Team mike's paddle

Victoria Anweiler
Youth Program Director
Victoria has over 15 years of managing adult and youth outdoor adventure programs. She loves sharing the joy with others of adventuring in the outdoors and exploring around the world. She is our Kids Program Director and co-owner of our international adventure travel business SUP Caravan. When she is not working she is spending her time paddling rivers, SUP surfing local surf breaks, sailing the bay, kiteboarding in the delta or spending months traveling and adventuring around the world.
Joined Mike’s Paddle: 6 months after Mike's Paddle opened
Paddling Since: 2004
Favorite Board: Infinity Blackfish SurfBoard
Favorite Paddle: Black Project Hydro
Favorite Paddling Spot: American River, Bolinas, Oakland Estuary
Certifications: American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 1 & 2 SUP Instructor, American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 1 Instructor Trainer, Wilderness First Responder, US Sailing Level 1 & 2
Find her on the water: Kiteboarding, Foiling, Whitewater & Sea Kayaking, Sailing, Surfing, Canoeing
Other Favs: Anything outdoors or on the water. International Travel.

Levi Morris
Retail Manager
Hi, I’m Levi, and this is my second season here at Mike’s Paddle.I couldn’t be more excited to help people get out on the water! I grew up down the coast (in Pacifica) and I've always had a passion for playing in the ocean. I started with boogie boarding when I was six years old and graduated to surfing in my early teen years. I’ve surfed all over the Bay Area coast, from Ocean Beach to Santa Cruz. I’m currently working on mastering the art of SUP Surfing with Coach Mike’s guidance.I’m also a huge gear nerd and I’m down to talk about boards, paddles, wetsuits, and accessories to help you find exactly what you need for your adventures on the water!
Joined Mike's Paddle: 2020
Paddling Since: 2020
Favorite Board: Infinity Blackfish 14 x 24.5
Favorite Paddle: Quickblade Trifecta
Favorite Paddle Spot: Linda Mar, Pacifica, CA.
Find him on the water: Surfing (15+ years!)WingfoilingE-foilingSUPing/SUP Surfing (of course! ;D)
Other Favs: Professional Saxophone Player

Kristine Blike-Morales
Adult Program Director
Hi There! I got into Stand-Up Paddleboarding a few years back, and started paddling more "seriously" in 2020 at Mike's Paddle since it's a great outdoor outlet. After bringing multiple family friends through Mike's for a float, I've since joined the instructor team here to continue sharing the fun! There's so much joy that sitting/standing/hopping on a board/boat/buoy can bring. Hope to see you on the water!
Joined Mike’s Paddle: 2020
Paddling Since: 2017
Favorite Board: SIC Sonic 11'0 x 29"
Favorite Paddle: Black Project Lava Paddle
Favorite Paddling Spot: Bayside of Ballena Island
Certifications: American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 1 & 2 SUP Instructor, CPR/First Aid
Find her on the water: (Aspiring) SUP Surfing
Other Favs: Tempo Ultimate member, Broth aficionado, Amatuer sand-dollar skipper

Anna Winder
Marketing & Special Projects
I love paddling in Ballena Bay so much, I MOVED HERE! Seriously, I was living in San Francisco close to work, but driving out to Alameda for fun 3-4 times/week. I realized, "Hey! I should live closer to the place I do fun things!" So I moved to Alameda... I'm currently teaching my puppy how to SUP.
Joined Mike’s Paddle: 2018
Paddling Since: 2017
Favorite Board: Starboard Allstar
Favorite Paddle: Black Project Hydro
Favorite Paddling Spot: Costa Rica
Certifications: American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 1 SUP Instructor
Find her on the water: Canoeing, white water rafting
Other Favs: Perfecting my fried squash blossom recipe

Ryan Takemiya
Volunteer #1 & Instructor
I am a watersports enthusiast born and raised in the East Bay, teaching SUP and eFoiling. Formerly a sailing and rock climbing instructor at Cal Adventures of Berkeley, I have been teaching SUP at Mike's Paddle since it first opened, and have loved every minute of it! I especially love downwinding and catching waves in the windy afternoons, and hope to eventually SUP all over the world with Mike's Paddle's travel adventures!

