Q&A with Chantelle Kshyk

So Chantelle, why paddle boarding?

I was in Miami for Visalus’ Vitality event and heard about the 90-day Challenge Showdown. I was sitting next to my boyfriend and said, “What should I do? I just bought a paddleboard, maybe I should paddleboard for 90 days!” So I said it, made it public, and haven’t stopped yet.

What’s been your most challenging paddle to date?

It was right at the beginning. I didn’t know how to paddle yet, it was dark and windy, I was scared, and I tore every muscle possible. That night I slept on the couch with ice packs on my legs.

You’d think after a few days it’ll get easier, but it gets harder. Life gets busy. It’s not the same as throwing on a pair of runners and jogging for half an hour. It’s at least a 1-3 hour commitment. And of course, fighting what I can’t control - Mother Nature.

What about your most memorable?

Kalamalka Lake in British Columbia. It’s absolutely gorgeous. I’d been talking about paddling across the lake, but never had the confidence. Then last week we were visiting friends at a campground and I said, “I’m going to do it. I’m going to go across the lake.” We forecasted about a 45-minute paddle. The lake was calm and beautiful. I paddled my hardest yet, finishing in 25 minutes. I felt like I could have paddled forever.

How would you describe your relationship with your paddleboard?

I have the coolest paddleboard ever. I call her “tall,” “beautiful,” and “strong”. She reflects what I want to be. On days when I want to put my head down and just get my paddle over with, I can’t, because she always initiates conversations. She forces me to communicate with people and talk about my journey.

I just had to have her replaced, and when I handed her over, I cried. I cried over a piece of wood! (laughs).

What kind of feedback have you received from the public about your challenge?

My favorite experience was when a mom from Calgary asked me about my board. I got her to try it out, she stood up, and one of her little daughters shouted, “Mommy, you’re doing so good!”

I’m not just spreading the word about SUP, but also getting the message out to try something different. Most people are afraid of falling in. The same goes for anything in life. You can’t be afraid to fail; you just have to try.

What are you most looking forward to when the challenge is done?

Standing in the mirror and saying, “damn, I look good!” I like flexing my pipes, or telling people “touch my muscles!” It’s satisfying as a woman to have muscles. 

I’m also looking forward to taking a break, healing my body and relaxing. But, I’m not sure if I’ll want to stop paddling! I may go out on day 91. On day one, I thought the challenge was impossible, so I can’t imagine what day 90 will feel like. I think I could take over the world. 

-

Check out Chantelle’s weekly videos and stay up-to-date on her journey. To connect and learn more about starting your own 90-day challenge or to chat about SUP, drop her an email. 

--