Summer solstice came and went without the usual fanfare.

Not sure if I am getting older or I just do not care about partying like I used too. Staying out late and barking at the moon with the other Solstice celebrating locals, dancing to the late night rythms as they pulse on over sized speakers.

Yup! Did not even watch a movie. Heck, dont even know what we did but I know that it was not eventful or memorable. Otherwise……… The one thing I do know is that I went paddling and I hugged my wife! The two most important things in my life right now. In Summer that is. She obviously wins as the one who gets and deserves more attention, but, you know me buy now.

And just like that we are on to Sup talk. So, got Kahuna’s Elaho model and took that out a bit. Fun little river board that is nimble and fun. Think Porsche on 99.

With out further ado I must wish everyone a great summer and a safe one! Always check the weather forecast, bring sun screen, water, bug spray? food? What ever you think you could need on your summer vay cay you should bring! Nothing worse than thinking of an item or tool or drink that you didnt bring and now regret.

I remember my first Sup multi day and on the first night I realized I under packed my liqour rations. We pulled in the for the first nights camp and I realized that not only did I not bring enough but also flavors. I was not a fan of!! WTF?? I was on one of the coolest adventures ever and I did that. Dumb ass. I vowed from then forward to never do a mistake like that.

Ever.

That is why planning to me is so important. When things take a turn for the either unexpected or unplanned for happen you will be prepared as best as possible. And be safe while airing on the side of caution, always.

Wow, are we seeing the end to lock down? Or, is it just the beginning?

For paddlers it is not the most challenging issue as we usually paddle solo, but, for many, it is. I was thinking about that the other day and wondered on ways to help people enjoy time on the bodies of water solo.

I personally count! Yup! Almost every stroke.

The reason I do that is to maintain uniformity with my paddling. If one paddles 53 times on the left and on average paddles 24 strokes on the right that might develop some issues physiologically. It is pretty important to be conscientious of your strokes and how many you do on each side. I average 20 to 30. I do more when I am crossing a windy section or rougher tides but then I make sure to compensate by doing the same amount on the other when I can.

Another wonderful idea is to take a tally of all the wild life and flora that one sees on their paddle. I like to make sure I focus on breathing as well as smelling the surrounding air. Being on the water usually gives us some unique scents and is wonderful to experience some of the blooming flowers or just the richness of some of the local trees.

Whatever you do, have fun, tap your toes, sing a ditty, just have fun and be safe.

Green Lake, Whistler, BC.

I guess since everyone knows what we should be doing we should make the right decisions in these difficult times.

It is very hard for me right now as I love to post photos and videos of me paddling. It seems that that is no longer a good idea. Reason being is that it still promotes the fact of activity. Don’t get me wrong, it is ok to be active and focus on physical activities but, as far as posting those photos, I will have to agree with most that it is not the best idea.

We should concentrate on turning our lens inward, on our lifes now and the limited movements daily. I for one do not want to fear the wrath of the general public for enlisting others to be flagrant in regards to proper distancing protocol. I do want to be active but I think it prudent to be cautious of what we post.

That being said, I will now only post old photos and other seemingly relevant images and text.

All the best to us and let us all get through this together!!

Remember that the time we spend apart now will allow us to be together again tomorrow.

Don’t get me wrong. I still love winter and all its blanketing beauty. Taking something dirty and rough, then turning it in to a famous kids movie. Bah Humbug.

The only thing I will complain about is there is to much ice on the lakes. Though, as I have mentioned before on how grateful I am to have what I have.

Have a great day now get out there. cheers

Well, let me tell you that it sucks! Hahahaha, just kidding but not really. What can you do when everything is frozen from the lakes to the rivers. Lament, thats what. Hahahaha. One could drive down to squamish but, the highway is brutal and why should i drive?

So, its cross training time again!! Had a great swim/train the other with Brent B. Lengths/breath work and under water training like the Hawaiians! Which is basically carrying a rock under water as far as you can. Sounds good to me and can only help, unless I drown. Which almost happened once cuz i got carried away. Fear not, as I just spit some water and kept going. cheers to training in general. Get out there.

#kahunapaddleboards #ryderseyewear #backendgear #southsidediner #kinesysactive #sup #wintersup #hellyhansen #icebreaker #arnetheicebreaker #standuppaddleboard #standuppaddleboarding #nature #whistler #rogd #lookpal #paddleman #whoslookingforathletes

It is definitely one of the snowiest days so far this season! What a perfect day to go paddle boarding!!

I like it cuz everyone thinks I am crazy. They are like, “Wha? You went paddling today?” Then they ask why I didnt go on the hill on such an epic day? I usually respond with, I rather be paddling.

Most dont get it and think I am silly, but, we all have our passions and loves. Who am I to say winter is a time for skiing but not paddling? Not me. I dont go on the hill much anymore as my focus has shifted and I just really enjoy going paddling. Whether it be winter, fall or whatever season of the year.

Paddling is my jam. I like to paddle in the sun, snow, rain, sleet, what have you. I dont mind. With the advent of dry suits, it just means we can stay out longer and be safer as well. That is a crucial part of the not so fare wheather paddling. But, it is also quite fun to be around people in the winter with all your gear on and your board strapped to the roof of your car collecting snow as people walk by you and go, “Surely you didnt paddle today Arne?” I always smile when they say that.

Some know me to well. Here is to celebrate everyones uniqueness. Cheers and lets go paddle, I mean ski. hahahahaha, Happy New Year everyone! Lets make it a good one!!!  #kahunapaddleboards #ryderseyewear #backendgear #southsidediner #kinesysactive #sup #standuppaddleboard #standuppaddleboarding #wintersup #nature #whistler #altalake #bc #canada #arnetheicebreaker #paddleman #theiceman #lookpal

enjoy

I have published this photo before and I will do it again. It is particularly poignant now because of my recent surgery. I had an inguinal hernia that was incarcerated! Not good. Had to be fixed!! So know I recline to the prone position and heal as best I can.

Having much time on my hands gives me the opportunity to reflect on my time in Whistler.

I do think of when I took this pic and what a different time and place Whistler was and is. What a crazy change! It is a ride that I couldn’t have imagined and I relish the choice.

Sure I have seen my share of ups and downs but the ride so far has exceeded expectation! I guess I could say through all of it that it is pretty good considering……..

I would like to  think that Whistler won’t change much more but that would be foolish. I am silly some times but not foolish. Though, thats open to debate with some, hahaha. Whistler is like anywhere else in the world. Competitive. It has to be to survive just like us ants. We have to do what we have to do to survive as well. All the while dealing with change.

What I am saying is just like the environment and ourselves, we evolve and change on a microscopic level every nano second. To fight is silly as becoming complacent also.

Have a great day!!

ps wish there was a paddle boarder in this picture, hahaha.

#backendgear, #kinesysactive, #ryderseyewear, #wishiwaspaddleboarding, #paddleman, #sup, #whistler, #lostlake, #thatguyarne,