I believe the ocean brings people together. It is the common denominator to so many things we love. It supports, humbles and inspires awe in all of us and though constantly changing, it remains the same.
To those who are able to enjoy its gifts, we are truly lucky.
I was born and raised in San Jose, Costa Rica. Growing up my family and I split our time between San Jose and Bahia Drake, where my parents built an eco-lodge that sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I was surrounded by natural beauty, the ocean on one side and tropical rainforest on the other. It was there, in that remote coastal village, that I learned to love and appreciate nature.
In San Jose I attended an international school where I played on the volleyball, soccer and basketball teams. In my junior year I began playing for a women’s premier soccer team, Club Sport Herediano. After high school I attended the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. I continued to play soccer, this time for a premier club based in Vancouver. In 2005 I graduated from UBC with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology. Not sure of what I wanted to do next and missing the ocean I decided to move to Hawaii.
Shortly after I moved to Hawaii I was offered a job at Kukio Golf and Beach Club. It was a dream job for me and I could hardly believe that it was possible to get paid to play and have fun. I spend my days on the beach or in the water, outrigger canoe paddling, stand-up paddling, surfing, swimming, canoe sailing and the list goes on. I am fortunate to spend so much time in the ocean doing what I enjoy and to be able share that passion with others.
I began stand-up paddling five years ago. A friend of mine, Jack Gillen, paddled every afternoon in the bay where I work. Day after day, he would carry his board down the beach and paddle out. His enthusiasm for the sport was contagious and soon he had us all out there giving it a go. I was hooked. That winter I learned to stand up paddle surf. It was a thrill. Thanks to stand-up paddle surfing, my short boarding skills have improved and to my surprise I paddle into bigger waves on my stand-up paddleboard than my short board. That first winter I caught some of my biggest waves on my 9’2 paddleboard; it was such a rush.
One of my favorite things about stand up paddling is its diversity; there are so many options depending on the conditions. Even if you paddle the same course day after day, it will always be different. The wind, the waves, the current, they are always changing. It is so unpredictable; you never know what you will find out there. I like that. It keeps me on my toes.
I have been so fortunate these past few years to be a part of the stand-up community. I have been given an opportunity to travel and meet new people and I am amazed at how much it has grown over the past few years. I am so stoked to be able to do what I do and I am so appreciative of all my sponsors, friends and family that support me and encourage me to do what I love. None of this would be possible without their support.
Pura vida,
Jenny K.
