squamish Archives - Mia Gordon

mia_Gordon September 23, 2023

Learning how to sail in Squamish

Did you know that Squamish means ‘mother of the wind’. The Squamish First Nations gave it that name because of the strong winds that prevail in the Howe Sound.

Because of the daily inflow that tunnels into the Sound, it happens to be the perfect place for water sports like kite surfing and sailing – and now a new company has opened up in Squamish that actually gives you hands on experience teaching you how to sail.

The Adventure

InFlow Adventure CO is one of Squamish’s latest adventure tourism companies and I was excited when I had the opportunity to head out on the water with them and try something I have always dreamed of – sailing.

We met Will at the public dock in Squamish, we soon found out that Will’s entire life has been about sailing. His mother used to teach youth sailing in Australia, and he first became a certified instructor before finishing grade school. Despite being nervous, I immediately felt like I was in safe hands.

We set off on the 4 hour Howe Sound Sailing Experience. From the moment you leave the dock you are reminded why this place is so special. Incredible views of the Chief and Shannon Falls send you off into the deeper seas.

Very quickly we were put to work. We learned how to steer, jibe (a way of changing direction by bringing the stern of the boat through the wind), and tack ( changing directions by turning the bow of the boat towards the wind). Within 30 minutes we all had positions and Will was shouting commands at us, and even though we still barely had a clue what we were doing, we were laughing as guided us on which ropes to pull and when to tack ( apparently it has two terms – one of which is switching sides on the boat).

In no time we were moving and cruising down the beautiful UNESCO biosphere reserve on the gorgeous custom FarEast 19R.

Once we got out to Britannia Beach we slowed down with a beautiful view of the mien and landscape in the area and at that point Will brought out some lunches for us, delicious sandwiches from Smoke Bluffs Coffee. It was an amazing experience to sit in the middle of the ocean with these gorgeous views eating lunch.

After that it was time to make it back to shore with our new found knowledge and love for sailing.

While the tours are closed now for the winter, Inflow is offering more adventures out on the Sound come next season.

Happy exploring friends,

Mia

mia_Gordon April 11, 2020

Sharing some local love

Let me start of by stating the obvious, we are living in a very unprecedented time. I don’t think anyone truly knows how to navigate through this as what was normal life is completely thrown out the window. Most of my google searches are now about Coronavirus, something I hadn’t even heard of a month ago, and to say this virus has been a tragedy would be an understatement, Lost lives, lost jobs, lost opportunities. But while it has definitely been a negative situation, I am trying to bring some light to some positive things we can do to help, while staying home (which is the best thing we can do to help out period.)

I know that right now many of us are feeling hopeless, but there are lots that we can do to help our communities. Give blood and donate to food banks are two big ones right now, but as I mentioned you can also help out without leaving the comforts of your couch. Local businesses are probably hurting the most right now, and could definitely use some local love.

When I moved to Squamish B.C., I was amazed to see how many small businesses were the backbone of this community ( over 100 just in the downtown core), and so when doors had to shut, and businesses close I was heartbroken, but then I started speaking to some owners and doing some research and there are still ways to help them out.

Now trust me, I understand that everyone is going through a tough time right now, and maybe helping a small business financially isn’t in the cards right now, but guess what? Some of these ideas don’t even cost a dime!

Find out what services are now online

Many local businesses are switching their services to an online outlet. My favourite gym, Breathe, has been offering cheap monthly memberships and IG videos that you can watch whenever you feel like it to stay fit at home. My dog trainer, Sea to Sky K9 is offering online training classes, and my favourite shop Wild and Heart has moved their shop online. Most businesses are learning how to adapt with this new normal and making sure we don’t have to skip a beat. The best thing is because this is so new, you can get a really great deal and still be able to work on your six pack.

Grocery shop local

Sure, we aren’t really supposed to be making multiple shops at speciality stores right now just so we can pick up local goods. Until recently the easiest way to get food for my husband and myself was at the grocery store, but then we discovered Spud. Not only does it allow you to shop online, but it also works closely with local grocers to sell their goods. Sure it might be a bit pricier, but at least you know you are supporting a local farm.

