For the first 10 minutes you’re on a stand-up paddleboard, every slight movement and muscle twitch feels like it’ll send you right into the water. Forget paddling – you’re trying your hardest to stay upright. But after an hour of balancing, instructions, and yes, falling off the board, you’ve become accustomed. You’re willing to try more tricks, like balancing on one foot, or scooting to the back of the board to do the racers’ turn. Sure, you’ll probably fall off, but it’s just water. Even better, you’ve been enjoying nature while getting a great workout!
Last week, Mark, Shane, and I got to attend a group paddleboarding lesson taught by Jason Beakes of Active Nature. Mark and Jason have been friends for years, and Jason has been encouraging Mark to bring the team out on the water. So Tuesday night we changed into swimsuits and headed out to the Old Anglers Inn in Potomac. Jason got us set up with life vests, paddles, and boards, and we walked down to the C&O Canal. Like I said, my first 10 minutes were fraught with tension and the fear of falling. But once I got used to the feeling of the board (and realized that falling didn’t hurt) I was able to relax, work on my form, and enjoy the beauty of Maryland in the summertime.
Shane actually brought along his camera, and Jason very carefully carried the case on his paddleboard and took it to an island in the middle of Widewater. After our lesson, Shane got a good vantage point on the island and started taking photos.
We lucked out that evening – despite a cloudy and menacing day, by the time we got to the canal and started paddling the sky was clearing. The few remaining clouds meant that sunset was that light-drenched golden hour when everything and everyone has a halo. And finally, as we were heading back to the lock to finish our lesson, the moon was high enough in the sky to reflect perfectly off the canal. You couldn’t ask for better or more beautiful conditions.
We went out there thinking that our excursion would be a one-time thing. But we all had such a good time that we’re determined to go again. (And again, and again!) Active Nature does group lessons, so if you’re desperate to get out of the office and want a team outing better than bowling, you should give stand-up paddleboarding a try.
Be sure to stop by our Facebook page and check out the rest of Shane’s photos! And when you get out on the canal for your first lesson, tell Jason we say hi.