Session 3!
At the end of our second session, our instructor told us that we could try some yoga moves at the end of our next two sessions. I have enjoyed doing yoga before, and this was a new challenge on such an unstable board. If you have not yet tried SUP, you have to use a large number of muscles to keep you balanced.
This session we learned a few more strokes, which made travelling around the lake easier. It also meant that we did not have to switch sides on the board to keep us going straight. Just like canoeing! At the end of this session, I wanted to get a couple of pictures for the Paddle in the Park Contest, as well as try out some of my yoga moves. Below are a couple of pictures that the instructor Cheryl took for me.
I was not set on trying other moves next week. I did get down on the board and went into a headstand with my knees still on my elbows, and Cheryl suggested that next week I should try getting my legs in the air. Challenge accepted.
This also meant that I really needed to make sure I could to a headstand at home. A couple of days after this session, I practiced the headstand at home and was able to hold myself up for a few seconds. Being prepared on dry land was a success.
Sessions 4!
Today is the last session in this four week course, and it does come with the challenge of completing a headstand on the SUP. When we arrived at Roblin Lake, the wind and waves were a little more than we have been used to, and I was a little nervous about this. I am not the steadiest person on the board, and I find that the waves from previous weeks have created a major challenge for me and my balancing skills.
It took me the entire time around the lake to gain my balance confidence and prepare myself for trying the headstand. I did want to get a “dry” photo of myself and Jeanette, just showing that I can stay on the board and not fall in.
Then came the time. I was guided as to where the best place would be to place my hands on the board and slowly I balanced myself up on my elbows. Then I managed to get my legs up and down without falling in! Alas, Cheryl was not ready with her phone and didn’t get a picture of this first attempt! ACK!! That meant I was to try this again. Well, the second and third time I didn’t stay dry, but I did manage to get myself up for a few seconds each time. On these other two attempts, she did manage to get a few photos. I added the best one below.
Thanks so much to Cheryl from Go Active Ontario for a great 4 week session!
If you have not yet tried SUP, I would highly recommend it. I believe some parks will rent boards, and I am looking forward to doing more of this sport. Is there a SUP purchase in my future?? Only time will tell. I have to get my canoe first!