For those looking for a new kind of aquatic adventure, the wait is finally over with the launch of Jasper’s first stand up paddleboard (SUP) company late last week.
Set up at Lake Edith, Translucid Adventures is the brainchild of Alisen Charlten and Steph Sophocleous, who are both Paddle Canada instructors.
“There is something tranquil and beautiful about being on the water,” said Charlten, who is also a yoga teacher.
“Between the paddleboarding and yoga we hope to offer people the chance to experience the same joy, clarity and sense of adventure we feel when we go out there.”
With 12 boards available for rent, each paddler is given a 20-minute introductory lesson before heading out on their own to explore the crystal clear lake.
Paddlers are also given a personal flotation device that is secured around the waist and a leash to secure around their ankle.
Earlier this year, Parks Canada put out a request for proposals to offer SUP rentals at either Lake Edith or Lake Annette and accepted the pair’s proposal as part of a two and a half year pilot project in Jasper National Park.
“We are thrilled to have a new operator offering stand up paddleboarding and yoga because I think it really compliments the area and gives people another reason to reconnect with that natural environment,” said Pam Clark, visitor experience manager for Parks.
She said Parks has undertaken a number of projects in the area, including a trail that connects Lake Annette to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, replacing all the privies and change rooms, as well as the large welcome sign.
This summer Parks plans to continue updating the area with more directional signage, a welcome kiosk at both lakes and the painting and repairing of picnic tables.
“They’ve been rebuilding all the washroom facilities and they’ve been reassessing what visitors would like to see out here and part of this opportunity is because of that,” explained Charlten, adding that she and Sophocleous will be handing out and collecting surveys to get feedback from the public.
Translucid Adventures' was one of three proposals Parks received, but in the end it was the only one awarded a license to operate at Lake Edith and Lake Annette.
The pilot project will allow the company to operate for the next three summers.
In addition to renting boards, the women also offer private lessons, guided interpretation, group excursions for groups of six people or less and floating yoga classes.
They are open Friday to Monday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. until June 23. On June 26 they open seven days a week. It costs $35 per hour, although better rates are available for longer rentals.
“The rentals are fantastic because it gives people the chance to get a taste of what’s happening in the stand up paddleboard world,” said Charlten
Floating yoga will take place every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. on Lake Annette starting June 17 and costs $40. For those with their own equipment, the 1.5-hour class costs $20.
In July and August, classes will also be offered on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m.
“Steph and I both really love the idea that you can take your yoga practice outside because here in Jasper our summers are so abbreviated,” said Charlten.
To keep the class together, without students floating away, Charlten said Translucid Adventures has environmentally friendly anchor systems.
Once a board is anchored, paddlers no longer need to keep their leash on and can use it to secure their paddle.
Although the company’s physical location is at Lake Edith, Translucid Adventures is a mobile guiding operation offering standup paddleboarding on lakes throughout the park.
The duo will also be teaching Paddle Canada courses three different times this summer, starting on June 20. A basic course for SUP flat water will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., while the SUP flat water advanced course will be offered from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Currently Translucid Adventures only accepts major credit cards and cash.
For more information and further details, visit the company’s website at www.translucidadventures.com.
Paul Clarke
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