Ann Hettinger - The Competitor

"I have known Ann Hettinger for the past two years as a Coach and friend. She is a dedicated and self-motivated person who strives to maintain perfection in whatever she puts her mind to. Over the past two years Ann has grown tremendously as a runner which I attribute to her driven mindset. In working with Ann on our first Running Clinic in Kaua’i, I have seen how professional she is with her organizational skills."

– Darren De Reuck, Club/Elite/Olympic Level Coach

 

"Over the last year I have gotten to know Ann very well. She is one of the strongest and most dedicated people I have met. She shows these traits in all aspects of her life. I can see how driven she is in her running and when an obstacle knocks her over, she picks herself up, dusts herself off with a smile and tackles what ever lies ahead of her. But most importantly, she is a very kind and generous person."

– Four-time Olympian, Colleen De Reuck

 

"I met Ann Hettinger early last year while paddling with the Hanalei Canoe Club and knew she had begun training for the July 2010 Molokai SUP crossing. I frequently saw Ann in the community and on Hanalei Bay as she trained—running, outrigger paddling and SUPing. Word spread quickly that Ann Hettinger had been attached (mauled) by a dog a few months ago. Several of her friends rallied to offer help. She couldn’t drive and needed help with daily activities. After her hospital stay, I knew I could be of help during her recovery because Ann is my neighbor. That was the beginning of a new, wonderful friendship. We became almost constant companions traveling to doctors’ offices, surgeon’s office and running errands every day. It became clear to me after those first few days that Ann had an inner strength that would carry her through this difficult recovery. She reaffirmed her will to get beyond the dog attack by saying, “I will get through this.” She didn’t complain. She always greeted me with a smile. She talked about the dog attack being a setback, yet remained focused on healing physically. She couldn’t run or train, but managed to continue upper body training while her leg began to heal. I was absolutely amazed! Ann has been an inspiration to me. Her positive attitude and inner strength inspired me to get back into my own personal training. As I see Ann come and go daily, I am reminded of her CAN-DO attitude. She will always represent that little angel on my shoulder who reminds me that I CAN succeed, even after setbacks. I wish Ann all the luck and success life has to offer. She deserves only the best. I am Ann Hettinger’s biggest fan and admirer."

With admiration, Carolyn Wacker

"Not having seen the ocean until her late 20’s, Ann , who is now in her early 50’s, was somehow drawn to Kauai for it’s amazing beauty and powerful energy. She has recently taken up the water sports of surfing and stand up paddling which has led her to this dream. I’ve known Ann for a very short time but during that time, I have definitely noticed that she is a very determined women which is what is needed for her to conquer this huge challenge. The Molokai Channel Crossing scheduled for july 25th 2010 When Anne told me of her vision, and said that she was going to write a journal about the experience, I immediately thought that she should document it. For me it is a huge inspiration for all women around the world, to know that a dream can turn in to reality if you most importantly BELIEVE, and have a passion and determination to get from A to B."

–Cheri Hakman

Steve Cole - Ocean Coach

Steve Cole based on the island of Kauai, Hawaii – the most remote island chain in the world - the weather is great year round and sporting activity never stops. Steve Cole is as a long time, elite level surfski and outrigger canoe paddler. Cross training includes triathlons, cycling, surfing, mountain biking and stand up paddleboarding. He has hours of training in preparation for countless open ocean channel crossings between islands, Steve knows first hand what serious competition demands. In a constant search to shave time and improve performance during a race, Steve has trained with fellow athletes that loved the sport of canoe paddling and has been on many teams that have raced all around the world taking top honors . Knowing the potential, sport training and watching the sporting market grow, Steve has trained many athletes that want that edge over there competition.

Joel Guy - Film Director

Hanalei Grass Shack Productions was founded in 2003 by Kauai born and raised Joel Guy. He has developed a sound reputation as both a filmmaker and surf cinematographer. With three surf films under his belt, he is frequently called upon to capture television / news footage, and is in demand for shooting and editing both surf and music videos. His collection of world class surf footage has been included in the new Jack McCoy film Blue Horizon, an adventure of two surfers with different paths. Joel credits includes, ABC 20/20, ABC Prime Time Live in broadcast, Tamba TV, and "Crossing The Line," starring Bruce Irons currently in DVD Distribution "Na Kohola o Hanalei" is his first foray into cultural / environmental milieu, with the added sparkle of music driven montages, and a keen eye for action sports. Winner of the Hawaii Ocean Film Festival, "Na Kohola o Hanalei" will begin distribution this fall. Joel Spends a lot of his time traveling the world in search of perfect waves with the Irons Brothers. Back home he focuses his efforts on projects that help perpetuate traditional hawaiian values, and applying them to contemporary life. www.hanaleigrassshackprod.com

Russell Lewis - Surf Coach

Russell Lewis is a premiere surf coach. Having trained the world's best surfers, he is also the ideal surf instructor for (the rest of us) beginners. Russell has coached and trained world champions such as Mick Fanning. He coaches the Hanalei Boys Surf Team which has won the most NSSA Championships during the past ten years of any surf team in the United States. He has also coached woman surfers such as Bethany Hamilton and Alana Blanchard. Russell is a Level 2 A.S.A. Accredited coach and was 2 time Australian National Scholastic Surf Champion. He has coached internationally for the Barbados National team at World Titles. His "Aussie" way and easy-going personality make for relaxing and productive coaching sessions.

Cheri Hackman - Friend and Support

Born and raised in Australia and having the opportunity to have travelled the world with so many amazing experiences has bought me to a tiny island here in the middle of the Pacific ocean called Kauai ,where I have made it my home for the past 16 years. As a busy mother of two, also in a blink having reached fifty, I have always found it very important to keep up a work out schedual. I don’t compete, but I do keep consistant with either running Hanalei Bay, paddling a one man canoe or stand up paddling. I try to get to the gym a couple of times a week and love to walk again The Bay at sunset . I know that keeping an exercise program for me is vital for my mind and spirit. Yoga is also a small part of my life and this needs to become a bigger part. The ocean and the surfing industry that surrounds it has been my life and for this I am very grateful as this has given me such great opportunities to have visited so many amazing places and have had the opportunity to have met so many interesting people . I believe that living here on Kauai has taught me what’s really important in life. To me my Family and my friends have got me to where I am today. I’m grateful every day to be able to live in such a special place . and to be a small part of Ann’s project. Aloha