Vancouver, BC – April 29th 2010 – Squamish resident Norm Hann is the latest recipient of the “Be First” sponsorship program by First Ascent for his upcoming 385km Stand Up Paddleboard (S.U.P.) expedition through Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest.

First Ascent is a line of world-class expedition gear created by Eddie Bauer, whose “Be First” sponsorship program is given to a group or individual that endeavors to accomplish what has never been done, challenge the limits of what is possible, and embodies the drive to be first.

Hann’s STANDUP4GREATBEAR Expedition certainly fits this description as a voyage of this magnitude has never previously been attempted on a S.U.P anywhere in Canada before. Norm’s unique mission will help bring awareness to the environmental threat the proposed Enbridge oil pipeline and tanker traffic will have on the rainforest, its people and wildlife. The expedition will explore vital food harvesting areas along the tanker route and document the importance of these areas to First Nations and the Great Bear Rainforest.

The Great Bear Rainforest stretches from Vancouver Island to southeast Alaska. It is one of the largest remaining tracts of unspoiled temperate rainforest in the world and is one of the most prolific areas for marine and terrestrial wildlife anywhere in the world. It is also the traditional home of coastal First Nations who have used the bounty of the ocean and forest to sustain themselves for millennia.

Hann runs Mountain Surf Adventures in Squamish and has been a professional outdoor guide in the Great Bear Rainforest for ten years and is very connected to the land and its people. As a fishing, kayaking, wildlife and bear viewing guide he has introduced people from all over the world to the Great Bear Rainforest.

“I have learned that what is here – the traditional food harvesting areas, the wildlife, and the philosophies of living in harmony with the earth – is something special and rare that cannot be lost.” Hann said. “I feel indebted to what this amazing place has provided me with and I cannot imagine a people, with thousands of years of connection to their land not having this way of life.”

For more information about this expedition and to get ON BOARD please visit: www.mountainsurfadventures.com and click on STANDUP4GREATBEAR

Contributing sponsors include First Ascent, Surftech, Kialoa, PacificWild.org, Outdoor Research, Mountain Surf Adventures and Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition.

Stand Up Paddling is easy to learn, a non-intimidating activity that appeals to all ages and physical abilities. Participants are able to quickly progress and develop the skills necessary to improve fitness, or simply enjoy the experience of “walking on water”!

Stand Up Paddling is a multi dimensional sport that promotes balance, strength, and endurance and is one of the best workouts for developing core strength and overall fitness. The benefits of such have been realized by professional athletes and weekend warriors alike, from alpine skiers, to triathletes!
paddlesurfitness concentrates on developing proper paddling technique to engage your entire body and to paddle with maximum power and efficiency. Dry land conditioning exercises are integrated into each session, providing a total body, high calorie burning fitness class. paddlesurfitness redefines total body fitness. Experience the future of “FUN” fitness training!

For information on introductory or fitness sessions please contact Bodie Shandro at 250 318-0722, or email bodie@surftech.com

Congratulations Bodie, two great brands that are lucky to have your experience and stoke for Stand Up Paddleboarding!

Here’s the official word from Surftech:

Surftech names Bodie Shandro Canadian Brand Manager

January 1 , 2010 (Santa Cruz, CA) – Surftech, the world’s largest manufacturer of surfboards, stand up paddleboards and accessories names Bodie Shandro, Canadian Brand Manager. Shandro’s appointment supports Surftech’s strategy to continue to lead the rapidly growing stand up paddle and surf markets. With 20 years of experience with such brands as O’Neill, Rip Curl, and Oxbow, Shandro recognizes the tremendous opportunity for Surftech from coast to coast. “In addition to a rapidly expanding core surf market, Canada is home to as many as two million inland lakes and rivers; SUP suddenly legitimizes the soul of surfing in all of us, regardless of how far we live from the ocean.” Partnering with Kamloops based NRI Distribution will ensure fast and cost effective deliveries and on-hand inventory. “By appointing Bodie Shandro as Surftech’s Canadian Brand Manager, we now have the opportunity to not only supply the overwhelming demand for our products in Canada but to also grow the brand in that region.” explains John Griffith, Surftech General Manager.

Surftech is the world’s largest manufacturer of surfboards boasting proprietary technologies such as Tuflite, TL2, ULTRAFLX, Softops, Wood Veneer and Blacktips, partnering with the most recognized shapers in the world including, Al Merrick, Gerry Lopez, Eric Arakawa, Donald Takayama, and Robert August. Pro surfers and watermen such as Kelly Slater, Timmy Reyes, Laird Hamilton, Jamie Mitchell, Josh Kerr, Joel Tudor, Shane Dorian, Sepp Bruhwiler and a huge array of world class athletes all put boards built by Surftech under their feet.

What is SUP?
Stand up paddling is the fastest growing water sport in the world. Stand up paddle surfing has come a long way from its roots where it was first used by Hawaii’s famous beachboys.  Fast-forward to the late 90′s when Laird Hamilton and a core community of extreme watermen re-introduced the sport of standup paddling as a phenomenal cross-training activity that kept them in the water regardless of conditions.

and from Kialoa Paddles:

Kialoa names Bodie Shandro Canadian Sales Manager

December 1, 2009 (Bend, OR) – Kialoa, leading manufacturer of high performance paddles names Bodie Shandro, Maverick Mountainworks Inc. Canadian Sales Manager. Shandro’s appointment to introduce Kialoa to the Canadian market stems from the demand of the rapidly growing stand up paddle surf market. With 20 years of experience in the surf and outdoor industries, Shandro recognizes the tremendous opportunity for Kialoa in Canada. “The simplicity and ease of stand up paddling on any body of water is destined to make SUP the fastest growing sport in the world! Kialoa’s designs address all three disciplines of the SUP market; surfing, fitness paddling and racing, ensuring the latest technology and performance regardless of your passion.” Partnering with Kamloops based NRI Distribution will ensure fast and cost effective deliveries and on-hand inventory.

About Kialoa
Eighteen years ago Dave Chun began building paddles on his parent’s lanai in Kailua, Hawaii. Driven by the need for performance equipment and the desire to “build the best paddles in the world,” Dave began blending Hawaiian craftsmanship with modern technology. Kialoa now sets the standard in full carbon-fiber stand up paddles built for the most demanding paddlers in the world, including Gerry Lopez, and Chuck Patterson.