Cold Pack Classic 2008

Photo courtesy of Dave Chun Kialoa Paddles

Jessie displays the "Race to Heal" decal and the highly recognizable pink ribbon on her OC 1 outrigger canoe. Jessie is competing in the Cold Pack Classic OC 1 canoe race right were my Dad used to live when he was in Hawaii.

I have only been to Hawaii once. I don't remember my visit cause I was only 9 months old at the time.

Race to Heal

Photo Courtesy of Na Leo Hoe Wa'a

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Notice the pink canoe in the swell? We are working with our sponsor Kialoa Paddles and being introduced to others who are paddling for a cure. Their cause "Race to Heal" is a team of women who paddle to bring awareness around breast cancer in Hawaii.
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Jamie Kinard and Jessie Eames. Check them out at http://naleohoewaa.honadvblogs.com/.

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Goals include using outrigger canoe paddling as a means of raising cancer awareness within the community, specifically the Native Hawaiian community. Also "Race to Heal" promoting the Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program at the Women’s Health Center at Queen’s Medical Center.
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We are getting their "Race to Heal" decals for our cruiser. - Hey Dad, maybe a trip to Hawaii to train! :-)

Two take on the challenge.

Hannah Grow -Wisconsin River 2007

It's official! Hannah and Boo will team up to compete in the Missouri 340 Canoe Kayak Race on August 4-9, 2009. 340 miles from Kansas City to St. Charles, Mo.. Their goal; raising awareness around breast cancer and the need to find a cure.

They are no strangers to adventure paddling or each other, both have participated in the Hardcore Adventure Camp becoming great friends and paddling partners over the years. It just makes sense that they would be in this next adventure together.

It was exciting news to hear back from Scott the race director. In a collaborative effort we have put together a safety plan to insure an adventurous and safe trip down the Missouri River. No special accommodations will be made,though maintaining safety is paramount. The two will compete in the women's tandem class adhering to all rules and expectations of all participants.

Thank you to Jenny Kruger and Mark Przedwojewski for arranging the use of a Kruger Cruiser for the girls to train and compete in. We appreciate this generous offer.

Another big thanks to Mark for his continuing support of assisting us in finding a cure. Mark as in the Everglades Challenge has offered to paddle alongside the girls in the MR340 acting as a safety boat and videographer of their journey. Not to be left out of the action, the dads will be in a cruiser as well following the action and cheering them on.

Let the training and preparation begin!

New Sponsor - Kialoa Paddles

My dad and I are moving forward in our preparation for the Missouri 340 this summer. Less then 30 days till registration opens and 6 months before the challenge. This will be our big event promoting breast cancer awareness for 2009.

We have acquired a new sponsor for raising awareness for breast cancer research - Kialoa Paddles. It's pretty exciting when people are believing in what you are doing. My Dad said they are going to custom build a paddle for me with a narrow shaft and blade for long distance paddling. :-)

Kialoa Paddles have been supporting research for skin cancer through the Skin Cancer Foundation and also have a paddle scholarship available to any youth through their website.

So as we move forward and raise awareness for breast cancer research, we bring on another sponsor for 2009. Presently Kruger canoes is supplying us with a Kruger Cruiser and Kialoa Paddles is supplying us with a set of custom paddles. How cool is that!

Remember to click on the partners to the right of your screen and become part of the cure!! Oh Dad! A Kialoa paddle in a dogs mouth! It's a sign!!

Thanks for tuning in - Boo

Birthday weekend

"All smiles"

"Sounds of the City"

"Inspiring work"

" Compassion "

"Rocking out with Uncle Nic"

"My sis"

My Birhday, I'm Twelve...

Happy Birthday to me!!

My cousins and friends!

What's up...

School has started, so my paddling time has really dropped off. I have been getting out on the weekends with my dad, but only for a couple of hours or so. No big trips planned. The picture is of me and my dad when we went over to Michigan on the ferry to paddle the Big Manistee River.

Last weekend my dad and I got in a couple of hours, but nothing major. Paddling is winding down for me, but I hope to get in at least one overnight paddle before the snow flys.

I found a website that I am going to follow along this fall and winter. It's pretty cool as they built their own kayaks and are paddling like 1400 miles around Florida. http://www.sunshineexpedition.com/

Boo's Back!!

It's been a long time coming, Boo is back! Off the bench so to speak. The Doc has given the nod to hit the water. Swim paddle splash around, all the things that a kid want to do on their summer vacation.

Boo is on the fast track to tune up her paddling skills for the Manistee 150 in early August. We wait for verification from the race director for the nod to move forward. There is always a sense of hesitation when you drop the paddle and say you want to team up with an 11 year old.

We plan to go un-ranked as Boo's sister M&M wants to paddle as well. So we'll be cruising with 3 in the boat. Fast touring.

We will again bring awareness for a cure for breast cancer. We ask that you donate directly to the Susan G. Komen Milwaukee affiliation website.

