STARTING SUPthing

JANUARY 2010


I knew in the Fall of 2009 I wanted one. Living by the coast, I had the opportunity to try a couple Stand Up Paddle Boards out in my surf break at San Onofre and right off the beach in Laguna.

I didn't get a board for Christmas so I set off to find myself a New Year's deal.  I found a warehouse sale in San Clemente on Craig's LIst and bought my first Stand Up Paddleboard in January of 2010 from Rick Karr at Rogue paddlesports. He did an excellent job explaining my options and limitations, since I wanted a board that could do it all: surf, tour & race. My all around board served me well for a long time. Thanks Rick!  Just two weeks later I entered my first race.

The Hano Hano was the perfect 'first race' and it continues to be one of my favorites. Race Director Dan Van Dyke puts on a flat water, inexpensive, well organized event that has something for everyone. I was hooked. Whether it was the return to competition, the endless possibilities for improvement, the friendly people or the aloha vibe of this rapidly growing, new sport, I knew I had found my new sport.

THE MIDDLE

As I approach 50, I have found myself caught up in a new adventure.  It wasn’t something I was looking for.  In fact I couldn’t have been happier with where I was in life:  incredible family, wonderful relationships, numerous career experiences , and varied and interesting life experiences.  But there is nothing quite like the realization that you can do things you’ve never done before, especially at a stage in life that some dread in our culture. New adventures and interesting and inspiring people, have added unexpected dimensions to my days. I find myself half way through life – smack dab in the middle – as a competitive, sponsored athlete in an excited new sport.  Along with mother, wife, educator, business owner, I have added “athlete” - a professional Stand Up Paddler to be more precise – to the list.

Note on BLOGGING:  I must say this is the last online innovation I saw myself using.  I always consider myself to be left brained. I can get my head around building a website, and even the 140 characters of a Tweet.  But as I exercise muscles I never knew I had in my physical body, it seems like an excellent time to stretch and grow in other new areas.  I am inspired by numerous friends - with varying interest and talents – who have found their voice through writing, but the major reason to start blogging is my new found sport, my passion for Stand Up Paddling, and the unique opportunities that have been presented to me.  I think blogging will be a rewarding vehicle for share my journey.