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  • Learn More
    • Contact Us
    • CANRVRSUP PARTNERS
    • INSTRUCTOR TEAM >
      • RETA
      • SAM
      • LISA
    • Testomonials
    • Cancellation Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • PODCAST INTERVIEWS
    • RvR SUP BLOG
    • 2theRVR Newsletter
  • Grow Your SUP Skills
    • Private Lessons
    • Rescue Skills
    • Instructor Development
  • 2THERVR SHOP

CAN RVR SUP Blog

OUR TEAM WENT TO MEDICINE HAT!

9/11/2023

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A 3-Day Trip with Reta Boychuk (@reta.sends) in Medicine Hat

Reta Boychuk (@reta.sends) and crew paddle Medicine Hat and surrounding areas.
Reta Boychuk (@RETA.SENDS) is the owner of Canadian River SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board), a SRT Instructor at Raven Rescue, and a River SUP Instructor Trainer, and she visited Medicine Hat to embark on a few outdoor adventures, including the South Saskatchewan River.

She and her friends loaded up to take in the Southeast Alberta city for three days and indulge in craft beer made by three breweries included in the HIGHWAY 3 ALE TRAIl.
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"I called the crew, Aleasha, Andre, and their rad boys, Ashley, and Amanda. We loaded up our rigs, our convoy crew, and started the smooth drive to Elkwater, Alberta with curiosity, paddle gear, fishing gear, and some bikes,” says Reta. “We had no expectations, except to take in adventure and drink some quality coffee and beer.”

A beautiful drive through the rolling prairie hills, farm lands, and windmills, they dropped into Elkwater in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, with beautiful lakes, massive trees, and comfortable camping. With the peace and quiet they’ve been dreaming of, as Reta described, they unhooked and moved in to relax for the evening.

Having large trees between sites made it feel they were alone with nature. The adults unpacked and relaxed, while the two high-energy, teenage brothers biked laps on the jump trail just behind their campsite. A peaceful state as they settled in and planned for their adventure for the morning.
Day one started with loading up the stand up paddle boards (SUP’s), rafts, and tubes, with a breakfast stop at 12-34 Cafe & Pub. “Their selection was amazing. I ordered my go to cafe mocha with a brownie. Amanda loved the breakfast pizza, describing the crust as a garlicky bite of fluffy heaven and even took a second slice for the road. With caffeine and food, the crew was ready to roll.”  READ THE FULL STORY 
KEEP READING
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The River Runs Through Us…Over Us…Around Us…

6/21/2023

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Fun fact: Our heart and brain are 73% water; our lungs are 83%.

We are literally vessels of water paddling a vessel on the water. Perhaps that's why so many of us are drawn to this element. It is literally life-giving.
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It is also life-taking. The largest risks come from complacency in the competent, lack of risk awareness in the beginner and insufficient rescue training/practice skills for both. ​
Ask yourself when was the last time you practiced using your throw bag? Outside of doing so in a course setting. If you're an avid paddler, do you hone these skills or even have them dialed in to rescue someone under pressure? 

On moving water situations unfold so fast unless you have the muscle memory engrained into your movements to respond efficiently you may be watching your friend helplessly go over Killer Fang Falls to their death. 
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We imagine some dramatic Class V rapid being the end of a whitewater paddler but the reality is that the majority of deaths/injuries occur on Class II or less waterways. This is where we find the newest paddlers bursting with excitement to hit the river with their new gear. Their lack of river knowledge and pure unadulterated gusto often leads to dire consequences.

A good example of this is the paddle boarder who shows up at a “mellow” section of the Bow River. Board in hand, PFD on board not on the body, ankle leash securely strapped on and along with their friends also new to paddling they set off on an adventure.

Chatting, floating and immersed in their surroundings, suddenly one of them finds themselves going into a sweeper on the river. Unable to maneuver quickly enough they are knocked off their board and suddenly find themselves tangled on the log. Consequently, the board and ankle leash keep them pinned in the river current making it impossible to release the pressure and board. The friends watch helplessly as the person drowns. 
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What was missing? Understanding river hazards. Basic paddling skills to avoid hazards. Inadequate gear. Inability to assist in a rescue of any kind. 

If you’re a recreational paddler who is starting to explore your boundaries on water, an overestimation of your skill level is the greatest risk outside the physical water hazards. Perhaps it’s not an overestimation but simply not comprehending what sleeping giant awaits you in the deep. 

