Maui, Hawaii
Born and raised in Hawaii, the life of Lauren Spalding has always revolved around the ocean. But it’s her passion, commitment, and determination that’s driven this world champion to become who she is today —one of the best to ever battle the open waves. Dive in as we take a closer look at Lauren’s can’t-do-without YETI gear and why she believes that adventure is so much more than a lifestyle.
What goes through your head, when you first wake up in the morning?
I hope the wind is blowing in the right direction.
What are the three most essential things you need for your category?
Ocean, canoe, and paddle.
Where’s your favourite place to paddle?
Across the Pailolo and Kaiwi Channels. When the conditions are right, it’s always a fun day surfing open-ocean swells. That’s one of the main reasons I love outrigger canoe paddling.
Tell us your favourite story from a day of adventure?
That time I raced in the Texas Water Safari with JTVan Zandt...craziest 46 hours of my life.
What part of you, or what you do, reflects a spirit of restlessness?
My innate passion for not quitting.
How do you up your game, year after year?
The biggest thing is that I still love doing it. I’ve been paddling my whole life, so it’s just a part of my lifestyle and who I am.
Who are your heroes? And who do you look up to?
My mom and dad...even though he drives me crazy most of the time. Also, anyone with a good comeback story and nice, humble humans.
If you could do anything better, what would it be?
Be a better mom because that’s the most important job I have on this planet and you can always be better.
If there’s any love-hate relationship with an aspect of what you do, can you describe what that is?
The price of escort boats, I guess. In channel crossing, or racing, most times you need an escort boat and they aren’t cheap.
If you could bring anybody in the world (dead or alive) with you to do what you love, who would it be and why?
I guess, Jesus. Because I would love to see him walk on water.
What would be your day job, if you weren’t doing what you’re currently doing?
A ranch hand.
What goes through your head, when you first wake up in the morning?
I hope the wind is blowing in the right direction.
What are the three most essential things you need for your category?
Ocean, canoe, and paddle.
Where’s your favourite place to paddle?
Across the Pailolo and Kaiwi Channels. When the conditions are right, it’s always a fun day surfing open-ocean swells. That’s one of the main reasons I love outrigger canoe paddling.
Tell us your favourite story from a day of adventure?
That time I raced in the Texas Water Safari with JTVan Zandt...craziest 46 hours of my life.
What part of you, or what you do, reflects a spirit of restlessness?
My innate passion for not quitting.
How do you up your game, year after year?
The biggest thing is that I still love doing it. I’ve been paddling my whole life, so it’s just a part of my lifestyle and who I am.
Who are your heroes? And who do you look up to?
My mom and dad...even though he drives me crazy most of the time. Also, anyone with a good comeback story and nice, humble humans.
If you could do anything better, what would it be?
Be a better mom because that’s the most important job I have on this planet and you can always be better.
If there’s any love-hate relationship with an aspect of what you do, can you describe what that is?
The price of escort boats, I guess. In channel crossing, or racing, most times you need an escort boat and they aren’t cheap.
If you could bring anybody in the world (dead or alive) with you to do what you love, who would it be and why?
I guess, Jesus. Because I would love to see him walk on water.
What would be your day job, if you weren’t doing what you’re currently doing?
A ranch hand.
What haven’t you accomplished that you aspire to do in your lifetime?
Go on more adventures and keep the good times rolling.
What does YETI mean to you?
Tough, reliable, and part of my (and my family’s) everyday life. If you’re at home, or outdoors, YETI is what you need to succeed.
How would you explain what YETI represents?
A product that is built and designed to the highest standard. And will last long enough that your kids will fight over it.
What does it mean to be built for the wild?
Welcome the adventure —plain and simple.
How do you use a specific YETI product in your market?
The Sidekick Dry® Gear Case comes (with me) on all my ocean adventures. And the LoadOut® Bucket gets used to carry snacks, veggies from the garden, recyclables, water for the horse...you name it.
Which YETI product feature is your favourite?
The Tundra Haul® Wheeled Cooler is my go-to cooler every weekend...most weekdays, too. And the Panga® Backpacks are the most reliable waterproof bags ever.
What’s the one YETI product that you can’t do without?
The Rambler® Half Gallon Jug.
Which other YETI products do you use?
I use the Lowlands® Blanket all the time...it’s easy to clean and pretty much lives in my car.
How has any YETI product changed what you do, or how you do it?
YETI products have added a level of comfort, knowing that my gear will last through a storm or a rodeo gathering.