Little Brothers and Sisters Learn to Stand Up Paddle on the Columbia Gorge
A few years ago, I had no idea what Stand Up Paddling (SUP) was. Now it seems like I see people doing it everywhere. It’s certainly very popular all over the Gorge. For those who don’t know what it is–it’s a solo sport that entails paddling while standing on a surf-like board.
For years we’ve held a Windsurfing Clinic for our Big Brothers/Sisters and their Littles. This year, we decided to do something a little different. Twenty matches from across the Gorge came out on August 5th to theHood River waterfront to learn how to SUP, taught by the Big Winds SUP Junior Elite Team.
Though the sun was hot and the water was warm, Vanesa begged her Big Sister Cortney, “Don’t let me fall in!” Despite her uncertainty, Vanesa went from sitting on Cortney’s board to standing and paddling on her own board within minutes. We’re so proud of Vanesa for trying something so scary to her, and we’re so happy she learned to like it!
Here’s Little Sister Vanessa with her Big Sister before she tried it on her own.
