Paddle out

A neighbor stopped and looked at me kind of funny this afternoon. He had never seen a paddleboard before. The 12-foot Eaton, strapped to my surf racks, had served me well.

I explained to the gentleman that the board was not for riding like a traditional surfboard. It was for paddling, in the kneeling or prone position. Paddleboard are a common in California where surfers use them to  keep in shape. They are also popular on Florida's East Coast, especially among ocean lifeguards who use them as rescue boards.

But here on the Gulf Coast, only die-hard watermen play around the sleek, fiberglass watercraft. I had to have mine flown in from California ten years ago. I couldn't find one here in Florida. But that is about to change.

Bill Jackson Shop for Adventure in Pinellas Park has started carrying Surf Tech stand up paddleboards carrying the name of Laird Hamilton, the famous Hawaiian big wave surfer who is also happens to be married to Florida State volleyball standout and super model, Gabby Reese, as well as traditional paddleboards by Joe Bark.

Over the years I have had kayaks, canoes, surf skis and paddleboards, but I am getting rid of them all to buy myself a 12-foot Bark board. I'm hoping to get it wet this week and perhaps even paddle it some flat day around Egmont Key. Any one like to join me? To check out my board go to http://www.surftech.com/shaper.phtml?type=paddleboards&typeId=6&labelId=77.

Comments

[Don Mott]

Don't get me wrong here because I truly enjoy your writing. But have you gone bonkers? Why would you trade a canoe and or a kayak for something that requires you to kneel or lay prone and paddle with your hands and arms? You can't fish, surf or anything all you do is paddle around? I just don't understand.