Mind Alive Blog

Back in January I had an opportunity to try Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Boarding at West Edmonton Mall. Before this I had never been on a surfboard or in a kayak or even a canoe, just a speed boat. Yeah, land locked Albertan. Easy Rider Board Shop in Edmonton put the event on and for $5 and a signature for the waiver I got to try a number of different boards. They make boards for all kinds of water. The wider ones for lakes were so much easier to get on and maneuver, but were slower. The smaller narrower ones for oceans were a challenge to stand on, but man were they fun! Steering was tough, especially if you didn't have an adjustable length for the paddle and I was corrected a number times as I had my paddle backwards lol. With so many people in the pool you had be careful with directions and steering. Definitely something the whole family can do with lots of room for the more adventurous types to explore tricks in different conditions.

Overall I had a great time though I'm not sure I'd pursue the hobby. While I love water, carting a huge $1700 board around isn't my cup of tea, but if a marina had some I'd definitely rent one to play on. There are only so many things you can do in minus a million in Edmonton. It's nice shops offer things like this to beat the winter blues.

S