More Ocean Hall Exhibit Pictures

Marlon and Noe both have Green Iguanas for pets and Marlon has been studying the works of Charles Darwin - they had a particularly keen interest in the Marine Iguana. The display with the surfboard, paddles, diving and fishing tackle seemed like what they really wanted was an exhibit of me... I could have saved them the trouble and just given them a picture or two of me in the water doing all these things at once (yes you can do it - SUP paddling with fishing gear is surfing, paddling, fishing all in one - throw on a mask to go snorkeling and a speargun and you just pegged the meter on ocean coolness). If you are in the DC Metro area - this place is a must see. Despite the multiple trips we have been there, we always see something new!

Brilliant Idea!!!

This was originally posted at www.standupzone.com on their Wind Powered tab. Now this is another way to SUP Sail - looks like we will all have to make a distinction between WindSUPing and SUP Sailing from now on. Seeing this picture sent my mind spinning (trolling lures without the logistics of managing a windsurfing rig, paddling upwind for exercise and sail-farting around back downwind, sailing until the wind dies and then paddle, teaching the kids how to sail downwind - and on and on!!! The things you can do on a SUP never cease to amaze me - besides this being a fun way to SUP on a lazy breezy day, it would also be fantastic spinnaker training - even jibing the chute!!! I've got an old kite downstairs and a crafty wifey who can sew.... I'm not sure who to credit for the picture, but who ever you are - thanks for the catalyst!!!

Amphibious Assault Craft or Nurturing Mother Ship

Catch up post from last weekend. Beaver Dam Reservoir. We went looking for the dense population of carp we saw as the air temps just started to rise - but they weren't there anymore. We did see a bunch of schools of tiny fish (we didn't have a net fine enough to catch them to see what they were - but with the timing, I suspect they are hatching carp) and a few sunnies poking out from the newly grown grass - which leads me to the subject of the post. This kayak kicks butt - we rode right over the dense grasses and got in to the spots where the carp were hanging out (albeit a few weeks too late). But the kayak also offered tons of storage space to satisfy thirsty paddlers and hungry tummies. So this thing is both an amphibious assault craft and a mother ship that can carry the kitchen sink.