My new paddleboard finally arrived on Saturday afternoon! We got it out and inflated it in the afternoon. I wanted to make sure we had everything we needed before we headed out to the lake.
We packed up a breakfast picnic and headed to the Y beach around 9:30 the next morning. Tony was very sweet to come along and take pictures, wrangle the boys, and be my support team.
John helped me pump it up. The pump gauge doesn't work, so I'll have to just guess until I can get a new one.
The boys each took a turn pumping, but that didn't last long.
It took about 7 minutes to pump up, and then another couple minutes to attach the keel and leash.
It's big, but probably weighs only 30 pounds or so when it's inflated, and the carry handle makes it easy to manage.
John told me "Remember the basics" as I started. This board is noticeably less stable than the $1000 board I rented. Partly because it is slightly narrower, but also, possibly because it has one large keel instead of three small ones.
I got used to it quickly and didn't fall.
John did well quickly also, but only spent a little time on his own.
Christopher spent some time getting used to the life jacket and the water.
After I took a spin getting used to it, I started adding riders.
I eventually stood up with John, but Christopher kept a firm grip on my life jacket and wouldn't even let me get up on my knees.
It is also pretty comfortable to paddle just sitting on it cross-legged, so I might eventually get a kayak paddle too. It took about 10 minutes to deflate, dry off with a towel and roll back up. We unrolled it in the garage when we got home to make sure that it dries thoroughly.
I'm happy I got it and am excited about spending a lot of time on the water this summer! Come on over and try it out!
6 comments:
Congratulations.....that should keep u and the boys busy this summer.....mimi
Neat-o!
And now I see how you can wrangle it --- it's inflatable! I was thinking of it more like a surfboard.
Super fun! Hope it creates good summertime memories!
Cool!! I love that it was a family affair, but I can see it could be a relaxing fun thing for you to do on your own, too, if you ever have the chance!
I'm thinking summer mornings before the kids are up. We'll see ...
Had an email about the pump. Kyle from Jimmy Styks says "keep pumping, it takes more air than you think for the gauge to even register." Maybe if I get it pumped up to the correct psi (12 psi) it will also be less wobbly.
Re-reading this, I should add that I was very happy with Christopher getting on it at all! It took John and I an hour to talk him onto a pedal-boat two weeks ago, and he was set against getting on the paddleboard until we actually got to the lake. He spent a lot of time getting off and on it, so I know he'll come around in time.
Nice!!
You finally have a practical way to get on the water whenever you want - that's great!
I'm totally with Christopher. Always be careful until you figure out how things work! Belt and suspenders - that's my motto!
:)
Post a Comment