NRG Salt Stand Up Fitness, Madeira Beach

When he turned 40, Christian Cook decided he wanted to try something new: the Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard Race, a 32-mile sprint between the two Hawaiian islands. A self-described “eternal optimist,” Christian formed his own workout regimen and trained for 365 days straight to prepare, finally competing in the race in 2009 and 2010. Now, he shares his experience, teaching new wave riders how to paddle as a fun fitness activity. He is joined by NRG Salt Stand Up Fitness's staff of trainers, who cater their programs to match clients’ needs, whether students wish to learn the sport for leisure, exercise, or commutes between riverboat casinos and oil rigs. The gurus also rent out their boards for joy rides in the water around Madeira Beach.