Private Lessons – Mike Darbyshire

CUSTOM PADDLEBOARD LESSONS FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES

Private lessons with Mike can be booked in 2 hour sessions. Lessons are primarily based out of Deep Cove but can also be arranged for off-site instruction.

Lessons can include:

• Introduction to stand up paddling
• Stroke technique for racing and fitness paddling
• Skill based instruction on race boards – turns, drafting race starts and strategy
• Maneuvering and footwork
• Touring and trip planning
• Guided Tour of Deep Cove/Indian Arm
• Personal training plans and fitness instruction for paddleboarding
• Paddle Canada certification – Skills and Instructor levels
• And more! just ask!

Once you have booked your lesson, you will have access to your Online Client Terminal where you can tell us exactly what your goals and aims are for this lesson or tour.

You can also contact Mike directly at manager@deepcovekayak.com

I am a Stand Up Paddleboard athlete from North Vancouver, BC. I have been paddling since 2008 and competing since 2010. I have been among the top racers in Canada for nearly a decade and continue to be an influential member of the paddling community in Canada.

I work full time as the Operations Manager of Deep Cove Kayak Centre. Deep Cove
provides an excellent location for flatwater racing and training. Here I also coach the DART Youth Paddleboard team which has produced some elite paddlers and amazing young athletes and people. I am very lucky to have the opportunity to work with some amazing kids and young athletes on the water here in Deep Cove. When I am not paddling or surfing I can be found with my wife Karly and children Kanami and Kane.

In 2018, I won a Canadian National Championship and earned the right to travel to Lima, Peru to try and earn a spot in the Pan Am Games. Late in 2018, I accomplished this goal and earned my place in the inaugural event and arguably the biggest stage for the sport of Stand Up Paddling.

Unfortunately, my season was interrupted due to a shoulder injury just 7 weeks before the games. I managed to recover and get myself back into paddling shape in time to attend the games, but with another stroke of bad luck, I broke my hand during training just 3 days before the race in Lima and was unable to participate in the race. After taking time to recover from my injuries and then even further recovery time in 2020 due to Covid, I have come back to racing and have once again achieved winning a national title and again earning a spot in the Pan Am Games in 2023.

I am extremely proud of my accomplishments, dedication and tenacity to return after injury and give myself another chance to compete at the Pan Am Games. I am very grateful for the support I have received so far through my employers at Deep Cove Kayak as well as my equipment sponsors : Coast Outdoors and Starboard SUP. These relationships allow me to continue to pursue my athletic goals all while doing my best to give back to the brands and companies that support me.

Thank you for following my story and for any future support!

Mike Darbyshire

BOOK IN USING THE BOOK NOW BUTTON DURING AVAILABLE TIME SLOTS OR USE THE CONTACT FORM TO INQUIRE ABOUT ALTERNATE TIME SLOTS

Please select book now to view availability:

We can also provide private lessons outside of these regularly scheduled times slots for anywhere between 1-10 people for anywhere between 2-5 hours (dependent on availability). If you would like us to reach out to you with special private lesson options, please email manager@deepcovekayak.com or call 604-929-2268 ext 1

Who should enroll on this course

Anyone looking for a personalised SUP lesson.