ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Balance Issues => Topic started by: stoneaxe on December 31, 2008, 04:28:11 am
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Hello All,
New to the forum. I wanted to share my experience in a place where it might do the most good.
Diagnosed in late 2003 with a 6mm AN, proton beam radiosurgery March of 2004. Its grown to 11mm recently. Much of the usual, deafness, tinnitus, dizzines, headaches, occasional vertigo. I had a real hard time with the dizziness, often couldn't drive my car, stumbling, falling. Had a tough time with work...fortunately had a very understanding employer. Despite all the very boring balance PT exercises things didn't get all that much better. I thought I was stuck with being that way for good.
Then in the fall of 2007 my older brother gave me a standup paddle board to use as possible therapy. At first I thought there was no way it was going to work. I fell off every 30 seconds, but after about 3 months of stubborness it finally clicked. Then I made a new friend and we started discussing a charity event. At 1st I thought I would just help plan and pull it together....the idea after all was to paddle 28 miles across Cape Cod Bay to raise money and awareness to fight plastic pollution in the oceans. I didn't think there was any way I would be ready to participate. http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org/ (http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org/)
My friend and my brother both encouraged me so I started training in all kinds of conditions. On August 9th I, along with my brother, my friend and 5 others made the 28 mile paddle in just over 7 hours. These days I commonly surf on 6'-8' waves and my favorite workout is to go out in a violent nor'easter with 6'-10' waves, 2'-3' chop, and 20-30 mph winds. I fall off in those conditions but not many wouldn't.
Along the way an amazing thing happened. Pushing my need for balance to extremes has made the normal possible. That's not to say that I don't still have bad days. But the good days outweigh the bad now by a good margin.
The best part about this is. I'm having more fun doing this than anything else I've ever done. The most fun is surfing, but even flatwater workouts are great. My wife and I really enjoy that part together (we bought her a board this past spring). They are being used to surf the worlds largest waves, whitewater on rivers, calm lakes....wherever there is water. People are using them for fishing and just sightseeing since you can see into the water so much better than a canoe or kayak. It can be both one of the most exciting things you've ever done or the most calming all depending on what you are doing. OH...and to top it all off. I'm in the best shape I've seen in 20 years. I'm 50 and feel like I'm 30...I've lost 40 pounds, while adding a bunch of muscle.
If anyone is interested I can certainly answer questions and help point you in the right direction. Boards and a paddle today are kind of pricey but the bang you get for the buck is hard to beat. Prices are coming down too as more affordable board manufacturing processes are being used and they are being made in larger numbers. There is also finally starting to be a used market developing.
I just recently started a blog http://newenglandsup.wordpress.com/ (http://newenglandsup.wordpress.com/) you'll see a couple of my crazy nor'easter sessions in there as well as a surf session or two.
I hope maybe some of you might find this interesting. It's changed my life. A little over a year an a half ago I was an overweight balance challenged guy on a downward spiral and more than a little depressed over the direction things were headed. Here I am now in almost the best shape of my life with my spirit refreshed every time I come in off the water....life is good. Even the news that my little friend has grown a bit recently can't dampen my spirits for long.
Happy New Year. ;)
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Thanks for sharing this with us!! I think this is certainly something that I would really like to try but unfortunately, I live on the DRY Texas Plains where we are greatly lacking in water!! :-[
Glad you have found such a wonderful way to "come back" & get in even better shape!
K
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This sounds like a great - and incredibly fun - way to get your balance back. And the charity event was a great idea; kudos to you!
The only body of water I live semi-close to is Lake Michigan. Think it would work there?
I'm also thinking I might be a little old for this activity, but maybe this old dog could learn some new tricks.
Thanks for sharing; glad you're AN journey has gotten so much better in the past year.
Happy New Year to you, too ;D
Jan
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Great fun ! I have my own balance program too !! I did not start Kayaking until AFTER my AN ... now I can't get enough... I go out as much as I can ... even at night ... (I feel more at home "yak"ing in the dark than walking! :o )
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c397/joefagan/fish/Img_3337.jpg)
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Kaybo...maybe big rubber wheels attached.... ;D
Leapyrtwins....Lake Michigan is fine. There are a few folks in Chicago that are doing it. Almost any body of water is fine actually. Too old....No!...I'm 50, my brother, who got me into this, is 62! Getting old is a state of mind....I'm 18 mentally. My brother has a saying..."I can't help growing older...but I can be immature forever". He actually turns 62 on January 5th and is getting a beautiful new race board in a couple of days. He plans to paddle it 62 miles downwind on his birthday...of course he lives on Maui so that makes it a little easier.... ;)
Joef...nice rig! I've done some striper and bluefish fishing off my board....great fun. Stripers take you for a ride. Nothing quite like this though..
http://www.youtube.com/v/B9j7Oatucw8&hl (http://www.youtube.com/v/B9j7Oatucw8&hl)
A friend of mine has a website for folks that are learning standup. He is grabbing info on how to from all the best sites on the web and compiling it in one place. A great resource. http://howtostanduppaddlesurf.com/ (http://howtostanduppaddlesurf.com/)
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GREAT inspiration!!!! EXCEPT the cold......the snow is gorgeous, I just can't imagine getting the nerve when cold to do this. I am sure it is very invigorating. THANK you for joining our group. Your blog is great and the role modeloing you are doing for us is greatly appreciated. Can't wait to hear more...
Happy New Year,
Dizzy Dame,
Mary 8)
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Leapyrtwins....Lake Michigan is fine. There are a few folks in Chicago that are doing it. Almost any body of water is fine actually. Too old....No!...I'm 50, my brother, who got me into this, is 62!
Wow, I'm actually younger than both you and your brother. For some reason I got the impression from your post that you were just a "kid" - I was thinking early 20's LOL
Thanks for the link, I'll have to check it out and I'll pass it along to my younger brother (he's 45). He just taught my kids to boogie board this past summer at the Jersey shore, he scuba dives, etc. I think standup paddleboarding might be right up his alley ;D
Jan
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Mary...it's not really cold with the right gear. Except for extremely cold days (below 20 deg F) I actually find myself sweating after about a 1/2 hour of paddling. I wear a full wetsuit, hood, boots, and gloves. I also put in an earplug in my good ear to keep any cold water out when I do fall in. Going to get a waterproof MP3 player shortly that will take the place of the earplug.
I try to get out at least 2-3 times/week. i'm actually going to try and increase that since I want to start racing this spring and summer and we'll be doing our charity event again this August. One of the great things about standup is the versatility. Races and what are called downwinders are becoming a very popular part of the sport. A recent race..the Battle of the Paddle had almost 300 people participate (my brother Bill amongst them, and he did very well for an old geezer). Downwinders are open ocean or coastal runs where you will go out on a windy day and run with the wind and swells. Here is a video of an online acquantance of mine doing a downwinder on the westside of Oahu. http://vimeo.com/2520065 I'm hoping I can build up to this kind of performance. I'm hoping Sam and I can get on the water together someday. Maybe next time I get out to visit my brother.
Jan...the Jersey shore has quite a few folks doing standup out there. Island Surf and Sail is supposed to be a great shop if he's interested. I am a kid...at heart anyway...only way to be...life is too short to be taken seriously... ;D
Here is a pic of when we finished the Cape Cod Bay Challenge...what a great day...I'm 3rd from the left.
(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa317/stoneaxe/CCBC/thecrewandtheirboards.jpg)
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Stone -
thanks for the tip on Island Surf and Sail, I'll pass it along to my brother.
BTW, great picture; thanks for sharing it.
Jan
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And,may I just add that all those washborad abs are great advertising for standup paddleboarding!!! ;D
Debbi
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This is totally cool, Stonaxe. Thanks for sharing.
Best wishes,
Tumbleweed
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Ditto on the washboard abs. :P
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You know, I was going to comment on all the nice looking men (Stoneaxe included), but I thought I'd get a lot of grief from Kaybo and Lori ::) :D
Jan
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Jan~
I am refraining from any comments...I'll leave that to Lori... ::)
K
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Bless you, Kay! ;D
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I've been meaning to welcome Stoneaxe to the forum, and comment on paddle boarding as well. I like the picture, and I didn't realize the boards were so long. I can't imagine I will be trying that, and I doubt I will be sporting the washboard abs anytime soon, either. I have to say, though, it is an inspiring thing to read about. 8)
So welcome, Stoneaxe, and more power to you.
Steve
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You ladies have me blushing.. :-[. I have to admit. One of the really great side effects of finding standup for therapy has been the physical conditioning it has brought with it. I watched what I ate and paddled while training for the CCBC. That was the only exercise I did and I lost 40 lbs of fat (from 290 to 250 in the picture) and added a bunch of muscle. Its the best physical training I've ever done with the exception of maybe swimming. Balancing on the board requires every muscle from your ankles up to your chest and paddling works the arms, back, chest, and particularly the shoulders.
Just for you ladies...the guy in the middle on the yellow board is David Chokachi of Baywatch Fame.
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4ADBR_enUS271US271&q=david+chokachi (http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4ADBR_enUS271US271&q=david+chokachi)
My wife said she would volunteer for sunscreen duty... ;). He grew up locally and flew out to participate. Very nice guy.
Donna...you don't neccesarily need to be a REAL strong swimmer. If you plan to use it only for flatwater and fishing you could always wear a PFD anyway. I always wear a leash as well so you are attached to the board if you fall in...never more than a couple of strokes away. Did you see the fishing vid I included? I fish for striper and bluefish from my board....I attach a milk crate with rod holders and a small tackle box tied on. Its a great way to fish since you can get in anywhere and can see into the water better than from a kayak or canoe. Very stealthy too.. 8)
Steve...there's no reason why you couldn't. The boards while long are lightweight. My board is considered a big board and is great for beginners. It's 12'-6" long x 30" wide but weighs only 32 lbs. I have a number of boards now. My smallest is 9'8" x 30' and weighs 23 lbs. There are boards of all sizes and widths, much depends on the size of the person. The 9-8 board is actually my wife's board...she's pretty small at 5'-4", 130 lbs and she carries it no problem. I do use the 9-8 to surf on though...a lot tougher to balance on but that's a good thing.
One of the things I plan on doing next summer if anyone is interested that lives in the area (I'm on the south shore of Massachusetts) is to let folks try it out. I have a variety of different sized boards. I could probably also help make arrangements for folks in other areas to give it a try. I'm very active on the forums for standup paddlesurfing (isn't it great that there is a forum for any interest now) so I know a lot of folks from all over that could make demos available...or at least have low cost rentals to try it out. I don't have any commercial interest...just a passion, and I'm hoping that some folks might find the same benefit I am.
If you're interested in some more on the CCBC (pics, video, and story)
http://www.kenalu.com/2008/08/15/cape-cod-bay-challenge-we-made-it/ (http://www.kenalu.com/2008/08/15/cape-cod-bay-challenge-we-made-it/)
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Hubby bought me a 13 foot fishing boat ( as I'm the fisher-woman of the family ;) ) I didn't even go near it this past summer as I was only a few short months post-op. Walking was a challenge so I couldn't think past staying on flat ground. However I am already planning my first fishing trip as soon as the ice melt away. So I'm determined now!!! Donnalynn
I Hear ya ... I was out on a smallish lake about 5 weeks after surgery .. I had a real hard time with the balance .. it does get better but not by itself... just keep on truck'in ;D
Chopper blue from my Kayak... (is it spring yet!!!!)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y133/Joetella/IMG_3322.jpg)
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Welcome to the forum, Stoneaxe - love your postitive attitude! Ok, I want one of these boards! It makes me seasick just thinking about trying it, and I know it would be very difficult, but what a fun way to do therapy...or just plain fun! No oceans nearby me, but plenty of lakes...You mentioned that the boards a still pretty pricey - roughly how much would a board be? Thanks for the thread - you may have started a new AN craze!
Cindy
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Good question, Cindy.
I passed this info along to my brother in Jersey and he said purchasing a board wasn't cheap (but then again, what is these days ??? ).
Stoneaxe -
can you generally rent boards for a few hours? or do you have to buy your own?
Jan
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Donnalynn....one of the guys that posts on the standup paddlesurfing forum I belong too is a dealer from Edmonton, Alberta believe it or not... ;D. Here is one of his somewhat recent posts...just before it got REAL cold up there.
http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=2698.msg22674#msg22674 (http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=2698.msg22674#msg22674)
For the type of fishing I do i'm usually standing up at all times, even when I hook a fish, but you can paddle around and then sit or kneel if you prefer. Whatever suits you. As you get better its more fun to fight them standing up. The boards do have a central balance point where you normally stand while paddling for flatwater and such. The only time you step out of that is when surfing typically. At your size though on a larger board like mine you could move around a bit.
It did take me quite awhile to work up to it but its much easier on flatwater. You'll fall in a LOT at the beginning. At least I did but once you get it dialed in things like boats passing by arent a problem. You just let the board roll over the wake. As you can see I go out in some crazy conditions now (and fall often in those) but when I go out in nice surfing conditions there are waves coming in every 10-15 seconds or so I just ride up and over them and only catch the ones I want and rarely fall. You might even try surfing some boat wakes. If you know some folks with a good sized boat...say 18'+, they can usually throw a wake that is surfable. Take a look at this vid. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kig3UnDaCbk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kig3UnDaCbk)
Actually your diminutive stature is an advantage. The same day I first tried it, and fell continuously, my wife at 5'4" stepped on for the first time (granted she doesn't have balance problems) and paddled for a 1/2 hour in slight chop (little 6"-10" waves) and never fell once. She got wet up to her ankles and that was it. I then picked her up and threw her in.... ;D
Joe...nice fish...I have a scar on my little finger from a blue about that big....lucky he let me keep the finger... ;D
Cindy....the boards right now are running anywhere from $800 and up but there are about to be some coming out that are meant for the mass market that I think will be much cheaper. I think we should start seeing some that are meant primarily for flatwater use around $500 eventually. Paddles start around $150. There also are some starting to be available used...at least in coastal/surfing areas anyway.
Jan....In areas where there are surf shops you can usually find some available for rent
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Joe...nice fish...I have a scar on my little finger from a blue about that big....lucky he let me keep the finger... ;D
Cindy....the boards right now are running anywhere from $800 and up but there are about to be some coming out that are meant for the mass market that I think will be much cheaper. I think we should start seeing some that are meant primarily for flatwater use around $500 eventually. Paddles start around $150. There also are some starting to be available used...at least in coastal/surfing areas anyway.
