Stand Up Paddling Program for Youth in the Fraser Valley!

Fraser Valley Rippers

Pure Life Paddle Boards is stoked to announce the start of our new youth SUP development program, the Fraser Valley Rippers. This program is designed to get more of our young people on the water and enjoying our environment. The focus of the program will be on developing proper paddling skills and techniques, water safety skills and decision making, and environmental awareness. There are two options within the program, each designed to cater to the needs, goals and ages of interested individuals.

Option 1:  -less competitive with a focus on fun paddling and skill/strength development

- 10 sessions, meeting once a week for 1.5 hours (Saturdays)

-ages 8-12

Cost: $200 plus GST includes board, paddle, life jacket, leash rental ($150 plus GST with own gear)

Option 2: -more competitive with a focus on race specific paddling skills and fitness 

-21 sessions, meeting twice a week for 3 hours total (Wednesdays and Saturdays) plus 8 Cultus Lake SUP Series races

-ages 10-16 (flexible based on sign-up)

Cost: $400 plus GST includes board, paddle, life jacket and leash rental, as well as the $10 entrance fees for the 8 Cultus Lake SUP Series races ($300 plus GST with own gear). Sibling 

Special – in an effort to help lower costs for those families with more than one active kid, the first enrolled will be full price, second will be 20% off and third will be 30% off (any more than that and we can chat!).

I am a Paddle Canada SUP instructor for flatwater, river, surf and touring skills, and hold safety certifications in swift water rescue and a wilderness first aid. Ideally, I would like to see this program grow and be able to offer the paddlers involved opportunities to further develop their paddling skills in the river, surf and touring environments.

I also believe paddle boarding is a great way for families to enjoy the outdoors together. Many parents are already involved in paddling and may be looking to improve their own skills and paddling fitness as well. Because of this, parents will be 100% welcome to come and paddle with their kids during the training sessions.

Looking forward to getting your kids (and possibly yourselves) out on the water!

For dates and details, contact Ken Larsen @ Pure Life Paddle Boards Inc. at 604-798-2349 via email

Norm Hann's interview re: his upcoming film, Stand

Thanks for being such an inspiration to all of us Norm, as a conservationist, expedition paddler

and athlete.

AM/BC: Norm Hann | Global News Video

You can attend the world premier of Stand in Vancouver May 3rd and in these additional cities during the month of May:

May 4, 2013 - Victoria, BC
May 5, 2013 - Tofino, BC
May 18, 2013 - Roberts Creek, BC
May 19, 2013 - Roberts Creek, BC

More information is available here

Board the Fjord Stand Up Paddleboard Race - THIS SUNDAY in Deep Cove!!!

The weather is supposed to be great this weekend so join us in Deep Cove for the Board the Fjord Stand Up Paddleboard Race hosted by Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak Centre this SUNDAY September 16th.

We will have all of our Werner Paddles Stand Up Paddles for you to demo and you can check out all that's new for 2013 too!

Board the Fjord is Deep Cove's Premier Stand Up Paddleboard Event. It's a full day of racing and festivities in beautiful Deep Cove and Indian Arm.

The scenic race course takes paddlers around 7 different islands in North America's southern most fjord.

The race is open to recreational and competitive paddlers and we encourage everyone to come out and challenge yourself at this great event!

Visit the website for more information!

Transport Canada Releases Statement about SUP's and PFD's

Originally posted on the Deep Cove SUP blog by Mike Darbyshire on 5/4/12.  Mike is sponsored by Nikki Rekman Sales, Werner Paddles and Kokatat.

Check out the recent statement from Transport Canada regarding PFD usage for Stand Up Paddleboards.

While it is nothing groundbreaking it does show that they have been hearing the requests for specific rules and are beginning to make some changes.

David Johnston does a great job summing up the article on his website.  

He makes an excellent point that I have to agree with, when he says, "They have a hard enough time trying to convince everybody just to bring a PFD (let alone wear it) when in a boat that it really confuses the message to say it’s ok for one type of vessel but not the other".

We'll see if any more changes are made by Transport Canada but I have a feeling that this is where the regulation changes will stop regarding Stand Up Paddleboards and Transport Canada.

River SUP - Mike Darbyshire

Check out these awesome images taken by Viviane Nishikiori from Deep Cove Outdoors of Kokatat Watersports Wear and Werner Paddles sponsored SUP paddler, Mike Darbyshire.

Mike was out paddling down one of our gorgeous local rivers, the Seymour River in North Vancouver last week.

Don't forget to check out Mike's SUP programs at Deep Cove Outdoors. They offer everything from Intro to SUP, SUP Kids Camp, Sunrise SUP Paddles, SUP Fit and more.


We are stoked to have Mike on board this season!

  

British Columbia SUP CUP Championship Racing Series

Got some fantastic news from Kevin (O'Brien) at the Kalavida Surf Shop in Vernon! 

Check out his press release below: 

British Columbia, Canada - (March 21, 2012) - The athletes have spoken! BC is getting competitive on the Standup Paddleboard stage and proud to announce the formation of the first BC SUP CUP Championship Racing Series. 

This summer, both competitive and recreational paddlers will get a chance to compete in a formal series that stops at several well-established race events across the province – Four unique events that capture the full essence of Standup Paddleboard racing in Beautiful British Columbia, complete with year-end awards and titles. 

It’s a step in the right direction allowing BC to be at the forefront in developing the competitive level of SUP racing and the series welcomes all levels of paddlers who can choose to compete in the Competitive or Recreational classes – A great chance to experience the thrill of racing on BC’s waterways in a variety of conditions including flatwater ocean, lakes and surf-race. 

Introducing the 2012 BC SUP CUP: 

• #1 – May 20, Deep Cove – (Tour de Indian Arm) ‘Season Opener’ 

• #2 – June 23-24, Vernon (Kalamalka Classic SUP Festival) ‘The Classic’ 

June 23 Short Course – 12’6, Junior, Surfboard 

June 24 – Long Course – 14’ 

• #3 – July 15, Tofino – (Surf SUP Island Series #2) ‘Surf Race’ 

• Final – August 26 – (Vancouver SUP Challenge) ‘Grand Finale’ 

To make the series accessible to as many athletes as possible, your top score for any one of the three BC SUP CUP races plus the BC SUP CUP Finale’ will be combined for year-end scores and awards. 

To qualify for a year-end ranking and award, athletes must attend and compete in the final race. BC SUP CUP titles will awarded at the final race along with other awards and sponsor prizes. 

Racing Classes: (Year end titles) * 

• 14’ Men 

• 14’ Women 

• 12’6” Women 

• 12’6” Men 

• Junior Men (18 & Under) 

• Junior Women (18 & Under) 

• 12’2” & Under Surfboard Women 

• 12’2” & Under Surfboard Men   

 * (Additional formats, qualifications and rules to be announced) 

An exciting season SUP Racing is less than two months away so it’s time to start getting ready! The series welcomes sponsors and partners as we continue to build up the premier Provincial racing series in Western Canada. 

About the Organizers: The 2012 BC SUP CUP Series is a collaborative effort between Gary Parsons, Kevin O’Brien, Mike Darbyshire and Stuart Robinson – The respective race organizers from the various events. With their diverse backgrounds in Standup Paddlesurf and other water and land based sports, the group has joined forces to bring the series to life and help further develop Canadian athletes. 

The group will next launch a basic website to keep everyone informed, educated and excited. 

Werner Paddles and Kokatat Watersports Wear will proudly be supporting the SUP CUP Championship Racing Series

See you on the water!