Lara Claydon
Retail & Event Store Manager · Stokehouse Unlimited | Vissla, Sisstrevolution & Amuse Society
Maui
In My Own Words
Aloha, my name is Lara Claydon! I'm a professional ocean athlete with extensive experience in competition & marketing events in the stand-up paddle & surf industry, competing and representing Hawai'i since 2012.
After graduating high school, I took two years off to travel & compete full-time on the Association Of Professional Paddlers World Tour. While still competing in August 2020, I pursued another dream & continued my studies at Bond University in Australia. In December 2022, I graduated from Bond University with my bachelor's in communication and public relations.
Over the years, I have contributed to cross-functional teams to expand brand awareness, increase customer loyalty & grow global brands.
With my degree and extensive experience, I strive to pursue a successful career within the industry that allows me to continue competing and traveling the world. I am grateful to have the opportunity to do what I love, sharing my passion & love for the ocean, adventure, travel, and surfing with those around me.
Work Experience
Retail & Event Store Manager
Stokehouse Unlimited | Vissla, Sisstrevolution & Amuse Society2023 – Present
-Manage day-to-day interaction and operations of the store, employee’s and customers -Develop, implement, and manage community focused events involving Vissla at The Rising Co location -Work alongside marketing and sales team to collaborate on ways to enhance shop sales through social media and events
Personal Surf Coach
Surf With Lara2023 – Present
-Provide hands-on coaching and training for intermediate to advanced surfers, uniquely catering each session to an individuals level. -Foster exciting team dynamic by encouraging adaptable, engaging coaching styles. -Educate students about ocean awareness, safety, and the fundamentals of surfing.
Professional Stand-Up Paddle Athlete
Waterman League2013 – Present
-Worldwide stand-up paddling and longboarding competitor, representing Hawai'i since 2012. -Provide personalized content to support sponsors, brands and collaborations. -Work on location during events to provide fans a behind the scenes look of the athletes and competitors.
Professional Athlete & Brand Ambassador
Professional Athlete2013 – Present
-Worldwide stand-up paddling and longboarding competitor, representing Hawai'i since 2012. -Provide personalized content to support sponsors, brands and collaborations. -Work on location during events to provide fans a behind the scenes look of the athletes and competitors.
Surfing Instructor
Maui Surfer Girls2020 – Present
-Provide hands-on teaching for beginner to intermediate surfers. -Educate students about ocean awareness, safety, and the fundamentals of surfing.
Social Media Marketing Manager
Lala Unlimited2018 – 2022
-Developed, implemented, and managed platform-specific engagement strategies. -Produced engaging content and storytelling around events, athletes and products across multiple social media platforms. -Managed day-to-day interaction and publishing on social platforms.
Social Media & Athlete Marketing Manager
Choice Health Bar2020 – 2021
-Increased customer engagement by providing insight on interaction and publishing on social platforms. -Launched Choice Health Bar's sponsored athlete team. -Created and distributed quarterly personalized athlete gift baskets of new products.
Social Media Marketing Manager
APP World Tour2019 – 2020
-Produced engaging content and storytelling around events, athletes and products across multiple social media platforms. -Managed day-to-day interaction and publishing on social platforms. -Managed day-to-day interaction and publishing on social platforms on during events on-site publishing timely competition, athlete & result updates.
