Zoners: Thanks for the inspiration and education

[Argosi]

I started SUP 4 months ago and it's created a new lifestyle for me. Gotta give credit where it's due - most of my inspiration and education has come from reading this forum for the past 3 months.

Reading about technique, equipment, sessions, etc. makes me feel like I've got a StandUpZone diploma in SUP basics.

Hearing about and seeing pics of those great downwinders in Maui, OZ, etc.  has been particularly inspiring. I'm in Toronto by Lake Ontario but I feel like I've joined in on some of those trips. I did my first downwinder here on the weekend (9 miles) and it was the most fun I've had stand up paddling. I wasn't fit enough or skilled enough to catch as many waves as I'd like but when I did, it was the fastest I've gone on a SUP board.

I used to windsurf but because it's so condition dependent and takes time to set up and derig, I was only getting about a dozen sessions in the summer. With SUP, I can book it like an appointment and get in 3 sessions per week. It's as convenient as having a gym membership but a hell of a lot more fun.

My nagging back and knee pains have cleared up and I'm wearing the same suit from my college days that I haven't been able to get into for almost 20 years.

I'm not as as tough as EasyRider in the cold, but I'll keep on going until it's too cold for my 3/2 wetsuit.

Thanks again folks.

[Easy Rider]

I'm not as as tough as EasyRider in the cold, but I'll keep on going until it's too cold for my 3/2 wetsuit.

Thanks again folks.

  Thanks Argos - time to get a thicker wetsuit.

[Chan]

That's awesome.  I bet you'll be passing us all by in no time.

[Argosi]

Chan, the Maliko downwinders you and the Maui crew go on have been a big inspiration for me. That's something I'd love to try one day.

[stoneaxe]

Welcome to the addiction. My only regret about SUP...I wish I'd found it 40 years ago. Sometimes I feel like I wasted so many years.

I dream of Maliko...still watch these animotos of the Darrell Wong heli shots of F-16's often.
http://newenglandsup.wordpress.com/2009/04/04/more-animoto-downwinder-stoke/

http://newenglandsup.wordpress.com/2009/04/02/downwind-boardsmore-quiver-conundrums/

I hope someone does a heli video of a run soon.

Have fun...and like Easy says...get a thicker wetsuit...