Surviving the Winter

While growing in the 90s Grunge was in full swing along with skateboarding. My best friend managed to show stability on the board whereas I excused myself from the occupation claiming my newly acquired large hips simply would not allow equilibrium at achieve transportation without a broken bone. Now after receiving my husband's gracious gift of the latest fad, SUP board, I am faced with conquering my lack of coordination. Can the old dog learn new tricks? We shall see.

Coming to the conclusion that my whitewater days as a kayaker may be coming to a close, I perked at the interest of SUP (stand up paddle). Though my husband loves me and loves to support me, whitewater paddling is really not his thing, unless perhaps in a raft. Now living about fives hours from descent rivers it is hard to justify the drive by myself, especially when I now have a toddler involved. I still love being on the water and still want to enjoy my surroundings with exercise. After being able to test stand up boards the previous summer I could not help asking for a board on my Christmas wish list. The husband lovingly complied.

Because of Christmas travels it took five days before I had the opportunity to use my gift. That first day also happened to be 30 degrees Fahrenheit and rainy. That is okay. I am paddler. I slipped into neoprene pants and wool sweater covered by a rain coat. Blew up my the inflatable board (I should mention this is an inflatable board, which seems strange, but proves to be very useful. First, it is storage and travel friendly. Second, it is cost friendly.) and ventured to the pond. Now over the summer I rented a board made of ABS plastic and foam core firmness. Both have different feels and functions. The first noticeable feature as a pro for the inflatable board is lightness since it is mostly air. However, my balance on the board suddenly took me back to my teenage years attempting to steady myself on a skateboard. I had to be very careful, very deliberate about every movement for fear of loosing my balance and experiencing a body freeze. After a few days of practice I feel confident standing knees slightly bent with feet shoulder width apart, but my goal is to hold poses unshaken and comfortable about using my knees and thighs to control movement of the board.

I have a long journey ahead of me. A positive about training for the stand up board is I can practice inside with yoga poses and stretches. This summer will also involve transition from me so this will be the perfect relaxing activity and safe enough I can involve my daughter as well. I am excited I am learning and pleased I am trying to think outside the box. One way or another I will enjoy the outdoors.