Notice I am using a gripper tool , because I'd like to keep my fingers ;) (for those that dont fish, blues have razor sharp teeth, they are the pirana of the northeast)
Kayaks/paddles run about the same money .. stoneaxe, you should check out http://newenglandkayakfishing.com/ .. most of the forum members are in the Boston area...
some boat wakes. If you know some folks with a good sized boat...say 18"+, they can usually throw a wake that is surfable. Take a look at this vid.
that is too cool !! ... no need for a water ski tow rope !!
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Okay, I just figured out that the Big Wind surf shop in Hood River Oregon has SUP boards. I think they have the Starboard Cruiser board stoneaxe has in that picture. As a wind surfing mecca, it appears Hood River is in on stand up as well, and has all the stuff, and the Gorge is a good place to do it. So this just got more feasible for me. For those that don't know, Hood River sits on a big gorge in the Columbia river, it is more like a small lake there, and they get great wind, plus it is beautiful.
I am still doubtful about the washboard abs, however. ;D
Steve
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Steve....my brother is a big windsurfer..or was anyway before he started doing standup. He lives 1/2 time in Portland, OR and 1/2 in Maui. He used to windsurf the Gorge frequently. Right now he is on Maui but should be back in Portland sometime in April. There are quite a few folks on the SUP (standup paddleboard) forums from the Hood River area. There is also a big contingent of SUP folks in Bend that go out on the lake and river. Gerry Lopez...a surfing legend moved there a few years back to focus on snowboarding but also started paddling on the lake and it has exploded in popularity.
http://www.standuppaddlebend.com/ (http://www.standuppaddlebend.com/)
If you paddle enough the washboard abs will come... ;D. This is the best core workout I've ever done.
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Stone -
thanks for the tip on rentals :)
Steve -
sounds like we can be expecting you to pick up this new hobby soon?
I've been thinking of following joef's lead - no, not fishing - kayaking. I've always loved canoeing, but it pretty much requires two people and I'm usually one short. I can't row a row-boat; I end up going around in circles :P A kayak would be the perfect solution. I'm seriously thinking about purchasing one, but I'm not sure where I could store it and even though I don't live too far from a body of water, I don't live too close either.
Jan
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Jan, If you really do have a kayak interest, every year mid March is a super event in Madison ,WI.
Rutabuga puts on a weekend event called Canoecopia. Is at Alliant Energy center. They have speakers and venders of all canoe and kayaks and related items. Some programs are for women who kayak. We went every year for many years. My husband bought his sea kayak there and used for many years. He has not done much the last couple years but used to a great deal. Not real common for central Iowa. There was a yearly organized event where they did a week on the Mississippi and also some rivers in Minn and WI. The name of it changed and am not sure now what it is. Possibly river rumble. He went on it for many years. I am not a water person which is why he went to the kayak and is a one person type. Did have a friend who also got one. There is internet info about all this you can check into.
Cheryl R
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Ok, the website is www.riverrumble.org and is on Mississippi again this year. One does need to be a somewhat experienced kayaker for this due to the daily amount of miles each day and the varying weather conditions. Cheryl R
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Cheryl -
thanks SO much for this info.
Madison isn't that far from me, so I'll definitely look into this. By March the kids and I will need a weekend away, so if I get them a hotel with an indoor pool they'll be more than happy to accompany me on my fact-finding mission ;D
Jan
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After much Googling, I found a shop in the Atl area that sells SUP boards, even some on consignment! I'm trying to sell the idea to my husband, but so far, he's not buying - he does not believe I'll get out on the lake on anything other than a motor boat due to my slight aversion to snakes (some of you may recall previous posts on this subject ;)). I'm thinking this will be great incentive for me to learn quickly how not to fall off the board! Besides, we do go to the beach once a year and there aren't any snakes in the ocean...yes, I know, there are other critters that might be bothersome. But, I'm not giving up - I think this looks ilke such a great sport!
Cindy
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And if you do see a snake you have a big paddle in your hands.... ::)
LOL...my wife shares your aversion to snakes. If she saw a water snake while on the lake she wouldn't need the board....she would just run to shore.... :D
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Jan, I can't promise anything, but I am looking into it. Stand up paddle board just sounds right. 8)
Hood River, according to Google, is a 1 hour and 4 minutes drive. I think I can shave off the 4 minutes if I put my foot down. :) Bend is a little over 3 hours. I have been to the lake there, and it is a nice place, but the closeness of Hood River is very appealing.
I am definitely keeping an eye on Cindy to see if she does it. If she can hack the snakes, I should be able to hack the exercise. Actually the sun exposure may be an issue; I tan by turning red, then waiting for it to fade to a reddish tan.
Steve
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SUNSCREEN, Steve, SUNSCREEN...
K
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I'm happy to hear this has stirred some interest.
By circumstance I've run a bit of a test on myself. The last two weeks happened to be the second time in the last year that I've been unable to get on the water for a couple weeks. Holiday and family responsibilities and then a nasty headcold. When the headcold was gone my balance was still really bad...almost like it used to be before I started paddling. The lack of paddling really made my head go south.
The first time I noticed this was actually after a particularly good spell. Last February my brother invited my wife and I out to Maui to help him put together a board showcase for an online magazine dedicated to the sport http://www.kenalu.com/ (http://www.kenalu.com/) (the magazine is purely for the fun of it...he doesn't take advertizing..if he ever does he'll donate the proceeeds to charity). We were out there for two weeks and my brother and I managed to fit in 5 or 6 hours a day of paddling and surfing. At the end of those two weeks my head was clear and my balance was as close to what I remember normal is as it has ever been since my surgery.
When we got back from the trip I had piles of work backed up at the office, yardwork galor....I ended up not getting on the water for two weeks. My head went south in a big way...balance was way off. It seems like it takes a little while for the effects of recent exercise to wear off...kind of a snowball effect for me. Slow change at first for week or so but then all of a sudden it's a monster. The good news is (at least for me) that it seems to quickly reset. My head was definitely a bit wobbly today but I managed to drive (slowly) to the beach and get on the water. I went out for a 1.5 hour paddle and came in with an almost clear head. I also burnt off the cheeseburger I had for lunch... ;D
Steve...How close is the Willamette to you? My brother paddles there often.
I really wouldn't worry about the swimming issue Donnalyn. If you had a lifeguard certificate regardless of it being years ago you'll be fine. If you're nervous you can wear a PFD and as I mentioned you are leashed to the board.
I can't begin to think about NOT doing this. It has given me my life back. Nothing, NOTHING, else I've done...balance boards, walking, running, hiking... all the boring PT stuff...nothing did for me what this does. I find that it takes 2-3 days a week, at least 1-2 hours/day to be effective. I do still do some exercising (light weights) on my balance board/disc in between but it just isn't as effective as paddling.
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Stoneaxe
You are an inspiration and if you do end up needing surgery or undergoing radiation, you will be back on that board in no time. Determination is what got me running again after surgery and I haven't stopped since. You sound like a pretty determined person...and if you start an AN trend, it could lead to group events and the like. Now, wouldn't that be a hoot? ;D
Be well,
Marci
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I can't believe there was a picture of some hunky guys with lotsa muscles and I just found it!! What's wrong with me???
Maybe we can have a paddleboarding lesson at the symposium in August? Stoneaxe, I'm sure you'd love to teach of bunch of half deaf, drunken sailors to do this, right?
I have to admit, this does look interesting. Perhaps when I get back to Virginia Beach, I can look into it. The only thing with water in it around Nashville is a lake I wouldn't feel comfortable getting wet up to my ankles in! I can only imagine what's living in there! I have a slight aversion to lakes, snakes and miscellaneous slimy things - I'm more of an ocean person. But only if the water is warm. I'm picky. :D
Lori
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Lori,
You're picky? No way! ;D I'm shocked.
M
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I know, Marci, hard to believe, isn't it??? :D
Just wait until the eating portion of the symposium - then you'll see how really picky I am!
But, I figure the water in Chicago should be fairly warm in August, so this paddleboarding thing isn't completely out of the question!
Lori
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Yes, but does that mean that I have to put on a bathing suit? I'm not sure the world is ready for that. :D
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Oh, man, I never even thought of that. :o Uh, maybe I'll just watch you guys learn while I stay on the shore - with lots of baggy clothing on.....
Lori
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Ladies...I have to tell you. I didn't look very hunky before I started paddling. I still don't think I do but I keep getting a lot of comments from women...some much younger than I, (which my wife does NOT like) telling me how good I look. Maybe they mean relative to how I used to look... ::). I dropped over 40 lbs even though I added a lot of muscle, so I probably actually lost 50 lbs or more of fat. I was 240 lbs in that picture, down from 290 when I 1st started paddling a year before. I did watch what I ate closely for about 3 months during that time and thats when I lost about 1/2 the weight.
Since the onset of winter I haven't been getting out as much and the holiday always packs on a few pounds. I'm up to 250 now so its time to get back on the water more frequently. My goal weight for this spring is 230 lbs. Thats about as low as I can go before I start cutting into muscle and is what I weighed when I graduated high school... ;D. I don't plan on dieting really...just not snacking at night and drinking less milk (I love milk)....no ice cream either... :(
The best part of this is how good I FEEL. It makes so many other things possible. Even beyond the balance issues...everyday things...bending over to pick something up without groaning...its amazing how good that feels.
As far as staying on the shoreline in baggy clothes...come on! If I can go out and do this in as bad a shape as I was anybody can. Its a great way to get yourself into the shape where you can get that bathing suit on and feel good about it.
Is the symposium in Chicago? I have a friend (online forum friend) that lives in Chicago that I'm sure would be happy to give a demonstration.
Lori...I have another online forum friend in Virginia Beach that I'm sure would be happy to get you on a board.
It's funny...I've become so passionate for the sport because of what it has done for me. I'm the numero uno poster on the biggest online forum for Standup paddle surfing...http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php (http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php). Through it I've made a lot of online friends...people that I hope to someday meet and share some time on the water and a laugh or two with. Some are unlikely...Australia...some are planned for my next Maui trip...some I'll meet this summer...one being the gentleman I'm refering you to...we are both planning on attending a SUP race to raise money for childhood cancer that another member of the forum is planning in North Carolina in June....and one has become one of my best friends...we planned the CCBC together after meeting on the forum. He only lives 60 miles away so we get together to surf as often as we can.
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Is the symposium in Chicago? I have a friend (online forum friend) that lives in Chicago that I'm sure would be happy to give a demonstration.
THAT would be very COOL 8)
Jan
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This symposium is shaping up to be a lot of fun. Mass eating and drinking, paddleboarding, and of course, the distribution of the hats that Steve is busily knitting!
Marci
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Do you think Steve can knit us waterproof bathing caps?
Wait, it's Steve we're talking about here! Of course he can!
Lori
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...as long as there are instructions on the internet, Steve can do ANYTHING!! ;D
K
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http://genvieve.net/sca/monmouthcap.html (http://genvieve.net/sca/monmouthcap.html)
I'm not so sure it's water proof tho..
Carry on..
Brian
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Let's just find a really big pool...no snakes, sharks, slimey things, etc. We could have relay races up and down the pool...
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Steve, can you devise a full bodysuit that cover's feet too? Ya know, something the lock ness monster can't BITE through? ???
Sure Cheri. Once I get yarn under control, I'll try knitting up some chain mail. ;D
Steve
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Nice to see this crowd has high expectations.
Poor Steve just figured out how to knit a little blanket, and you've already got him creating waterproof bathing caps and full bodysuits. JEEZ! :D
I for one am not greedy ;) A nice green knit hat will be just fine for me, Steve. It doesn't even have to be waterproof.
Jan
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If you are wondering how I am doing with the knitting, here is a video of Miriam Tegels, the World's Fastest Knitter, teaching some guys how to knit. I would fit right in:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQb9Ax2EcpQ
Steve ;D
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Steve,
I would probably do about as well as the dog did in that video!
Lori
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Competitive knitting! Who knew! Steve, you must form a class for the symposium...
Cindy
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HHHmmm...I guess I won't tell any shark stories then... ;D
There are lots of videos of standup paddlesurfing on youtube. Most are the type that get your adrenaline pumping, lots of hard charging moves, pumping music edited in. This one stands out because it does the exact opposite. An extraordinary day in Guethary, France...very Zen. I had a day very similar to this on Maui back in February. My brother and I and just a few others out at sunset. Beautiful 8 ft glassy waves coming in, humpback whales jumping just 200 ft beyond the break, an unbelievable sunset, as the sun went down it threw sun beams up through the valley we were facing lighting up the clouds and created a huge thick rainbow. It seemed like the air itself was glowing all around us. One of the most awe inspiring natural spectacles I've ever witnessed. I pray for a day like that again. It would have been pretty from the land, but on the water riding a wave it was beyond words. I imagine these folks felt much the same this day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaCXjnGXp14 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaCXjnGXp14)
It always amazed me to watch my Mom knit so effortlessly. She can be sitting there watching TV, carrying on a conversation, while knitting an amazingly complex irish knit sweater. Of course she's had 80+ years of practice so I guess she should be good at it. She made my wife an absolutely beautiful sweater with ridiculously intricate designs on it, a cowl hood and pockets almost 30 years ago. It's still in great shape. My youngest daughter has claimed it and has been wearing it this winter.
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Stoneaxe,
You'd probably get away with shark stories - just don't mention the snakes and slimy things! :P
Lori
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Amen to that, Lori!
Cindy
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Well thankfully I haven't heard of any accounts of shark attacks on standup boards yet. I don't think we look as much like food as a regular surfer does.
This would have had me paddling to shore rather quickly though.
A friend of mine...one of the guys that paddled the CCBC with me was out a couple hundred yards at the beach that we surf frequently. He was just cruising along since there was no surf that day when a 16' great white swam just under his board. He said he could have poked him with his paddle. There are a lot of seals at that beach most of the time and there are bound to be some great whites cruising around occasionally.
I was surfing there the following weekend and couldn't help but keep looking around a little more closely than normal.... ;D
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I haven't ruled out SUP yet...still trying to "sell" my husband on the idea (and find a used board for sale in Atl), but in the meantime, a friend of mine has convinced me to try a different water sport. So, this morning, we went down to the Chattahoochee River and signed up for rowing/skulling lessons! We'll start in late March, so a little warmer, hopefully. I'm excited, but a bit leary. Those are the skinniest boats I've ever seen - can't believe they stay upright! The guy said that balance in the boat is important - if one person if off, that can have quite an effect on the whole boat. I didn't say a thing about my situation...I'm just hoping I don't "rock the boat" too much! Will let you know how it goes...I need a Dramamine just thinking about it :-\
Cindy
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No, they're not canoes, Cheri. They are MUCH skinnier and most are longer than canoes. They have those seats that move when you push with your legs - they say it is mainly lower body work. And, as I mentioned, it's very important to keep the thing balanced. It's those boats you see often with 8 rowers/scullers and a cockswain (shouting orders) - a beautiful thing to see. Maybe not so beautiful for me for awhile :D
Cindy
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Cheri,
I had to laugh when I read your canoe story!
