Today I took my nephew (Aaron) for his first SUP and I'm a very, very proud Uncle..Aaron is my sister's son and I've been trying to get him on the water with me for ages now..but he has been just too busy to do it.
Aaron has been traveling around Australia and around the world running in events and doing competitions that lead up to the Beijing Olympics later this year..He runs in the 100 meter..and the 4 by 100 relay...and is ranked in Australia as number one.
Nothing is confirmed for the Aussie Olympic team yet but I have my fingers crossed...He's still very young and has a great future in the sport...Anyway..today he had a day off training and I thought a bit of cross-training would do him good.
BTW..Here's a couple of pics of Aaron that I had on my computer.
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We went down to Sandy beach and borrowed one of SHQ's demo boards.a 11'6" Naish just like mine.
Aaron couldn't believe how big these boards were..We were laughing so much getting this shot I almost dropped my board getting in the pic before the 10 second timer went off..It's standing them up like this that they look even bigger.
Aaron was a natural..Straight on and off paddling..I guess perfect conditions and these big boards have to help.
We paddled around Sandy marina and checked out the old rusty world war one sub.
To get over to the real glassy stuff we had to paddle under this low walk bridge..Tricky stuff.
Now we're cooking..Check out that glass..and check out those back muscles.
After paddling around a few times checking out the boats we thought we would go somewhere else..St Kilda beach..My daily hangout.
We threw the boards on the car and drive up to St Kilda beach..It's only about 10 minutes drive from where we were.
We paddled across to the St Kilda pier..and we relaxed and had a cold drink.
On our way back we saw a juvenile penguin..Not quite big enough to head out swimming alone..and still with some fluffy baby feathers.
We headed towards the Melbourne city skyline and where we had parked the car...How good are these conditions for Aarons first day SUP'ing.
We loaded the car with the two big banana's...and now Aaron wants to buy one for himself.
Let's hope that Aaron gets to compete in the Olympics for Australia and makes this proud Uncle even prouder.
DJ
Cool pic's DJ, looked like awesome weather for a flat water paddle, I hope he get's a chance to go to the olympic's, just to be there would be a great experience.
What time does he do the hundred in?
Thanks champcrow.
I think it's something like 10.3 (I think)..Not bad for an Aussie kid..
I'll check with him when I see him next for another paddle..I think he's hooked now..
Check this out about Aaron.. www.athletics.com.au/fanzone/380/best_to_bring_out_best/
DJ