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We all want to recreate safely and make it home to our families at the end of the day. Along with bringing our friends back with us to theirs.
The Swiftwater Rescue Training for River Runner is coming to Calgary! Geared towards just that; the recreational paddler.  Learn how to identify and avoid hazards, rescue with minimal equipment and with resources you feel comfortable using to save a life maybe even your own. 
Check out the latest upcoming course in Calgary on July 15/16, sign up online at Raven Rescue: https://www.ravenrsm.com/course/rescue-for-river-runners/
By Lisa Stocking
CANRVRSUP Team Instructor
Stoked Certified Raven Course Participant of:
Swiftwater Rescue Technician
Raven Medical Wilderness First Responder
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@love_nsup
@ravenrsm
@canrvrsup
​#ravenrsm #ravenrescue

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PC: @snakeriverphoto
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Kootenay River Raft Support SUP Trip!

9/10/2022

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The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of…

Turquoise blue water flows from the headwaters at Castle Mountain in Southeastern British Columbia, meandering towards the Columbia River through fabled landscapes.

At 780 km long the Kootenay River often coined the affordable Nahanni, provides the perfect setting for stand up paddle boarders to develop their skills and experience a multi-day trip of a lifetime. 
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With the support of a raft, SUP riders have the opportunity to surf waves, run rapids and go with the flow without the burden of heavy boards.

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Kootenay Quest​

To those who seek solitude in nature there is no greater stage than the mountains, allowing us to feel minute and as we feel small physically our problems shrink exponentially with it.

As we made our way to the put-in at McLeod Meadows in Kootenay National Park. Anticipation was at a pinnacle, the warm sunny days ahead we’re setting us up for a perfect trip. As we approached the river and began getting our gear out it almost seemed surreal what we were about to embark on.

Our first day we had a deadline to meet, make our way out of the National Park to make camp for the night. It is unlawful to randomly camp in a pristine wilderness park such as the Canadian Rockies unless it is in a life threatening survival situation. In order to maintain its beauty the park designates campsites to use. 

As the valley began to close in around us making our way towards Cross River. Our group settled in on the current. Rosie The Raft and her companion unicorn Estevan were a sight to behold on the water.

Nothing in life should ever be taken too seriously, except river safety but Rosie and Estevan were safe at all times on the water with their trusty guide Reta from CANRVRSUP and unicorn wrangler/photographer Ashley Voikin.

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​Silent Night


Although this is a well-travelled river people are respectful of each other’s space and finding a peaceful spot for the night was not difficult. 

We made our way to the river right for the night to set up camp, being on this side allows us to wake with the sun and have the warmth of its rays soak into our skin as we began the next day.​

Settling into camp eating supper with the sound of water running over rocks and the promise of three more great days ahead of us.

Always Learning

With the upcoming section ahead we had a few rapids to navigate. This was a great time to practice our skills of eddy turns and ferrying the river.
Even on a trip such as this developing and practicing skill is imperative to having an enjoyable time. The more confident a person feels on the water, the less fear, the less worry = way more fun!​

As we paddled through the day we planned to stay upriver from the Palliser Rapid so we could start the day fresh and ready for a big run. Setting up camp for the night we began to notice that the water levels were rising. I marked the water level with a stick and we carried all of our gear up to the high water mark to ensure we would still have everything come morning.

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Willy Wonka’s Cheerleaders

Morning dawned and the crystal blue waters now ran chocolate brown like Charlie In The Chocolate Factory sans the edible flavour. With this came the opportunity to send the Palliser Rapid at high water.

As the raft approached first to the rapid, a massive camp on river right of paddlers noticed the eccentric group of people coming down the river. They were so stoked to see us that they ran and lined the edges of the river bank cheering on Rosie, Estevan and the SUP paddlers hitting Palliser Rapid.
With each person through they supported us screaming for the clean sends and total carnage swims with equal delight. To say this was a trip highlight is an understatement. Their stoke and enthusiasm boosted us for the rest of the day. But wait it’s not over.

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Party Wave

As we departed from our cheering squad, we approached the Palliser River and in stark contrast glacial blue water was flowing into the muddy Kootenay. At its confluence was a perfect surf wave creating photo opportunities like no other.

We surfed, we laughed, we swam and when you thought it couldn’t be any more epic than the scenery the adventures kept adding to the awesomeness.

Making our way to the White River Valley where the two rivers meet, we had prime camping with sunrise and sunsets in both directions from this open area. Although this place is accessible by vehicle we had the whole place to ourselves.​

With endless stargazing overhead, a touch of sadness was in the air as you know there’s only one night left to drink it all in.


​Gibraltar Rock

An epic adventure requires a fitting farewell, the final day was not without its own majesty. The water ran clear on this day and we again had a jewelled vein to follow past the monolithic rocks.

Rosie and Estevan quietly drank in the views as Ashley continued to capture them with her lens. We approached the final take out slowly, with reverence for the landscape we were able to spend the past three days in. 
Spirituality occurs naturally in the outdoors, feeling part of something bigger is felt deep in the soul out on the water. Being able to return again is always a gift, never to be taken for granted.

