Beaver lake is our go-to local water spot for first-timers, because it's calm and protected. There's a nice big lawn where we can blow up inflatables, and Jhacoli can give some pointers before we get into the water.
The scenery is peaceful, although you are mainly looking into the backyards of the houses that surround the lake. The one drawback is that the locals who fish there are not always friendly, although if you fight them with honey they sometimes sweeten up a bit.
Sometimes we get a bit bored with Beaver, but luckily there are plenty of other bodies of water around here. Lake Easton is another that we have really enjoyed, although it's not as protected as Beaver, so sometimes there is a bit of wind to deal with. We don't mind it at all, but it's a bit more challenging to teach beginners.
This weekend, we had the opportunity to paddle with friends at both locations. Well, when I say "we", I really mean Jhacoli and Joel - I joined on Sunday at Beaver lake, but missed out on the other days. Still, I'm having a good time looking through the photos! Jhacoli loves to teach others, and to spend time with friends, old and new.
We even had a few yoga instructors challenging themselves out on the water for the first time.
We had donated both beginner and intermediate classes to the Clare Beckett Guild, who has an auction every year benefiting Seattle Children's Hospital. Several of the families who bought packages were already friends, and the others would become friends out on the water.
While out there teaching friends, there are always others who are interested in what we're doing, and Joel will often take a few out on the water to give it a try. It's always awesome to get someone hooked on SUP. I think that after this weekend our village has grown...
Keep writing and posting pictures. So much feelgood!
ReplyDeleteHenrik F