Doing Something New

So today I really did get out and try something new.

The something new I tried today was Standup Paddle Boarding.

Not a particularly original activity I will admit, but a new one for me.

What led me to trying this particular activity I hear you ask?

Well let me tell you a tale....

Okay, I lie, I don't really have a tale, but there were a few factors that led me to this point.

If I go back a few years, about 6 in fact, I used to kayak, a lot. I still own one of my surfskis (at top count I had about 5 boats). Back in the kayaking days I used to think that standup paddling was simply the most ridiculous activity. Why go to all that effort to paddle so slowly. If you want to paddle, why not get in a ski, be more efficient, surf more easily and go faster, all while being more stable. It just didn't make sense.

When my brother (a long time ski paddler) told me that he was buying a SUP board too, there was ridicule given. He explained though while he still paddled his ski a lot, there was something about standup paddle boarding was strangely enjoyable. I wasn't convinced.

But over the last couple of years I have been gradually exposed to the idea of SUP paddling. I have used my brothers board and more recently I have used the board of a friend. I found some elements of it annoying, like only paddling on one side, but in general I did enjoy myself. It was an activity that could be peaceful and at the same time a good bit of exercise if you wanted it to be.

More recently still I have been jogging along Cottesloe Beach watching guys head out on their SUP boards and surfing on days when there is so little swell that everybody else is left in the line up watching in envy.

All these things have led me to the point that I no longer consider standup paddle boarding to be the most ridiculous thing you can do on water.

I still wasn't that keen on getting out there, but I was able to understand why others would.

All that changes a few weeks ago when I was told that I would have to ease back on exercise. Since then I have been looking for activities I can do that keep the heart rate low, but would still give me a sense of accomplishment. I am still riding and I find that fine, but as I said the other day I find jogging quite frustrating, because in order to keep my heart rate low, it means going very, very slowly. If I am honest it is a little depressing.

I considered going back to ski paddling or perhaps even rowing. But I know those sports would open me to pushing too hard. Plus they have other issues, getting access to a rowing boat is a pain, and owning one is a bigger pain (I should know I have owned a few). With ski paddling I have never really trusted my shoulder since having the AC repaired. Anecdotally I have heard about guys re injuring their AC ligament though the exertion and movement of kayaking. Getting out surfing is a good alternative activity, but you are reliant on the swell.

All these thoughts led me back to the idea of Standup Paddle Boarding. What appealed to me about paddle boarding is that I suspected it would give me a good strength workout, while keeping my cardio output at a reasonable level. It would also give me a chance to get back out on the water, which is something I have always loved doing. Finally, it is quite accessible. The necessary skills are fairly easy to pick up. The equipment requirement is quite light on compared to Triathlon or ski paddling.  You could buy a very good board for the price of a set of wheels. It seemed to tick a few boxes, which is why I thought I would give it a go.

Which is what I did this morning.

First impressions are that it seems meet all my expectations. I paddled for an hour this morning and muscularly I found it left me feeling satisfied. Like I had gone out and done something. In terms of heart rate I found it is certainly possible to go above and beyond my self imposed 120bpm ceiling. But at the same time you can sit below 120bpm and still feel like you are doing some work (as opposed to running at that intensity). Also, while I saw some 130bpm heart rates, I suspect it would be hard for me to 'accidently' push into the danger zones of 150bpm or higher, at least with my current skill levels. I was also very surprised to see how many similarities it has with ski paddling. I always though they were quite different activities, but they are pretty close to the same movement, or at least the same muscle groups, just done on one side at a time. It also shares a lot of muscle groups with swimming which is good. Interesting stuff.

Going forward I am not sure exactly how much paddling I will be doing, but I do intend to try and make it a regular activity for me. Perhaps replacing some of my frustrating runs with more satisfying paddle sessions. Besides, I am never one to pass up an opportunity to own more gear.

Speaking of which, I wonder if I can get to the local shop before it closes....