You've seen him at Catalina, Chattajack, and Molokai (he's finished each one 9 times!) or on Instagram paddling in freezing temperatures through the winter. This guy runs marathons, trains hard, works as a lawyer, and commutes from Toronto, Canada (no excuses!). Known as "Canada Dan" by some, Dan is a staple of the paddle community and is one of the most core athletes we know. Here's Dan!
Where do you keep your paddleboards/ gear/ quiver set-up?
My garage, Toronto Windsurfing Club, Kirk Fritz’s house in Oahu, and my buddy Mike’s house in Maui.
What does your dream paddle look like?
Could be anywhere in any conditions, but I’m alone and grinding away.
If you had to listen to one song on repeat for the whole Catalina Classic, what would it be?
Something no one would believe about you?
I held the world beer mile record for a few years, and so did my wife.
If I didn’t spend so much time paddling, I would probably be doing _______ more.
Surfing.
What/who inspires you?
Bruce Lee.
Who is your paddling nemesis?
I have my targets, but my list is secret. Scott Shimada of Oahu and I kept showing up at Portlock together for a few years at M2O. I have the greatest respect for him.
What is an item you don’t leave home without/ pack on every trip?
Hair trimmer!
Worst paddle/ nutrition story of your life?
I tried to paddle 32 miles solo across Lake Ontario on my Eaton 14, and had a makeshift water bottle cage that broke about halfway across. I only had two bottles and I ditched them both. Didn’t make it that time, and hitched a ride home with a fishing charter.
Show us your favorite selfie
Paddle scene hot take?
Catalina is better when the conditions are shit!
Pre or post race ritual?
Um. Peeing myself.
A photo of a scar or scary moment and the story behind it.
Fin to my cheek in the Outer Banks, North Carolina in the early 2000s. Too cheap to go for stitches so my buddy crazy glued it… crooked!
A goal you have- big or small.
Get back on the Podium at Catalina before I really age out.
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