Matt and I have wanted SUP boards for awhile now, but just could not invest $1k for the set and shipping.  We wanted something that could easily be stowed, easily inflated, fairly stable, and reasonably priced – we don’t ask for much, right?  The waters are pretty calm in Bonaire which makes this a perfect spot to try them out.

New, local friends, who recently bought a catamaran, were selling their two inflatable boards (paddles, bags, fins).  They thought they were too old for them as they had a hard time balancing.  As it turns out, they bought small boards (8’9″ with a maximum weight of 60 kilos or 130lbs) and for their size they should have bought the 10’9″ standard inflatable boards.  They loaned them to us to see if we liked them and let me tell you it was HARD!  I had SUP’d before, but it was on Lake Austin on a 10’9″ standard board (non-inflatable), in no wind.  Didn’t have much of a problem then, but this was a very different story!

Matt seemed to tame the board almost immediately.  Not only was he able to stand up on the board, but he stayed up and paddled around mooring area.  I managed to get up (after falling in a few times) and managed to paddle around the boat, on my knees not standing upright, but it still felt like a accomplishment!

Several days later, after a few attempts and a few falls I was finally able to stand for a short up. Of course that all changed when a wave came, or a boat drove by, or a gust kicked up.

SUPing around the boat. Concentrating very hard on staying upright.

Oh dear, this is not good – so close to the boat too!

Yep, knew that was coming! Of course Matt captured the moment.

In addition to our SUP adventures and daily walking in Bonaire, we also have a great group of people who enjoy water aerobics or Noodling on the Sea.  Our friend leads the hour long class every Tuesday and Thursday where all are welcome.

Noodling around and getting some exercise.

Bonaire current carried us too far away so we are swimming back to position