Image

MICHELLE HOLLY

BELGIUM


I began whitewater kayaking in 2011 and immediately fell in love with the thrill of running rapids, the peace of being out on a still, quiet morning, and the phenomenal paddling community.  

I got into stand up paddling in 2013, and learned to river surf from a great crew of paddlers on the Potomac River. My favorite river surfing spots on the Potomac include Rocky, Offut, and the Chutes.  When back home in the DC area, I love to run the gorge and surf, or take new paddlers out on wide water and share my passion for being out on the water. I am currently exploring the rivers and lakes around Belgium, and while there isn’t much whitewater, paddling alongside 15th century castles isn’t too shabby, either.  

Image

MICHELLE HOLLY

BELGIUM


I began whitewater kayaking in 2011 and immediately fell in love with the thrill of running rapids, the peace of being out on a still, quiet morning, and the phenomenal paddling community.  I got into stand up paddling in 2013, and learned to river surf from a great crew of paddlers on the Potomac River. My favorite river surfing spots on the Potomac include Rocky, Offut, and the Chutes.  When back home in the DC area, I love to run the gorge and surf, or take new paddlers out on wide water and share my passion for being out on the water. I am currently exploring the rivers and lakes around Belgium, and while there isn’t much whitewater, paddling alongside 15th century castles isn’t too shabby, either.  

Image
Image

SUP INSTRUCTOR

Michelle currently resides in Belgium but has previously taught out of  www.paddlestrokesup.com (301) 442-6864

Regarded by local paddlers as the best stand up paddle board lesson program in the DC / Maryland area. Paddlestroke SUP provides you with top-quality, enthusiastic, supportive instruction from experienced professional stand up paddlers. Your first lesson will be in a safe, calm-water environment where you’ll learn the basics but we offer further tuition in intermediate / advanced skills - river running - SUP Camp for Kids - & One on One or large group tuition.

SUP INSTRUCTOR

Image

Michelle currently resides in Belgium but has previously taught out of  www.paddlestrokesup.com (301) 442-6864

Regarded by local paddlers as the best stand up paddle board lesson program in the DC / Maryland area. Paddlestroke SUP provides you with top-quality, enthusiastic, supportive instruction from experienced professional stand up paddlers. Your first lesson will be in a safe, calm-water environment where you’ll learn the basics but we offer further tuition in intermediate / advanced skills - river running - SUP Camp for Kids - & One on One or large group tuition.

Image

PADDLING QUALIFICATIONS

ACA Level IV Instructor

PADDLING QUALIFICATIONS

ACA Level IV Instructor

RIDING STYLE

River or Lake Flatwater - Beach or Coastal - Class II Rapids - SUP Instructor - River Surfing - SUP Yoga

INTERESTING FACTS

I am an elementary school teacher specializing in special education & Deaf education. When I'm not on the water, I maintain balance by practicing yoga, hiking, skiing and rock climbing. I'm also involved in coaching Special Olympics and am fluent in American Sign Language.

THE FUTURE

I'm planning a stand up paddleboarding excursion on the Norwegian fjords in 2019, and look forward to exploring more of the flatwater and whitewater that Europe has to offer! In the long term, I would love to work more with adaptive paddlesports to help share the stoke and make paddle boarding accessible to​ a wider audience of adults and children.

RIDING STYLE

River or Lake Flatwater - Beach or Coastal - Class II Rapids - SUP Instructor - River Surfing - SUP Yoga

INTERESTING FACTS

I am an elementary school teacher specializing in special education & Deaf education. When I'm not on the water, I maintain balance by practicing yoga, hiking, skiing and rock climbing. I'm also involved in coaching Special Olympics and am fluent in American Sign Language.

THE FUTURE

I'm planning a stand up paddleboarding excursion on the Norwegian fjords in 2019, and look forward to exploring more of the flatwater and whitewater that Europe has to offer! In the long term, I would love to work more with adaptive paddlesports to help share the stoke and make paddle boarding accessible to​ a wider audience of adults and children.

BEGINNER SUP LESSONS

INTERMEDIATE SUP LESSONS

 

FAVORITE PADDLING LOCATIONS

RIVER SURF - OFFUT ISLAND - MARYLAND

One of my favorite standing waves still and where I learnt to river surf

FAVORITE PADDLING LOCATIONS

RIVER SURF - OFFUT ISLAND - MARYLAND

One of my favorite standing waves still and where I learnt to river surf

FLATWATER - LESSE RIVER - BELGIUM

The Lesse is a pretty place to paddle when the water is flowing, if you get there early enough to beat the crowds. Plus, it’s hard to beat a Belgian brew and frites, post paddle.

SURFING - São João da Caparica - PORTUGAL

I'm just breaking into the ocean surf scene, and have had a blast surfing in spots along the Portuguese coast (while enjoying the catch of the day or a Pastel della Nata between surfs).

FLATWATER - LESSE RIVER - BELGIUM

The Lesse is a pretty place to paddle when the water is flowing, if you get there early enough to beat the crowds. Plus, it’s hard to beat a Belgian brew and frites, post paddle.

SURFING - São João da Caparica - PORTUGAL

I'm just breaking into the ocean surf scene, and have had a blast surfing in spots along the Portuguese coast (while enjoying the catch of the day or a Pastel della Nata between surfs).

CAMP SUP FOR KIDS (AGES 11-17)