Casi Rynkowski

Casi Rynkowski

Charging down the face of a wave or paddling into a strong and unforgiving headwind, it is the physical and mental challenge of SUP that has Casi absolutely addicted to the sport. It is a passion she loves to share, too. As a personal trainer she advocates for fitness beyond the gym. And just like the goals she implores her clients to make, she has made her own to inspire fitness addicts and those beginning their wellness journey to explore fitness outdoors and to step beyond their comfort zone.

Casi is a ACA level 2 certified standup paddle instructor, guide and sup fit trainer as well as an AFAA certified personal trainer specializing in sports performance and fitness outdoors. She is also the BIC Ambassador Coordinator for the Ambassador team.

Interview :

When and where did you start SUP ?
Five years ago I started a program called Adventures in Fitness, which pairs personal training sessions with outdoor fitness adventures. One of the trips was standup paddle boarding, and I immediately fell in love.

Which sports did you practice before? And now?
I was an avid surfer and snowboarder when I came across SUP and it felt like a continuation of those passions. SUP is now a permanent part of my outdoor fitness life. Depending on the time of year, you could find me surfing, rock climbing, ice climbing, winter mountaineering, paddling long distance expeditions or doing downwinders. Cross training outside is like nothing else.

How have the sports you did before helped with SUP?
Standup paddling is the best form of functional training to come along in a long time, and is very similar to my training style. Balance training has always been a part of what I do and teach. Surfing and snowboarding also made it an easy transition for me.

What attracts you to SUP?
I love the challenge of reading the water, from rapids to surf. Half the allure of SUP is the unknown. Especially in open ocean conditions, you don’t know what is coming next. It takes a long time to learn the contours of the ocean, and each time I paddle out, the education continues.

SUP RACE, SUP SURF or something else?
Surfing, long distance expeditions and fitness are what I love most but I love expanding my paddling skills and exploring all SUP disciplines. I recently started white water paddling and I am loving it.

SUP is booming, do you think this is a fad or a change in attitudes over the long term?
I think SUP will continue to evolve and new SUP disciplines be created. There will always be people looking to change up their fitness routine and this is a great option. Would you rather be sweating it out in your basement or gym, or be outside paddling in the sunshine?

Do you participate in competitions?

I did my first race last year and loved it but I enjoy surf, distance expeditions and white water more. I love learning and honing my paddling skills so I will continue to seek out new SUP disciplines to try.

For more information about Casi on facebook and instagram at Casi Rynkowski or Casi Rynkowski Performance Training and Outdoor Fitness

Results/Accomplishments:
20 Mile ocean circumnavigation around Conanicut Island
30 Mile ocean paddle around Aquidneck Island
Two Day Buzzards Bay Paddle
Samata Mag Fitness Contributor

Article Links:
http://www.samatamag.com/#!blogger-feed/c1pv5/search/not%20your%20average%20burn
http://www.supthemag.com/features/womens-expedition-evolution/
http://www.supthemag.com/features/field-notes-just-going-pt-1/
http://www.supthemag.com/features/field-notes-just-going-pt-2/
http://www.supthemag.com/features/just-going-pt-3-gear/
http://www.samatamag.com/#!blogger-feed/c1pv5/search/white%20water%20101
http://www.samatamag.com/#!blogger-feed/c1pv5/search/sup%20mom
http://www.samatamag.com/#!blogger-feed/c1pv5/search/Tennis%20Elbow