Sunset Paddle Boarding

If you ask anyone who has been to the beach with me this year, they will tell you that I always point to the Paddle Boarders and say I want to do that!  Well, last night I stepped out of my comfort zone with the encouragement of a friend and went on a Sunset Paddle with a random group of people who turned out to be fantastic.  I went Paddle Boarding!

For anyone who has no idea what I am talking about, Paddle Boarding is a wider surfboard that you stand on and paddle like a canoe or kayak.  Here is picture for those of you who are visual...none of these pictures are of me.  I don’t have waterproof electronics…sadly. A waterproof camera is something I am seriously considering though!

When just learning to paddle board, it is recommended that you start on your knees; this allows you to get a feel for the movement of the water.  I was a natural, so I pretty much just stood up!  Must be those early years of gymnastics and my papa-made balance beam that I had in my backyard as a child.

Once you stand up, using your paddle in the water as a balance stick, you need to find the center or sweet spot of the board.  Once balanced, start paddling.  Definitely expect to fall in a few times, especially if the water is a little rough.

That's probably the most accurate picture of what I looked like that I could find.  

Being out on the open bay with the sun setting is one of the most peaceful moments I’ve ever experienced.  While there was a group of us out there, we weren’t close to one another, so you felt very alone and very tiny against the magnificent setting sun.  

If I get really good, I could take little Lira out with me :)  She'd be a perfect paddle board pup!

I am not completely addicted to paddle boarding as my husband thought I would be, but I would definitely do it again!  Even just paddling out, jumping off your board and swimming or sitting on your board and drifting is enjoyable.  The board I had was short in terms of typical board sizes (10-12ft) and wide, so it was slow.  I hear there are race boards that cut the water much better; I think they would be more my style.

When I go pro I'll surf some waves!  lol.

As for the social aspect…after the sunset paddle was done, there was a buffet, a DJ playing some of my favorite jams, $1.50 PBR’s, and a great bunch of super chill beach vibe’n people to hang with!  It was an absolutely perfect ending to my Wednesday! 

Much love.

**Sorry the fonts are messed up.  I can't seem to fix them.**