Each quarter in 2022, the Norwood Chamber of Commerce will highlight many of its business members. On deck for the second quarter of the year are the chamber’s outdoor recreation and adventure business members.
Mountains to desert, lakes to rivers, Norwood is a hidden gem when it comes to recreational activities and adventure in Colorado thanks to its ideal location and mild climate. Norwood is surrounded by thousands of acres of BLM and National Forest public land, providing unlimited opportunities for fun and adventure.
San Juan SUP Co.
San Juan SUP Co. strives to inspire everyone to find a passion for stand up paddle boarding throughout Western Colorado, Eastern Utah and the Four Corners region. From high alpine lakes to whitewater, lazy rivers to large reservoirs, SUP yoga to river surfing, SUP fishing to river trips and everything in between!
What is your name and what is your position with San Juan SUP Co.?
Nola Svoboda, Founder
What is your favorite thing about working for San Juan SUP Co.?
I get to paddle board, a lot! I love being able to inspire people from all walks of life to get into the amazing and life-changing recreation sport that paddle boarding is.
When was San Juan SUP Co. founded?
2017
Give a brief history of San Juan SUP Co.
We are experienced paddle boarders who make it our mission to explore and familiarize ourselves with anything and everything having to do with paddle boarding around the western and southwest Colorado region.
How many employees does San Juan SUP Co. have?
None, we are made up entirely of volunteers.
What products and services does San Juan SUP Co. offer?
San Juan SUP Co. is a resource for information on all things paddle boarding around the region. We provide a directory for local shops who offer paddle board rentals, sales, lessons and and guided services, as well as information on where to paddle board, including lakes and rivers, as well as events around the region. We also help educate people on paddle board safety, rule and regulations, and share paddle board related tips and how-tos.
Who are San Juan SUP Co.’s primary or target audiences?
Everyone from novices to experts, those looking to get into paddle boarding (or paddle sports in general), as well as experienced paddlers looking for information around the region.
Which geographical areas does San Juan SUP Co. provide its services?
We provide information on paddle boarding throughout Western Colorado and the Four Corners region, including Telluride, Ridgway, Norwood and the West End, Lake City, Delta, Montrose, Grand Junction, Moab, Durango, Cortez and Pagosa Springs.
What are San Juan SUP Co.’s primary goals?
San Juan SUP Co. aims to provide as much information and education as possible for anyone interested in paddle boarding.
What would you say are San Juan SUP Co.’s most popular services?
Where To Paddle. Most of the questions we receive are from people looking for information about where to paddle and updates on water conditions around the region.
Where do you see San Juan SUP Co. in the next 1-2 years? How about in the next 5-10 years?
We will continue to provide the paddle community with as much information as possible and share news and resources as it comes.
What is unique about San Juan SUP Co.?
We are one of the only (if not the only) website that provides a wide range of information and resources about paddle boarding and paddle sports for the Western Colorado and Four Corners paddle community, and we do it all voluntarily with funding that comes from fundraisers and our own pockets.
What would you consider to be San Juan SUP Co.’s greatest achievement?
When we highlight paddle board information on our social channels (specifically paddle board safety, rules and regulations) and reach new paddle boarders who weren’t previously aware of specific paddle board safety measures, rules and regulations. We like to think of it as, we save a life with each new pair of eyes that sees the information we share.
How does San Juan SUP Co. give back to the community of Wright’s Mesa and surrounding areas?
San Juan SUP Co. gives back by offering free information and resources to the community. We also often help non profit groups by providing the use paddle boards for their events, specifically events geared toward children.
If there was just one thing you would like to see in the future to help improve the lives of the residents of Wright’s Mesa, what would it be?
We believe that the residents of Wrights Mesa are in dire need of more water-related activities and paddle sports, and specifically more accessibility to locations for paddle sports within and around the town of Norwood. We hope one day to see a pond large enough to paddle on within walking distance for anyone living in and around the town of Norwood.
We would also like to see the portion of the Gurley Ditch, which runs along the edge of Norwood’s town limits, be turned into a lazy river so kids can tube down the ditch while the water is flowing, and keep cool during the hottest summer months.