Turks and Caicos is one of those destinations whose reputation precedes it. White sandy beaches, swaying palms, bustling reefs, and turquoise waters. It’s a stand up paddler’s paradise. When the opportunity arose to take a trip to the Amanyara Resort with my close friend and SUP powerhouse Candice Appleby, there was really only one answer: yes!
Getting there proved to be more challenging than anticipated. After an unexpected expired passport, three rescheduled flights, and twenty hours of travel, we arrived in our tropical paradise. As soon as we stepped through the doors at Amanyara, we were greeted by panoramic ocean views and our troubles were instantly left behind.
Part of the Aman chain of luxury resorts, Amanyara is nestled on an 18,000-acre nature reserve on Providenciales, the third largest island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. The resort is home to a collection of stunning pavilions and villas, including two five-star restaurants, and a half-mile stretch of postcard worthy beaches just perfect for snorkeling, paddling, and sailing.
“Turks & Caicos is a dream destination for paddling,” says Appleby. “The water is a beautiful turquoise and so warm. There are a variety of conditions, from waves to surf, downwinding, and mangroves to explore. It’s definitely a place to put on a SUP destination bucket list.”
Amanyara hosts a unique “Legends” Program through which they invite superstar athletes and world-renowned fitness experts to lead interactive programs for guests. Past legends include 5x Grand Slam tennis champ Maria Sharapova, celebrity trainer Erin Oprea, superstar basketball player Kevin Love, Dallas Cowboys Defensive End Demarcus Lawrence, and Miami Dolphins Cornerback Xavien Howard. Due to her reputation as a world champion athlete and talented coach, Appleby was invited to host SUP clinics at Amanyara.
On our first full day on the island we woke early to the sounds of bird calls drifting in with the breeze through our open windows. At our sumptuous villa, we enjoyed a breakfast spread of fresh fruit, pastries, and cooked to order eggs before setting out to scope out the conditions.
When we got down to the beach, a few sunbathers were catching some early rays and kids frolicked in the shore break. The air was warm and the sun was slowly crawling eastward for the promise of a perfect day. The wind was blowing, and while it kept the temperatures comfortable, it wasn’t ideal for teaching beginners to paddle; however, Appleby opted to make the best of the conditions for the day..
The ever efficient and friendly resort staff laid out their collection of stand up paddleboards and paddles as guests began trickling in, eager to get on the water. In the mix was a young family, a pair of honeymooners, and a few other couples and individuals. After introductions, Appleby gathered the group on the beach where she assessed each individual’s experience level and skill set before instructing on basic paddle techniques and advice for navigating the wind. Then we hit the water.
As an amateur paddler, I can personally attest to Appleby’s finesse as a coach. She’s given me many lessons and her expertise, coupled with her patience, arsenal of drills and attention to safety, make her an incredible coach.
“I consider it a privilege to be called a coach,” says Appleby. “It’s so rewarding to help people build their confidence on the board and in the water. I’ve been in the ocean my whole life, but many of my clients don’t have that same experience. Being able to help them develop a relationship with the ocean and experience the wide open waters through stand up paddling is so special.”
The wind and the open ocean conditions proved to be challenging that first day. Although some of the guests were first time paddlers, they all managed to paddle on their knees and eventually, with Appleby’s help, get to their feet. Success!
From then on, it was a well coalesced group and full steam ahead. Each day we would rise early and set out for Appleby’s paddle clinics. Each afternoon we’d enjoy lunch on the beach or at the oceanfront restaurant, and later alternate between sunbathing and exploring the reef. In the evenings, our group of intrepid paddlers enjoyed drinks and dinner together where we sampled the local cuisine that included the best fish I’ve had to date.
Over the course of the full week, Appleby got to know many of the guests staying at Amanyara, and each day there were familiar faces on most of our outings. While certain guests opted only for one clinic, many others were repeat participants. It was incredible to watch these focused learners progress under Appleby’s guidance.
“Paddling with Candice was really fun,” says Alyssa Geiger who attended the clinic with her husband. “We had paddled before but we didn’t have the technical skills that Candice so freely offered. She gave us pro tips and small technical moves that improved our balance and paddling exponentially. Candice is super knowledgeable and a great coach. It was fun to have the expertise of a pro, something you don’t get in your normal, day to day.”
Although we spent the majority of our time at the Amanyara resort, we did have the opportunity to venture out into the neighboring villages. I visited North and South Caicos where I saw more stunning beaches, experienced a bit of the local’s lives, and explored the impressive Conch caves. While I was away, Appleby headed to another side of Providenciales where she paddled through the mangroves with local SUP outfitter Big Blue Collective.
As quickly as the week had begun, it soon drew to a close and Appleby and I were tasked with packing our bags and saying goodbye to new but good friends. Although we had only been on Turks & Caicos for a week, we fell for it fast and knew it wouldn’t be long until we’d be back on her salty shores again.
While each of us was sad to leave island life behind, we returned home to busy schedules and new, exciting adventures ahead. With the promise of a SUP racing season, Appleby dove back into training in California while simultaneously launching her private coaching business, titled ‘Ocean Academy’. Appleby acknowledges that her career as a professional athlete won’t last forever, but through coaching she hopes to pass on to others her love of the sport of stand up paddling, and bring people joy through the power of the ocean.
