Q & A With SUP Instructor Nikki Johnston Beaudoin

Q: How did you get introduced to SUPing?

A: I first  stepped onto a paddle board about 4-5 years ago on Lake Champlain in Vermont. I really started to get into paddling over two years ago. I grew up kayaking and sailing, and I like to surf, (or at least try to), so I loved the ability to stand on the board and paddle and the vantage point it gives you above the water, the full body workout, and the sense of freedom and peace that comes with it. It really is a great and fun way to travel and explore.

Q: Tell me about your most epic SUP adventure.

A: My husband and I have gone on some fun SUP missions. One fun paddle that stands out in my mind was our little adventure over to Thormanby Island on the Sunshine Coast. We paddled across the Strait in the morning from Secret Cove, paddled around the island along its white sand beaches and stopped to picnic looking out at snow-capped mountains. So beautiful. We paddled back in the late afternoon and the wind and chop had picked up. We also had to contend with boat traffic crossing the Strait. As we set off, we passed a rock with about 30 seals resting on it. It felt like a quintessential B.C. adventure.

Q: What are your favorite places to paddle?

A: My new "home" launch spot just outside of Deep Cove along Indian Arm is really beautiful. You can't beat the views in this Fjord! Grice Bay just outside of Tofino is great. It is really hard to choose a favorite spot, there are so many beautiful places to paddle in B.C. 

Q: What are your secrets for balancing work and play (paddle time)?

A: I try as much as possible to make hay while the sun shines. Paddling in a bikini in B.C. is unfortunately not a year round thing, so I like to take advantage of our beautiful summers to play and paddle as much as possible before the wetsuit comes back on. As far as work goes, I think we can all get really busy in our day to day lives, but we need to know when it's time to turn it off. When we grow old and sit on the porch in our rocking chairs, we're going to need those memories to look back on. So I think it's important to try and create as many of those memories as you can. 

Q: What are your 3 favorite SUP yoga moves?

A: I love hip openers, so a good half pigeon on the board feels so good. I dig the challenge of a water warrior. And Savasna. I have a yogi shirt that says "I'm here for the savasna", and to me it's even better on a paddle board. Laying flat on a board while the waves rock you to sleep is like nature's lullaby. One of the best things about SUP yoga is that it brings you back to a basic practice.




Q&A by Kate Masri