Max Bee

Who is Max Bee from the TAIGA club? 

I’m first and foremost a skateboarder. Skateboarding was my first passion. Then I got into snowboarding and now, paddle boarding. To stay motivated and surpass myself, I train with the TAIGA team of athletes. Amongst this team is the one who introduced me to SUP in 2017; the undisputed champion of the MTL SUP FEST Triple Crown - Pépito Mi Corazon Loiselle. But as the saying goes, “Poor is the pupil who does not surpass his master.” I’m working on it!

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

I try to be a good dad and husband! I also skateboard from time to time. I like to ride the VANS bowl at the Olympic Stadium, but the older I get, the more I find that falling on concrete is more painful than falling in the water! Otherwise, I'm interested in craft beer and have been brewing for 2-3 years. I work in sales in the tech industry, and we have keg lines in the office. I’m therefore the Master Brewer who provides beer for the employees every Friday afternoon. Cheers!

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

The stretch from Lake St-Louis, in the area of Ile Perrot, all the way to the Lachine Rapids, at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers. The two currents meet but never mix! This 30km of downwind offers an interesting hydrographic plan and a spectacular panorama. *Advanced level only*

Your go-to TAIGA board(s) and why?  

1) Narval 14’, light and fast when racing ;  

2) Kazuzu Air, stable and spacious for fishing and family outings ;

3) Akoya Air, quick inflation and esay to maneuver ; 

4) Kazuzu rigid, for its incredible shape and its nose that pierces the waves when riding downwind!

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

Beginners Bay beach break in Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua on the Pacific Coast. This is where I discovered paddle surfing... To stand on a SUP with a paddle to propel you allows you to catch so many more waves than when just surfing! I would go back anytime just for fun and to enjoy the hospitality of our friends at Cafe Con Leche.

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? 

Before buying a board, you need to know what you will use it for. To help you make an informed choice, contact our ambassadors and try different board sports: SUP Yoga, Paddle surf, SUP Fitness, Wake surf, etc.  If you don't have time or are too eager, I suggest the Akoya Air, an all-around hybrid board that is super progressive. As for safety, don't venture further from the shore than the distance you would be able to swim in case of unforeseen circumstances!