Laurence Coulombe

 

Who is Laurence from the TAIGA club? 

I’m a woman with a passion for the outdoors who loves to share her zest for life and make people laugh, especially when giving SUP lessons. I also love intensity. As a former outdoor adventure guide, I love making people smile and sharing unforgettable moments with them. I'm always willing to try new outdoor sports! The TAIGA club are friends, partners, and family. We love each other so much! I’ve been teaching SUP since 2018 and TAIGA has been there from the beginning. I love using their boards which demonstrate thoughtful expertise, offer an aesthetic that I adore and a unique quality.   

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

I’m studying to be a physical education teacher and I love the mountains: hiking, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, climbing, name it! As a former outdoor adventure guide, I can't resist the call of the wild. In the summer, I'm always on the water! Surfing, river kayaking, SUP!

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

The Kiamika reservoir in the Upper Laurentians, which is still unbeknownst to many. It’s a huge, 20 km basin surrounded by sandy beaches that seem to expand as the summer progresses. It’s magnificent!

Your go-to TAIGA board(s) and why?

That’s a tough question! I like to vary depending on the activity. I’d say the Akoya for a good, nervous all-around, the Kazuzu Air for big adventures, and the Kanoa Air for more technical descents of shallower rivers. 

If you could choose one ‘dream destination’ for paddleboarding, where would it be and why? 

I love the great outdoors and the wilderness, so probably the Yukon, to explore its lakes and rivers. If I had to choose a warmer destination, I would like to discover the biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands. 

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? 

If you're going to buy a board, first take a class. I'm sure you learned how to drive before you got your first car. Having an experienced paddler show you the ropes and share all their tips and tricks with you will help you gain confidence faster and you will have much more fun with your board afterwards!