I grew up as a competitive youth athlete, I was particularly interested in team sports like basketball, football, and soccer. High school programs gave me an opportunity to broaden my horizons and spend my “offseason” running, rowing, and cycling.

After my final year of high school sport was interrupted by the pandemic, I immersed myself into the rowing lifestyle for a number of years. These were some of my most intense years of training and competition with 12+ hour weeks, and 4am wake ups so that I could be out on the water by the break of dawn and still make it to work or school on time. This culminated in some exciting times and fantastic competition on the national and international stage at the Canada Summer games in 2022 and the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta in 2023.

Each fall as the Olympic distance rowing circuit came to a close, I found myself craving a more spiritual connection to the outdoors. I began to use endurance efforts as an opportunity to reflect and recharge my mind. Doing so through gravel and mountain biking allowed me to measure efforts and adventures by the sights and sounds of nature rather than by heartrate zones, and average speed. Now-a-days I am on a mission to explore more of the beautiful maritime provinces by taking my time and enjoying the ride, run or paddle.

I’ve still got lots of motivation to race and be competitive, but I try to be mindful of maintaining a balance and slowing down to enjoy the wonderful journey of a life spent outdoors. Whether you ride, run, walk, hike or paddle, enjoy it. Because it’s not about the what, it’s about the WHY!

About Ethan Crowley

Ethan Crowley is a lover of the great outdoors from Grand-Bay Westfield, New Brunswick. Ethan recently joined us as a Maritime Peak Apparel ambassador to represent what he believes is a balanced approach to physical activity and an enjoyment of lifelong sport. Here is what he had to say about his journey in getting outside and staying active.