Hey Cat paddleboards

[Bob]

SUP Paddleboard Demo May 13

Come to Outdoor Chattanooga on Thurs., May 13 at 6 p.m. and learn about the newest trend in paddling: standup paddleboards.

The guys at SUP Paddleboards will give a general introduction to paddle boarding inside our facility, then take interested participants down to the river to try some “supping.” The event is free and open to the public. Demo’s will be subject to current in the TN River and are open to adults and kids ages 14 and older when accompanied by an adult.

To learn more, email Outdoor Chattanooga or call [phone].

[Warkitty]

I plan on being there.

[Justin Thyme]

If I had known about it earlier I would have been there. I was fascinated by a guy out paddling one of these things just beyond the surf in Daytona Beach a couple of years ago. Now I want a report on these things.

[Warkitty]

I tried three different boards yesterday. It took a bit to get the hang of it, particularly the part where you stand up! I was the first one out there, and sure enough almost as soon as I got upright and moved forward a tad three motorboats came along. They were nice and slowed down. I went back down on my knees on the board, not yet ready to trust my balance standing through that, and after the worst was over slowly got back up. By then I was out past where they wanted us to be and between the second pair of pillions holding up the Market Street bridge, so with some effort I got turned around and headed back. Let me tell you, water behind the Fat Cat was much smoother and easier to balance on!

That was fun and interesting and I was proud of myself for not getting dumped, so after a little rest I tried a different board. Like with anything else, minor adjustments to the board make for a different balance, speed and maneuverability. This time, because I had a better feel for the balance, I found it easier to move around. It was still a little freaky for me though. The dudes running things told me I really should try this one more board when I came back in, so I hung around a bit longer watching the occasional fall of others trying the boards out into the river (one poor kid wound up coming back in on his belly) till the third board came available, and off I went. This time, I had a lot more confidence. The board was more stable than the second one, though it didn't turn as easily, and I found myself feeling comfortable with putting a little more effort into the paddling. I even stood through the wake of another boat successfully.

Last night, I noticed my calf muscles had definitely felt the workout from balancing on those things. Talk about a fun experience!

[Justin Thyme]

Thanks, Cat. I really wish I could have been there. I want to know more about these SUPs.