I am full of gratitude this August 10, with summer still in full swing, but with noticeably less time left before school starts, the tourists dwindle and TCKC shop hours go back to “non-peak”. This time last year I was unable to do most things I enjoy to stay busy… paddling, hiking, biking, yoga, etc.  I was in a lot of pain and not sleeping well because of it.  The smoke was really thick…labeled “hazardous” most days by the DEQ.  To sum it up, relative to other summers it wasn’t at the top of my “first world” list.

This summer, however, has been awesome.  I’ve had too many fun adventures to really describe and my time off has been high-quality.  I’m keenly aware of my health–that I’m NOT limping around–so every time I hit a hiking trail or paddle a cool stretch of water I’m thankful.

Since this is supposed to be a paddling blog (sort of) I’ll catch you up on some cool and very accessible paddling I experienced last month in July.  I was lucky enough to get out to the McKenzie River with a great crew. As described by the one adult male on the trip, he felt like Charles Angels.  Essentially it was five ladies and myself–all of us paddleboarding–plus Jayson and his young son.  This was a frisky ripples section for sure… Blue River to Silver Creek.  All class II’s with the exception of Mama’s Pies or “Screamer” as it’s also called depending on who is describing it.  The McKenzie is beautiful….   https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/1526/

I was with a group of women who all have interesting backgrounds.  Each fairly new to the sport but with the exception of one, mostly comfortable paddleboarding on swiftwater.  I think everyone came home with a “win”.

Megan caught a surf wave for the first time “on the fly”.  She’s impressive (for many reasons) but in this context, because she is paddling a hard board, meaning a non-inflatable.  Way more challenging because it is more responsive (tippy).  Yah Megan!

Erica hadn’t paddled a bunch, especially class II’s, but did really well.  For kayakers, class II’s might not seem like any big deal but standing up through them on a SUP.?..well that’s a different story. It takes balance and practice.

Christie has a unique background.  She’s only been out two or three times on swiftwater with a SUP.  However, Christie is a veteran class 5 kayaker who was sponsored and traveled the pro circuit for years.  A decade at least.  She knows how to read water, has no fear of class 2’s or 3’s and surfs river waves.  She’s a natural.  And also a totally cool chick.

Erica’s sister was visiting from out of town and had never been on a paddleboard but thought she’d give it a go.  That’s pretty fearless in my opinion.  Way to go!

We had our “Charlie”…in the form of Jayson who was also a long time class 5 kayaker and knew Christie from back in the day.  Jayson supported us by raft providing us our hydration, lunch, endless encouragement and all-round great conversation.

Really there was no drama or earth shattering stories to tell about that day.  It was just plain fun.  Everyone fell in at least once.  Everyone stayed on their board in some stance or another through more rapids than not.  We laughed.  The weather was amazing.  We all helped shuttle and prep and unload.  It was a perfect day on the river. One like many more I hope to come. Thank you friends.  Thank you mama nature and her waterways and thank you summer 2018 for being so grand.

Some shameless promotion… first, an Intro to Swiftwater SUP in a few weeks from Warm Springs to Trout Creek I will be co-instructing with Paul Clark.  If you’re wanting to learn, this is an awesome section.  You can get more info or reserve your spot at Tumalo Creek Intro to SUP

Also, beginning on September 11, from 7-9pm at Deschutes Tap room, in collaboration with Kris Jamieson of Backyard Bend, we will be presenting a casual interviewing/storytelling event monthly.  Two guests from the community with fascinating and (hopefully) entertaining stories to tell from the paddling and outdoor rec community.  Jaymo and I will laugh a lot I’m sure.  That’s guaranteed.  The rest of you is yet to be seen.

Finally, in partnership with Sam Drevo and eNRG Kayaking, he and I will be hosting a Fall Fun Camp.  It will be paddling-centric (raft, IK and/or SUP) but a bunch of camp activities on site at Camp Talaoli are available including frisbee golf, bocce ball, ping pong, corn hole, and an outdoor pool to name a few.  All kinds of scenic hikes nearby, with one camp-shuttled hike on Saturday to Shellburg falls. Meals and campfires..complete with S’Mores included. Details to follow at enrgkayaking.com.

