Summertime is all about spending time in the great outdoors. Being in Northwestern Ontario, we are truly blessed with land, lakes, and nature outside our door. But say you are a regular hiker or biker and want to try something new? Want to get closer to the waters? Well then look no further than Such A Nice Day Adventures Inc. (S.A.N.D.).
“There is something about Lake Superior that leaves me in awe. Something powerful and mysterious. Some people take it for granted. Some people let it pass them by. Some people are afraid of it. Many local residents, tourists and those travelling do not always take the time to really appreciate the lake and its surrounding landscapes. As life changes and ventures to other parts of the world exploring new horizons and frontiers, Lake Superior keeps calling me back,” says S.A.N.D. Managing Director Zack Kuzin. “The best way to experience the lake is to be right out on it, exposed to the elements and feeling its diversity. The immense, powerful energy of the lake is always there. The lake is alive and like any living thing, it breathes, it grows and it changes. We are fortunate to have such a healthy body of water available to us and we need to take care of it.”
Born in Hamilton, Kuzin and his sister Laura were raised by outdoor loving parents Al and Judi Kuzin. Wanting their children to appreciate the outdoors, Al and Judi lead many camping trips all over Canada and the US National Parks and as part of his work with the Cub Scouts, Al inspired Zack’s next adventure.
“I became a certified canoe instructor and every summer we took the youth group camping at the Provincial Park that always included canoe trips,” says Al Kuzin. “One such [trip] was in 1997 at Boulevard Lake in Thunder Bay. Zack’s first trip to the area and beginning of his northern outdoor life.”
The northern outdoor life kept calling Zack back to Thunder Bay where he became a student in Lakehead University’s Outdoor Recreation Program. After graduation, Zack interned on a 50-day trip with two classmates around the Lake Superior Marine Conservation Area (LSMCA), which helped Zack and professor Darrell Makin establish the first and ongoing editions of the LSMCA Paddler’s Guide Book - filled with maps, guidelines and paddling information. To which Al calls the foundation for S.A.N.D.
It was while working as a kayak guide in 2008, Zack got the idea to open up his own kayak adventure business. With the help of his outdoorsy family, S.A.N.D. took off with Zack acquiring more kayaks, paddling gear, dry suits, and instructors leading water way adventures in Rossport, Neebing, Silver Islet, to/from Pukaskwa National Park, and the Thunder Bay Harbour.
S.A.N.D. itself offers many programs for new and experienced kayaking enthusiasts. But for the sake of this story, we will be going over the beginner and first-time friendly programs. The Introductory courses run both half and full-day programs where all equipment is provided and helps you learn techniques to improve your paddling strokes and rescue skills. There is also the option of a 2-day course, Paddle Canada Level 1 Sea Kayak Course. Like the half and full-day course, this two-day course explores paddling and rescue skills, but also teaches participants about journey and seamanship. With an emphasis on safely kayaking through larger bays and shorelines, this will help aspiring kayakers be one with the natural
world and everything you need to have the perfect daylong sea kayaking adventure.
“People should try kayaking because it’s all about connecting with nature, being one with the water, and feeling the controlled power or propelling oneself on open water in calm conditions on Lake Superior or urban paddling in Boulevard Lake or Conservations or Thunder Bay Harbour. One can do the starter courses, build confidence and experience and graduate up and join, beginner or longer expedition trips. One can rent a kayak and equipment to assess their interest and try it out,” says Al Kuzin.
So whether you want to try something new this summer, beat the heat, or earn yourself a Level 1 Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Certificate, S.A.N.D. is there to help you paddle onward to new skills and adventures. And like his father, Zack is passionate about sharing his love and passion for the outdoors to anyone he can.
“Each and every member of the S.A.N.D. team has grown connected with the landscape, history, and expeditioning on Lake Superior. The passion for the Lake is emanating through our team. The common theme…sharing the love. That is why we do this, because we believe that more people should get to experience a connection to the great body of water that we call home,” says Zack Kuzin. “It’s the best feeling in the world. Being isolated in a place only few people have ever been. Bonding with
a group of people through the learning and fun environment. Relying on your body to move you from place to place. It’s powerful and clarifying, a safe place for all.”
For more information go to suchaniceday.com or call 807-356-6785.
