How did you come to know of KIALOA?
I was at my very first Battle of the Paddle in 2009 and met Chuck Patterson for the first time. Such an amazing and generous person. He introduced me to Dave and Meg and I was welcomed to the Ohana with a beautiful “Shasta” that now adornes my gym wall!
What does being a steward of the KIALOA brand mean to you?
I am very grateful for the opportunity to share my love for paddling every single day, even when I am on the snow I talk story. I feel like we (Kialoa) and I are kindred spirits in that we share the same values: authenticity, passion, family (Ohana), and the Aloha spirit!
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I have been a lifetime outdoor enthusiast, runner, skier, paddler and surfer, and first embraced the sport of Stand Up Paddling in 2008, immediately recognizing the fitness benefits of a sport that combined all of my passions!
Since then I have instructed thousands of “first time” “aspiring” and “elite” enthusiasts and athletes how to SUP from my home on beautiful Heffley Lake BC, and in California, Australia and the Caribbean.
Now at 53 years old, I guess that I am considered a veteran SUP competitor. I am very proud to have been one of the first Canadians to have raced in some the world’s most prestigious and demanding events, including the Battle of the Paddle California and Hawaii, and the 2011 Molokai to Oahu!
I was one of Paddle Canada’s first Instructor Trainers, and am a PSUPA, Professional Stand Up Paddle Association Advisor, Trainer. I also hold Professional Certifications as a Heli Ski and Mountain Bike guide and instructor.
The experience that I have accumulated through my world travels and from the camaraderie of the some of SUP’s elite athletes, surfers and adventurers has resulted in the development of one of the most comprehensive Instructional Stand Up Paddle Programs in the world and the birth of Paddle Surfit, that offers sales, rentals and heli SUP tours!
During the off season I work as the Back Country Camp Coordinator at Sun Peaks Ski Resort as well as a Heli Ski Guide and Avalanche Skills Instructor.
Following a lengthy 6 year hiatus from competition, I returned to compete at the Gorge Challenge this past summer. A last minute decision to escape the wildfires here in BC. Having re connected with the race scene, I have registered for the Pacific Paddle Games in October!
What community events are you a part of?
We run an annual SUP for PUPs event to raise money for local dog rescue organizations.
Running, Mountain Biking, Backcountry Skiing, SUP Surf Travel, Whitewater SUP, Heli and float plane SUP Expeditions!
What is your favorite food? Sushi
What is your favorite restaurant?
I will explore Hawaii for best sushi this season!
What is your favorite place to visit?
All new tropical destinations by boat!
How did you get started in paddle sports?
I have always been a waterman. Growing up on the beautiful fresh water lakes and rivers in Canada. I was working for Oxbow Surf back in 2008 and was at the Oxbow World Longboard Championships at Sano and was introduced to SUP by Kai Lenny, Laird Hamiltion and Dave Kalama, all of whom were Oxbow athletes at the time……never looked back since!
What is your favorite pre race meal?
My wife Brenda’s secret protein cubes! Oatmeal, dark chocolate, peanut butter and….:)
What is your proudest paddling moment?
Being the first Canadian to cross the Molokia to Oahu finish line, 2011!
What was your scariest paddling experience?
Haapati in Moorea, clean up set snuck in a bowled the entire reef. Couldn’t even see the horizon, didn’t know which way to go!
How do you train for paddling races?
Cross training, running, mt biking, indo board, slack lines, blindfolded paddling (no waves here to train on). I work a lot on balance.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Alberta, waterskiing, wakeboarding and riding dirtbikes…..great childhood!
What were some crazy fads you went through?
You name it, I tried everything but perhaps the one most do not know is that I was a rodeo cowboy, bareback rough stock for years. That’s how I met my wife of 30 years!
Describe yourself in three words.
Integrity, passion, free spirited.
Favorite time of day?
In the morning -- it is quiet.
