Jane Paddler: Shawna Macnamara, Greenport, New York
Where you were born and where you live now?
Born in a suburb of Seattle, WA…currently reside in Greenport, NY
What is your occupation?
Wall Street Warrior
Where do you SUP the most?
The Eastern End of Long Island, NY
Do you have a favorite local paddleboard shop?
One Love Beach in Greenport, NY
What paddleboard, surfski or OC do you ride most?
14′ Coreban Phoenix and 12’6 Boga Tsunami
Do you own any other paddleboards, surfskis or OCs and what kind?
11’2 Boga Classic
What paddle do you use?
Have you changed boards/paddles/equipment since you started? If so, why?
Yes for sure – I started with the 11’2 Boga Classic then discovered I had an addiction and wanted to travel the entirety of the Eastern End of Long Island which led me to the touring boards I currently ride. The Boga Classic is now my winter iceberg crushing mechanism.
If you could travel to anywhere in the world to paddle, where would you go?
Alaska
Best piece of SUP advice you’ve ever received
Stack the shoulders, use your core to propel you forward.
Weirdest thing that’s happened to you while paddling?
Not sure if this is weird or not but once the Southampton Bay Constable boat almost rammed into me to let me know it was starting to get hot outside…I was like, “Hello, do you know who I am?” and weird and scary, I was nearly run over twice by an attack mutant swan. People have always warned me about those swans and I used to laugh – now I steer clear, very clear.
Favorite SUP nutrition? (During races/ during a long haul)
Before races, I gorge on bagels and cream cheese and coffee even though I know I shouldn’t. On long hauls I love mint chocolate chip cliff bars, salted caramel flavored GU and chocolate covered espresso beans.
Goals for this next year?
Recover from my ankle injury and recent finger surgery – crush the 3rd annual Great Peconic Race and later…the Cape Cod Bay Challenge.
Favorite post-paddle nosh (snack/beer/recovery drink)
Fries smothered with cheese and herbs and topped with two fried eggs at my favorite local restaurant – accompanied by a mimosa and a gallon of water.
Your favorite non-paddle thing to do.
Cruising on my bike and olympic target shooting with my 22r rifle.
What piece of SUP gear do you wish someone would invent?
Maybe not gear – but some kind of concierge service for long haulers like myself. Setting up shuttles by yourself for 25ish mile paddles that aren’t round trips can be grueling.
What’s your biggest challenge with SUP?
Being fast – I’m not fast and I’m not really a racer. I entered my first race after only two months of owning my first board on a whim. I love the incredible tribe around me but the biggest challenge for me as a long hauler is all it entails – getting up at 4 am – being a student of the weather – making sure the hard work is done and done safely – solo – before weather and boat traffic picks up. The rewards are great. My solo long hauls have been the most painful and most rewarding days.
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What is your proudest moment in a SUP race or event?
Ah – there are many. When I was turning 40 I wanted to do something fantastic so I did the Block Challenge. AMAZING. I circumnavigated Shelter Island 10 times last year and wished I could have done it 10 more times. The Chattajack – a challenge to my from my 59 year old friend Roxanne – how could I say no to that. My parents drove down there from Louisville and they were thrilled to see me cast off and cross the finish line.
Tell us about the best friend(s) you made through paddling.
My paddle friends are the BEST – Chris and Blake and their son Nicholas – Jac Citera – Jenn and Rob Place – Michelle Schott – Roxanne Robinson – Diana Burton – and so many others….
What was your best SUP travel trip?
Chattajack 2015
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