#1) If you paddle, you're a paddler. Nothing else matters.

The way I see it, as long as you are on the water and having fun, there is no wrong way to paddle.

Although Pintail Paddle Co. mainly centers around the paddle boarding community, we welcome kayakers, dragon boat racers, canoers, rafters, and anyone else who holds a paddle.

Pintail Paddle Co. was influenced by the super welcoming internet communities I stumbled across in my first year of paddling. When I initially came up with the idea for this brand, I surveyed three separate Pacific Northwest based Facebook Groups and gained a lot of insight into the paddle boarding community. My main takeaway was that everyone's paddling experience was completely diverse. Some people like to float, some like to do yoga, some like to surf, and the list goes on. 

At the end of the day, we all classify ourselves as paddlers.

#2) It's important to never paddle alone.

Before you jump to conclusions: I'm not going to preach to you about the safety of paddling alone.

What I actually care about is that you have a paddle community that you can rely on and trust. Even if you paddle solo, paddle with the knowledge that other paddlers have your back. I'm extremely lucky to be a part of a supportive paddle community in PDX Oregon.

Let's face it, if you're somewhat introverted like me, it's very hard to start a conversation or join a new group of paddlers. 

In a survey that I conducted back in 2021, I posed the question, "Do you attend paddling events/meetups?"

I really want Pintail to resonate with that 65% who want to meet new people but find it hard to step out of their comfort zone. I'm using this brand as my own personal push to meet new people and I hope others will join me. 

#3) Paddle stupid, not foolish

I do stupid s**t on my board with friends all the time. In fact, I encourage everyone have fun and be stupid.

But, if you're going to paddle stupid...do it safely.

Wear your leash, wear your PFD (Personal Flotation Device), and monitor water conditions.