For Cassandra Willett, inspiring adventure, connection, and well-being is absolutely essential.
When the fitness enthusiast and Flandreau native first tried stand-up paddle boarding in San Diego, CA, she was hooked.
“Walking on water is not like all the other water sports,” she said. “The views on the paddle board are unmatched.”
It’s ok to fall in! ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU’RE FALLING INTO CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATER.” – Cassandra Willett
Intent on following her dreams, Willett opened Flow and Paddle in Sioux Falls in May of 2019.
Willett and her husband Reginald supply rentals and instruct classes on Lake Lorraine.
“We strive to provide exceptional experiences on the water, foster a love for nature, and promote active lifestyles,” said Willett.
Read more about the woman behind Flow and Paddle and her passion for creating unforgettable memories for the people in her community.
Loop the Lake
Flow and Paddle and Lake Lorraine will facilitate a Loop the Lake race on Sunday, September 10. Racers 6 and older can use kayaks, while 10 and older can compete on paddle boards.
WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, YOU CAN FIND ME…
practicing yoga at Amy Miller Training or Form Fitness, spending time with my family, or somewhere near water.
THE BEST PART OF MY JOB IS…
helping someone who thought they could never stand up on a paddleboard stand up. Their reactions and their love for the sport are what make me continue doing what I do on a daily basis, whether it’s paddle boarding or yoga.
SOMETHING I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS SUMMER IS…
our Loop the Lake Races and all the lovely free concerts at Levitt at the Falls.
MY SKILLS AND HOBBIES INCLUDE…
yoga, teaching students in a yoga/paddle boarding class, meditating, finding creative things on Pinterest to make, cooking vegetarian/vegan meals, traveling, reading, journaling, and playing sports.
Yoga Fix
STARTING JULY 2023, WILLETT WILL OFFER YOGA BY THE WATER CLASSES AT LAKE LORRAINE FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO STAY ON DRY LAND.
I COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT…
my whole family.
BEING OUTSIDE IS IMPORTANT TO ME BECAUSE…
that is what I grew up knowing, whether it was being a fish at the local pool in Flandreau where I grew up, staying with my grandpa in Garretson, going camping and enjoying time at the lake, or playing softball and Ghost in the Graveyard every summer! Plus, we only get a few months here in South Dakota to really enjoy the outdoors fully.
I START MY DAY WITH…
waking up to my 2 year old kicking me in the belly, a kiss from my husband, yoga, and a London Fog (with almond milk and a teaspoon of brown sugar).
Paddle Board & More
Flow and Paddle offers all the following events:
• Floating Fitness
• Floating Yoga
• Group Events
• Kayak Rentals
• Megalodon (Multi person paddle board)
• Paddle Board Fitness
• Paddle Board Yoga
• Pedal Boat Rentals
• Private Lessons
• River Tours
AN IMPORTANT THING I’VE LEARNED THROUGH MY BUSINESS IS…
that we, as people, have to get out of our heads and thoughts. Words are powerful, and when you tell yourself you can’t do something, you’re manifesting that into your physical world. Falling off the paddle board is not the end of the world, and no one is judging you! The majority of people who come out don’t fall off their board unless they want to get wet (which is very refreshing on a hot summer day). The only people falling off are the ones telling themselves they are going to fall off or fail.
Fact
IN THE WINTER MONTHS, YOU CAN CATCH WILLETT FOR FLOATING YOGA CLASSES AT EMBE IN DOWNTOWN SIOUX FALLS.
MY FAVORITE PLACES IN SIOUX FALLS ARE…
Lake Lorraine, downtown Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls’ public pools and parks, Wild Water West, Nautical Bowls, Lalibela Restaurant, Bin 201, and the Jones421 Market.
AN AMBITIOUS GOAL OF MINE IS…
to teach paddle boarding and yoga in our off season on the ocean somewhere.
MY INSPIRATION COMES FROM…
Gillian Gibree, owner of Paddle into Fitness, and all other women-owned businesses. As women, we hold many roles, and to be the owner of a business takes a lot of pain, sweat, and tears. But it also takes a lot of laughter and fun as well!
