As impressive as his feat of paddling 365 days in a row may be, Bob has just announced that he’s continuing his initiative straight through 2012, with plans to making it 730 consecutive paddle days!

And on Saturday June 16th, 2012, Bob is also organizing “World Paddle for the Planet Day”, which will be comprised of a variety of events throughout the World. Keep tabs here and at PaddleForThePlanet.ca… Details will be released as they become available!

Here’s the news release:

Life is a precious gift! All Life is interconnected! Is that connection lost, and have we affected the Planet’s ability to sustain Life? The evidence says we have, and indicates we need to “Change the Way We Live on the Planet”!

The challenges we face socially, economically and environmentally in today’s World  are staggering, and just like all life on the Planet, intricately connected! The decisions made, and actions taken in the past have affected all life on the Planet. Our future decisions and actions will have no less impact. The question we need to ask ourselves is “How can I change the Way I live on the Planet now for generations to come in the future”?

My journey down this road began several years ago when Sharon and I began contributing to the “David Suzuki Foundation”. Fast forward to 2007 when I discovered the sport of “Standup Paddle Surfing”! In spite of breaking my nose in the surf of Florida my first time out, I knew I had found something very special that would become a lifelong passion, something I wanted to share with everyone! Fast forward again to 2010 where I found myself wanting to do more for the Planet. Shortly after I started paddling I told Sharon, “I would paddle every day if I could” and so I decided to combine my passion for paddling with the discovery of things I could do to “Change the Way I was Living on the Planet”. A few phone calls to the “David Suzuki Foundation” later and,  voila, “Paddle for the Planet “was born on New Year’s Day, 2011!

I had three goals in 2011; 1) challenge myself personally by paddling all 365 days of 2011,  2) raise $100,000 in donations for the “David Suzuki Foundation” to support their amazing work, and 3) challenge and change the way I live on the Planet. My experience in 2011 made me realize that lasting change takes time and effort.  So, just like the challenges of the planet, my personal efforts will continue.  On New Year’s Day, 2012, I will dip my paddle into the water again to continue the consecutive daily paddle I started in 2011! Fundraising, and searching for more ways to “Change the Way I Live on the Planet” are priorities once again! Since there are few people who have created more change for the Planet than Dr. Suzuki, “Paddle for the Planet 2012” will once again donate every penny raised to the “David Suzuki Foundation” in support of their body of work!

In addition, I invite you to watch for a very special paddle in June, the 1^st Annual “World Paddle for the Planet Day” which will take place on Saturday, June 16th. This event has been created to encourage Standup Paddle Surfers all over the World to paddle for the “Change” they want to see!” For my part, I will attempt to paddle all 80 miles of Okanagan Lake in one day! I will be paddling to change the devastating impact our consumptive ways have on the Planet! Join me, and paddle to “Change the Way We Live on the Planet”!

My name is Bob Purdy and I am a “Standup Paddle Surfing, Elder in Training, Outstanding Somewhere!” I paddle 365 days a year because the call to action is urgent! Our Planet is crying out for help! I encourage you to answer the call! Start today! Make a donation at www.paddlefortheplanet.ca or www.davidsuzuki.org , support a project you are passionate about, start a project of your own, Or?……….

One person is the difference, stand up & be that person! If I can do it, you can do it!

Congratulations once again Bob… It’s been great following your journey thus far, and wish you the best of luck in continuing your efforts!

Kal Lake is enjoyed by all types of water sports both motorized and human powered and as public usage increases, so do the challenges of keeping it clean and safe.  Kalavida is an ongoing partner with SPrKL and dedicates resources to help protect and preserve what many consider as one of the best places to paddle in the province.  Many of the local paddleboarders are members of the society and act as lake ambassadors throughout the year.

“With an increase in Standup Paddleboarding (SUP) activity on the lake, we felt it was our responsibility to take a proactive approach” said Michelle Mitchell of Kalavida. “Our shop is right across from Kal Beach which allows us to monitor it daily and the SUP community as a whole is genuinely concerned about the overall health of the lake” she adds.  The money raised for the donation came from several events including the Kalamalka Classic SUP Festival – An event recognized as the largest Standup Paddleboard event in Canada.  For more details about SPrKL and Kalavida, visit their websites at www.spkl.ca and www.kalavidasurfshop.com.

