An easy-to-learn activity, appealing to all ages and fitness levels, stand up paddle boarding (SUP) participants can quickly progress, developing the skills necessary to improve fitness or simply enjoy the ‘walking on water’ experience.
SUP promotes balance, strength, and endurance. It is one of the best workouts for developing core strength and overall fitness. The benefits have been realized by professional athletes, celebrities and weekend warriors alike.
SUP roots run deep in Hawaiian surf history. In the 1940s, Waikiki’s ‘beach boys’ used single blade ‘kanu’ paddles to propel their oversized surfboards to watch over their guests.
Sixty years later, SUP is one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world.
A lifetime outdoor enthusiast, runner, skier, paddler and surfer, Bodie Shandro first embraced SUP in 2008. Since then, he has instructed hundreds of first time enthusiasts.
Considered a veteran SUP competitor, Shandro is 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, Paddle Royal in Puerto Rico and WhaSUP VI in St. Thomas.
In July 2011, Shandro became one of the first Canadian paddle boarders to successfully navigate the Channel of Bones in the SUP World Championship, a 32-mile race from Molokai to Oahu
He is Canada’s only ASI Master Certified SUP instructor by the World Stand Up Paddleboard Association. Shandro is one of Paddle Canada’s first Instructor Trainers.
SUP training is available at Chase Memorial Park though Sandro’s business, Surfit. For more information, call 250-578-8979 or 250 318 0722, or visit www.paddlesurfit.com.
Fishing derby
Weigh-in time is 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25 at Chase Memorial Park, where participants will see who takes the prize for the biggest trout catch of the day.
Half of the proceeds from the Trout Only Derby will go to the Chase Hamper Society, the other half will be split between three hidden weight prizes. There are lots of additional prizes to be won. For tickets, contact Rod at 250-679-1089 or 604-202-1815, or visit TRU Value Hardware or Naramata Video.
Powwow
Celebrations at the 16th Annual Neskonlith Pow Wow take place Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 25-26, and include dancing, singing, crafts, and traditional food concessions with bannock.
The Grand Entry takes place at noon on both days. The public is welcome with no charge for admission. For more information, contact Patrick Adrian at 250-572-6075.
New restaurant
Chef Peter Saul, with partner Sabrina Meyer, are ready to serve hungry patrons at Little Shuswap Restaurant in the Chase Country Inn.
They are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Meyer says, “There’s a little bit of everything on the menu, a fusion of Italian, Greek, Asian, and Indigenous fare.” Her long-time industry experience includes operating a diner in Golden.
Saul was educated at Caribou College, the former name of Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, graduating as chef and becoming first apprentice at Quaaout Lodge. That was 25 years ago.
“Our ingredients are fresh, everything is made from scratch,” said Saul, when asked what distinguishes the dining experience at his and Meyer’s restaurant.
Research
Chase and District Museum curator Damon Colgan, along with Board of Directors President Vic Pages, is available to help with historical research through the archival material at the newly restored and renovated historical building.
Much of the museum displays remain covered in soot, requiring clean up prior to setup and display.
Colgan is planning Archival Restoration Workshops to start in the fall which will train volunteers to gently clean precious heritage items from long ago.
The sign design contest stays open until Aug. 31 – so there’s still time to submit entries.
Volunteers interested in helping out with artifact cleanup and other museum activities, or sponsors with financial donations may call the museum at 250-679-8847, or email info@chasemuseum.ca.