Her Adventures: Zen and the Art of Paddle Boarding

Don't fall off. Don't fall off. Don't fall off. That's what I kept telling myself as we — my husband and I — drove to meet Tim Inskeep for our first stand up paddling lesson.

When we arrived, I marveled at how Tim has converted an old bread truck into the perfect on-the-road office. I've always loved the water, and the thought having a new way to experience it intrigued me. I spend most of my time sitting at a desk and found myself needing a new perspective.

Tim is a great teacher. His philosophy is that if you can breathe, you can paddle. Tim moved here a few months ago from Maui, where he was the general manager and senior instructor at the Goofy Foot Surf School. Tim created a stand up paddle program for Goofy Foot and is now offering lessons and tours in Nashville. Stand up paddle boarding originated in Hawaii as a way for instructors to teach students surfing. It is now gaining popularity on the mainland — and for our purposes, here in Nashville — and is a great way to exercise without even realizing it.

After a quick land instruction on proper technique (which makes this a great all-over body workout), we were off to the water. I was amazed at how easy it was. The board looks like a surfboad but is made for flat water touring and stability. Unlike surfing where you stand sideways on the board, when paddle boarding you stand with both feet facing the front of the board. Place the paddle perpendicular to your board in front of you, you position your shins over the center point of the board, raise to your knees, take a few strokes with the paddle, take a deep breath, and stand up.

I felt a little shaky at first, but after only a few minutes my body relaxed, and it felt completely natural.

“But what happens if I fall off?” I asked.

"Jump in," Tim answered. "It's the best way to calm your nerves."

And he was right! I jumped in and easily got back up on the board. I can't believe that I was so nervous. These boards are so stable that anyone can learn how to paddle board. You are the captain of your own ship with no route to follow. And the view is amazing — it's like walking (or gliding) on water. And the benefits to your body are great. You can improve your balance, build your core and improve your posture. Plus, it's a really great activity to do as a couple, with a group of girls, and even with the whole family.

Being touted as a great core workout, I can attest to this truth. I woke up the next morning feeling muscles I didn't even know I had. Unlike most sports like snowboarding, skiing, etc., all you need for stand up paddling is a board, a paddle, and water. Tim also sells boards, and if you buy one from him, he puts the cost of a lesson ($50 for one, $75 for two, $100 for three, and $125 for four) toward the board. Tim will help you figure out what board will fit you best and then show you how to set up your garage, etc. to accommodate your new recreational equipment. He'll even come to your house and work up a system for you, just so you continue paddling. His philosophy is that a board like this shouldn't go unused. So, after two more excursions with Tim to try out different boards and paddles, my husband and I purchased our own paddle boards and have been paddling everyday after work. It's a fantastic way to finish up the dog days of summer!

If you're looking for a great workout or just another way to enjoy the water, contact Tim Inskeep at supguides.com or call him at 808-283-5148.

Tim Inskeep

The office-on-wheels