Right before my husband and I got married, we went canoeing on the Charles River in Boston. I was in front, he was in back and we were weaving back and forth all over the place, not making any progress - I kept yelling at him to steer and he kept telling me the person in the front steers! I couldn't figure out how a man in the Navy would not know how to steer a canoe, but it turns out he was having fun watching me working my butt off trying to keep us on a straight course while he just sat there relaxing.
When I found this out, I used that oar to get him soaking wet, before putting it down in the canoe and refusing to help him anymore. I knew eventually he'd get hungry so he'd paddle us back to shore. His sister and her husband were in another canoe, way ahead of us and said all they could hear was James laughing and me yelling at him! I'm sure the other boaters and people on the shore thought we were crazy!
And we used your logic too - if we could survive that, we'd probably survive marriage!
Lori
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I'm sitting here with a BIG grin from these stories...funny stuff.
Good luck with the rowing sculls Cindy...very fun and FAST...one of the most elegant boats on the water. It was funny hearing the Charles River mentioned in this thread of canoes and rowing sculls too Lori. I grew up on the Charles. The famous Charles River Regatta, the largest of its kind in the world, is an amazing event. 1000's of rowers and 100,000's of spectators make for an amazing weekend. http://www.hocr.org/home/default.asp (http://www.hocr.org/home/default.asp)
A couple of canoe stories...when I was about 14 the extended family and friends were all camping up in Maine and my friend and I had taken a canoe out. We were both experienced from our membership in an organization called Boy Campers (similar to Boy Scouts but with a focus on woodsman/survival skills) and had hundreds of hours in canoes. We had been out 4 or 5 hours a storm was approaching and I guess our parents had gotten nervous. My Dad and brother-in-law decided to come looking for us. Neither of them had ever been in a canoe before. We were already on our way back at that point having seen the oncoming clouds....we came around the point to where we could see the beach just in time to see my father and BIL sink the canoe in about 4 ft of water, rocking it back and forth, each time about 50 gallons pouring over the side until it just sank with the two of them sitting in it. It was one of the funniest things I had ever seen but I knew that laughing was NOT a good idea. We just paddled by and asked if they needed some help. I thought my Dad was going to explode....then he just started to laugh.
I've participated in a canoe race on the Charles about 16 years ago. The Run of the Charles is a great charity event to benefit the Charles River Watershed Association. I was part of a relay team in the 24 mile route. I did two 6 mile sections of the route including the final leg. We were coming in the last five hundred yards just slightly ahead of a couple of much younger guys in a faster/sleeker canoe and I was absolutely beat. The last hundred yards I had nothing left and they were going to catch up and pass us....we were paddling with everything we had but evry stroke they gained a few inches...that was when I picked out my daughters voice (about 10 at the time) out of the crowd on the shore..." COME ON DAD- GO, GO, GO". My partner later said it felt like we all of a sudden had a motor on the canoe. He almost fell over backward. We pulled away and ended up beating them by a full canoe length. Amazing what the sound of a daughters voice can do... ;D
I'm actually trying to get the organizers of the Run of the Charles to include a standup board division in the race. So far I haven't heard form them...probably won't happen this year. http://www.crwa.org/rotc/rotc.html (http://www.crwa.org/rotc/rotc.html)
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Cheri - you could have been mumbling much worse things at that point!! :o
When I was telling James about these stories, he reminded me how I yelled "What kind of sailor are you, Gilligan?" at him during the canoe incident!
Stoneaxe - sounds like you should be trying out for the next season of Survivor!!
Lori
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You and I will go in one canoe and we'll put Mike and James in another. I have a feeling we'll do a lot better than those two! :D
Lori
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The weather finally warmed up enough for a nice long paddle. I needed it. I hadn't been on the water for over a week and was feeling it. Still plenty of evidence of the cold weather though...lots of ice in the tidal currents
(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa317/stoneaxe/newenglandsup/rock-race-route007.jpg)
I was paddling the route of a race I'm planning. This is entering Plymouth Harbor under the breakwater footbridge and Plymouth Rock in the portico.
(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa317/stoneaxe/newenglandsup/rock-race-route031.jpg)
(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa317/stoneaxe/newenglandsup/rock-race-route043.jpg)
The race is about 7.5 miles but this was about 8.5 today since I had to backtrack near the end a bit. Too much ice in the inner bay to get to the beach I plan on using to cross back over the main beach so I followed the ice until I found a spot relatively close to shore and only about a foot deep. I had to break through about 50 yards of ice before there was no water under it (low tide) another 100 yards of ice got me to the snow on the beach.
(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa317/stoneaxe/newenglandsup/rock-race-route048.jpg)
(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa317/stoneaxe/newenglandsup/rock-race-route051.jpg)
More pics and such on my blog.. http://newenglandsup.wordpress.com/2009/01/23/race-to-the-rock-route/ (http://newenglandsup.wordpress.com/2009/01/23/race-to-the-rock-route/)
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That's your idea of "warmed up"? The only ice I choose to have to break through is to get to my margarita! BRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!
The pictures are beautiful though - I'll just enjoy them from my house, where it's nice and toasty warm!
Lori
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Balance is my issue. You give me hope. However, I am deathly afraid of water and don't know how to swim. LOL! Maybe something on land? (I'm 63, but in my head I'm 20)
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Cheri,
I hope you had a great birthday! And who says diamonds are a girls best friend? Apparently, weapons are now! :D
The only thing I'm good at shooting is the water gun into the clown's mouth at the carnival - I think I'll stick with that! No one gets seriously injured.
Lori
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Hehe...I know it looks a bit crazy...(actually some folks called the harbor master and they came out to see if I was in trouble on the ice)...but I was really a bit too warm in my wetsuit when I was paddling hard. Had to take a break and jump in and let some water in to cool down. With the right equipment its very comfortable. I didn't even wear my hood on this day...if I had been surfing I would have because I'll fall a bit and can expect to get wet then but on a day like this I only get wet if and where I want to.
Very cool news about the bow Cheri. I used to shoot a lot. I have nice old compound, a Bear Kodiak Special that my wife bought me for Christmas about 30 years ago. A few years back I was thinking of getting a new bow but decided instead to have this one tricked out with the latest equipment as much as possible. I no longer hunt, haven't for many years, but I enjoy going to the 3D range and I'll also puts some targets up out in the backyard on occasion.
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I have a beautiful old recurve bow from my teen years too. I still shoot it on occasion...funny, it actually feels better in a way. While it is much harder to draw and hold (you don't hold it long anyway) it's much lighter...more elegant looking too.
The nice thing about the compounds, especially the new ones, is how easy they are to draw and hold. I'm sure you'll want to start you're draw weight off at the minimum setting. Better to shoot with control first then shoot fast and flat later as you build strength.
Have fun.
BTW...a belated Happy Birthday. Mine was the 24th...here is a test of my new camera my wife got me....a Go Pro Hero...very cool little waterproof digital camera.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cinfmZhJG4w (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cinfmZhJG4w)
and what I aspire to be when I grow down...and online friend of mine's 10 year old son. I'm actually headed to Maui for a couple of weeks at the end of february...can't wait to share some waves with him and his Dad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mFqAHGQlxA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mFqAHGQlxA)
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Wow. I can't believe this thread is still going strong ;D
You guys are really giving the Good Morning thread some competition.
Jan
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The flatwater paddling is actually the easy part, especially on the board that I was on...it's a pretty stable board.
The guy waving is Frank...the owner of Lightning Bolt Maui...The original Maui surf shop waving in the background..can you say ham?.. ;D Another nice guy. Can't wait for Friday night on Maui...he shows surf movies outside the shop on a big screen and everyone brings munchies and beer.... ;D.
Standup paddleboarding is being done all over the world now...just about anywhere there is water. It's an amazingly versatile sport.
River rapids
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNXdK4-hJmk
The worlds largest waves
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8M8X2rOkrU
Boat wakes...even dogs do it... ;D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnGA-05TCR4
Flatwater and distance racing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKlJrbSH4sE
Another online friend doing what is called downwind. An open ocean run with high winds and large swells at your back.
http://vimeo.com/2520065?pg=embed&sec=2520065
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Way cool, Stoneaxe 8) an onboard camera! Still looks like such fun to me...and, oh, to be 10 years old again...and living in Hawaii! Great videos! Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your trip. Yes, I'm very, very jealous.
Cindy
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I like the end of Stoneaxe's birthday video, where he turns the world upside down with his legs, and walks upside down on an upside down earth. How did you do that? :D
Steve
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Yeah...wouldn't it be great to be 10 and living in Hawaii. Noah (the 10 year old) is likely to be famous in standup paddleboard circles someday (heck, he already is somewhat). When you see the camera go into the whitewash...he is doing a helicopter on the board (spinning it 360 degs while riding the wave).
I'd never heard that before Cheri....it certainly isn't for me... ;D
Yes Steve...I defy the laws of physics too... ;)
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Latest balance therapy installment. Fun having the new camera. A word of warning...the paddle cam footage at about 3:30 is a little dizzying for us bobbleheads.
This was last week...actually a day when my head was all over the place...had to stick to my big board and just go straight. I tried my smaller board and couldn't even stand up. One good thing about AN's on a bad day...even when I'm just going slow and straight it feels like I'm flying and laying down some radical moves.... ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5KX3bV65xw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5KX3bV65xw)
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I'm headed to Maui late February to visit my brother and he just sent me an email about doing a 18 mile relay race. I said "sure"....hope my head is up to it. We'll be using his new race board which isn't as stable as my big board here at home. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
http://www.mauicanoeandkayak.org/Sonzrace.html
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looks like fun! ... ah wish we had some Hawaii weather!
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I see there are other rowers in our midst. I took up rowing when my daughter was a competitive rower on the Charles in Boston and as prescribed by my rheumatologist as a low impact exercise for my rheumatoid arthritis. I got so hooked that my daughter and I started teaching rowing in the Lakes Region of NH during our summer vacations. My instructor on the Charles asked me one day as I wobbled down the floating dock, explaining that I had a tumor that compromised my balance, "You chose this sport when you have balance problems?"
I walk by my rowing shells every day dreaming of this summer when I will be out there on the lake post-op. Here's hoping . . .
Nancy
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I wish we had some Hawaii weather too Joef...I'm going to be paddling everyday between now and when we leave to get ready for the race. ....nothing worse than putting on a damp wetsuit.
Nancy...not sure if you saw the previous post...I grew up on the Charles...used to watch the rowers all the time and think how cool they looked....so sleek and fast. I need to try it one of these days.
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I see there are other rowers in our midst. I took up rowing when my daughter was a competitive rower on the Charles in Boston and as prescribed by my rheumatologist as a low impact exercise for my rheumatoid arthritis. I got so hooked that my daughter and I started teaching rowing in the Lakes Region of NH during our summer vacations. My instructor on the Charles asked me one day as I wobbled down the floating dock, explaining that I had a tumor that compromised my balance, "You chose this sport when you have balance problems?"
I walk by my rowing shells every day dreaming of this summer when I will be out there on the lake post-op. Here's hoping . . .
Nancy
I am not a 'real' rower, I have a Concept 2 rowing machine and have been rowing on that since 2001 and have logged over 11 million meters and still going. I rowed up to the day before my surgery, as my doctor recommended, and consider it a factor in my positive recovery results. The doctor gave me the OK to begin to row again last Monday (Feb 9th) and I did an easy 1/2 hour row. The next two days I was exhausted so I decided to wait until I recover a little more before I begin again. I usually do 30 minutes a day at a modest pace then 2 days a week I push myself to a higher level ( I use a heartrate monitor). I can't stand that I have been missing all these days rowing but I know I will be back doing it again soon enough.
Cheers,
Neal
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My instructor on the Charles asked me one day as I wobbled down the floating dock, explaining that I had a tumor that compromised my balance, "You chose this sport when you have balance problems?"
Makes sense to me to take on a balance challenge if you have a balance problem. What did he think, that taking up knitting would have helped? :D
Steve
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Well, knitting certainly helped you, Steve! All the ladies covet that blue hat of yours.
And Stoneaxe and Neal, you better come up for a rowing lesson this summer on beautiful Squam Lake . . . nothing like rowing on that "dirty water" that we all "love" in Boston . . . fell in once and had to throw away the rowing togs. No sir, we've got loons and bald eagles and crystal clear waters, just watch out for those rocks!
Neal, Glad you mentioned the erg. I have one down there collecting dust . . . gave it a go the other day but I believe I will get back on it and make it part of the next eleven days pre-op along with Jan's balance exercises. Never too late to get in shape!
Thanks for the heads up!
Nancy
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Hey, Nancy! So glad to hear that you're a rower - I start my lessons the end of March. I've been wondering how I'm going to get in the boat (do you call it a shell?) without tipping it over w/ my wonky-headedness, but I'm very excited about learning how to do it. I may contact you for some pointers!
I'm sure you'll be back on the water by Summer! I'm about 3 mos post-op and am doing very well. Good luck and keep us posted on how things go with your surgery.
Cindy
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you better come up for a rowing lesson this summer on beautiful Squam Lake . . .
I can't believe you said Squam Lake! When I was a kid our family drove from St. Louis to the East coast to visit relatives, and one stop was at Squam Lake in New Hampshire to visit the Butterworths. They were a family my mother had stayed with when she was sixteen and was shipped over to the USA from England during World War II. "Uncle Paul" took me out in a row boat and I caught a perch as big as my hand. We also hiked up some hill and I lost my shoe and was carried back down piggy back. And I remember the loons, too. What a beautiful place.
Steve
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Well, knitting certainly helped you, Steve! All the ladies covet that blue hat of yours.
I know I do ;D
Jan
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Steve,
That's the lake near and dear to my heart. On Golden Pond was filmed here. The Butterworths are an old time family here. I helped out with conservation of some of their land over on Rattlesnake Cove. Did you go off jumping rock? And I'm sure it was Rattlesnake Mtn that you visited. My son works summers on outdoor crew at Rockywold Deephaven Camps at the base of the mountain, a rustic family camp where they have ice boxes that use the ice harvested from the lake and stored in sawdust in the ice house. Mac delivers firewood and ice blocks by wheelbarrow to the cabins. He hikes up Rattlesnake at sunset, wearing his kilt, and plays his Highland bagpipes to the boaters below. Come back for a visit some time.