Chris Churilo
SUP Instructor
Chris got her start in SUP in a rather unusual manner — by helping her sister-in-law, Shelly Alves-Churilo, kickstart the successful PaddleSplash festival. After organizing a few races, she thought that she better give it a go, and her 10 year old nephew gave her a few important pointers like standup, don’t squeeze your toes, oh, and look at the turtles! Never satisfied, Chris sought out professional instructions from the Master of SUP, Mike Wang, and has been on a journey of improvement ever since, joining Mike’s Paddle as one of the instructors. If you know Chris, it wouldn’t surprise you that she previously worked at Heavenly Ski Resort as a “Mountain Hostess” where she skied around conducting tours, handing out sunblock, trail maps, and lots of advice on how to have fun.
In 2021, Chris and a few other paddlers launched the non-profit paddleboard club in Alameda, CA, called the Ohana Paddle Club. This club was formed to help those with a slight obsession for paddling to share the “Stoke” and build a strong community of paddlers for fun, friendship, and responsible stewardship of our waterways.
Joined Mike’s Paddle: 2017
Paddling Since: 2016
Favorite Board: The current one - Infinity Downtown. I also have a race board that I only use once a year and I bet if you ask me again in a few months, there will be another in the quiver.
Favorite Paddle: The one in my hand! I just bought a new Quickblade V-Drive and have a QuickBlack Trifecta for travel.
Favorite Paddling Spot: Of course, the Bay Area! We are so lucky to have so many launch spots and lots of varied conditions. You can’t get bored here and you see lots of cool wildlife. I used to just drive over the Bay as quickly as I could and now when I do cross the water, my eyes are on the lookout for new spots to paddle on. I have paddled inland on the rivers and lakes of California, in the waters surrounding Hawaii, Croatia, and even the Thames in London, UK. The Thames required a lot more planning that I realized because it is tidal and there are “Rules of the Road” that I had to learn to accommodate the rowers during low tide!
Certifications: American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 3 SUP Instructor, First Aid and CPR
Find her on the water: goofing off
Other Favs: Snowboarding, skiing, kayaking

Ben Chiang
SUP Instructor
Hi, I'm Ben, a paddle instructor here at Mike's Paddle. I started SUP when I took the Intro to SUP class with Mike when he first opened his shop in 2014. I've been hooked ever since and have been teaching courses and private lessons for the last three years.I am excited to share my love of this sport with you. It's a privilege to have the opportunity to introduce others to something that has been a passion of mine and I hope will be a passion of yours. Whether you're looking for fun, fitness, or to just get away from the daily grind, SUP really checks all the boxes.I look forward to meeting you and seeing you on the water. There's an amazing world to explore out on the Bay and an amazing community at Mike's. Welcome!
Joined Mike’s Paddle: 2014
Paddling Since: 2014
Favorite Board: Infinity Blackfish
Favorite Paddle: Quickblade V-Drive
Favorite Paddling Spot: Ballena Bay, Alameda, CA ... the pelicans are great!
Certifications: American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 1 SUP Instructor
Find them on the water: E-foiling, wake boarding, wake surfing
Other Favs: Exploring by walking and biking

Chris Spencer
SUP Instructor
Chris paddleboards to grow his connection with nature, community and himself. Professionally, he has spent 11 years launching community-based mountain biking programs as part of the National interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) in 31 different states. In this journey, the cycling community has observed tens of thousands of student-athletes develop their own unique connections as they pedaled into nature under their own power.When it comes to paddleboarding, Chris is passionate about every aspect from performance-conditioning, to fishing, to accessibility and to life-affirming multi-day adventures. To grow as a person and paddleboarder, he is certified as a Wilderness First Responder (80-hour) and ACA certified Level 2 Instructor. The San Francisco Bay has been a touchstone for Chris since birth – spending his first couple years of life on a sailboat in the Richmond Marina. The water is his happy-place and he’s always ready to introduce new people to the sport and community he loves.
Joined Mike’s Paddle: 2020
Paddling Since: 2014
Favorite Board: Starboard All Star 14' x 24"
Favorite Paddle: Quickblade Trifecta 86 "the original"
Favorite Paddling Spot: California Coast
Certifications: ACA Level 2 Instructor, Wilderness First Responder (80 hr), NICA Level 3 Mountain Bike Coach
Find him on the water: surfing, swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, fishing, scuba diving
Other Favs: mountain biking, ukulele, long distance adventures

