The Blakiston Story
The Olsen Family

First off, we are thrilled and grateful for all those that have enjoyed our services and supported our family business. We never could imagine the impact our little business could make. We are so glad to help others experience the beauty of the nature’s playground.

We as a family are going our 6th generations in Waterton Park. Our ancestors were cabin builders, business owners, leaders in the community over the years. We have been fortunate that this has been a slice of heaven for our families for generations. Michael and Becca Olsen were also married and had their reception in Waterton park, keeping the traditions alive. 

But the Blakiston story actually starts in Hawaii... 

While Michael was attending University in Hawaii, he saw a new sport on the horizon. As a surfer and waterman he jumped at the opportunity to try Stand Up paddle boarding and couldn't wait to explore Waterton lake through that medium. 

Upon his return to Canada, in the dead of winter, and in the back of his brothers warehouse, he started building kids size Stand up paddle boards from scratch with his brothers. He wanted his children to remember the ocean and the love of ocean sports.

For all those shapers out there you will appreciate the process: It started with three 2" thick foam pieces from Home Depot spray glued together, cut with a hand saw, hand planed, hand sanded, fiberglassed, painted, deck pad applied, and it only cost a mire $875 all in, not to mention the countless hours of labor.

He did some complex algorithms...ok some very simple math and quickly realized that it's not worth making them in country. Instead he decided to design his own brand called Four Oceans after the four brothers in his family. 

He then stumbled upon a news feed from Waterton National Park. The Park was issuing a desire to engage with a younger demographic through active sports including stand up paddle boarding among other things.  Needless to say, he jumped at the opportunity since he was already spending part of his summers in Waterton and after many months and effort Blakiston was born in the summer of 2014.

As an adventurer at heart and with a desire to inspire others to be adventurous and active he decided to do some research about the area. He soon came upon some excerpts about the first foreign explorers into this area led by local First Nations. It was Thomas Blakiston and his Company that first came through and saw this magnificent valley. In the spirit of exploration we decided on that name in their honor. 

Blakiston is celebrating it''s 10th anniversary and has expanded to two locations in Waterton. This due to us navigating a new trend on the horizon; electric bikes. We decided to be the first to bring those to Waterton too.

We also have been fortunate to have multiple paddle board lines, an ebike line, with products sold in Australia, Hawaii, MainLand USA, and Canada. 

We are so grateful for everyones' support over the years, especially those loyal customer that keep coming back for more adventures! We do our best to give you the highest customer service and we intend to keep innovating to bring you better offerings throughout our life in Waterton and Hawaii. Aloha and Thank You!

Instagram: @fouroceanslife @blakistonandcompany