minute into the paddle I fell off. I am not sure exactly what happened but it caught me totally off guard. Funny enough I was telling friends that I never fall off in a race... hahaha.... Anyways, I got myself back on the board but Shannon pulled ahead during my faff. I managed to sort of catch her on the first turn and then caught some little waves before heading out on the second loop of the 1km course. Again, going out in the headwind is kind of my thing, and managed to pull ahead and stay ahead on the downwind section. Next up was Kimo. He was battling it out with Kelvin on the other team. They both battle different kinds of boards and so had some trouble staying up right. This caused some excitement for the relay race. In the end Kimo pulled through and managed to have one less slip into the water than Kelvin. 1st place in the relay race.

Sprint Race

This was a mighty fun gongshow. We were all on the surf style boards (12 foot and under). It was an all out mass sprint to a bouy about 25meters away and then back. Mike D caused some chaos by going the other way around the buoy and Kelvin managed to squeeze through for the win.

Deep Cove SUP racers hit up the podium

Mike D winner male 4km
Me winner female 4km
Mike and I win the relay
Kelvin H win the sprint

Again, another fun day of racing. I love racing but am totally excited to take a break and relax at the cottage.

live, love, laugh,...DREAM!
lina

Lina Augaitis completes her Yukon Expedition

Posted on: July 13th, 2011 by Paddle Surf 1 Comment

 

Lina Augaitis has just finished up her six day SUP expedition along the Yukon River, from Whitehorse to Dawson City.

Paddling a Starboard K-15 AST with a Kialoa Methane paddle Lina, along with kayak support from Andrew Dye, completed the 740km journey in six days, and was the very first time that an SUP travelled this stretch of river.

Nice work guys Lina and Andrew!

Check out the video here:

Yukon River SUP Expedition 2011 from Andrew Dye on Vimeo.

For more information:

Lina Augaitis defends her title as Queen of Kalamalka

Posted on: June 27th, 2011 by Paddle Surf No Comments

 

Lina Augaitis and Norm Hann: Queen and King of Kalamalka 2011This past weekend was filled with good fun, hard earned prizes, sweat, cheer, and a beautiful growing community of stand up paddleboarders.

First off a big THANKS to the organizers Kevin and Michelle from Kalavida Surf Shop for putting on a wonderful event full of events, food, and entertainment.

Last year I attended this race with a mere 28 or so paddlers. Most of us were on all arounder type boards and hadn't a clue about racing SUP but greatly enjoyed the two events. I managed to come out as Queen of Kalamalka. This year I was back to defend my title but proved to be very different with the sport growing at a rapid speed the field more than doubled. I believe there were about 70 or so paddlers out on the courses. There was a recreational league and a competitive one. The competitive racers were racing with high speeds, with a good set of skills, technique, and strategy. We were all out there having tons of fun and trying to get crowned King and Queen of Kalmalka!

There were three different races, all testing different skills on a SUP and all counted towards the final goal of becoming crowned. I brought the board that I have been racing the Tuesday Night Deep Cove races on this year, my NEW 12'6 X 23.5.. it's fast but it does come with some consequences if one is not careful as it can also be quite unstable, and harder turn around tight corners due to its narrowness and instability. Thank you Starboard and Trident Sports for the use of this awesome board and the growing support! I must say I was a little nervous to use the board for the short course as there were lots of turns and there could have been some bumps etc. I know I can paddle that board well on my own in flat water but wasnt too confident on my abilities to turn etc on it in a crowd with some bumps.. I do have to say for racing I love this board!

Short Course:

I surprised myself here. I used the cross bow turning method, went out hard to get in front of the crowd, stayed on my board and just felt so strong and confident that I started passing some guys, then some more and without really realizing it finished the course amongst the top males... really it was a good confident booster for me especially heading up to the Yukon this week and paddling the Yukon river... It made me feel like I could do it even more.

