Balancing, Paddling and Playing on the Water

Our paddleboarding journey has been a mix of learning, laughter, and plenty of splashes. From mastering the basics to adding our own creative twists, paddleboarding has turned into a fun-filled activity every time we hit the water.

Getting the Hang of It: Kneeling and Standing

We started with the basics—kneeling on the board. Gabriel took to it quickly, finding his balance and paddling with ease while I focused on staying steady. Once we were comfortable kneeling, we moved on to the big challenge: standing up. Gabriel was fearless, managing to rise to his feet with surprising grace, while I wobbled my way up with a bit more hesitation. We laughed every time one of us toppled off, splashing into the water, only to climb back on and try again.

Paddling and Exploring

Once we got the hang of standing, we practiced using the paddle to steer and propel ourselves. Gabriel quickly figured out how to maneuveur around, exploring the water and calling out encouragement (or playful challenges!) as I tried to keep up. It was incredible to feel the freedom of gliding across the water, working together to find our rhythm.

Balancing Act: Martial Arts Moves and "Simon Says"

As we grew more confident on the boards, we decided to make things more interesting. Gabriel suggested practicing martial arts moves to test our balance. Standing on one foot while attempting kicks or holding a “karate stance” had us both in fits of laughter, especially when a wobbly board sent us tumbling into the water.

Gabriel’s favourite paddleboard game, though, is “Simon Says.” One of us shouts commands—paddle forward, spin around, touch your toes—and the other has to follow without losing balance. It’s a hilarious way to push our skills and keep the fun going, with plenty of dramatic (and intentional!) falls to add to the excitement.

Making Waves and Memories

Learning to paddleboard has been a wonderful adventure, combining skill-building, exercise, and creativity. From mastering the basics to inventing games on the water, it’s become an activity that always leaves us smiling.

Gabriel’s confidence and knack for finding fun ways to improve have inspired me to keep practicing, and I can’t wait for our next paddleboarding session—martial arts moves and all!