The dream of walking on water can become a reality thanks to the paddleboard, an outdoor activity whose popularity has grown exponentially over the past 15 years. It’s this discovery that Noémie Bouchard intends to share, via her company, Hangloose. Our part of the world has quite a number of people with a passion and Noémie is certainly among them.

Smiling and spirited, she warns us from the beginning to, “be careful; I talk really fast”. And it’s true. Her words are projected like a torrent to explain her passion: water, nature and people. It’s a passion developed in the Mont-Tremblant region where she now lives after spending her childhood vacations here at the family chalet, on the slopes and in the lakes.

Her studies in occupational therapy at Trois-Rivières weren’t enough to satisfy her overflowing energy. Which is why Noémie, at the same time, nurtured the project of having people discover the benefits of adventure in the outdoors. During a trip to Hawaii, she discovered this sport and its attached values: a sense of community, friendship and pacifism.

Whence the company name, Hangloose, an expression much used there which means, in essence, “let go; everything will be OK”. Inspired by her father, himself an entrepreneur, she created her own business to sell paddleboards. She came up with the decorative designs to reflect the nature, peace and harmony that go with the sport.

The Hangloose board

At a weight of 8.6 kg, the inflatable board is easily carried in an adapted backpack that even accommodates the paddle and pump. Allow about 10 minutes for inflation. “This year,” Noemie explains, “I only offer one model: a basic board that’s stable, performs well, and suits everyone for just rambling along, yoga, a bit of distance in flat water or waves.

A number of accessories are included: paddles, carry bag, pump and repair kit, seat, leash, chamois and dry sack.”

A bit of technique

You start off in a sitting position, much like in a kayak, and a position from which many don’t move, out of caution. The standing position is achieved by passing through a kneeling stage. It’s also a good idea to learn to fall properly… Towards the end of the day the wind usually falls and that makes learning easier.

Safety

The paddleboard is considered to be a watercraft and because of this, the practice falls under the regulations of the Office of Boating Safety of Transport Canada. Info: boaterexam.com/canada

hangloosepaddleboards.com

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