Jen and i finished out 2011 by traveling to Kelowna to support Bob Purdy and his amazing Paddle for the Planet. Bob's New Year's resolution for 2011 was to standup paddleboard everyday for at least an hour a day for 365 days. Bob was paddling in support of the David Suzuki foundation and was encouraging us all to take a look at how we live and to motivate people to change the way we live on the planet for a positive environmental impact.
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| Behind a good man is a great woman, Sharon! |
The weather co-operated and the 31st ended up being a super day to paddle with no wind and flat conditons on Okanagan Lake. Jen and i met Bob and Kevin O'Brien from Kalavida Surf Shop at the Good Earth coffee shop where we got our mandatory Americano's. It was great to see Kevin who has been a huge supporter of Standup4Greatbear and for me personally as a standup paddleboarder. Kevin has done a lot for our sport and organizes one of the best races in Canada, the Kalamalka Classic in Vernon. This year the race takes place June 23/24th.
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| Standup4Greatbear, PaddleforthePlanet, KingofKalavida |
We met Bob and the rest of the paddlers at Rotary Beach where Bob had set up a course for us to enjoy a leisurely paddle with him for his Day 365. It was great to see supporters out like Sheila and Karly Sovereign, Heidi Maddess, Kevin O, Tina, and Stephan Idzan. Cheers to Stefan Idzan who supported Bob and was his paddling partner for over 100 days this year. From the lake we packed up and headed for the post paddle festivities which included an amazing sockeye clam chowder lunch and inspiring presentations. Bob had asked me if I would play Standup4Greatbear for the wrap up and i was more than happy to. Bob has been a really big supporter of Standup4Greatbear and our relationship has developed through mutual admiration and inspiration.
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| Bob completing day 365 |
It was a fantastic afternoon and Bob surprised everyone by announcing that he will be continuing his consecutive Paddle for the Planet initiative everyday into 2012.
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| Chicks with Sticks |
The day spent with Bob and friends was an inspiring way to bring in 2012. For more information on Paddle for the Planet and to support the initiative and help in making a change please visit www.paddlefortheplanet.ca
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| Team Kalavida |
