A new sport is taking off right here in Madison. You probably won't see it in the Olympics anytime soon but you've may have seen people enjoying here on one of our magnificent lakes.
Today Tim is taking you out on the water for a little paddleboarding.
It's essentially a big surf board that you stand on and paddle along. It's a great workout with a great view to match. Gary Stone with Paddleboard Specialists shows Tim how it's done.
“It's really a wonderful sport cause it's so easy to learn,” said Stone. “The vast majority of people don't get wet; this is something you do on the water, not in the water,”
“Ready to go?” asks Stone. “Let's do it!” responds Tim.
“Well, you certainly have the right board shorts for it,” comments Stone.
“The first thing I want you to notice is the blade of the paddle is not flat, it's at an angle. The blade is kind of your gas pedal and when you do these strokes, you wanna be subtle and smooth. If you're jerky that might upset your balance,” said Stone.
“There's a very Zen-like connection to the water and being outdoors that's wonderful,” Stone gushes. “Give me any boat without a motor out on the water and I'm going to be happy,”
“It's truly an all over body workout, so you're using your core muscles, your gluts, your lats, your muscles through your shoulders,”
“If I get a good paddle in for an hour, not only do I get a great physical workout I'm mentally a lot more relaxed and more in tune with who I want to be for that day,”
“So when you go to stand up, a lot changes,” warns Stone. “As you come up, put your feet where your knees were...are you ready!?”
“Keep your core kinda tight just a little bend in your knees, keep your weight evenly balanced,” he instructs.
“You're doing good, just keep on stroking,” Stone said encouragingly. “I'd say you're a natural!”
“You wanna stay about 10 feet from the shore so your fin doesn't hit the bottom. You lead the way!”
“Give me five, nicely done. Life is good being out on the water!”
Paddleboard Specialists offer classes to get you started! Visit http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/ for more information.
