Meet Joe Paddler: Bodie Shandro, Heffley Lake, British Columbia

Where you were born and where you live now?

Alberta. Now, Heffley Lake BC. just outside Sun Peaks Resort.

What is your occupation?

Paddle Surfit, SUP School owner. Sales rep for Surftech. Heli ski backcountry guide.

Where do you SUP the most?

Home. Heffley Lake.

Do you have a favorite local paddleboard shop?

My wife’s, Paddle Surfit in Sun Peaks.

What paddleboard, surfski or OC do you ride most?

Surftech 12’6 Air Travel for exploring. Surftech Superfly 8’6 for sup surf. Surftech Bark D2 for going fast!

What paddle do you use?

Kialoa Shaka. Surftech Voyager.

Have you changed boards/paddles/equipment since you started? If so, why?

Yes, smaller sup surf boards and I love the inflatables now that Surftech is making them. Fast, durable and look amazing!

If you could travel to anywhere in the world to paddle, where would you go?

Mentawais

Best piece of SUP advice you’ve ever received?

Gerry Lopez told me at the 2011 Molokai Championship to “get off your board mid channel and just look down, find your mana.”

Weirdest thing that’s happened to you while paddling?

Had a loon attack me! Poked at the back of the board!

Favorite SUP nutrition? (During races/ during a long haul)

I keep it simple. Oats, fruit and yogurt!

Goals for this year?

Continue to share my passion for SUP with newcomers. I have quit racing. For me there is no podium that compares to the feeling of having changed someone’s life by introducing them to SUP!

Favorite post-paddle nosh (snack/beer/recovery drink)

Sushi and sake!

Your favorite non-paddle thing to do.

Skiing!

What piece of SUP gear do you wish someone would invent?

A better sup trailer for bikes.

What’s your biggest challenge with SUP?

I have none! It’s all great!

What is your proudest moment in a SUP race or event?

Finishing Molokai in 2011 as the first Canadian to cross the finish line!

Tell us about the best friend(s) you made through paddling.

I have had the privilege of teaching thousands of people to SUP all over the world, and have trained hundreds of instructors. Simply too many to choose from.

What was your best SUP travel trip?

Three weeks on a 38′ Powercat in the BVI’s. Just after the major storm that left fun surf at Boomba’s!