The Team

 

A common denominator that unites us all is the love for the ocean and nature in general. Our team is as diverse as the ocean and that diversity is what makes us unique.

Rafael Caballero - Indigo Paddleboards Brand Ambassador & Team Rider

Rafael Caballero

Brand Ambassador / Team Rider
Where do you currently live/ originally:

I was born in Miami Beach and grew up in Hialeah and currently living in Miami Beach.

What does the name Indigo-SUP mean to you:

Born of water. And what my friend and shaper Delfos has created with his talented skills.

When did you start paddling:

I started paddling around 2008 I think. It was in the beginning when not too many people where paddling. My first board was a jimmy Luis all around.

Tell us something about you we don’t know:

I'm a firefighter for BSO fire rescue. I spearfish. Run. Bike. Snowboard. And do yoga. I also like to cook.

What are your goals for SUP:

My goels for SUP are to progress in the sport and get people involved that have not tried it yet. To travel to exotic places and to surf SUP.

What is it about SUP you think everyone can enjoy:

Everyone can enjoy SUP because it is not as hard as people think as long as they have a good instructors teaching them the proper way and good reliable equipment like indigos SUP.

WHY DO YOU PADDLE???:

I sup to get outside and be in my environment. The water, the ocean. It's a great core workout and it's very accessible living in south Florida.

Delfos Almagro - Indigo Paddleboards Designer and Shaper

Delfos Almagro

Designer / Shaper delfosalmagro.com
Where do you currently live/ originally:

Born and raised in Cuba. Currently live in Miami, FL

What does the name Indigo-SUP mean to you:

A creative platform in which we create unique Stand Up Paddleboards that reflect our customer's identity and individuality.

When did you start paddling:

It all began in 2010 when I tried it for the first time. I've always been a fan of watersports

Tell us something about you we don’t know:

I earned a Bachelor degree in Industrial Design and Communication Art from the Technical Institute of Industrial Design and the Higher Institute of Industrial design in Havana, Cuba. I worked in the fashion industry, where I was honored in 1999 as an innovative prêt-a-porter (ready-to-wear) fashion designer.

What are your goals for SUP in 2014:

Continue developing unique, creative Stand Up Paddleboards and bring joy to anyone who has the opportunity to ride them.

What is it about SUP you think everyone can enjoy:

You can practice anytime, anywhere

WHY DO YOU PADDLE???:

It's just like walking on the water, the waves under you feet will rise you up, the wind will push you forward, powered by your own will to reach beyond the shore!! that's SUP!!!!

Lizi Ruiz - Indigo Paddleboards Public Relations & Team Rider

Lizi Ruiz

PR / Team Rider
Where do you currently live/ originally:

Born and raised in Miami, FL

What does the name Indigo-SUP mean to you:

Custom race boards with killer designs that are fast. Every board is a true work of art and the attention to detail is unparalleled.

When did you start paddling:

I began paddling in 2012 when I ran across a groupon and thought this might be something fun to do. Whoa... Little did I know at the time that SUP would change my life. It really is a lifestyle based on health, strength, unity and love for the ocean.

Tell us something about you we don’t know:

I was a water baby. I learned how to swim before I could walk. I was brought up around the ocean and i use to spend my summers island hoping in the Bahamas from Bimini all the way to the Exumas. I'm a big game fisherwoman and I use to be a collegiate tennis player. Now you know more than a few things about me. Ha! :)

What are your goals for SUP in 2014:

My goals are to get stronger, faster and to just do my personal best each time I hit the water. Most of all I want to spread the stoke of SUP.

What is it about SUP you think everyone can enjoy:

Just that. It is a sport that anyone at any age can enjoy.

WHY DO YOU PADDLE???:

It clears my mind and recharges the soul :)

Raul Ruiz - Indigo Paddleboards Sales

Raul Ruiz

Sales
Where do you currently live/ originally:

Queens, NY reside in Miami, Fl

What does the name Indigo-SUP mean to you:

One of a kind boards with the customer in mind. We like thinking outside of the box.

When did you start paddling:

Began in early 2012 but, really got into it when a local sup instructor showed us the basics (Ashley Sparkin & Mike Metzger)

Tell us something about you we don’t know:

Lived in Domincan Republic for 8 yrs.

What are your goals for SUP in 2014:

To travel and paddle different places in the U.S.

What is it about SUP you think everyone can enjoy:

You get to enjoy your community from a different perspective.

WHY DO YOU PADDLE???:

To chase my wife around. It also does not feel like exercise but, I know I'm getting a great work out.

Claudia Bustillos - Indigo Paddleboards Brand Ambassador and yoga instructor

Claudia Bustillos

Brand Ambassador / Yoga Instructor
Where do you currently live/ originally:

I am originally from Caracas Venezuela. Currently live in Miami, FL.

What does the name Indigo-SUP mean to you:

A unique SUP brand connected to life force and our environment, smooth, light, detailed.

When did you start paddling:

I started paddling in 2010.

