Peter Piper Picked a Paddle

paddle Whenever I see someone paddling on a surfboard, just gliding along with the current on a river, a bay or even the ocean, I’m reminded of the gondoliers of Venice, singing cheery Italian songs while lovers kiss under the Bridge of Sighs. The difference of course is that these Jersey Shore gondoliers have no passengers, no worries and are more likely to be humming a Beach Boys tune than O Solo Mio. The newest and coolest way to get out there on the water these days seems to be on these overgrown pieces of fiberglass, foam and wood, where you don’t just ride out to catch a wave and ride it in but rather take a journey, a leisurely jaunt that might take you miles or just enough to break a sweat as you paddle along without a care in the world. I first saw this phenomenon in Hawaii some years ago while I was in port with a cruise ship. One of the excursions offered was a day of Paddleboarding. Since I had no idea what that was, I knew I had to try it. To say it was one of the most fun days I have ever spent out on the ocean is just too understated. The feeling that you get on a calm ocean surface as you float along the coast is pure adventurous freedom. You get to take in your surroundings with a clear birds-eye view of the shore landscape and at the same time, you are on the receiving end of a pretty darn good upper body workout. And what’s nice is you don’t have to look like one of the cast members of “The Expendables” to do this. The board and paddle do most of the work. With a lesson or two, anyone can become a master of the paddleboard. Balance seems to be the most relevant factor. I would not recommend doing this after a few Coronas or a margarita. The boards themselves make it easy. They are huge, often reaching lengths of up to 17 feet long, so stability is much more attainable. For my part, I have gained a few pounds lately and I think they might have to cut down a Redwood to accommodate me. But whoever you are and whatever your level of physical exertion is, there is a board for you and a professional waiting to teach you the ropes. Here are the top three outfitters in the state: