just taking it in stride

[shapeshifter]

i really have to commend the administrators for taking a proactive approach to this touchy subject. as one who frequents some of the more lively and influential forums which pertain to the landlocked lakes of the midwest, i can attest to the vehement behavior of the prone surfers within these isolated communities. it will not be so easy for many to empathize with us when they feel that "their" environment is encroached upon by a new activity such as ours. similar reactions may be experienced from some kiteboarders and windsurfers alike as stand up's popularity grows. an open forum discussing these issues will be the best vehicle to alleviate the growing pains we are all bound to experience.

unbeknownst to all but a few, there are whitewater rafters that practice the esoteric art of striding. you might not know it but stand up's recent novelty is not so new...  who knows? our the rivers may be a fertile ground for controversy too.



much respect.

[shapeshifter]

here's a recent reply to a post of the picture of the city from about a mile out (same as the one on this post.) it exemplifies the internal struggle which consumes many of us until we finally succumb to what we hate most...


"man I gotta tell ya, my ethics are havin' a full on war with my hypocracy on this thing. on the one hand, I'm convinced this new wave of sup surfin' will soon progress to be the near demise of being able to find, and enjoy a spiritual solo surfin experience, due to the kooks in the lineup explosion, evolving into untold numbers strokin for waves in the lineups, everywhere on earth. on the other hand, considering how precious few waves I really get in a year on da Lakes, I too have now developed a closet interest (don't tell nobody, may God strike me dead for thinkin it) in it~
can't help feelin jazzed thinking of strokin along out 'dere on a 1/2 meter day, gettin some good weight losin exercise, then all of sudden,, dropping in on some obscure 3-4ft set wave somewhere an' cranking a haarrrd bottom turn, to a high trim for a ways-


(somebody help me, please)"

then you also have to realize that he's talking about five massive bodies of water with a combined shoreline which rivals the total of both eastern and western continental seaboard regions.

[Chan]

That looks crazy! It is too bad we can’t see the expressions on the onlookers’ faces (something like what the…. I imagine).  I am looking forward to seeing this sport evolve.  The possibilities are endless.