Stand Up Paddle Boarding !

BY Rebecca White-Martin

One of the fastest growing watersports in the world, stand up paddle boarding is growing leaps and bounds. You can do it on any body of water from oceans, lakes to rivers and bays. It’s a great full body core workout, builds balance and is another way to experience the water in the outdoors. People of all ages, skill levels, and experience can be up and riding in a very short period of time. There is even room to throw a small child or man’s best friend on board.

Who Invented Stand up Paddle Boarding?
Maui surf legend Laird Hamilton was looking for a way to cross train for big waves in the early 90’s. He grabbed a canoe paddle and his longest surfboard and found paddling while upright to be a fantastic workout. Many mistakenly believe he invented the sport of paddle boarding however its original roots date back over thousands of years to ancient Hawaiian, Peruvian and African culture. All 3 cultures had some form of paddle boarding however the Hawaiians are given the credit as the first to actually surf waves with a paddle for actual sport and had a word to describe surfing with a paddle – Hoe He’e nalu.

How to Stand Up on your Paddle Board?
Always start out in calm flat water and keep in mind you could be falling so unless you’re in the tropics a wetsuit may be a good idea.
• Get the board out into the water so the fin is free from hitting the bottom.
• Start out on your knees and take a few strokes on each side of the board.
• Slowly stand up with one foot at a time and stay in the middle of the board with feet parallel to the stringer about shoulder width apart.
• Keep a slight bend in the knees and your core centered over the board.

Paddle Board

Paddle Boarding


Here are all the items you need to get out on the water paddling;
1) Stand Up Paddle Board – Paddleboards come in all shapes and sizes. The most common construction method is epoxy and fiberglass wrapped around an EPS foam core with one or several fins to help the board track in the water. A standup paddle board is much thicker than your average surfboard. Paddle boards typically range from 8′-12′ in length, 28″ – 32″ wide, and 4″ – 5″ thick. If you’re just starting out the best thing to do is select a wider, longer, thicker board. This type will offer the greatest stability to learn the paddleboard basics on a flat body of water. As you gain experience you can progress to a much smaller board.
2) Paddle – Stand Up Paddles come in a variety of constructions from plastic, aluminum, wood, and carbon fiber with a variety of handle, blade and shaft shapes. The general rule is a paddle used with your paddleboard should always be 6″ – 10″ above the height of the paddler. Size your paddle on the longer side for flat water use and the shorter side for use in the surf. The blade is typically bent at a slight angle to the shaft to allow for more forward reach when taking a stroke.
3) Leash – A leash keeps your paddle board attached to you with a Velcro strap around your ankle (or calf) that is attached to the paddleboard. Leashes come in a variety of sizes and the general rule is to use a leash around the same size or slightly smaller than your board. In the event of a fall currents and winds can quickly sweep your paddle board away from you and in the ocean your board becomes a lethal weapon when carried with the force of an ocean wave. Always remember to use your leash.
4) Traction Pad – Most paddle boards come equipped with a traction pad preinstalled on the deck of the board. The traction pad is a soft layer of EVA foam typically grooved to provide grip and a soft cushion for the feet much like the sole of a shoe.
5) PFD (personal floatation device) – If you use your stand up paddle board beyond the limits of a swimming , surfing or bathing area the US Coast Guard requires you to have a USCG Approved life vest. Please see the following link by the WPA (World Paddle Association) regarding the Life Vest Safety Laws.

Transporting Your Paddleboard
Since paddleboards are so large getting your board to the local beach or your next travel destination does not have to be a difficult task with the proper equipment;
Shoulder Carry
With the paddle in one hand lift the board from the tail with the nose on the ground. Walk to the center of the board and shift the board’s weight back to balance on your head. You can then shift the board over to balance on your shoulder. To lay the board back down just follow the steps in reverse order.
Handle Carry
The carry handle is a small handle installed at the center point of the board to carry it to and from the water easily. Just lift the board by its handle and go.
Wheels
Many products on the market offer wheels to attach on one side of the board and a handle on the opposite side. This can be used to wheel the board along or be attached to a bicycle.
Car Racks
Paddle boards can be strapped on any vehicle with car racks. Most surfboard soft racks will fit a paddle board. Or if your vehicle already has an existing rack system you can simply use straps to tie down the boards to the existing hard rack. Some racks even having locking devices to secure the boards from theft. Many people just throw a towel on top of the car and run straps thought the doors.
Air Travel
For airplane travel many companies make travel bags to carry your paddleboard. These are typically padded but it’s always recommended to add some extra padding of your own such as towels or bubble wrap. Also keep in mind the latest surfboard and paddleboard board bag charges and size limits of your airline before you book your flight.


The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.
HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentists and alternative, organic & holistic health, fitness and sports professionals in the Treasure Coast Florida areas of Martin County, Palm Beach County, Saint Lucie County and Indian River County. “Healthy Martin, working together for health choices for you, your family and friends”.

