Why I Do What I Do: A Paddleboard Evening with Purpose
Guest Blog by Adrian Durrant - UK Account Manager Baltic Lifejackets
The question of what motivates us to work is one I’ve always found fascinating. Is it the classic “live to work” vs “work to live”? Is it all about the money? For me, the answer is simpler and more personal: I work because I love being around the water.
I’ve always been drawn to the kit - the gear, the innovation, the functionality. I’m a self-confessed gear nerd. Over the years, I’ve used, worn, and tested countless pieces of watersports equipment, learning what works, what doesn’t, and what truly makes a difference to the experience on the water. That insight helps me do my job better - not just selling another lifejacket, but offering the right product for the right person.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is when I get the chance to speak directly with end users - listening to their stories, their feedback, and how the products we provide actually perform in real-life situations. Recently, I had just such an opportunity, and it reminded me exactly why I love this job.
As summer approached, I took a trip to the chilly but vibrant North to visit a long-standing Baltic customer - Drift Boardsports - and spend some time with the crew at Covenham Sailing Club. We've worked with Ben and the team at Drift for a few years now, and it’s been fantastic to see the growth of the SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) community they’re building.
Drift not only supports the club but also hosts a range of local events and demo days. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth following them to check out new gear and connect with the paddling community.
The evening I visited couldn’t have been better - perfect conditions, a full clubhouse, and around 40 paddleboarders out enjoying the water. From first-timers nervously getting their balance, to experienced paddlers testing ultra-narrow race boards, the atmosphere was electric. And yes, I managed to stay upright! Turns out paddleboarding really is like riding a bike.
At Covenham, safety is a priority. All participants wear buoyancy aids when on the pontoons or water - a brilliant initiative, especially for teaching good habits to beginners and juniors. I was proud to see so many paddlers wearing the Baltic SUP Elite PFDs, easily spotted with their bright orange and yellow accents. These modern buoyancy aids offer excellent flexibility and comfort, something older styles often lacked.
Gliding across the water with club members (let’s pretend it was effortless!), we chatted about everything from gear features to personal paddling goals. It was especially rewarding to see how people interact with the products - some even discovering features they hadn’t noticed before.
The evening wrapped up with some enthusiastic pivot turns, plenty of splashes, and a lot of laughter.
As someone who often works with retailers day-to-day, these moments with end users are gold. They give us insights we can take back to better support our partners and help them understand the real-world needs of their customers.
Huge thanks to Ben Burley at Drift Boardsports and the amazing volunteers at Covenham Sailing Club for the warm welcome and an unforgettable evening.
