After years of kayaking, I decided to give Stand Up Paddleboarding a shot.   The previous attempt had been on Kauai, where I was thrown around by the surf.   Without instruction or practice, I was launched a few times and ended the whole experience discouraged and unsure about SUP.

One of the attractions for me is the simplicity of set-up.   Hauling around an 18.5 foot kayak is always a lot of work, but once I am in the boat, I am happy to paddle for hours and the seaworthy kayak handles wind and waves well.   On the other hand, going for a quick paddle on a smaller lake with a paddleboard is a tempting alternative.

I decided to take a lesson before buying a board.   I called up PaddleSurfit at Heffley Lake and opted for a one-hour private lesson.   I arrived and Bodie gave me the introduction and we were soon on the lake.   Shaky at first, with Bodie’s guidance I found the right stance and my balance point, but my paddling was awkward and ineffective, except for going around in circles.   I was guided in steps to the correct position and stroke, although it will take many hours of practice to make it natural and automatic.

By the end of the lesson, I was hooked.   The next step was to get a paddleboard.   From my research, there are no used ones in sight.   New ones range in price from $700 to $2000, but I won’t be racing, doing yoga, or surfing so I chose a long (14′) touring paddleboard.   Then there will be lots of hours of practice. Watch for me on a local lake.

The river slips through its silent bed.

Sway, Sway,

As the bubbles spray

And fall in tinkling tunes away.

And up the hills against the sky.

A fir tree rocking its lullaby

Swings, swings,

Its emerald wings,

Swelling the song that my paddle sings.

Pauline Johnson