MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Spring 2019

SPRING 2019 ML BLUE 33 For Daryl-Lisa Oldham whitewater represents personal challenge and growth. It’s also integral to work, play and… parenting. DL was introduced to whitewater via a kayak but SUP is now her paddlesport of choice. “Being able to share what I know about paddleboarding with others has been one of my greatest sources of joy,” she says. It’s also a source of income. Together with her partner Joey, they own and operate Liquid Skills paddling school, instructing all varieties of paddling, including teaching their four kids. DL is a certified SUP fitness and SUP yoga instructor and also teaches kids’ kayak camps. She predominately sticks to flatwater with SUP clients but enjoys the challenge of whitewater SUP with friends and sometimes family. “The deep, warm water of the Ottawa make it very special for whitewater SUP,” she says. “Alongside the big water there are areas to practice in the flats and on smaller rapids as well.” Last winter she traveled all over Canada to paddle indoors at outdoor adventure shows in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary. But during the summer months she’s never far from her house on the Ottawa River, with its sandy beach always packed with boards, paddles, kayaks and kids. “Three of our kids are paddling their own boats/boards now, and two of them have been paddling in whitewater. As they grow, their desire to be in whitewater increases and so does my freedom.” SUP can be a time for play with her kids, or a time of solitude. “What I love most about whitewater is the community. From continuing my own education to bringing others into the sport—from the littlest kids (including mine) to adults—everyone is just looking for adventure.” The Teacher: Daryl-Lisa Oldham “Being able to share what I know about paddleboarding with others has been one of my greatest sources of joy.” Daryl-Lisa Oldham, Middle Channel, Ottawa River. LIQUID SKILLS