Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Rodine.
Shawn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born in Hawaii and was playing in the waves at Waikiki at just three months. My addiction to water has only deepened since then. College brought me to Colorado and I found whitewater kayaking, fly fishing, and paddle boarding to feed my water addiction. My love for paddleboarding grew strong and I quickly realized how this way of connecting with water, nature, and others was extremely powerful. I wanted to bring this sport in a big way to our landlocked state and make paddleboarding, and more importantly, a connection with nature and ourselves as part of our daily lives. I worked hard to make the sport affordable, attainable and easily accessible to the community. I focused hard on developing all of the incredible benefits to being on the board with a focus on non-athletes and people who wouldn’t be out on the water otherwise. Being able to meet people where they are, help them overcome any fears and encourage them to grow with the sport has allowed us to really expand our programming.
Has it been a smooth road?
As with any small business, the road is never easy or smooth. However, we have been extremely fortunate that the right doors have opened and we’ve had incredible support from the Cities we operate in, the State and from our amazing community. Our biggest struggles have been with the unpredictable Colorado weather and keeping corporate entities (REI) from taking over small businesses who solely focus on our local community.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Our goal is to unite this incredible community, explore beautiful bodies of water and inspire others to embrace and welcome challenges. We strive to bring people together by creating truly special and memorable experiences through paddle sports. We see our obligation to this community as something much bigger than just getting them on a paddleboard, we want to change and better lives. We take the time to really get to know our clientele, see what issues they are working through or what they are most excited about and encouraging them. The ability for time on the water to reduce stress/anxiety, hit the reset button, find a renewed connection or purpose and just have a ton of fun is so amazing. We are known for incredible customer service, a focus on safety, high-quality instruction, the best gear and being at some of the most beautiful parks in the State. We have in-depth beginner, advanced and river instruction, soulful SUP Yoga classes, kids camps and host many events like Full Moon Paddles and the Paddle the Rockies race series. Mostly, we just have a lot of fun!
We are also expanding to water ski, wakeboard and wake surf lessons. Check out Rocky Mountain Ski + Wake for all of your behind the boat activities!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Denver and the surrounding areas are hard to beat for starting a business. The City embraces and encourages new ideas, growth and small business. There are plenty of resources to answer questions as you get started and navigate how to open a business in Colorado. We are a mecca for educated, talented and ambitious individuals and have one strong economy.
Pricing:
- Paddleboard and kayak rentals start at just $20
- Beginner Lessons are $75
- SUP Yoga classes are $35
Contact Info:
- Address: 15600 W. Morrison Rd.
Lakewood, CO 80228 - Website: rockymtnpaddleboard.com
- Phone: 720.943.1132
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockymountainpaddleboard/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockymountainpaddleboard/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RMPaddleboard
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rocky-mountain-paddleboard-denver-denver?osq=rocky+mountain+paddleboard
- Other: shoprmp.com
Image Credit:
Bearded Bros Media
Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
