Best of Vancouver: Getting Fit

Got a list of things you need to fix, change, upgrade? But don’t know where to start, or how to sort the experts from the charlatans? We’ve done the dirty work for you. We looked far and wide, asked customers and competitors, and tried out many of these enterprises ourselves. Here’s the inside track to the city’s miracle workers.

BAD SWING?
The hitch in your swing isn’t going to fix itself. Go to Ginny Golding (first female pro in B.C.). She’s been sharpening short games for 25 years and has a pack of very loyal devotees. “Golf is a journey,” she tells us. Yes, sensei. University Golf Club, 604-224-1818. Universitygolf.com

FEEBLE SERVE?
Dave Curry, at Shaughnessy Country Club, has been attracting disciples for a quarter-century. And ever since he helped Alexandra Stevenson reach the Wimbledon semis in 1999, there’s been a certain glamour to pencilling in an hour with him. Shaughnessy Country Club, 4300 SW Marine Dr., 604-266-9165. Ext. 2605. Shaughnessy.org

NEED A GOOD STRETCH?
Still paying for mediocre yoga classes? YYoga’s spa-like Yaletown location routinely hits capacity when Christine Price-Clark is teaching. Highly respected by other instructors, she gives sweat-and-smile classes with fluff-free, intelligent direction. Hit her 10 a.m. Anusara Inspired class on Wednesdays for your best chance to score a spot on the floor. YYOGA, 280-1050 Homer St., 604-684-3334. Yyoga.ca

WATER BABY AT HEART?
Time to quit staring at kayakers in English Bay. Chris Ladner is a vet of the seas who’ll initiate your after-work paddle routine. Once you’re ready to up the ante, seek out Bob Putnam, who leads races up the Indian Arm. Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak Centre, 2156 Banbury Rd. North Van, 604-929-2268. Deepcovekayak.com; Eco Marine, 1668 Duranleau St., 604-689-7575. Ecomarine.com

GOING FOR A RUN?
Will power comes easiest when paired with peer pressure. Sign up with the jog club at Kitsilano’s Forerunners, lead by Jerry Ziak-the man who brings a Zen-like attitude to that most injury-laden of sports. Forerunners, 3502 W. Fourth, 604-732-4535. Forerunners.ca

WANNA BIKE WITH A CHAMPION?
So you think you can ride a bike? Champion rider Larry Zimich is loved and feared for his drill sergeant approach, which he brings to both weekend warriors and the spandex-suited. Zimich Coaching, Zimich.freeshell.org

READY FOR AN ADVENTURE?
When you’re ready for adventure but less interested in actual mortal danger, call mountain guide Colin Zacharias. Eleven years’ avalanche experience and back-of-my-hand knowledge of the Coastal Range make him your safest bet for happy returns. And people really like him-a key consideration on a 10-hour trip. Colin Zacharias, 604-833-4200 or colinzach@mac.com.

WANT MORE?
Other Rolodex-worthy experts who specialize in:

Renovations

Home Entertaining

Kids 

Fashionable Alterations

Greening Your Life

Who Ya Gonna Call?