NEWS

I tried stand-up paddleboarding and I loved it

Deb Cleworth

Daily Tribune Media

SUP the Rapids owner Kim Kinsey demonstrates how to stand up while paddleboarding before taking out a group of paddleboarders in Wisconsin Rapids, Friday, July 31, 2015.

For someone who could likely be voted most likely to fall off her shoes, the thought of being able to successfully go stand-up paddleboarding might seem a bit like jumping off the deep end of expectations.

But jump we did.

Sports reporter Mark Massoglia and I gave the activity a try early Friday morning on the Wisconsin River, under the guidance of Kim Kinsey, owner of SUP the Rapids, a Wisconsin Rapids-based business she started about two years ago.

We took off from the dock at Kinsey’s home, along with Melissa Henneman, a teacher in the Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools, and Diana Buss, owner of Bow Wow Meow. Diana, Mark and I were the rookies. It was kind of fun to find out we would be with Diana, who I recently met, and Melissa, who taught my kids in junior high school.

From left, SUP the Rapids owner Kim Kinsey, Diana Buss of Wisconsin Rapids, Missy Henneman of Wisconsin Rapids, and Daily Tribune Media reporter Deb Cleworth go paddleboarding with SUP The Rapids in Wisconsin Rapids, Friday, July 31, 2015.

After a short lesson, buoyed by life jackets, and paddle in hand, we were off on the 11-1/2 foot boards.

Mark, Melissa and Kim all were up and standing, while Diana and I took off kneeling — which Kim assured us was a totally acceptable way to go. It was a bit overwhelming to be on the board, out in the middle of the river.

Kim said when we got to the sandbar, she would help Diana and I get to a standing position. I decided to give it a try right before that — success! We hopped off the boards and repositioned them to get out of the sand and took off again — all of us erect.

The scenery was exceptional — something we see every day off of the Riverview Expressway has a different feel. It was peaceful and the water was relatively calm. The route back to Kim’s was a little choppy, but honestly, that added to the excitement.

Only once did I think I was going to capsize — we were rounding Mead Island, and I found myself veering toward the shore. I started paddling faster and harder and lost my balance. I dropped to my knees, and as soon as I was straightened out, was back up.

Daily Tribune Media reporter Deb Cleworth raises her paddle triumphantly while she stand-up paddleboards with SUP The Rapids, Friday, July 31, 2015.

Like me, Diana is hooked and really enjoyed the early morning session.

“I love it,” she said. “I had so much fun — I really had a great time.”

“I can’t wait to do it again,” she said.

I’m with Diana. It was a great experience, lots of fun, and I was kind of sad to see it come to an end.

Going Out reporter Deb Cleworth can be reached at 715-423-7200, ext. 6730 or deb.cleworth@cwnews.net. Follow her on Twitter @DebCleworth.

Find out more

•To give paddleboarding a try, contact SUP the Rapids, LLC, at 715-570-2989, or go to www.suptherapidsllc.com. Rates start at $20 an hour, and rentals also are available. Find SUP the Rapids on Facebook.

•Kim Kinsey, owner of SUP the Rapids, LLC., has taken out children as young as 6 years old, and adults into their 70s.

•Diana Buss is no stranger to trying new things. Read more about her in the next YOU Magazine, on shelves Aug. 28.