On Lake Erie

I did it! I went stand-up paddleboarding!  Photographic proof:

(It’s me! I promise!) While I didn’t last the full 25 km (apparently practicing once doesn’t quite prepare your body for 8 hours of paddling), I was very proud of my 8-12 km (there were mixed thoughts on the distance we paddled).

And, I (surprisingly) didn’t take any tumbles in to the water.  I thought I was going down once — after the wake from a boat caused by board to bob quite violently — but I fell to my knees before I could capsize.

Southern Ontario was hit by a massive storm on the Friday night, which pushed our event from Saturday to Sunday because of rough waters.  On Sunday morning we had to wade through knee deep algae to get into the water (ick), but we started the day with glassy waters (ahh).  The lake was beautiful, as I have come to expect. The water was cool, but not cold.  And for a stretch I could see the bottom (which was only 3-4 metres below me).  Throughout the morning we took breaks to enjoy some water and granola bars while sitting on our boards with our feet in the water.  It’s was a neat feeling.

(C and I checking out a shipwreck.)  The whole thing had me reflecting on slowing down. As a novice paddleboarder, I was moving SLOWLY. Super-slow…, and it was pleasant. Once I got into a rhythm and stopped looking at my feet, my head cleared and it was a rather peaceful experience.  If you ever have the opportunity to try it, I’d recommend stand-up paddleboarding. :)