Every day we wake up one day older – physically. Each day we have an incredible choice- to be a kid at heart, weaving wonder and joy into simple, ordinary moments. Last December, I had the opportunity to meet a woman whose personality, generous heart, wise spirit and open heart has changed and inspired the lives of her family and hundreds of others. I had a chance to chat with Carolyn Jackson for a few hours.

Carolyn’s life was too short, she passed on while surrounded by the love of her family just last month, but her spirit and energy remain alive – rippling out through the people she touched. Last night at her celebration of life her daughter, Shawneen Schweitzer, shared parts of this blog article written by Carolyn over nine years ago. One line resonated back to my heart this morning as I set out on a short walk along the beach on Maui.

“Come for a walk with me as I envelop myself in the abundance of Maui. Take a deep breath and see yourself cavorting with nature. This is the most wonderful way to start my day.”

The first thing I spotted along my walk were many joggers collecting their miles – and I wondered if they were collecting their smiles along the way. So I did what many friends of Carolyn’s mentioned last night, “Smile first.” So, I did. Soon we were all collecting smiles.

I was  dressed in shorts and a shirt, planning a calm walk along the shore. I recalled some questions Carolyn asked in her wonderful article, “How many of us are that capable of being true to our own inspiration. Should I do it? Should I get dressed [as Mary Poppins with her umbrella] and dance on the boardwalk? Should I completely embarrass my family? mmmm I think I should. What do you think?”

I felt pulled into the crystal clear water and stood knee deep watching the shore break swell cascade from my left toward me. Mesmerized, I watched it growing in size until I was eye-level with deep blue as the wave crashed at me waist-high, dousing me with kid-like pleasure. Normally, I would have jumped out of the way (keep your clothes dry, grownup). Not on this morning. I felt Carolyn there being an anonymous player in the sea with me.

Her grandson, Zane, shared some facts I hadn’t heard before. If you stand with your feet sinking into the gooey, soft sand at the water’s edge, positive ions will flow from your body and you’ll receive energizing negative ions. Ions or not, as my feet sank deeper, to calf high, I just grinned. Now I was stuck and the waves played tag with me. My grin couldn’t have been bigger. A fresh spirit washed over me along with the salty water.

My day began in a wonderful way. No matter what your current sense of wonder or your existing spirit of presence and loving kindness, I invite you to let it expand even more by sharing this blog, “Clarity with Carolyn.” Begin your own ripple effect. P2SUP is my method of sharing. If you have thoughts on the subject or blogs/articles from which you glean inspiration please feel free to add them in the COMMENTS.

There are times when even the most die hard standup paddler wishes the wind wasn’t blowing so hard – on flatwater or on the waves.  While there is no way I will trade in my quiver of KIALOA paddles for a sail, I definitely have re-sparked my interest in windsurfing.

A winter trip to Tampa for a late holiday vacation with my son and granddaughter set up the time and place to experience a windsurfing lesson. I was fortunate to discover North Beach Windsurfing on St Petersburg Beach and owner, Britt, had a lesson slot available.

Before the lesson I had a chat with Britt and learned a few reasons why he was 100% engaged in sharing his expertise – and it all begins with a passion for what he does. Britt graduated from Eckerd College in Florida and had a great collegiate experience on their windsurfing team. After summers enjoying every moment being a windsurf instructor, Britt began to use his degree in economics by starting work with an investment firm.

He still taught windsurfing on the weekends but it wasn’t until his firm was sold that the door opened for him to re-think his career path. His job didn’t survive the merger and a door opened. It was simple. He loved to teach so why not share what he loved with others – and  North Beach Windsurfing was born.

The day of my lesson dawned clear with light wind, an ideal situation. I had owned a sailboard for a few years back in the early 1980’s. I learned by trial and error, using my sailing skills and surfing balance to have a lot of fun.

I wasn’t 5 minutes into my lesson with Britt before I realized I had never honed any windsurfing technique or actual understanding of the science (basic stuff) behind forces, vectors and levers that can make sail handling way easier than I remembered.

One “aha” moment followed another during the land-based part of the lesson. My natural tendencies to use brute force to lift the sail and hold it during reaches and tacks suddenly seemed ridiculous. With patience and lots of “let’s try that again” Britt led me to discovering the balance and ease of having the mast and sail in the right place.

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Soon we were in the water – and to my surprise, Britt jumped right on the board ahead of the sail and continued to talk me through the steps while on the water. Soon afterward it was my time to go solo. I probably had more than 100 hours sailboarding, but this solo venture was totally new. I finally “got” the seeds to a solid understanding of making the sport more fun – and probably much safer for my 67 year old self.

I am already counting the days until my next lesson.

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Even though I love everything about SUP – there is a magic in windsurfing that can complement my time time on the water.

I have a collection of hydration packs, bottles, fanny-packs and sometimes I just wedge a waterbottle under the deck straps on my Starboard Astro Touring board.  As training, exploring and down wind adventures demand lots of time, sweat and hydration I am always seeking the best solution.  I recently tried the Mazama Sidestream: Hydration Waist Pack which holds 1.3 liters of fluid.  

I have found that a hydration pack that fits over my shoulders is sometimes awkward while paddling.  Adjusting the shoulder and chest straps is helpful, but not always ideal. The first time I used the Mazama Sidestream I noticed that I actually forgot I was wearing it – a good thing!

In order to drink I did need to grab the bite-nozzle and bring it up to my mouth. Even during a race it seems like a quick movement, practically effortless.  There is a neoprene holder near the front of the Sidestream. The bite nozzle fits easily and securely into that holder, so the hose/nozzle stays out of the way while paddling and is easily available.

Once you’re done hydrating, you simply let the drink tube recoil back into the pack, and with a quick motion, insert the bite valve into its neoprene holder. Sidestream sits in the small of your back, close to your center-of-gravity for a comfortable, no bounce fit. You stay in balance and your fluid doesn’t slosh. 

On the water I like to carry my phone in its waterproof case. There is plenty of room in the Sidestream for my phone, an energy bar and even my car key – but remeber to protect your electronic key from water if you plan to carry it.

AVOID THE TOP 3 NUTRITION MISTAKES MADE BY STAND UP PADDLERS

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