Reta Boychuk
Kokatat Ambassador
Lead Guide / Owner CANRVRSUP
Compiled and Edited by Lisa Stocking
BADFISH SUP • WATERSHED DRY BAGS • NOMAD NUTRITION • KOKATAT • WERNER PADDLES • AQ OUTDOORS
SHUTTLE IN STYLE WITH A GMC AT4  COCHRANE GMC

Join us AUG 2023
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GROWING DOWN THE RIVER.

9/1/2022

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DREAM ON!

The meaning of life is to find your gift; the purpose of life is to give it away…

With deep ancestral ties to the North Saskatchewan River, I feel a special attachment while paddling it. The past 3 years of developing programming, safety protocols and garnering knowledge to guide paddle boards on it has finally come to fruition. I’ve dreamt of sharing this river with others for as long as I can remember.

Being a guide is not glamorous but it is hugely rewarding. Similar to a duck swimming calmly on the surface of the water, there’s so much going on underneath it all. Unless you’ve lived it most people are not aware of how much work is required. 
Between pre-trip planning, packing, organizing, safety, de-briefs, ensuring others are having a good time, safety, taking photos, mitigating risks, adapting to changes in weather, making good campsite choices, along with managing 6-8 people’s emotional and physical ability there is an endless stream of thoughts in my head at any given time while on/off the water.

​It is my life purpose, to give this passion away. For others to explore, experience and empower themselves while paddling on moving currents. After this trip it is cemented even more in my soul that this is what I’m meant to do. 


My parents were able to meet us at the river and assist the trip by setting up shuttle for us. This past year involving them more in helping host my events has been so fun for all of us. They’ve never been able to see the paddle community in action; they now feel so welcomed by the people they’ve met along the way.

I feel that life has come full circle for my family starting with when my great great grandparents ran rafts built from trees they harvested, on the North Saskatchewan River to bring supplies to our settlement from Fort Edmonton over a century ago.
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SUFFER ON!

Sometimes the only way through suffering is to go right through it…

It takes courage to sign up for an adventure such as this, there’s always some tentativeness when we push ourselves out of our comfort zone. SUP touring on rivers is a relatively new niche. 

Eight women came together, of all different skill levels, ages and backgrounds for this unique experience. After a warm up paddle Thursday near Rocky Mountain House we set off into the wilderness from Nordegg the following day. 
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There were nerves and excitement but immediately the teamwork began. Learning along the way the group started to identify hazards to avoid as we progressed with the flow. The women who just a day ago were mostly strangers to each other, bonded and flourished while supporting each other through every challenge presented to them.

​Oftentimes the most memorable trips are ones where everything doesn’t go right. This river tour was the perfect example of this. We had rain, heavy loaded boards, gear struggles, flips, fails and the ever changing wind either being our friend or foe. We laughed, we cried and we howled in unison as we conquered all 101 Km of paddling. 


The impossible became possible. Suffering is a vehicle to help us grow as individuals; I can safely say we all grew through the obstacles we faced together. It becomes a reminder not to take ourselves too seriously, we chose to be out on the river, we sought out this experience and all that was attached to it. 
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ROCK ON!

The end was bittersweet as we said our goodbyes, not one person in the group had a low to describe in the debrief; only highs. We all left feeling inspired, empowered and forever connected through the last four days of memories. Sometimes a group creates its own special energy that lasts in your heart for life, this was definitely the case for us.

This trip could not have been possible without the impeccable co-guiding of Jackie Stefaniuk who celebrated her birthday on the river with us that weekend. She loved our serenading or so she says! We both look forward to seeing which rivers these strong women conquer next. 

That is the ultimate goal for us at CANRVRSUP; to help you feel accomplished and empowered in a safe environment where you can test your limits physically and mentally while smiling. 

Check out our upcoming 2023 programs and trips (officially launching in November 2023). We’d love to help you find your flow in life!
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Reta Boychuk
Lead Guide / Owner CANRVRSUP
Compiled and Edited by Lisa Stocking
BADFISH SUP • WATERSHED DRY BAGS • NOMAD NUTRITION • KOKATAT • WERNER PADDLES • AQ OUTDOORS
SHUTTLE IN STYLE WITH A GMC AT4  COCHRANE GMC

Trip Testimonials

"So glad that I found the CANRVRSUP team to get me into SUP this summer! Their lessons combined fun, skill building, and safety awareness that had me wanting to get out for more. Joining the Intro to River SUP Touring trip was the highlight of my summer. Being outdoors on a beautiful river, learning, improving, achieving, and sharing good food and company while receiving guiding and coaching that was supportive of all abilities in the group was a great experience. Looking forward to more paddling!" -Lise V

"
An experience of a lifetime! The lessons and techniques I learned on this Intro to River SUP tour will help me on other adventures and will stick with me for life. Money well spent, a great story to tell and lots of knowledge gained. Not to mention, a whole lot of fun! I can’t wait for the next opportunity to do something like this. Shout out to Reta, the best paddle instructor ever!" - Wyatt​
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River of Hope 2022

6/29/2022

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At CANRVRSUP when we’re not teaching on the water, we are living and breathing paddling through experiences. 

