Spring Training (fall-spring)

Marathon Training (year round)

Workout Groups (year round)

Novice Programs

Alumni Results

Participants' Gateway

 

We Coach Champions:

    2009Graduate    Graduate2008           

FAQ: I'm already a champion . . . is there anything here for me?

Spring Training

Frustrated with your race results?  Wondering if improved technique will improve your speed?  In workouts, do you have difficulty applying 100% of your body's power to forward speed?  Spring Training may be for you.  Please read the text at this link and then email inquiries about Spring Training 2010, starting in November 2009More . . .

Marathon Training

This year-round (October-September) periodized training regimen is designed for adult athletes planning to compete in international K1 or surfski races of 15-50K.  It targets two annual peaks: spring qualifying or top-priority competitions, and autumn championships, but is structured to accommodate individuals who also have work, family, and a life beyond paddling.  Email if it interests you. 

Alumni Workout Group Counseling

This year-round program is designed for regular training groups led by Spring Training alumni.  A minimum of three alumni-leaders is required.  The services include: fitness training cycle planning, development of workout leadership skills, technique and tactical workout planning, and troubleshooting of common training-group leadership challenges.  Email if you have a group like this.  Starts anytime. 

Novice Programs

If you are already a kayaker but are new to racing, or just want to improve your forward stroke, we recommend starting here.  If you are in Sacramento or the San Francisco the coachBay Area and want to learn to paddle a surfski or K1, we recommend starting here.

About the Coach

The coach is Susan Starbird occasionally assisted by Misha Riszkiewicz or a guest champion.  Susan started marathon racing in the 80s and has been greatly influenced by Andy Toro, Margie Böhm, Neusom Holmes, and Dan Henderson. She medaled in two ICF international marathon championships. With four seasons of professional coaching, she is a current student in USACK's coach development program.      

Results and Testimonials -- Spring Training graduates write:

"I won!!!  Obviously, you made the difference.  Many thanks!!!!!"  

"Over the past few days I have made amazing progress . . ."

"My paddling has greatly improved . . ."

"As I paddle, a lot of those nuances come back to me . . ." 

"I didn't just learn how to improve my stroke, I learned how to train better also!"

"I feel that I've come a long way, and still have much to do. Cool . . . "

More testimonials . . .