Paddling Your Cares Away (and trying something new)

Over the last 2 years, I decided to try something new. I realized how much I loved being around water and after floating many time in a dingy in one of my favourite lakes – Dogtooth Lake in Rushing River.

Each time I was in my little boat, I would see folks paddleboarding past me and me saying ”I need to try that one day”. What an odd concept I thought – someone kayaking standing up but doing this would also mean that I would spend more time on the water, which to me is just soothing.

So setting my mind to it, I set out and got myself an inexpensive paddleboard, not knowing if I would like this or not. But off I went, with little to no research and got myself a board and turns out I liked it. I was so eager to get my board in time for the lake, that I found almost the first one I located online. (I would highly recommend in the future doing more homework than I did because…

Funny story – after using it a few times, and friends using it, we realized that I actually bought a junior paddleboard! Oh well, but I tried it and I liked it so upgraded this past summer to an iRocker paddleboard and loved it.

When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.”

– Rumi

Bliss Reflection #2

Being on the water, lightens my load. Whether its the sights or sounds on the lake or the gentle movement of the board on the water, paddleboarding seems to make my worries float away. Although standing up on the board is still ”under construction”, I have enjoyed flaoting on the lake and looking around and trying to understand the world I live in. Its not uncommon that each time I see a bird I have never seen or hear a new sound. My curiousity about what that is or was, gives me life. Curiousity and this hunger to learn makes paddleboarding so appealing. You see the world from a different lens and there can be such peace and tranquility that comes with it. Sure the wobbling and uneveness on the board can distracting, but once you settle in, its very calming. Finding the right body of water (that is generally calm and has a lot of space between you and the motorboats) is key to your experience, but once you find it (and there are many) you are moments from your meditative moment. Its quie surprising how quickly you get hooked.

Bliss Finds and Facts

• If you are looking for a new paddleboard, consider iRocker. I have had the Cruiser for 1 paddling season, and while not nearly a pro, I am really enjoying it. Its a very stable board (great for beginners) and the company has a ton of accessories you can get including cooler bags, drink cup holders, and even a bluetooth speaker. When the spring thaw comes, I am all geared up!
• Need some paddling routes? I am trialing the Go Paddling app. It not only has hiking trails but also some good intel on paddling routes. Know of others? Let me know!