Though I've been standup paddling for more than four years in the South Sound, it still amazes me how great it is. Not too long ago I was out, standing up in the middle of Budd Inlet, practically alone and looking north towards the Olympic Mountains when I laughed out loud. I was struck by the awesomeness of the moment. Me, standing, above and surrounded by, all this water.
It's easy to look out from the shoreline and see a flat plane of water. Even on the water, it appears to be an impervious surface. It's also easy to forget the world that lives beneath the surface. Low tides are a great reminder and glimpse into that world. From the vantage of standing up, we can look down and see into the depths, ten feet, twenty feet, sometimes even more. Seastars, crab, fish, anenomes, seals. It feels like 'dry' diving or snorkling. And above the water too. Waterfowl such as surf scoters and kingfishers welcome me back and remind me why I love to be near the Sound.
Paddleboarding has really shifted my perspective and I have so much gratitude for all I'm able to experience, both above and below as I stand at the intersection of water and air.
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