Salish Wolf #1 Norm Hann on Paddleboarding, Wild British Columbia, and Activism
For this inaugural episode of Salish Wolf, I sat down with internationally renowned paddleboarder and activist Norm Hann. I recorded this episode in March 2019, one full year ago. Since that time, a lot has happened for Norm, including turning 50, earning the number 1 and number 3 spots on Lonely Planet's "9 Best Long-Distance SUP Adventures" globally, and together we traveled to a BC coastal destination for an incredible 4-day bow building and personal growth retreat that I hosted through Anchor Point Expeditions. As Norm shares in this episode, he is always looking to grow as an individual and to impact others. His activism, expeditions, and films in the Great Bear Rainforest demonstrate this so beautifully. Even at 50, Norm continues to win paddleboarding races and to lead global excursions. He is a man with a clear purpose that he follows with the utmost integrity.
In 2006 Norm was adopted into the Raven Clan in the community of Hartley Bay, British Columbia, where he had been coaching basketball. He was given the name T’aam Laan meaning “Steersman of the Canoe.” It was two years later that paddleboarding came into Norm’s life, and he immediately knew he was on the right path. Since then he has paddled all over the world and has been featured in countless magazines and in the breathtaking documentary "Stand".
Norm also happens to be a husband, father, and struggling with a heart condition that has recently impacted his life in profound ways. Through it all, he continues to deepen his connection and seek new ways to give back even more.
Episode Links:
Belize Paddleboard Expeditions
"Stand" Film
Lonely Planet Best Destination Long-Distance SUP Adventures
"Great Bear Rainforest" IMAX
Untethered Soul by Michael Singer
The Golden Spruce by John Vaillant
Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss
Great Bear Rainforest by Ian McAllister
Books by Joseph Boyden
Learning Links:
Surf Retreat through Anchor Point Expeditions, Co-Taught by Norm Hann