Everything Awesome

Came across a facebook page for Paddling in Underbank at Stocksbridge.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/underbank

Seems a great resource for those who are Paddling in the North Sheffield area.

A Weekend Full of Fun and (Slight) Dizzying Heights

A July weekend like this might seem a bit unusual to some, but for Everything Awesome, it’s become a typical part of my summer.

Saturday: The Beighton Gala was in full swing, and I found myself back in my element – teetering on stilts, juggling fire, and generally acting a goofball to put smiles on children’s faces. It’s a rewarding kind of chaos, and the laughter always makes it worthwhile.

Sunday: The morning started with a complete change of scenery. I was at the Foundry climbing centre in Sheffield, this time not as a spectator, but as part of a birthday party! Lesley and I teamed up to guide an 8-year-old girl’s climbing adventure. It was fantastic to see how well-behaved and enthusiastic the kids were. They absolutely loved the session, and their energy was truly infectious.

From the climbing wall, we headed straight to Underbank reservoir, where a new activity awaited us: stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Both Lesley and I are relatively new to SUP, although we’ve had a few lessons under our belts. This session was all about getting more comfortable on the water. There were a few wobbly moments, but that’s all part of the learning process, right? We definitely need more practice to master this new skill, but we’re determined to improve. In fact, our goal is to acquire a SUP qualification before the end of 2024.

So, while some might find my weekend itinerary a bit unorthodox, for me, it’s the perfect blend of silliness, physical challenge, and learning something entirely new. It’s a great reminder that there’s so much fun to be had, no matter your age, and that there’s always a new skill waiting to be discovered. Here’s to keeping things interesting and embracing the occasional wobble – both on stilts and on the water!

Another session with Dan at DC Outdoors

This past afternoon, Everything Awesome had the pleasure of spending some quality time with Dan on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) adventure in Sheffield. We met at the bustling Victoria Quays, a vibrant hub on the city’s canal network. After a quick gear check and a good 30 minutes spent refreshing our paddling memories (it’s amazing how quickly those skills can fade!), we were finally ready to set off on our journey.

The afternoon unfolded into a delightful exploration as we paddled for roughly 5 kilometers along the picturesque canals. With the sun casting a warm glow on the water, it was the perfect setting for a relaxing yet rewarding afternoon. The highlight of the trip, however, came in the form of new skills learned. Dan, a patient and encouraging instructor, introduced me to the art of paddling sideways. This maneuver, while seemingly simple, adds a whole new dimension to navigating a SUP. We also tackled the challenge of maintaining a straight course while paddling on just one side, a skill that requires finesse and core strength.

As the afternoon progressed, it was time to put theory into practice in a rather unexpected way: personal rescue training. This involved, somewhat counterintuitively, starting in a state of perfect balance and dryness. However, the fun twist came with the deliberate plan to take a tumble into the cool canal waters. Now, let me tell you, this “controlled chaos” came with a valuable lesson – my clothes were ridiculously heavy when wet!

While the initial shock of the cold water might have been a tad surprising, it certainly served as a powerful reminder of the importance of proper gear. So, guess what tomorrow holds? You guessed it – a wetsuit purchase is officially on the agenda! This experience highlighted the importance of appropriate attire for water sports, especially when venturing out on open water.

Looking back, the afternoon was a perfect blend of learning, laughter, and a little bit of getting soaked. It was a fantastic way to explore the city from a unique perspective and reconnect with a fun outdoor activity. With a renewed appreciation for the importance of proper gear and a newfound confidence in my paddling skills, I can’t wait for my next adventure on the water!

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