We were lucky to catch up with Gillian Gibree recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gillian , appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

In 2010 I was competing as a professional SUP athlete, working as an ocean lifeguard, and yoga and fitness instructor.  I was passionate about SUP and teaching my friends and family, and I saw the need to create a quality teacher training program to offer to the public. The sport of SUP was really gaining speed.  I wanted to share my knowledge and experience.  So, I took a risk and the result was the founding of Paddle Into Fitness and Float Into Fitness, two certification companies that offer open water and pool Paddleboard, SUP Yoga and SUP Fitness trainings.  I launched the first Paddle Into Fitness location in San Diego with SUP beginner lessons, SUP Yoga & Fitness classes and then expanded up to Orange County. Soon after, Paddle Into Fitness began offering Paddleboard and SUP Yoga Certifications approved under Yoga Alliance and the World Paddle Association, as well as a SUP Fitness program approved under the American Council on Exercise (ACE), NASM, CanFitPro, and the AFAA. Paddle Into Fitness also offers a Master Instructor training, which allows graduates to run PIF trainings around the world. The trainings cover advanced stroke technique, turns, water safety, rescues, two styles of SUP yoga, SUP interval training, water based fitness, Yoga Alliance CEU’s, and ACE credentials.

The Covid pandemic brought new challenges, classes canceled, travel prohibited or restricted, and left us brainstorming new industry solutions.  Thus was born our online and hybrid certification options.  As a company, we are so happy we took this opportunity to meet our students needs and make these trainings more accessible and cost effective.  If a student can’t take the training in person, they can now get certified ONLINE and receive credits from ACE, AFAA, NASM, CanfitPro, and more from the comfort of home.

Here at Paddle In Fitness, we are continually working to add value to the SUP industry through our continued education options, new classes, sports research, safety protocols and equipment design.  We try to look at each challenge as an opportunity for creativity and improvement.

Gillian, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My company Paddle Into Fitness, offers SUP, Yoga, & Fitness Certifications, Aquatic Pool Mat Trainings, Beginner SUP Courses & 12-Week SUP Fitness Program. I have also designed and manufactured Inflatable Aquatic Mats & Paddleboards.

Paddle Into Fitness supports an international community of paddlers.  PIF offers seasonal outdoor fitness retreats that highlight the beauty and peace of nature while also nurturing the body and mind with healthful activities and whole foods. Annual retreat destinations range from mermaid tours in Tulum, Mexico to the mountains and lakes of Whistler, BC.

The PIF team also specializes in planning outdoor fitness adventures in California or internationally. Activities include paddle surfing, SUP Yoga, free diving, SUP interval training, ocean paddling, hiking, body surfing, exploring the outdoors, and much more! The adventures can be customized, whether it be for one-on-one sessions or small private groups. If you cannot meet with PIF in person, you can always meet with us online with customized SUP, outdoor fitness, yoga, and nutrition programs, or we offer an Intro to SUP & Beginner 12-Week SUP Fitness Online Training Program.

Over the years, Paddle Into Fitness has received amazing reviews from certification graduates and international recognition from numerous media outlets – including the cover and feature SUP yoga article in Yoga Journal Magazine! Paddle Into Fitness has also been featured in Shape, The Huffington Post, Self, Yahoo Sports, San Diego Magazine, Reuters, and Fitness Magazine. The passion we have for the sport of stand up paddleboarding, yoga, fitness, and the outdoors is contagious, and we at Paddle Into Fitness are excited for you to learn this life-changing sport and incorporate it into a healthy lifestyle!

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Without a doubt!  The journey from pro-athlete to certifying others to teach the sport of SUP has been so rewarding.  I’ve met so many like-minded individuals and have become part of a worldwide community of outdoorswomen (and men).  I have seen an idea grow into an international business that supports one of my life’s biggest passions… Stand Up Paddleboarding!

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Resilience is so important in running a small business.. I strive to always be ready to see challenges as opportunities for improvement. And, staying flexible is critical. Working with our students, I find that most have varying needs and circumstances. Maintaining good customer service and building a strong community requires allowing for adjustments and modifications to schedules and trainings to ensure all can be successful!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.paddleintofitness.com
• Instagram: @paddlefitness
• Facebook: @paddlefitness
• Twitter: @paddlefitness
• Youtube: PaddleIntoFitness