“If there is one person in the world that I know will say yes to any paddling adventure, rain or shine, and make it a day full of exploration, it is Janna,” said Rylan McCarthy. Janna loves to explore, and the fact that she is paddling a touring boat doesn't seem to stop her from paddling up rivers and even small creeks.
She takes every opportunity to help people on the water and loves to share that passion by paddling with family and friends. Without further adieu please enjoy AQ’s 20 Questions with paddler and community member Janna!
1. What is your name and what do you paddle?
My name is Janna. I paddle a Wilderness Systems Focus 145
2. Where did you grow up?
Not entirely sure I’ve grown up yet, but I spent most of my younger years living in Cochrane, Alberta
3. How long have you been paddling for and how did you get started?
I have been paddling consistently for the last 10-15 years. Though I first learned to paddle when I was 16.
4. What is one thing paddling has brought into your life that you would say has changed for the better?
Paddling has brought many things into my life at various times. I would say the one constant has been a stronger connection with and a greater appreciation for the natural world around me.
5. From your perspective, has spending time outdoors and on the river helped you manage your daily challenges in life and why?
I find padding to be one of the best stress relievers. It really helps me unwind and reset.
6. If you could paddle only one boat or board for the rest of your life, what would it be?
My Focus, but maybe in a thermoform version so I can easily carry it on my own as I get older.
7. What is the longest commute you have ever made for a paddling trip?
1300 km
8. Where is your favourite place to paddle? Or one that isn't top secret?
My go to place right now is Tucker Lake because it’s close enough to paddle after work and it doesn’t get many motorized boats.
9. How do you continue to push yourself on the water?
I’m curious by nature, so I tend to want to keep padding to see what I find around the next corner.
10. What's the longest paddling journey you have done to date?
1 week
11. What is your craziest on water experience or thing you have seen while paddling?
A deer swimming across a channel in the ocean.
12. Do you train during the off season or participate in any winter sports?
I try to keep up a simple workout through the winter.
13. What and where is your dream paddling trip?
Just one? I want to paddle through the glaciers in Iceland, caves in New Zealand, fjords in Norway, Spirit Bear National Park in British Columbia. All with my favourite paddling partner, my son.
14. Do you or are you involved in and community programs on or off the water?
Unfortunately, nothing paddling related at present.
15. What is the best advice you would give someone who wants to get into paddling?
Buy a good quality boat that is stable and comfortable.
16. If you could paddle with anyone in the world, past or present, who would it be?
My son.
17. Is there anything you would change about the sport
No
18. Over the past few years how have you seen the rivers or lakes change, and what are you doing to try and protect it from an environmental standpoint?
The biggest change has been in water levels. Though some lakes have a disappointing amount of litter. I pack out everything I pack in and try not to damage the natural environment or disturb the wildlife.
19. Could you describe the feeling you get when you are on the water?
Peaceful. Sometimes I love to just close my eyes, listen to the sound of my paddle in the water and smell the fresh air.
20. If you could describe the paddling community in a single word, what would that word be?
Friendly
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