Paddle boarders on the Squamish Oceanfront
The Squamish Oceanfront lands are utilized by many groups in Squamish, some common, such as walkers, kitesurfers and swimmers, while others more unique and specialized. Stand-up paddle boarding is one such unique activity taking place on the oceanfront beach.
On Friday mornings throughout the summer, Norm Hann, Jen Segger and a group of fellow stand-up paddle boarders (sup's) have taken to the Howe Sound, destined for coffee in Britannia Beach. Starting from Squamish’s Oceanfront Beach at 7am, when the water is glass like and the sun shines brilliantly, the group paddles south for nearly two hours before reaching Britannia Beach and the Galileo Cafe. After all that paddling the group relaxes with a well deserved coffee.
Norm Hann (Mountain Surf Adventures), recently completed a 365 km ‘paddle board’ journey from Kitimat to Bella Bella through BC’s Great Bear Rainforest, the first ever trip through this region in this form.
Paddle boarding originated in Hawaii by the aliʻi (Hawaiian Kings) and until Tom Blake took an interest in this waterman tradition in the mid 1920's, it had nearly vanished. During the 80's, paddle boarding experienced a renaissance of sorts and has gradually gained momentum and popularity since.
Norm & Jen will be heading out on another 'Stand Up 4 Coffee' paddle the morning of July 30th at 7am. If you would like to join in on one of these adventures, it is necessary that you have some stand-up paddle board experience. If you would like more information on paddle board classes contact Norm via his Mountain Surf Adventures blog.
Below is a short video of the Stand Up 4 Coffee groups most recent trip.
Paddle board the Squamish Oceanfront to Britannia Beach from SODC on Vimeo.