Literally riding on the newest trend in outdoor recreation, Lydia Stuart is loving her job: helping people learn a fun and relaxing way to play on the water and enjoy unique views of their surroundings. Standup paddleboard is easier than it looks, says Stuart. As a side benefit, paddlers improve their health and fitness.
Name: Lydia Stuart.
Residence city: Washougal.
Employer/business name: Sweetwater SUP (Standup Paddleboard) Rentals, sweetwatersuprentals.com or 360-609-1212.
Age: 26.
Educational/professional background: I graduated from Battle Ground High School and then earned a degree in exercise and sports science from Concordia University. After college, I was unsure what I wanted to do and worked at a few restaurant and office jobs. But I knew I really wanted to be outdoors, and when this opportunity came up I just jumped on it. I also knew I wanted to work with people and help my community. I really enjoy teaching people about their health and helping them with their fitness.
How you got started in your business: I learned to paddleboard on a cold rainy day in March but I was instantly hooked and knew I needed my own board. While helping volunteer René Carroll with the city of Washougal to bring a standup paddleboard race to Cottonwood Beach in 2014, it was clear that standup paddleboard was a fast-growing sport and that there were few options for people to gain access to it in Clark County. After an epic and inspiring evening paddling across the Columbia River from Cottonwood Beach to Oregon with friends in July 2014, three of us decided to start Sweetwater SUP Rentals. As a young business owner I’m so lucky now to have René Carroll of Washougal as a mentor and business partner.
Our business model was to deliver boards to Clark County waters, since transportation was one of the barriers to people trying the sport. But when the city of Camas said they were interested in a water craft concession at Lacamas Lake, we jumped at the opportunity. We increased the fleet to include kayaks, hired awesome employees and set out to offer the best service possible for people to enjoy and explore the lake, either standing up or sitting down.
Personal/business philosophy: Let what you love be what you do.
Most rewarding part of job: After a standup paddleboard lesson I love to see the confidence gained from the rookie paddlers. With smiles on their faces after they learn to standup paddleboard, I know it won’t be the last time they do it.
Most challenging part of job: Our short season here in the Pacific Northwest. The hot temperatures have been great for us this season but we only rent boards and kayaks from May until mid-September. Once school starts up again the lake really gets quiet. We may offer kayak rentals until October when they drain Lacamas Lake, and then I’ll supplement my income working at Starbucks.
One thing readers might find surprising about your work: Standup paddleboard is a lot easier than it looks! Not only is it a great way to explore waterways from a standing vantage point, it can be a good workout if you want to push yourself. We even offer yoga classes through Body Bliss Yoga in Washougal. Another fact that is perhaps a surprise is that we rent to many people from Oregon. Lacamas Lake is not just used by locals.
Your favorite travel destination and type: Road trip to Bend (Ore.). I love getting away for the weekend and spending time in Bend with friends and family exploring the breweries and amazing outdoors.
Best feature of your Clark County community: The beauty. The Pacific Northwest is such a gorgeous area to grow up and I am lucky enough to have all my family nearby to share it with.
What would make your community a better place? Everyone is so busy these days but there are so many worthy causes and organizations that can benefit from a simple gift of time.
Favorite restaurant/pub/coffee shop/store: Amnesia in Washougal, Feast in downtown Camas, and Crux in Bend.
Hobbies: SUPing, running, hiking, exploring Pacific Northwest breweries with my boyfriend, Tom Carroll.
Most enjoyable recent book/play/movie/arts event: “Guardians of the Galaxy” just such a great movie and I got to watch it with my family in Bend.
Something you’d like to do this year/within five years: Continue to explore different places to standup paddleboard in the Pacific Northwest.
One word to describe yourself: Sporty.
Person you’d most like to meet: Ellen DeGeneres — she is so hilarious and always willing to help others. I’ve always wanted to see one of her shows live with my mom.