Thanks for listening and happy paddlin’…

This is Jaymo.

Jaymo is one of my favorite people AND the first person I can recollect using the term “frisky ripples” with about 7 years ago.  I probably remember it, because he loved the phrase and raved about it in a wonderfully positive, “quintessential Jaymo” kind of way.  Just like how he uses the term “getting rad”.  Which I’m pretty sure can refer to anything from surfing a double-overhead wave to his youngest son sliding into home base (unnecessarily…but just because).

I met Jaymo about 7 years ago, walking the street in tiny Punta Mita Mexico where he was visiting a mutual friend…actually a friend of his, and a business connection of mine who was waylaid in Guadalajara. Because of the lag in schedules Jaymo, another friend and myself spent time paddle surfing, hanging out and laughing a ton. It began a great friendship and a unique C-change in my life (Jaymo is, in fact, the guy responsible for setting me up with Sam, my special squeeze).

The reality is Jaymo and I don’t spend a lot of time together.  He’s a loving husband and father of three awesome “kids” (one is almost graduated and damn near a legal adult). He’s beyond busy being that awesome family guy while also working a ton. So why do I write this post about him? Well Jaymo is, in fact…or at least in my opinion, based on observation and random rumors, a true “next level” athlete.  From biking to snowboarding to surfing, the guy really can crush it. His resume is long and impressive…personally and professionally.  His circle includes athletes and people from expert, to famous, to legendary status. But here’s the thing…Jaymo’s “getting rad” is very similiar to my “frisky ripples”.  He’s certainly comfortable in the “next level” arena.  But that doesn’t stop him from hanging out with me on waist-high waves. Or class II rapids. In fact, he thinks it’s awesome. He’s a super supportive guy that cares about people and helping them reach THEIR potential (whatever that looks like).

In Bend, and in the industry I work, there are a lot of amazing athletes doing a lot of amazing things.  We see it on social media and all the numerous film festivals and, for that matter, in person with our own eyes–on the trails, on the river and play park, etc. That is AWESOME! At times, however, I think us average athletes can lose perspective on why we engage in the activities we do…and that’s to have fun. (that’s why I do it anyway). Maybe to push or challenge ourselves.  Maybe to improve ourselves.  Or probably a combination of all of that.  My hope is that I never let the fear or feeling that I don’t add up get in the way of me trying something new.  I hope that’s the case with you people, in general.

As a side note, thankfully in Bend there are a lot of ways to find access to trying new outdoor stuff. Certainly there are more options out there, but for biking, you might check out Pine Mountain Sports for their “Dirt Divas” (for you ladies) and bike clinics.  A couple of my best buds swear by them!  We have some great classes/programs at Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe locally…and I’d be remiss not to mention the awesome programs west of the Cascades for paddling..kayak or SUP…with eNRG Kayaking.  And for more variety, Outside IN, a local retail shop in Bend that also offers fabulous events/workshops and clinics in a really accessible manner. I should mention I’m getting no credit for the shout outs here….the entities don’t even know what I’m writing.

Once again…happy paddlin’ and thanks for listening!!  See ya out there on the frisky ripples!!

http://www.pinemountainsports.com

http://www.tumalocreek.com

http://www.enrgkaying.com

http://www.outsideinbend.com

 

 

 

 

It’s again been a long time since I’ve written.  This time, not because I don’t have any material, but because I’m so busy with the season kicking in that with time off I’d like to get ON the friskies rather than writing about them. So there lies the conundrum.  However, I had so much fun today that I just couldn’t help myself.

If you remember the premise of my blog, it’s based on the fact that I love to do activities which, in some circles might be considered “risky”  (eg surfing, mountain biking, skiing, whitewater paddleboarding, etc) but I like to do these activities in an accessible, moderate way.  With whitewater paddleboarding it’s been rare that I paddle without my boyfriend Sam.  Lately however, I’ve been hugely inspired and challenged to paddle without him…with women!  And it’s been amazing.  Not that Sam isn’t still my fav to paddle with. He’s awesome, encouraging and we have a standing rule that we make out on the flat-water stretches and since he’s hot, that’s a big plus…haha.

