One of the original champions of Live Love SUP is Susanne Lier. We have known Susanne since 2011 when we spent two months living in Switzerland and she was instantly supportive and helpful. Her love and passion for our sport is clearly evident and infectious to others! Just check her out paddling and SUP'ping it up indoors here. She's also taking the huge steps towards developing the SUP community by building her own SUP brand IMUA designing boards, paddles and apparel. We've paddled actually a lot together rivers and lakes in Switzerland. Check this video out from our fun trip down the Thun River with SUP Switzerland. We've also paddled in a few races together and we even SUP'ed together for Susanne's debut race. We knew she would make it in this sport and was recently unleashed as a Hobie Team Rider.
Where are you located?
Lausanne, Switzerland. But changes are on the horizon!
Where's your favorite place to paddle?
I like to paddle on Lake Leman which is just in front of my door but my absolute favorite paddle place is definitely Hawaii. Paddling with turtles around me, downwind paddling in crystal blue water and SUP surfing in soft Waikiki waves was just an amazing experience.
What attracted you to SUP?
As a surfer, I miss the ocean here in Switzerland so when I first tried SUP in summer of 2009, I was so happy to find finally an activity which gives me the opportunity to be on the water and to train my balance and core for the next surf trip.
Tell us all about your first SUP experience.
I first tried SUP at Preverenges Beach in Switzerland. There is a surf shop there who was the first renting SUP boards on Lake Geneva (and maybe the first in Switzerland!). I was at the beach with a bunch of friends and we rented one board for the group to "test" this new activity. Well the first paddle session was very tricky and were all more in the water than on the board. But I was soooo stoked and from that day I rented 3 or 4 times a week to paddle!
Why do you keep paddling?
I keep paddling because I feel so many benefits for my body and my mind from the first moment. It is a great all-over workout and I forget completely my daily stresses while I'm on the water. I was lucky to meet an amazing SUP woman, Jennifer Scully, at the 2011 Swiss SUP championships and paddled with her in this competition. She motivated me to continue in SUP racing and has supported me since this day. I have continued to get better and even placed second in the women's division of the crossing of Lake Thun in 2012. We have a great friendship even with the distance!!!! Thanks Jen.
Where do you dream of paddling?
Hawaii again........
How are you involved with your local SUP community?
I got very involved in the local Swiss community in 2011. I became a SUP instructor and I created my own SUP fitness classes and instructor program "PaddlefitTM"
We are with Susanne as she develops her paddling, business and communities. She is taking charge of the health and fitness of people through spreading Paddlefit. The training of instructors is invaluable as they then improve the wellbeing of people in local communities. Susanne has trained over 20 instructors in the art of Paddlefit all over Europe in countries like Switzerland, Spain and France. Trust in Susanne, she'll show you the SUP way. AWESOME!
We are with Susanne as she develops her paddling, business and communities. She is taking charge of the health and fitness of people through spreading Paddlefit. The training of instructors is invaluable as they then improve the wellbeing of people in local communities. Susanne has trained over 20 instructors in the art of Paddlefit all over Europe in countries like Switzerland, Spain and France. Trust in Susanne, she'll show you the SUP way. AWESOME!
