Norm Hann Expeditions

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Norm Hann Expeditions

Norm Hann Expeditions offers world class SUP expeditions to the Great Bear Rainforest and throughout Canada.
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We also provide industry leading SUP instructor courses, coastal surf trips, and paddleboard touring courses.

07/09/2024

NISUTLIN RIVER TRIP REPORT August 28 - Sept 4th. Happy to report we had another incredible trip down the Nisutlin River with an amazing group of paddlers. We paddled 150kms over 5 days and enjoyed incredible moments along the way. Moose, black bears, eagles and beavers accompanied us along the way as we paddled from campsite to campsite. Two days were spent not seeing another person until we ran into a Teslin Klingit Darcy Dewhirst who was setting up his hunt camp at 30 Mile Creek. He was somewhat surprised to see us travelling by sup but he wished a great journey. The light here was magical, one of my favourite sections on the trip, as we paddled past his camp, the river picking up in speed bringing ease in the final hour of a 40k day. There is something special about the Yukon light and how it plays on the land during sunrises and sunsets.

I am really proud of this group as they added up the miles, often times into a headwind. Paddling a river is somewhat like our life’s journey and usually culminates in personal growth, a deeper connection to the land and our role and place within this special ecosystem. Always gratitude for these experiences.

Big thanks to our paddlers who joined us this year. I never take for granted the opportunity you provide me to do what I love to do. Thank you for the outstanding backcountry food, always made with care and love. Thank you for supporting Sarah and the group from helm of the ol Prospector Canoe. And thanks to our Whitehorse and Yukon host and guide, and for the continued support and service. Great guiding with you. Thank you to the land of the Teslin Klingit.

I am already looking forward to our trips in 2025.

24/08/2024

High tide evening sessions on Vancouver Island. .sup

16/08/2024

back on her old stomping grounds in Port Alberni/Haggard Cove.

14/08/2024

It’s been a minute since I’ve been on the rods guiding. Great to be back on the water and the west coast of Vancouver Island guiding out of Thanks to Michael Barker and his team for having me up for the week.

30/07/2024

I am looking for one person to join our inaugural sup expedition on the Yukon River August 21. Five nights six days of paddleboarding on one of Canada’s most iconic river systems. Send a message if you would like more details.

26/07/2024

Not a bad way to wake up on the central coast. Pc:

24/07/2024

and enjoying their .sup Expeditions on our recent Bella Bella Expedition. These boards have been stable, efficient workhorses on the outer coast. They also serve as a great table in the marine backcountry.

22/07/2024

I think I am still on a high from our recent sup expedition in Heiltsuk Territory. These trips really are about being with great people in spectacular coastal locations and sharing the experience of connection in wild places. We made our way to remote, wind swept beaches on the outer edges of the central coast where we enjoyed incredible sunrises and sunsets, great food, scenic campsites and many moments of gratitude. This was the first trip we have run in Bella Bella with so much more to explore. No doubt we will be back for 2025. Thanks to the Heiltsuk for the opportunity to paddle and enjoy the ancient cultural history of your lands and waters.

27/06/2024

Expedition camping under the setting sun on the remote islands of the Broughton Archipelago this past week. We had stellar conditions that allowed us to explore further and farther and to camp in some new spots. At this spot we woke to a Humpback whale lazily cruising by as we launched our paddleboards for the day ahead.

26/06/2024

We just wrapped up our second Broughton Expedition and we were blessed with some incredible paddling conditions allowing us to explore long days through this paddling paradise and to camp in some new locations in Kwakwaka’wakw territory. Big thanks to our adventure team for joining and I on this one. Thanks to with the drop and pickup. Reach out if you would like to get on the list for next years trip.

