8 tips from the paddleboard (SUP!)

  8 Tips from the Paddle board

by K. Maze

Several years ago, I bought a paddle board, under the auspices that everyone in the family would use and love it. And we do. My three girls do tricks and offer rides to the younger kids, showing them how to balance.  Worth every penny. Today, I spent a few quiet minutes alone gliding across the water, and realized how the act of staying afloat can parallel how we face other challenges in life.   Here are the six, no, eight ways paddle boarding can show us how to ‘stay afloat’ in life.

1) Life Jacket (not required?) – Regardless of what your state rules say, having a life jacket helps prepare for the unknown.  Even if it is only strapped to the front of your board, having it could help in an emergency.
2) Paddle – Many people hardly dip their paddle into the water, skimming across the top with a tiny splash.  The paddle is our power, your momentum, and your ability to move forward.  Boldly dig your paddle deep until the fin is submersed and draw the paddle back with force.  Use your belly to flip the paddle to the other side.  See how far you go?  Repeat and sail forward.

3)Core Strength – As your inside muscles enable you to paddle, they also keep you centered. Use the activity to strengthen your body from the inside out.
4) Balance – Keeping life in balance is tricky. Build up this skill while paddle boarding!  If you are shaky, you can always drop to your knees.  Lowering your center of balance can help you feel more in control.  Be kind to yourself and keep trying to stand, someday you’ll be a pro at this.
5) The Wake – Whether it’s the wind or a speedboat, hefty waves can easily tip an inexperienced paddle boarder, but we can anticipate there will be waves when on the water.  When we wake in the morning, we can expect to have issues that frustrate us and plans that won’t work the way we want.  Having the right mindset can help us face and get through these daily setbacks we all have. When the waves come, turn your board INTO the waves, facing them head on.  Your board isn’t equipped to cut sideways through the rocky water you can’t avoid or outrun.  Don’t get caught literally ‘rolling with it’.  Turn and slice through the waves, stay on your board, and keep going.
6) Share the Water – Know when the quiet hours are if you want smooth as silk water and crystal-clear views to the bottom. Getting up shortly after dawn is worth it – ask any fisherman.  Trying to find a peaceful moment during skiing hours is self-defeating.

7) Loons – Not your tourist neighbors, or the weekend cabin warriors trying to cram a weeks’ worth of fun into one afternoon.  White on black bird will haunt the lake with their ghostly warble if you are lucky enough.  Their call can awaken your sense and remind you of the surrounding beauty, enhancing the rest of your day.
8) Getting Wet – Whoa!  Another tip? BONUS!  Here’s the big secret:  you most likely will fall and get wet.  The best thing to do is laugh – loudly because everyone probably saw you fall anyway, and everyone likes a good sport!  You are learning a new skill, be your best cheering section and congratulate yourself on the progress you made today!