But here’s the deal…a little about Sam. He’s a champion whitewater kayaker.  Literally.  He teaches the teachers/instructors, rescuers how to teach swiftwater rescue.  He’s been doing this for decades.  Therefore, when we go out on the water I have a sense of security (whether I should or not).  A comfort level that allows me, in some ways, to trust and follow.  It’s a fabulous way to learn how to read rivers and learn the necessary skills of paddling and I’m hugely grateful to him and can’t wait to hit the Grande Ronde together next week (and so many more rivers after).  But have you tried lately to find an address without using the GPS on your phone?  Guess what?!  You have to THINK.  You have to pay attention.  It’s on YOU to figure your shit out.  Not only have I been paddling new rivers I’ve never paddled but I’ve been doing it with women who have also never paddled these stretches and many with less experience on a board than me.  It’s fun and challenging and scary and wonderful.  It’s scary in a way that makes me pay more attention, use my paddle skills and force myself out of my comfort zone.  Sometimes it means portaging something because that’s the reasonable thing to do.  There’s challenge in that too!

By the way, can I rave about the ladies I’ve paddled with recently?  They’re amazing.  Christie, Megan and Erica. All exceptional humans that I consider fortunate to call friends.  It’s a different experience with these girls.  We laugh.  We stop and take time if we need to.  There’s “girl talk”.  Yup, guys we DO talk about you.  And Brad Pitt.  We talk about him too.  It’s just a whole bunch of awesome.

I feel like I’m gushing…and I am.  Because here’s the deal.  I’m lucky enough to be able to experience one of my favorite things in the world with great women AND the awesomest boyfriend ever.  I am full of gratitude.

A bit of beta about the river we ran today–the Metolius.  Riverside campground to Lower Canyon Creek.  Class I/II.  We did two portages: one around a river-wide log and the other, to be extra cautious in the canyon.  Could we have run it?  Yup. Did we need to portage based on our boards and level of experience within the group?  Well, we decided to, and we were happy with our decision but agreed next time we’ll run it.  So remember this, all you people out there (I use the word “all” pretty liberally here, as if I have tons of readers…haha…) You can choose to engage in whitewater paddleboarding (or whatever your activity might be).  There is no shame in being moderate, cautious or fearful.  Do what makes you feel great.  Do what gets you off the couch (save that for when you get home from your adventure!)

Thanks for listening…and happy paddlin!

It’s about that time when my life shifts from lots of  time off for adventure, to very little time to do anything but work.  That’s great too, but on this lazy Sunday morning with my one day off this week I think fondly of a vacation that was actually only two months ago.  Sam and I had originally planned an epic loop both east and south, as far as Montana, potentially down to Arizona and back up through California.  All in two weeks.  After some thought (and a stunning Facebook post by a friend in the redwoods in northern California–thanks Dustin!!) we modified our trip to something awesome and more manageable.  South through Gold Hill/Ashland area to Jedidiah Smith park and up the 101.  This road trip didn’t disappoint!!

First night was spent in Gold Hill with friend’s of Sam’s, Olympian Steven Keisler and his wife.  They’re a great couple and we enjoyed a lovely evening of chit chat over a late dinner (bear in mind that I typically go to bed about 9pm, so anything past 7pm is late! haha).  A high point of the night, for me, was the recount of Steven’s continued efforts to bring the Los Angeles Olympic whitewater kayaking to Gold Hill.  A lofty goal, but I’m excited to see how that plays out.  You just never know.

Had a first paddle the next day, on an urban section of the Rogue.  Not the wild and scenic we’d originally considered, but based on our goal to maximize time in the redwoods, this was a nice option.  Great to get on the water and the weather was amazing!  Who would think it’d be mid-60’s in January!

