Michael Tavares Q&A
Outdoor enthusiast, professional kayaker and Richmond native Michael Tavares returns to RVA for Dominion Riverrock Presented by Subaru with the Boardworks SUP Show Up and Blow Up Tour. We caught up with him on the tour to discuss how he got involved with SUP, his passion for the outdoors and his excitement about returning to Richmond.
PULSE: How did you get involved with SUP and Boardworks?
Michael Tavares: I got involved with the sport of SUP through whitewater kayaking, believe it or not. Friends of mine at Colorado Kayak Supply were paddling boards on the river and surfing waves in the kayak parks in Colorado. I grew up surfing and skateboarding, so my interest was sparked. Right off the bat, I got into surfing waves in the river and my interest has grown to every style of SUP. I now enjoy whitewater, flatwater, racing, surfing, etc.
I got involved with Boardworks at an event at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, North Carolina in 2011. I started as a whitewater team paddler and am now a Team paddler, Sales Rep, and traveling event coordinator. It’s great working with Boardworks because they have been at the cutting edge and core of the sport ever since the beginning. Boardworks also makes a board for every different style of SUP paddling that you could ever imagine, making us the most well rounded company out there. It’s a company that's run by paddlers for paddlers!
PULSE: What are the best parts of the Show Up and Blow Up tour you’ve been on?
MT: The best parts of the tour are going to new rivers and paddling destinations where SUP has not been fully exposed yet. Getting to expose new people to this healthy sport is great. We are the first people to ever do a full U.S. whitewater tour, so it’s been really fun showing up to rivers where I would normally kayak and promoting a different sport.
PULSE: How do you feel about returning to your hometown of Richmond for Dominion Riverrock?
MT: I couldn’t be happier coming back to my hometown for Dominion Riverrock. The event has been on my radar in the past, but my schedule has not allowed for it. I made sure to fit it in this year. Richmond has so much to offer and is such a well-rounded city. It was a great place for me to grow up and I am glad I get to return for an event such as this.
PULSE: How is Richmond’s outdoor lifestyle scene viewed in other parts of the country that you’ve visited?
MT: I think that Richmond's outdoor lifestyle scene gets a positive view from others around the country. Honestly, how many cities have a whitewater river running through downtown that is surrounded by biking, running, and other outdoor sports? Not many, especially in the South. I have heard tons of positive things about Richmond, especially in the last few years! It’s a pretty well-rounded place to live.
PULSE: What other outdoor activities do you enjoy doing aside from SUP?
MT: Besides Stand up paddling, I still compete professionally in Whitewater kayaking. When I have any time to spare, I still get to do a little skateboarding, biking, and slacklining.
PULSE: SUP is considered one of the fastest growing outdoor sports. Why do you think there’s such broad appeal?
MT: SUP has such a great appeal for many reasons. The best is that you can paddle anywhere there is water. Paddling in flat water is suddenly just as fun as paddling in the ocean or whitewater. Secondly, it’s super user friendly. It’s a pretty inclusive sport that can be done by anyone with any ability level. It’s also an easy sport to get into and learn because of its simplistic nature. All you need is a board, paddle, and PFD and you’re set. I saved the best for last, the health and fitness benefits are amazing. It will turn your old workout into a fun and exciting paddle. Check us out at Dominion Riverrock and see what this new sport is all about!!
Come see Michael and try a SUP with Boardworks on Brown's Island during Dominion Riverrock May 18-20.