Indian Riverside Park – Fitness Report & Picture Tour

Entrance to Indian Riverside Park

Entrance to Indian Riverside Park In Jensen Beach FL


BY Rebecca White-Martin, a Your Health & Wellness Magazine contributor:

INDIAN RIVERSIDE PARK
Location – 1707 NE Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach FL
Walking – Good
Jogging – Good for short distance running
Hiking – Very limited
Bicycle – allowed in park but no room for serious rides.
Sightseeing – Mansion at Tuckahoe, The Children’s Museum with outside interactive fountain (bring bathing suits for children) and historic Henry Sewall’s Renovated Home
Views – Excellent with a variety of views and walking pier into the Indian River
Bathrooms – Yes
Parking – Yes (free)
Kayaking – Yes, in the Indian River
Boating – Yes, with docks in the Indian River and the U.S. Sailing Center on the north side of the park

Elevated Walkway Over Wetlands Behind Captain  Henry Sewall’s Renovated Home

Elevated Walkway Over Wetlands Behind Captain Henry Sewall’s Renovated Home

Jogging and Walking Path Along The Indian River

Jogging and Walking Path Along The Indian River Near The Mansion At Tuckahoe

Path Looking Towards The Children’s Museum and Outdoor Interactive Fountain

Path Looking Towards The Children’s Museum and Outdoor Interactive Fountain

Dock in the Indian River Looking East Towards Hutchinson Island

Dock in the Indian River Looking East Towards Hutchinson Island

Mansion At Tuckahoe At Indian River Park, Jensen Beach FL

Mansion At Tuckahoe At Indian River Park, Jensen Beach FL


The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.
HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentists and alternative, organic & holistic health, fitness and sports professionals in the Treasure Coast Florida areas of Martin County, Palm Beach County, Saint Lucie County and Indian River County. “Healthy Martin, working together for health choices for you, your family and friends”.

Jupiter’s Burt Reynolds Park – Fitness Report & Picture Tour

Entrance to Burt Reynolds Park in Jupiter FL

Entrance to Burt Reynolds Park in Jupiter FL

BY Rebecca White-Martin, a Your Health & Wellness Magazine contributor:

BURT REYNOLDS PARK
Location – 805 N U.S. Highway 1, Jupiter Florida
Walking – Good
Jogging – Good for short distance running
Hiking- Very limited
Bicycle – Allowed in park but no room for long distance rides
Volleyball Court – Yes
Kayaking/Paddle Boarding – Yes in Inter-coastal Lake Worth River
Pet Friendly – Yes, dogs and other small pets
Sightseeing – Yes, The River Center and Bird Sanctuary and for the children an active Firehouse and a playground
Views – Very nice with river and park views
Bathrooms – Yes
Parking – Yes (free)
Boating – Yes, two boat ramps with permit trailer parking and dock/ Coast Guard Auxiliary Station in park

The River Center at Jupiter's Burt Reynolds Pak - phone 561-743-7123

The River Center at Jupiter’s Burt Reynolds Pak – phone 561-743-7123

River Walkway Along The Inter-Coastal Island

River Walkway Along The Inter-Coastal at Burt Reynolds Park on formerly Jupiter Island Park

Paddle Boarders at Burt Reynolds Pak in the Lake Worth River

Paddle Boarders at Burt Reynolds Pak in the Lake Worth River

One of the several picnic areas at Burt Reynolds Park - info call 561-966-6611

One of the several picnic areas at Burt Reynolds Park – info call 561-966-6611

Childrens Playground At Burt Reynolds Park

Childrens Playground At Burt Reynolds Park


The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.
HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentists and alternative, organic & holistic health, fitness and sports professionals in the Treasure Coast Florida areas of Martin County, Palm Beach County, Saint Lucie County and Indian River County. “Healthy Martin, working together for health choices for you, your family and friends”.

Sunrise – Sunset / Saving Our Treasure Coast Rivers

save our St Lucie Rivers

Sunrise On The Indian River by Local John Whitcar


BY Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch
“Sunrise, sunset, sunrise, sunset,
swiftly fly the years,
one season following another,
laden with happiness and tears…”
1st verse, of song from musical “Fiddler on the Roof,” 1964

The beautiful sunset and sunrise over our local Treasure Coast rivers invoke a deep appreciation of our St Lucie River, Indian River and the Jupiter Inlet Area. Sunsets and sunrises seems intrinsically linked to inspiration and reflection in all of us.
Thankfully, here in the Indian River Lagoon region, we can still see our sunrises and sunsets, although the health of our river, and thus our ability to enjoy the river, is “impaired.” This was scientifically determined by the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) as far back year 2000.


In Beijing, China, last year, the government erected a televised screen showing sunsets, as the people could not see their sunsets any longer – due to the tremendous smog in their city. What a price to pay for economic “success.”

