Martin Burzynski

AGE: 47 | Favorite Board: 12' 6" & 14' Comet

Having played competitive sports all my life, some on a professional level,

I fell into SUP by shear chance. On a cold November day, with no agenda for the day, a friend suggested we go do a SUP demo at a local store. Within 30 seconds of getting on the board and taking a few strokes I knew I found the sport I have been looking for my entire life. SUP is the perfect combination of strength, cardio, balance and endurance training without any impact or potential for injury. As a former professional cyclist and a competitive runner I was very much aware of the potential for catastrophic injury associated with the former and the overuse/impact injuries created by the latter. And unlike sailing, I spent several seasons racing Superyachts in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, SUP is neither expensive nor equipment intensive. For me it's a sport that brings together all that you need to be fit with my love of the ocean. I bought my first board shortly after that demo and three weeks later I was off to my first race. With out a clue on how to paddle or train by sheer luck and constant flaying of the paddle I came in third in the open class at the Miami Orange Bowl Championships and a SUP addict was born. I immediately got some professional coaching and this years racing highlights included: 2 first places, 2 second place and a 3^rd in the Watermonkey Race series, First place Shark Bite Challenge, 2nd place Sweetwater paddle for the cure, 1st place SUP Plash Blue Ridge and 3rd place SUP splash Treasure Island. I am looking forward to more training and successful racing since now armed with the fastest board on the water –The Comet and a great support team!