Nancy
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Cindy,
I'll be very jealous of your rowing (yes, shell, the oars are called sculls, and the combination is called sculling as compared to sweep rowing where there is usually a coxswain and each rower has only one oar) in late March. But please share your experiences, as I believe it will motivate me to make it through recovery. I am having mixed feelings in these last days before surgery. A very small part of me is in denial and believes I will come out in pretty good shape, just having to watch my step and have something or someone to hold on to when on uneven terrain. Most of me believes I will encounter all of the difficulties described in these pages and, living in a remote location (my dog is out there having a noisy conversation with a pack of coyotes at this very moment), will have to be driven for hours to reach adequate care. My surgeons have not described any of the possible issues before me except meningitis, requiring a pneumonia vaccination at some point in the past, and ladders no longer in my future. I'm really glad that I am aware of so many possible and likely outcomes so that I won't ignore them or expect them to disappear immediately.
Two rules . . . don't let go of your oars, ever, and don't let your hands/grips get behind your waist. Sit up tall, keep your back straight, use your legs, keep your hands dry, bring bandaids. Enjoy! Keep me posted, send pictures.
Nancy
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Steve,
Mac delivers firewood and ice blocks by wheelbarrow to the cabins. He hikes up Rattlesnake at sunset, wearing his kilt, and plays his Highland bagpipes to the boaters below.
That sounds like a place I need to experience.
I remember taking sailing lessons at community boating on the Charles when I was a kid...if you fell in you had go get a tetanus shot. Great that it has been cleaned up so much since then...still a ways to go but much better.
My advice Nancy if you do end up having problems is to work harder than you thought possible challenging your balance. Doing it in a way that if you do fall you won't get hurt will help your confidence and allow you to push hard. There is no question in my mind that the biggest problem is sitting around and doing nothing. The folks that suffer the worst from this are those that let it beat them. I still have days or moments when it takes control and I struggle but for the most part...life is normal. Even ladders are possible on a good day... ;)
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And you folks think I'm a little crazy... ;D
Standup Paddlesurfing in Montreal.....watch out for the giant fast moving icebergs.
http://2imagine.net/blogger2009/icesurf3.html (http://2imagine.net/blogger2009/icesurf3.html)
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Those Canucks!
Thanks, Stoneaxe. I'm not one to sit around, more likely to overdo and fall and knock meself out!
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Thanks for the pointers, Nancy! I'll see if I can put them to use...should be very interesting. As I said, I'll bet you'll be back on the water by Summer! Stoneaxe is a great inspiration and shows us that many things are possible with belief and persistence and hard work. I, too, have found that just getting "out" there despite the wonky-headed feeling, is so helpful. Each time I get out on the tennis court to play a match, for the first few minutes, I think I will not be able to do it due to the wonkiness, but after just a bit, I'm having such fun, I wouldn't think of stopping!
Cindy
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Hola Stoneaxe et.al,
I've been watching this thread for a while - as soon as I first saw it I thought, yes, that looks like a good time. I was slightly put off by the recent shark attack down the road from where I am here!:
http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2009/01/18/50355_tasmania-news.html
Well I decided to suck it up and... this week I finally went paddleboarding for the first time! I found a great guy in my state who gives lessons and went out at Bicheno on the east coast of Tasmania, Australia. Just down the road from where I am (the other direction from the shark!!). I had a great time cruising around the little lagoon and then up the river. My balance isn't that bad and I managed to stay on the board the whole time and once I got into the rhythm I was really scooting along fast - I'm going to have a few more cracks at it before my Translab and then I'll be set to go post - op. Here's a couple of pics below and I might try and put a vid up on the Acoustic Neuroma support group on facebook.
(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb203/moinamac/IMGP0473.jpg)
Me looking pretty happy with myself
(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb203/moinamac/IMGP0472.jpg)
Concentrating and listening to instructions
(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb203/moinamac/MoinaGavin006.jpg)
I'm off... wondering if I can make a run for the ocean!
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Awesome! One, Two, Infinity! It used to be we had one nutty guy who like Standup Paddelboard; now it is club!
It looks beautiful, too. I am jealous of the weather. I like the red hair in the little pic too. ;)
Steve
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Well, alright! How great that you got to do this before your surgery...and you look like a natural at it! You & Stoneaxe must meet up on the ocean somewhere in the middle...below Africa, perhaps? I'll need to consult my globe...
Thanks for sharing and we'll be looking for post-op paddling pics before too long!
Cindy
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Steve: It certainly is a club... Cindy just has to get her hubby into it and there'll be three of us! I've just started knitting following your lead so I'll have something to do while I'm initially chilling out post-op... I've made a hat and a scarf. I'll send them back to my friends in the UK who need them a lot more than me!
Cindy: I'm really lucky hey... I'm glad I got to have a go pre-op - I can see how easy it is... otherwise I might have been a bit scared post-op. I've put a video up on the acoustic neuroma/vestibular schwannoma group on facebook if you want to see the live action version and see how easy it was! Hope you get to have a go too!
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Awesome, Awesome, Awesome.... ;D...welcome to the club! You'll be surfing before you know it.....then you'll have a hard time thinking about anything else.. ;)
There is a great forum on Standup in Australia...you might find some other folks to join up with to paddle. I'm on there as Stoneaxe as well.
http://www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/forum.asp?forum_id=41
An online buddy of mine is particularly active on there. He's in Victoria though. Here's a recent night paddle on the Yarra River
http://www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=48010
Another great forum for Standup...the biggest...is Standupzone. You'll find i spend way too much time on there... ;D It's a great place for all kinds of info and sharing stories.
http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php
Again...welcome to the club...have fun. If you do find your balance giving you problems the best thing I've found to do is to get out for a couple hours in mildly choppy water. Keep your eyes along the horizon. If you can do that a few times a week it makes a world of difference.
I didn't realize there was a facebook group...I'll have to check that out...Thanks.
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Beautiful pictures, Joe ;D
Thanks for sharing them.
Jan
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Went paddling again yesterday at 7am... it sure was chilly! Now have flown to Melbourne today in readiness for my surgery on Wednesday. I'm going paddling at St Kilda Beach tomorrow morning... will post pics tomorrow hopefully!!
We need some more members of the paddling club!
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Back from vacation on Maui...what a blast! Lots of paddling... ;D Everyday for 5-6 hours anyway. You'll find some of the exploits here...more to follow. http://newenglandsup.wordpress.com/ (http://newenglandsup.wordpress.com/)
Joe...hope you had a good paddle at St. Kilda, and most especially hope the surgery went very well. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
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You're breakin' my heart, Stone.
Nancy
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I used to canoe with my youngest son until he outgrew me ... :'(
I get nauseated looking at water ripple ... I would like a canoe and to hit the river again
but no one wants to go with me ... I guess with cell phone in hand I could give it a go , but
really would prefer not to be alone on the river...standing up on a board is a long way off...
makes me dizzy looking at the pictures...
I am going to have to go to the library to look at the videos ..slow dial up isn't working ...after about
10 minutes and it still not loaded I gave up...
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Balance is my issue. You give me hope. However, I am deathly afraid of water and don't know how to swim. LOL! Maybe something on land? (I'm 63, but in my head I'm 20)
My doctor gave me this link ... there is a dealer about 30 minutes away and I am seriously thinking about
checking this out ... I also saw it demonstrated on an infomercial and it looks like it would be fun... not
paddling but would get anyone using it out and moving
www.trikke.com
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You're breakin' my heart, Stone.
Nancy
I'm right there with you Nancy :(
Cool website, Soundy 8) If you do check out the dealer, let us know how it goes. This stuff looks very interesting!
Jan
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Have I missed an update from Down Under, JoeBloggs?
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You're breakin' my heart, Stone.
Nancy
I know its a tough job but someone has to do it.... ;D
Actually came home and couldn't paddle for a couple of days....my shoulders and arms had a chance to stiffen up on the plane ride home and needed a couple days rest. Finally went out yesterday for a beautiful flatwater paddle. No wetsuit, a fleece, jeans, and just wore my wetsuit boots since the water was like glass. Crystal clear this time of year too...could see to the bottom in 20 ft of water. Just me, the fish and a few birds.
I'm wondering how Joe's surgery went too....smoothly I hope.
That trikke looks interesting Soundy. Like you said...anything that can get you out and moving. When I 1st started getting on the standup board I fell every 30 seconds I was like that for a week. It took me 3 months before I went out on flat water without falling. Its all about pushing yourself.
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Stop it, Stoneaxe!
a beautiful flatwater paddle. No wetsuit, a fleece, jeans, and just wore my wetsuit boots since the water was like glass. Crystal clear this time of year too...could see to the bottom in 20 ft of water. Just me, the fish and a few birds.
You're killin' me! We've still got three feet of snow on the lake up here!
A thought . . . I'll be right there, just let me get my wetsuit out of storage.
Nancy
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I am going to try to go look at the trikkes next week...tied up here this week with a ceiling
that has got ot be finished and science fair for two days ... it looked like fun and easy on TV ...
I am wondering about the real life demo ... I can't stay up on my bike ...maybe I could on a trikke
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Well we've decided to do the Cape Cod Bay Challenge again this year. Most of the guys from last year are joining me again and we have a bunch of new folks that want to join in. Currently trying to decide on what charities to donate to. Doing due diligence of contributions/overhead ratio and such. We want to pick two charities this year, one ocean environmental related and my buddy Mike is insisting on one related to brain tumors....he says I inspire him. If we go that route I want it to focus on kids. My determination to fight was bolstered by a chance meeting with a 9 year old at MGH who was in much worse shape than I was but who was trying to cheer me up.
Any ideas? Something local to Boston would probably be preferable but not absolutely necessary?
http://newenglandsup.wordpress.com/2009/03/11/cape-cod-bay-challenge-2009/ (http://newenglandsup.wordpress.com/2009/03/11/cape-cod-bay-challenge-2009/)
Thanks,
Bob
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Hey, Stone...I don't have any charity names for you, but just wanted to say I think it's great to have one of them going for kids. I think I can stand just about anything that happens to me, but I can NOT stand anything bad happening to children. And, yes, doesn't it seem that they are usually the bravest when it comes to critical illness...
Thanks!
Cindy
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YES! Definitely for kids - just yesterday I heard about a 6 YO having a surgery (probably 14 hours) on a brain tumor. I haven't found out the kind it is but it just broke my heart - I can't even imagine what her parents are going through. Her name is Landry, if anyone wants to include her in their prayers...
K
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Any ideas? Something local to Boston would probably be preferable but not absolutely necessary?
Hi, Bob
I'm a local from the South Shore, just like you ... and an MGH proton alum ...
what about Children's Hospital or the cancer care centers at MGH or Dana-Farber?
I'm pretty sure they all have something that would be worthy.
When I was at the MGH proton center in Nov/Dec, I met a few kids that were just amazing - and inspiring to me too! I almost felt guilty with my little tumor seeing them with all their problems, and just playing, running around, talking up a storm. Not everyday was like that, of course, but it was very inspiring to see them tackle their issue(s).
Good luck on the Challenge - YOU are also an inspiration!
Elaine
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Good ideas Elliemae...I'll have to look into what they have there. i'm sure there is something.
A long surf session today...i've started my training for the CCBC and that includes staying out surfing long after I'm tired. 5 hours in somewhat messy choppy conditions today but at least there were some fun waves mixed in. I lost count of how many rides I caught.
http://newenglandsup.wordpress.com/2009/03/21/long-beach-all-alone/ (http://newenglandsup.wordpress.com/2009/03/21/long-beach-all-alone/)
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The latest and greatest in standup land... ;D...at least here in New England. Some BIG waves today in Plymouth.
http://newenglandsup.wordpress.com/ (http://newenglandsup.wordpress.com/)
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Started my rowing class last night...no waves yet, in fact no water at all yet! We were on the rowing machines (ergs ;)) to try to just start learning the correct technique...who knew there was SO much involved! Great fun and I can't wait to actually hit the water. Should be VERY interesting to see how my balance does when trying to get in that tiny little boat...apparently it's tough to do w/ the best of balance...and we're just trying to sit in the thing, not standup like you, Stoneaxe!
I thought of you last night, Nancy!
Will give you guys updates after another lesson or two to let you know if I send me and all my rowing pals in the river,
Cindy
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send me and all my rowing pals in the river
So, Cindy, are you doing sweep? Eights, fours? Not sculling? I teach sculling (singles). Sweep takes less balance, more strength. Make and model of shell if you have it. I'm so jealous. What river are you on? Our lake is still frozen. A friend who wants to learn asked when we'd be starting, and I told him, "We'll see how my balance is after this surgery." Lots of melting going on these days, but refreeze at night, good for maple sugaring and making mud not for getting out on the water. Sit up straight so you don't hurt your back. Use your legs. It is very complicated, but once you've got it, it'll be there forever. My erg is gathering dust. Perhaps today I could get back on it . . . :P
Nancy
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I'm sure you'll get it Cindy. It's great that you've found something to work towards. Make sure you get pics...most especially if you send you and your pals into the drink.... ;)
Nancy...sometime this summer we'll have to trade lessons. I'll get you on a board and you can get me in a scull....that's if I don't sink it.... ::)
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Yes, Bob, I've told my husband he needs to come down to take some photos once we actually get going in a boat/shell...and, hopefully, manage to stay upright in the thing. The challenge then becomes remembering how to post pictures on here ???
Nancy, we'll be sculling and sweeping, 2's, 4's and 8's over the course of the one month of lessons. We will start out on a training "barge" I'm told - much wider contraption, so no way for it to tip over...we'll see :D We're on the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta - the Atlanta Rowing Club - they put on some sort of huge annual rowing event that's supposed to be well known??? The erg didn't cause any dizziness/wonkiness for me, but I'm sure it will be a completely different story in the real thing. Just looking at the water moving downstream makes me a bit woozy :-\
Anyway, I'll let you guys know how it goes. Don't think we'll get to go out on the water tomorrow - still having rain, rain, rain here!!!
Cindy
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You should make the trip up to Boston for the Head of the Charles Regatta Cindy.
http://www.hocr.org/home/default.asp
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they put on some sort of huge annual rowing event that's supposed to be well known
Ha! I hesitated but will say, I learned on the Charles River. They put on the Head of the Charles, another sort of huge annual rowing event . . . actually the largest in the world. You really should come in October, but dress very warmly. Your club probably sends some entries, and maybe you could volunteer to assist with operations in exchange for hotel room and transportation.
Stoneaxe,
That would be entertaining to watch two vestibularly-handicapped individuals trying to instruct each other in their balance-challenging hobbies. Let's do it on a warm day.
