An eight-year-old Victoria boy is setting his sights on paddle board glory after taking home a second-place medal at the Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge last Sunday.
Griffin Simpson was the youngest competitor in the super grom category and placed second in a 2.5 kilometre race.
The Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge is now in its 8th year, and has become one of the most prestigious stand up paddle events in the world.
Having such a strong showing felt “amazing,” Simpson says. “Everyone up to 14 years old starts together, so it was fun to race with the bigger kids.”
Simpson has been paddling on his mom and dad’s board since he was 18 months old, and his own board since he was about three.
When asked what he likes about boarding, Simpson mentions the local marine life. “My favourite is the sea lions,” he says.
With a second-place win under his belt, Simpson is now preparing for the Six Pack Race Series at Thetis Lake on Sept. 15.
“I would like to finish in the top three,” he says.
Something tells us Simpson will be up for the challenge!
