…if you’re an idiot.
Which luckily me and Chelsea are comfortable in our own idiocity because we totally rocked stand-up paddleboarding for the first time in rain and wind.
I was early to arrive at Marina Park in Kirkland. It is a small park with well-manicured grass behind the half-moon shaped pebble beach.
I parked across from it and stayed in my minivan, watching the rain pelt Lake Washington. A sleek, white Mercedes parked on my passenger side. A woman with magazine-cover makeup emerged, clutching her sun hat to her head to protect her silky blonde hair.
She and a man joined more beautiful people. I marveled at the women running on the toes of their wedges and spike heels down the pier to their cruise yacht. Okay, okay, I was waiting to see if anyone tripped.
The Northwest Paddle Surfers kid set up a tent for check in on the lawn finally. I made my way to the grass and stood under it in my flip flops, bike shorts, and a dry-fit jacket and hat.
“I was really hoping my boss would call and say I didn’t have to work today,” said the kid. He looked like he was probably on break from college.
“Sorry ’bout that,” I said.
“Looks like you guys are the only ones.”
By “ones,” he meant: Idiots who want to go stand-up paddleboarding in a rain storm.
Welcome to summer in the Northwest. Wait. No. Welcome to my luck. It hadn’t rained for 50 days before Friday.
I considered bailing on this adventure. I ran back to the van and checked my phone. “Be there in 5,” was the last text from Chels.
Damn. I guess we’re doing this thing then.
And we did. And we had fun…for a little bit.
Out in the choppy water of Lake Washington about 20 minutes into it, Chelsea says: “This would be a lot more fun if it was sunny.”
Really? Really, Chels? You think?! (She’s trying to steal my Captain Obvious title.)
Twenty-five minutes or so after that, we were seated inside The Slip with a couple of beers.
It was a beautiful day for fish and chips.
6 comments
OH man, sorry the weather sucked:( I really want to try paddleboarding! Would you do it again? On a sunny day of course;)
Yes! It was fun…just not for a long time in that weather. On a pretty day, it would be great!
Hey! Yes, would definitely go again! Gilt Seattle actually has a deal going right now for the place by my house – I snatched that up as soon as I saw it! $20 for 2 hr rental. I believe the deal we got last week was 2 hr rental for 2 people for $20, but this way saves me at least $5 in bridge tolls, plus I can walk there!
Love this! Being a native PNWer (that’s a word), I, however, would have bailed. You guys are rockstars. Think how easy it will be next time.
I watched S and his friend learn to paddleboard in Hawaii in pristine conditions. It’s still hard.
Oh man that sucks but what a great adventure and you girls are a little badA for paddleboarding in ran on Lake Wash!! Mmm fish and chips with warm clam chowder and a Mac N Jacks….totally want that right now.
Ha ha, reminds me of last summer when I took sailing lessons with my sister and our first lesson was held during a torrential rainstorm, we were completely soaked! But, still had a good time 🙂