​Life isn’t about how many breaths you take, it’s about how many moments take your breath away…

Our own team member Lisa Stocking began her river journey in 2020 by paddle boarding from her home near Athabasca to The Grand Rapids, an expedition of 200 km. Taking her two and a half days to do so. She was solo on her SUP, but her husband also came along as her safety and shuttle home in a jet boat. This inspired her to want to see the whole Athabasca River system in its entirety. 

In the fall of 2020 she set the goal of paddling from Jasper to Athabasca in 2021; with the support of the CANRVRSUP team her and Reta set off on this epic adventure together for the first five days self-supported on their Badfish Selfies!

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Lisa and Reta! Hustle / HustleR PFD's from Kokatat!
The goal was to raise awareness for mental health through numerous organizations and Lisa achieved that by raising over $10, 000 for The Center For Suicide Prevention based out of Calgary.

Read all about the journey on her website: Paddle Athabasca 

You will find a ten day journal series of short 2-3 minute reads about her time on the water. 
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If you’re more interested in watching than reading about the trip watch this video instead!

There are opportunities this year to support Project All In, a campaign that provides tools to first responders to be able to ask for help when they feel helpless. Donate and write River Of Hope in the notes at the checkout!

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If you’ve always wanted to get a Kula Cloth use the code riverofhope when purchasing a Mystic, Magical or Wondering Kula cloth in our CANRVRSUP store: 10% will go to Project All In and you will save shipping costs!
We encourage you to get out and paddle everyday she is on the water to help raise awareness for mental health and help cheer her on! We will keep you posted on her status and be paddling everyday too!

1. Starting July 10th try and get on the water every day for at least 30 minutes.
2. Enjoy your paddle time, breathe, relax and explore!
3. If it fits with your journey share your paddle #riverofhope22 @love_nsup @project_allin

When Lisa is done this section she will have completed 1217 km of The Athabasca River system and all that remains is the 134 km section from The Grand Rapids to Fort McMurray with many rapids between. The CANRVRSUP team will be there next year in full force on a raft supported SUP descent of this section!

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DON'T STOP BELIEVING!

5/6/2022

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Cue The Journey Song….

Now that you’re singing it in your head. Imagine a small town girl that’s used to paddling a chill river thinking she could show up to a River 1 SUP course and like most things in life figure it out pretty quickly. 
Nope.
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THE RECKONING:
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This photo clearly sums up my first year of SUP on whitewater: Stand, paddle, touch the current, fall, swim, remount, repeat.
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It was exhausting!


←Note: 
Always keep your paddle, I did not!
​Photo: @ashvoykin


While many find the rush of whitewater exhilarating, I was convinced after hearing about all the hazards in the river I was supposed to identify and avoid; I was going to die in it. 

There is no rational explanation to the visceral reaction I had standing near the water's edge. My whole being shook: legs, trunk, arms, brain. It was the first time I felt such an adrenaline dump that crippled my ability to learn, react or progress.

Every time I tried to apply what was being explained my body would do the opposite out of reaction. Which caused me to literally do the wrong move each time. It becomes really hard to practice when you’re so tired from self rescuing yourself onto your board. Fear itself is tiring, causing you to become rigid and in turn creating a harder learning environment.

Let’s just say nothing was setting me up for success except Reta Boychuk. She was very patient and evolved herself as an instructor to find ways for me to be successful. If you ever require an exit buddy into the current, that’s a direct reflection of the time she had to ferry me across the river because I froze. Nemo depending on Crush The Turtle….


​THE REPETITION:
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Other than being determined and understanding that if you keep showing up it eventually happens. 
I could have quit a thousand times. One time I nearly said it outloud; but I didn’t. I’m pretty sure the tears of frustration said it. Typically, I’m not a big crier but I have had more tears on the side of the river than any other place.
In September of 2020 I ran Thunder Bunny and didn’t die, even though I was terrified I knew deep down I was safe with the group and trusted that.
Now this feature is fun! Two years later…
The first summer was autopilot, I don’t remember a lot of it but every time I paddled on the current I picked up something. Whether I had the ability to execute it or not I was slowly evolving.
Ironically, every time I left the river even without paddling on whitewater it seemed my brain could process what I was trying to learn off the water.
I’d return and somehow start to put the pieces together. 
Photo @ashvoykin -->

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Learn to River SUP on the Badfish Riversherd, a free demo in every CANRVRSUP class is included!
THE RIVER SURFER:
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March 2021 I met up with Reta as I came off Vancouver Island and her from The Sunshine Coast. Picking me up in Vancouver we road tripped to the epic Trail Wave. Unsure if it would be at the appropriate levels we took the chance and went anyway.