Danilo Bonilla
Bayfoils Co-Founder, eFoil Instructor
I love water. Fresh or salty. I just love being around water. I started surfing when I was a teenager in my home country of Costa Rica. Later, I discovered white water kayaking and I was hooked. For the past two decades, I’ve worked and played on and around water, from being the Captain of the Costa Rica White Water National Team to guiding kayaks and SUP trips all around the world.These days, I enjoy foiling, SUP racing, and surfing in the Bay Area, as well as introducing people to my newest favorite water/board sport: eFoiling!
Paddling Since: 1992
Favorite Board: Starboard All-Star
Favorite Paddle: Black Project Lava Reflex Carbon 90 Medium
Favorite Paddling Spot: Costa Rica, Isla del Espiritu Santo, Baja Mexico, Maui, Hawaii, San Onofre, CA
Find him on the water: EFoiling, Surfing, Relaxing and Splashing
Other Favs: Travel

Lily Manderville
SUP Yoga & SUP Instructor
Lily was first introduced to stand-up paddle boarding while vacationing on Maui and was hooked ever since! After completing her 200-hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training with Just Be Yoga Walnut Creek in Spring 2016, she strives to connect with students as they begin their own yoga practice. As an instructor, she enjoys learning from her students and their experiences- on and off the mat! Lily brings fun and laughter into her teaching. While keeping students grounded, she loves to create room for play! Lily teaches regularly on land in Walnut Creek, California, and on the water at Mike's Paddle.
Joined Mike’s Paddle: 2018
Paddling Since: 2017
Favorite Board: Tao Fit SIC 11'
Favorite Paddle: Black Project
Favorite Paddling Spot: Maui, HI
Certifications: Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) 200 hours Vinyasa YogaCertified Kids Yoga and SUP Yoga InstructorCPR/First Aid Certified
Find her on the water: SUP Yoga, swimming, and snorkeling!
Other Favs: Painting watercolors

Estevan Espinoza
SUP Instructor
Joined Mike’s Paddle: 2016
Paddling Since: 2016
Favorite Board: Infinity Blackfish 14' x 27"
Favorite Paddle: Lightsaber Red
Favorite Paddling Spot: Ballena Bay, Alameda
Certifications: Sith Lord, American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 1 SUP Instructor
Find him on the water: Paddling, swimming, kayaking
Other Favs: Reading, hiking, exploring new locations. I love stand up paddling & Star Wars! I cannot stay away from the outdoors and am always looking for new adventures!

Isabella Wilk
SUP Yoga & SUP Instructor
I draw from various trainings and modalities such as yoga, dance and mindfulness, in order to encourage quieting the mind and opening the heart. My training includes Yin Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Partner Yoga, Pre- and Post-Natal Yoga as well as SUP Yoga. I hold Workshops for Women's Empowerment and Partner Yoga for authentic communicating.
Joined Mike’s Paddle: 2016
Paddling Since: 2016
Favorite Board: the right board for the excursion or for yoga
Favorite Paddle: Quickblade
Favorite Paddling Spot: Maui
Certifications: Certified SUP Yoga and SUP Instructor, CPR/First Aid Certified
Find her on the water: Swimming in fresh water while on a long hike
Other Favs: Hiking, biking, beach clean ups, dance, music, empowering women, and encouraging the love & enjoyment of nature to foster stewardship of our shared Blue Planet.

