A Tale of Shaky Legs

A Tale of Shaky Legs

            “I don’t like it,” Ron says, smiling. I’m holding the board as close to the dock as I can, trying to steady it while he steps on. “I don’t like it,” he says again as I push it gently away, and hand him the paddle. (He’s still smiling, mind you). His legs are shaking, each knee taking a turn almost buckling as he tries to steady himself, feet against board, board against water.

            “Wiggle around,” I tell him. “Push against the water. It’s steadier than you think. You won’t tip.” He complies and does an awkward body dance, arms flailing, legs shuddering, but he doesn’t fall. “I still don’t like it!” …He’s yelling now, he has to be, because already he is 100 feet away, paddling slowly, steadily, across the lake.

            Before I know it, he’s gone. Having gained confidence in a mere 5 minutes, Ron made his away across the lake, around the island. I can make him out just barely, paddling 1, 2, 3, on each side, then switching. From this far away, it looks graceful, paddle boarding. The white of the board slicing through the dark water, the rhythm of the bending knees, paddle diving into water, pulling back.

            When he makes his way back to the dock he exclaims “I saw fish! And turtles! And birds!” He’s talking now about how he wants to go fishing today, how he could see himself doing this every morning.

            That’s how it is with paddle boarding. For those who haven’t yet tried the sport, I can assure you it looks more difficult than it is. When I first tried, I assumed it had to carry the difficulty of other water sports: surfing, wakeboarding. I assumed that a board so skinny couldn’t possibly support me easily. But call it magic, (or science) it does. There are many types of boards that you can progress with once you’re comfortable, but beginner boards, often made of foam and a durable plastic material, are about as stable as a large floating raft. After a few minutes of awkward learning; working out how to paddle and where to place your feet (just behind the middle of the board!), I can assure you, you will fall in love.

            For your first day on the paddleboard, I suggest going early in the morning, or later in the evening, when the water is glassy and reflective. Wear a lifejacket, (just in case) and polarized sunglasses if you have them. It changes the visibility immensely! And seeing the lazy bending of seaweed, the flitting schools of fish, turtles paddling about, is half the joy.

            When Ron comes back from his second trip around the lake, he is confident, already without the wobble of a beginner. “I just have one question,” he says. “What happens if I fall in?”
Thankfully there’s a simple answer. It lies in this other activity that’s popular in our area. People drive out of the city to do it. They flock to rivers and lakes and ponds for it. They build pools and fill them with water for it. I call it, affectionately, going for a swim!

            Any of the lakes in River Country are a good place to get started. Borrow a stand-up paddleboard from a friend to try it out, or if you’re looking to bite the bullet and buy, 37 North carries a great supply of beginner to intermediate boards. Happy summer!

 

by Carmen Faulkner

The Dragon Trail Officially Opens

The Dragon Trail Officially Opens

Get ready for a fall adventure on a 45 mile hiking & biking trail outlining Hardy Pond.  This wooded trail invites you to explore color from a new perspective with amazing views of the natural beauty of our area. Through partnerships with Newaygo and Mecosta...

Outdoor Family Fun in NewayGo County

Outdoor Family Fun in NewayGo County

Whether you have time for an extended visit, or just a few days to explore, you will find outdoor family fun in every corner of our county. We have assembled some terrific ideas to fill your days with kid-friendly activities that are sure to be a big hit with the...

Explore the Flora & Fauna of Spring

Explore the Flora & Fauna of Spring

As we begin to emerge from our winter hibernation, the urge to get outdoors for some sunshine and fresh air becomes too much to resist. And why would you want to resist when Newaygo County has so much spring to explore? The warmer temperatures not only beckon us to...

Early Winter Getaway

Early Winter Getaway

With the busy holiday season behind us, who isn’t ready for some “me time”? Maybe a quiet walk in the woods, casting a line along a rapidly flowing riverbank, or pedaling through the pines can provide the renewal you seek. Newaygo County welcomes all seekers to come...

Trails & Hunting

Trails & Hunting

The splendor of fall color, miles of trails beckoning you to explore, and dark night skies blanketed in stars, NewayGo County’s autumn season welcomes adventurers of every sort to get outdoors, unplug, and reconnect with nature. After an exhilarating day hiking the...

Swing Over to NewayGo!

Swing Over to NewayGo!

A round of golf and a cocktail on the patio, sound like the perfect way to spend a summer day in Newaygo County! Throughout the region, you will find great spots for golf, both traditional golf and disc golf, and restaurants offering outdoor dining to help you make...

It’s Dragon Season

It’s Dragon Season

Head to Newaygo County, Where Michigan’s Dragon Awaits  Wrapped around Hardy Dam Pond, Michigan’s Dragon lies in wait of your arrival for big outdoor adventure. Imagine yourself soaring through the trees on fast and flowing trails that provide both a technically...

Fall Hikes + Hunting Season

Fall Hikes + Hunting Season

Hike Safely During Hunting Season Fall is a fantastic time to enjoy a nice hike on the trails. Cooler, drier weather, changing leaves, and fewer insects make it one of many people’s favorite hiking seasons. Autumn is a favorite season for other forms of outdoor...

Harvest Fest Returns to Fremont!

The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the schedule of events for the 16th Annual Fremont Harvest Festival, slated to be Thursday September 22nd, Friday September 23rd and Saturday 24th. The Fremont Harvest Festival celebrates the rich farming...

About The Author

Carmen Faulkner

Carmen Faulkner is an avid travel enthusiast who grew up in Newaygo County. When she isn’t on the road, she splits her time between her home in Newaygo and the mountains of British Columbia. Her love for all things outdoors is paralleled only to her appreciation of food, coffee, and craft beer. You can find her in our community kayaking down the Muskegon River, hiking the North Country Trail, or enjoying the small businesses of downtown Newaygo.