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Use the Badfish IRS to dial in your surf skills!
The weird part of this whole experience is I could still hear the words come out of my mouth less than a year earlier at the end of my Advanced Flatwater Instructor Course.
After seeing a magazine photo of Reta surfing this wave I told her I would NEVER PADDLE THAT CRAZY WHITEWATER STUFF SHE DOES!
Bahahahaha as five days later I was paddling the Kananaskis River in 2020 with her. Eating my words.
However, we were headed to some big water. The Columbia River is no joke. Trusting Reta when she said I would be fine, I channeled my inner yogi…stay calm.

<--Photo @reta.sends

The Trail Wave I believe was the biggest turning point for me in paddling whitewater. As big as it seems and with a fairly big swim after I was hooked. I was magic. The safest, most perfect place to build my confidence. 
Tears of joy and disbelief were coming down after this photo. It seemed so surreal that I just surfed there, without the coaching and mentorship from Reta it would never have happened.
It was a great start to the 2021 paddle season, a year that pushed me further than I ever thought possible. Paddling The Red Deer River at high water, taking my Swift Water Rescue Level 1 Technician, paddling from Jasper to Athabasca 663 km and going down The Slocan River were just a few highlights.

THE RIVER INSTRUCTOR:
Outside of paddling flatwater on Slocan Lake on a winter SUP expedition in February 2022, I hadn’t touched water for over seven months. As past progression showed though, I usually relaxed more over that time and was able to process what needed to happen. It did cross my mind briefly to not even try to attend the course as I wasn’t sure I would be ready.
Winter passed by quickly and I hadn’t even put any thought into the technicalities I should be practicing to prepare for my instructor course until a week out. By studying and getting back into the groove for the week I had this odd unattachment to passing. If I did great, if not I had more work to do; I was prepared for both outcomes.

Magic happened: 
I had put in the time.
I had connected the dots.
I had the skills.
I trusted myself.
I never shook once beside the river.
I even liked it.
There I said it, I like whitewater.
Having three amazing days of paddling where I felt confident, competent and had fun on the water was such an accomplishment. The deep sense of pride I feel in consistently showing up when I didn’t want to, being supported to keep trying and finishing what I started won’t fade quickly.
It will be shared and passed down to other new paddlers who may struggle with the same things I did. I have deep empathy for those nervous paddlers. 

And if nothing else just remember:
Don’t Stop Believing…


Sending You Love N SUP,
Lisa Stocking
The Reluctant Whitewater Paddler
CANRVRSUP River 1 Instructor www.paddleathabasca.com/
Find the Badfish SUP River Shred and Badfish SUP IRS online or locally at AQ Outdoors. 

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Learning to Paddle with the CANRVRSUP TEAM- “Hear me out”

4/22/2022

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​A paddle girls' journey from flat to flow! 

“Hear me out” … a newbie’s blog.

That is how most of my conversations with anything to do with SUP start out…

I wanted to learn a watersport. Stand Up Paddleboarding seemed very intriguing back in 2015. There was something serene about paddling while standing on a board, gently gliding over a beautiful blue crystal-like lake, in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, which captured my attention and my interest.

I had to add SUP to my outdoor pursuits as it looked so cool (I was learning to hike at the time). I took a couple of minor intro lessons (trials if you will) in the city to see if I actually liked SUP and I did. But then one day, I saw someone on a SUP, in a river! The Bow River in fact. Immediately, my blood began to race, and I thought, I have to do that! 
Fast forward to 2021. I now have my own board and a bit of SUP gear (I was going to “teach” myself on flatwater before going into a river). I realized I didn’t know how to use half my gear properly, how to get back on the board swiftly if I happen to fall in the middle of a deep, cold lake! Also, I was unsure if the board or my gear could be used on a river, was it safe enough? What were the things I needed to look out for and pay attention to? Clearly, I had no idea what to do. I needed to speak to someone who knew this sport intimately, who could provide me lessons, and not just a salesperson in the sporting store selling me the equipment. 

So, like any modern person, I googled “stand up paddleboarding on river, lessons, Calgary” and the Universe provided! I was led to Reta Boychuk, the highly trained, passionate instructor and owner of CANRVRSUP with the best instructors and SUP company close to home, offering lessons.  

