As this is being written, the last thing anyone in their right mind would be considering (and we do not consider members of the Polar Bear Club to be in their right minds) is standing upright on a board in the middle of the Tennessee River. Instant icicle is the phrase that seems apropos.
But as Shelley reminds us, “O wind, if winter comes/Can spring be far behind?”
Keeping that in mind as we pile on 12 layers of clothing, it is not too soon to think about spring sports, and the hottest one around is SUP—as in Stand-Up Paddleboarding.
Outdoor Chattanooga is providing an opportunity to learn about this everything-old-is-new-again sport (immortalized by Chattanooga’s own Ben Friberg in his record-setting Cuba-to-Florida paddle). And it’s free and you do not have to get wet.
On Thursday, Jan. 16, from 6-8 p.m., Mark Baldwin of L2Boards will talk to interested future SUP-ers about the types of boards, essential equipment beyond the board, and how to get started SUP-ing—in the spring. All ages are welcome.
Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. (423) 643-6888, online at outdoorchattanooga.com