Our Story
From a shared love of the outdoors and being on the water, Colorado Paddle Company was born on the banks of the Animas River, in Durango, Colorado. We aim to provide affordable, quality watercraft and accessories that look great and enhance your days on the water.
Originating in 2016, Colorado Paddle Boards started manufacturing innovative stand up paddle boards that quickly became local favorites. In 2020, a group lead by Chase & Jen LaCroix of Durango Outdoor Exchange purchased Colorado Paddle Boards and renamed it Colorado Paddle Company.
Building off the original Colorado flag design, Colorado Paddle Company is happy to offer a brand new fleet of boards for the 2021 season designed by Tim Kapustka our Creative Director.
We are excited to share our new look with you, and to continue building upon our history of quality and affordability. For us, it’s all about getting outside and finding joy in nature. Whether it’s your first day on a SUP or your 100th, Colorado Paddle Company boards are the perfect choice to get out and have some fun. We look forward to being a part of your adventures on the water.
Chase LaCroix / Director of Sales
Chase LaCroix was born and raised on the Western Slope of Colorado. He moved to Durango in 2004 where he graduated with a degree in Economics in 2008 from Fort Lewis College. Chase met his wife, Jen, rafting the Animas River as a commercial river guide in 2006. Upon graduation, Chase worked at Mercury Payment Systems (now F.I.S.) for 7 years. Chase and Jen own and operate Durango Outdoor Exchange, an outdoor gear consignment and retail store, which they founded in 2014. His interests include spending time in the great outdoors with his family, whitewater rafting, snowboarding, and hockey. He is passionate about conservation efforts and sits on the steering committee for Conservation Colorado and is a Board member for La Plata Open Space Conservancy.
Jen LaCroix / Director of Operations
Being born and raised in the suburbs of Denver, Jen LaCroix knew the small town mountain life was calling her name. She graduated with a degree in Sociology and Human Services from Fort Lewis College in 2005 and after a two year adventure to Portland, Oregon came back to settle down with her now husband of 10 years, Chase LaCroix. Together they own Durango Outdoor Exchange and attempt to raise two wonderful humans, Louis and Alice.
Jen appreciates all that Durango and the surrounding areas have to offer. While no one would describe her as extreme or expert in any one sport, she enjoys being outside with her family on a trail, river or mountain as much as possible. Durango’s sense of place and community provides Jen the passion it takes to balance running a business, raising a family and enjoying our beautiful area.
Tim Kapustka / Creative Director
Tim Kapustka is an artist and graphic designer living in Durango, Colorado. The son of two teachers (science & 2nd grade), he has a solid grasp on 2nd grade science. He grew up on Michigan’s lower peninsula in the shadow of a Vlasic pickle plant and still has a thriving love affair with the city of Detroit, that city’s baseballers, the Tigers, and pickles.
Tim is the Creative Director of Colorado Paddle Company. When not creatively directing, he runs Cabbage Creative, a graphic design firm and is a founding member of Studio & Gallery. The rare moments he's not at work Tim enjoys eating cheese(s), frequenting basements, and standing knee deep in the rivers of Southwest Colorado. He has above average peripheral vision.