A few years ago I had the notion of doing Kalama Kamps. I believed that a lot of the things I was doing would be great fun for any active person to learn about, and that I had learned enough about how to keep myself fit for the many watersports I love that I could help people find a path to better performance. I worked at it some, and we had successful kamps, but it’s hard to schedule a life that’s at least partly driven by when and where the big waves decide to show up.
I liked doing the teaching and fitness training. I felt the curriculum could use improvement, so I’ve been paying more attention to what people need to learn in order to make progress. I’ve trained with some of the best coaches and fitness experts in the world, including Carmichael Training Group. The same people that coach Lance Armstrong. Naturally I’ve incorporated their experience and wisdom into my own regimens and teaching approach. This website is part of that effort. Recently my friend Brody Welte approached me about doing a Kalama Kamp in Florida. I loved the idea and it fit right in with the training I’ve been doing with individuals.
The Kamp is not just for elite athletes, though I think they’ll come away with plenty of good information and better techniques. I tell people “I have just enough discipline to do what I need to do”. I’ve been able to show people who are just a little past the beginner stage how to dramatically improve their performance. I really hate hanging out in gyms, so I concentrate on beach workouts and getting appropriate exercise by doing things that are fun. Stand up paddling is the core of that.
So we’re doing it. The first mainland “Adventure Camp” for Stand Up Paddlers! Kalama Kamp Florida will be held May 17-20 along the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area beaches. Hope to see you there, it’s going to be a lot of fun.
Here’s Brody’s press release:
Dave Kalama, a Hawaiian “big wave” surfer and celebrity waterman, is credited as one of the primary forces in reintroducing the ancient Hawaiian activity known today as Stand Up Paddling. The concept for the waterman adventure camp started in 2005 with Kalama and fellow celebrity waterman Laird Hamilton.
“I’m really looking forward to this event,” said Kalama. “Florida has such an incredible diversity of waterways and conditions that this camp will certainly be full of new experiences for me as well.”
The 4-day, 3-night camp will feature full immersion in Kalama’s waterman training regimen and lifestyle. From morning beach workouts to afternoon paddles, Kalama will share his perspective on health, exercise and balanced living. Activities include: paddling outrigger canoes, stand up paddle boarding, fitness classes and spa treatments.
“Stand Up Paddling has just exploded in the Tampa Bay Area,” said Brody Welte, proprietor of Stand Up Fitness. “We’re thrilled to have someone of Dave’s stature recognize that and help bring an incredible event like this to our area – I worked the original camp with Dave and Laird, and can tell you that you wouldn’t normally see anything like this outside of Hawaii.”
This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the water next to one of the greatest waterman of all time includes all local transportation, meals prepared by a private chef, equipment and accommodations during the camp. The exclusive Kalama Kamp Florida is limited to 15 spots.