Jenny Kalmbach, the Stand Up Paddler

Written by Morgan Hoesterey

Inaugural Winner of the Battle of the Paddle Women Elite Division and Winner of the Molokai Cross Race

Jenny Kalmbach with her trademark smile (foreground) and her paddling during her Destination 3 Project.

BIG ISLAND, Hawaii – In October 2008 Jenny Kalmbach entered into the standup world at the first ever Rainbow Sandals Battle of the Paddle as a complete unknown.  She left that race as the most formidable woman in standup paddle racing.  Months later she cut her channel-crossing teeth during the 2009 Rock 2 Rock paddleboard race from Catalina to Palos Verdes, finishing on top as the women’s team winner.  Finally, in July 2009 she won the women’s solo SUP division of the Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race, and became the sport’s unofficial world champion.  And that is just how Jenny’s standup career got started. (Become friends with Jenny Kalmbach on Sup Connect.)

Born and raised in Costa Rica, she began her athletic career as a soccer player both at home in Costa Rica and at the University of British Colombia in Vancouver where she attended college.  After receiving her BA in psychology, she relocated to the Big Island of Hawaii and landed her dream job working on the beach.  While at work, she spends her time in the water: paddling, surfing, sailing and teaching others about the ocean that she loves.  It was here at her job where she was introduced to standup paddling by her friend Jack Gillen.  His infectious love of the sport transferred over to Jenny, and she was hooked in no time. (Join the SUP Racing group on Sup Connect.)

Above all else, Jenny appreciates the diversity of standup.  She says that “If the ocean gives you wind, you can go for a downwind paddle, if there are waves, there is standup surfing, even if you paddle the same course day after day, it will always be different.  The wind, the waves, the current, they are always changing.  The ocean is so unpredictable; you never know what you will find out there.  I like that.  It keeps me on my toes.” (Become friends with Jenny Kalmbach on Sup Connect.)

Jenny is best known as an elite standup paddle racer; however, while it is her competitive drive and determination that keep her on top, it is her adventurous side that separates her from the pack.  In April of this year, Jenny and fellow paddler Morgan Hoesterey crossed the 7 main channels that separate the Hawaiian Islands solo on standup paddleboards, a feat that has only been accomplished by 3 men before them.  Destination 3 Degrees was more than just an endurance test: it was a way for the girls to give back to the ocean that they love.  Along the way, they raised funds and awareness for the Algalita Marine Research Foundation, an organization that educates and researches the issue of plastics contamination in our oceans.  In addition to the adventures and races that she has already completed, Jenny is constantly searching for her next greatest challenge, and, with a strong 2010 under her belt, it will be exciting to see what she does in 2011. (Join the SUP Surf group on Sup Connect.)

© Copyrighted & Exclusive SupConnect.com Content