Photo by Warren Won

Photo by Warren Won

About Robin

My Mom and Dad grew up in Philippines, with traditional connections and practices sa kanilang lupa at tubig - “to their land and waters”.

Like many immigrant stories, they settled in Canada for a “better life”. Together, my pamilya navigated, explored, grew, fished, and gave respect to Turtle Island.

Their story matters because I’m the continuation of my Ancestors.

My home was never far taga lawa - “from the lake”.

Over time, kind people taught me about the waves, and showed me community.

I learned, explored, made mistakes, learned more, and feel my soul beam whenever I’m in the water.

I want my students to take what I can show them, and make it theirs. I want people to understand, respect, and feel the healing power of being in the water so they too may share special moments with family and friends safely, and with so much joy.

Credentials

  • Paddle Canada Certified Advanced SUP Instructor

  • Founder and Community Leader at Lake Surfistas

  • International Surf Association (ISA) Level 1 Surf Judge

  • Canadian Red Cross Standard First Aid & CPR

  • Paddle Canada SUP River Skills 1

  • World Paddle Association certified SUP instructor

  • Inaugural Lake Huron Fresh Water Classic Surf Contest - Women’s Champion (2013)

  • The Gales of November Lake Erie Surf Contest - 2nd Place Women’s Division (2013)

  • The Gales of November Lake Erie Surf Contest - 1st Place SUP (2018)

  • Bachelor of Arts - Geography - York U

  • 4 Season SUP and surf

  • Surfing since 2001

  • Great Lakes surfing since 2005

  • Leading Forecasting workshops since 2014

  • SUPing since 2009

  • SUP instruction since 2011

  • 9 years retail sales experience in SUP and surf hard goods and equipment sales at Surf Ontario

Recently in the Media

Cold Water Communities. A Short film by TWP Foundation

This short film highlights those who brave the cold and recreate in this beautiful body of water all year round.

PBS Great Lakes Now

Segment aired on PBS on Lake Surfistas and Robin Pacquing

Swim Drink Fish

Breaking Water with Robin Pacquing

PBS Great Lakes Now

Surfing the Great Lakes. ‘What? People do that here?’

The Globe and Mail

Winter Surfing in the frigid waters of Canada’s lakes and oceans

Patagonia

A New Surf Culture by Stephanie Vermillion

North of Long Tail

A documentary photo series celebrating Lake Erie by Colin Boyd Shafer commissioned by Evironmental Defence.

PermaStoked The Podcast with Derik Hyatt

Robin Pacquing - The Real Lake Surfista

Breakfast Television

LIVE on CityTV - Aired on International Women’s Day, March 8 2021