Kevin O’Brien might not have a long ponytail or bronze skin but he’s got a laid back
personality and that fun-loving surfer spirit which makes him the perfect owner of a surf shop! But it isn’t traditional surfing that he gives people, it’s the newer from of surfing called stand up paddle surfing or stand up paddle boarding (SUP). It’s a sport that originated, where else, in Hawaii and is quickly becoming very popular all over the world. It can be done on the ocean, lakes and rivers, and is easier than traditional surfing so it appeals to a wider audience. Plus, it’s healthy and fun, and allows you to enjoy the great outdoors. No wonder it is becoming so popular!
Kevin is the co-founder of Kalavida Surf Shop right across the street from the picturesque Kalamalka
Lake in Vernon, British Columbia. It’s the provinces number 1 stand-up paddlesurf shop and is one of the best-located shops in Canada. You can rent your board and then in your bare feet and board shorts literally run 2 minutes across the street to Kalamalka beach! Kevin’s not bragging when he not so discreetly tells the world in a whisper “It’s one of the country’s best kept secrets!”
Kevin’s shop is BC’s first Stand Up Paddlesurf shop and is right there in Vernon in the sunny Okanagan! Modeled after those quaint n’ quirky surf shop’s you’d find 
tucked-away in locale’s around the Hawaiian Islands, the shop’s theme pays tribute to the sport’s roots in Hawaii (note the hula girl statue beside the register!) The shop is located right on Kalamalka Lake which is widely regarded as BC’s most scenic flatwater SUP destination and with plenty of rivers including the mighty Shuswap, the region serves up all kinds of exciting places to paddle.
Paddle boarding is great for male or female, old or young, tough or timid, man or beast! And, you don’t even need your own board, you can rent one from Kevin!
What are you waiting for? Enjoy.
Coming Soon
The Kalavida Paddle Dog Surf Contest!