Oddly enough, on some level, we have experienced the same thing. On a level of world comparison, we have a “thriving economy;” however, somehow, over the past 100 years, we have “lost our local rivers.” Yet, in most of the ads one sees, the river still looks beautiful and healthy.

The river truth is right now, the Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE) is discharging water from Lake Okeechobee, while the South Florida Water Management District canals C-44, C-24, C-23, and C-25 are also dumping polluted water into our rivers. All of this extra water has been “engineered” to come here so agriculture and development can thrive. So, right now there is “no other way,” and the ACOE and South Florida Water Management District are locked in a cycle of struggle to send more water south when the entire southern area south of Lake Okeechobee is blocked by the Everglades Agricultural Area – other than a few canals, to “send water south.” According to some the Lake Okeechobee discharge water is too dirty for the Everglades – but not for the St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon that is already “impaired.”

The “mighty” Kissimmee in the past has been “engineered” for the success of farming and ranches and development within its former watershed. It is currently being partially restored by the SFWMD; this is wonderful, a testament of government, the people and of the ability of natural system to recover if given a chance.

save our river

Sunset Over The St. Lucie River by Local Todd Thurlow


Let’s continue to turn this ship; let’s continue to fix our own yards, towns, cities, and counties; let’s keep pushing the State for a reservoir and flow way to store, clean and send the water south as it was naturally meant to be. As Eric Eichenberg, CEO of the Everglades Foundation said at the Rivers Coalition meeting, this is the “only way” as the Kissimmee River’s continued restoration is simply not enough to hold all the water.

“Sunrise, sunset….sunrise, sunset….”we are thankful and we are inspired.

Please write: Florida Senate Email to use Amendment 1 funds to help keep clean our Treasure Coast rivers.


About the author, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, has been a defender of river health in the St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon for many years and is a member “Rivers Coalition Defense Fund”. The Defense Fund helps promote the health and ecological balance of the St. Lucie River Estuary and Indian River Lagoon.
Jacqui may be reached at her website blog.



The above information is opinion based except where noted.

HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentists and alternative, organic & holistic health professionals in the Treasure Coast Florida areas of Martin County, Palm Beach County, Saint Lucie County and Indian River County. “Healthy Martin, working together for health choices for you, your family and friends”.

Our Rivers Need Your Help

BY Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch
I have had two personal experiences witnessing blue-green blooms in Treasure Coast Area waters. The first was during a boat ride into Lake Okeechobee, September 5, 2009, and the second was last year (2013) with the Everglades Foundation team, at the St Lucie Locks and Dam when the ACOE was releasing. As we walked over the gates, I clearly saw bright blue-green algae on the side of the dam allowing in Lake O water. Believe it or not, the SRWMD was testing the water right there… Mark Perry from Florida Oceanographic was with me and I asked him:
“Mark, is that “toxic” blue-green algae?”
Mark replied: “Yes, blue-green algae can be toxic and is most prevalent in fresh water systems. It is often in the lake.”
“And they are releasing it into our river?!”
I stood there in a daze….amazed.
Then I recalled the boat trip I had taken with my husband and dogs in 2009, and how we had seen the blue-green algae clearly along the edges of the locks while going into the lake and I had videotaped it. I am including a photo I took of that video below.
When Senator Rubio visited Stuart on behalf of the SLR/IRL (St. Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon), I told this story….I have told it many times at many official meetings to no avail. I think it is a significant issue.

St. Lucie River Green Algae

St. Lucie River Green Algae Bloom


Anyway…
So far this year, with the releases from our local canals, toxic algae, or Cyanobacteria, has not been reported in the SLR/IRL. It could be in the future, but it is less likely than when the ACOE is releasing from the lake. Why? Because often when they release from the lake it is TREMENDOUS amounts of freshwater, even more than comes from our local canals. Plus the blue-green algae is already in the lake as its freshwater.
According to Bob Washam, blue-green algae was first reported around 1995 and it was blue! They thought it was a paint spill. The outbreaks have been more common since this time the worst being in 1998. Whether blue or green in color, it is bright. Very bright. You can see it.
How could our government, in essence, “poison its own people,” and how can we allow this, especially when we can see it?
We must push our government for change. Health, safety and welfare are something we rightfully deserve. Send the water south where it naturally belongs.


About the author, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, has been a defender of river health in the St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon for many years and is a member “Rivers Coalition Defense Fund”. The Defense Fund helps promote the health and ecological balance of the St. Lucie River Estuary and Indian River Lagoon.
Jacqui may be reached at her website blog; www.jacquithurlowlippisch.com



The above information is opinion based except where noted.

HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentist and alternative, organic & holistic health professionals in the Treasure Coast Florida areas of Martin County, Palm Beach County, Saint Lucie County and Indian River County. “Healthy Martin, working together for health choices for you, your family and friends”.