Glow SUP Adventure, a stand-up paddleboard company based at Sudbury Beach in Penticton, says this summer will be its last, ending a 12-year run that blended lessons, rentals and community events with the seasonal rhythms of the Okanagan’s tourism economy.
Owner Darcey Godfrey confirmed the decision, noting the business, founded in 2014, will close in the fall after completing its final slate of activities. Over the years, the company catered to visitors and residents with programming that went beyond conventional rentals, building a brand around family-friendly instruction and a signature evening experience on Okanagan waters.
From start-up to staple
Glow SUP Adventure began as a single-location operator and grew into a recognizable name at Sudbury Beach. Its offering set included:
- Stand-up paddleboard lessons for various skill levels
- Seasonal camps and youth-focused programming
- Hourly and daily rentals during peak months
- A glowing guided night paddle that became a signature event
In an announcement reflecting on the company’s arc, Godfrey said recognition came in the form of awards and nominations, but the lasting impact was measured in relationships with customers, staff and fellow beach operators who shared the shoreline each summer.
“What started as a dream became so much more than a paddleboard business,” Godfrey said. “Over the years, we've been incredibly fortunate to receive awards and nominations, but the greatest reward has always been the people and the community we've been privileged to be part of.”
A family enterprise on the beach
The business also doubled as a family venture. Godfrey said her son first joined her at the beach when he was five, later launching a nearby concession, Breezy Bites, as a young teenager. Now 18, he has taken over day-to-day operations of that separate concession, a detail that underscores how Glow SUP’s presence at Sudbury Beach became intertwined with family milestones and the broader beach community.
Godfrey described the storefront as a place where families marked life events—from new arrivals to retirements—and where children grew up returning each season. The company credited its instructors and seasonal staff for shaping the culture, noting many young employees progressed into leadership roles and built confidence through their summer work experience.
“We also had the privilege of employing and mentoring many young people who have since gone on to build successful, fulfilling adult lives,” Godfrey said. “Watching them grow in confidence, leadership, and character has been one of the greatest gifts of this journey.”
Final summer, fall wind-down
The owner called the decision to close “bittersweet,” pairing gratitude for a dozen summers with acknowledgement that the upcoming season will be the last. Bookings for rentals and tours remain open through the company’s website during the wind-down period. Customers who have relied on the operator for lessons or family outings have one more opportunity to participate before the fall closure.
For households, the end of operations means fewer options for structured paddleboard experiences at Sudbury Beach, especially for beginners or visitors drawn to guided night paddles. For local beach businesses, the departure of a familiar neighbour may alter foot traffic patterns along the waterfront during peak days, while freeing up some seasonal demand for competitors or new entrants to capture next year.
Community ties and legacy
Godfrey emphasized the relationships forged at the waterfront as the lasting legacy of the business, not only through customer interactions but also through the mentorship of staff and the collaborative spirit with others sharing the beach. That community dimension was central to the operator’s identity as it evolved from a start-up into a summer fixture.
“Closing this chapter is bittersweet. While we're excited for what comes next, we'll deeply miss the laughter, the sunrises, the sunsets, the lessons, the friendships, and the incredible community that embraced us for so many years.”
At-a-glance
| Founded | 2014 |
|---|---|
| Seasons in operation | 12 |
| Location | Sudbury Beach, Penticton |
| Signature experience | Glowing guided night paddle |
| Closure timing | After final summer season, in the fall |
As the company prepares to wrap up, the owner’s message focuses on a long goodbye: one more set of sunrises, sunsets and lessons before a well-known beach brand signs off. For patrons planning a last paddle, availability remains for this season’s rentals and tours via the company website.
