February 25, 2013 by Hannah Greenstreet

For many beginners to the standup paddle world, it only takes once to realize that we are in LOVE and could never live without paddling again. We get addicted to the feeling of gliding on the water, being outside, and the building of physical and emotional strength. Those moments on the water calm the mind and open our eyes to the beauties of the Earth around us. This experience is true for South Lake Tahoe local, Jude Markward.

Jude with her “Most Awesome Award” after her first race in 2011

In 2011, Jude was hesitant to give paddling a spot on the long list of outdoor activities she enjoys. In this week’s podcast with Dreu Murin, Jude tells us how once she got out on the water, she was “surprised how easy it was [to begin].” Only just after getting on a board once, she entered her first race as part of the Wednesday Night SUP Series. Now, Jude is a regular at every Wednesday night race. A passion for paddling that grew out of surprise, bloomed into a sport that helped Jude achieve and set new goals. Now, SUP is on the top of her favorite list of activities.

And what’s Jude favorite part about SUP?

1) How great her body feels

2) How great her mind feels

3) The wonderful SUP community she is now apart of

Jude now loves to compete! You can always count on seeing her on the lake practicing and training for the next race. Jude has paddled the full 22-mile distance of Lake Tahoe; a feat few have accomplished! Last year at the first annual Race the Lake of the Sky event, Jude completed the most challenging and longest race: the 14-miler. Listen to the podcast above to hear the excitement of Jude crossing the finish line.

To prepare for this upcoming season, Jude has stepped it up to the next level in SUP and ordered a custom-made race board from Flatwater Paddle Company, a local company founded by two members of the very community Jude stepped into. Jude is now a key component to the South Tahoe Standup Paddle’s community. It’s a community that has become family. For those of you who haven’t joined the SUP community, you’re always welcome! And as Jude says, “Just got out and DO IT!” That will be her mantra for this year’s Race the Lake of the Sky event. Watch out for her there!

Jude’s new “Hey Jude” board by Flatwater Paddle Company