Catherine D'Avril

 Photo Credit : Sophie Corriveau

Who is Catherine from the TAIGA club?

I love the water, water sports, and TAIGA, which has an incredible team and corporate values that match my own. I’m passionate about adventure, travel, and anytime someone tells me "I bet you won't do it" (you bet I WILL do it). Being a fan of surfing, kayaking, and swimming, introducing myself to SUP only made sense! I’ve been living in Rimouski in the Bas-Saint-Laurent for 2 years now. I left the city top discover a new lifestyle which I knew little of until now: the outdoors. 

When you don’t have both feet in the water, what do you do? 

I’m probably out skateboarding, motorcycling, watching the sunset somewhere in the Bas-Saint-Laurent or Gaspé, learning the basics of foraging in the forest or split boarding in the Chics Chocs!

What is your favorite spot (on the water, obviously) and why? 

Since my recent move to Rimouski, I've come to appreciate and despise the St. Laurence River. This love-hate relationship with the tides, the winds and the changing weather, makes every outing on the water a unique experience! Canuel Island is my favorite spot for paddling! A postcard sunset is guaranteed each time! 

Your go-to TAIGA board(s) and why? 

I sail the river with my Awen 10'. It’s THE board if you like stability and SUP Yoga. 

If you had to choose one dream destination for paddleboarding, where would it be and why?

I’ve never had the chance to try TAIGA’s surfboards so my dream spot would have to be a country with a loooooong left, in the sun, and a cold beer after my surf session!

If you had one piece of advice to give to a rookie who doesn't know the wonderful world of water sports yet, what would it be? 

It’s going to be okay! Everyone falls in the water, it may feel embarrassing at first, but hey, it’s all a part of the learning process. I consider SUP to be a recreational activity so there’s no stress in starting out, even without any experience.