Lisa is into the outdoors. From her living arrangements, to lifestyle, its something she’s passionate about. SUP is her on weapon of choice on the water these days, so much, so she became a certified instructor. SUP fishing, SUP yoga, and SUP keep her busy on the water. SUP fishing a serious niche sport that’s growing bigger every season and Lisa is super passionate about. Were proud to have her on the Aquabatics Ambassador team and look forward to what this coming season will bring. With out further ado I present 20 questions with Lisa check below to see what S’UP
- Who the heck are yeah?
Lisa Stocking; passionate outdoor adventurer, wife, mother, friend, personal trainer, yogi, paddler!
Say hi to Lisa !
- Where yeah from?
I live near Athabasca, AB on a hobby farm.
- When did you start paddling?
My first real memory of paddling is my dad taking me down The North Saskatchewan River for my 12th birthday in a beautiful canvas cedar canoe I still own. As for SUP my first experience was on the Coral Sea near Cairns, Australia 2014 and I can’t say I loved paddling on the ocean as I’m an Albertan who is less scared of grizzlies than what lives in the ocean…true story. I wish I knew more about the ocean it fascinates me, so much respect for saltwater.
- What are you looking forward to this upcoming season as an Aquabatics Ambassador?
As someone who has paddled a lot alone which I enjoy, having a community of likeminded people to explore the water with as well as having the support of a great company dedicated to paddling makes this an exciting collaboration.
- Why SUP when there’s so many other ways to get on the water?
At first it was new and I was just curious about it but as I became more adept at it the ability to see so much more than a kayak or canoe while in the water. Often times when I’m paddling with others I’ll ask if they can see fish but with limited visibility seated they miss a lot. Back pain as well has been a challenge for me with disc degeneration and being seated in a kayak makes it more exacerbated. Standing with chronic back pain feels better than being seated and a bonus is the strengthening of the body and balance while on there.
Getting prepped to get out on the water
- Do you remember what your first SUP was? colour?
Before I knew if I would even like SUP I walked into London Drugs; actually, and they had a bright yellow Youth Pelican SUP on sale for $99 I’m small enough I bought it and played on it for fun but had no clue about anything SUP. After that I bought a Blue Jimmy Styk’s SUP from Costco following the path many new people do by buying a cheap version first to see if I really would use it. Subsequently, I bought numerous SUP’s having taught over 50 people in the summer of 2016 Basic SUP Skills and SUP Yoga in the pool over the winter that year. Currently I own two fishing boards and one all around.
- If you could build the perfect SUP what would it look like?
Wide, stable, numerous tie down points, multiple attachment plates for fishing rods I am considering The BADFISHER from Badfish SUP it looks like it meets all these needs. Inflatables have always been superior for my lifestyle of travel and portability.
- Where’s your favorite place to get out on the SUP , well one your comfortable sharing with the world anyway?
The Athabasca River as it’s close to home, there’s something special about it for me. I’m planning to paddle from Athabasca to The Grand Rapids (A World Heritage Site) 167 Miles in the near future combining my love of expedition paddles and fishing along the way.
- What's the longest commute you’ve made for a weekend of paddling?
I won’t call it a commute but I always wanted to be on the snow and water in the same day. Last year during spring break I skied Mt. Washington and paddled The Strait Of Georgia in the same day flying out there with my inflatable SUP made it possible.
- Have you tried any overnight expeditions with your SUP?
I’ve done numerous overnight trips usually 3-4 days in length, 2017 was the first year I paddled on the Lakeland Paddle Circuit and have gone every year since with a paddleboard. 2018 when I went with a friend the Fish And Wildlife Officer out there was a little perplexed by these two middle aged women paddling on SUP’s and asked what we were doing out there…camping, fishing, paddling. He hadn’t seen anything like that before lol. I can fit all the gear and food I need easily on my board including a portage cart.
- How are you pushing yourself as an angler and SUPer?
Professional development. I have signed up for my Flatwater Advanced as well as SOAR Camp for river experience. Fishing wise, I want to land the big fish that broke my line last summer, it was a massive pike (I had witnesses). It was right beside my knee and I froze because it was so big all I could think was when I get it on here then what, snap, it broke the line?
Fly fishing on my board is so fun, I just started last year and I’m hooked you could say the beauty of carrying both rods is when it’s too windy I just switch to my spinning set up.
- Do you enjoy kayak fishing tournaments?
Haven’t gone yet but looking forward to entering one this summer!
Here fishy fishy
- Any new skill or technique you’ll be adding to your arsenal this fast-approaching season?
Although I have no desire to paddle white water, I want to understand the hydrology of rivers better and what to do when I do encounter rapids as there will be some on the Athabasca River and other large rivers I would like to explore. Deciding when to portage and what I can paddle through safely is key.
- What’s your dream SUP trip?
I’d be lying if I didn’t say deep down inside I have a deep desire to do The Yukon Quest Race. Perhaps a compromise to that is paddling the river as an expedition instead, the Yukon is a magical place. The real dream is anywhere someone wants to send me on an all paid excursion J
- What’s the coolest thing you’ve seen while paddling ?
That’s tough to answer, ocean paddling although foreign to me, it’s amazing the diversity while on the ocean. Paddling close to a raft of sea lions last year as very cool, finding a huge Fried Egg Jellyfish in Ucluelet was unbelievable like nothing I had experienced before on freshwater.
- What’s the best advice you would give to someone brand new to SUP or SUP fishing?
Take a lesson first from a qualified professional, it will shorten the length of time you need to master it. As well, try out or rent boards first because instead of buying a cheap board that isn’t as stable or comfortable, you can determine exactly what works best for your body and usage.
- If you could get out on the water with anyone in the world past or present who would it be?
My dad I miss him every day, he inspired my love of the outdoors, I’d even do a canoe trip.
- Is there anything you would change about sport?
I love SUP and working with youth. Between mentoring and running programs for youth I expose them to the outdoors in ways they maybe haven’t been able to through backpacking and hiking. Making SUP more accessible to kids who may never get to experience it would be amazing. Cost for many families is prohibitive on owning their own but perhaps creating a demo day for youth to experience it is what I would love to do.
- Who is your favorite Superhero, and why?
My family will laugh at this question because I dislike superhero movies, Jordan Jonas the winner of Alone Season 6 would be mine. He is as badass as they come with mad survival skills and the ability to be resilient and adaptive in any situation. And he walked up to a wounded wolverine in the dark…whoa!
Hey Mrs Jellyfish you seen any Pike around?
- Is there anything I missed you wanted to add?
As I type this we are in uncertain times, remember this too shall pass and when it does I hope people have a new purpose in life, more resiliency and have prioritized what matters. Connect back to nature, explore the water and embrace life fully!
Stoked to have Lisa on board. Thanks for giving a read. You should also give her a follow on her socials
Facebook @I live life now Insta @ilivelifenow
Questions by Andy W. Answered by Lisa S.