Shirley Heineman
SUP Instructor
I started paddling many moons ago as a student with UCSF's outdoor program, Outdoors Unlimited. It was a great introduction to paddlesports like kayaking, rafting, canoeing (both river and ocean) surf and flatwater. I became a volunteer instructor (after all, what better way to learn than to teach?), then subsequently became an ACA certified ocean kayak instructor teaching out of Point Reyes.Starting a family put teaching paddling on hold for many years, but those years included many week-long river camping trips. Now that my kids can (finally) drive, I've jumped into SUP with both feet, becoming ACA certified to teach about a year ago, after joining the race team in many local races and paddling in Croatia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and New Zealand. I love the freedom on a board: I can stand, sit, kneel, down dog with yoga, tabletop with pilates, and even hold a (brief) headstand! The best part about teaching is sharing the stoke and my love of paddling, especially with my Mike's Paddle family.
Joined Mike’s Paddle: 1st lesson in 2014, but sucked into "Mike-verse" in 2017... Croatia as motivation
Paddling Since: 1996
Favorite Board: Hala Atcha 86
Favorite Paddle: Black Project Hydro Paddle
Favorite Paddling Spot: Costa Rica - warm waters!
Certifications: American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 1 & 2 SUP InstructorAmerican Canoe Association (ACA) Coastal SUP Instructor
Find her on the water: EFoiling, Kayaking (Whitewater & Coastal)
Other Favs: Reading fantasy fiction

Malia Hill
SUP Yoga & SUP Instructor
Malia offers SUP Yoga Flow at Mike's Paddle, a spiritual and challenging playful flow for all levels. She was the co-founder of SupAsana East Bay which ran SUP yoga classes from 2010 to 2016 before joining Mike’s Paddle in 2016 . Malia has taught yoga & SUP yoga at The Wanderlust Festivals in Oahu and Squaw Valley, The Oakland Athletic’s Yoga Day, and at numerous retreats both locally and internationally. She is a co-facilitator of teacher trainings for Just Be Yoga and at Mike’s Paddle. She is the proud mother of a really cool daughter, Kalea.
Joined Mike’s Paddle: 2016
Paddling Since: 2008
Favorite Board: BOGA El Rey
Favorite Paddle: Black Project
Favorite Paddling Spot: Croatia
Certifications: Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) 200 hours, American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 1 SUP Instructor, Paddlefit SUP Certification, BOGA SUP Yoga Certification, CPR/First Aid Certified
Find her on the water: SUP Yoga, Surfing, Swimming, Springboard diving
Other Favs: Traveling, Quad roller skating, Reading, and Jumping off cliffs

Marley Zalay
SUP Instructor
I feel most at home when I'm outside in nature. When I'm not teaching at Mike's Paddle, you can find me backpacking in the mountains, surfing Northern California breaks, practicing yoga outdoors, or measuring air pollutants. As a lifelong learner, I am continuously curious about and deeply reverent of the natural world. I find so much inspiration and joy in working with children at Mike's Paddle! My work experience includes environmental education with children and adults, teaching surf, yoga, and mindfulness to 7-14 year olds, researching about environmental health at the California Department of Public Health and the California Environmental Protection Agency, volunteering to help elementary school students develop reading literacy, and teaching at San Francisco State University. Science, storytelling, play, and creativity inform my teaching approach. I aim to help students at Mike's Paddle feel a sense of connection to our Bay environment and a sense of belonging in our Paddle community.
Joined Mike’s Paddle: 2021
Paddling Since: 2015
Favorite Board: SIC Maui Sonic 12'6"
Favorite Paddle: SIC Talon Paddle
Favorite Paddling Spot: Duxbury Reef
Certifications: Masters in Public Health in Environmental Health, 200-hr Registered Yoga Training (RYT) with Lighting the Path Yoga Teacher Training, Certified Industrial Hygienist, CPR/First Aid Certified
Find her on the water: Surfing and swimming!
Other Favs: Singing, dancing, rock stacking, crossword puzzles!