15/06/2024

Broughton Expedition Wrap Up with

Posted • We wrap up our first Broughton’s trip with an incredible morning tour out to Whitecliff Islets perched on the edge of Queen Charlotte Strait. Then a hopscotch through a series of little islets scattered across the mouth of Knight Inlet. And we contour the shores of Swanson Island and Blackfish Sound punctuated by the accompaniment of several Humpback whale sightings. And then we wrap up our last evening on Flower Island with a litany of whale sightings, moody skies, rainbows, sunset glows, sea lions, harbor porpoises, and eagles.

All in all we were challenged by highly variable winds, rain and sea state - but we found pockets of great weather in between and took full advantage of what we were given out there.

Thanks to Meredith from Vancouver and Christie from Baton Rouge, Louisiana for being an amazing, fun crew to paddle with! And many,many thanks to Tina who is always a blast to guide with and who instills fun and confidence into everyone on the trip, including me! Many laughs, smiles, discoveries and personal growth on this trip for all!

And finally thanks to Norm for the boat rides, support, confidence and making it all happen. That you made this small trip work for just a couple clients shows your commitment and priority towards helping people get out there and explore their coastlines. Good on you brother. Good work.

I hope everyone finds these posts inspirational and get you dreaming about your next adventure. Next trip starts in just a few days!! So for me time to clean up, dry out and get set again! Hope to see you out there!

15/06/2024

enjoying the incredible paddling conditions on our recent Discovery Island Ocean Camp. Pc:

11/06/2024

Our guides and are out on our first Broughton Trip of the year. We had lots of Humpback Whale activity yesterday and beautiful flat calm paddling conditions. The weather is moving in today but looks good for tomorrow and Thursday. Get on the list for next years trip once we release the dates.

Posted • Day 1 in the Broughtons found us launching our boards with humpback whales in the background. And then a glassy calm day before the storm while leisurely island - hopping through the mouth of Knight Inlet.

Always something new here in the Broughtons. Cruising through Whirl and Twist Islands on the way over to the Surge Islets was a path I’d never toured before. Every trip is different.

09/06/2024

Nootka Sound Mini Expedition departure with Big thanks to for the drop. More to come. .sup

01/06/2024

Grateful for another amazing experience with a special group of people at our Discovery Island Ocean Camp. We shared a lot of laughs and connection around the big table while enjoying the incredible food by . The weather was shifty and we dodging wind while exploring Surge Narrows Marine Park and building our touring skill set. But overall we shared the magic of this trip with each other. We met with handshakes and left with hugs. Thanks to our amazing group for joining Tina, Amy and I this year. We are already looking forward to next year. Pc:

25/05/2024

The Place of my Birth: They call it the Kitlope.

My name is Wa’xaid, given to me by my people. Wa is “the river; Xaid is “good” - good river. Sometimes the river is not so good. I am Xenaksiala; I am from the Killer Whale Clan. I would like to walk with you in Xenaksiala lands. Where I will take you is the place of my birth. They call it the Kitlope. It is called Xesdu’waxw for the blue, milky, glacial water.”
- Cecil Paul, from the book Magic Canoe

The Kitlope is a place I have always wanted to travel to. The Kitlope Valley is the largest protected watershed in the world. Cecil Paul and his people with many others in the “Magic Canoe” helped protect this spectacular place in the 90’s. This past week, using Wa’xaids book as our guidebook we introduced paddleboarding to Haisla and non Haisla youth and took them to the Kitlope River where we visited the G’psgolox pole, a mortuary pole stolen and later found in Sweden. It was a short and powerful trip and one of the most incredible landscapes I have travelled through. More stories from the Magic Canoe to follow. Thanks to Spencer Edwards from Kitimat City High for organizing this expedition and experience. Thank you to the Haisla for having me in the territory and to the students, it was an honour. More to come. Photo:

11/05/2024

.sup Expedition and customized Ocean Faast on our Vargas Island Expedition.

