When Graves Eye Disease scrambled my vision in 2021,
one of the things that kept me going was the thought of getting on a paddleboard again.
Standup Paddleboarding
Waikīkī Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
March 24, 2016
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue. All Rights Reserved
I had last gone paddleboarding in March 2016,
never expecting that travel changes, the pandemic,
and Graves disease would keep me from enjoying the sport so long.
Standup Paddleboarding
Waikīkī , Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
March 24, 2016
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue. All Rights Reserved
Last spring when I had successful strabismus eye surgery,
I asked all my doctors if I could go paddleboarding again.
"Yes," said my surgeon, as did my endocrinologist and primary care doctor.
So with great anticipation I signed up in advance for a refresher lesson
with Waikīkī Beach Services at the Sheraton Waikīkī.
Thinking I had lots of time, I had been swimming lengths in the Royal Kuhio's pool.
But when my lesson day and hour arrived,
the trade winds had blown in after days and days of calm.
Usually the trade winds bring cooling breezes, lower humidity, and pleasant weather.
But this time the winds were strong and gusty, whipping up the waves and currents.
Nevertheless, I went for it, with the guidance of a patient instructor named Tyler.
Tyler Giving Me the Refresher Course
Waikīkī Beach Services at the Sheraton Waikīkī
March 5, 2025
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Tyler
Waikīkī Beach Services at the Sheraton Waikīkī
March 5, 2025
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Tyler Giving Me the Refresher Course
Waikīkī Beach Services at the Sheraton Waikīkī
March 5, 2025
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Into the Water
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Terry was there to support me and take photos,
and our friend Janeth from Ottawa was there to cheer me on.
Janeth rode Slotzilla with me in Vegas last year,
but she was not going near a paddleboard.
Tyler Giving Me the Refresher Course
Waikīkī Beach Services at the Sheraton Waikīkī
March 5, 2025
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue. All Rights Reserved
Getting Ready to Fly Like Superman
Fremont Street, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
March 27, 2024
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Terry did his best to capture photos, but he forgot how to zoom and was shooting portraits.
Nevertheless, he did catch me standing up on the paddleboard.
Actually I stood up at least 12 times, but I kept getting knocked down,
once head over heels off the back of the board into the ocean.
We kept swimming to a sandy spot near the Royal Hawaiian breakwater,
and the current kept sweeping us back to the Sheraton to the west.
But what fun!
On the Water
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On the Water
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As you can see, no one else was on the water paddleboarding or surfing.
Tyler was cheering me on, saying "You're 99% there!"
I'd be up and down I'd go. Over and Over. 😂
On the Water
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But Terry managed to catch the shot I wanted most,
me standing up, even if it was only for five seconds.
On the Water
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After about forty minutes, my muscles were seizing up.
So, I reluctantly said I'd have to try again another day.
We chatted side by side on our boards as the currents swept us
from the Royal Hawaiian breakwater back to the Sheraton Waikīkī's landing spot.
We had a great conversation trading stories about ourselves,
and I was so comfortable I chanted my hula Permission Chant for him.
(Obviously I was riding high from the exhilaration of being on the water. 😂)
Returning to Shore
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Coming Ashore
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The big hot cup of coffee I had at Starbucks afterward was so welcome!
Terry and Janeth were the best, listening as I talked while my adrenaline surge dissipated.
I felt so alive and happy!
This won't be my last time on a paddleboard!
I'm linking to Rain's Thursday Art and Dinner Date, Tom's Aloha Friday, and Nicole's Friday Face Off.
For Rain: Surfing ~ Catching a wave in an outrigger canoe is lots of fun!
Catching a Wave!
Waikīkī Beach
March 14, 2015
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For Tom: Aloha ~ The beautiful land of Aloha!
Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue
Waikīkī Beach
March 13, 2025
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For Nicole: Feathered and Furry Faces! ~ Cheeky birds raid a bread basket at the Liliha Bakery.
Doves and Sparrows Hit the Jackpot!
Liliha Bakery at the International Market Place
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
March 6, 2025
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Little Laki at Cat Café MOFF
International Market Place, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
March 1, 2025
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See you next time! ❤️🌺🍀
Till next time ~
Fundy Blue
Standing Into Danger https://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com
Copyright ©2025 – All rights reserved.
My next post will be
Friday, March 21st 🤞
On the Bay of Fundy
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All Rights Reserved
