Stand Up Paddleboards making big waves in Smithers
By Dan Mesec – Smithers Interior News
Published: June 30, 2010 8:00 AM
As summer continues to grow in the north, there is an ancient way of transportation that is quickly rejuvenating its stance in the world. For years now stand up paddle boards have been regaining momentum as one of the most predominate water sports in the world and Canada’s un-ending relationship with our flowing rivers and mighty lakes is no different.
So it’s no wonder that once the paddle boards made an appearance in the valley people were quick to ask where they could get one.
At home in the Bulkley Valley the stand up paddle board is fast becoming a household name. Most recently in May, a fellow by the name of Norm Hann embarked on a paddle boarding journey through the Great Bear Rainforest to build awareness around the proposed Enbridge tanker route through the Douglas Channel. Hann has played a huge roll in the support and growth of the sport in Canada and B.C. After completing his expedition of more than 300 kilometres Hann brought a lot of attention to the sport and is now the newest trend on the water.
“Our goal is to build the sport in Smithers, it’s definitely not a new sport, but it’s really new to Smithers and we want to change that,” said Dave Walter, owner of Valhalla Pure in Smithers.
So far Valhalla Pure has brought in two demo boards and will soon be seeing inflatable stand up paddle boards that are keen for running rapids. Just like Hann, Valhalla Pure is supported by Surf Tech boards, which are one of the top brands for the modern day paddle boarder and they hope to bring in more as the sport continues to grow.
Most people are able to get on the board the first time and really do well. The sport is pretty simple to pick up as long as you have a decent grasp of balance once you get up on the board. Overall it is an amazing work out, considering the simplicity of your physical motions. It’s a total core work out, using all your tiny stabilizing muscles to stay atop the board. The paddle, almost eight-feet long acts as both propeller and balance pole. However once you get moving the board is incredibly stable and glides through the water like a loon diving for dinner.
“The valley is such a dominant water sport community,” said Walter. “There are so many different water sports that I’d love to see it be another avenue to get out on the water.”
For more information about stand up paddle boards in the valley visit www.valhallasmithers.com.