“There's nothing like open space out on the ocean paddling, it's cycling without the cars, mountain biking where the ground moves. Beyond paddling the SUP community is special. It's inclusive. We share a joy for being out on the water, dancing on a board, out exploring. I met Aaron Pilon and the Blu Wave crew soon after discovering SUP. We made a trip to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina for the Carolina Cup in 2014, paddled out to Discovery Island off Victoria later that year, we have surfed waves in Tofino and explored the shores of Georgian Bay together. There's nothing quite like sharing your passion for paddling with like-minded individuals who love to explore. During my sporting career I loved to innovate by asking questions "is there another way to do this?" and looking for creative answers. When I discovered paddling I was drawn to people who thought the same way. Blu Wave thinks differently, whether it's the hatch cargo compartment on the Catalina EXP touring board, their paddle surf board shapes or Aaron's willingness to listen to me ramble about new design ideas. It is a testament to Blu Wave’s commitment to innovate and explore well beyond the water. It’s great to see a Canadian company finding success in an industry that was once thought to be the exclusive domain of Hawaiians and Californians!”