By Sarah Rameriz 

I rented a board from Pau Hana Surf Supply because I wanted to try something new. I had heard that stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) was a great way to enjoy the water and get some exercise at the same time. I also wanted to challenge myself and learn a new skill.

As I stood on the board for the first time, I felt a rush of nerves and excitement. The board felt large and unwieldy, but my instructor showed me how to hold the paddle and balance properly. Surprisingly, the paddle board was much more stable than I expected and I was able to get started easily.

As I stood on the board for the first time, I couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement. The board itself was long and wide, much larger than I anticipated. It felt unwieldy and intimidating at first, but my instructor was patient and reassuring as he showed me the basics of stand-up paddleboarding.

He started by demonstrating how to hold the paddle correctly, with one hand on the handle and the other on the shaft. He explained that the angle of the paddle could be adjusted to control the direction and speed of the board. He also showed me how to stand up on the board, starting on my knees and slowly rising to my feet while keeping my weight centered over the board.

At first, I struggled to find my balance on the board. I wobbled and nearly fell off a few times, but my instructor encouraged me to relax and trust the stability of the board. He explained that the shape of the board, with its wide and flat surface, made it much more stable than a traditional surfboard.

As I began to paddle, I quickly realized that there was much more to this sport than just standing and paddling. My instructor taught me how to adjust my stance for balance, how to turn the board, and how to control my speed. With each new skill, I felt more confident and exhilarated.

As I gained confidence, I started to paddle around in calm water. I found that the paddle was easy to use and felt natural in my hands. With each stroke, I felt more comfortable and in control of the board. I began to experiment with different strokes, adjusting the angle of the paddle to turn the board or speed up.

As I paddled further out into the water, I saw another person on a SUP board. He was tall and muscular, with a friendly smile on his face. I noticed that he was also a beginner, and we started talking, his name was Joon.

Joon and I spent the next few hours paddling around together, chatting and getting to know each other. We laughed as we splashed each other with our paddles and challenged each other to race to the buoy in the distance.  On the way to the buoy a pod of dolphins suddenly appeared, leaping out of the water and swimming right in front of us. We were both awestruck by the sight, watching in amazement as the graceful creatures played and frolicked in the waves. Their playful energy was infectious, and we both felt a sense of wonder and joy in that moment.

As we paddled back to shore, tired but exhilarated from our adventure, Joon and I both knew that we had made a special connection that day. We exchanged phone numbers, promising to meet up again soon for another paddleboarding adventure, eager to see what other wonders the ocean had in store for us.

Looking back on that day, I realize that stand-up paddle boarding not only gave me a fun and challenging new hobby, but it also brought someone special into my life. SUPing has become our shared passion, and we continue to explore new waters and create new memories together. It's amazing how one little decision to try something new can change your life in ways you never expected.

Also in Paddleboarding Stories