Sprint Course:

Here we had to use a 12' or shorter board...I was scrambling to find a board I liked and then Beau and Dale from WA were kind enough to lend me their 12' board. It looked like a goodie... and that it was. It was sort of like SUP cross. We had three people at the line, it was a sprint to the buoy. The fun part was you could turn around the buoy in either direction (causing mayhem) and finish with a quick sprint to the beach. Somehow our heat was pretty much the same twice in a row... hmmm but i managed to get out in front quick and avoid the chaos of the turn... There was one run where I had a true brain fart and forgot how to turn which in the end saved me. As I was gathering my thoughts about turning I drifted away from the buoy and was found on the outside of the chaos near the buoy, allowing for a quick escape back to the beach. I managed to pull out in front in the final heat for another win!

Long Course:

The long course is what it is all about... This lake is gorgeous and the distance tough but very satisfying! I was back on my starboard New. I won't lie, when we arrived at the start I was nervous... it was choppy out there... everyone was so excited for the downwinder and I was peeing my pants... hoping I wouldn't fall off my board too many times.... The start was choppy but Andrew helped me out and told me to stay wide as the rec class got bunched up by the buoy turn.. I managed to stay out of any crashes and up right through the riviera and along the entire lake. It was actually quite fun and the little chop kept me on my toes and made for the time to pass quickly! I spent the first third of the race catching the other 12'6 guys until Beau and I were leading the pack. I think he got tired of me and took off and I couldn't catch him again... I managed to come in as a the 2nd 12'6 board overall and therefore solidying my overall win as Queen! I felt great throughout the entire paddle down the lake... I used NUUN as my hydration (my fav)

The points were tabulated and Norm and I were crowned! Also a big congrats to Jen D and Kristin T for their awesome performances out there rounding out the top females and Beau and Stu R on the men's side.

Read more about Lina's adventures on her blog!

Lina Augaitis to embark on a Yukon SUP Expedition

Posted on: June 3rd, 2011 by Paddle Surf 1 Comment

 

On June 27th, 2011 Lina Augaitis, team rider for Starboard and SUP instructor at Deep Cove Kayak will be embarking on an expedition of a lifetime, paddling from Whitehorse to Dawson City, up in the Yukon Territories of Canada by way of the Yukon River, covering 740km and expected to take approximately six days. This should be the very first time anyone has completed this journey on a stand up paddleboard.

Lina has been stand up paddleboarding for the past two years, participating in a number of SUP races, including the weekly Tuesday Night Races at Deep Cove Kayak, Kalamalka Classic, and Battle of the Paddle California.

She'll be supported by kayaker Andrew Dye, a whitewater kayak instructor with over ten years of experience padding in and around the rivers around BC, Britain, and the French Alps.

Both Lina and Andrew have participated in numerous multi-day adventure races, so both are well experienced to take on this sort of an ambitious endeavour.

Expedition sponsors include Trident Sports, the North American distributor for Starboard, Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak based in Deep Cove, North Vancouver, national retailer Mountain Equipment Co-op, Icebreaker Apparel, and paddle builders Kialoa Paddles and Werner Paddles.

In Lina's words…

My dream of paddling down the Yukon River will finally become a reality, in SUP form. In 2010, I pursued the sport of SUP through instructing and racing. My increasing passion for SUP, has driven me to explore different areas and different bodies of water via SUP, leading to the idea to paddle the Yukon river (Whitehorse to Dawson). As far as I can tell, I will be the first to complete this route on a SUP. Through this expedition I hope to enhance my sense of pursuing and reaching my dreams and help others take the first steps to develop, accomplish and relish in their dreams and or passions through my blog, pictures, and stories shared.

The Yukon is full of exciting and undamaged wilderness. Protecting our environment is an important issue in our world today. Throughout and after the expedition, I hope to promote, educate, and cherish the surrounding environment of the Yukon River. Clean water is becoming a prominent issue worldwide. Paddling on such pristine water is another way to appreciate its importance, beauty, and power.

I would also like to promote the sport of SUP. Andrew and I plan to record our journey with photographs and point-of-view video, allowing us to write a blog, and produce a short video capturing the essence of the expedition. Andrew will provide safety support and to help carry gear by kayak.

