What is #SUP? Say that fast three times!
Posted In: Me | SchoolBOX | Video July 9th, 2012 divider No Comments »I did the StandUp for CHEO fundraiser yesterday. One word for it: Awesome!
For those who don’t know what Stand Up Paddling is, it’s basically a surfboard with a long paddle. It sounds easy but it’s a bit tricky at first to get the balance thing down. But oh so much fun!
While I was on the 18k trek from Mooney’s Bay to the NAC and back, I had time to think about the similarities between SUP’ing and life. It took us about five hours when you include the locks and all! Here are the highlights:
- Be efficient: Like most sports now, a lot of the success on a board has to do with using your core. You can just use your muscles but you will run out of steam in a short while. Sounds a bit like ChiRunning…
- There’s a method to the madness: Further to the first point, there’s a technique to SUP. It really helped to have a few experienced paddlers around. And like everything in life, a few tips from knowledgeable folks when you’re a novice makes a world of difference.
- Right equipment helps: I had been using my Mom’s board (board are basically rated for different weights and different usage) so using a board more suited for my size made a world of difference. Is your equipment right for you in your day-to-day? If not, it would be worth the time to make it happen now!
- Don’t take yourself so seriously: I was trying out different boards after the event and took a pretty nice wipeout trying to turn around a displacement board in the windy conditions. I might have looked like a tool but I enjoyed the refreshing dip!
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And for those who missed it, here is my interview on CTV Morning Live I did last week for the upcoming CTV Presents Amazing People Gala in support of SchoolBOX.
And interested folks, see schoolbox.ca/gala for all the details. Tickets went on sale last week and it’s bound to be a sell-out!