In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KamloopsBCNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Bodie Shandro
What do you always find yourself saying?
“Live as though you will die tomorrow, learn as though you will live forever.”
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select and why?
Steven Tyler. Iconic rocker, style master, can you imagine the stories spanning over four decades.
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
The Canadian Business Excellence Award.
If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku is credited with popularizing the ancient Hawaiian sport of surfing. Duke was a true Hawaiian hero and one of the world's greatest watermen, a master of swimming, surfing and outrigger canoe paddling. Duke was also one of the pioneers of the Waikiki Beach Boys, watermen who earned their livings teaching visitors how to surf and canoe at Waikiki Beach.
Who inspires you?
My wife Brenda. Her kindness, positive attitude and love of all living things.
What are three things on your bucket list?
Wow, I have had the great fortune of living my bucket list for most of my life. I would like to relive some of the best surfing, heli-skiing, sunsets and sunrises with all of my family and friends with me!
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
“Destiny”
If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
My 75th Birthday, where would I be, who with and what sport…..hopefully surfing with my grandchildren in Fiji!
What are you passionate about?
Life! Literally everything I do.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
For sure the birth of my daughter Madison.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
The honour of being the first Canadian to compete in and cross the finish line on a SUP in the Molokai to Oahu World Championships, 2011.
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kamloops? What do you like about it?
Taka Japanese. I LOVE SUSHI!
What is your favourite activity or event in Kamloops? Why?
All activities that Kamloops has to offer, skiing, mountain biking, paddling the river, hiking, running, climbing! We also love “Music in the Park”!
What is the name of your business/organization?
Paddle Surfit
What does your business/organization do?
We are Canada’s very first professionally certified Stand Up Paddle School and pro shop. The school operates on spectacular Heffley Lake and our pro shop / store is in Sun Peaks. We offer stand up paddleboard sales, lessons, rentals, tours, group retreats, birthday parties, yoga and fitness classes all on stand up paddle boards! You dream it, we make it a reality!
Where can people find you or your business online?
Paddlesurfit.com
Where can people find your business on Facebook?
Paddle Surfit
What is your Twitter account?
@PaddleSurfit1
How do people connect with you on Instagram?
PaddleSurfit
What is your mission?
To share my passion for stand-up paddleboarding with everyone! Regardless of age or physical ability, everyone can experience “walking on water.” #aloha4everyone
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
A successful worldwide franchise.
Where do you want your business/organization to be in five years?
Operating in various tropical locations around the world. Brenda (my wife) and I will travel and visit each throughout the year.
Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
The pioneers of our sport, legendary waterman Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama who continue to share the aloha spirit and their passion for stand up paddling with all.
What three qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Passion, integrity and professionalism.
How does your business/organization impact the community?
Through SUP, we promote a healthy active lifestyle that leaves no environmental footprint!
If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
Overseas franchising!
If I could change one thing about Kamloops, it would be:
Nothing, we love it just the way it is! Okay, maybe the snow could stop at Heffley Creek, just relocate it all to Sun Peaks!
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The geographical diversity and the like-minded, outdoor community that skis, paddles, rides and climbs!
My choice for the Kamloops In Focus spotlight is:
Ron Betts, Tree Top Flyers. A highly skilled outdoor enthusiast, businessman, all around good guy and an amazing mentor!
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I/ we would like to thank the Kamloops community for supporting small, local businesses such as ours and for the incredible honour of being awarded a Kamloops Business Excellence Award in 2015! Mahalo and Mucho Aloha!
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops!
