position allows views in every direc- tion, including into the water. “It’s like walking on water. You really get to see what’s around you,” observes Shelly Strazis, a 43-year-old Long Beach resi- dent who began paddling after having multiple accident-related surgeries on her left knee and right shoulder. “It’s such a relaxing workout. I
The length, width and thickness of paddle boards determine their degree of maneuverability and gliding characteristics. At about 30 inches wide and four to five inches thick, beginner boards for use in flat water average 10’6’’ long and 25 pounds for females, 11’5” long and 28 pounds for
males. Paddles are typically six to 10 inches taller than the paddler.
used to mountain bike, but I can’t do that with the kids,” explains Francine Adams, the mother of 5-year-old twins. “I’m afraid of waves and some ocean creatures, but these boards are so stable that it doesn’t matter.” After her first SUP outing with a
moms’ group, this Orlando, Florida, resident introduced her husband to the sport. Within three months, the couple had purchased their own equipment. They now paddle together with one of their twins on each of their boards. Adams adds, “As part of our vaca- tion planning now, we scout locations where we can bring our boards.” Most likely, the Adams family will
be able to enjoy their boards almost anywhere in the country. SUP groups
in locations as unlikely as Idaho and New Mexico can be found on
Meetup.com. “No body of water is off limits for stand up paddling,” says Ga- vere, citing its biggest growth trends in the Rocky Mountains, where kayakers and whitewater rafters are using inflat- able boards on rivers and lakes; the Great Lakes, where people do yoga on boards on flat water; and Texas, where some folks fish from their boards or ride small Gulf of Mexico waves.
SUP enthusiast Lauressa Nelson is a contributing editor for Natural Awaken- ings and a freelance writer in Orlando, FL.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE RAFTING
629 Welcome Valley Rd. Ocoee, TN 37361
www.raft.com
$5 OFF Per Person Rafting
• Must present coupon • Not valid on cap days
423-338-5746 • 1-800-627-7636 July 2011
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• Rafting • Paintball • Rappelling • Rock Climbing • Low-High Ropes
• Camping • Alpine Tower • Adventure Race • Tubing
• On Site Cafe
Courtesy of Nicole Ware
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