I mean S.U.P., not ‘sup, like “What’s up?” I am soon to be the proud owner of a stand up paddle board! I’ve wanted one for several years. Chris got me kayak for my birthday a few years ago so we could kayak together. Don’t get me wrong: I enjoy kayaking, I really do. I’ve had some great times in the kayak and look forward to many more… but…Chris likes kayaking way more than I do. His ideal day is paddling around and fishing from his kayak for hours on end. Me? I’d rather paddle board. I love the freedom of my whole body being in the sun and open air, surveying the water before me.
Every time we go to Florida to visit Chris’s parents, who live very close to the beach (Gulf-side), his sister generously shares her paddle board with us. I love getting far enough from the beach so that it’s peaceful, just me and the gentle waves and the fish, but not so far that I can’t get back quickly. The last time we were there, the wind was so warm and pleasant that it took me a while to realize far out it had pushed me. By the time I came out of my daze, people had become specks on the beach. Though faint images of sharks and rogue currents (I don’t think that’s an actual term) began circling in the back of my mind, I was a bit reluctant to turn back toward the shore; it was just so peaceful and free.
A couple weeks ago, I was walking past a friend’s house who was heading out in her minivan. She had just picked up her new paddle board from REI, and she and her sister were going to put in at Lady Bird Johnson Park on the inlet by the Potomac. I was more than a little intrigued. I began researching SUPs (the acronym was already rolling off my tongue) and was somewhat taken aback by the cost. However, there will be no pool membership to pay for this summer and no Europe trip. Chris jumped in to help me shop, and I finally settled on one this morning that looks like the right size for me. It will be ready for pick-up next Friday.
I gleefully texted my paddle boarding friend a picture of it, and we have plans with her sister to head out on the water next weekend, maybe Occoquan, maybe Lady Bird, maybe Anacostia…my new adventure awaits!
My Corner of the Village 