Tell us something about you we don’t know:

I am a Dentist that left the field in search of passion, yoga, nature, travel, lifting my self by lifting others, empowering and being an agent of change. also i have scoliosis and the strength in full body but specially in core and back muscles helps me.

What are your goals for SUP?:

Just SUP and enjoy, fitness while exploring the world with my dog, alone, or a group.

What is it about SUP you think everyone can enjoy:

The connection to nature, and its a transportation! so just get on it and travel.

WHY DO YOU PADDLE???:

I just love it, give me high while relaxes, challenge my fears and the need to explore. good for mind, body and soul.

Melina Cherry - Indigo Paddleboards Brand Ambassador & Team Rider

Melina Cherry

Brand Ambassador / Team Rider
Where do you currently live/ originally:

I am originally from Athens, Greece. Currently live in Coconut Grove Miami, FL

What does the name Indigo-SUP mean to you:

Indigo means so many things to me: it is one of my favorite colors, it reminds me of my Greek roots and the Aegean Islands, Indigo means freedom and beauty, happiness and serenity. It also means art, style, speed, efficiency and the talent to put all that together in the great product that is an Indigo SUP!

When did you start paddling:

I started paddling last July 2013.

Tell us something about you we don’t know:

In my mid twenties I suffered from an eating disorder. My professional involvement in fitness helped me get over it and gave me the great opportunity to help others with food and weight management problems. It also motivated me to follow my dream and that's how I came to America!

What are your goals for SUP in 2014:

My SUP goals for 2014 are to make my SUPtheworkout location a success through my motto: train to paddle, paddle to train AND to spread the stroke to as many people as possible, to share the happiness that SUP can bring to peoples' lives!

What is it about SUP you think everyone can enjoy:

Everyone can enjoy being out on the water, on a gorgeous South Florida day, playing with family and friends and getting some exercise without even realizing it! No other water sport is as easily accessible and as enjoyable as SUP can be.

WHY DO YOU PADDLE???:

I LOVE PADDLING BECAUSE IT IS A LOW IMPACT, HIGH INTENSITY, TOTAL BODY, CARDIOVASCULAR ACTIVITY WITH A STRONG MUSCULAR COMPONENT! And it can be as fun or as serious as you intend it to be on any given day on the water.

Zach Rounsaville - Indigo Paddleboards Brand Ambassador & Team Rider

Zach Rounsaville

Brand Ambassador / Team Rider
Where do you currently live/ originally:

I currently live in Orange Beach, Alabama but grew up in Mississippi and Georgia.

What does the name Indigo-SUP mean to you:

Passionate people make unique high quality boards that show their love of the ocean and paddling.

When did you start paddling:

In 2012 my dad and I rented a couple boards just to try it out and were immediately hooked. The next year we bought a board and started racing, and I haven't looked back since.

Tell us something about you we don’t know:

I am an accomplished chef and when I'm not on the water I am in the kitchen creating new flavors and dishes.

What are your goals for SUP?:

My goals are to continue competing in high level events, improve every day, and to take a long range adventure paddle.

What is it about SUP you think everyone can enjoy:

It is accessible to anyone anywhere there is water; it has a vast and welcoming community, and it is just plain fun.

WHY DO YOU PADDLE???:

I SUP because it is a fun way for me to stay fit, and it connects me with nature; which helps to maintain my mental and spiritual fitness as well.

Irma Price - Indigo Paddleboards Brand Ambassador & Team Rider

Irma Price

Brand Ambassador
Where do you currently live/ originally:

Reside in Miami, FL

What does the name Indigo-SUP mean to you:

Original, quality and an 'uberly' creative board, custom designed for each paddler.

When did you start paddling:

Began SUPing in 2010 recreationally on my own until I came across the CPN (CocoPlum Navy)...thereafter, I became a SUP race junkie. Now, my passion is SUPsurfing and back to recreational paddling along with spreading the SUP passion to Special Olympic athletes in Miami.

Tell us something about you we don’t know:

My board is my gym. Several times a week, I do a personal fitness routine on my board that includes some yoga, pushups, sit-ups, and squats as well as some interval cardio paddling. All this while breathing clean air and connecting with Mother Ocean. It's a mental, emotional and physical workout/therapy. I do this in the morning or end of day. I go to the same place several times a week. The cormorants and manatees are now my friends.

What are your goals for SUP in 2014:

After being in the race scene for several years, I'm enjoying going back to the basics to the simple love of Mother Ocean and spreading the SUP stoke in my community, in particular to new paddlers and/or Special Olympic athletes. Secondly, to improve my SUPsurf skills.

What is it about SUP you think everyone can enjoy:

EVERYONE, EVERY age, EVERY gender should try SUP at least once. Standing tall on the water and seeing/connecting w marine life can not be done with any other vessel. SUP can be done recreationally w children, families, pets or it can be taken to an elite level of racing. It can be done ANYWHERE there is a body of water. There are different type boards for any or all of a SUPers needs/desires.

WHY DO YOU PADDLE???:

Free Mental, Emotional and Physical Therapy. Give me a reason why not to.