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Chad Guenter’s love of water came to him late in life. Inspired by a happy memory of learning how to white water raft in a university course, Chad left a lucrative but passionless career in ironwork to gain his guiding certification. He loved life on the river, but the lack of financial reward was not sustainable, and eventually he found himself declaring bankruptcy and moving back home to Western Canada. Times were hard, and the pressure of balancing multiple stresses added up to a diagnosis of depression in 2008. He felt “stagnant and stuck,” so when friends suggested Chad try stand-up paddle boarding, he impulsively bought one – and landed on a way to give back. Keep Calm and Paddle On was born. In 2012, Chad paddled 300 km to Saskatoon to raise money and awareness for mental health, and promote the healing power of the water. The annual event has grown each year with Chad’s passionate work at the helm. He paddles for himself, he paddles for family members who have struggled with mental illness, and he paddles for the growing group of supporters who join him each year to “stand up” for mental health.