COVER STORY water sports for various reasons, including injuries and disabilities. Lombino from SOL loves the sport because it brings so much happiness to people who have never been able to get on the water. Nationally, the largest demographic gravitating this sport are 35- to 44-year-old men and women, followed by 25- to 34-year-olds. The vast majority of boards now are inflatable — this technology has greatly contributed to its popularity. They are easy to fold up, put in a bag or backpack and carry out to the lake or river. There is no need for a roof rack, a trailer or even a car. Just throw on your backpack, jump on your bike and head out. “It just makes more sense, Lombino says.” They’re more durable, transportable and you can bash them on the rocks and nothing happens.” The Colorado manufacturers distribute boards around the country and the world but agree that most of their sales come from Colorado, followed by the Pacific Northwest and the Southeast respectively. Paddle board enthusiasts, like Rodine, own a board for each activity. He confesses to owning four, but for the average person who just wants a fun hobby, they can find a great all-around board like the one made by Hala. “The UKA inflatable board will be adequate for racing, surfing and fitness,” Rodine says. Each company has something that sets it apart. SOL Paddle Boards specializes in brightly colored boards that “scream fun and excitement,” according to Lombino. “You can see our boards from a half-mile away.” Also contributing to the sport, Recreation, Engineering and Planning in Boulder is a leader in white water park and river wave design. The company is responsible for 80% of all white water parks in North America, says president Gary Lacy. “All our designs are as unique as the rivers we work with and the communities they flow through.” The Colorado Parks and Recreation Association website contains vast resources
for finding places to paddle in Colorado’s beautiful rivers, lakes and reservoirs. And what is the experience like? “SUP is the closest we’ll ever come to walking on water,” says Amy Jordan, who rents and sells boards at four scenic locations in northern Colorado, even for those with disabilities. Manufacturers like On It Ability Boards created special boards for special clients. Extra wide boards that hold wheelchairs allow more people to enjoy the peace and tranquility of being on the water. Ann Marie Meighan, executive director for Adaptive Sports in Durango, says, “The military veterans that we take out on the San Juan River love it. It’s like meditation on water. The boards are very stable and, of course, location selection is really important.” As MacArthur notes, with this wet and wonderful sport, “New people are literally jumping on board every day.” Malia Durbano is a freelance writer who lived and worked for years in Durango. She has fond memories of southwestern Colorado and its outdoor activities.
Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain Paddleboard and Bearded Bros. Media.
LEARN MORE ONLINE Check the website at coloradocountrylife.coop for places to paddle board. COLOR ADO COUNTRY LIFE AUGUST 2019
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