Stand Up Paddlers To Give Overview of Adventure

Those with a bit of spring fever, love of paddling or the desire to help those who serve may want to stop by Wednesday night.

At 7 p.m. Feb. 23 the store will host Mike Simpson and Will Rich as they head down south to begin a standup paddleboard adventure along the eastern seaboard, from Key West, Florida to Portland, Maine.

The trip, set to start March 1, will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that supports wounded veterans and their families, and SUP Clean-up, which “stands up for a clean ocean.”

“When I found out about this I was really excited,” said Melissa Post, store supervisor and Collinsville Canoe and Kayak. “And it’s a great chance to let people know about it.”

Post and others at the store know Simpson quite well from his days as a sales representative for Liquid Logic kayaks and other companies.

Simpson and Rich will not only talk about the effort and the ever-growing sport but also show people their gear for the trip. And Post said Simpson is a dynamic speaker.

“He’s a fun, fun guy,” she said. “He’s really super enthusiastic.”

Simpson, who lives in Rhode Island, has been planning the tip for some time. Last year, he was thinking of doing it solo. He said he began thinking it was a selfish quest so he decided to bring a friend and a purpose to the adventure.

Ocean clean-up was the obvious choice for the pair and in addition to supporting SUP Clean--up, they plan to bring bags with them and clean up garbage in and near the ocean.

They also decided to “stand up for those who stood up for us.” Simpson said it’s not about the politics of war but about supporting those who serve and raising awareness about the issues and hardships they often face upon returning home, especially when wounded.

“We’re really interested in the humanitarian thing,” Simpson said. “It’s amazing we don’t hear more about these guys and girls when they come home.”

It’s an expensive venture. While sponsors have stepped up for equipment and other needs, he estimates the two will together invest about $20,000.

Simpson, however, said the trip itself is raising his hopes about humanity. While the two plan to carry their own supplies on their 17-foot, six-inch long boards with plenty of deck rigging and camp much of the time, Simpson has been amazed with the total strangers who have offered to help and provide shelter in no-camping areas.

“It gives you hope in humanity,” he said.

And the local appearance is also designed to give people a glimpse at the sport of Stand Up Paddling, which is growing quickly.

This year will mark the third the Collinsville store has sold the boards and they are seeing more and more interest in it.

Post said people can stand, sit, kneel, carry equipment and even the family dog.

“It gives you a different perspective on the water,” Post said. “It’s easier than people think.”

Simpson said it also offers historical ties.

“It’s a connection to the roots of ocean-going mobility,” he said. 

Simpson said he and Rich will also be able to show people what’s possible with the sport. While the gear for the trip is much more elaborate than most, the Farmington is the perfect place for a trip, he said.  

“The Farmington is a killer place to go on a multi-day trip,” Simpson said.

Collinsville Canoe and Kayak will offer other activities this year that will give people the chance to get on the water and try the sport for themselves.

Meanwhile, those interested can come to the program and then, through the internet, follow the pair on their adventure. For ways to do that, log on to http://www.supthecoast.com/follow-us.html

To give the store a count, attendees are asked to RSVP to 860-693-6977.