Pia Crosby
SUP Yoga Instructor
My passion for paddleboarding began while exploring Lake Tulloch in Copperopolis, CA. I noticed how the wind, water, sun, moon, and nature offered a calmness. I wanted to offer this, coupled with yoga, mindful breathing, courage and energetic movement, to anyone willing to explore their own internal flows. I believes that SUP and yoga go hand in hand by interweaving the mind/body connection while we experience this natural flow connection in the water. I love creating space for people to explore, experience and notice their own journeys with SUP Yoga. It is in the connection with others and within ourselves that we are able to grow, learn, notice, acknowledge and love each other into being. I encourage vocal exploration by singing along and chanting during my SUP Yoga classes and within that exploration notice the curiosities of play.
I am a practicing psychotherapist and Licensed Marital Family Therapist (LMFT), specializing in working with trauma and all that life brings. As a yoga instructor and psychotherapist, I incorporate yoga, mindful breathing and the compassionate inquiry approach in my private practice Fierce Therapy in San Francisco. I am looking forward to teaching a SUP Yoga Kundalini Spiritual Warrior Flow mixing in chanting, singing, utilizing our breath of fire, mindful breathing and simply celebrating just being, as taught by Yoga Farm Ithaca, where we will connect, notice and breathe life in together.
Joined Mike's Paddle: 2021
Favorite Paddle Spot: Lake Tulloch, Copperopolis, CA.
Certifications: Licensed Marital Family Therapist (LMFT), 200 hour RYT with Breathe For Change + certification in teaching social emotional learning, Reiki healing with Natural Healer Melissa Crowhurst, 300 hour Kundalini Yoga, Enneagram, Moon Cycle, Spiritual Warrior Training with Yoga Farm Ithaca (in process)

Sierra Reece
SUP Instructor
An East Coaster at heart, I was born and raised in New Jersey, and have taken my talents to upstate New York, Atlanta, Georgia, and across California as an outdoor educator, camp counselor and event planner. I am passionate about environmental justice and working with youth in the outdoors. When not paddling, I love to cook, crochet, thrift shop, and spend time in nature.

Wendy Olsen
SUP Instructor
As an ACA-certified SUP Instructor, I enjoy introducing folks of all ages to my favorite pastime, stand up paddling on the beautiful Bay! Whatever your level, I’ll show you tips and techniques for optimal performance and enjoyment. As a Bay Area local since the ‘70s, I’m also happy to share my knowledge of seabirds, marine mammals, and tides. Before I took the Intro to SUP class at Mike’s Paddle in the summer of 2017, I feared my days of water sports were over. My time on the water was limited to brief vacations ocean kayaking in La Jolla, whitewater river rafting on the White Salmon or hopping waves in Cancun. My days windsurfing at Candlestick Point seemed a lifetime ago: back before I had kids (and before I had creaky knees and a stiff back from computer work).But then my son introduced me to SUP in Lake Tahoe, and I loved it so much I thought I’d have to move to a warmer climate! But no worries: on the SF Bay, SUP is a year-round sport (I now own 3 wetsuits). Within no time, I was competing in races such as Battle of the Bay, doing the Glidezilla Monster Downwinder, and learning to surf in Taiwan. I couldn’t wait to do more incredibly fun social trips with the Mike’s Paddle crew: paddling with dolphins in Costa Rica, downwinding in the Sea of Cortez, and more Escape from SF downwinders! I’ve had a long career teaching in the Bay Area, both in the Oakland public schools and at the Academy of Art University in SF. Now I’m thrilled to be teaching outside the classroom, on the open water, on my Infinity Blackfish board. I’ve never felt better -- after just three years of paddling, my knees and back feel 20 years younger!

Jo Woodison
SUP Instructor
About me coming soon!

Johanna Kwasniewski
SUP Instructor
About me coming soon!

Loriann Lujan
SUP Instructor
About me coming soon!

Danny Yee
SUP Instructor
About me coming soon!

Billie Aldridge
SUP Instructor
About me coming soon!

Annie Myers
SUP Instructor
About me coming soon!

