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Water World
The morning started off slow. I warmed up a bit over a cup of coffee as I began to saddle a couple of SUP boards. I was eager to start my day down the thoroughfare into Tampa so I went about my chores as light fog hung over the river. Aside from the slightly cooler tempature, it was about a good day as your likely to see in this part of Florida where the Hillsborough River meets Tampa Bay.
I eased into my morning paddle as it was still on the cool side. I didn’t want to do too much before I had a chance to warm up a bit. However, it wasn’t long before I found a good pace and started letting my paddle go some. I was making my turn in front of the old Tampa Hotel to head back when I really hit my stride. As I was reaching the dock, the cooler water washing of over the top of the board was a welcomed feeling to my waking feet.
After I carried the SUP’s to the board livery, I jumped in the woodies pick-up and headed west to a venue where the east wind was finding its way on shore. Winds in Florida aren’t like the constant ones out on the left coast of the states and can be down right hard to forecast, but I’ve been reading the winds since a pretty young age and I felt confident that the moderate breeze would keep as the sun reached its highest point.
The breeze held up nicely so I popped up two basic trainer kites and worked with a new kitesurfing student on the rules of the road. The slow criss crosses we made past each other on the soft grassy area later proved to be a great introduction to right of way rules. A number of kiters found the smooth water on the leeward side of a good sized sand bar the perfect place to stretch their legs as the sun was beginning to set over the Gulf of Mexico.
With the sun beginning to finally fade behind the grass up on the dune that tops the bar, I was beginning to feel the cold starting to settle in under my top. So the new kiter and I lead the rig back to the beach real slow as we were both feeling played out from the afternoon of working on flying skills. About the time we were getting squared away on the beach, an old friend rolled up and was looking to have a bit of a friendly show down. As good friends who feel a bit of healthy competition between might, we pushed each others riding skills some, but with more power from his kite set up and some fresh legs, I was too tired to keep up with his pace.
After derigging, we shared some old stories and talked some about where future travels might take us in water world. We split shortly there after, but Im sure our paths will cross again knowing the miles we’re both likely to travel in these parts.
old beach Woodies are great!
What to do when the weather starts to turn cold?
When the wind and water start to turn cold so do most peoples interest in getting out and having a SUP session. But, there are a couple of reasons why you may want to reconsider putting away the board and paddle just yet. First, some of the coldest days will be the one’s that are most peaceful and quite you’ll have all year. Second, if your looking to improve your physical conditioning working out in the cold is a plus. Also, continuing to get exercise outdoors through winter is shown to help improve your mood! Lastly, the more you get out the better your odds are of getting those really awesome SUP sessions that only the Die-Hards get to experience.
To help get you prepared, here are some tips on how to dress and things to remember when the temperature drops.
Stay hydrated! Even though it may seem like its not as important drinking water is a must. You still sweat when its cold and you’ll want to keep up with the recommended 9cups (women) and 13cups for men.
Protect your extremities. Most body heat will be lost from your ears/head, hands and feet. Protect yourself and stay comfortable by taking a hat, gloves and probably some neoprene boots for your feet!
Layers are your friend. Common sense right? Yes, the colder it is the more you wear. But its important to wear the right stuff and in the right places. First, if your likely to be in the water; say if your surfing or doing a downwind paddle its probably a good idea to wear some neoprene and a PFD. But if your not fleece, spandex and windproof garments are your go to items. Look for materials that have wicking properties and stay away from cotton. You’ll want to remember to layer evenly on the top and bottom so you can keep mobility and stay comfortable on your upper and lower body. Wearing a bunch on top will result in sweaty pits and cold legs!
Lastly, the coldest time of your SUP session will be when you first get out of the car and when your breaking it all down to leave. Don’t let that stop you, when its cold you just have to prepare a bit more so take a heavier jacket and something warm to drink when you get back.
I hope this helps you get more time playing in the Wind and Water this winter. If you have specific questions contact me and I would be more than happy to make some suggestions about gear that I find particularly valuable when the weather turns cold!
All the best,
Tim
Sunset SUPing
Had a great sunset Stand-up Paddle Boarding session with my folks this evening on the Hillsborough River.
There was a strong ebbing tide because of the mid morning showers that passed with the weak cold front across the area. However, it left the water butter smooth reflecting the deep colors from the clouds as the sunset.
I’m always amazed of how relaxed and grateful I feel after getting to paddle. It takes less motivation for me than going to the gym and I’d say that the benefits of SUP’ing are far greater. Taking in the air and seeing such a magnificent sunset really puts life in perspective.
Therapy on the Water
For many people the idea of therapy might involve a couch and talking or maybe physical trainers and coordinated movements. Where there is introspection and hard work to see success.
Today, I worked with a teenager who has impaired balance and movement on a Stand-up Paddle Board. We talked about other activities and coaches that work with him, and I began to see the schedule and dedication to these activities was very structured. While Stand-up Paddle Boarding requires coordination, balance and movement, it also allows the paddler shape and express his or her-self on the the water. The freedom that I saw this young teenager express was amazing. We worked on paddling and turning, but most of what he wanted to do most was lie back on the board and just float. I called it meditation but he said “I’m just not worrying”.
I think the really great thing about water is that while its always confined, it also shapes what confines it. I hope while this youngster works to rehabilitate his balance and movement that he finds a way to shape his world through Stand-up Paddle Boarding.
Im looking forward to see how I can help more people with the use of a Stand-up Paddle Board.
floridaboarder 