Learning Center

Taking Care of Mental Health Through Water Recreation

As a small business and as Canada’s surf brand, we stand behind the current research and cold water community. Here are just a few of our favourite forms of outdoor water recreation that contribute to our mental health during the long cold months of the year.

Kook Advice: Overcoming the January Blues

January in Canada can be a hard time for a lot of us. The days are grey and short, it’s right in the middle of winter, and the holidays are behind us, which can often leave people feeling more susceptible to the stressors of life. We’re human! We love sunshine, plants, and social connection, and we’re deprived of most of these things for about four months of the year.

Men! Listen Up! Women, Surfing, and Hormones

As a professional stand up paddle boarding and SUP surf athlete I try to dial in everything about my mind, my body, and my health to a perfection. If I eat, sleep, and train well, then I will be a strong competitor. Almost two years ago in January of 2021 I experienced my first over-training session. I never would have suspected that this major event was going to teach me so much more about my body than just eating, sleeping, and training.

Four Seasons of SUP: Summer

This is the easy-breezy season that we dream of, shedding our wetsuits and drysuits in favour of bikinis and boardshorts. But before you grab your board and go, here are a few tips for your best summer of SUP!

Four Seasons of SUP: Spring

The spring season is a wonderful catalyst for starting anew. But with all this SUP preparation and dreaming and planning, don’t forget to just get out there and do it. Shake off those cobwebs and get your board out of the garage. Take advantage of the quieter days before the summer rush. Breathe in the fresh air and feel the warmth of the sun, as you once again dig your paddle in the clear waters. It’s time to celebrate! Spring is here and your SUP season has begun.

Four Seasons of SUP: Fall

It’s generally assumed that as a SUP enthusiast and instructor, my favourite season is summer. And while I do love a warm weather paddle, fall is actually number one on my list. The crowds die down as the water cools and the brilliant leaves add beauty to flat water paddle excursions. But the top reason I love autumn is that it marks the beginning of the SUP surf season.

Just Keep Open Water Swimming!

More and more, swimmers are turning to our lakes, rivers and oceans for their aquatic fix. We have no shortage of open water options in Canada, but let’s be honest — you’ll need a little more than a speedo and a pair of goggles for most of our season. We’ve put together this guide to help get you back in the water as quickly and safely as possible.

Oh, the places you'll go - Your guide to choosing a SUP

The evolution of the inflatable stand-up paddleboards (iSUPs) has revolutionized the sport, offering all of the excitement of a conventional board, without the practical challenges. While the enjoyment of owning an iSUP is irrefutable, the prospect of choosing the right one can be a little daunting. To assist in choosing the right board, we’ve put together this guide to help navigate this big, but very exciting, decision.

How a meditation practice can make you a better surfer

As you practice mindfulness, you learn to accept each moment for what they are. Each breath you take is unique and each exhale has the capacity to clear the mind of anxiety, worries and any other negative feelings or thoughts. As you learn to be more aware of your breath—and at times—controlling the breath, you can begin to notice when you are becoming agitated when a cleanup set is coming your way or as you emerge after a bad wipeout or hold down.

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