SUP Paddleboard.com Team Riders

Karen Mirlenbrink

 

Karen Mirlenbrink first found paddling as a college student in 1998. As an exercise science major and former competitive swimmer, she needed something aquatic to keep her in shape. She quickly found the competition side of paddling at the Bogey and Bacall Kayak Race in Key Largo in 1999, and has been hooked ever since. Karen has paddled everything from sea kayaks to whitewater kayaks to wave-ski's, and has been a professional kayak guide for local kayak shops. In more recent years, she has become one of the most well-rounded and strongest female paddlers in Florida, as she has trained for and competed in surfski, outrigger canoe, and SUP races. She has even given prone paddleboarding a try!

Karen's paddling experiences have included supporting the Kai Aniani Canoe Club men's team compete in the Bimini Hoe and Molokai Hoe Races in 2006, as well as coaching the Kai Aniani Women's team from 2007-2010. Karen's biggest accomplishment in paddling was completing in the Watertribe Ultra Marathon with her husband Rob in their double surfski. The race went from 70-miles down Florida's west coast from St. Petersburg to Boca Grande, and they set they broke the race record, finishing in 10 hours and 40 minutes. Karen now has her eyes set on competing in SUP races where ever she can.

Her past paddling experiences, great feel of the water, and strong sports conditioning knowledge should allow her to become one strong SUP competitor.

 

Shane Webb

At age 14, while in Daytona with his Dad, a rented surf board gave Shane what turned the key to what would soon become the love of his life – surfing! As his knowledge grew he realized that teaching others how to surf, paddleboard, and paddlesurf was his greatest thrill and proudest accomplishment.

He says "It just makes me feel good to help build the confidence in people to get them on a board and see the smiles on the faces of them as they learn".

Shane is an American Red Cross certified lifeguard and especially enjoys teaching water sports to youngsters. He has worked with the Miami Big Brother Big Sister Association teaching less fortunate kids and is a member of the Tampa area Make-A-Wish Foundation. He paddled a stand up board all the way around New York City to support autism awareness and won first place in the Treasure Island Classic stand up paddleboard race. Recently he has begun giving stand up paddleboard lessons at the Postcard Inn Beach on the Beach in St. Petersburg.

His love for the ocean and the people who enjoy the sport defines him. His contribution to creating interest in the sport arouses pride in all who learn from him.

 

Kathleen Anderson

  

Kathleen Anderson is a recent addition to the SUP world. Her first time on a board was Spring 2011, but it was an instant obsession! She knew from the first day that Stand Up Paddleboarding had to become a part of her daily life. Coming from a yoga and swimming background, her SUP has just become another expression of her life-long pursuit of health and fitness. The balance, core strength, and endurance cultivated in a ten-year yoga practice translate easily into her racing abilities on her Surf-tech BARK and she is quickly developing the water skills to match her athletic strength. The 2012 season, only her second year as a SUP racer, is sure to be an exciting one for Kathleen!

Outside of racing, Kat loves to spend as much time as possible exploring the Tennessee River on her SUP; and convincing her friends, family, and even strangers to get out on the water. If you live in the Chattanooga area, she is always up for taking "newbies" out for their first SUP experience! She also loves to combine her yoga and paddling, and will frequently interrupt long paddling sessions with impromptu yoga practices on her board--including her signature paddleboard headstands as often as possible.