We ventured on to Ashland after our paddle where we lodged on Mt Ashland to wake at 3am and find our way up the mountain for the best view of the lunar eclipse.  A less publicized deal than the solar eclipse, but it was still SUPER COOL.  We watched for an hour, and then were treated to an epic sunrise.  Lazy brunch and then a fun hike that reminded us that contrary to the nice weather and unseasonably high temps that it was winter.  We hiked into snow, but was rewarded with beautiful views and great cardio workout.  From hiking to dining, I met Sam’s friend Oliver Fix who owns a tapas restaurant in the heart of Ashland.  I was really impressed with this guy.  Olympic whitewater kayak gold medalist and the most humble man ever. Interesting to listen and learn, when someone like Oliver is present. PS, the name of his restaurant is “Ostras”. Spanish tapas and craft cocktails…check it out!!

The grass doesn’t grow under our feet for long so we made our way toward Crescent City where we did a dusk hike through Stout Grove (boasted to be the largest grove of redwoods in Jedidah Smith park).  I was blown away.  Trees that big just don’t exist anywhere else I’ve seen. The only thing as cool as hiking through them, is paddleboarding down a creek through them.  Which we did the following day.  It was unbelievable.  Frisky ripples to be sure, but this trip wasn’t about the paddling as much as taking in the views which are other-world.  We spent a few days in Jedidah, hiking and paddling…nothing noteworthy to readers but incredible for us. Hard to believe such beauty is basically in our backyard.  One exception would be meeting “Barefoot Bob”, a local legend that happily shuttles for paddlers far and near.  He’s quite a character and if you ever find yourself on the Smith and need a shuttle, call Barefoot.  Easy, cheap and quite a pleasant experience…(yes I’m talking about shuttles….hahaha).

The last few days of our trip were spent traveling up the 101.  We caught some waves on the coast…again the weather cooperating beyond what we could have hoped… hiked a bunch, mountain biked on a fairly new trail system between Bandon and Coos Bay, and simply enjoyed the leisure of vacation.  That’s the great thing about the schedule of people in our industry.  It allows for this kind of time, except when it doesn’t, and then it’s GAME ON!  Luckily we had one more trip planned before the season.  Alas, that’s another story.  Thanks for listening and happy paddlin…

Needless to say, it’s been a long time since I’ve written.  I’m mostly healed from my MCL tear so I’ve got content to write about, but there lies the rub…when I’m forced to stay off my board (or trails, or dance floor, or yoga mat, etc) I have nothing to write about relative to the blog.  So I’m doing my best to sneak a post in here and there, while excited to be active again and too busy being active to write about it.

My first experience back on whitewater, post injury, was on the first day of 2018. A great start to a new year!  It wasn’t, however, on my paddleboard.  My first whitewater adventure was with the American Whitewater Association New Years day paddle, an annual event, on the Clackamas.  My guy Sam and I R-3’d it on a raft, with his young photography and paddle apprentice Colby.  To be legit, I’d like to say we R-4’d the run with Mojo (the coolest dog in the world) with us.  Mojo and I were both excited to start the new year right… finally getting back on the water.  The day was gorgeous…coldish but clear and it was large, fun group of paddlers.  The river was running at a perfect level and fun was had by all.  Now, as of March 2, way beyond my ability to remember details about the paddling I have to admit that a highlight was the homemade oreos that one of the paddlers contributed to the potluck after! Ha (my TRUEST passion in life reveals itself…food!!).

The New Years day paddle was great, however I was excited to get back on my paddleboard on whitewater which I did the next weekend with a wildly unseasonable Saturday on the Santiam river.  It was a sweet reunion.  Since I was mildly nervous about what my knee could do I wanted to start small.  I chose the first stretch that Sam and I ran together–our first date.  A fitting stretch and fairly romantic, in my mind, since he has been my whitewater paddle buddy, for the most part, since I started running frisky ripples on my board.  We put in at Mehema and took out at Linda’s (as we did that first day).  The difference this time around, was that the river was running at 4 times the CFS.  I was surprised to find my legs uncontrollably shaking for about 3 or 4 minutes, through the first rapid.  After that, however, they firmed up.  I suppose it was a reaction from my muscles “what the hell is this?!”…hmmmm oh yeah, we’ve done this before.