Nancy
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Take a look at the last couple of posts on my blog of the animotos i did of some amazing downwind action pics off Maui. The music really sets the mood and the action speaks for itself. You'll have a better understanding why I think this is so much fun and going to grow huge.
http://newenglandsup.wordpress.com/
I'm still amazed by what this has done for me. The benefits have been astounding. The balance issues are a major part of it but there is so much more to what this has brought my life. Despite all the trials that this AN has brought into my life I don't think I would want to trade back to normalcy if it meant never having found standup paddlesurfing. I just entered an online contest. They asked what is the most intersting thing you've seen while standup paddlesurfing? This got me to thinking what has happened in just the last 1.5 years.
This is by no means all the things I've seen that were awe inspiring. I just didn't want to write for an hour to list them. Here's my response:
"I’ve had humpback whales surface close enough to me that I could smell their breath. Been surrounded by 100’s of seals in wave churned waters off Cape Cod. Watched a bluefish chase a mackerel right into the wave I was on….I could have reached out and touched it as it swam next to me. Almost collided with green turtles off Maui on my 1st downwind runs. Watched spotted rays fly.
Witnessed amazing displays of earthly beauty. Waiting for the next set at Kanaha while the sun set on the other side of the west Maui mountains, throwing rays of sunlight streaming up setting the clouds on fire and sparking a double rainbow over the Io Valley….magic….the air itself glowed. Que the breaching whales just beyond the break and perfect glassy sets rolling through…what an amazing day!
I’ve seen fast friendships made from sharing a passion and paddling for a cause in the Cape Cod Bay Challenge. I’ve watched the old grow young again. I’ve seen the hard work and the challenge beat back disability.
All this and the most interesting thing I’ve seen is the big smile on my daughter’s face when she first experienced standup. Despite the choppy windy 1st day all she wanted to know was when we could go again. Wait until she gets her 1st wave...then the hook is set for good. Once the weather warms she gets her 1st board."
I've been so fortunate.
Bob
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Goosebumps and the little hairs are standing up.
It reminds me of the time I went whale watching out to Stellwagen Banks. A humpback rose next to the bow, and I could look into its eye.
You're and inspiration, Stoneaxe.
I remember when I consulted with Dr Loeffler at MGH seven years ago. It was a humbling experience to see all those waiting for radiation treatments.
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Nancy...i'm going to get you on a board one of these days and you'll understand my passion. Combine something so awe inspiring with extraordinary therapeutic benefit. It's done more than make my life normal again....its made it better.
Very happy to hear that your surgery went well. Can't wait to meet. Hope your up to coming out for the brunch.
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We're coming, and if you had any idea what a water freak I am, you'd know that I'll be on that thing in no time. How heavy are they?
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You should absolutely try it Nancy! You'll love it and it'll be really good for your balance! I'm not quite there yet.. maybe next weekend. I used a 11 foot 6 inch board and carried it back to the car on my shoulder and I'm about 5 foot 2 so they're not that heavy. That was pre op of course and I don't anticipate carrying any boards on my shoulder any time soon! Some of them have a handle so it makes it less awkward to carrry. Stoneaxe probably has some good tricks for moving them about!
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Glad to see you up and posting Nancy. The bigger ones are in the 25-30 lb range, small ones around 20 lbs. As mentioned many come with handholds...or other means of carrying them...built in so they aren't that difficult. There are also slings and other accesories you can buy to make it real easy. I bought my wife the "board schlepper" a shoulder sling with two velcro loops that go over the board..but in reality I'm still often the schlepper. The biggest issue is if its windy they can be a handfull. You learn to be careful and manuever them. There is even a piece of gear called "the mule" which is a couple of wheels and some canvas with velcro that you attach to your board and allows you to easily wheel it and even load it up with a cooler and all the rest of your stuff for a day at the beach and away you go....very handy....gotta get me one of those. My brother even attached his to his motorcycle...not recommended.... ;D
The schlepper
http://www.paddlesurfwarehouse.com/standup-board-schlepper.html (http://www.paddlesurfwarehouse.com/standup-board-schlepper.html)
The Mule
http://www.paddlesurfwarehouse.com/the-mule-sup-stand-up-paddle-board-carrier.html (http://www.paddlesurfwarehouse.com/the-mule-sup-stand-up-paddle-board-carrier.html)
JB...how's your balance feeling? It will be interesting to see what kind of benefit you see after a couple of weeks of paddling.
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Well, that's about half the weight of a recreational rowing shell, so very manageable. I like that we can do it in windy and wavy conditions. And, JB, I'm 5'-1 1/2", used to be 5'-2". ;)
Finally ice out on the lake up here, so Dave and I have agreed to try to get the double kayak out of the barn and over to the waterfront to rev up the summer season later this week.
G'night!
Nancy
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Balance still pretty interesting - almost headbutted the wall getting into the shower this morning so that was pretty interesting and the light on the stairs blew on my way down them tonight so again, walking down stairs in the pitch black... interesting! Haven't managed to get out paddling yet, but received my wetsuit I bought on ebay a couple of weeks ago today so I'm ready!
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Sounds like a good plan getting the kayak out there.
Been there done that JB...got up quickly in the middle of the night (sounded like coyotes were after a cat in our backyard) and went straight into the closet door with my forehead...fortunately I have a hard head.
How cold does it get in Tassie? I thought I saw palm trees... ;)
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Sorry to say the thought of you headbutting the closet door made me laugh. Only because I can empathise! Doesn't get that cold in Tassie - maybe max -5 up in the mountains I reckon. Doesn't tend to snow in the towns only on the mountains. If you saw palm trees they were definitely imported!
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While on the river this weekend for my rowing/sculling class, I saw two live paddleboarders! I was so excited about it, that I got all out of sync on my rowing stroke - and that can be very bad in these teeny, tiny, wobbly boats. But, it looked very cool. Would loved to have asked them to let me try, but figured they might think I was a bit odd...maybe a lot odd...also, the thought of going down in that cold, not so clean river, didn't appeal to me...and I "might" have fallen a time or two before getting the hang of it :D
Cindy
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While on the river this weekend for my rowing/sculling class, I saw two live paddleboarders! I was so excited about it, that I got all out of sync on my rowing stroke - and that can be very bad in these teeny, tiny, wobbly boats. But, it looked very cool. Would loved to have asked them to let me try, but figured they might think I was a bit odd...maybe a lot odd...also, the thought of going down in that cold, not so clean river, didn't appeal to me...and I "might" have fallen a time or two before getting the hang of it :D
Cindy
Cool....are you rowing on the Chatahoochee Cindy?
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Cool....are you rowing on the Chatahoochee Cindy?
use to go tube rafting down the Chattahoochee when I cut class...er.... had time off from school... now, you wanna talk wonky head? Bobble head city! I don't know how you all do it! :)
Phyl
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One of the other great things about standup paddleboarding is what you can see from the board. Because you're vantage point is so much higher than a kayak or canoe you can see into the water much better. If you go out frequently, encounters with amazing creatures aren't all that uncommon. This is a online friend of mine who does these great travelogues of his SUP trips. His most recent encounter is pretty special though....read to the end of the pictures.
JB...you'll like this especially, Barwon Heads down in Oz.
http://www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=50338 (http://www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=50338)
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Awwww. I want one.
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Yes, it's the Chattahoochee, Bob...probably not as clean as it was when you were on it...on your "days off", Phyl. I have quite an incentive to STAY in that boat!
Cindy
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Very cool thread with awesome pictures. I'm ready to pack up and head there now, and I don't even surf/paddleboard/boogie board or nothing! :)
Ernie
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I have quite an incentive to STAY in that boat!
The Chattahoochee's got nothing on the Charles, right, Bob? I know all too well when I flipped a racing single on an early April day when the current was raging in one direction, the wind in another. It took three wash cycles before I gave up and tossed my rowing togs. "Love that dirty water. Oh, Boston, you're my home."
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I remember back when I learned to sail at community boating if you fell in the Charles you had to get a tetanus shot... :o
Here's the latest post in my quest for standup therapy.
http://newenglandsup.wordpress.com/2009/04/21/newport-jazz/ (http://newenglandsup.wordpress.com/2009/04/21/newport-jazz/)
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12 mile training paddle session today in preperation for CCBC 2009. 1st 7 were easy then the wind kicked up...headwind of course...last 5 into a 10-15 mph wind and chop was TOUGH. Good training though. Should have brought my fishing rod. Saw a large school of schoolie (small) striped bass that were cruising the shallows for bait fish. An ultralight rod with a plug on it would have been a lot of fun.
(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa317/stoneaxe/newenglandsup/training-long.jpg)
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Me too Cheri :o
Anne Marie
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Me three, Cheri and Anne Marie. I thought, 'gee, this brain looks a bit different - is that big white thing problematic?' I hadn't seen the subject line or Bob's explanation because I was just breezing through all the new posts starting at pg 10 to pg 1.
Bob, when you do these long training sessions, do you stand up the whole time? Or sit and rest some? You're 12 mile training session has inspired me to go out for a long run today!
Have fun!
Keri
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I'm with you guys. I couldn't figure out what the picture was either ::)
Jan
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Holy Moly - I thought that it was a scan too - I thought it was VERY new, CLEAR technology!! ;D
K
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LOL....boy that would be one scary scan..... ;D
Keri...yes I stand the whole time. I did take a short break at the end of mile 9 where I hit the beach after crossing the inlet. Miles 8 and 9 were the start of a stiff headwind and crossing the edge of the bank (the big white thing) always has strange seas with weird currents and chop. I didn't have my hydration pack on (silly) so I stopped to drink the small bottle of water I had in a fanny pack. I also stopped once to talk to a fisherman I see often to let him lnow about the fish I saw.
Went surfing for 4 hours today on Cape Cod...very messy choppy surf. It's an even better workout than the long distance stuff. It's a constant fight to stay standing and you have to fight your way back out through the whitewater...that's fun though. The surfing part while still good exercise is actually the easy part.
Very cool...I had paddle out a bit further than the waves were to look at some of the seals that were out there and as I'm standing there two minke whales surfaced about 50 ft away. It looked like they were having a race...just flying down the beach...man they are fast.
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You DON'T do this ALONE, do you? And seriously, stay hydrated! It's the mother in me. I love the image. What a glorious experience it must be, especially the marine life. We paddled out to visit the bald eagles yesterday. They seem to have something brewing in the nest as they are no longer sitting on it but rather tending something in it. Good luck with the training, Bob. There must be a little waterproof camera you could take along for the whale and bass sightings.
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Nancy...yes unfortunately I'm often alone for my training sessions. Occasionally I'll get together with someone but most of the distance paddlers around here are fairly widespread. I do have one friend close by but its tough to match schedules. Good news is my daughters boyfriend wants to start going out with me and he is on the way to the beach. He is thinking about joining me for the CCBC. We'll see if I encourage that or not. He is in good shape but has never surfed or done this before. I'm going to take him out one day this week with no wind and calm seas.
I usually surf with others...I was with two other guys on the Cape Saturday.
Amazing watching the raptors. We had a family of red tail hawks behind us years ago. I had been watching the hawks for a few weeks. 3 chicks, I'd seen them all learn to fly. One day I was outside with the girls amongst our trees (they were little then). We were sitting in the grass watching them...the parents flying in circles above the nest and then each of the young ones joined them. They caught a thermal just above us and started a lazy spiral higher and higher. As we watched the one that had flown the highest of them just flew off. We watched until it dissapeared. I remember telling the girls that that was what parents did, that it was our job to teach them how to fly and that it was their job to fly as high as they could. That someday they were going to have to fly without our help and we wanted them to be able to take care of themselves
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And now they do. Congratulations!
But I still think it's inadvisable to go out on the ocean by your lonesome. You do leave a flight plan, I'm sure.
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Nancy,
I think we would call it a float plan just to be correct! We leave a float plan when we go offshore for the night. I tell my wife not to call the Coast Guard until I don't come home by the second evening!! ;D Bob, just after this picture, we had six out of eight rods go down when a pack of albacore tuna came through our wake just after sunset!!
Keep paddling!!
Steve
(http://photos.imageevent.com/stevek/offshorephotos/websize/Sunset%20on%20the%20500%20Fathom%20Line.jpg)
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Seal - beautiful picture.
Bob - I'm with Nancy, I wish you wouldn't go off miles at see by yourself! How much 'stuff' can you take with you? Does it just sit there on your board or is it tied to it in case it goes overboard? Or do you just take water, gatorade, etc and no food and could you really fish from your board? Not that you would, if you're trying to go do a marathon on a paddleboard, just wondered if it were an option.
Nancy - your boating trip sounds great too.
Have fun!
Keri
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Flight/float plan for sure. I call Suzanne just before I hit the water an tell her how long i think i'll be out and call again when I'm back in. In the winter I call the harbor master as well...great guys...and wear a PFD. I'm about 2-2.5 miles from shore at the furthest point out on this route. It's actually pretty safe. Deep in Cape Cod Bay so even if something happened and I was forced out I'm still in the bay. I had to paddle back in against a sudden unexpected offshore wind of about 25 mph last year and while it wasn't particularly fun it just made for a great workout. 2 hours of hard paddling back to my car...in an emergency I could have gone north or south easier to land. I do usually carry my hydration pack and a few energy bars but foolishly went light on this one...won't do it again. I could feel the effects of dehydration working on my stamina ond balance 3/4's of the way through. I also need to hydrate better beforehand.
I've been thinking of getting a SPOT device so Sue can track me. Actually I'm hoping to get them to sponsor the CCBC so the kids can follow our progress. http://www.findmespot.com/en/ (http://www.findmespot.com/en/)
I'm really waiting for the iPhone to work a deal with Verizon...I'd love to have that with me for all kinds of reasons...emergency device, music, GPS, geocoded camera, web access for surf reports, weather....and 30,000 other apps. My brother just did the 1st of a few articles on his web mag about using the iPhone for SUP. Definitely has me sold. Amazing device...so much more than a phone....you can even use it as a kindle.
http://www.kenalu.com/2009/05/04/iphone-for-sup/ (http://www.kenalu.com/2009/05/04/iphone-for-sup/)
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Okay, I understood that whole thing until the last word. What's a kindle? Surely not kindling! ;D
I have the iPod Touch, but wish I had gotten an iPhone now that I see what it can do, especially since I already have AT&T.
Oh, well.
It sounds as though you have the safety issue covered, so we'll let you go out and play now.
Moms of the ANADF
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Hey Stoneaxe - I'm back paddling, 9 weeks post op! Have popped a pic up on my update thread - it's a good feeling! So far so good... will put more pics up soon!!