First off a big THANKS to the organizers Kevin and Michelle from Kalavida Surf Shop for putting on a wonderful event full of events, food, and entertainment.

Last year I attended this race with a mere 28 or so paddlers. Most of us were on all arounder type boards and hadn’t a clue about racing SUP but greatly enjoyed the two events. I managed to come out as Queen of Kalamalka. This year I was back to defend my title but proved to be very different with the sport growing at a rapid speed the field more than doubled. I believe there were about 70 or so paddlers out on the courses. There was a recreational league and a competitive one. The competitive racers were racing with high speeds, with a good set of skills, technique, and strategy. We were all out there having tons of fun and trying to get crowned King and Queen of Kalmalka!

There were three different races, all testing different skills on a SUP and all counted towards the final goal of becoming crowned. I brought the board that I have been racing the Tuesday Night Deep Cove races on this year, my NEW 12’6 X 23.5.. it’s fast but it does come with some consequences if one is not careful as it can also be quite unstable, and harder turn around tight corners due to its narrowness and instability. Thank you Starboard and Trident Sports for the use of this awesome board and the growing support! I must say I was a little nervous to use the board for the short course as there were lots of turns and there could have been some bumps etc. I know I can paddle that board well on my own in flat water but wasnt too confident on my abilities to turn etc on it in a crowd with some bumps.. I do have to say for racing I love this board!

Short Course:

I surprised myself here. I used the cross bow turning method, went out hard to get in front of the crowd, stayed on my board and just felt so strong and confident that I started passing some guys, then some more and without really realizing it finished the course amongst the top males… really it was a good confident booster for me especially heading up to the Yukon this week and paddling the Yukon river… It made me feel like I could do it even more.

Sprint Course:

Here we had to use a 12′ or shorter board…I was scrambling to find a board I liked and then Beau and Dale from WA were kind enough to lend me their 12′ board. It looked like a goodie… and that it was. It was sort of like SUP cross. We had three people at the line, it was a sprint to the buoy. The fun part was you could turn around the buoy in either direction (causing mayhem) and finish with a quick sprint to the beach. Somehow our heat was pretty much the same twice in a row… hmmm but i managed to get out in front quick and avoid the chaos of the turn… There was one run where I had a true brain fart and forgot how to turn which in the end saved me. As I was gathering my thoughts about turning I drifted away from the buoy and was found on the outside of the chaos near the buoy, allowing for a quick escape back to the beach. I managed to pull out in front in the final heat for another win!

Long Course:

The long course is what it is all about… This lake is gorgeous and the distance tough but very satisfying! I was back on my starboard New. I won’t lie, when we arrived at the start I was nervous… it was choppy out there… everyone was so excited for the downwinder and I was peeing my pants… hoping I wouldn’t fall off my board too many times…. The start was choppy but Andrew helped me out and told me to stay wide as the rec class got bunched up by the buoy turn.. I managed to stay out of any crashes and up right through the riviera and along the entire lake. It was actually quite fun and the little chop kept me on my toes and made for the time to pass quickly! I spent the first third of the race catching the other 12’6 guys until Beau and I were leading the pack. I think he got tired of me and took off and I couldn’t catch him again… I managed to come in as a the 2nd 12’6 board overall and therefore solidying my overall win as Queen! I felt great throughout the entire paddle down the lake… I used NUUN as my hydration (my fav)

The points were tabulated and Norm and I were crowned! Also a big congrats to Jen D and Kristin T for their awesome performances out there rounding out the top females and Beau and Stu R on the men’s side.

Read more about Lina’s adventures on her blog!

Norm Hann from Mountain Surf Adventures in Squamish came away as the King of Kalamalka, being the top overall finisher on the mens side of things, and Lina Augaitis from Vancouver was crowned Queen of Kalamalka.