Honestly, nothing particularly noteworthy about the run except it rejuvenated my confidence in my knee’s strength. The Santiam is always beautiful and fun. Also, 65 degree weather in January is pretty epic.  There have been several amazing paddles since…you might be saying “then why not share THOSE stories Sue…this one was mediocre…? However, I’ve got to get moving out to ski and yoga.  Gotta save something right?  For now, thanks for listening and happy paddlin’….

I’m still longing to get out on my board, but in the meantime I’m filling my mind with past SUP trips.  Panama was one of those memorable SUP Yoga retreat destinations for me, led in conjunction with the shop I work at, Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe.  We went twice and had different but great adventures both times.  Hint, if you’re looking for a phenomenal experience off the beaten path, check out Panama.  Here are my suggestions:

First, spend a few days in Panama City.  The city is really cool–I believe around 11 million in population.  It has a modern financial district with skyscrapers and the whole 9 yards (or in this case…some number of meters? Ha!).  Do yourself a favor and check out the “old town” or Ciudad Viejo.  It’s got a European flare, due I’m sure, to Panama City’s fascinating history.  The area was under major renovation when I was last there and it was incredible to see extremely run down dwellings right next to beautiful, remodeled buildings.  The city comes alive at night and even if you’re not into dancing/clubbing, do yourself a favor and go anyway.  It’s 100% eye candy.  Everyone is dressed to the 9’s.  It’s incredibly fun.

Another “must see” is the Panama Canal.  But don’t be lazy and do your research before you go.  Learn what an incredible feat this canal was to build.  Pretty amazing.

After you’ve had enough of city life, you could do what our crew did and head the 5-7 hours to Santa Catalina. It’s a small but growing surf town.  Really cool and really friendly waves to surf at Playa Estero.  If you don’t want to venture farther out you can let the waves catch you just off shore, and at least experience the feel of surfing.  Views are stunning and the people are great.

Tumalo partnered with a couple of businesses in Santa Catalina to make this trip happen– beautiful Michelle (inside and out) who owns La Buena Vida, a wonderful small hotel with individual cabanas and an outstanding restaurant boasting local, organic foods.  Michelle and her husband are artists, so not only is the stay comfortable and well-located but also adorable and unique.  While there you can experience yoga on the hillside in the jungle…one of the coolest outdoor yoga studios I’ve ever seen. You can also get a massage.  For a rural experience, you’re really getting luxury!

The other partner was Fluid Adventures run by long-time Santa Catalina resident from Canada, Michael McKenzie.  Our first year Michael chartered us out to another must-see…Isla Coiba, considered the cousin to the Galapagos.  A beautiful island with indigenous animals we’d never seen or heard of, a resident crododile, immense jungle and outstanding hikes.  The sea-kayaking was mind blowing with crystal clear waters–visions that looked like they came straight out of a wall calendar.  I assure you, this wasn’t photoshopped.

The second year I took my SUP clients to various locations off Santa Catalina.  Michael made my life easy and essentially followed us wherever we wanted to go with a boat, as support. We paddled out to Santa Catalina island (unsupported), El Banco and El Gobienero.  Each a different experience but equally gorgeous. For example, from El Banco we paddled up a tributary through Amazon-like canopy, more than likely with crocodiles swimming around us, but I didn’t see any that day. No, the trips didn’t disappoint (aside from losing my camera during one of the excursions and the corresponding photos…sad face….I lost the camera, not Michael).

On a personal side note, one of the most enjoyable aspects of leading retreats is being a part of the clients’ experience.  I’ve observed transformations in days, before my eyes.  The second year in Panama was one-such situation and to this day I still remember warmly, a client (I’ll call her “Betsy”) who unwound from her highly uptight and anxious approach to…well…life. She looked physically different from the time she arrived. She left glowing, with a twinkle in her eye.

