Meet Jane Paddler: Evelyn O’Doherty, East Hampton, NY
Evelyn O’Doherty, East Hampton, NY
Where you were born and where you live now?
Born in New York City, living in East Hampton NY
What is your occupation?
Stand up paddle coach, yoga teacher, online editor Standup Journal
Tell us about your website
Evelyn O’Doherty Mind Body Excursions
My website is a stoke-fest. It describes the different ways we can challenge ourselves on the water and/or in the yoga studio and how they all relate. It highlights various retreats that I offer (stand up paddling/surf & yoga related) as well as the myriad events/organizations I’m affiliated with to serve others. I do the best I can to keep it current but life moves SO FAST, it can sometimes lag in the events section. Follow my Facebook page for up-to-date breaking news (hahaha 😉 and Instagram.
Website Address:
http://www.evelynodoherty.com/
Tell us about your charity
I am co-coordinator for the Rell Sunn Surf Contest and several SUP events here in the Hamptons. These events benefit the East End Foundation, a local 501K, which supports local families struggling due to hardship and/or disease.
Charity Website
http://www.eastendfoundationmtk.org/
Where do you paddle the most?
Accobonac Harbor and Gardiner’s Bay, East Hampton NY
Do you have a favorite local paddle shop?
One Love Beach, Greenport NY, Main Beach Surf & Sport, East Hampton NY, South Shore Paddleboards, Babylon NY
What paddleboard, surfski or OC do you ride most?
Starboard All-Star 12’6 carbon custom sandwich
Do you own any other paddleboards, surfskis or OCs and what kind?
Starboard Pro surf sup 8’0
What paddle do you use?
Kialoa Hulu, Kialoa Pipes, Kialoa GL Wahine
Have you changed boards/paddles/equipment since you started? If so, why?
I have. When I first tried the carbon All-Star my brain went haywire. The stability and speed of this board is unlike anything I’ve ever ridden before. Glides like a dream, rock solid underfoot.
If you could travel to anywhere in the world to paddle, where would you go?
Norway, and to surf the Turnagain Arm in Alaska. Both are on 2018 bucket list!
Best piece of paddling advice you’ve ever received?
Use your core, not your arms
Weirdest thing that’s happened to you while paddling?
Having a lightening storm come up quickly and have to bail on the board and paddle (both carbon) and seek shelter on a small island (missed the yoga class I was supposed to teach!) until it passed.
Favorite performance/paddling nutrition? (During races/ during a long haul)
Clif Bars: Bloks, hydration and protein bars for after race refuel
Goals for this next year?
Longevity
Favorite post-paddle nosh (snack/beer/recovery drink)
Purps vitamin supplement mixed with water followed by a burger and fries
Your favorite non-paddle thing to do.
Surf
What piece of paddling gear do you wish someone would invent?
A fleece lined neoprene headband.
What’s your biggest challenge with paddling?
Finding time to train on the water.
What is your proudest moment in a race or event?
There’s two: (1) The first time I completed the Graveyard Race at the Carolina Cup. When I came to shore I sat down and sobbed for 10 minutes. What an awesome moment! (2) Winning the Hamptons Paddle for Pink in 2015 was fantastic. It’s a local event but a big one and as I came around the final buoy and heard the beach start screaming my name, I almost lost it right there. Love my home. Love my tribe!
Tell us about the best friend(s) you made through paddling.
Haha… this may be myself! I’ve literally found myself through paddling, what’s important to me, where I am the most alive, how I like to offer myself to different causes. It’s been an incredible ride and journey. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. As for friends I’ve made, there are TOO MANY to count or list here. I am blessed in so many ways and I always say, “My wealth is in my relationships.”
What was your best paddling travel trip?
The year the Rincon Beach Boy sup race was held in 8-10 foot surf. One of the most incredible days, events, moments I can remember. I came in 4th!
Where can people contact you for design and photography work?
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