The first time I ever saw someone on a paddle board was years ago in one of those Celebrity gossip magazines. It was either Jennifer Aniston or Cameron Diaz in the ocean, balancing on what looked like a surf board with a paddle in hand. The article said something about what a great exercise paddle boarding was and how great it is for the core muscles. Both actresses have amazing athletic bodies. I really wanted to try it! Didn’t ever think I would be anywhere that I could paddle board. It seemed like a West Coast sport, not an East Coast thing. (Sometimes I think in a previous life I lived in California.)
Well guess what? I finally tried it! Last year actually. I had a few hours without the kids last Summer and went out on a lake for an hour. It was very easy actually. I enjoyed the sun as it kissed my skin. The sky was very blue that day and the clouds were fluffy cotton balls. I paddled out to the middle of the lake and sat on the paddle board. Breathed in the Summer air. Then….a black fly started biting my leg. Ouch! What the heck are you supposed to do in the middle of a lake when a black fly starts to attack you? Not cool. Not cool at all little black fly. Ruining my zen moment. Time to paddle back.
As peaceful as the paddle board experience was, I wish I had a friend out there with me to enjoy the scenery. Not the fly.
Fast forward to this Summer. My husband and I had a few hours without the kids so I suggested we go to Marsh Creek State Park for a few hours and go paddle boarding and kayaking! He agreed! Woot!
He didn’t think he could balance on a board so it was is idea to get the kayak.
Marsh Creek Boat Rental
We decided to go out on the lake for an hour. I love Summer time!!!! Just a few instructions from the rental people and we are off. The board looks brand new and it looks a bit wider then last years. I notice the name on the board is Naish. Cool. First, you start off kneeling, then you get yourself up to a standing position and balance yourself. I can already feel my shoulders getting a workout from the paddling. My feet hurt a little unfortunately because we were standing all night long at a Dave Matthews Band concert. (good times)
It really is a nice view of the lake as you are standing on the board. This time no flies to bother me and I have company. Paddle Boarding is a very social sport. We talk to a man who goes by on his kayak. And we met a few others along the way. Then I convince my husband that he should try it too. We make our way over to the other side of the lake to switch. Paddle Boarding a a fun sport to do, but it is also a great workout. I am definitely feeling it in my arms, shoulders and abs. And if you can find something that doesn’t feel like a chore to do and it helps you stay in shape then its a two thumbs up from me! On the other side of the lake we found the hiking trails and people horse back riding. I feel another challenge in the near future. (Horse Back riding)
My husband did a good job for his first time on a paddle board. But guess what found him!? A horse fly! They are worse then black flies. He nearly lost his balance and almost ended up in the lake. LOL. If only I had a video camera.
I enjoyed the kayaking too. Definitely relaxing. It is a great for toning and strengthening the upper body. It is pretty easy to do too. If you have bad knees and are looking for some cardio, kayaking could benefit you. I preferred the paddle board. It had better views of the lake and I felt it was more relaxing and more of an overall toning.
The kayak that we rented that day was a good size for my husband but too wide for me. My fingers kept getting smashed into the sides of the kayak when I paddled. Now I know that kayaks come in different shapes and sizes. He liked the paddle board better too.
Next time we go out on the lake, I might try the Yoga class on the paddle board or the kayak or paddle board racing. Fun right? I took a photo of all the kayaks so you can see the differences of shapes, colors and sizes.
If you would like more information on all the different kinds of water sports that Marsh Creek State Park has to offer click here.
I also checked out the website where the paddle board came from. They are called Naish and are from Hawaii. We might be purchasing one for next Summer. Awesome board and awesome site! Naishsurfing.com
Hopefully this weekend I will be able to try Marsh Creeks Yoga on a Paddle Board. The class is free. I just need a paddle board. Can’t wait to try it!
Big yellow kayak
Kayak lake view
Different types of kayaks
Paddle Boarding
Paddle Boarding
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