Many many great memories, too numerous to share and some falling under the category of “what happens in Panama stays in Panama”.  However, if you’re interested in learning more, feel free to contact me directly.  I’m always up for a Panama chat.  Also, it’s not a place I’d recommend just “going for it” without a guide or extensive knowledge of the area.  It’s equatorial jungle and there are plants and animals that can (and will) kill you if you are unaware.  Shouldn’t scare you away from the experience, just saying know before you go.  Or during.  There are local guides that can be chartered to help.

Thanks for listening!

 

 

 

I’ve almost completely recovered from my knee injury this summer…haven’t actually gotten on whitewater or surf with my paddleboard, but ready to get back after it! In the meantime, having just spent a few days in the San Juans it gave me an opportunity to reminisce about past visits to this beautiful area.  The trip I particularly cherish was a commercial trip I supported with TCKC a few years back.  It was a great crew…two awesome guides and Julia,  support staff.  Finally, myself to help the clients who might need anything from an apple at the very bottom of our kitchen gear after just cleaning up, to paddle tips and guidance on the water.

The TCKC staff headed out very early the day before the trip to drive the substantial distance (about 9 hours) to Anacortes where we’d camp, greet clients and ready ourselves for an even earlier next day (loading the first ferry).  Sidenote: I think the “behind the scenes” with guide staff is really fun.  It’s a special dynamic of teammates making it happen together.  Sharing the “stoke” and also the “ugggh”.  One thing is for sure–the worst day on a guided trip is better than any day in the office. Our team got along particularly well, and we enjoyed our pre-trip dinner with a handful of the guests.

Official day #1…early rise and successful load onto the ferry.  Gorgeous weather and chit chatting throughout the 90 minute or so ride.  Then onto our launch site where we promptly and efficiently…like a herd of turtles…re-packed gear, redistributing and sharing the clients’ load.  Then, onto Patos!  With 2-foot chop and several clients who were fairly anxious about the conditions, it was a little rowdy and we had to stay on our toes.  Eventually we all made it over to Patos a spectacular location.  What a great little uninhabited island, with the exception of a lighthouse on the far end, and a shitter about 1/4 mile from the grassy camp area.  Perfect!!  There were campfires, there was whiskey.  There was plenty of great food and laughter (see “whiskey”).

The next day was an optional paddle to Sucia to restock water, or a crew of us that stayed back while I led a yoga/stretch session overlooking the ocean.  With the free time after, I was more than happy to go for a run around the island trail (twice).  Checked out the lighthouse (cool!) and then back to camp to prep for dinner.  Night two, a trip highlight with a late night paddle…sans clients.  Nothing but the stars and some bioluminescence to light our way.  Little did we know that when we reached the tip of little Patito island, we also lost our protected bay and met 4 foot (at least) standing waves. Considerable waves.  But we were up to the challenge and had a hoot hollerin’ time.  Literally.  We hooted and hollered and I remember, like it was yesterday, as we “rafted up” in our kayaks, giving hugs and yelling “Isn’t life GRAND?!” just as Bo (one of the guides) looked down and asked “Sue, where is your paddle?”.  An offering to the ocean gods and maybe a lucky Canadian as the current was definitely heading that direction.

Life IS grand.  The rest of the trip was good too.  The ocean turned to glass the following morning and the typical fun paddling, campfires, paddle back and unpacking ensued.  That’s the great thing about trips like this–whether a river trip, multi-day sea-kayaking tour or ocean retreat–there’s just something about the water and positive energy that surrounds it.  Doesn’t have to involve waves or rapids (although I kinda like it when it DOES).  Leaving the cement jungle and reconnecting with mama earth and the water is a special luxury.  And if you haven’t done anything like this before, I recommend you do.  There’s something to fit every level of experience.  Give me a shout if you want some tips.

As always, thanks for listening….

