Up on the SUP

I have wanted to learn how to paddle board for a very long time now.  Concept seems pretty easy – stand on a board, maintain balance, and paddle.

Maintain balance.  Yeah, ok.

Yesterday, a free Stand Up Paddle board clinic was held on 3rd Beach and I was one of the first in line.  This was my chance.  No excuses.  It was free, for crying out loud.

Peter was the one in charge.  He sized up what board would work best, and fixed the oar based on my height.

For some reason, I was nervous.  So much so, that I started telling him that I have a blog.  And that I’m a mommy to two children.  And I was happy that he gave me a red board because red is my favorite color.  And.. And.. And..

Peter finally interrupted me and started explaining to me how the whole thing works.

And I listened.  Intently.

Start off on your knees.  Paddle a couple times.  Then stand up.  He told me in order to keep my balance, I should never look down.  Always look ahead.  And never stop paddling, otherwise I’m falling in.  I didn’t want that.

And I was off.  I got on my red board, and started paddling.  After only two paddle turns, Peter yells to me “Now stand up!”

“Really?”  I thought to myself.  “Is this guy nuts?”

But I had to stand up then because Sean and the kids were watching me.  And so were tons of other people on the beach.

So I stood up.  Just as Peter told me how to do.  And it was easy(ish).

I paddled around, keeping my head up, looking straight ahead.  But then I ran into a very slight problem;  I needed to turn around and head back.  How was I going to do that.  I needed to flip my paddle around, paddle backwards on one side, then switch hands and paddle forward on the other side.  AND I HAD TO MAINTAIN MY BALANCE.

My thoughts went way beyond “fiddlesticks.”

Keeping my sense of humor in tact, I started thinking in hashtags.  Why, I do not know.

#easydoesit

#lookahead

#fakesmile

#whew

But I did it.  I turned around, wind in my face, and I paddled back.

And I loved every minute of it!!

Sean and the kids even got a chance to try.  Caroline, of course, had to try out the paddle.

Mac was cool just sitting there.  He was just along for the ride.

And what a ride he got.

#whoops

I can’t wait to paddle board again.  So. Much. Fun!

I’ll only get better from here.