Maryland newbie

[Creekside]

Hi, all! I've been lurking & poring over the archives for a while, but I figure it's time to come into the light. I'm not sure if I belong in the NE section or the SE -- it's so confusing being from geographically-central state! I'm near Baltimore.

I'm a kayaker & canoeist who's new to paddleboarding. But I'm obsessed. I even dream about it.

I'm finding that my familiarity with canoe strokes is really helpful. The challenge of putting them into use while standing up is also a good way to improve my swimming skills.

Anyway, if any other Marylanders who don't mind paddling with wobbly beginners read this, give me a shout. I know from my other paddling experiences that the best way to improve is to paddle with better paddlers.

Lastly, thanks to everyone who posts on the Zone. This is such a great resource & there's a nice atmosphere here. I'm really glad it exists.

Jay

[SUPpaddler]

Welcome, Jay!  I don't know about Baltimore, but if you can make it down to Annapolis, there's plenty of regular group paddles for all skill levels. 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Annapolis-Canoe-and-Kayak/161926726530

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stand-Up-Paddle-Annapolis/92186630282

[supthecreek]

Hey Jay... welcome to the twilightstandup zone!
Sounds like you got the bug alright... the zone is the best cure
I look forward to some paddle news from your area.

Creekside...where did you get a name like that        

[Creekside]

I live on a creek! Not very imaginative, I know.

So far, most of my paddleboarding is by myself on the creek behind my house. My neighbors are amused. I have been actively seeking out others; I've been to the Annapolis meetup, the DC meetup, am going to a VA meetup tomorrow, & actually started a Baltimore meetup myself.

I was lucky enough to meet someone from one of my kayak clubs who's also a paddleboarder, & he helped me start to cross-step -- which I am totally thrilled about, btw. I love the challenge of learning a new-to-me paddlesport.

Jay

[supthecreek]

I disagree... I think it is VERY imaginative.... just sounded familiar

Paddling alone in creeks is as good as it gets. Crowds are overrated.