Most often, a GREEN paddle means one that has me scouring the water and the beaches for plastic and litter. This paddle was not different. I found several plastic items, a bathing suit, some lids and a discarded beach towel. But for this paddle, the GREEN was not only my eco-efforts. It references the actual color – GREEN.

After several weeks of unhealthy air quality due to wildfires across the Pacific Northwest, this morning dawned clear, smoke free and about 30 degrees cooler than the average 90 of the past weeks. I arrived at my favorite put-in along the Deschutes River to find glassy calm, an almost “autumn-like” tinge to the air and no other paddlers. It was a day to cherish – and I did.

My usual paddles are all about the BLUE. Blue skies, blue water and my brilliant blue 12’6″ Starboard Zen construction paddle board. But with a hint of Fall in the air and the day being so exquisite, I could not help but appreciate the GREENS.

These greens will soon become the myriad of colors that beckon in Fall. A few months later, the browns and whites of winter will color my favorite river sections. So for today, I savored the green. I hope you enjoy it with me – and get out on the water every summer gorgeous day you can.

You know the kid who always has to jump in a puddle (even when wearing shows and socks) or the one who begs, “just a little while longer.” when it’s time to leave the beach? That kids is – and always has been – ME!

And weather doesn’t really matter – sunny or stormy, hot or cold. With the right clothes, equipment and attitude, all days on the water are great days.

A recent Sunday morning delivered a glassy river paddle and a sense of happy wonder. It was truly a zen-like experience. And I was paddling my Starboard Inflatable 12′ 6″ Touring board with ZEN construction.

A few days later I paddled upstream in wind and a strong, rippling current. That intense effort switched to the bumpy goodness of a down stream down-winder all the way back.

Lake time can be no less diverse. My favorite local lake is bordered by Elk Lake Resort and boasts a number of great beaches to launch from. Early morning can usually guarantee a calm 4.5 mile meander around the perimeter of the lake.

By mid afternoon the wind fills in, often sporadic or gusty. Early morning thermals drift like lazy bubbles on a hot, summer day. The air ahead of these thermal bubbles is light and variable. But most afternoons these thermals create gusts–called cat’s-paws–50% higher than the true wind speed. Cat’s-paws appear as rough, dark patches on the water.

Hold on for the quick acceleration and set your wing trim for a lift as the gust arrives. I am using my FreeWing AIR V2 (5M). It’s one of the toys that add to my wonderland of fun on the water. Check out the full array of Starboard wing options here!