Among the many ways to enjoy the outdoors along the Oregon Coast, Janice Gaines-Ehlen offers adventure-seekers the chance to stand on water.

For nearly a decade, Gaines-Ehlen has been taking interested couples, families and businesses out to ride stand-up paddleboards on the calm waters in Nehalem Bay through her business, SUP Manzanita.

“It’s really a good workout. It’s good on the body. It’s great biomechanically,” Gaines-Ehlen said. “… I like the visuals. The visuals are incredible. All sorts of things happen when you’re out there.”

Gaines-Ehlen recalls experiences with bald eagles, elk and sturgeon while paddling in the Nehalem River Valley.

As a former Olympian who has an extensive background in surfing and the outdoors, Gaines-Ehlen has looked to possibly expand her operations in the future, including the potential addition of a fishing component and paddleboard rentals.

Gaines-Ehlen is also the owner of Spa Manzanita and juggles her work as a massage therapist while giving paddleboard tours.

She offers SUP Manzanita customers a customized experience. She has taken beginners out for their first time and helped the experienced refine their skills. Other activities Gaines-Ehlen provides include birdwatching, meditation and swimming.

“I like getting people out in nature. I think the more you get people in nature the better they’re going to feel,” Gaines-Ehlen said. “I think, in my mind, the main thing that is missing in people’s lives is nature.”