Stand Up Paddler
Karen Wrenn will become the first person to paddle between all 8 of the Channel Islands, consecutively, off the coast of Southern California. The 150 nautical mile event began February 8th and she hopes to complete the paddle on the 16th, weather permitting.
The 37-year old SUP champion and mother of two, who began her rise in the paddling arena
in 2007, has been training intensely to complete what has never been accomplished by anymale or female, outside of traveling by boat. Wrenn will be taken by boat to the islands andwill paddle between islands over the course of approximately six days, returning to LongBeach by boat following completion of the crossing. Previous attempts by kayakers havebeen thwarted by harsh winds and harassment by local sharks between the islands.
"It's still winter which means there’s a chance for large winter swells,” said Chuck Patterson,a big wave surfer, waterman and stand up paddler. “Karen may encounter those swellshitting outer reefs on all the islands, strong cold winds and very active sea life all whilepaddling one of the most beautiful island chains off the California coast.”
In preparation for the crossing, Wrenn has ramped up her training, more than doubling hernormal paddling routine. Additional steps are being taken to ensure optimum physicalfitness for the event.
“I have been doing cross training in the gym with my trainer and running to keep up myendurance and cardio,” Wrenn said. “I’ve also been testing electrolyte mixes, nutrition and recovery drinks to see how my body reacts when under stress. I am excited to put mytraining to use."
The crossing will begin as Wrenn attempts to cross four of the northern-most islands duringher first day. Over the course of the following five days she will make multiple crossings,including a 50-plus mile paddle from Santa Rosa to San Nicolas.
“Not everyone has the opportunity or the ability to do things like this, but I have beenblessed with both,” Wrenn said. “It is going to be a great adventure and a great challenge.Pushing my limits teaches me so much about myself and what it means to really live andtake advantage of every day and opportunity. I hope to inspire other people to be their bestself and live life without regrets."
KIALOA wishes Karen the best of luck and a safe journey. Find out more about Karen Wrenn on her
Blog. Labels: Karen Wrenn, KIALOA SUP, KIALOA Women Paddler