Spend now shop later

A lot of small communities have been offering gift card opportunities where you can support local businesses up front now and shop once the re-open. Actually here in Squamish you can buy gift cards for restaurants that are offering take out and go and pick up a dinner for the week. It is a great option to make sure they still have an income through all of this

Have a local date night

With many of us having to navigate working from home with our spouse, things might be a little tense around the house and so it is very important to still make time for the two of you. Why not set aside some time for a weekly date night where you separate the office life and home life. A lot of local restaurants are still offering take out options. Order ahead, pour a glass of wine, and take a night off from cooking (something that I have been doing a lot more lately and must say I could use a break from ha).

I know that these are weird and very scary times for everyone but just remember the entire world is in this together, and together we will get through this with a little help.

Mia

mia_Gordon December 12, 2019

Breathe: The only studio you need in Squamish

Moving from Vancouver to Squamish was a big change. I went from the hustle and bustle of downtown to the quietness of a mountain town. Squamish’s motto is “Hardwired for Adventure” and it is true, this town offers everything from mountain biking to incredible hiking, however the one thing I struggled to find when I first moved here was workout classes that I enjoyed. In Vancouver I would go to my Soulcycle classes and had endless options through Classpass, here I was struggling to find my workout grove.

Thankfully for social media I came across a post from Breathe Squamish. Breathe Squamish is a boutique infrared heated workout studio that offers group fitness, hot yoga, vinyasa flow, pilates, and barre fusion just to name a few. Now I must say, I have never really been into heated workout classes nor have I been very into yoga ( the harder the cardio the better is my motto) but once I took my first class I knew Breathe and I were true workout soulmates.

What is Breathe?

Before I get into the specifics of the classes I wanted to talk to you a little about what makes Breathe so unique and so rewarding for me; infrared and heat. I have known a long time the benefits of hot yoga, it eases stress and depression, helps your flexibility, and helps you burn even more calories ( just to name a few) however I didn’t know much about infrared until now.

Infrared panel heating radiates waves of energy that penetrate into the body elevating one’s surface temperature. It helps detoxify the body at a cellular level (where most of your toxins reside) while also burning fat, de-stressing, and promotes healing. Trust me there are many more benefits but that would need a whole blog post on its own.

In my first few weeks training at Breathe I have tried a variety of different classes, some that I am used to like hit training and barre, and some that are a little outside of my comfort zone like yoga sculpt. Each one has offered different advantages, worked different muscles, and given me one heck of a sweat session.

My favourite classes

Infrared Yoga Sculpt: This isn’t your average yoga class, this is a full body yoga workout. You are in a heated infrared room so there are all the benefits that I mentioned above, and while you do go through salutations and flows, you are also using light weights to really sculpt your arms and abs. I absolutely am addicted to this class.

Infrared ABSoulte Booty & Infrared ABSolute and Arms : Saying that I LOVE this class would be an understatement. The class is fun and energetic and they play great pump up music. The workout is focused on strengthening and toning your core and glutes (for the booty class) and the arms for the other class through resistance training. You use weights, bands, and a ball and it really works deep into the muscles.

Infrared Barre Fusion: I have always enjoyed Barre classes (and have even blogged about some in the class) it helps you work the deepest and most neglected muscles in your body, but infrared barre fusion takes it to a whole other level. You combine ballet, yoga, and pilates. You work with the barre elongating your legs and working on movements that are sure to get your booty and abs burning. It is designed to increase cardiovascular strength while also helping you tone, sculpt, and lengthen your muscles.

Infrared Sculpt It: If you are looking for a total body workout this is the class for you. It combines cardio with the use of equipments like weight bar and balls to target everything from your head to your toes.

Infrared Candlelit Aromatherapy Yin: If you need an hour to really stretch, unwind, destress, and relax every single muscle in your body this is the class for you. As I have mentioned I am not much of a yoga person, that is until now. I have started to see the benefits of allowing your body to take a moment for itself. With my work I am constantly on the go, and so to just be able to relax for a full hour, I have realized what a blessing it truly is.

These are just a few of my favourite classes that I have had the chance to try out so far. They all offer something different, but each one of them focuses on toning and working your muscles. I am so happy to have finally found my place here in Squamish.

Do you live in the Squamish area and have any favourite spots I should check out?

Leave a comment below, would love to hear them!

xo
Mia