Monday, August 29, 2011

Oh, Irene

We woke up to pounding rains the Sunday that Hurricane Irene (technically a tropical storm at that point) blew through the Champlain Valley. The night before we had been gathering consensus among the SUP crew about when the best window to catch waves would be on the windy lake.

Predictions were for waves in the 5 to 6 foot range. We’d hoped for the wind to build before the rain, but Irene was already raining down heavy at 10 a.m. and blowing only 10 mph. But the waves built quickly, and by noon we joined Mike and his daughter catching 3-footers in an increasing North wind at Oaklegde Park.

Getting out past the buoys into position was a supreme workout ...

Standing up, not mandatory

Mike pulling in, about knee high

Best wishes for a strong recovery for all Vermonters now taking stock after the storm’s floods …

Friday, August 5, 2011

Midseason report

Here at the halfway point of the 2011 Vermont Stand Up Paddleboarding season, we are happy to report that SUP stoke has reached another level in the Green Mountain State. From kids to baby boomers, members of the media to folks coming in from out of town, people are getting on board, and from where we stand, it seems that something has really taken hold.

And why not … Playing on the rolling waves of Lake Champlain or cruising along on a calm glassy night … Working up a sweat heading out toward the Adirondack peaks or touring along the shoreline in and out of the rocky crags … It’s all so much fun and such a great way to spend the summer.

We don’t think there’s any turning back now, so expect to see more and more people on their feet out there on that wide-open orange horizon, or grab a board and be that person yourself.

See you in August!