"The best way to live is to give, to worry less, and when we do what we love, we can do more than we ever imagined" ~ Gayle King
I wanted to reach out with a personal message following the delay in communication over the last few months. Not only has the season for us ended here in Alberta, Canada with -20 degree temperatures and lakes freezing (typical for us), but I experienced some unfortunate events.
As we know, we can plan, make drawings, lay out our moments to the finite detail, and life hands us a revised route. In late August, I was in an accident where a patron t-boned me at an intersection. Since then, I have had weekly therapies to help with the nerve damage in my cervical spine and left shoulder, and am awaiting hopeful answers from my spinal specialist come the end of the week. That being said - we have been utilizing the down time to revamp and create some epic stories for you to write in 2023. From personalized lessons and day tours, to weekend and week-long tours across Alberta and British Columbia, there's something for everyone. We also provide rentals to get you out and on the water to create memories to last a lifetime. We can't wait!
Reflecting on 2022
This year turned out to be the best year I have had so far since Paddle A Board Vacations was created in 2020. I was able to host two Ultimate Paddle Tours - one in June (our first ever tour!) and one in July. There were a lot of learnings taken from that to adapt and improve for future tours. The feedback received was incredibly humbling and made all the hard work of designing the tours well worth it.
I was also honored to be able to teach over 30 people basic level skills of paddle boarding, with a track record of 99.9% of people standing. One thing we love about this sport is it truly can be for EVERYONE. We love sharing those moments of excitement and joy when you are finally able to stand on your board for the first time. Clients recovering from hip and knee injuries attended some lessons, and were so thankful for the teachings they learnt in the two hours on the water. Lessons will be available across British Columbia and Alberta in 2023, so stay tuned for the dates to be announced in the new year!
This year, I decided to host our very first WITCHES PADDLE event on 30th October. This was a heartfelt fundraiser to raise money for a SUP hero who is bravely battling cancer. In the United States, medical bills can get expensive, and I wanted to do something to help. It was such a fun event, one that Paddle A Board will continue to host, with a new charity to support each year. We were exceptionally lucky with the weather as the snow had melted from the week before and the wind didn't pick up until we were packing up.
So mark your diaries for October 8, 2023 for our next event at Ghost Lake, come have some fun, and dress to impress! If you have a charity or someone in need of our support that is close to your heart, please reach out to Kerry at:
On that note, I want to thank each and every one of you for supporting the small, local business that we are, and for those who returned to us from the previous year. Without your support, we wouldn't be here today!
With the holidays in full swing, I know we can become distracted by the hustle and bustle of the people, music, shopping, traveling and the likes. I trust you are able to carve out some time to reflect on the blessings and gifts that have been awarded to you this year. I know some of my favorite moments have been shared in the mountains, on the water, and among incredible companions this SUP season.
As we move into 2023, my hope is that you will make more time for yourself and the things and people you love. We are definitely looking forward to more time exploring the beauty of this breath-taking world, paddling alongside people like you! When you're ready, we will be here.
"Sun's out, SUPs out!"
Warm and paddling wishes,
Kerry x