Reta took my call and took the time to walk me through River SUP, the steps and the things that would be taught in her courses with an emphasis on safety. While she mentioned words like “rad” and “stoked”, she had me at “safety first” and the fact that she had all the classes in a progression format: from flatwater to Class One and Class Two River. If all I wanted was flatwater learning, then great, but if I wanted to go all the way, and I did, then she had that all lined up for summer lessons. 
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All courses include a Badfish SUP demo!
I immediately booked me and my friend for flatwater to river lessons with Reta’s help. This is where my “hear me out” comes in, as that is how I started the conversation with my friend who thought why would we require lessons? Especially for flatwater, after all, it is just “get on your board and paddle”, no biggy…. Tell that to someone not in a life jacket, no leash, or wetsuit/dry suit in a bloody cold lake! (Yes, sadly it still happens). “Hear me out” I said, “we are going to eventually learn River SUP, but I need to start at the beginning. I want to know everything from square one, learn good habits now, know what to do if I fall, how to get back on the board. Learn about all the gear and the safety measures required if I am paddling alone, or with kids, or pets. Eventually I want to learn to travel on water with my board, sleep under the stars, this will be good for you too! You with me or without me???”

​Suffice to say, she was stoked and totally in…Since we have taken the lessons, our excitement has grown even more as you never know where these lessons will take you. 


It was an absolute pleasure to take our first lessons with Rebecca and Amanda for Flatwater, who described the equipment, gear and safety requirements, as well the proper technique of entering and existing the water. We were shown the proper way to use our paddle (yes, there is a proper way to paddle when SUP’ing). By the end of the first lesson, we were comfortable in falling in deep waters, and getting back on our board. They had our backs the whole time! We were completely safe. Any errors were corrected in a very encouraging way. Our confidence grew to be on flatwater (so did our ego 😊).  
By the end of our second lessons of River Skills on Flatwater with Rebecca, Amanda, our ego got a reality check. My confidence was shaken, truthfully. It was not as easy as it looks. Skills are required and we definitely learned some new strokes and techniques to get ready to maneuver on the river! Quite different than canoeing and kayaking. The instructors were warm, patient but direct, explaining the basics in gear to the more advanced in surf strokes necessary to enter the river.  We were like “this is why we need lessons” …. It was so helpful to have these multiple instructors guiding us, as a few of us took a few extra, unintended dips in the deep. Again, all necessary to be fully prepared for our pending river engagement.
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Learn to paddle on a stable board like the Badfish Badfisher!
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Photo: Ashley Voykin
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Enter Reta for the River skills. Badass instructor is an understatement! She brought us onto a class one River. The lessons learned in River Skills on Flatwater were incredibly helpful for this lesson. If you are not familiar with SUP and want to progress to a Class One River, I highly recommend you take the preceding lessons…

Reta put our newly learned skills to the test and we did well, thanks to Amanda and Rebecca! However, in this lesson, we also learned water movement, the look of the water and what to watch for, entering and exiting “eddies”, how best to board in different weather conditions with high winds for example, she encouraged us to master our various strokes through repetitiveness. 

Yes, she made us fall into the water so we could learn how to get back on and how to assist someone who has fallen in by learning to throw rescue bags. Again, this is running water, you need to know how to be safe and get back on your board in swiftly moving currents! We were made to get to know the water like you get to know your True Love – all this to maneuver the river with more ease and control and have a wicked time doing it with your buddies!
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This experience was such a blast! And I would be remiss if I did not mention that Reta had our safety in mind the whole time. There is no one more concerned about our safety on the waters than Reta, who is also a Swift Water Instructor for Raven Rescue! You will not be in better hands when learning to SUP River and you will not be encouraged more by anyone to go and crush that wave. Extreme stokes to you my paddleboard friends!

Aspiring River Dirtbag / Newbie Blog Writter
-Marie DeLauretis

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River of Hope 2022

3/13/2022

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The river never stops and the mental health crises we’re facing don't either.
Continuing on with last year’s 663 km journey on a SUP down The Athabasca River from Jasper to Athabasca. Lisa Stocking is paddling from Fort McMurray to Lake Athabasca. Covering a distance of 300 km over 5 days July 11-15th, 2022.
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Last year The River Of Hope Project raised over $10 000 for The Center For Suicide Prevention, a portion of this has directly been used to help families who have been directly affected by suicide. As well this year, our small town of Athabasca will host suicide awareness workshops all from your generous donations.
This year's paddle will promote Project All and Brave Viking.
Project All In “The Coin”

​HOW IT WORKS:

Taking the first step to ask for help can be hard. Let us help. Members who have the All In coin can simply slide it forward towards another member and a conversation is initiated. The recipient of the coin slide can be an active listener or start the conversation if need be. The coin may also be presented to a friend or family member. 
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Brave Viking 
At Brave Viking we believe that change starts with you! As a supporter of the Brave Viking brand you will represent the hope, kindness and empathy the world needs to start on the path to healing.
Join us in our mission to build community around mental health by wearing the Brave Viking brand and signalling to others that you are ready, willing and committed to start on the path to mental health and be of service to others in need.
-Lisa Stocking

Proceeds from the purchase of a "mystic" Kula cloth will be donated to project all in on behalf of Lisa's river of hope journey.  