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Nancy...kindle is the eBook from Amazon. You can use an iPhone with a kindle account to download books.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00154JDAI/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=&ref=pd_sl_177pa6cuyf_e (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00154JDAI/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=&ref=pd_sl_177pa6cuyf_e)
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oh, yeah, i knew that ;D
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I had a fun 2.5 hour surf session on Cape Cod today. What was so interesting about it from a balance perspective was how much having a good visual reference means. First 1/2 hour it was very foggy....tough to differentiate between sky and sea....my head was swimming and I was falling a lot. Still managed to catch a few waves though...makes them all the more exciting... ::). Later the sun came out and gave me a clear horizon...my head cleared up along with it. No more falling...wave count went way up...I'm exhausted tonight.
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I only know what a kindle is because my older brother is hooked on his... ;D
Fun water session today. Sue, Jacqui and her dog.
(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa317/stoneaxe/newenglandsup/PICT0047.jpg)
(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa317/stoneaxe/newenglandsup/PICT0079.jpg)
(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa317/stoneaxe/newenglandsup/PICT0093.jpg)
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LOVE the paddleboarding dog ;D
Jan
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How long does doggie stay on that? I would do that paddleboard thing if it were always that shallow. I hate being over the water when I can't see what's under there.
Cool pictures!
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She was on with me for about 45 minutes and with Jacqui for about 15. This was her 1st time out...a little tentative with me but comfortable with Jacqui. She will also like it better when the water warms. She doesn't have much fur and was a little chilled.
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Great photos Stoneaxe - I think dogs love it out there on the boards eh? I don't have a dog sadly - perhaps I could take the birds out in their cage - think it would all end in tears if they fell off though! Think my photos are working now - photobucket seems to have got over itself.
Just about to head out now for another paddle, lovely day out!
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Doc says I'm nuts for thinking I'll be ready to paddle in the CCBC on Aug 15th even with a early June surgery date. I'm going to take it one day at a time and if I'm ready then i'll go. We'll see.
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You might be right - keep in mind it's about 9 weeks post op for me and I've just got out, but I could have probably 4 weeks ago - I just didn't have a board then! It's the tiredness that might get you.
I've just put a new vid up on the facebook Acoustic Neuroma group, it's not the best, but it's worth a look to see how well you can balance after surgery!
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=185147495292&oid=8190517727
Right, time for tea!
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I keep hearing warnings about the fatigue. I'm going to have to look into ways to combat that with training. The week before the event I don't do any paddling both to give everything a rest and to prevent any possible injuries that would prevent me from participating. Maybe lots of extra rest that week....and then a few energy drinks added to my hydration pack for the paddle... ;D
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My upcoming surgery should provide an opportunity for an experiment. I'll be interested to see if my balance actually improves post-surgery. I'm going to be working hard at getting myself back into shape for the paddle with a workout regimen that will include a lot of balance PT. Basically lots of light weight high rep workouts while on a balance disk and once I can get back into the water a 10 or 15 mile paddle each day. I know I may be dreaming but thats the idea now. I hope to push the envelpoe a bit... ;D
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I think that's all fine, Bob, but you will wear a PFD for the first few trips out, please?
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LOL...OK Mom.... ;D...I'm sure Sue will insist on not only that but also a training partner or at very least that I stay near shore.
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I've been made to wear a pdf now by the grown ups too! The other day I was wearing one dad gave me to wear and ended up on the beach on my way back teaching some kids how to paddle and the mum said, "did you get your pdf from a garage sale?" I said "yeah my dad got it from a garage sale", she said "here's a coincidence for you, it used to belong to her dad!" pointing to the little girl I was teaching!!! How funny! So there you go - it's all happening here on the pdf front!
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what's a PDF? sometimes on the forum i feel like i'm in a Tom Clancy book with many unknown acronyms!! (or maybe i'm just dense)!!
Hey JB - what happened to the other gal from Australia that I thought was going to have surgery this summer? You posted pictures of you all eating cake, I think. I forgot her name, and didn't know if she was still updating here. I was wondering how she was.
Keri
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what's a PDF? sometimes on the forum i feel like i'm in a Tom Clancy book with many unknown acronyms!! (or maybe i'm just dense)
Not at all, Keri. PFD is the acronym for Personal Flotation Device. They used to be called 'a life jacket'.
Jim
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I'll let you in on a secret Keri - I normally call them life jackets but because everyone else called them PFD I just joined in - I think PFD is more of a US phrase than an Australian one. Lupy is the girl from Melbourne due for her surgery - she's really well (I'm sure she won't mind me telling you). Her surgery is due to happen this Wednesday - same day as Stoneaxe. There may be a set back though - this weekend she got sick (not with Swine Flu - although she has been in hospital imposed quarantine for two weeks at her house so she could avoid getting it!) so she's going to call the surgeons tomorrow, but it may be that they have to postpone the surgery till she's better. Massive letdown if that is the case, but better to be safe than sorry - she's got a great attitude, but she's definitely quite disappointed. Poor thing. Hopefully they'll give her another date quite soon if they postpone it.
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So sorry to hear of your friend JB. Fingers crossed that she can still make the 17th. That's been one of my biggest concerns. I seem to catch every bug that comes around and wouldn't you know it Sue has come down with something the last few days 9and she never gets sick). We are keeping our distance...very difficult....I'm washing my hands, sterilizing is more like it, every 5 minutes.
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I got strep the week before I was to have surgery and they postponed it a few days - IF it would've have been less of an illness or infection, they would have gone ahead as planned but with a major infection, they had to wait!
K
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Back on the water...lots of training to do to get ready for the CCBC. Very excited to see my balance improve as a postie. Maybe my surfing won't stink so bad.... ;D
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You're doing awesome Bob! So cool. I'm heading back to the UK in a week and a half... eeek.... to go back to work, now tell me what you think of inflatable paddleboards? I think it might be the answer to the problem of A) not having a roofrack and B) not having any space to store a paddleboard and C) travelling back to Aus every so often. What thinks ye? Looks like they're ok for flat water and slightly wavey water which is fine for me, I'm not exactly hitting the big waves.... having said that we got a Tsunami warning on the TV the other night, so I was ready for some! I was a bit worried and thought I might put my wetsuit on and grab the board ready to go but then it ended up only being 20cm! Phew! Anyway, can't afford a ULI but found these couple of sites with boards in the UK, I think I like the red one best:
http://www.redpaddleco.com/home?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=4&category_id=2
http://www.longboardhouse.co.uk/longboard_house_surfshop_022.htm
cheerio
JB
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JB,
What's a ULI?
NM
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JB...the Uli is supposed to be a good board. I haven't tried one yet but lots of good reviews. I imagine the ones that Tim Mellors at the longboard house is making are pretty good too. I'd see if you can get some info on some of the SUP forums. Since you're headed back to the UK...this should be a good place to start. Pretty good community of SUPers in the UK. John Hibbard, admin of this forum and a championship windsurfer and SUPer is coming across the pond to paddle in the CCBC.
http://www.standuppaddlesurf.co.uk/phpBB2/index.php (http://www.standuppaddlesurf.co.uk/phpBB2/index.php)
As for durability and how good inflatables are in waves. Steamroller (guy in the orange hat) gives a Uli demonstration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeqIgbunLfs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeqIgbunLfs)
Did 12 miles Friday...I was beat...just 3 weeks of training left...yikes... :o
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Nancy - a ULI is a brand of inflatable paddleboard:
http://www.uliboards.com/
Thanks for those links Bob, shall check them out. Am defo leaning towards an inflatable - shall have a trial run first before I shell out though. Is John Hibbard the same guy that did the massive paddle to Westminster Bridge? My mate here Bryan sent me a link to it. Looked full on!
You'll be right for the CCBC, I'm sure of it! You'll be knackered, but you'll be able to do it I reckon. I went out today for my last paddle before I head back - Bryan and his partner Annie came up to go out with me and collect the board they lent me - was so nice to go out with other people. I've been flying solo for a long time and it's nice to have company out there! Middle of winter here and it was great out - wish I could stay!!!
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JB...yup...same John...CCBC should be easy for him. The UK forum has a spot to post where you can hook up with others. Definitely more fun with others and I've made some great friends through SUP.
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have a good trip back, JB. are you excited about going back? i guess it's not to easy to hop over to Australia on a regular basis.
Bob... impressed with your progress. i need to go find out about your bay challenge because i can't remember how far you're going.
nancy, how was your last week mri? how have you been doing?
Bob, sorry i'm using your thread as a free for all Q&A session!
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The paddle is 30 miles across Cape Cod Bay from Plymouth to Provincetown.
Paddled 3 miles with the boss today. Then paddled hard for 3 hours trying to catch cabin cruiser wakes...most rides were very short but I did get one 1/2 mile ride on the wake of one of the big tourist boats. Caused quite a stir with the tourists on the boat...they were all at the back of the boat waving and taking pictures... ;D
No worrries about the thread Keri...I think threads are like conversations....some of the most interesting stuff gats discussed when it goes off track for a bit. It can always be brought back on point.
Interesting sidebar to the CCBC. I'll be tracing in reverse a small segment of the journey one of my early ancestors, John Jenney..(Mom was a Jenney), made almost 400 years ago. http://www.jenney-jenne-family.org/ (http://www.jenney-jenne-family.org/)
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Oh, hi, Keri! I have no idea what the results of my MRI are. I'm enjoying summer! If they tell me, I'll pass it along. Otherwise, I'm not even thinking about it because I assume there ain't nothin' there. I have the CD, but who has time for that now?
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Thanks Keri! I am excited, kind of sad to leave, but excited to see my friends again. One day left to pack before I head to Melbourne. Aaaaarrrrgghgghgh! Too much to do!
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OK, JB, happy packing. I hope you find a good paddle group up there!
Nancy, I figured nothing was up with your MRI (the old no news is good news thing). I had seen it on the calendar so I just had to ask. Glad you're having a good summer!
Bob, happy training! As I was running yesterday in the heat, I thought 'I should take up this paddling thing.' NOT because it's easy, I'm sure it's hard... but I thought it would be cooler than running on a summer afternoon. Of course, I usually hate going in water that is cooler than anything in FL, so I guess I wouldn't last long. It just seemed refreshing at the time! Also, I had another training question... since you have to work up to a 30 mile paddle, do you build up your 'mileage' and then taper off a couple of weeks before the big event? That's what you do in marathon training. I didn't know if it was the same kind of principle.
Keri
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Hi Keri,
Yes we're following a typical marathon training process. Building up to a 20-25 mile paddle the week before. The last week will be focused on some easy cruises to keep the muscles loose and nutrition and hydration. I'm headed out for a solo 12 mile shoreline paddle today.
As for getting into it and water temp. I rarely am in the water these days unless I'm surfing and even that is intermittent. For flatwater workouts I only go in when I'm getting too hot. A refreshing plunge to cool down feels great especially on a hot day.
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JB...I meant to comment earlier about your links to the inflatables. I don't know too much about either but from what I've heard on the forums the custard point boards (longboard house) are well made. http://www.custardpoint.co.uk/ (http://www.custardpoint.co.uk/). The guy who owns the shop is Tim Mellors. He has a nice range in sizes available.
BTW...I've told the folks at http://www.standuppaddlesurf.co.uk/phpBB2/index.php (http://www.standuppaddlesurf.co.uk/phpBB2/index.php) that you are headed home and might be looking for someone to partner with for paddling. Always safer when you have a partner. Hope I wasn't too forward in explaining our reason for taking up SUP.
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JB...I just got a PM from the folks in the UK. If you are based in the southwest you might want to check out this:
http://www.reactivewatersports.co.uk/content.php?pid=49 (http://www.reactivewatersports.co.uk/content.php?pid=49)
They have a group paddle every Wednesday. Looks like they are having a SUP night and a BBQ this Saturday too....wish it was here... ;D
They have a blog about the group paddles too.
http://www.reactivewatersports.co.uk/content.php?pid=58 (http://www.reactivewatersports.co.uk/content.php?pid=58)
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PT told me I'm done tonight. She's very surprised at how quickly I've recovered. She may take up paddlesurfing herself... ;D
Left PT and went surfing for 3.5 hours in sloppy choppy high wind conditions...what a blast and a great workout...I'm beat. Only issue was covering my eye...surfing with one eye is tough... >:(
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Bravo, Bob. Watched JB's vid today and brought tears, laughter, and general sense of well being. Life is good. Weather not so good. Booked flights to Scotland/Ireland for October so looking forward to that.
Keep up the great progress!
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I guess paddleboarding should become the official recovery sport of the ANA!
Bob, no more problems with the leak from your ear?
Three weeks until your big event, right?
Keri
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Just came back to this thread...I think you jinxed me Keri.... ;)
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Don't jinx me too Keri! Ha ha! Thanks for those links Bob - I went out paddling on Monday night with a guy in Cambridge and got to try out a Red Air 11' inflatable. I was a bit worried as he said it sits a lot higher out of the water than a standard board and they have more of a rocking motion but it was fine, not that much different on the flat water and definitely softer under the feet! He's at www.fenpaddle.co.uk and was a really good guy - think I'll end up buying a board off him. Hope your head's feeling alright after the second look see, am thinking of you.
JB
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I'm very happy to say I don't have balance problems any more. I'll still be doing standup of course...big part of my life now.
That inflatable should be perfect JB. Easy to store, you can take it with you when traveling. I need to get one for that reason alone.
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Hi There,
I am so glad you are doing o.k. I was thinking about you and your paddleboating and was wondering how you were managing. Keep up the recovery.
Vivian
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Stoneaxe,
I thought of you today - I actually saw someone standup paddleboarding! I've never seen anyone doing that here before - maybe they're usually out there doing their thing in the mornings and I'm not usually at the beach that early. But today after I dropped the kids off at school, I went right to the beach. It was amazing to watch - once the poor guy got knocked over by a pretty big wave, and before you knew it, he was back up and on his way. I'm not sure I could balance that well on dry land!
Lori
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I thought of you this morning too but sadly, I was not experiencing the beach - I was at the gym burning 773 calories - & GMA had a story on about paddle "surfing" - is that the same??
K ;D
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Hi Stoneaxe,
I just got back from Santa Cruz California and was amazed to see some Standup Paddleboarders! Wow, how skilled they looked!!! I had seen a couple doing the same thing at li
Lincoln City Oregon, but didn't know what they were doing! I had an AHA moment at Santa Cruz. Looks like fun, but a bit scary to me! Be careful and enjoy!!!
Jackie
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Nice of you ladies to be thinking of me.
Getting knocked over by big waves is par for the course. I'm surprised he wasn't trying to catch it.