I aim to motivate others to follow their dreams and passions, and get more people enjoying the outdoors in a variety of capacities. Too many people suffer from symptoms such as overstress, depression, and anxiety, which may lead to other health problems and further complications. I hope that through outdoor recreation people are able to free themselves from fear, let go of their comfort zones, and live the life they want to live without any regrets and full of passion.

I am a teacher and through my work I see that we have youth with unique talents, passions, and dreams. My desire is to reach out to as many youth as possible through role modeling, instruction, discussions, and pursuing goals.

Adolescents are blessed with gifts, dreams, and desires, and they should acquire the skills to allow them to develop confidence and have the support of others to help them reach their full potential. The outdoors is just one of many avenues to accomplish this and I will focus on this through the expedition.

For more information, check out:

Good luck guys!

May 24th Deep Cove Tuesday Night Races Recap

Posted on: May 25th, 2011 by Paddle Surf No Comments

 

How about those Canucks. I called Bieksa, Micky is my witness. Then about 15 minutes later I changed my call to Salo...doh! But I must say that the play-offs are reeking havoc for the Tuesday Night Paddlesport Races. I can't believe how upset people at The Raven got when I tried to put the paddle sport race video up on the TV. Geez! It can be said that all the people coming out are "participants" and not "spectators". But I'll happily sacrifice some TNR attendees for a Stanley Cup in Vancouver. The post race party was great fun with double overtime. Driving to the race the streets are eerily empty.

10 SUPers for a fairly long 8 km short course. and about 30 kayak-ish boats surf skis etc. This was one of the longer "long" courses at about 10 km. People are starting to load up the miles to build for Round Bowen Race 32 km June 26. We pushed the date back this year to allow for more training time, so hopefully there is more participation. This year there will be a sea kayak and outrigger canoe relay race. I believe one leg is about 14 km and the other about 18.

At The Raven, there was much discussion about drafting practices. It is said that you can save up to 5% effort by riding either the side wave or stern wave of a competitor's kayak. Many people are worried that drafting will offend the draftee, but its part of the game. It just depends on how you do it. I admit that my tactics can be some what annoying as I tend to encroach into other's space. Jim N. was riding my side wash last night and kept putting his bow into the area where my paddle was working. I am sure he has a few scratches to prove it. Daryl is always polite, figuring that he is just barely hanging on and doesn't want to offend his host. However he never hesitates to offer tactical suggestions as to where he thinks you should be taking him. For stern wash riders, I heard the term 'tail-tapper" in reference to somebody who is continually bumping the stern of your boat with their bow. Martin R was the culprit in this story, and I know I am guilty as charge.

Warren Bruce was the "strong man" man of the night. With a pack of cling-ons hanging around him. After drafting most of the first half, I got out in front and was feeling frisky. I took a couple of strong pulls, but managed to shake only "paddle tapper" Jim N. Then it was all Warren, pretty much from Twin Island back to Deep Cove. With Daryl R, Rob Hansen and myself riding on his back.

In the SUP division, Lina was The Strong Man, beating a growing field of 10 SUPers. No Tail tappers there. Many sporting the faster race boards. Except for Tim Quarles of course. C'mon Tim step up to the game!!

Check out Viv's photos for this week's Awesome photos. If you are interested in purchasing an image Viv charges $5/shot Vivsphotography@telus.net

Here are the SUP racer results:

Place Bib  Name                        Distance         Category         Time      Difference
  5   36   Lina Augaitis               short            SUP W12'6        42:17.5   +5:29.0
  6   25   Mike Darbyshire             short            SUP M12' 6       42:19.0   +5:30.5
  7   138  Shawn Campbell              short            SUP M14          43:02.5   +6:14.0
  10  18   Mike Clarke                 short            SUP M12' 6       46:16.1   +9:27.6
  11  78   Fred Feuermann              short            SUP M14          47:33.9   +10:45.4
  12  4    Tim Quarles                 short            SUP M SURF <12'  47:40.5   +10:52.0
  13  144  Mark Robson                 short            SUP M12' 6       48:08.4   +11:19.9
  14  95   Jenn Dillinger              short            SUP W12'6        48:10.0   +11:21.5
  16  62   Lee Horton                  short            SUP M12' 6       49:14.0   +12:25.5
  19  127  Jack Mackillop              short            SUP M12' 6       53:03.8   +16:15.3
  20  143  Dirk Warmush                short            SUP M SURF <12'  58:02.4   +21:13.9

Deep Cove Kayak 2011 SUP Program

Posted on: February 21st, 2011 by Paddle Surf No Comments

 

Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak Centre is excited to launch its 2011 Stand up Paddleboard program!

