Original post found here: California Stand Up NRG Boot Camp Review
Written by Tracee Stanley
I had heard so much about the First Lady of Stand Up Paddle Fitness, Nikki Gregg that when California Standup asked if I’d be interested in doing a review of Nikki’s workshop. I jumped at the chance.
Written by Tracee Stanley
I had heard so much about the First Lady of Stand Up Paddle Fitness, Nikki Gregg that when California Standup asked if I’d be interested in doing a review of Nikki’s workshop. I jumped at the chance.
Stand Up Company (SUP Company) was hosting the event. SUP Co. is located in the heart of Laguna Beach, the shop sells all things SUP and regularly host’s lessons, workshops and events.
When I arrived at 7:45 am for our 4-hour workshop, Nikki Gregg greeted me with a bright smile and a big hug. Her confidence and warmth immediately put me at ease. Any trepidation I was feeling immediately melted away.
There was a great launch spot directly behind SUP Co. and we took a short walk down the stairs to the beach. Once there it became evident that the conditions weren’t exactly perfect for beginning paddlers and those of us who had only paddled in flat water. We took a short drive to calmer waters, primed and ready for our lesson.
After safety in the water, one of the first things that Nikki wanted to stress was proper technique. She took time to demonstrate and clearly outline the four stages of the stroke: Catch, Power, Release and Recover. Having those four stages broken down so specifically really illustrated for the group how each stage was integral and built to the next. I realized for myself that I was expending a lot of energy needlessly because my release was coming way too late, and I wasn’t the only one having an aha moment.
We covered our stroke and how to properly use our core muscles as opposed to pure upper body strength. Nikki spent time with each of us, making sure that we understood how to move the hips and shoulders correctly to engage the core. With all of that new information in hand we jumped on our boards and paddled out as fast as we could so Nikki could get a good look at our stroke. After individual critiques she worked with us to refine technique and maximize efficiency. Within a few minutes I could feel my core engaging big time; I was more connected with the power phase of the stroke than I ever had been. I felt like I had a new secret weapon. I was one of the lucky ones that got to paddle Nikki’s prototype NRG women's fitness and recreational race board coming out in a few months from Starboard. I’m not sure how much of it was my new and improved technique or not, but I felt really fast on that board.
Nikki then had a chance to look at our turns, which definitely needed improvement. We quickly moved our focus to various turns: 360 degrees, cross bows, turning around buoys both left and right. It was so much fun doing an obstacle course around buoys in the harbor, but I can’t even imagine what it would be like trying to get around a buoy in a race! I’ll be practicing those… a lot.
Lastly, came the much anticipated pivot turn. We practiced walking up and down our boards, one step at a time. My feet were practically glued to the board compared to SUP/Yoga instructor Julie Roach, who seemed to glide across her board with ease. But when Nikki demonstrated walking up and down her board, we realized how far we had to go and what walking on water was really all about. What an inspiration! A few of us attempted the pivot turn and surprisingly no one fell in.
When the workshop was over, I can truly say that none of us wanted it to end. We were energized and full of new information that we couldn’t wait to practice. I found Nikki’s approach intimate, non-judgmental and with just enough push to get me to the next level. She created camaraderie in the group that allowed us to buoy each other’s confidence with fun and just a little healthy competition. I met some great new friends and had fun challenging myself. I will definitely be signing up for Nikki’s Los Angeles workshop in October.
When I arrived at 7:45 am for our 4-hour workshop, Nikki Gregg greeted me with a bright smile and a big hug. Her confidence and warmth immediately put me at ease. Any trepidation I was feeling immediately melted away.
There was a great launch spot directly behind SUP Co. and we took a short walk down the stairs to the beach. Once there it became evident that the conditions weren’t exactly perfect for beginning paddlers and those of us who had only paddled in flat water. We took a short drive to calmer waters, primed and ready for our lesson.
After safety in the water, one of the first things that Nikki wanted to stress was proper technique. She took time to demonstrate and clearly outline the four stages of the stroke: Catch, Power, Release and Recover. Having those four stages broken down so specifically really illustrated for the group how each stage was integral and built to the next. I realized for myself that I was expending a lot of energy needlessly because my release was coming way too late, and I wasn’t the only one having an aha moment.
We covered our stroke and how to properly use our core muscles as opposed to pure upper body strength. Nikki spent time with each of us, making sure that we understood how to move the hips and shoulders correctly to engage the core. With all of that new information in hand we jumped on our boards and paddled out as fast as we could so Nikki could get a good look at our stroke. After individual critiques she worked with us to refine technique and maximize efficiency. Within a few minutes I could feel my core engaging big time; I was more connected with the power phase of the stroke than I ever had been. I felt like I had a new secret weapon. I was one of the lucky ones that got to paddle Nikki’s prototype NRG women's fitness and recreational race board coming out in a few months from Starboard. I’m not sure how much of it was my new and improved technique or not, but I felt really fast on that board.
Nikki then had a chance to look at our turns, which definitely needed improvement. We quickly moved our focus to various turns: 360 degrees, cross bows, turning around buoys both left and right. It was so much fun doing an obstacle course around buoys in the harbor, but I can’t even imagine what it would be like trying to get around a buoy in a race! I’ll be practicing those… a lot.
Lastly, came the much anticipated pivot turn. We practiced walking up and down our boards, one step at a time. My feet were practically glued to the board compared to SUP/Yoga instructor Julie Roach, who seemed to glide across her board with ease. But when Nikki demonstrated walking up and down her board, we realized how far we had to go and what walking on water was really all about. What an inspiration! A few of us attempted the pivot turn and surprisingly no one fell in.
When the workshop was over, I can truly say that none of us wanted it to end. We were energized and full of new information that we couldn’t wait to practice. I found Nikki’s approach intimate, non-judgmental and with just enough push to get me to the next level. She created camaraderie in the group that allowed us to buoy each other’s confidence with fun and just a little healthy competition. I met some great new friends and had fun challenging myself. I will definitely be signing up for Nikki’s Los Angeles workshop in October.
To find out more on Nikki Gregg's SUP Workshops and information on personal training, visit her website at http://www.nikkigregg.com
1 comment:
I realized for myself that I was expending a lot of energy needlessly because my release was coming way too late, and I wasn’t the only one having an aha moment.
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