Join us for an evening with Norm Hann (from Norm Hann expeditions) who will present on Stand-up Paddle boarding expedition touring in the Great Bear Rainforest focusing on his own trips, development in the GBR and the coastal ecology of the region.
Not only is Norm one of the foremost and most influential SUP instructors and guides in Canada, he is also an avid spokesperson and advocate for the protection of coastlines, rainforests and coastal communities.
“I do it out of my passion for the ocean and the coastlines, for the powerful connection between people and our environment, to be able to facilitate the experience and growth for others.”
In 2010, Norm started the movement StandUp4GreatBear where he and kayaker Brian Huntington of the Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition, stand up paddled the proposed Enbridge oil tanker route through the Great Bear Rainforest from the north coast Haisla community of Kitimaat, south 400 km to the Heiltsuk village of Bella Bella. His goal was to bring awareness to the threat of these tankers to the wildlife and pristine marine ecosystems of the Great Bear and to highlight the traditional food harvesting areas of the coastal First Nation’s communities along the route. This movement led to the award winning film STAND – more info here:
The evening presentation will be followed by a full-day exploratory tour with your lead guide Norm Hann and assistant guide Wesley Choban from Ocean River Sports on April 20th or 21st, weather dependant.
This coastal SUP exploration of the Strait of Juan de Fuca will begin at Ocean River Sports where you will be shuttled by van out to East Sooke (Pedder Bay) to launch. From there you will receive instruction, enjoy some of the most diverse ecosystems and water conditions, as we travel the 25km journey back to downtown Victoria. As you paddle, enjoy pointers on stroke, improving technique and efficiency and improve handling your SUP in various conditions.
For the Juan de Fuca Strait Coastal SUP Exploration, visit this page
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Juan De Fuca Strait Coastal SUP Exploration – Featuring Norm Hann
Ocean River and Norm Hann Expeditions Provides:
SUP touring instruction from Norm Hann and Wesley Choban
Professional Photography courtesy of Blue Giraffe Photography
Pizza and beverages supplied at the end of the tour
Transportation and trailering of SUPs and equipment
Must haves:
Advanced Flatwater skills or equivalent experience
Lunch, snacks, water
Communication device (cellphone in drybag).
SUP, paddle, PFD, throwline and immersion gear (all available for rent from ORS if you do not have these)
Extras (not necessary but suggested): Head lamp, spare paddle, electrolytes, first aid kit, VHF radio.
Time: Van departs Ocean River Sports at 7:30am. Finish in the late afternoon/early evening with pizza and beverages after at ORS
Cost: $199 per person
About Ocean River
Located in Victoria, British Columbia on beautiful Vancouver Island, Ocean River is one of the premier speciality kayak and adventure companies in North America. Brian Henry, the founder & current owner, has been running Ocean River since 1981, and Ocean River continues to be recognised as one of the most significant outdoor/paddlesports instructional & tours provider in North America.
