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SQUAMISH WATERSPORTS FACILITIES

Contact     Meet our Team     Facilities     FAQ

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If you have any questions, please send us a message, we will be happy to help!




    Meet some of our Team

    Dan Grains

    Owner & Founder

    Read his Story

    Hey guys, I’m Dan, I am a Level 2 Senior Kiteboarding Instructor and the owner and founder of Squamish Watersports LTD. With hard work and sacrifices, I can proudly say I have achieved my dream of running a successful watersports centre in one of the most beautiful places in the world. I live to share my passion and love for watersports with others and love my work every single day.

    Mel Grains

     Lead Administrator & Dan’s partner in crime

    Read her Story

    For the past 13 years, Kiteboarding and our Watersports Business has been our baby. Now that we have added 2 actual babies to the mix, I am so proud to share what we have built with our family. I have personally been kiting for over 13 years, have taught, have worked the shop, have managed the shop, have done it all and proud to continue for as long as we can. With an education background and a wonderful instructor team, this exhilarating business is constantly evolving and developing into the best watersports center around.

    Ben Saad

    Instructor                                 

    Read his Story

    After studying and working in engineering after graduation, I dived into the world of kiteboarding full time about two years ago and haven’t looked back since. This adventure has taken me to many beautiful places all around the globe and led me to meet lots of incredible people along the way. I am originally from Morocco and have moved to Montreal with my family almost 10 years ago now. I love kiting, meeting people and the outdoors. This is why I’m super excited to move west and share the many wonders kiteboarding has to offer with the people of beautiful British Columbia. I hope to see you all very soon on and off the water!!

    Antoine Verville

    Instructor & Kite Trips Specialist

    Read his Story

    I started kiteboarding a decade ago and not long after o instruct so I could fully emerge myself into this amazing sport. Quickly after, I linked my passion for videography and became a Canadian team rider due to my presence on social media, my high level as a rider and the great energy I bring with me on the water. A few years ago I started my own business, Global Kite Trips, which specialized in organizing Kitesurf trips and safaris around the world.

    Level 3 P.A.S.A Kite Instructor

    Visionary for Vivida Lifestyle

    photographer and videographer

    CEO and founder of Global Kite Trips

     

     

    Glen Baker

    Instructor

    Read his Story

     The moment I first laid eyes on the sport, Summer 2004, Pismo Beach pier, California, I was mesmerized!! I followed this awakening with some lessons back in my home spots in the Southernmost lakes of Ontario. As soon as I felt the power and control of the wind in my hands, my carrear in kiteboarding began. For the next 11, years I taught kiteboarding around the world while teaching ski and snowboarding in Whistler’s adaptive sports program. I achieved my IKO level 3 teaching certification, and completed a degree in Movement science kinesiology. 2013 was my first season teaching with  Squamish Watersports and I’ve been back every year since!!! I look forward to sharing all of my knowledge and passion with you!

    Specific trainings: 2004 – BHK Movement science 2008- CADS Level 3 Adaptive Ski Coach 11 years experience in kiteboarding   Level 3 / Assistant Instructor Trainer

    Jen Wormald

    Instructor 

    Read her Story

    I started Kiteboarding in the Caribbean in 2012 which has led me to Australia, Thailand, Spain, South Africa and of course Squamish! I love to travel and Kiteboarding opens up a whole new world of people and must-see destinations that wouldn’t normally be on top of the list. I also love biking and hiking in the summers and I spend my winters teaching skiing and snowboarding in whistler.

    Our facilities

    Enjoy our luxurious facilities every time you come for a watersports adventure. From a fully stocked gear store, to our experienced instructor team, to bathrooms, hot showers, a Jacuzzi and more, you are sure to spend a relaxing day with us here at Squamish Watersports. Everyone is welcome! Come and hang out on-site with a picnic on the grass or an extended soak in the tub. Our friendly and knowledgeable team are always welcoming and ready to answer any questions you might have.

    faq

    How do I purchase my experience?

    If you are interested in purchasing an experience with us , you can do so with a credit card or paypal account directly through squamishwatersports.com or any associated website. If you are not sure what lesson program or boat rental is best for you, give us a call at our toll free number 1-855-5MY-KITE or direct line 778-989-5483  or email us at info@squamishwatersports.com and we would be happy to guide you through your decision. We also accept cash and e-transfer as a form of payment.

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    Where do I go for my experience?

    All experiences are held in Squamish, BC Canada. Squamish Watersports  runs courses from their downtown location, at 38124 Loggers Lane, Squamish, BC. Once suited up and ready to go. Located right on the water, our guides pick you up right from our shop to head out on the water. If you are renting paddling equipment you are welcome to launch from the public dock next to our property using the Kayak assist bars that allow for an easy entry and exit in the water. You are also welcome to travel to nearby lakes if you are wanting to experience a different type of water basin. We offer straps to help secure vessels to your car. We also move our paddle rental trailer next to the water on busy days to ease the travel to the water’s edge.

