Meet the Coaches
Body Boat Blade International is owned and operated by two of the most qualified, dedicated, and passionate instructors in the Pacific Northwest. They want to share their knowledge, skill, and their love of paddling and the sea with you.
Shawna Franklin
Coach Level 5 Sea (aspirant), BCU 5 Star Sea, 4 Star Surf, 4 Star Inland, 2 star Open Canoe
Shawna is the first woman in the United States to gain the BCU 5 Star Sea Award, a test of skills and leadership in advanced sea conditions. Putting these hard earned skills to test in 2003, she was the first woman to successfully circumnavigate Iceland with famed solo paddler Chris Duff and Leon Sommé, a trip of over 1600 nautical miles in 81 days. In 2007 Shawna circumnavigated the Islands of Haida Gwaii, B.C., with award winning film maker Justine Curgenven and partner Leon Sommé. As an artist, she is drawn to the sea for inspiration. Her paddling skills allow her a deeper artistic inspiration and in turn many feel her paddling skills have become a form of art. Shawna has been paddling and teaching for over 17 years, she wants to share her enthusiasm for teaching and paddling, and sense of adventure with you!
Ambassador and team paddler for Kokatat, Werner, Snapdragon, and North Water.
Leon Sommé
Coach Level 5 Sea (aspirant), BCU 5 Star Sea, 4 Star Surf, 4 Star Inland, 2 Star open canoe
Leon has been paddling and teaching paddle sports for close to 20 years. He has logged thousands of coastal and river miles around the world. Most notably, in 2003, Leon successfully circumnavigated Iceland with Chris Duff and Shawna Franklin, a trip of over 1600 nautical miles in 81 days. in 1998, Leon circumnavigated Vancouver Island, B.C., and most recently in 2007 Leon circumnavigated the Islands of Haida Gwaii, B.C., with Shawna Franklin and award winning film maker Justine Curgenven. Screwing around in small human powered boats is Leon's passion. He has spent countless hours trying to understand and master the skills of paddle sports. In doing so, he now believes a mastery of this sport is one of the many pathways to enlightenment!
Ambassador and team paddler for Kokatat, Werner, Snapdragon, and North Water.
Skinny
5 Star Rabbit Catcher, 4 Star Mud Finder and 5 Star Life Companion, Incompetent in Catching Mice
Skinny arrived at the Body Boat Blade shop in 2004 wishing to share his strategy for efficiency and effectiveness and his athleticism. His keen observational skills and ability to give specific honest feed back make him a tremendous asset to the Body Boat Blade staff and students.
Team rabbit catcher for Body Boat Blade International.
Body Boat Blade, International
PO Box 1487
Eastsound, WA 98245
(360) 376-5388