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Check out the Highlights from River of Hope 2021

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KAN FEST SUP EVENT RULES

8/3/2021

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The CANRVRSUP team has been working hard with Alberta Slalom and the Kan Fest Committee to organize some amazing events for you at KANFEST 2021. Badfish SUP is sponsoring Cash Prizes for 3 of our events* and Swag for all SUP events. 

SUP Slalom : Middle section of Race course Time trial style. Friday 6:30pm
SUP CROSS*: Middle section of Race course Friday 7:30Pm
SUP SURF*: Thunder Bunny Saturday 3:30pm
DOWNRIVER SUP*: Race Below Widow Maker to Canoe Meadows Sunday 1pm
 *cash prizes for 1-3place Men's and and Women's.

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EVENT RULES

SUP Slalom  Time trial style 
Gates and course will be set before the start of the race to allow for viewing and practicing. 
Races will be various distances that will be determined before the start of each race.
Rules:
  • 2 laps will be taken with the best of your 2 times counting
  • Time will be added for gate misses, and forward progression from paddling on anything BUT your feet.   
  • 11-foot board length is the maximum, and there is the potential for board measurements to be made before the start of the race.
  • If you are choosing to wear a leash, it must be a quick release from your PFD. Ankle and calf leashes are not permitted.
  • PFDs, helmets, and bootees must be worn at all times by racers during the race.
  • Safety is number one. If a fellow racer needs help, that takes priority over the race, and they are to be helped as needed by fellow racers and supported by safety Kayakers.
  • Racers must wait at the finish line to help upcoming racers safely get out of the river.
  • You must  finish on your feet, on your board, and with your paddle, or you will be disqualified.
  • Forward progression is not allowed from any position other than standing. If a racer falls or chooses to drop to one knee or both knees or their belly, they must return to their feet before paddling forward. If you are not standing, you are only allowed to use brace strokes. 

SUP Cross
This race is run in heats of 3 to 5 racers and uses an elimination-style until there are only four racers left.
Rules:
  • No leashes will be worn by racers.
  • Helmets, PFDS, and bootees are mandatory for racers. Knee pads are recommended for the racer’s protection.
  • No intentional body or paddle to body contact is allowed.
  • Head and shoulders must pass through the gate or go clearly around the buoy. 
  • No intentional swing of the gate is allowed. If the gate is swinging, you must pass through where the gate would hang true.
  • Safety is number one. If a fellow racer needs help that takes priority over the race and they are to be helped as needed by fellow racers and supported by safety Kayakers.
  • Racers must wait at the finish line to help upcoming racers safely get out of the river.
  • You must finish on your feet, on your board, and with your paddle, or you will be disqualified.
  • Forward progression is not allowed from any position other than standing. If a racer falls or chooses to drop to one knee or both knees or to their belly, they must return to their feet before paddling forward. If you are not standing, you are only allowed to use brace strokes.  You will drop 2 places for every kneeling paddle.

Downriver SUP Race
Races will be various distances that will be determined before each race.
There is typically only one race, and it will either be a mass start or a staggered timed start.
Rules:
  • 11-foot board length is the maximum and there is the potential for board measurements to be made before the start of the race.
  • If you are choosing to wear a leash, it must be a quick release from your lifejacket (PFD). Ankle and calf leashes are not permitted.
  • PFDs, helmets, and bootees must be worn at all times by racers during the race.
  • Safety is number one. If a fellow racer needs help, that takes priority over the race, and they are to be helped as needed by fellow racers and supported by safety Kayakers.
  • Racers must wait at the finish line to help upcoming racers safely get out of the river.
  • You must finish on your feet, on your board, and with your paddle, or you will be disqualified.
  • Forward progression is not allowed from any position other than standing. If a racer falls or chooses to drop to one knee or both knees or their belly, they must return to their feet before paddling forward. If you are not standing, you are only allowed to use brace strokes. You will drop 2 places for every kneeling paddle.

SUP SURF COMP 
1-10 scoring system.
Max 2 min rides 10 Minute HEATS - of 4-5 surfers in each Heat. 
Best 2 from each heat move forward to finals.