And at that, a huge congratulations goes out to Kevin and his team at Kalavida Surf Shop, the friendliest and most stoked specialty SUP shop in Canada!

The event was co-sponsored by Naish, Werner Paddles, Rogue SUP, Surftech, Dakine, Ocean Minded, Nature’s Fare Markets and Vernon Speedpro Signs and presented by Quiksilver Waterman’s Collection. www.kalamalkaclassic.com.

Here are the complete results from OKSUP.com:

Kalamalka Crossing

SUP Sprints – Elimination Style

But before you get to the list,  we wanted to let you know that Standup Paddle Magazine will be covering the race so you’ll get to see it in the fall issue – How cool is that?

Check out the official website at www.kalamalkaclassic.com for the details and come join us.

From the top of our paddle, here are 10 reasons to race the Kalamalka Classic:

1. Kalamalka Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the country
2. Quiksilver is presenting the race this year and that means prizes galore
3. Standup Paddle Magazine is covering the race – you could be famous
4. The new sprint event will be a full blown heckle fest – guaranteed!
5. You’ll get to see Norm Hann’s new movie ‘Standup’ on Saturday night
6. Sunday’s race is a 10-miler from the South to North end of the lake – Do it to win, beat your time, or to just to say you did it
7. Free board demos from Naish, Rogue and Surftech with paddles from Werner and Quickblade
8. Connect with SUP’sters from Washington, California, Hawaii, Vancouver, Alberta and across the province
9. Win prizes from Naish, Dakine, Ocean Minded, Rogue, Surftech, Nature’s Fare, Werner Paddles and more
10. And last but not least, it’s Summer Solstice weekend so there’s plenty of daylight

Staged on one of Canada’s most pristine and scenic lakes, The ‘Kal Classic’ features a mix of races and events for all ages and levels including several Father’s Day activities. It’s a great chance to try the sport and a race or two just for fun.  For those competitive types, they will have the chance to race for the title of King and Queen of Kalamalka – A new 3-event race format that promises to keep everyone on their feet… well, almost everyone.  On Saturday evening, enjoy a casual evening with dinner, supplied Nature’s Fare Markets and then sit back and watch the premiere of Norm Hann’s ‘Standup’ movie premiere. Good times for all.

“With SUP experiencing so much growth, we’re stoked to have the support of Quiksilver to promote the event nationally and internationally, said Kevin O’Brien, race director. “It’s the kind of event that brings the rapidly growing SUP community together and Quiksilver Waterman’s Collection will be a big part of that growth this year” adds O’Brien.

Quiksilver Waterman’s Collection will have a significant presense throughout the weekend, where they will provide event T-shirts, prizing, branded tents and buoys and much more. With a format that is spectactor friendly, Quiksilver will have the opportunity to connect to a large group of athletes and fans alike. “We are really excited to be involved with the Kalamalka Classic, SUP is growing so fast in Canada and we are proud to be supporting it.” added Dario Philips – Quiksilver Canada’s Marketing Manager.

Live updates will be available throughout the weekend throughout the weekend on OKSUP.com, Paddlesurf.ca and look for post-event coverage in Standup Paddle Magazine.

The event is co-sponsored by Naish, Werner Paddles, Rogue SUP, Surftech, Dakine, Ocean Minded, Nature’s Fare Markets and Vernon Speedpro Signs, and presented by Quiksilver Waterman’s Collection. See full details and register at www.kalamalkaclassic.com.

About Quiksilver Waterman Collection

Quiksilver waterman collection is the fine assortment of men’s outdoor sportswear, refined and reflective of our deep boardriding roots. Meticulously crafted from choice fabrics and trims, it meets the evolving needs of the global waterman’s lifestyle with a sophisticated blend of coastal culture and authentic purpose.

Here’s the word from Kevin…

Okanagan, BC – Kalavida Surf Shop is stoked to announce the launch of their brand new website – KalavidaSurfShop.com. With a brand new look and vastly improved functionality, the new digital hub will serve to inform, educate and get you excited about the sport of Stand Up Paddlesurf (SUP).