 

If you’ve read my posts before you know I’ve been meaning to start this blog for awhile, but didn’t actually do it until I tore my MCL and was forced to slow down.  I was really, really good at keeping up with my writing at first. As I’ve improved, however, I’m kind of a lagger. On this blog anyway.

It’s been a really fun last month actually.  I’ve been full of gratitude for what I CAN do (rather than focusing on what I can’t do, as I did before). Checking off the list, I got back on my bike, starting really slow…all pavement first, graduating to gravel-maintained trails and as of yesterday did my first “legit” bike ride.  Felt great!

Hiking.  Probably most of you reading this are from Oregon (4 of the 7 anyway!) and you know how beautiful this area is.  I hiked some wonderful trails in Bend, Salem, Cascade Head on the coast and Paulina Lake.  Feels wonderful to be moving and strengthening my leg muscles as I go. I’ve also begun running again which has been more recent but feeling strong.

Yoga was a big step and so happy to do that again.  Not only for the phyical benefits (extremely crucial with all the misalignment and tension from the injury) but mentally and socially. Bend has such a wonderful and strong yoga community…really bummed to have been separated from that, even if just a few months.

Now, the final test will be back on my board, on whitewater.  Slated for this next week.  Ironically I’ll begin with the next stretch of the Santiam that my sweetie and I began together when we were first getting to know one another… from Mehama down where it gets more and more gentle.  I’d worked my way UP stream before (as I got better on my board…the river is rowdier upstream and chills out as it flows past Mill City falls).  A year and four months later I’ll start again, but I’m wildly optimistic that my knee will do great.  If nothing else, we’ll have a great time running a beautiful stretch of river that we’ve been meaning to do but were having more fun on more challenging stuff.  This seems a metaphor to life… full of ups and downs, starts and stops.  Just when you think you’re invincible something happens to blow you off course.  However, at those times when you’re flailing hard, something great happens to prop you back up.  So I’m going to get out there and start all over again.  Onward and upward folks….keep moving, keep trying!

 

I continue to improve from my MCL tear 6 weeks ago today.  Finally, I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and while I’m still on “injured reserve” for many of my fav activities I’ve also been able to do normal things like walk, paddle on flatwater and shop with this incredible human, Kelley Shanan, who I absolutely plan on teaching with as originally sceduled this next Thursday for our Yoga SUP Sundowner event at Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe.  I’ve had to give up a lot of my activities which is fine…really… this summer.  But I’m kind of stubborn about this.  First of all, it’s rare that Shanan’s schedule is open and since she made the commitment I’d be really bummed to miss the opportunity to co-present this fun night with her.  Second, it’s the best way I can think of to kick off the eclipse weekend (that’s eclipsing all other normal activity…haha…mmmm I’m just not that funny…sorry!).  Finally, I think this event will be awesome for those who attend.  It’s yoga SUP which is awesome, on the upper Deschutes on a summer evening.  However, I’ve also had two of my favorite brands step in and ask to be a part of the project by donating raffle prizes.  Product from lululemon and a pair of shoes from Astral.  If you’ve read my blog before you know I love Astral’s shoes AND their company’s values.

Recently, I’ve gotten better acquainted with our local lululemon and it’s new manager Emily Kyle.  She’s a sweetheart, and clearly knows her stuff which Shanan and I recognized on a recent shopping spree. Shanan and I went to the Old Mill location to try on some product recognizing we were both greatly in need of new stuff for this event.  I personally still wear exercise clothes circa 1999-early 2000’s to teach my classes.  I think 50 First Dates was the new release movie and Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston were the hot Hollywood couple last time I bought a pair of yoga pants. Probably time to upgrade? Ummmm yeah. Emily hooked us up with product that I’m confident saying will shock (in a positive way) all my regular students.  They might not recognize me.  These clothes are seriously way too cool for me even to wear.  I’ll do my best to do the brand justice.  Shanan, on the other hand, always looks adorable and rocks the lululemon.  You don’t believe me? Come check her out on Thursday night at the event.

