I did manage to keep a little active during the holiday break however, even trying out new fun things that the whole family could enjoy! I've been wanting to try "SUP" (Stand Up Paddleboarding) for a couple of years now and was determined to get it in this year. Specifically, I wanted to try SUP Yoga - where you take a yoga class while on the board. I figured I have to crawl before I walk so getting on the board first would be a big accomplishment. Finding a place that offers this type of class may be a little more challenging but at the very least, I could attempt balancing into some poses (just to see if I could do it) if I can get myself on a board.
Two failed attempts over Spring Break and our early Summer vacation was making feel like it was just not meant to be (too windy or cold). I knew the 4 day weekend would lend itself to give it another go but I also knew that it would require buy-in from the family (i.e. the other half). Luckily, my other half is in tune with what I'm thinking and SO sweet and thoughtful that he kept this in the back of his mind and decided to surprise us (really, me) with a getaway to do just that...SUP! YIPPEE!!! He did all the research on where we should go and even had a game plan (wha-what?)
I was pretty ecstatic particularly because I've been really yearning to be near the water. Maybe it's the Florida beach girl in me that just equates summer with water fun. Unfortunately, the beaches around here are...well, let's just say that they leave much to be desired (compared to what I know). We do, however, have plenty of lakes. Finding one that offers SUP rentals are few and far between though. We went to Austin where they are making a big splash with trying to get the word out about SUP, pun intended. And when I say splash, I mean that at SUPATX , they have the largest paddle board fleet in the world! They have all the boards and they have Canoes and single, double and triple kayaks too!
It was a trial run for us so we had a few boards and a triple kayak that we could switch off into and put the baby on that had a bit more stability (although she really liked being on the board too!) I really thought that I would have some serious balance issues and would end up falling off a bunch but I am happy to report that I never fell! You basically start paddling slowly on your knees, find your balance and step up to standing with a wide stance and ta-da you are SUPping! It's a bit of a slow movement but a great arm workout to get you going across the lake. We pulled over and played in the water for a while. The kids battled each other off the boards a la American Gladiator style and the baby eagerly jumped off the kayak to get in on part of the action too. The water was very refreshing and cool on a hot and sunny Texas day and I honestly did not want to go back. I could have stayed there all day.
We managed to get our yoga challenge poses in for the day too (two checks off my wants list!) but before we could get more fun pictures, we realized the wind had drifted us downstream and we had a LONG way to get back. With a HEAD wind! This is where the workout came in to play, big time. Kayaking back with the baby was a breeze but keeping track of three very playful kids on their SUPs was a little more difficult. The current was pushing them back so we were running interference to get them moving in the right direction. I swapped out and paddle boarded all the way back and by the time we were done by shoulders were burning (oooh, so good!). :)
All in all, a great time was had by all and the next morning I heard "let's do that again!". So now, I am searching for a lake that is in closer proximity so that we can make this a common weekend excursion throughout the summer. I highly recommend giving this a try. I, for one, cannot wait to do it again!
Ah, yes let's not forget our 27 week wrap up (via iphone screen shots):
Two failed attempts over Spring Break and our early Summer vacation was making feel like it was just not meant to be (too windy or cold). I knew the 4 day weekend would lend itself to give it another go but I also knew that it would require buy-in from the family (i.e. the other half). Luckily, my other half is in tune with what I'm thinking and SO sweet and thoughtful that he kept this in the back of his mind and decided to surprise us (really, me) with a getaway to do just that...SUP! YIPPEE!!! He did all the research on where we should go and even had a game plan (wha-what?)
I was pretty ecstatic particularly because I've been really yearning to be near the water. Maybe it's the Florida beach girl in me that just equates summer with water fun. Unfortunately, the beaches around here are...well, let's just say that they leave much to be desired (compared to what I know). We do, however, have plenty of lakes. Finding one that offers SUP rentals are few and far between though. We went to Austin where they are making a big splash with trying to get the word out about SUP, pun intended. And when I say splash, I mean that at SUPATX , they have the largest paddle board fleet in the world! They have all the boards and they have Canoes and single, double and triple kayaks too!
It was a trial run for us so we had a few boards and a triple kayak that we could switch off into and put the baby on that had a bit more stability (although she really liked being on the board too!) I really thought that I would have some serious balance issues and would end up falling off a bunch but I am happy to report that I never fell! You basically start paddling slowly on your knees, find your balance and step up to standing with a wide stance and ta-da you are SUPping! It's a bit of a slow movement but a great arm workout to get you going across the lake. We pulled over and played in the water for a while. The kids battled each other off the boards a la American Gladiator style and the baby eagerly jumped off the kayak to get in on part of the action too. The water was very refreshing and cool on a hot and sunny Texas day and I honestly did not want to go back. I could have stayed there all day.
 |
| My water camera is awful. I can't believe the resolution is so bad on something we paid so much for. :( |
All in all, a great time was had by all and the next morning I heard "let's do that again!". So now, I am searching for a lake that is in closer proximity so that we can make this a common weekend excursion throughout the summer. I highly recommend giving this a try. I, for one, cannot wait to do it again!
Ah, yes let's not forget our 27 week wrap up (via iphone screen shots):
That pretty much wraps up the second trimester (already?!). I am really curious to see what the next trimester brings and how active I can stay. Stay tuned! :)
~V
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