Sylvia Kung
SUP Instructor
About me coming soon!

Mei Wang
SUP Instructor
About me coming soon!

Anne Spencer
SUP Instructor
About me coming soon!

Jie Jang
SUP Instructor
About me coming soon!

Hunter Guidess
SUP Instructor
About me coming soon!

Jordan Holst
SUP Instructor
About me coming soon!

Karen Miller
SUP Instructor
About me coming soon!

Michael Richards
SUP Instructor
About me coming soon!

Julie Moore
SUP Instructor
About me coming soon!
Mike’s Paddle offers 25 day Teen Internship Programs, run year round, for selected graduates from our Leadership Program. We offer two types of internships: Program Internships and Shop and Dock Internships. The following information applies to both types. Please review all details below before applying for the Teen Internship Program.
APPLICANTS MUST COMMIT TO:
- Working 25 full days in a three month time frame
- A consistent schedule -- typically between three and five days per week -- which will be agreed upon before hiring
- Some flexibility in working additional hours that include evenings and weekends
- Obtaining prior approval for schedule modifications or time off
- Leaning in, developing skills and doing their best
- Setting a good example for other interns
- Working responsibly and professionally
BENEFITS:
- Free rentals with one free guest, with reservation and prior approval, during open shop hours
- Free Level 1 - Level 3 classes and Tours (no Specialty Yoga)
- 10% - 30% off retail products
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Interns spend time on the water paddling, swimming, and playing, as well as loading, unloading, and washing equipment daily. In order to ensure a safe and comfortable work experience for everyone, interns should be:
- Strong swimmers with comfort in open water (San Francisco Bay)
- Physically fit with the ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to approximately 45 pounds
- Able to sit, stand, walk, or paddle for extended periods of time
APPLICATION & INTERVIEW PROCESS
- Complete and submit the Mike’s Paddle Internship Application
- Email resume and cover letter to info@mikespaddle.com
- Interview with direct supervisors
- Written parental consent is required for the internship application and schedule commitment
DESIRED SKILLS
- Ability to work well with the programs director, staff, instructors, interns, volunteers, youth participants, parents, organizations, clients, and the surrounding community
- Heightened focus on risk management, group management and safety in an outdoor setting
- Excellent customer service skills including the ability to respond courteously and knowledgeably to the needs of all participants and the surrounding community
- A high degree of initiative, self-motivation and ability to motivate others
- Ability to create and contribute to a positive, inclusive, and productive working atmosphere
- Excellent communications skills with customers, staff and supervisors
Volunteering is another great way to be more involved with our amazing Mike’s Paddle Team. A beginner paddler can join a volunteer program where they can come learn how to teach our classes, help with special projects, and have tons of access to paddling and adventuring around the Bay!
benefits
Unlimited L1 – L5 Skills Classes
Unlimited On-Site Rentals
Unlimited On-Site Rentals for 1 Guest
Gear Discounts
Awesome Community
Motivation to come paddle
commitment
Completion of Level 1 to Level 3 Classes
Completion of ACA Paddlesports Safety Facilitator Certification
Completion of First Aid and CPR
2 Full Days Per Month
8:30am to 4:30pm
Sep - Apr Weekend only
May - Aug 7 days/week
jobs
Instructor Assistant for Level 1 - 3 Classes
Dock & Rental Assistant
Board Demo Assistant
Special Construction
ProjectsShuttle Driver
community
Social Paddles
Tuesday Night Race League
Bay Area Excursions
Ohana Paddle Club
SUP Caravan International Trips

Additional Services
3-Pack Pass
Plan to go all the way?
Save $30 when you buy a Level 1-3 group class 3-pack for $225!
Private SUP Classes
Can't make a group lesson time? Want tailored instruction? Book private SUP lessons
Family SUP Lessons
Want to paddle with your whole family? Need SUP lessons for the kids aged 16 and under? Book a family SUP lesson
Demo Program
Interested in purchasing a board? Learn about our demo program and try 3-4 boards catered to your needs.