“We have to embrace the situation and grow from this.” Those were the words of Martin St. Louis, coach of the Montreal Canadiens after a heart-breaking play-off overtime loss. What a winning attitude and reminder to us all! No matter what situation we face, we can embrace it. But in these tumultuous times when we may feel anxious, can we really embrace it? We must recognize that that there are some things we can control and others that we cannot.

This year we are facing the challenge of losing the Transport Canada grant, which has been a great financial resource for our club for many years. It means we must assess all our expenses, to see which ones can be reduced.

Two of our biggest expenses are insurance and the Ebb & Flow, about $5,000 each. We are investigating insurance alternatives and are pleased to provide this edition of the Ebb and Flow in both digital and print form. In the future it is expected the print edition will only be available to members at an additional cost. Past President Gary Thomas has been busy developing the digital format and we would love to hear what you think.

The 2026 spring paddling season has begun with icebergs along our shores, awesome natural wonders. Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the few places on the planet where people can paddle close (but not too close!) to icebergs – how great is that? Please, keep your distance as all icebergs break apart…it’s only a matter of time.

This will be the inaugural year for the PNL Retreat in the New World Island/Twillingate area, June 19-22. We hope for good weather, but we know we will enjoy the event, rain or shine, windy or calm. The committee has been planning for many months, so we can all embrace the opportunity. We are delighted to see the excitement growing as registration approaches 100 people.

The Paddle Skills School May 27, 29 & 30th, is a wonderful club tradition which provides a great opportunity to introduce and welcome new paddlers to our community. Thanks to the instructors and volunteers who make the school a success, spreading skills and love of the sport to participants. Thanks, as well to the City of St. John’s for providing the facility, the boats, and the other equipment at no cost to PNL.

We look forward to the Wednesday evening paddles. They are a great chance to enjoy social time with friends new and old at ponds in and around St. John’s. Ocean paddles will begin in mid-June.

This winter was colder and snowier than normal, but the Wednesday evening presentations were very well attended nevertheless. We had a wonderful variety of topics, something of interest for everyone. And the pool sessions were appreciated by those brave souls who embraced the wintery weather to come, with rolling clinics and other offerings to encourage skill development.

Thanks to board members who volunteer their time to serve members in so many ways. Their efforts help enrich the paddling community.

I hope everyone can get on the water early and often, discovering and rediscovering all that the province and paddling have to offer!

See you on the water, Peter

Peter Upshall President,
Paddle Newfoundland and Labrador