Yup...same thing as GMA...for those that missed it.
http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=5057.msg44373#msg44373 (http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=5057.msg44373#msg44373)
My brother just moved from portland to Hood River, OR so he could be closer to the water. He does a lot of downwinders in the Gorge. Lots of skilled surfers in Santa Cruz and standup has become very popular all along the Cal. coast.
I'm stiff and sore tonight after 3 hours of surfing in some sloppy choppy surf...great fun though and an unbelievable workout. This summers forced hiatus has me a bit out of shape. Won't take long to get back to where I was though....lots of paddling and surfing in the schedule. I'm determined to get into great shape for next spring...there are a number of races that I plan on attending. Looking to get down to a slim trim 230 lbs...(should be easy actually).
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A rough couple of outings Friday and Monday. Heavy winds 15-30 mph , lots of 2-3' chop, 5-6' surf, add 10-15 kt rip current on Monday. Got banged around pretty good. I've noticed that while I don't feel wonky headed anymore I still lose balance slightly for brief moments frequently. I'm hoping I can make friends with my new sense of balance.
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Much better day today...easy conditions and some fun little waves.
(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa317/stoneaxe/newenglandsup/newport-10-2009016.jpg)
http://newenglandsup.wordpress.com/2009/10/04/some-newport-glass/ (http://newenglandsup.wordpress.com/2009/10/04/some-newport-glass/)
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Looks like a great day, but I'll bet that water was cold!
Lori
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Not cold yet...cool perhaps...low 60's. I'm still in boardshorts. This time of year it depends on the air temp. It was sunny in the low 70's so it felt great. Actually got a bit warm with the black rashguard on. Hoping I get at least one more warm day before the wetsuit comes out for good.
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For me, anything below 82 degrees is too cold. My kids know not to drown unless the water is warm, or I won't be able to get in past my ankles to save them.
Lori
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When it comes to going swimming or going to the beach, I prefer the temps in Texas.
Great pictures, Bob! I have obviously done something to offend the picture place because now all my picture says is "EXPIRED" or inactive or something like that.
Keri
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I have obviously done something to offend the picture place because now all my picture says is "EXPIRED" or inactive or something like that.
Keri ~
Try opening a new account at PhotoBucket or going to a different free photo hosting site.
Jim
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I have obviously done something to offend the picture place because now all my picture says is "EXPIRED" or inactive or something like that.
Keri ~
Try opening a new account at PhotoBucket or going to a different free photo hosting site.
Jim
Actually photobucket is just complaining that you haven't visited them in a while. If you log in again, your account there should "wake up", and the pictures will display again.
Steve
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Definitely getting my sea legs back finally. Had a fun 4+ hours of surfing yesterday ..again in Newport. No pics this time since Sue stayed home but the waves were bigger and the wind was howling offshore...made the wave faces very steeep and paddling onto them tough...had to wait until the waves were at there peak to try and get on them then drop straight down. Most were quick, somewhat violent rides but the bigger waves coming in made for some nice long rides. Lots of waves and the tough workout had my arms cramping up afterwards....hit tub felt great last night... ;D
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It's a good thing I really enjoy the Apple Dumpling Gang brunches and catching up with everyone. I looked at the wave cams this morning and had a very hard time not heading to the Cape instead of Worcester. To put some salt in the wound....a friend posted this picture from todays wave session. This was on Nantucket but the Cape was pretty much the same.
(http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=5407.0;attach=5214;image)
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well, Bob... I, for one, was tickled you gave up a gorgeous day yesterday to be in Worcester! You look fabulous and glad you joined us. I know it was BRUTALLY hard to give up the waves for the day, but, think of it this way... your arm still got wonderful exercise with hand to mouth activity! :)
Phyl
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Another fun day in Newport.
(http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=5451.0;attach=5337;image)
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I love fall...always the best surf and the breaks are not crowded. Last couple of weeks have been great and I have a 13 mile downwinder planned for Friday and an all day surf session set for Sunday. Of course there is the thick carpet of oak leaves to deal with all over my yard but I have to set priorities... ;D
Balance has been good....different than it was but good. Still getting used to the change a little. Kind of strange...seems like pre-op my balance was better when it was good....but real bad when it was bad Now its a much more steady state but not quite as sharp.
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I just found this post. Wow dude you've got the stoke big time. Stoke can push you to perform miracles. I'm a surfer too, so I know. And the ocean has a way of just making everything ok.
What kind of earplugs do you use? I've been a little concerned about getting water in my ear.
DJ
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You have that right DJ. Nothing makes me feel better than a good day on the water.
I was just using some of the silicone plugs but I have stopped using them. It bothers me not being able to hear out there especially when there are folks around to talk to. I am making sure to ask whatever doc happens to be looking in my ears to check for signs of exostosis. No problems so far. Much more common the younger you are so i'm probably good.... ;D
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My first race last Saturday....a last minute thing. Lots of fun...didn't do too bad...was happy with my time. Even with air and water in the low 50's I was in board shorts and a rashguard.....sweating bullets after the 1st 1/2 mile. I need to lose some weight though to speed up. I figure if I lose about 40 lbs I can pick up another 1/2 mph. Going to get serious after the holidays.... ;D
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Going to get serious after the holidays....
Yeah, sure, that's what we all say. ;D
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Going to get serious after the holidays....
Yeah, sure, that's what we all say. ;D
How true. I've been saying that for a couple of years now; but I'm confident that 2010 will be the year! :D
Jan
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;D....Mark my words.....I know that losing it will help both my surfing and racing performance....lots of incentive.
I think I'll use this spot for milestone reports...keep me honest. Before, during, and after pics with weight reports. Our 1st CCBC series race is going to be sometime late spring...April likely...I'm going to shoot for 240 by then and 230 by mid August for the CCBC itself. I expect you ladies to keep me on track... ;)
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I think I'll use this spot for milestone reports...keep me honest. Before, during, and after pics with weight reports.
Yikes! :o
I'm not THAT brave! More power to you Bob - but don't count me in - at least not on the weight reports and pictures! :D
Jan
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Very cool...I have a trainer....long distance , web based but she is going to help me get focused on diet and exercise. Just filled out a bunch of questionnares to give her a baseline. I had posted a question on a standup forum about the benefits of losing weight, wondering what kind of speed increase I might see and she volunteered to help me out. One of the things she does is to use standup as an integral part of fitness training.
http://www.nikkigregg.com/ (http://www.nikkigregg.com/)
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Fun 5 hours of surfing today. I've noticed that my balance has been improving the last couple of times out. Last session was in head high waves and lots of chop on the Cape but I felt good. Saw a couple of small whales surface just 50 ft away...I think they were pilot whales but not sure...just saw the dorsal fins and a bit of their backs. Today's session started out with glassy conditions so I was practicing trying to get to the nose. Then the wind shifted and it got bumpy. Spent a lot of time in the impact zone practicing getting over whitewater....getting hit with waist high whitewater every 10 secs will definitely challenge your balance. Unbelievable exercise....body is on fire tonight.
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Are you out of your MIND?!!! It's December, Dude!
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Speaking of being out of one's mind, I've just purchased my first ever Stand up paddleboard and paddle! I knew there was a reason I was doing 20 hours of overtime a week!
Should receive it this week, will post photos of me out in the cold with it! Will need to cut down my paddle though, it's WAY too big for me... it's Stoneaxe sized!!! I'm a mini person so I'll have to make it lots shorter. Paddleboarding is OFFICIALLY growing on the AN forum!!!!
xx
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JB -
can't wait for the pictures!
Jan
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Especially the photos from the jungles of Thailand. Is it an inflatable one?
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Not cold yet..it was a nice day on Monday. As long as the sun is out and its not windy I'll still go out down to around 15 deg F. If its cloudy and windy down to about 30 or so...depends on how good the surf is.... ;D. I am starting to workout more inside again though... >:(
Great news JB. What board and paddle did you get? If you cut down the shaft yourself make sure you don't go too short. Start out at least 8" overhead and try that 1st. How you install the handle and how you cut it will depend on the brand.
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It seems I no longer "need" to do standup. I've just gone through a period 3 weeks of no water time and unlike in the past no balance issues cropped up. Almost a bad thing...now when the honeydo list gets in the way of surf time I have no excuse of "needing" to get on the water..... ;D
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Bob, I have it on good authority that despite your apparent acquisition of functional balance ability without paddle-boarding, it is imperative that you maintain your physical activity level on an ongoing basis, otherwise it will all slip away. I know you wanted to stay home and help around the house, but medical necessity comes first.
;D
Steve
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Bob -
just don't tell the honey the good news - and maybe she won't catch on ;)
Your secret's safe with us ;D
Jan
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;D
Unfortunately she already knows...good thing is she also understands the depth of my passion. A Bob that has been on the water is a happy Bob. In a very good mood tonight. No surf but I went out for a 4+ hours paddle on glassy seas. Perfect conditions for looking into my own private aquarium. I could see the bottom in 20 feet of water. A small of seal was playing around nearby...every once in awhile it would swim close, go under my board and pop up on the other side to watch me. Stayed with me for almost an hour. Wish I'd had a mask and fins with me...would have been fun to swim with it.
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;D
A Bob that has been on the water is a happy Bob.
Yep, you can replace Bob with Steve, and its the same in my house. Sounds like you are making good progress too, Bob. I think all the time this summer on the boat fishing was the best vestibular training possible. I also received a bosu ball for Christmas to help with balance training. So far, the bozu is really helping with my balance issues which by now are very minimal. Good to see your out on the water already!!
Steve
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This one is for Joe Bloggs.....look familiar JB?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CA7CodeY1I (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CA7CodeY1I)
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Steve...the bosu's are great. Try inverting it and standing on it while doing dumbbell curls. Balance therapy and great core workout all at once.
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Thanks for the tip Bob. I tried the inverted ball already and it was interesting. I'll try it with the weight tomorrow and see what happens. Funny, but the bozu is more popular with the kids from the 3 yr old who jumps on it while watching PBS to my 13 yr old soccer girl who is using it for balance and core workouts! I'll have to start taking a number like at the supermarket!
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Bob,
Greetings from Bangkok... just about to jump on a plane to Dubai, but just wanted to let you know brought my paddleboard here and absolutely rocked it. Was paddling around a huge lake in the jungle - like 60km long, was great fun. Will post photos soon - almost everyone on the yoga retreat had a go - naturally they were all fantastic at it having well honed balance skills!
lots of love
JB xx
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Happy Birthday, Stoneaxe! Don't spend the whole day on the water!!!!
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Yikes...just realized how long its been since I was on here.
That sounds awesome JB....I've been following your travels on FB. Some very funny stories. Be careful young lady.... ;D
Thanks for the birthday wishes Nancy...I didn't get in the water at all on my birthday....too sore from the day before... ;D
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It was awesome, super awesome. Really helped my balance - not that it's that bad now, but it's still a bit wonky sometimes. Keep meaning to post photos... will do that tonight!!!
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JB...I hope you do manage to come over for the CCBC this year. Its shaping up to be an amazing event. Sponsors jumping on, big parties getting planned (at least 3 and more likely 4), some races leading up to the event. Getting bigger everyday. Our goal is a bit ambitious this year....we've started thinking we may be able to reach $100,000. That would be enough to host 20 kids and their families at Christopher's Haven while the kids are getting treatment at Mass General. We have paddlers emailing form all over talking about coming out...a crew from Hawaii, some from Calif...you and possibly one or two more from the UK. I can't wait...getting very exciting.
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I'd love to come, so much. I seriously thinking about it - why so serious? Because it's about £500 just to get over there, money is tight this year and jobs security is an issue. Trying to work out how I can sort it out to come over. We'll see. I will keep paddling with an eye to coming over, but as per usual it will all come down to cashola! Sounds like it will be amazing though!! x
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can't you just paddle on over from the UK?
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Sorry i've been missing for a bit folks...crazy busy with the new job and planning for the 2010 CCBC...shaping up to be an amazing event this year, lots more paddlers, great new sponsors, crazy exciting. Not only are we doing the CCBC but we are having multiple races, parties, and other events associated with it. The premier race event is going to be July 17th on the Charles River in Boston...hosted by Community Boating with the race in the basin between the Mass Ave and Kendall bridges. There will be demos available before, during and after the race, and a fun after party on the docks. The Cape race is going to be an exciting event at Whitecrest beach June 12th, with a vewry visible route and beach run relay....if there are waves that day its going to be mayhem in the beach break... ;D. We have a few other parties planned as well being hosted at area pubs.....much thanks to Wachusett Brewing and their wonderful sponsorship.
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Wish I could come... will see if I can do some extra overtime!!
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Hi Stoneaxe/Bob...just wanted you to know that you have another recruit..took me awhile to get down to the Jersey Shore and get on a paddleboard...but I loved it!!!!!!! Fell off a few times but all in all it was fabulous and my instructor (I took a lesson) was very impressed with my balance considering I only have one side! Thanks for introducing this to me...what a great workout!(http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad312/ccamroberto/paddleboarding/th_dad-mothsandpaddleboarding171-1.jpg?t=1281215783) (http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad312/ccamroberto/paddleboarding/th_dad-mothsandpaddleboarding167-1.jpg?t=1281216193)
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Fantastic!!! Now there are three of us!
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Awesome, Cheryl! I still would love to try it one day...keep inspiring us, you guys (Bob, JB and Cheryl)! Thanks for sharing, Cheryl...
Cindy
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I'm going to try this. I'm having post-treatment balance/equilibrium problems. I'm very active - triathlete (swim/bike/run). We go boogie boarding all the time, and I've tried surfing a time or two. Also, lots of canoeing and some kayaking. I'm going to see a neuro-otologist soon, and hope to learn more about my various issues. I'm surely thinking I won't need vestibular or balance therapy, since I'm so active. I've noticed this thread a number of times, but hadn't really thought about it until my balance problems came up. There's a parks/rec place here that does paddleboard lessons. Will keep you posted.
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Very stoked to see the new recruits. Happy to let anyone try if you're in the New England area.
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WOW!.....shocked to see this thread has 11,000 views. Now we just need to get some more folks paddling..... ;D
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bob,
what happened this year with your annual paddleboarding fundraiser event that you had to miss last year? did you do it? i've been off and on the forum so i might have totally missed your story on it!
keri
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Hi Keri,
It was amazingly successful. I did complete it this year. We doubled in size again...42 paddlers and raised in excess of $70,000 (final count still not in). The whole series of events we did this year was were great. I posted some pictures here... http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=13070.0 and am adding a video.
Bob
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It's a small world. We have a paddler joining us from Philadelphia for this years Cape Cod Bay Challenge. He'll be the second postie to paddle Cape Cod Bay.