Paddlers may surf any size or style of board, and you may change boards during the comp. Our goal it is to showcase surfing and control before slippery tricks. The surfers goal is to work their way up the points.

Scoring system!
.5 starting bonus for surfing top wave.
1 point bonus for a clean exit and return to eddy at the end of your full time ride.

1 establishing a surf (standing up essentially)
2-3 carving but not super aggressive
3-5 aggressive carving connecting turns (this can be a broader scale if you want it to be. If they're connecting turns and have great style with it and look super in control you can give them a higher score in that)
5-6 Side grinds, ollies (fins out) 6-8 this could be 180s, grabs, shuv its, and airs (how they score within this range could be based on style and control.
8-10 spins, pop shuv its, and whatever other big technical trips are being thrown down there.


Don't forget to SIGN UP for a Kan Fest Clinic to get ready for your event! 

  
Lets have fun!
The CANRVRSUP TEAM! ​
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River Of HOPE.

7/17/2021

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​So The Journey Begins

River Of Hope has formed organically with encouragement from others and my own desire to push boundaries.
It is out of my own comfort zone to even announce publicly that I plan to paddle 650 km for mental health. I’m excited to bring awareness and attention to this topic however I feel like it is the “clean” version of a complex common situation for many.
Raise money for a cause. This has been repeated so many times with numerous different organizations and events. It's honourable and noteworthy. It also feels like a superficial answer to a complicated problem.
My heart is full with the generous outpouring of support and people so readily wanting to donate to this cause. It’s overwhelming to realize how many people truly want to support my paddle down the river.
Let’s get real for a minute, many of you may not know me personally but if you do (luckily or unluckily) lol I am a very straight forward human being. It is what it is. Not what it’s not.
Mental health is not a neat package. It is ugly, scary and raw. It is not showering for days or weeks on end. Not caring about anything let alone yourself. It’s being in a dark hole and place that is lonely. 
Sometimes it’s about coming so close to ending it all that you scare yourself so badly that you might possibly start to seek a solution or not. That’s if you have one available through resources, support or proximity.
Money is great. It can be used for support programs, training and outreach. 
This journey down the river for myself will be painful, challenging and sometimes seemingly impossible. I am choosing to engage in this journey. We as a society have to remember that a mental health crisis is not something people choose to have or can snap out of like a “bad day”.
Here’s what I truly want to have happen before I go down the river. Honest conversation. Hard talks. Real emotion. 
In a world more connected through social media than ever we aren’t seeing the whole story or being honest with ourselves.

I’m not asking for public announcements about your struggles. What I’m asking for is sharing. Share with a friend how hard life is right now. Tell family members that you’re not okay. Email me if you need to but if you are capable of it at this time start letting people know what’s truly going on. Find a therapist that works for you. Go on medication should you need it.
The irony is that we often don’t tell those closest to us for fear of dismissal or the dreaded: tomorrow will be better, don't be sad. Ugh. 

IF SOMEONE OPENS UP TO YOU JUST LISTEN, ASK HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT, PLEASE DO NOT DISMISS IT AS NOTHING!!! 

IT’S NOT YOUR JOB TO FIX IT...ALL PEOPLE NEED TO BE IS HEARD AND ACCEPTED.
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So the real journey begins today. Not paddling down the river but by having meaningful conversations about mental health.

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Mental Health.
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It is slowly becoming more openly discussed. What once was in the shadows is being brought to the light. 
My hope is one day having support for mental health is looked at as having a personal trainer for your mind. Initially, paddling down The Athabasca River from Jasper to Athabasca, AB was just that. A paddler pushing personal boundaries and exploring waterways. Sometimes we have to speak up before we stand up and paddle away.  That is why partnering with the following organizations regarding mental health is so important. 

Please check out the following:
Project All In
Center For Suicide Prevention
Brave Viking

The goal is simple enough. Raise $1 per kilometer paddled: $650 total. (Update: this has been easily surpassed). Intrinsically they’re all tied to the same context but each has a different story and path to follow. 

The end game is the same. Stop the stigma, ease suffering and create conversation instead of silence. So, as I paddle the river on long physically and mentally exhausting days, I understand that I am choosing to inflict this on myself. Not everyone gets that choice. Many people live trapped in their own minds, unable to walk away from the pain.
For those people I paddle, bring light to the dark and stand up for! 
Please join me virtually as I paddle and share your #riverofhopepaddle pics and stories too!
Follow me @lovensup and @reta.sends on Instagram August 10-20th, anywhere from 25-91 km distances down the river each day. There’s some amazing stories and coincidences to come out even before the paddle begins.



Lisa Stocking
CANRVRSUP Instructor
AQ Ambassador

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