Ryan C's Page

sounds like you had a great first outing. The guy did a good job at starting you off in a good place.

I know from paddling, one side is definitely stronger than the other which also might lead to better technique on one side than the other. Your right side might have better technique. Maybe you're more vertical with your paddle giving you a straighter pull back and allowing you to go straighter longer than on the other side. My board only has the center fin. I get about 3-4 strokes before I need to switch sides and stay straight, but I seem to just do a constant zig zag. I wonder if having the thruster blades on the sides would help, but I don't have that option. I need to get my butt in a race canoe that doesn't have a rudder so I don't mind switching sides every few strokes.

So if you focus on keeping the paddle vertical and pulling straight back, it might help you go straighter. Keep that top hand out over as much as possible. That's all I can think of off the top of my head.

Glad it has you hooked. Not sure how much of a gym person you are, but I know I've increased my core workouts this year for paddling. At least twice a week I do an ab routine that includes a scissor type nautilus machine for a few sets, then an oblique set where I'm locked in a machine and rotate around for both sides, then back extensions. It's definitely helped me out this year. I only had others taking pics of me since I seemed to be a curiosity more than anything...haha.

ah yes...back to the daily grind. still have the board on my car. Will hopefully paddle it once or twice this week, but I have an outrigger race in Kent Island this weekend so will most likely be out in the outrigger if I'm on the water. Outside of the chop on the Hudson, what better landmarks could you have with the statue of liberty, Manhattan, an aircraft carrier and such to keep you occupied. Have done the Liberty Outrigger race a few times putting in by the Brooklyn Bridge and going up to that aircraft carrier around the statue and back. It's a fun race. But I know I'd be a little uneasy with some of the chop to contend with. Isn't there any closer water besides Montauk? What about Jones Beach, Coney Island and such? I'm not too familar with places to go around there. Though I did some adventure races in Jones Beach, and I know there's a rowing course where you could do some paddling.

Unfortunately the gym is a necessary evil. I have to compete with a bunch of national level rowers and kayakers for spots on my team. It's that damn competitive bug that brings me there. My main gym is down the street too so when time is a factor (and it usually is) it's much easier to get in there than it is to do much else. And then I have another gym membership (ughh..) because the one Y has a 50m pool and I've gotten the tri bug and it's the only 50m pool around. I do love running on the trail (sometimes biking on it too) and being on the water. Sometimes I just like to zone out in the gym, be in the cool AC (can't get too much sun) and be in and out.

And I'd like to think they took photos out of more than curiosity...haha. Can't get a swelled head though ;-) I'll have to search some of the Avalon socialish type sites and see if I can find a pic of me somewhere. You never know who was taking them. God forbid anyone took pics while I was flying off my board in the ocean. Though comic relief is usually up my alley.

Funny...I just realized you were female. I'm quick that way. So do you work in Manhattan? SUP could give new meaning to "Ride To Work" day.

Had another humbling experience too for my first time wakeboarding. Think I had the longest ride ever on my ass. My boys (to put it nicely) were not liking me. Everyone on the boat was cringing as they knew it was painful..haha. Next attempt I managed to turn the board forward and start to stand, but never got my hips centered and got face planted. Then my right foot was going numb because the binding was too tight, and nothing seemed to mesh after that. Then I watch my very out of shape buddy get up and just cruise all around. jumping wakes, going goofy and back and all sorts of stuff. Think that's next year's goal while I hopefully improve my snowboard skills this winter. Thankfully I didn't bring the camera for that adventure.