On July 25, MEC launched Homewaters, a multi-year commitment dedicated to preserving Canada’s fresh water from coast to coast. To kick things off we held a contest, asking our Instagram followers to capture their perfect Homewaters moment for the chance to win a NRS Earl 4 Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard and a Jimmy Styks Adjustable SUP Paddle.The response was inspiring—we Canadians really love our lakes and rivers!—so we’ll be featuring “behind the image” posts for our top four favourite shots in the weeks to come.

First up, our contest winner.

Tiffany Orpana-Kennedy: The story behind her grand-prize winning photo (Click on the above photo).

1) Where was this image taken and who is in the photo?

It’s near Deep River, Ontario, on the Ottawa River. That’s my husband, Jason (on the left), with our friend Allan, (right), and his daughter Abby. Me and Ethan, Allan’s son, were also there that night, just not pictured.

2) Describe the moment the photo was taken: how you were feeling, what brought you to the lake, what was happening before the flash went off?

I’ve always loved this time of the year. It was a beautiful night at the end of August, school was staring the next morning and Allan decided to take all of us for a boat ride up the Ottawa River. It was so much fun watching the kids play in the water, build sand castles and run around the beach that night, enjoying that particular moment without a care in the world. Being a photographer, I usually have my camera with me and was happy to have caught the moment.

3) What about this image captures the perfect freshwater experience?

The freedom that comes with being outside. Abby was simply enjoying the ability to run free, splash and play.

4) What do you love about this body of water? What sets these waters apart?

The Ottawa River is known for its white water, but it also has areas with calm flat water that make it great for swimming, stand up paddleboarding and boating. This particular beach is remote and only accessible by the river. Its privacy and sense of calmness sets it apart, and makes it ideal when you need to get away.

5) What does access to clean fresh water mean to you and how you recreate?

Growing up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, my family always had access to Lake Superior. We spent a lot of time there, and those experiences helped mold me into who I am today. After living in various places in my adult life, I’m happy to once again be living where we can easily access the river. We swim, explore, walk along the beaches – it gets us out of the house and more active.

6) What motivates you to get outside and be active?

Deep River is a town where most of the population is active. From tennis to sailing to cross-country and downhill skiing – there seems to be a club for every type of sport here. Being surrounded by so many people who are active and involved motivates us to be active as well. However, our biggest motivation is our daughter. Being older parents with a young child, we understand how important being outside and active is for our mind and our bodies.

7) What is your one go-to piece of gear or apparel for all your water activities?

Our wetsuits. They allow us to be in the water from spring to fall. Last summer, we went travelling for three weeks, camping and exploring Canada’s great lakes. Our wetsuits allowed us to play in the water even when it was much too cold for the average swimmer. We use our suits often and can’t imagine life on the water without them.

8) What will you do with your new stand up paddleboard and paddle?

Winning the SUP is so exciting. I just had a baby*, so the paddleboard will help me get back into shape quickly. We don’t own a boat at the moment so my husband and I will both be able to use it to explore areas along the Ottawa River and in Eastern Ontario, where my husband’s family has a cottage.

* And when Tiffany says “just” she means it. We actually told Tiffany that her image was the winner on the same day she delivered Ophelia. Huge congratulations to Tiffany and Jason, and welcome to the world Ophelia – happy adventuring!

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Have a Homewaters adventure you want to share? Upload a photo to Instagram, tag it @mec and #myhomewaters. To learn more about MEC Homewaters, head to homewaters.mec.ca.