Creating Future Paddlers in our Home Community

In the paddling industry we often talk about how do we get more people out on the water and into paddling.  How do we move the proverbial needle so that folks like you and I, have jobs 10 years from now?  It's the million dollar question really but I have a suggestion...get out on the water paddling with people that do not paddle.

A few weeks ago on our home lake we shared our love of paddling with 20+ friends and their families.  We had 9 kids in total ranging from the age of 17 months to 9 years old.

Seth, dad John and Elia

Introducing people to paddling and more specifically introducing kids to paddling is one of my favourite things to do on the water.  We loaded up our trailer with sea kayaks, recreational kayaks, paddle boards and canoes so everyone could get a taste of all the different "genres" of paddling.  Here are a few photos from our day.

Seth, Michelle and Leanne

Seth - he was a natural and hopefully we got him hooked at the age of 9!!

The kids were the stars of the day and I am sorry we don't have more photos to share.  (Thanks Leanne for sharing yours).  It all starts with the kids, if they enjoy it chances are Mom and Dad will be into it too.

This coming weekend its more time on the water, our almost annual Fraser River Trip.  This is an adults-only trip but in the past we have had kids along for this family friend float.  Canoe-tripping virgins are alive and well on this trip and we can't wait to share the photos!  The forecast is a mixed bag but thankfully we have the gear to keep us warm and dry - THANKS Kokatat Watersports Wear!