FIND YOUR LAKE PACE

LAKE PACE FIND YOUR TEMPO

BY D. MCCLAIN

LEISURE OR EXTREME

Here in Minnesota, we make the most of our 10,000 lakes. We enjoy many traditional water activities and some newer ones. A few lake-top activities we see up and coming are kitesurfing and kiteboarding, hydroflight, and also paddleboard yoga. These activities range from leisurely to extreme, so we have it all in Lakes Country. Kitesurfing and kiteboarding have some differences that set them apart. While kiteboarding is more about big air jumps and aerial tricks above the water, kitesurfing is actually derived from kiteboarding and focuses more on slicing through waves on a surfboard that, more often than not, your feet aren’t attached to. In both sports, the wind is your ally for propelling you across the water at high speeds. Although there is a technical difference, kiteboarding and kitesurfing are often lumped together in the same category and fun ranking. It all depends on your skill level and thirst for the extreme element.

Still in need of a thrill? Hydroflight is a fairly new sport only coming to the US in 2013. Originally only an extreme sport that attracted those daring enough to be propelled above the water’s surface at high speeds has now become a leisure activity that can be enjoyed by just about anyone. Using water jet propulsion from a personal watercraft (PWC) creates sustained flight above the water’s surface where lift and movement are controlled by the rider. Different types of hydroflight devices include jetpacks, jetboards and hoverboards–all of which provide the sensation of human flight without wings. Being airborne will instill the urge to push the limits and attempt tricks that would be impossible to do on solid ground. Fun is the best word to describe this activity as you will enjoy making memories alone or with friends and family.

If serenity is more of what you’re after, try Paddleboard Yoga. Practicing yoga on a paddleboard yields different benefits for the mind, body and soul than what you acquire on a mat. The level of resistance and difficulty is heightened as are your senses. The sensation of floating on the water aids to alleviate the heaviness of the stresses of life. Drifting on top of calm waters encourages your pace to slow and your focus rests on your technique, form and quality of breath. The advantages of being surrounded by nature enables you to realize your union with the environment, humanity and the universe. A change of scenery is both liberating and a major motivator of this workout. And don’t sweat it if you fall in, everyone does! This is another beneficial portion of the routine. The example of pulling yourself back onto your board can be mirrored to the life lesson of getting back up if life knocks you down. Whether you are a beginner or advanced yogi, paddleboard yoga is an experience you will want more of. Having so many lakes has inspired Minnesotans to embrace these waters and expand their interactions with nature. There is always something going on at the lake. We love lake life.

HEAR MORE ABOUT PADDLEBOARD YOGA AND HYRDOFLIGHT SPORTS ON THE FULL PODCAST EPISODES LAKELIFEWKND.PODBEAN.COM

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