A sport that was rather obscure 15 years ago has grown in popularity around the world, attracting fans for its low-impact, all ages workout and meditation with nature.
Stand up paddling, or SUP, is thought to have originated in Polynesia in the 16th century, although the concept of standing on floating material and propelling through the water with a paddle is undoubtedly much older than that. For local residents and avid stand up paddlers Kim Stokes and Arthur Arnold, the sport provides a level of ease and accessibility.
“We are kayakers as well, but what I love about paddleboarding is it’s just a mellow way to travel, and for us they’re actually our dinghies on our 18-foot boat,” said Stokes. “We’ll go way up the coast and we can just step off our boat onto our paddleboards.”
On coastlines around Powell River the sight of the boards is becoming increasingly common. This year, Kat Richards opened a SUP rental business at Willingdon Beach. The idea was suggested to her by Tracey Ellis at Tourism Powell River, she said.
“I asked her ‘what does this town need?’” said Richards. “I wanted to work outdoors and with people.”
After securing a lease agreement with City of Powell River for a space on the beach the business opened May 15. It was a slow start, but things have picked up as the weather improved, according to Richards. Since that time she has met people of all ages from all over the world.
“I’m meeting so many cool people, locals and tourists,” she said. “The cool thing about paddle boarding is anyone can do it. It’s so calm and quiet, until you fall off.”
Stokes and Arnold have travelled the world with their inflatable boards.
“We did a paddle board tour in Scotland in 2014,” said Stokes. “We use them so much. We’ll be driving along and see a body of water and we can just pump them up and go for a paddle.”
Equipment being light and easy to transport is a factor that makes the sport appealing to so many, she added.
“Last night we were just sitting there after dinner and we said ‘let’s just go throw the boards in for an hour,’” said Stokes. “We went down to Hernando Street and paddled over past the Beach Gardens and watched the seals; we were hoping for whales because we’d seen whales the night before.”
The family dog, Arco, enjoys the sport as well, adds Stokes.
“She jumps right on the board and she just loves it. She has fallen off once or twice but she always has her little leash and life jacket on.”
