Adventures in Paddleboarding (1)

We live in a world where assigning blame seems to be the thing to do. In that case, I would have to blame E. After all, it was her idea. She bought a paddleboard. She suggested I try it.

But the truth is that even though I am open to almost any suggestion from her (and I still don’t like opera), in this case I was a more than willing follower. A long time ago, in a previous life, I canoed. I used to love it. I’m not saying I was very good, but I took a lot of pleasure from it. But there’s only so many things you can do at a time, and there was other things that I wanted to do more. So I left it behind.

So being out on the water again had an immediate appeal, even though I had some doubts. Was it hard work? I’m still recovering from whatever I did or didn’t or do or don’t have. Low energy activities are all I can do just now. Or would just paddling on flat water be boring? For canoeing I always wanted running water. Lochs or the sea were tolerable, but only just. It felt like hard work for little reward.

Having readily agreed, we headed down to St Mary’s Loch on a sunny Sunday in July. I brought a disposable BBQ and we stocked up on meat, and a few veggies, at Tesco. One missed turn in Selkirk and some positive music later we arrived at a busy car park and squeezed in to space that someone had just left. We were using Loch of the Lowes, which is much smaller!

Although I tried to do my share, E did most of the inflating. Must have felt she needed a bit more exercise to satisfy her daily requirements. A quick change into her full wetsuit and she was off. A gentle paddle to show me how easy it was and suddenly it was my turn.

Following her suggestion, I got on my knees in the middle of the paddleboard and suddenly it all worked. I paddled around staying close to shore, tried a few things from my canoeing memory and didn’t fall in. Although I did have good try at one point – a big wobble saw me falling forward onto the board. E thought I was headed in.

I even tried standing up. Definitely felt wobbly, but it worked. Until the wind gusted up, when I went straight back to my knees. Even so, ooh – I like this!

Over lunch, we watched other people who had brought paddleboards and it made me feel good. At one point I though someone must be messing around as he kept falling in, but we realised he just wasn’t getting it. Seemed being on his knees was too good for him. A couple of girls paddled comfortably sitting astride theirs, but didn’t dare try standing. Some showed a degree of accomplishment, but others mostly showed a lack of balance.

E had changed out of her wetsuit and couldn’t be bothered changing back, but I was keen to have another go. This time I went for it, heading down to the other end of the loch. I couldn’t believe how well the board glided, skimming over the surface of the water rather than cutting through it. Even with a broken fin (sorry E – I think that was my fault!) steering wasn’t too hard.

With a light breeze in my face, I kept on my knees going out. As well as the balance, this seemed to help with the power. As I left the crowds and road behind, I felt the peace. Just me and the water. A few ducks on the far side. A buzzard floating overhead. Rabbits on the hillside. The occasional gentle splash of my paddle entering the water or scrape as I brushed the side of the board. I really do like this!

Although its only a bit over a kilometre on the map, it felt further. Though as its the first time I was paddling I had no basis for comparison! Coming back I stood up, getting the benefit of the breeze on my back. I cruised along until the wind picked up, making me wobble again and I went back to my knees.

I must have arrived back with a big smile. The car park was nearly empty as we packed up. On the drive back we discussed future plans and didn’t miss any turnings. I have a new hobby.