The site has been re-designed to offer easy navigation to allow users to quickly find the information they need. Whether you’re new to the sport, or looking for something new to do, Kalavida’s fresh new site will continue to grow and offer more resources and information.

Perhaps the most appealing feature is the new ‘Board Rack’ where you can view what’s in-stock at any given time.  Of course, the shop will always have a few extra boards that aren’t listed online so be sure to visit us to view the full lineup. There’s also a full compliment of races, clinics, courses and events  so be sure to keep checking back to see what’s new and happening.

Watch for an online contest coming soon and enjoy.  Now, back to the water…

See the new site here – www.kalavidasurfshop.com.  Special thanks to Taylor Fulde at Servoweb for working magic to turn our design into reality.

About Kalavida Surf Shop

Kalavida – Canada’s first dedicated Stand Up Paddle shop, right across from Kalamalka Beach in Vernon, BC.  Fully stocked, and stoked, about SUP, Surfing, and Boards.  If you’re looking for a speciality item, chances are the shop has it – Brands include Rogue, Naish, C4 Waterman, Surftech, Quickblade, Kialoa, Werner, Quiksilver Waterman’s and Sitka.  Visit the shop for SUP sales, SUP rentals, surf wear, tiki-bits and more.  Contact Info: 13908 Kalamalka Road, Coldstream (Vernon), BC. 778-475-5808.

And thanks to you Kevin… It was super fun project and I look forward to working again with ya soon!

Taylor

A brand new race format will keep everyone on their feet (literally) and all of the events will be hosted on Kalamalka Beach, complete with a festival-like atmosphere. To appeal to both new and competitive athletes, there will be several new events like a team relay and for sprinters, the new short course will be great for the fans and spectators.  And since its Father’s Day weekend, we’re adding a few extras to make it a full family affair.

The Okanagan region has gained recognition as a premier destination for SUP and Kalamalka Lake is the ideal setting for a flatwater SUP showdown.  “We’re getting creative with the actual course designs so expect Saturday to be full of surprises” said Kevin O’Brien, event race director. “Sunday’s trek across the length of Kalamalka will cap off an exciting weekend and we’re stoked to have athlete’s like Beau Whitehead (Bellingham, WA) and Norm Hann (Squamish, BC) going head-to-head again”, added O’Brien.

An event website is being launched soon so for now, visit www.kalavidasurfshop.com to check for updates and more information.

About Kalavida Surf Shop

Canada’s first dedicated SUP shop, right across from Kalamalka Beach in Vernon, BC.  Fully stocked, and stoked, about the sport of Stand Up Paddle Surfing/Boarding, featuring Naish, Surftech, Rogue, C4, Quickblade, Kialoa, Werner, Dakine and more.  Visit Kalavida for SUP sales, SUP rentals, surf wear, tiki-bits and more.  Contact Info: 13908 Kalamalka Road, Coldstream (Vernon), BC. Shop Phone: 778-475-5808. www.kalavidasurfshop.com

Overview of the Event:

Dates: June 18-19, 2011
Location: Kalamalka Lake – Vernon, BC (4.5 hrs from Vancouver, 6 hrs from Seattle, 6.5 from Calgary)
Contact: Kevin O’Brien – info@kalavidasurfshop.com
Nearest Int’l Airport: YLW Kelowna (20 mins)
Nearest Major Int’ Airport: YVR Vancouver

Schedule of Events:
Friday: Clinic /  Recreational paddle / Free Demos

Saturday: Short Courses / Relays / Free Demos
Recreational Race
Competitive Races
Relay Races, Kid’s Races
Dinner and Social

Sunday: Kalamalka Long Course
10-mile Long Distance race from North to South Kalamalka Lake

NEW OVERALL AWARD FORMAT ANNOUNCED!
This year, the King & Queen of Kalamalka will be the one who places highest in a combination of events. Individual prizing will be awarded for each event.

Event Fees and Registration: To be announced

Classes and Age Groups: To be announced

Prizes and Awards: To be announced

Awesome!