We have all new lessons for 2011 and are excited to see SUP grow even more over the coming year. This year we are offering more scheduled lessons both for beginners and intermediate paddlers. We’ve got a brand new fleet of Starboard and Surftech SUP’s ready for rentals and lessons and we are proud to be offering lessons from some of the first Paddle Canada certified instructors.
mike-darbyshire-stand-up-paddleboard

Stand Up Paddleboard Instructors

Mike Darbyshire

Mike is a certified kayak instructor and experienced surfer so the transition to SUP instruction was an easy one. Mike has quickly taken to the sport of SUP spending most of his time surfing the waves and more recently getting involved in the SUP race scene. He finished in the top 3 for his age group last fall at the Battle of the Paddle race in California and hopes to participate in more races throughout the season.

After spending the winter in California on a surf road trip Mike is back in Vancouver and working on the Paddle Canada SUP Program Development Team where he is currently developing the first SUP Instructional program to be recognized across Canada.

lina-augaitis Lina Augaitis

Lina is an all around gifted athlete and instructor who never stops moving. She jumped right into the SUP race scene and quickly found herself at the top of the podium. Lina is very excited to be teaching SUP again this season in the cove.

Her work as a crossfit trainer, yoga instructor and kayak guide make her a great fit on our instructor team.

2011 Deep Cove SUP Classes

Sunrise SUP Paddle Group – 4 sessions for $80

  • Join our morning SUP group and paddle during the best time of day.
  • Watch the sunrise and get active in the morning on the calm waters of Indian Arm.
  • Sessions are 1 hour in length and include a board, paddle, pfd, leash and guide.

    Date & Times:
    Public Classes Wednesday 7-8am, Saturdays at 8:30-9:30am
    Reservations are required, call to book. Private group sessions are also available.

    SUP Fit – 4 Sessions for $80

    • This one hour all encompassing, full body, functional workout combines paddling and core strength training activities while using paddle boards as a platform.
    • This is a great form of cross-training

    Date & Times:
    Public Classes run Mondays 7-8pm,
    Reservations are required, call to book. Private classes are also available.

    SUP Race - $30 includes race entry fee and board rental

    • Join us on Tuesday nights before the race for an introduction to SUP racing and pre-race warm up.
    • Class topics include: stroke efficiency, race technique/strategy, footwork and race board design.

    Date & Times:
    Public Classes run Tuesdays at 6:15; Race at 7:00
    Reservations are required, call to book. Private classes are also available.

    Intro to SUP - $60

    • This 1.5 hour class will teach you the basics of stand up paddleboarding and give you the practice time to solidify some of the fundamental skills.
    • It covers ocean safety, proper stance and form, and paddle techniques.
    • The price includes a board, paddle, leash and pfd.

    Date & Times:
    Public Classes Saturdays at 10-11:30am
    Reservations are required, call to book. Private classes are also available.

    Private SUP Lessons

    • For 1 on 1 instruction or to work on specific skills we recommend a private lesson.
    • Lessons can focus on: bracing, balance, pivot turns, footwork, paddling in conditions, catching waves, stroke efficiency for touring or racing, etc.
    • Call for more info or to book.

    Price:
    $75 first person, $50 each additional person (rental not included)

    For more information about lessons please visit: http://www.deepcovekayak.com or call 604-929-2268 to book your spot!

    November, 2010: Tofino SUP/Kayak Surf Video

    Posted on: November 9th, 2010 by Paddle Surf No Comments

     

    Lina Augaitis just sent in this little video from their recent trip to Tofino, which was shot and produced by her husband, Andrew Dye.

    Shot at South Chesterman Beach, Lina was riding the Starboard Whopper 10'0, a board I've heard nothing but good things about since its release last year.

    Some cool little rides in there!