Big thanks to Mark and our sponsor Kruger Canoes for lining up another Kruger Cruiser for the big event.

To Stephanie, those kind words... thank you.

Boo weathering the storm

Everglades Challenge 2008 - Picture Courtesy RiverJohn

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Boo smiling after weathering the storm that blew over us on the Everglades Challenge... and she is smiling again as she is on the mend and will be able to go back for her last week of school. Boo is excited to say good bye to all her school mates and enjoy the end of the year festivities.

Down and out for eight

Looks like Boo is down and out for 8 weeks as she recovers from a broken ankle. (Roller-blading incident while dog walking).

Feeling pretty good to get her back on the water for the Manistee 150 in August. Iffy on June and July events.

Marissa wants to thank the WaterTribe for their support and so do I. It really made her day that so many would e-mail call and send cards!

Hang tough Boo!! - Dad

Show time

Here is the link to the CNN Headline news piece on boo and the Everglades Challenge.

http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2008/05/12/ntm.adventures.of.superboo.cnn

Remember you can still donate through the Susan G. Komen website!

Or click here to donate for free!!

May 9th - 11th, 2008

"News To Me" is the world as YOU see it. Your videos, pictures and stories showcased in an original, fast-paced and interactive show on Headline News. Tune in Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. ET on Headline News.
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Looks like the The Adventures of Super Boo will be aired on Mother's Day Weekend. Mr. Kane from CNN will confirm next week Tuesday, but here is a teaser to get it on your calender.
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So Mother's Day weekend will be filled with paddling adventure, as Boo and I present at the Paddlin' Shop on Friday Night at 7:00pm. If you come for the presentation, stay for the cookies, as Nora will mix up a batch of her faves and will make them available for your snacking pleasure!
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I have not seen the final cut or really have a clue what it will look like. We'll just have to wait and see!!

Movie short of the Everglades Challenge!

My dad and I put together this movie short of our adventures during the Everglades Challenge.

Finish Photo

Photos Courtesy of Watercribe

Our finish video

Paddle paddle ...sail

We're home!!

If you find yourself loosing touch with reality and you need a jump start, take a serious look at adventure / expedition paddle sailing as a way to find yourself. In particular, the Everglades Challenge.

We will recap over the next week or so. Boo still has a smile on her face and asked the question; What's next dad? See you out on the pond! - The Capt'n

Super Boo's Team has Finished the Everglades Challenge!

At 1:20 Saturday afternoon, Super Boo's Team successfully completed the 2008 Everglades Challenge!!! IT was high winds and tough paddling coming into the home stretch, but with the finish line just ahead everyone was determined to keeping their paddles in the water and their sails full of wind! Here's a picture Brian took of the what the last day looked like.


After the Team got off the water, Mark was able to catch up on some needed R&R!

They are on the flight home right now, still in awe of their accomplishment. What an amazing thing for a young woman like Marissa to accomplish at this point in her life. We're all so proud of you Boo!

Closing in on the Finish

Super Boo's team reached CP 3 at Flamingo yesterday. Because of high winds, they were unable to get back on the water right away. The 20-30 mph winds caused all small craft to be pulled of the water today until the winds subsided. Super Boo's team spent a few much needed hours on shore with many other EC paddlers.



Here's the view form the boat as they were coming into Flamingo (CP3).

Last night they attempted a night passage to close the 32 mile gap to the finish. Unfortunately the winds didn't subside for long - they managed to cover 2 miles in 2 hours because of a fierce south southeast headwind. As this report was called in the Team was tied to mangroves, out of the wind, attempting to ride it out. They did catch a great view of a horseshoe crab while they were waiting!



As soon as the wind shifts to the south southwest, Super Boo's Team will be on their way again to the finish!

Closing in on CP 3

An update was just received from Super Boo's Team! They were making good headway on 20-hour straight push for CP 3, but began battling fierce head winds last night. After contemplating their situation, they decided to sleep for a few hours at Graveyard.

They were back on the water at 7:00am today, and are still pushing through strong winds to reach CP 3. But with only 9 miles left to their destination, they are expecting to check in around 5:00 tonight. After 5 days on the water, Super Boo's Team is still loving every minute of it!

Moving Ahead

Super Boo's team called in an update at 2:53 am this morning. After riding out the weather on shore last night, they awoke at 11:00pm, re-packed gear and shoved off at 12:00am, heading for CP 2.

At 3:15 this morning, they were at Indian Key waiting for the tide to subside. At that time they were only 8 miles from CP 2. They are planning on checking in at CP 2 later this morning, and the forging ahead to continue the race!

Another update has just come in! Super Boo, Brian and Mark made it to CP 2 mid-morning today. A video of the group was taken as they were entering the CP and will hopefully be posted on the WaterTribe site soon.