03/05/2024

Views north of Queen Charlotte Strait and the island archipelago of Northern Vancouver Island on our Broughton Expedition. We still have a couple of spots available on our June 10-14 trip. Four nights, five days of protected island paddling, scenic campsites and rich marine life in Kwakwaka’wakw territory. Pc:

03/05/2024

Maldives Paddle Surf Trip May 2025! We are a year away from heading to the Maldives with Trent and his team at Moon Tours. As an athlete ambassador with .sup I have know about this trip for a few years as they partner with Sunova to have a full lineup of their premium paddle surf boards on their mothership. Our trip has been filling up and early bird booking specials are still available if you would like to join me and the crew for an incredible surfing and ocean experience. Details are in the link in bio but just reach out if you are interested or have any questions. .sup

Posted • What you can expect on our SUP surf tours...

✅ GUARANTEE to chase perfect SUP waves
✅ Like minded surfers
✅ Experienced & professional team
✅ No age limits
✅ Non surfing partners catered for
✅ No hassle holiday planning
✅ Suitable for independent SUP surfers

https://www.moontours.com.au/tours/sup-surf-tours/

27/04/2024

What a great week in the fishing and surf Mecca of Ericeira, Portugal for our paddle surf trip with Mauka Lodge. We enjoyed spectacular coastlines and waves, fun surf, incredible seafood and local dining, Expresso coffee, pastel de nata, local wines and surf skate sessions. There is so many more waves to surf and coastlines to explore here. Obrigado and the team at Mauka Lodge. Thanks to for joining me. We are already looking forward to heading back in 2025.

25/04/2024

testing out the new .sup Ghost in Portugal. Big thanks to and for providing a sweet lineup of Sunova boards for the camp this week.

24/04/2024

Back for another surf day here in Ericeira. .sup

23/04/2024

Sweet walk to the surf here in Portugal. heading for the goods. .sup

23/04/2024

Ericeira. Part of the World Surfing Reserve, the Mecca of Portuguese surf offering a staggering variety of waves, crammed into a few kilometres of coastline. Our group has been loving this old fishing village with incredible food, fun waves and rich European culture. Good times with

10/04/2024

Small group sizes, remote coastal locations, real fireside chats. Join us on one of one multi day paddling or surfing trips this season. This is one of my favourite places on the outer islands of the North Coast in Gitga’at Territory. PC:

10/04/2024

Base Camp, Great Bear Outer Island Trip, Gitga’at Territory PC:

08/04/2024

What’s it like paddling in the Broughtons? Read “Call of the Wild,” guide Neil’s trip report from Kwakwaka’wakw territory at our link in the bio and join us for one of our favourite paddling expeditions of the year. with the sweet shot

03/04/2024

Short but sweet Easter boat camping trip on the Salish Sea. I haven’t come across some Bigg’s Killer Whales in awhile but we had quite the show with a familial pod of 20-25 shortly after some winter spring fishing.

02/04/2024

Beauty days in the Broughton Archipelago. Join us in June for an exploration of this paddling paradise!

30/03/2024

I just had a last minute cancellation on our Portugal Surf Trip and one spot has opened up. Send me a message if you would like to join us April 17-24.

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Videos

Raven’s Flight Path headed south on our Bella Bella to Port Hardy Trip. Thanks @brucekirkby #centralcoastsupexpedition2022

Day 7: Central Coast Expedition. Final Day and completion of an inspiring journey on our coastline. @blackfish_paddles @sunova.sup @mustangsurvival @brucekirkby #centralcoastsupexpedition2022

Day 6: Central Coast Expedition. Getting around Cape Caution. @sunova.sup @blackfish_paddles @mustangsurvival @brucekirkby #centralcoastsupexpedition2022

Day 5: Central Coast Expedition. Tough day of paddling but we got to some incredible beaches but we set ourselves up for our move around the cape. @sunova.sup @mustangsurvival @blackfish_paddles #centralcoastsupexpedition2022

Day 4: Central Coast Expedition. Big day, epic day with a sweet finish. @brucekirkby @mustangsurvival @sunova.sup @blackfish_paddles #centralcoastsupexpedition2022

