Sayulita JR. SUP Team

We are so stoked about the kid's new interest this season.  The Sayulita JR. SUP Team.  The team basically is a stand up paddle board "learn to race program" for 6-17 year olds.  The program was started last year by local residents and professional paddle board racers, Shelby Dela Rosa Taylor and Bicho Jimenez.  For five years we have wanted and waited patiently for the kids to take an interest in more ocean related activities like surfing.  Trace had begun to make the transition recently asking to go surfing occasionally and really feeling more comfortable in ocean.  Alex had other interests and the ocean just wasn't one of them.  Three weeks ago they went to their first practice along with a friend and they all had a great time.  Part of the reason is that it is new and exciting but also because they are part of a new social community of kids that they have never met or had an opportunity to hang out with for the most part.  All of our school and after school activities are centered in San Pancho.  To be part of a great program here in "home town" Sayulita is fantastic for them and fun for us too.  "Our" Mexico just got bigger in just a few weeks.

This past weekend they had their first inter-squad race after only a few practices to learn technique and the kids poured all they had into the technical course which included laps around several buoys and sprints up onto the beach and back out again to complete more laps.  It was awesome to watch and every kid gave all they had to the race in the September humidity and heat.  Wow!  

Trace paddles toward the finish line

Alex, second from the left, runs to hit the water

The kids learned a lot from this event and I can't wait for the next one sometime this winter.  Sports were always so important to me growing up and my coaches helped shape who I am today.  As I have said before, the coaching the kids have been able to get here has been amazing and it continues with their new community and team.  Such a bonus to the "Adventure" they don't even realize they are having.