A SUP can take you to
OUTDOOR
some incredible places, like Quarry Lake in
SUP ACROSS S CANADA Explore the water this summer with tips from an expert BY LINA AUGAITIS Multi-time SUP World Champion, Pan American Games athlete, and multi-time Canadian National SUP Champion, in Coldstream, B.C. LINAAUGAITIS
LAUGAITIS
52 Outdoor Summer 2021
LINA AUGAITIS DYE
tand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is an incredible sport that’s easily accessible at any age or skill level and can be done on most bodies of water. In Canada, SUP is most commonly seen on lakes, around beaches and at cottages and cabins mostly to cruise, socialize, sunbathe, swim from, and for fitness. Many people are also starting to use their SUPs like canoes and kayaks, as a method to tour around on multi-day trips. The accessibility with a SUP is awesome as it can take you to special places and allow you to see things from different perspectives. When it’s hot, a SUP can be easily used as a diving platform. You can stand and paddle hard if you wish to get a sweat on and then lie down and rest as you please. For training, I use a narrow and light race board for speed and a great workout, but am also a big fan of inflatable SUP boards. The adventures and accessibility offered by an inflatable SUP are endless. I enjoy bringing an inflatable SUP with me on canoe trips, on planes, on hikes, and even towed on a bike trailer. My kids love them as they’re softer to fall on and I don’t have to worry about durability if they bump into something. Inflatables can be packed up and taken
on a hike up to a mountain alpine lake if you have the stamina. Your reward will be enjoying the views from the middle of the lake. It’s incredibly freeing and magical. Or, you could cruise down a meandering river on a float with friends and choose to paddle, stand, kneel, sit or lie down. For those with access to the coast, how about hitting the ocean on a calm day when you can enjoy the underwater world seen from a standing perspective, or the thrill of surfing some waves and challenging yourself in the chop. The community that surrounds the sport of SUP is one of acceptance, giving, and encouragement. I encourage you to seek out other SUP lovers and go out and explore the possibilities. Before you head out on the water, be sure to take appropriate courses and learn the skills and the safety measures needed to return home with stories to share and memories to hold. Also if possible, check out your local SUP shop for upcoming clinics, courses, and events. Always remember to stay safe, have a plan, tell someone your plan, know your limits, check the weather, wear and have the correct safety gear and of course, have fun out there.
IMPACT Magazine
TRAVEL ALBERTA / KATIE GOLDIE
Canmore, AB.