Central Coast Expedition: Day 3. @mustangsurvival @blackfish_paddles @sunova.sup @brucekirkby #centralcoastsupexpedition2022

Day 1: Central Coast Expedition. Headed south. @brucekirkby @mustangsurvival @blackfish_paddles @sunova.sup

Excited to share our Central Coast Expedition we got back from last week. Thanks to @brucekirkby for putting this series of videos together to share our journey. @sunova.sup @blackfish_paddles @mustangsurvival #centralcoastsupexpedition2022

Still processing an incredible week on our Vancouver Island Sup Guide course. Our team went from Comox to Surge Narrows Marine Park and wrapped up with a 2 night 3 day expedition on Vargas Island. Self and group leadership, Skills and some sweet discussions around beach campfires has us all wanting to not come back home. Thanks to the crew that joined us this past week. @supbearfoot @wildwestcoast @sueshih @fermentedyogi @courtoutdoors @jenbrown41 @bluejellyfishsup video: @courtoutdoors

A great way to end our 5 Day SOAR River Skills and Instructor Camp on the Cowichan River here on Vancouver Island. We packed a lot in and asked a lot from our river instructor candidates and skills participants but everyone rose to the occasion. Skills, teaching models, high level technical coaching, leadership, group and risk management were all take aways. Personal growth and transformation, and connection to the spirit of the river will carry us forward. Big thanks to @supbearfoot for co leading and providing such sound coaching and technical feedback. #normhannexpeditions #cowichanriver VC: @supbearfoot

Coach Neil, @supbearfoot with a little taste of coastal navigation that you will learn plus much more on our upcoming Coastal Navigation Course March 22 in Comox. Sign up by hitting the Training Link in our Bio. #normhannexpeditions #exploreyourcoastline Posted @withregram • @supbearfoot Here is a repost on some navigation concepts I did back in the fall! Check this out and then check out the Sup Navigation course that I will be running along with Norm Hann at the end of March! As paddlers, we are often “guilty” of what I would call “point and shoot” navigation. In other words we can see where we want to get to, we point at it, and then we paddle until we get there. And for short distances and many recreational paddling situations maybe that’s just fine. However, in a touring situation, the point and shoot technique (if you can call it that) can result in more distance, more time, more paddle strokes and more energy than you might think. And my little video shows you how… The pink line shows our ideal “course” as we travel from Yeatman Bay over to the nice little sand/gravel cove on Maurelle Island up near Surge Narrows. In point and shoot Nav we simple point and paddle and hope we get there expeditiously. However in most situations we are dealing with the effects of wind or current that want to blow us off course. Thus see the nasty orange lines that want to push us northwest and off course. If we simply point and shoot we will travel the course in blue. To us on the board it will look like we are pointed towards our destination the whole time. But our actual course becomes a downwind or down current arc. A considerably longer path than our idealized course. And in this example we are actually carried away from our destination and have to crawl back up the shoreline to get there! Whose done that before? So… what do we do about that? Well stay tuned for more over the next few days and we’ll see! @normhann @coastalstokesup @alanakai8

Always fortunate when our clients get to experience these gentle giants on our trips. Just last week on our Ocean Camp! 2 SPOTS just opened up for our final trip of the year to Surge Narrows on September 28th. Sign up with our link in the bio. Thanks to our @chefjennibunyan for the great video! And to @tortugacreativestudio for the repost and edit. #normhannexpeditions #humpbackwhale #discoveryislandoceancamp @alanakai8 @chefjennibunyan

Happy World Ocean Day! Hanging out with a Grey Whale on the West Coast Trail in Huu-ay-aht territory.

Stoked for women on the water! “Our first drop in the Mustang Survival’s women’s line is here! Products designed for women, by women. Get the story behind the line, meet the team who brought it to life, and shop the gear engineered for women hitting the water.” To celebrate we are giving away a Women’s Callan Jacket and Pant. Just sign up for our Wild Coastlines Newsletter , Link in Bio and go to mustang survival.com to check out the new line!