Aside from Thursday, I look forward to getting back out to teach SUP and maybe into a yoga studio, in the next few weeks.  Things should get exponentially better from there.  Patience.  It’s been an interesting “ride”.

Thanks for listening and happy paddlin’….

 

Well it’s been an interesting month. What started out an amazing summer full of hiking, biking and lots of paddleboarding then took a drastic 180 when I tore my MCL on July 2. It’s been a soul-searching event for sure with many compromises. My lifestyle has been turned upside down (I might not be badass, but I do many hours of activity a day, frisky ripple-style). I’ve traded in my typical gear…boards, paddles, 1 mm O’Neill capris/paddle jacket, bikinis and my Astral Brewess paddle shoes for laptop, books, knee brace and dresses! It’s a transition for sure…temporary…but different. For the first week I was pretty much laid up in bed or a chair (leg elevated and iced). However, as recovery began I was altogether ready to get out of my studio and back to work, even if greatly modified.

Now a month in, I’ve begun walking—slowly–and have the great pleasure of doing so in comfort and style thanks to some new skids from Astral. We carry their brand at the shop and I needed something that gave me good traction (please, please don’t fall and re-injure myself!), Something comfortable (I need that more than ever right now!) and style (common…even in the direst conditions a gal wants to appear at least marginally cute). I got the TR1-Trek for (eventual) hiking/canyoning, Mary Jay’s for fashion and the Rosa for summer casual. So let the fun begin, trying these shoes out!

I wore first, the TR-1 Trek. I’m sooooo ready to get moving again and hiking is my jam. I simply love getting out into nature. Doesn’t have to be a thigh-burner or intense hike, although I enjoy that plenty. I can also thrive on easy, approachable terrain. These shoes seem great for that…although I haven’t tested them with any true hiking since I currently shuffle along like a slug. In fact, it’s almost imperceptible that I’m moving! What I CAN say for the Trek is that they’re ridiculously comfortable, light weight and highly supportive. That feels great when just about everything hurts from the actual injury in my knee, to the rest of my body that is cranky due to the lying around so much and compensating with the bum knee. When I put these shoes on, it was kind of like a big body sigh. Ahhhhhh.

The second shoe (flip flop) I wore was the Rosa. First, I gotta say that I love red, although this flip flop is also offered in black, gray and turquoise. All the colors are cute and have fun stitching on the top bands to make them “sexier” rather than boring. They’ve got arch support and a back strap so you don’t feel the typical shin/calve tension when walking for long periods of time. This is crucial for me injured, however as a woman who lives in flip flops in the summer it’s nice to save my legs and back in general. I chose to wear these with a dress (as indicated above) but could easily pack them along with shorts or jeans to warmer climes this winter. Their material makes them more durable for, say, international travel this winter to Mexico where I already have dreamy visions of escaping, and have started flight shopping just to appease my anxiety about missing all the great paddling in the PacNW this summer! Props to the Rosa!!

Finally, I wore the Mary Jay’s. Spoiler alert… I jokingly posted on Facebook stating my indecision to wear them in public, just in case someone tried to steal them from me in my compromised condition because they are so super cute. Haha….they’e ADORABLE. All caps. They’re available in several colors but I chose the navy/turquoise. Don’t think that the Mary Janes cuteness negates comfort. They have cushion throughout the footbed with little grooves which I’m guessing are to massage and relax the foot. And p.s…I got so many compliments on them, while wearing them and on the FB post.

You might ask why I am so gung-ho on Astral.  Here’s the thing… I paddled with the RVR2RVR gals the last two years and they rep for Astral.  I ended up hearing more about the company and not only are their products–PFDs and shoes–awesome, but so is the company culture.  How they approach their employees, vendors, and customers.  The whole shabang.  I like to give props where credit is due and when a company excels I think that deserves a shout out.

So that’s the thumbnail on this gal lately… on injured reserve I spend a lot of time getting office work done, rehabbing in the pool and being stoked on my Astrals. Can’t wait until I have more to share!! Hahaha…thanks for listening and happy paddlin’ (get out there and get some for me too!!)