Last summer, thanks to a friend, I learned about stand up paddle boarding. She actually converted quite a few of my colleagues as well, so that we now have a sort of informal “paddle posse” and try to get out on the water as often as we can. Since last summer, we’ve all bought our own boards. Although the weather has NOT cooperated and our schedules are involved, we’ve managed to get out a few times together. It doesn’t hurt that our favorite spot has amazing ice cream to finish up with (or to begin with if that’s your inclination). All in all, it’s pretty awesome!
As Summer Begins
I stand on air
atop the lake,
paddle in hand.
An eagle glides overhead,
so close I almost duck.
The sun licks my shoulders.
The blue skies
go on
forever.
©Molly Hogan
Note–This morning some of the posse was meeting to paddle. I had opted out since I’m heading out of town tomorrow and had been neglecting quite a few things around the house. However, as I was sitting and writing my post, I suddenly thought, Wait! I can actually go paddle boarding rather than just write about it! What was I thinking!?
I was out the door in 15 minutes and had another fabulous morning on the water with friends.
And what about those neglected things I mentioned? Well, they will all still be there waiting for me when I get back home 🙂
This week Linda Mitchell hosts the Roundup at her blog, and she’s sharing some ekphrastic poetry. Be sure to stop by and check out what’s on offer!
Nix the comfort zone 
I haven’t done stand up paddle board in years. I’d like to do it on the bayou but my husband thinks it’s not safe. The water quality is questionable. Not to mention recent gator sightings. I loved a stand up paddle board yoga class I took while visiting the South Walton beach. Someday… How cool that you have a group to go out with! And your own board! And water!
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I’m absolutely loving it even though it’s about a 40 minute drive to the lake we’ve been frequenting. I haven’t ventured into yoga on board…but then again I don’t do yoga on land either! lol
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It was so fun reading this poem of our shared experience! Great imagery and I love how you show how close the eagles are.. “so close I almost duck” or really so close we lose our balance and fall in the water!
So glad you let the chores wait today!
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It was such a lovely morning! I have no regrets about leaving the chores at home. I hope we can manage another few trips this summer!
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That’s right—go on out there and let the sun kiss your shoulders. It’s what’s summer’s for. Wonderful post. I talked to someone this week who was paddle boarding in NH and a bear swam past her in the lake!
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Ok! That’s just crazy! I get a cartoon image of someone madly paddling away with water spraying up behind them. lol (I had to share your friend’s experience with my group and we were all blown away!)
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Great poem and kudos to you for being able to balance on a paddle board! I love how the eagle was so close you almost felt like ducking. I see paddle boarders on our lake and can only imagine the feeling. I am secure in a kayak.
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Thanks, Joyce. I had thought balancing would be tricky, but the board is amazingly stable. I’m sticking to lakes rather than open water and that probably helps, too. It’s been such a source of tranquility and joy for me. Happy kayaking!
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Delightful post. I feel that eagle go by. Have a good trip!
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Thanks, Tabatha. On another recent SUP outing, we watched an eagle bring a snake to the eaglets in the nest. So cool!
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I paddleboarded for the first time in Maine a few years ago. I prefer kayaking, but I really need to give paddleboarding another try! Maybe I need to have a “paddleboarding posse.” I love “I stand on air.”
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It’s great to have an adventure-ready crew available!
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I tried paddleboarding once, and it was more challenging than I expected. It is wonderful that you have a posse with whom to share the joy of paddleboarding!
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So deliciously transportative a post, dear Molly! A bald eagle practically whispering its wings over you. And standing atop a lke.
Were I in your stalwart group, I’d want to fortify with ice cream first & then cool down with ice cream after 🙂
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I like your style!
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What fun! Hooray for leaving behind the chores!
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I was right! They were still waiting for me 🙂
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This is me CLAPPING!!! Love both your inspiration and your awakening. And sun licking your shoulders. 🙂
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Your poem evokes memories of my wife who is an avowed paddle boarder, Molly. She reads the nearby sea in order to determine the suitability of its surface in order to secure a boarding pass. She was born in the sign of water.
Love the second stanza of your poem –
‘The sun licks my shoulders.
The blue skies
go on
forever.
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Thanks, Alan! I haven’t been bold enough to venture onto the sea. For now, I’m sticking to lakes and ponds.
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Such inviting imagery, “stand on air,” the eagle so close, and “The sun licks my shoulders,” all bring smiles ☺️
And I love those “neglected things” having to just wait—have you posted pics of these adventures? Thanks Molly!
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Thanks, Michelle. Even though I have a small dry bag, I’ve been hesitant to bring my cell phone out on the water. I may have to buy a cheap waterproof camera. It’s stunning out there!
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Hooray for going! Leave the waiting stuff waiting. I like sup, though I’ve only been a few times. Having a posse would help :>)
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Having a posse totally helps! I hope you get a chance to go out again soon!
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