Sound-side at Kitty Hawk Watersports.

A while back, I was pondering the art of stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP to those in the know. Watching those who glide seemingly effortlessly through the water while standing atop a sturdy, floating board just made me want to give it a try. Since I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to adventurous stuff, I decided to test my stamina with something that seemed fairly safe and peaceful. Goodness knows, the word “peaceful” doesn’t often come up in the world of outdoor sports.

The Sound behind Kitty Hawk Watersports and Miller’s Restaurant.

Kitty Hawk Watersports, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, sits on the Sound side next to Miller’s Restaurant (which is a-may-zing, just so you know) and offers a great spot to practice and try something new. Plus, they have these awesome water bumper boats that the husband and child took advantage of while I was enjoying my SUP experience.

The art scene at Kitty Hawk Watersports.

I decided that I did not need an actual lesson. For once, that turned out to be a good call because the employee who helped me did a really good job of explaining the basics. Now, for more advanced techniques, I would recommend a lesson or two. But to just start out, it’s kind of nice to just “wing it.”

Practicing kiteboarding skills.

I discovered that paddleboarding is both easier and harder than I imagined. Balance was my worry (I can trip over air). Turns out there was nothing to worry about in that department. Those boards are really wide and very sturdy. If you can stand up, you can stand up on a paddleboard.

Now, the hard part was to be found in the rowing. Yes, rowing. As in with a paddle (hence the name, paddleboarding). Let’s just say I am more spaghetti arms than rower’s arms. I did not do too bad, if I do say so myself. Which I do, as there is nobody to dispute my claims. But man were my arms tired.

If you’re wondering why there are no photos of myself actually on a paddleboard, remember that my traveling companions were soaking themselves on the water bumper boats. They have their priorities.