Stand-up paddle boarding

Backstory: we met Roy and Cindy last week as Roy practiced every morning on his new paddle board. He fell repeatedly off his board.  At the time I thought this must be a most difficult sport even thought all the paddle boarders we've seen have made it look so easy.  Roy and Cindy lived on a 50-foot trawler in Alameda CA for 15 years until recently retiring and moving to Hawaii.

Then a few days later, Dave came by our boat on his paddle board.  In the course of conversation he invited us to try it out - in the morning before the trade winds start blowing harder.  This was an opportunity not to be missed.  Dave and his wife Susan paddle board several times a week. Usually they leave from Reed’s Bay and circle Coconut Island; it takes a bit over an hour. Pretty good exercise. 

Susan 2nd from left, Dave 3rd from left

The boards were both 12 feet long, the blue one 32 inches wide, 4¾ inches thick - very stable on the water.

We met on the beach this morning.  The boards were both 12 feet long, the blue one 32 inches wide, 4¾ inches thick - very stable on the water.

Dave was an excellent teacher. As he held the board steady while I VERY slowly stood up, he kept saying, “Relax … relax.” I was jittery, for sure. “Once you’re moving forward, it’s more stable.”

Taking a deep breath helped and off we went INTO the wavelets and slight breeze. Dave coached me as I paddled out and back. Success! No falling off and soooo much fun.

Dick’s turn. He loved it also.

Then I got on Susan’s board and Dick and I paddled out together.





A BIG thank-you to Dave and Susan.   One lesson and we want more! 

We are now searching for a board of our own. Just one because we’d also like to get a kayak.