LINA AUGAITIS

Lina, originally from Ottawa, ON Canada now lives and trains in Vernon BC Canada. Lina Augaitis spent much of her youth as a competitive gymnast.  In 2003 after a move out west she began exploring outdoor adventures beginning with rock climbing then, trail running, mountain biking and backcountry skiing.  By 2007 Lina was competing in triathlons, marathons, and adventure races. In 2010 Lina discovered the sport of stand up paddleboarding (SUP) by chance, while visiting California.

She has since established herself as one of the world’s top female standup paddlers. She has built momentum with wins around the world in 2014, she became  the ISA World Champion in Nicaragua (Distance), the "FASTEST FEMALE PADDLER ON EARTH" (2014and 2015), 2014 Battle of the Paddle Distance and overall champion as well as the Overall 2014 World Series World Champion. She is also the first Canadian female to complete Molokai 2 Oahu and the first Canadian SUP Champion (14ft).  In 2016 she won the ISA World Championship Sprint race and became the first female to officially complete the Yukon River Quest (750km race).

Where were you in 2015 through 2017?

Having some children:) We managed to create a creative bike junkie named Tavas and the all amazing traveller baby Aiste.

Why are you racing again?

Because I can and I am curious what I can achieve with my new life. I want to motivate other moms to get out there and get after whatever it is they want to do... It is not easy, and it requires a community to help but it is so possible. I am excited to show my kids what its like to have goals, to be part of a community, to travel, and work as a team to get things done.

I hope to continue to motivate and inspire regular SUP enthusiasts or enthusiasts to be through my ability to connect as a mother, wife, friend, athlete, and teacher.

What else do you do beside being a mom, wife, and SUP racer?

I am also a certified school teacher and teach at my local secondary school. I also love traveling, mountain biking, trail running, backcountry skiing, adventure racing, and camping. Basically I love being outside:)

I mostly enjoy inspiring and teaching others to follow their passions in life.

Are you involved in SUP in other ways other than just racing?

I am the SUP director for the Canadian Surf Association (under ISA). A Director of BC SUP CUP series. I also teach morning SUP fitness sessions throughout the summer in Vernon. I coach a small but awesome group of young SUPers throughout the summer and have taught and continue to teach clinics and private lessons around BC, Canada and internationally.

Why Sunova?

I feel lucky to have landed in this amazing little family. The people, the boards, the environment, the innovation, the dream. This company has it all....

What quote best describes the way you live?

“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming WOO HOO what a ride!”

Maxine