The Most Relaxing Morning Ever
Posted by Jody on September 29, 2013
Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is something that I’ve wanted to try for many years! SUP is a fun and easy family activity, making this fast-growing sport the perfect opportunity for just about anyone to go out and play on the water.
According to REI: “Paddle boarding offers an amazing full body workout and is becoming a favorite cross-training activity for skiers, snowboarders and other athletes. And since you’re standing at your full height, you’ll enjoy excellent views of everything from sea creatures to what’s on the horizon. It’s almost like walking on water!”
Greg and I recently spent a gorgeous New Mexican September morning paddle boarding on Cochiti Lake. It was our first experience on stand up paddle boards, so we had no idea what to expect. After suiting up with life vests, Gene Scanlon of Sol Board Sports in Albuquerque taught us everything we needed to know, and within a very short amount of time, we were eagerly launching our boards from the beach to enjoy the most relaxing morning ever on placid Cochiti Lake. It really was almost like walking on water. Neither one of us even fell in the lake (and falling off the board was the one thing I really had anticipated)! 🙂
Gene told us that paddle boarders could burn up to 1,100 calories per hour, and after two hours on the lake, we could definitely believe it! Our leg & arm muscles felt like wet noodles. (Note to self: Next time eat a heartier breakfast!) But when we returned to the little sandy beach, Greg and I both felt completely relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated. We were hooked after only one time out!
I see many, many more stand up paddling days in our future!
Do you have a favorite beach sport? Do tell! We’d love to hear about it.
This week’s Travel Theme is “Relaxing.”
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Our Life In 3D said
I want to come next time! ~ my favorite beach sport is just hunting sea shells in ankle deep water. Trickier than you think. It is easy with the sun behind you but a challenge when walking into the sun.
Jody said
Oooooh, what fun! We’ll take you next time and you can take us! 🙂
Olivia May said
I saw SUP for the first time last night in a TV programme last night, I thought I would like to have a go 🙂
Jody said
Wonderful! It’s sooo much fun. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
adinparadise said
This looks like so much fun and great exercise. 🙂
Jody said
It is really great exercise. The best part is that you don’t even think of it that way! It’s just fun, fun, fun!
Ruth said
your photos make it look so easy! We have SUP on the bay maybe I should give it a go!!!
Jody said
It was so easy! Neither one of us even fell off into the lake. 🙂 It seems to me that it’s the perfect activity for anyone who wants to be out on the water. Have a go at it! You’ll be glad you did!
Dustytoes said
Your pictures are great! I would want some calm water for this sport. I’ve seen so many people paddleboarding this summer. In Florida they were doing it on the ICW and in New Hampshire on Lake Sunapee. That guy had his dog with him, and the dog fell off so the guy had to drag him back up onto the board, which did not look like an easy feat – the dog shook himself, and off they went.
Jody said
Thank you. & How funny! I’ve seen that type of duo on Lake Havasu. They actually make little doggie life vests! I’ve also seen little kids sitting up front on the board with Mom or Dad paddling away. I hope to be that proficient some day!
Dustytoes said
Just one more reason I want to live on the water!
Jody said
Maybe we’ll be neighbors in Florida some day! 🙂
Dustytoes said
Wouldn’t that be an awesome blog post.. ! Not to mention, a fun way to live.
Jody said
Yep! That would be way cool!
Uncle Spike said
Wow, looks superb. We live close to a lake which is dead calm every morning (5km, but can see from our place). Thanks for sharing 😀
Jody said
Thank you so much. It was such an amazing morning! I cannot imagine a bad day on a paddle board (if you’ve checked the weather report first). 🙂