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A little bump for this post. I wanted to make sure that any new readers understand just what this can do. First I need to aplogize for not being here very often. So crazy busy with work and planning the 2011 Cape Cod Bay Challenge....75 paddlers are registered for this years crossing. We're ontrack to raise over $100,000 for the kids. SUP is seeing explosive growth here on the east coast this year. Races and other events every weekend. My new life is SO much fun.
I tell folks frequently that a brain tumor was one of the best things that ever happened to me. 4 years ago i thought I was going to live with balance problems forever. These days I have people complementing me on my surfing. I still have a hard time believing what's happened. Standup paddleboarding and the CCBC has brought so much into my life. The balance therapy it offers absolutely blows away anything else you can do, at least thats been my experience. Add to that the great friendships I've found and the overall strengthening and zen like peace of mind it offers...the change in my life is beyond what words can express.
To see what the CCBC is all about...http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org/
I hope you all find something that can help you the way SUP has helped me.
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I was just thinking about you, Bob!! We are going on a cruise next week & one of the excursions is SUP!!
Hope you are doing well!
K ;D
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So, Kay, are you going to try it??
Jan
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I would if it were just us but we will have the kids do have to find something that's a fit for everyone...plus, I don't think Dave would like it. Probably go sailing instead!
K ;D
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Kids love SUP! I have to bring all my boards with me when I go to my nieces house. ALL the kids want to go and there are sometimes 2 or 3 on a board.
I'd assume a cruise SUP exursion will be on calm waters and will require a PFD. It will be very safe and kids take to it ridiculously easy. Wear a pair of polarized sunglasses and its like paddling over an aquarium.
It really is amazing the growth of the sport this year. I see boards everywhere.
Go for it Kay!
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When i come in here and see folks struggling to get back to normal it brings back some bad memories of the days before I started doing this. I feel somewhat guilty both for not being here as often as I used to and for feeling so normal. It's tough to find enough time these days. I'm working..usually more than a full week...and i spend a couple hours a night on the planning of the CCBC events (labor of love but a lot of work).
Here's a video of last year events and one that will have you understand why we work so hard on the CCBC (fingers crossed that we raise over $100,000 this year for the kids). If you have a couple extra bucks it would be awesome if you could help me help the kids.
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/robert-babcock-1/capecodbaychallenge-1 (http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/robert-babcock-1/capecodbaychallenge-1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCXWMs7PjVk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H6guZQNjTI
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Hi Bob,
Great to hear from you and to see you're still at it and the Cape Bay Challenge events are going so well!
We biked the other day to Annapolis ... someone was doing the paddleboarding. One of my cycling friends said, "look - it's kind of like windsurfing without the sail!" I informed them it was called paddleboarding and that one of my brain tumor friends does a lot of that too!
Keri
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Nice to hear you're biking. I still have a hard time on a bike. Not bad if I look straight ahead but if I look down at all it can get interesting..... ;D
CCBC was off the charts successful this year. We're going to be north of $130,000 raised when all the counting is done. A LOT more notice and PR this year. If you happen to see a copy of Standup Paddle Magazine on your newstand (Vol 3 No 3 with a mountain lake on the cover) check out page 100.... ;D
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Thought i'd give this post a bump. From the looks of some of the other posts it seems folks could use some encouragement.
Find something you love that challenges your balance and do it often. I think standup is so effective because of the broad flat horizon allows for better reference for the mind as it resets your balance to be more visual.
If anyone is interested in trying out standup give me a yell. If you're in the Boston area I can help directly. Maybe we can do a AN standup demo for a bunch of us. Elsewhere...I have lots of folks I know all over and may be able to hook you up. Best thing about standup is that while your learning falling doesn't hurt..... ;D
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Hi Bob,
I did a little ice skating in January. It frightened me at first, but the workout, the leg strengthening and the cool crisp air did wonders to all the other horrible things going on between my ears. Your outdoor activities are very encouraging. I miss being on a boat, perhaps I need a little more time.
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You're braver than I was Chances. Ice skating was definitely not in the cards for me when I took up SUP and I used to be an avid skater. Friends and I would rent out the Boston University rink overnight and play hockey for hours and hours. I think my tailbone is thanking me for not skating... ;D. All good now though...i don't have the moves I used to have but skating is still a great way to get out and enjoy exercise.
I fell constantly when I first started paddling so it was nice to have a soft landing. Keep working at pushing your limits but try to be safe while doing it. A tough combination but possible with proper precautions.
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So good to hear from you, Bob. Glad the paddleboarding is still going great!
I'm into trail running. It's funny, I can walk around slowly in my house, and stumble a bit like I'm tipsy, but stick me on a single track trail with roots and rocks and hills and... I love it!
Keri
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Speaking of kids loving SUP in an earlier post.
A couple weeks ago I took my two year old granddaughter out with me paddling along the shore of Plymouth beach. I've been planting the seed for awhile and she was really excited to get out with me. She's watched me paddle and surf many times but this was the 1st time on the board with me paddling. As we paddled down the shore she was yelling to everyone within earshot "I'M SURFIN" and waving to anyone that paid attention...just about the whole beach... ;D. The following weekend I was getting ready for a race, strapping boards onto my truck when she came out of the house with one of my paddles..."We goin surfin?" she asked... ;D ;D. This weekend we were in a friends surf shop getting a new bathing suit for my wife. Another customer asked my granddaughter if she liked going to the beach. Hands on hips as if to say of course she replied "I'm a surfer girl"..... ;D ;D ;D. The hook is set deep, I can't wait to get her a board!
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As someone newly diagnosed and just starting my AN journey it is really encouraging to see people enjoying life after treatment, not only getting back to 'normal' but pushing further than they did even before the diagnosis/treatment.
Super cool!
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Thanks Bluesky....I often think back to 2003/4 when this part of my journey started and how scared I was and of 2007 and of how frustrated and depressed I was. It seems truly amazing to now think that one of the best things that ever happened to me was a brain tumor. I hope everyone here finds their own path to better times and happiness.
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Went for a nice paddle today with Sue.
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=206592557295182951124.0004c4d71f59210913f12&msa=0 (https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=206592557295182951124.0004c4d71f59210913f12&msa=0)
Surfing tomorrow. Hope these guys stay south.
(http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=16737.0;attach=22909;image)
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Thanks for the posts on paddleboarding. I tried it for the first time in the Cascade Mountain Lakes last weekend. Very fun and a great therapy for balance!!!!!
karen
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I do notice paddleboards almost every ocean side place I go (which is not a lot, but a couple of places this summer).
However, those posts about the sharks make me a bit more inclined to stick to trail running and biking!!
Glad you're still at it and that others are giving it a shot too.
Keri
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I've been having some headaches and a little dizziness lately....bothersome development. I'm hoping my head is clear for next Saturday's CCBC. That's a long way to feel wonky. It's the 5th Anniversary...any one interested in coming down for the awesome after party in Wellfleet you can register here. http://capecodbaychallenge.memberlodge.com/ (http://capecodbaychallenge.memberlodge.com/)
Great food, Wachusett Brews, Barefoot Wines, and a fun band all included and some great raffle/auction items.
I did a 25 mile charity paddle a few weeks ago and really struggled in the conditions that day (very bumpy from 10 different directions). We don't usually see that kind of confused waters for the CCBC since it's mostly open water not near shore with 100's of boats around but the additional 11 miles will take a toll too.
We have 80+ paddlers making the crossing this year...going to be fun....I hope...... ;)
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Bob - hope you're doing okay. Keep us posted. Excited about your upcoming CCBC event. Hope the waters are just perfect!
Keri
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Thanks Keri..
Thought you all might like to see what the day looked like. We had a helicopter with a photographer up to take aerial photos of the start. don't let the glassy waters fool you...this was the hardest one yet. Headwinds built throughout the day and we finished the last 8 miles (38 total) paddling into 10-15 mph headwinds and chop. 12 hours from start to finish. I actually had to get in the boat for part of it when I started getting some serious pain in my left back/shoulder and couldn't keep up the minimum pace...that was a first for me. there's a picture on the last page of me with my daughter and grandaughter at the finish...she did it for the 1st time this year (daughter not granddaughter... ;D)
http://clairehassett.smugmug.com/StandUpPaddle-1/Cape-Cod-Bay-Challenge-2012/25001392_jVxs7S#!i=2048437498&k=tHbhqWM (http://clairehassett.smugmug.com/StandUpPaddle-1/Cape-Cod-Bay-Challenge-2012/25001392_jVxs7S#!i=2048437498&k=tHbhqWM)
and some from the support boats with some commentary.
http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=17312.0 (http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=17312.0)
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These pictures were fun to see. It looked like a successful event. I plan to paddle board in our mountain lakes as soon as I'm a bit more stable walking on uneven ground.
Karen
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Hi Karen,
No need to wait...falling in doesn't hurt and you may see improvement in your balance if you do it enough. When I first started I was falling in constantly but it was pushing through it and retraining my system to be more visual that made all the difference. You need to work at it to get yourself back some semblance of normalcy. If you just wait for it to happen you may find yourself waiting a long time.
Bob
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Thank you for your encouragement and helping me see that I don't need to wait. I assume a month after surgery it's okay to be submerged in water, etc.? It does look like the perfect exercise for us! Thanks again.
Karen
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Talk to your Dr. of course but mine (Dr. Mckenna at MGH) let me get back on the water 1 month from surgery in 2009
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Have a buddy and wear a life jacket! I was an expert swimmer prior to surgery and it took me several months to get comfortable in the water, mostly from disorientation in temperature shock. Ive been boating for a month with lotsa standing, Last weekend got on a paddle board, it was tough and I spent more time on my knees than standing but it was fun. Karen at 1 month post op I found 2-line kites fun, changing and invigorating, tracking a moving object up-down up-down and side to side (eye balance exercises!) controlling it and balancing, I added barefoot and did walking exercises at the same time to get my pressure sensors rockin, now I can hike a hillside in moonlight :))
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After reading (on this list) what good therapy paddle boarding could be, I rented a paddle board last weekend and had a wonderful work out in trying to stay balanced on the board! Yes, this is a perfect therapy for those of us challenged with vestibular issues.
Thanks for the recommendation!!!
Karen
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That's great...glad to hear you had fun. Str8 has it right...be sure to be safe and wear a lifejacket/PFD. I don't wear one surfing but for all my distance paddling I use a beltpack inflatable. We require one at all our events. Be careful around docks and such and rocks. If/when you fall try to fall flat
Speaking of surfing....one of the things I find most amazing is the fact that I can not only surf...but I can surf well according to a lot of folks who should know that have seen me. I think in some ways the change to my balance caused by the AN has me looser than I was before...more free flowing. I surfed for 6 hours in beautiful glassy surf from Leslie on Sunday and I could do no wrong. When I first jumped in I caught and surfed hard on 3 nice chest high waves and fought my way back out through the whitewater and never fell or even got my hair (what little I have) wet..... ;D. I went out right at sunrise and was standing there thinking after those rides. The sunrise was beautiful and I felt so extraordinary. Sunday was the 6th year anniversary of the 1st time I ever got on a standup board. The contrast from that day to this couldn't be more shocking. I still wonder if I'm dreaming sometimes.
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So, any advice about what to look for in purchasing a board? Feel free to PM me if you have suggestions. I LOVE this sport. Even my husband got hooked when he realized it might help us both with balance in skiing this winter. Really, thank you!!
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sorry for the slow response, haven't been on lately.
It's very easy to get hooked, you'll soon want two boards so you can paddle together.... ;D.
Getting a board depends somewhat on where you live. In areas where it has become popular you can find deals on used gear in Craigslist or used boards at shops. I would suggest demoing as many boards as possible but in general an all around shape from one of the bigger manufacturers is usually the safest way to go. The wider the board the more stable but you don't want it so stable that it isn't providing therapy. A lot depends on your size too...it's all very personal, a board that fits me at 6-4 260 lbs, won't be suitable for a small light woman.
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I thought I'd bump this thread. I'd love to see more folks benefit from this. I was thinking a few days ago about how I might get more folks to try it. I was also thinking about this years CCBC and had a thought I might try and combine the two. I'm going to be giving free one hour SUP lessons this summer in Plymouth asking folks to donate whatever they can to the cause. It will be a lot of fun and you'll get a chance to see and try a wide variety of boards...I now have 6 of them ranging from 9' to 14' long.
Just thought I would float this out there and see if might be interested....nice to think about summer with a big storm on the way.....big surf coming...wahhoo... ;D
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An unplanned experiment has really cemented my thoughts on the benefits of SUP. This has been a long winter. I got sick (chest/head cold) that stayed for two months, all of November and December. That, coupled with a crazy schedule at work (caused by having to play catch up from being sick and the return of my headaches) conspired to keep me off the water for pretty much all of 4 months. The return of my balance problems came slowly, occasional bumping into door frames, slight stumbles, a building wonky head. I even had a little vertigo near the end causing some sleep problems (spins when I closed my eyes).
When I finally got back on the water a few weeks ago it was in some tough conditions but nothing I hadn't done many times before. I knew I was a little out of shape and I was concerned about the wonkiness but I wasn't prepared for the beating I took. It was terrible, I couldn't even paddle out through small whitewater. I fought for a 1/2 hour and finally just barely managed to get outside during a short lull in the waves. I dropped to my board and just rested for a bit before getting back to my feet. It was still horrible, I kept falling, conditions that I reveled in just a few months ago I couldn't begin to handle. I realized that I stood a good possibility of hurting myself. I caught one wave and rode it to the beach.
So I recommitted, I've been paddling a lot, my balance has come back, I surfed for 4 hours in some big waves last week (fortunately in much nicer conditions) and just got back from my 1st trip to the mountains for some skiing since this whole AN journey started. I took it easy, no bumps or jumps, no fast fast (which was how I used to love to ski) since I would hate to hurt a knee or something and interfere with water time. Mostly just cruising...I didn't fall once. A couple of weeks ago before getting back on the water I would have had to cancel the ski trip.
It made me realize just how important this is to me. Standup is unique as a form of therapy. The obvious balance challenge combined with the broad horizon and the fact that falling into water is a lot less likely to injure than a similar activity could on land makes it just about perfect.
On another forum where I am much more active about ...surprise...standup paddleboarding a recent discussion came up about "Never stop going". The demographic for standup is older...kind of like this forum... ;D. Lot's of older guys and girls with injuries or issues. Pushing through and working hard makes all the difference and the the main point of the post being it's easier to keep the momentum going rather than stopping and starting. Get out there and find something that keeps you going, wanting more. Something that even when you don't really feel like doing it makes you feel good when it's done. Never again will I be off the water that long unless absolutely unable to go.