Photography and interview by Denise Vasquez ©2024
Where are you based?
I’m currently living in Henderson, Nevada.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Cartago, Costa Rica.
Have you always been interested in water sports?
I have always being interested in water sports, I used to be part of a swim team when I was in high school. Then I started practicing white water rafting when I was 19 yrs old with my friends. A few years later around 21 yrs old I got introduced to surfing and kite surfing. Also I became a PADI diver back then, a water activity that I enjoy deeply, and I got to explore the ocean from a different perspective.
How did you get into paddle boarding?
My husband Josh Widich introduced me to the wonderful sport of stand up paddle boarding about 10 years ago. He founded a paddle board company for kids named Waterkids.com back in 2017 and we became paddle board manufactures and retailers over the years. We have introduced many families and kids to paddle boarding in the Lake Tahoe area and now here in Lake Mead and Willow Beach. My experience paddle boarding for the last 10 years has been a journey of self discovery and a sense of exploration mixed with satisfaction and appreciation for nature and a way of seeing the water world differently. I’m grateful that I had the opportunity of paddling the lakes and rivers of California and Nevada, and the wonderful ocean shorelines of Costa Rica, Hawaii, Fiji and Tahiti. I can’t wait to explore new places from a paddle board view.
What inspired you to become an instructor?
I really enjoy being able to introduce people from all walks of life to paddle boarding and SUP Yoga. I definitely got inspired by the people that got interested in paddle boarding around me, including my son Kai Rio, who has being paddling since a young age, and all the kids that we introduced to stand up paddle board for the first time, it’s very rewarding to see smiles in faces after a class. Also seeing the positive results in people of all ages, especially as we age, the practice of stand up paddle boarding keeps the body and mind active and in shape and when it’s combine with the practice of Yoga, the positive effects to the nervous system are significant.
How long have you been doing Yoga?
I have been doing yoga for 27 years of my life, I started when I was 18 years old, a very good friend from high school introduced me to my first yoga lesson, she was also learning and she thought it was a good fit for me. I immediately liked it and since then I have made the practice of Yoga and Meditation a part of my lifestyle.
How did you come up with the brilliant idea to combine paddle boarding and yoga?
SUP Yoga is a great way to practice yoga and get the benefits of paddle boarding, there’s a really good feeling after a SUP yoga session, the water all around you will make you feel relaxed and will rejuvenate you and recharge you. Plus you get the benefits of being outside and in touch with nature.
What are the benefits of SUP?
Paddle boarding is a full-body workout. Balancing on a paddle board makes use of the muscles and joints in your feet and lower legs. It helps to achieve balance, increase your Vitamin D production, stress release. Paddle boarding helps relax the mind and may even help to strengthen cognitive skills that may weaken through the years.
Are you the owner of Las Vegas Paddleboard?
My husband and I are the owners of Las Vegas Paddleboard, our years of experience teaching makes us an incredible team.
Do you offer tours, lessons as well as renting paddle boards?
Yes Las Vegas Paddleboard offers private stand up paddle board Tours to the Emerald Cave in Willow Beach and the Boulder Island in Lake Mead. We also offer stand up paddle board lessons for adults, teens and kids, and SUP rentals in Willow beach and Lake Mead.
Do you have any advice for anyone who’s never paddle boarded that may want to try?
Take a paddle board lesson with a certified instructor, you will learn the basics of paddle boarding including how to paddle correctly, the right body position and the safety measurements involving paddle boarding.
Tell us about WaterWomen & WaterKids?
WaterWomen is a women’s specific inflatable paddle board, it is designed for women, lightweight and easy to carry, with vibrant prints and colors and can be used for recreational paddles, SUP Yoga and training. It comes in a package with everything to start paddle boarding including adjustable women’s paddle.
Waterkids is a paddle board and surfboard gear for kids and teens, the concept was created by my husband Josh Widich who designs the boards. Waterkids is an online shop, we sell our products on the website www.waterkids.com and we also have an amazon store “Waterkids”.
What made you inspired to start your own businesses?
We love working for what we believe and for what makes us happy in life, paddle boarding is an activity that has been with us since the beginning of our family life.
What made you move to Vegas/Henderson area?
We love Las Vegas/Henderson for the wonderful weather all year round for paddle boarding and the amazing opportunity to work in Lake Mead Recreational Area.
Do you have a target audience you are trying to reach?
Adults and youths that are interested in learning paddle boarding. Groups of Women that want to have fun together. Families that are looking to spend quality time together. Couples that are looking for a memorable experience in the Colorado river.
What do you hope to accomplish with your businesses?
I hope to create a growing community of paddlers and hopefully inspire many women, men and youths to get into stand up paddle boarding and enjoy the benefits of the SUP Yoga.
Do you plan on doing any retreats?
Not for right now, but we have ideas of SUP trips to different parts of the world that would complement our family activities.
Where can people make reservations?
Through our website www.lasvegaspaddleboard.com and phone call 702-600-8342
Where can people find you online?
Facebook and Instagram Las Vegas Paddleboard
Our website www.lasvegaspaddleboard.com we’re also in Trip advisor
Anything else you would like to add?
The Mantarays are our inflatable giant paddle boards that can carry up to 4-5 people, they’re very fun and popular when they’re out on the water, the Mantarays are easy to use and fun for the entire family. The Mantarays can also be used as a team work activity for corporations, schools, races and kids camps. The team members are require to paddle together at the same time to advance faster and more efficiently. Paddling this mega SUP is a fantastic experience for everybody.
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