KDHamptons

KDHamptons: Why did you decide to launch Paddle Diva?

Gina Bradley: I began Paddle Diva when I discovered SUP about five years ago and knew that this would be a sport that women would love. As a windsurfing instructor, fitness instructor and SCUBA diving instructor I always found that women were attracted to many sports but the learning curves were too steep and they were no accessible to them. In 2009 I started Paddle Diva with the sole intent to make SUP accessible to women, who were so underserved in the market. Growing the business organically, I was able to succeed beyond my own expectations and now have a thriving nationally recognized brand and business. I have been able to ‘touch’ thousands of women monthly with my messages, inspiration and call to action of owning your body and your soul and finding “the adventure within” on the water through SUP!

KDH: Describe your perfect day in detail for KDHamptons readers?

GB: Perfect day… My favorite part of the day is…Sunrise. Being outside on the water, with my family using the ocean as our playground. My favorite place to escape is …the water. I am most passionate about being outside.

KDH: If you get a chance for some Me-time, what do you like to do?

GB: Anything on the water, with the water. My likes and passions change with the tides and winds. But currently if I have some time to myself I love open water swimming, going long distances with just my goggles and watching the bottom of the ocean’s floor ever changing.

KDH: Personal style: Do you have a Hamptons “uniform”?

GB: Actually my wardrobe may be my most quirky trait…my favorite suit is a wetsuit, and if I had my way I’d only wear bikinis and a sarong!

KDH: What inspires you?

GB: I am inspired by…crystal clear oceans with a view to the bottom.

KDH: You have accomplished so much, do you have a “Proudest Moment”?

GB: Yes! Watching my daughter and son surf a big wave together…

KDH: How did you get involved in conservationism?

GB: By Stand Up Paddling and seeing the carnage we are creating. As a water woman, I have a deep appreciation and love of any body of water, I understand how delicate it is both deep underwater from my views as a SCUBA diver to a 6 foot perspective on top of a Stand Up Paddle Board. When I see erosion or damage in, on or around the water, I can feel it in my bone, it’s painful to see and I know that if we do not do something to save our waters we will all be in dire straits.

KDH:  Can you talk about some of the charitable groups that you are a part of?

GB: When it comes to a cause, I am a bleeding heart, I make donations and give raffle items to just about every charity that reaches out to me. In order to succeed we must be able to give. I operate from a place of abundance in my heart and in my every day approach to life. I believe that causes that help women, children and the environment are the ones that will save the earth’s future so I tend to take an active role in those. I am a sponsor of the Group for the East End as they are a local hands on non-profit, that protects and restores our local environment and have amazing programming that ignites kids’ passions.  Please check my web page: http://www.paddlediva.com/our-causes/

KDH: What do you think is the best thing that a woman can do to help her health and overall being?

GB: Discover the adventure we all have within ourselves! Do whatever it takes to make the smallest change each day that brings you closer to living a healthy fulfilled life.

KDH: What is your favorite Hamptons restaurant?

GB: The Living Room at the c/o the Maidstone. I am a big proponent of the slow food movement. The food there is prepared with as many locally sourced ingredients AND they do not sell bottle water. They produce their own. Just that alone, makes the Living Room one of my favorite places to frequent. Try the wild mushroom bruschetta, meat ball sliders and one of my all time favorites: the Brussels sprouts!

KDH: Who do you idolize?

GB: My Mom she’s my creator!