Editor’s Note: Seacoast Paddleboard Club’s Paddler Profile Series highlights the different personalities that make our paddling community so great! If you would like to be featured, please complete this profile.
Where are you from? (Hometown)
Dover, New Hampshire
How long have you been paddling? How did you get started?
The first time I went paddleboarding was in 2012 in San Diego. I was working at a summer camp that had a bunch of paddleboards and I gave it a try with a couple of friends. We didn’t realize that paddling with the wind one way meant that we would have to paddle against it on the way back… whoops!!
Where is Your Favorite Place to Paddle and Why?
I really like the Tuesday night weekly paddles from Pierce Island, past Wentworth by the Sea, into the harbor and (if the conditions are right) out to the buoy 🙂 Going under the bridges is fun, going out past the wall and into the open ocean is super exciting but the best part is paddling with group. It’s a great community!
Describe your favorite paddleboarding memory.
A paddle to Fort Gorges in Portland, Maine. I was up there for an ACA course a few summers ago. We paddled from Portland Paddle out to the island, had a picnic lunch, and ran around the fort. It was a blast!
Do you have a favorite board? What is it and why do you love it?
Favorite? That’s a tough one! It’s probably the 12-foot C4 holoholo surf SUP. It’s super playful and easy to maneuver. However, I really love my NSP 14-foot Cocomat for just cruising and touring around.
Do you have a favorite paddleboard event? What is it and why is it your favorite? (i.e. Blackburn Challenge, Chattajack, IOS Invitational)
I’ve only done one event so far, the IOS Invitational in 2019. So that’s my favorite! Great group of people and a great cause!
If you could take a paddling trip anywhere in the world where would you go and why?
Hawaii! Warm water sounds pretty good to me!
Have you changed boards/paddles/equipment since you started? If so, why?
Oh yeah! The first few boards I tried in San Diego were pretty short and more designed for surfing. My first year paddling with SPC people were really kind and always offered to let me try their gear. That definitely helped a lot and now I’m a board that I find more comfortable for distance paddling.
Do you have any advice to new paddlers?
Always keep an eye on the wind 🙂
How long have you been a Seacoast Paddleboard Club Member? How did you first hear about SPC? Why did you join?
Since spring 2019. I first heard about it from a lady that I took an ACA course with in Portland and then heard about it again from a co-worker. I joined as a way to meet more people who enjoyed paddleboarding and as a way to stay on the water when the waves are flat in the summer.
What do you like most about SPC?
The people. It’s a really warm and friendly community!
How do you get involved with the community? What charities or causes do you support? Do You belong to a non-profit group?
I’m also a part of Surfrider NH.
What is your favorite non-paddle thing to do?
Either surfing or snowboarding!