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    What time do you open?

    Our Squamish office is open from 8am to 8pm via phone and available anytime by appointment throughout the year. Our Downtown shop is open from 10am to 6pm from May 1st to September 30th. Our experiences and courses run from 7:30am to 9pm (weather dependent) from mid March to mid October. 

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    Are there any additional costs?

    For all paddle tours and lessons, everything is included. For all other experiences all safety and sports equipment is included. The only additional cost would be the rental of a wetsuit if you do not have your own suitably thick suit. Taxes are not included in the listed price.

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    What is the cancellation or rescheduling policy?

    Scheduled courses must be canceled or rescheduled at least 48 hours prior to your course or your course may be voided. Since kiteboarding is a wind dependent sport, we are limited to the hours in the day where Mother Nature provides us with sufficient wind. Giving us a 48 hours notice gives us the opportunity to fill your time slot with another interested student as well as adjust our staff’s schedule. For our expedition and touring kayak rentals, a 5 day cancellation policy is in place.

     

     

    Kiteboarding/ wakeboarding/ foiling/winging

     

    Is Kiteboarding Easy?

    Yes and No. Kiteboarding is a very technical sport and with the proper instruction, you could be riding within your first few hours on the water in Squamish, BC Canada. Naturally, there will be some frustrating patches, such is when you are faced with a difficult new task. Kiteboarding is a progressional sport, and as a kiteboarder, you will always get better and learn new things every session. As kiteboarding is a skill dependent sport it does not take force or strength but rather finesse and technique.

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    Can I teach myself?

    Learning on your own can be dangerous and impossible in Squamish, BC. Learning the proper kite skills and the many safety features of the kites will allow you to kiteboard safely. In addition, teaching yourself can be frustrating and often leads to bad habits. Self-taught riders often damage their kites while learning and, as a result, spend more money in the long run than they would on lessons. Lastly, there are many different kite companies, however few produce quality performance kites. Having the opportunity to spend time with an experienced rider and Squamish Watersports instructors in Squamish, will provide you with better knowledge about kiteboarding equipment as well.

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    What happens if there is no wind for my lesson?

    As kiteboarding is a wind dependent sport, it does happen from time to time that we need to cancel lessons due to poor wind conditions. We will always send a final confirmation for your lesson the evening prior to your appointment. If we anticipate a no wind day, we will cancel your lesson. If your lesson needs to be cancelled at any point due to wind, we will invite you back to complete your lesson at another time.

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    What do I need to bring to my kiteboarding or wakeboarding lesson?

    For your lesson, you will need a bathing suit and a towel. We also recommend that you bring a thermos water bottle, a sweater, and some comfortable shoes.

    Please DO NOT bring mobile phones or other electronics. Squamish Watersports LTD accepts no responsibility for damaged electronics brought on to lessons. 

    If you have your own wetsuit or any kiteboarding equipment, please feel free to bring it. The minimum thickness required in order to participate in a lesson with our school is a 5mm seam sealed full suit with booties. However in early season (March-May) we strongly recommend a 7mm wetsuit which we have available for rent.

     

    Paddling 

    Why should I rent from Squamish Watersports?

    Squamish Watersports offers a variety of different paddle vessels at competitive prices. We are the only watersports store in Squamish is direct water access making it comfortable and easy to explore the Howe Sound.

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    What do I need to bring for my paddling tour?

     The purchase of your paddling tour includes the necessary board or boat. The minimum requirements that you should have with you is a towel, a water bottle and some sunscreen. If you have a good waterproof bag there are ways to tie these down to your board or boat. In your bag you might consider bringing snacks, drinks, sunscreen and anything else you might want during a full day on the water. 

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    Will I get Wet?

    It is highly likely you will get wet when kayaking, even if you don’t take a tumble into the water! Your feet are likely to get wet when launching into the water, and your paddles and people paddling around you are likely to splash you too. If you find you are cold, having an extra layer with you will help.You can also rent wetsuits if you plan to do some more advanced paddling or think you might get cold.

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    What Happens if I damage equipment?

    During a rental, you are responsible for your own equipment. The equipment will be signed out to you, you will be responsible for returning it in the same condition or reponsible for the repair/replacement cost.

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    Do you rent Sea kayaks?

     Yes we do! We have single touring and expedition kayaks as well as tandem expedition kayaks available for rent.

     

    Jetski and boat rentals

     How old do I need to be to rent a jetski or boat?

    You are required to be 21 years of age, have a valid drivers license and speak and read fluent english in order to rent one of our vessels.

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    Do I need a boat license to rent?

    Not at all! We provide all the necessary training for you to be safe on the water. 

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    How early do I need to arrive for my boat or jetski rental?

    We recommend you arrive 60 minutes early for your appointment in order to ensure you are out on the water for your reservation time. There are quite a few safety protocoles and paperwork to go through in order to make sure you understand everything well prior to driving your own vessel.