Karen Wrenn’s Ready for the Challenge

Photo by Shelly Strazis

Tell us how you got into stand up paddling and competing:

I originally got into standup because of the fitness aspect.  I came from a background of windsurfing and kiteboarding and it was nice to have something to be excited about when the wind wasn’t blowing.  I decided to enter a SUP race that was part of the Gorge Games in 2008.  I was the only women and beat all but two of the guys.  After that I started looking for more races.  The first races I did were at Outrigger races where they allowed Standup  to enter in their small boats category.  At one of the races, Meg and Dave Chun from KIALOA paddles were there and saw me race and encouraged me to go to a race outside of Oregon. I went to a race in Tahoe and I have been racing ever since.

What is it like to paddle in the Columbia River compared to other places you’ve been?

The Columbia River is an amazing place to standup paddle.  The scenery is unreal with views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams.  You can have days that are perfectly flat but most commonly you have wind and swells.  The Gorge is amazing for downwinders.  Once you figure out how much fun a true downwinder is… you will be hooked forever.

Watch the Channel Islands Crossing video trailer

You are a decorated competitor- is there one stand up paddling accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I am most proud of my recent 149 mile Channel Islands crossings.   It made me challenge myself both mentally and physically.  The things that I have learned about myself, because of that, are invaluable.  I know my body and mind better than ever and how it can work for and against me. The power of mind that I learned is something that will always be apart of me and will make a difference in everything that I do.  It is that thing that people search for their whole life through meditation, prayer, reading, soul searching, etc… I found that thing people are searching for…. standing on a board, by myself, in the middle of the ocean.  It will forever be a part of who I am.

Which race are you most looking forward to at the Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge?

I am looking forward to all of them.  The course race could be very exciting and challenging if the wind is howling.  We will be fighting wind, current, swells and having to make buoy turns.  If it’s really windy it is going to be tough and that is what I am hoping for.

I think the downwind run is really going to surprise people that aren’t from here.  The downwinders here are really really good!

Your race and tour schedule has you constantly on the go and in competition.  What motivates you?  And how do you define success for yourself?

I am competitive by nature and love to train.  Knowing I have a competition coming up is what motivates me.  Success to me… means training hard, doing my best and most importantly having fun doing it.

How do you see the sport of SUP evolving in the next few years?

I think the growth of SUP in the next few years is going to continue to explode.  I just hope that along the way it doesn’t lose the positive and healthy vibe that makes it so special and accessible to everyone.