CJ Seaman wanted a stand up paddleboard (SUP) from the moment she moved to Ontario from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, four years ago. That dream was realized last winter when she bought the board she now calls ‘Eve’. She began competing in SUP races in April and is already making waves in her new sport.
She’s no stranger to competition. Paddling was ingrained in Seaman’s childhood and until she left for university she paddled for the Banook Canoe Club as a sprint canoeist (C1, C2, C4, and War Canoe).
“Getting back on the water with nothing but a ‘boat’, paddle, and yourself lit a fire and joy in me that was delightfully unexpected,” said Seaman. “The water is a magical place, and to work alongside it is a gift I am very grateful for.”
Seaman works with a training partner on the water in the early morning, five to seven times per week. She likes to mix up her workouts so she can optimize her performance as a paddler. Some of her training days include a long and strong paddle over 20 km, interval training or beach starts and buoy turns.
This spring and summer were busy for Seaman as she competed in the Ontario SUP Series races with phenomenal results.
She placed first in her age category at the 10km Sprint at the Kawartha Paddle Quest.
Her other results this season were no less impressive:
Stop #7 Ontario SUP Series (Welland, ON) – 3rd Place Elite Women 18-49
Stop #8 Ontario SUP Series (Kincardine, ON) – 3rd Place Elite Women 18-49
Stop #9 Ontario SUP Series (Collingwood, ON) – 2nd Place Elite Women 18-49
Stop #10 Ontario SUP Series (Bracebridge, ON) – 3rd Place Elite Women 18-49
Her most memorable moment so far was at Stop #9 for the Ontario SUP Series in Collingwood.
“Winds were extremely high, and the waves even higher,” she recalls. “It was a grind, and tested physical and mental strength. All athletes were remarkable, and to be a part of that was amazing.”
The SportLab has been an important supporter for Seaman through her quest to become an elite SUP racer and for “piecing her back together.” She also thanks Made with Local for their “no weird stuff” bars that she was able to keep with her to fill her up post-race.
Seaman will be on the water as often as she can in as many different places as she can as she prepares to compete in her next adventure: the Carolina Cup 2020 in Wrightsville Beach, USA.
“It’s been a wild ride,” says Seaman. “Can’t wait to see what other magic is in store.”
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Gregory Fines says
Congrats CJ, well deserved!
Greg and Maggie Fines