Bolder Sports
So, What’s SUP? Entrepreneur Ned Johnson Finds Passion in Paddling. by Jackie Carlin
A
lot of people say they’d like to quit their the same activity at the same time. office jobs and spend their days enjoying “I was completely addicted the first time,” says the great outdoors. But how many people Tammy Smith, a registered nurse who, after 80 are actually brave enough to take the plunge? trips with PBO, became an instructor. “It’s a total Count Orlando’s Ned Johnson, who took the body workout with no stress on your joints.” plunge literally and figuratively, among that numThe proof is in the paddling. ber. In 2010, in a down economy, “I read an article that said Ned decided to take the biggest it’s good for your core, which is risk of his life by leaving behind your stomach,” says SUPer John his job of 19 years and, at 46, Pinkerton. “I looked down at buying a business that would mine and I weighed 195 pounds. become Paddleboard Orlando. I found these guys. I started Now Ned spends his days paddling and four months later, I on the water, standing atop a weigh 165 pounds.” paddleboard, and it’s invigorated Satisfied customers, combined every aspect of his life. with Ned’s flair for market“The number one thing is to ing, turned a big risk into a big share that passion,” he says. reward. From incorporating hula “Find that passion, then share it hoops, yoga moves and even with someone else.” headstands into his paddleboard Even though he’d just been tours, Ned is constantly finding introduced to standup paddlenew ways to make the experience boarding, or SUP, when he bought These days, Ned Johnson spends his even more fun and memorable. the business, he was convinced In addition to its daily tours days on the water and says he can scarcely believe his good fortune. the sport’s popularity was about and lessons, Paddleboard Orto explode. He was right. lando also hosts private parties, Ned took on a partner, his nephew David Rose, races and corporate “board” events. and the business took off. Over the past three Ned says he can’t believe that this is his life now years, they’ve taught thousands of people between — and life has never been better. He’s living his the ages of 6 and 85 to SUP. dream by running a business he loves, with people They offer private lessons; lead daytime and moonhe loves. But it didn’t happen by accident, and his light tours on canals, lakes, rivers and the ocean; advice to others is simple: and even provide paddleboarders a chance to paddle “Keep your eyes open and be ready. Opportunity is alongside manatees or enjoy adventure excursions. everywhere. Just because one thing doesn’t work out What makes paddleboarding unique is its uniexactly how you want doesn’t mean it was a failure. versal appeal. Most people are hooked after the It could very well lead to best thing in your life.” ■ first time they try it, and every tour consists of paddlers who are rookies and regulars, young and For more information, visit paddleboardorlando. old, fitness freaks and couch potatoes, all enjoying com. 26
GROWING BOLDER
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MAY/JUNE 2013
4/29/13 4:25:07 PM