Caribbean Dreams Magazine Volume 2 | Page 33

oCEAN ADVENTURES IN & UNDA DE SEA PARASAILING Once you ride the wind you may never want to return to being just a regular “land lubber” again! Admire a bird’s eye view of the coast line of Barbados in a peaceful, uncluttered world just for you. No experience is required, we just hope that you aren’t afraid of heights this ride soars up to 250ft above the ocean, an experience for just you or in tandem with a friend or loved one. It’s a breathtaking and thoroughly enjoyable experience. The parasail is stable, comfortable and safe, so you enjoy the ride effortlessly, and landings are just as easy: the tow vehicle slows down and the rider gently floats from the heavens back down to earth. Ride the wind this weekend! stand up paddle Boarding SUP (Stand Up Paddle boarding) may not quite be walking on water, but it’s as close as you may ever get to the experience. This Hawaiian sport is all the rage; popularized by competitions and events held worldwide. If you are not a surfer or familiar with a surf board then you may experience a sense of nervousness and anxiety at the thought of the deep blue beneath your feet, but the fun, the thrill and the ease of learning soon makes the experience comfortable and enjoyable. No clue how to get started or want to make the most of a SUP lesson? Then here are a few tips that will get you started! 01 Test your sea legs Slowly Don’t head out to the surf to soon! Try it first on low, flat water, where there’s less movement and you can get accustomed to the board beneath your feet. 02 Check your position & stance The center handle of the board is the most stable location, so take a “wide”, comfortable stance over the handle to increase stability; as you get better, and more stable; you can try different positions to find your ultimate comfort zone. 03 Keep Your Focus Look at the water in front of you instead of at the board, it makes balancing much easier. 04 Hold your paddle just right Hold your paddle with the blade tilted up or with the bend pointing towards the sky. If the blade is tilted down toward the ground or water, it is backward. 05 Set the right pace It’s not a race – at least not yet! So start with small, easy strokes when you’re learning, then build to the power strokes later. 06 Use safety gear A leash will ensure you don’t loose your board and visa versa; the added protection of a life jacket makes good beach sense, in case anything goes wrong. 07 Take a friend or a more experienced person along Paddle with a friend or someone who can give you pointers on your techniques. 08 Do take it too seriously Expect to lose your balance, tip over, fall off and try again. It may take a few tries before you get it right, but that’s simply a part of the fun. Enjoy! Caribbean Dreams | 33