I’m away on an annual vacation on Cape Cod. I love this trip where a large group of friends and family rent a property and spend great quality time together. We cook great meals, have a book club chat, and play various outdoor or indoor games. We also have a spaghetti sauce match and other new and old traditions.
One of the Pastafarians is a young woman I’ve known since she was born. Her dad and my older brother became friends in college. You all also know her from her regular comments here on the blog. Hi, Hope!
Hope has read this blog pretty much from the beginning. She knows about my NSVs and Promise List. Yesterday, she was instrumental in making it possible for me to accomplish one of the goals from my Promise List. Paddleboarding!
I will have photos at some point but I didn’t bring the cord to transfer images from my camera to my computer. Be patient. I will share after I get home.
Hope, one of her sisters and brothers in law and I went down to the bay yesterday. Hope demonstrated the technique of strapping the leash to the ankle, starting off on her knees and getting to stand upright to paddle. After she took her turn, it was time for me to try.
I was really wobbly at first, trying to find my balance point even while still on my knees. Then I slowly got to my feet, still wobbly on the board, and carefully started to paddle in short strokes. I called on my Tai Chi techniques to center myself.
Hope called out, “Mary, your left foot is offline. If you move it in line your balance will be better.”
“If I move, I’ll fall over!” I answered. It felt like I would.
Triumphant, I stayed upright for my first foray and maneuvered back to shore. When the others took their turns, I thought I’d try again. This time I found my balance faster and kept it without wobbling. This helped my confidence so I paddled in longer strokes and was better able to navigate a turn or two.
Feeling downright celebratory, I returned to shore. My friends celebrated with me. Hope in particular knew what it meant for me to try this out. I now have it in my head that getting my own paddleboard will be a very cool thing. I could launch right from my sea wall and paddle around the harbor for good core and upper body work.
I might practice in shallow water a bit before venturing out too far. On my own I’ll wear a life vest for safety too.
While I work on this plan, I’m going to bask a bit in the pure glow of marking Done next to another item on my list.
Thanks, Hope!
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We went out again today so I added photos of me and Hope in action.
Weighty Matters 
Hi, Mary! I’m so proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished. Thanks so much for letting me be a part of your journey. 😀
How wonderful! Yes, that is an incredible idea; paddling around the harbor on that beautiful clear water. You will get a great view of everything happening above board, around the harbor as well as under the board too.
Sounds like a great trip. I’m so happy for you!
Holly
I didn’t fall off today either but, while standing in deeper water, tested my ability to climb back on the board. I don’t quite have enough upper body strength yet. Until I do, I can’t venture out too far from shore. A good goal to work on in the coming months.
Pastafarians. Ohmygawd I laughed at this. I’ve never heard it before!
Yay on the paddleboarding!!!!
Susanne
Yay! How awesome for you, both being able to cross another item off your promise list and doing something adventurous and successful! I’m so impressed that you didn’t fall in the water; I would probably have wobbled just thinking about falling, and then I would have fallen. I love that you channeled your Tai Chi to help with your balance. I’m glad you are having such a fine vacation with your friends and family.