Yanou Simard

Who is Yanou from the TAIGA club?

I’m a SUP yoga/pilates instructor & co-founder of YogAventures and Coco Flow who loves projects that aim to democratize SUP, yoga/pilates, travel and outdoor activities. It is with passion, humor and creativity that I wish to share unique experiences for a day, a weekend or a whole week. Whether it is here in Quebec or in Costa Rica where I have been landing my wings in winter for more than 5 years now. In love with the sea and the sun, I am a self-assumed snowbird. One of my goals is to raise awareness among travelers so that they travel more responsibly in accordance with nature and local culture.

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

I’m on a plane, in Lisbon or in Los Angeles. I also work as a flight attendant since 2008. For me the flexibility, the freedom, the stopovers at destinations, the travel advantages are big bonuses of the job ;)

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

Parc des Îles-de-Boucherville, Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles and Île Saint- Bernard for their proximity to the city.
Red River, Laurentians
Marais de la rivière aux Cerises, Eastern Townships
Portneuf Regional Nature Park, Capitale-Nationale

Internationally :

Mismaloya Creek, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Playa Mina, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Gili Island, Lombok, Indonesia

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

Definitely the Nano Air 9’8 so I can bring it everywhere on trips with me :D

Awen 10' hard paddleboard for riding but also for SUP YOGA/PILATES- perfect all around.

Malibu 7'10 Surf - funboard as much for riding the waves in Maine, as in Nicaragua.

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

SUP: Vrsi, Zadar, Croatia and Bacalar, Yucatan, Mexico

Surf: Ericeira, Portugal and Taghazout, Morocco

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?