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Sailing in the sea in any way is great, but paddle boarding in the Bay of Banderas is an experience where life takes on another meaning...
By Karina Macias Aguirre
It was in the sea where life arose, and that is where we remember what living is about. 2020 has been an intense year for everyone, it has taught us the value of health, freedom, love, nature and contact with others. In the midst of this uncertainty, mixed feelings arise, including depression and hopelessness. But there is always a light on the road that makes us happy, that's how the idea of enjoying our beautiful Puerto Vallarta bay on Paddle Board arose.
Estrella is a photographer and tour guide. Adriana is a lover of philanthropy and social causes. This duo loves freedom and celebrates life by sharing experiences that generate joy and joy, for some years now, through their tours in VallartaSuptours. Its motto is: We have a mission, to raise the vibration of the planet generating happiness, your happiness.
Puerto Vallarta is a town full of magic, its beaches have an unparalleled charm. As if that were not enough, the view we have from the sea gives us a different notion of beauty.
We are starting the season and the sea is clean. The rains passed and the hurricanes this year were kind to the Mexican Pacific. The sea has an unbeatable temperature and the moment is ideal to get in and enjoy the encounter with oneself, sailing on a Paddle Board...
Paddle Board in Vallarta, a unique experience
For many, this experience is impressive, not only because of the exercise it requires, but also because the challenge is much more mental and emotional than anything else. This much more personal adventure than you think, can even become mystical. I have always been a sports lover, therefore exercise pleases me. I really like the sea, however, I have a lot of respect for it. More than anything, to all those who go sailing for many hours or practice a sport.
The sea does not test at all times. Not only to our physical capacity as such, but to our balance, patience, temperance and tenacity. So the first thought that crossed my mind when I was on the beach about to paddle board was: "I'm short and I don't know if I can hold the board." Of course I could… Immediately afterwards a feeling of adrenaline quivered in my stomach when I thought about the immensity of the ocean. However, despite my height, with the indications that Estrella and Adriana gave me, entering like the rest of the group was relatively easy.
An exercise more mental than physical
Once with my body lying on the board, I began to row with my arms, until I passed the point where the waves form and the sea is calmer. The challenge now would be to stand on the paddle board and keep my balance. The sea is in motion all the time, like thoughts, first similarity. The challenge is to try to stay calm and balanced to start paddling.
How curious, the first similarity with what happens in our heads and what we need to make good decisions. The emotion ran through my chest, being in front of the immensity of the sea, so naturally caused a feeling of restlessness and joy, which made me remember the first time I climbed a tree in childhood. Confronting my fears is a practice that has given me much satisfaction in life. One of them is to understand that once the moment passes, all that comes is good. Perhaps this reflection is a somewhat optimistic way of seeing life, but it has worked for me at least to get out of moments of crisis. So I managed to stand up and hold on for a couple of minutes before the first fall and splash in the sea; I wish all the falls in life were this refreshing… My ankle was tied by a small rope, this was enough to feel safe. The fun began to flow and I experienced such a natural feeling of joy that I could only focus on enjoying the scenery while paddling alongside my groupmates. Something that surprised me is that I had never felt as safe in the middle of the sea as at that moment, even when I fell.
Puerto Vallarta, a luxury that deserves to be seen from the sea
Vallarta is beautiful in itself, but if we see it from the sea, it takes on another meaning. On the one hand, the summer rains left us a lush green mountain full of life, that already takes your breath away. And just as if it were planned, just as we were sailing on the board at the height of the boardwalk, the Papantla flyers gave us their beautiful tradition from above (the subject of another article).
We could also happily observe people who go jogging and walking with their dogs on the boardwalk. There was also a swimmer who passed a few meters from the group, and the couple who greeted us from their kayak a few meters out to sea. The morning sun illuminated the day of all of us who were there celebrating life. I understood that beyond the physical benefit that Paddle Board practice represents, it is a wonderful mental and emotional exercise that gives you health and well-being. On many occasions, the daily problems or even the social and economic crisis that the confinement due to the Covid pandemic has caused many of us at the time made us feel hopeless.
More than a sport, a way of seeing life
This noble activity gives us a moment of peace, joy, tenacity, patience and fun that makes us forget about stress, even fight depression. the benefits of the sea they are countless, immersing ourselves always helps us to return to our center. The wisdom of the sea teaches us that nothing is static, everything is in constant movement. Therefore, we must learn to navigate our emotions and remain calm despite it. Very similar to the dance we have with the Paddle Board. Life is made up of experiences, and this is one not to be missed. Now the best season to do it begins and with a bit of luck, you will be able to find turtles, dolphins or even enjoy the birds that pass overhead. Do not miss the route to Mismaloya, which is amazing. But the best part is undoubtedly the company and security that Adriana and Estrella gave us, in an experience that more than a tourIt is a celebration of life...
Find them and book tours at:
http://www.vallartasuptours.com/
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https://www.instagram.com/vallartasuptours/
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