About
Hi! I’m Kylie, founder of Paddle Days – which is certainly something I didn’t see coming! 🙂
At the beginning of 2020, in addition to a busy family life with 4 pretty cool grown up kids, I was happily running my well established mobile travel agency, booking large corporate groups to conferences and events around the world, as well as planning extensive holiday itineraries for leisure travellers. That all came to a very abrupt stop when Covid-19 closed our world down. Suddenly I saw the business I had spent 9 years building, completely come to a standstill and then start rolling backwards. Once I got through cancelling my client’s trips and processing all the refunds, I found I had a lot more time on my hands!
It was during this time that I decided to buy an inflatable stand up paddle board just to get away from my computer! I was instantly addicted from day 1. I went out on that board every day and paddled around any waterway I could find! After a few weeks, I mentioned to some friends what I was doing, and started hearing comments like ‘I’ve always wanted to do that but don’t want to go by myself!’ and before I knew it, my friends bought boards, we bought boards for our kids who were all back home due to the pandemic, and we all went out together! This time was invaluable for us to get out of the house, exercise and to catch up and support each other during that crazy time which was 2020 where everyone’s life was impacted in some way.. Now I want to paddle on waterways all around the world and can’t wait to head off exploring new places!
The more time I spent on the water, the more I realised how good it was for me mentally. I had completely underestimated the importance of taking time out, disconnecting from technology and all of the crazy stuff happening around us, and separating from the stresses of work, business and everyday life. I am not someone to sit still very often, so paddling became my way of meditating I guess! And even better, it was the same for others who were paddling with me!
So the idea of Paddle Days was born – we all really look forward to and love our Paddle Days together. And now I want to help more people get out on the water! Start with a lesson or join one of our unique paddle experiences to test the waters on a SUP, but be warned – you might find yourself buying a board for yourself on the way home! 🙂
To ensure that everyone paddling with me is kept safe, informed and can learn something to help with their paddle experience, I decided to learn more about SUPing myself. I found ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors) and knew this was the partnership I was after. I completed my Flat Water SUP Instructor course, and registered Paddle Days as an accredited ASI SUP school, and now here we are!
I look forward to getting out on the water with you soon!
Keep Paddling,
Kylie
ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors) is the world’s leading professional membership organisation and international governing body for instructors, coaches and schools in the outdoor recreation industry for surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding.
ASI creates and sets the international standards and continuously investigates and researches industry practices and liaises with industry itself and government departments around the world, to ensure we are at the leading edge for the provision of education, accreditation, standards and safe practices, and with respect and harmony with nature.
COVID-19 Business Updates
With the new catchphrase we all know – the New Normal, we all have to play our part to keep each other safe during this pandemic. In the interest of everyone’s wellbeing, Paddle Days have the following control measures to ensure your enjoyment and safety during all activities. These may suddenly change due to government regulations and we will keep everyone informed if that happens.
These measures include:
- All paddlers will be required to do a Queensland Check in sign in for contact tracing purposes.
- Reduced group numbers for both lessons & tours.
- All Equipment will be sanitised before and after use.
- Any client exhibiting signs of poor health will be unable to partake in any of our lessons or tours.
- Our lesson locations are in open areas, ensuring social distancing can be achieved easily by both our students and other park patrons.