With the hopes of getting to CP 3 quickly, they have laid quite a challenge in front of them. Super Boo's team is hoping to cover the 62 miles that separate them from the next CP by completing a 20-hour straight push all the way to Flamingo. With the winds in their favor and sunny skies, they can do it!

High Winds, Big Weather

It sounds like the bad weather Super Boo's team has been expecting has finally arrived. It was slow going today, with strong head winds and big waves. Because of the strong weather, they have covered only 3 miles in the last 2.5 hours! Although the many dolphins they saw today brightened their spirits!

Sandy Bottom and River John forged ahead, while Brian, Boo and Mark decided to play it safe and pull off for a few hours. They are currently on Gullivan Key, and are planning on staying there to ride out the weather.

They will use this down time to re-fuel, re-pack, and rest up for the days ahead. Currently they are only 17 miles outside of CP 2, and should reach it within a few hours of getting back on the water - high winds pending!

Day Three

Last night Super Boo's team got a few hours of sleep. They awoke at 1:00 this morning to check the weather, and luckily it was clear enough to paddle on! By 2:30am, Super Boo, Brian, Mark, Sandy Bottom and River John were on the water pushing on.




The early morning brought great excitement - they saw dolphins, manatees and a huge whale spouted 50 feet from their boat. That was a first for everyone!

The group has been staying closer to shore today in case the weather gets bad. They encountered lots of wind and paddled a lot today. They are currently camping at Gordon Pass, and hoping to push on quickly to catch the west wind around Flamingo. After some good rest tonight, Super Boo's team will continue to press on to CP 2.

Another Successful Day on the Ocean!

This afternoon the Super Boo team was heading towards York Island, catching south easterly winds and cruising at a comfortable 5-10 mph. They have been enjoying sunny skies and good wind all day long.

Here's a picture of Boo taking in the sun, and one of Mark paddling just ahead of Brian and Boo.



Bad weather is expected to roll in some time tonight. The plan is to make camp for a few hours, and assess the weather very early tomorrow morning. Super Boo's team has caught up with Sandy Bottom and River John, and all are camping the night on Picnic Key.

The entire group will wake up at 2:00am to see what type of weather has blown in. If it looks safe, they will shove of then and continue their trip to CP 2. If safety is a concern, the team will remain at camp and get a few more hours of much deserved sleep!

Through CP 1

Super Boo's team made it to CP 1 at 12:45am this morning - way ahead of schedule! After some much needed rest, they pushed off to head towards CP 2 at 6:40am this morning. The weather is looking promising and they are sailing smoothly towards Chokoloskee Island.

The Race Has Began!

Brian and Boo are on the ocean! Their Everglades Challenge adventure started at 7:00am this morning, under sunny skies. Temperatures are currently in the high 60's. They are paddling with Mark from Krueger canoes - sticking together and having fun! The race started in Tampa Bay and Brian, Boo and Mark decided to take the outside route to catch better wind. Boo had a bout of sea sickness this morning, but has recovered enough to enjoy a tortilla with peanut butter and honey and an apple for lunch. She's now completely recovered and is loving sailing on the ocean!

Riding 2-3 foot swells, they are working their way towards Venice Inlet to change into warmer night clothes. They have decided to stay in the Inter Coastal waterways for the night to be safe. The plan is to continue to paddle on to CP1 at Grand Tours tonight. Estimated time of arrival is 2-3:00am. Here are some pictures from their first few hours.

Spirits are high and everyone is having a great time. Updates will be posted as the come in - check back often!

"Bon Voyage" Party

A “Bon Voyage” party is scheduled for Super Boo at Chili’s in Oconomowoc from 5:30pm to … on Wednesday February 27th, 2008

A special thanks to Bubba Girl and the Little Gym of Delafield and TriBabes. for sponsoring the “Last Hurrah” before we head out on Thursday morning!

Thanks and keep watching the Super Boo blog for up-dates on our adventures!!

What about the weather

Our fingers are crossed that we find a crack in the weather that is coming down on us the next few days. There is a potential for a lot of snow, freezing rain, ice... and what ever else mother nature wants to throw at us.

Chief from WaterTribe always said that getting to the beach at Ft. De Soto was 1/2 the battle. SandyBottom encouraged us to have a plan b - c - d. We'll be there some how some way.

Boo can hardly control herself. Her enthusiasm is unwavering, her big sister is so supportive and her mom is worried silly. Perfect... everything is in play. It's all good.

Just want to thank our sponsors and contributors for making this first part (planning) really enjoyable. So many great people and organizations out there doing good.

Please visit their websites for more amazing yummy goodness.

The Capt'n and Boo

Good Luck Brian and Boo!

This is the official EC blogger for Brian and Boo's EC experience - I'm fine-tuning my posting abilities before the big race starts!

I'm so excited for both of you - I'll be cheering you on the whole way!

Make A Difference!!

Please see the "Together We Can Do It" to make a difference! It is located on the right side panel! It's the most important part of this challenge. Can you imagine being part of saving a life!

Click image for more information