Winter Paddleboarding
Winter paddle boarding in Oklahoma❄️🫶
In the most ideal conditions, my bestie and I would be wearing wet suits…🤷♀️🤷♀️ We don’t have those quite on hand yet. This is how we made it work and stayed as safe as we could.
➡️ Husbands knew our exact location & when we put in on the water.
➡️ We don’t go to a giant lake with other boats on the water. We went to a smaller body of water(that you can fish/paddle-board, etc.) and stayed close to the shore line.
➡️ Each one of us had a dry bag with a towel & extra change of clothes clipped to the board. In the event, that we fell in.
➡️ We didn’t stand up & paddle. We only sat or knelt on the board, to lessen the risk of tipping.
➡️ There were houses nearby, in the event of an emergency. We weren’t far out and completely secluded.
So, with all that in mind, we decided to go paddle boarding & it was SO MUCH fun! AND it may be my new favorite winter activity. I believe the air temp was the high 40’s and it felt great(unless, of course we took a plunge😳🤪).. Which, we were extra careful not to fall in!
Would you GO winter paddle boarding in Oklahoma?
#oklahoma #millennialmoms #paddleboarding #momlife #lemon8creator
As an Oklahoma mom (who recently turned 42!), I've found that embracing new adventures keeps life exciting, even when the temperatures drop. After my recent winter paddleboarding trip, I wanted to share more insights about how you can safely experience the beauty of Oklahoma's waters year-round. It's truly a unique 'day in my life' experience that I've come to love! First, let's talk about where to dip your paddle. Oklahoma offers some beautiful spots for paddleboarding. While my bestie and I stick to smaller, calmer bodies of water in winter for enhanced safety and to avoid strong currents, during warmer months, places like Lake Hefner, Lake Stanley Draper, or even parts of Grand Lake can be fantastic. Always check local regulations, water levels, and weather conditions before heading out, especially in less predictable winter weather. For cold-weather paddling, choosing a spot that's sheltered from wind and has easy access to shore is key. Next up: gear! Many people wonder, 'where to buy paddle boards near me?' You're in luck! Major sporting goods stores like Academy Sports + Outdoors or Bass Pro Shops, and even online retailers, offer a great selection. For beginners or those with limited storage, an inflatable paddle board is a game-changer – they're surprisingly stable and easy to transport. While the term 'inflatable snorkel vest' might be more for snorkeling or diving, a proper personal flotation device (PFD) is absolutely non-negotiable for paddleboarding, especially in cold water. Look for PFDs designed for paddling or kayaking that allow for good arm mobility. Having a leash for your board is also crucial; if you fall in, your board won't drift away, giving you something to hold onto. Beyond the tips I shared in my initial post, remember that cold water can be incredibly dangerous. Always dress for the water temperature, not just the air. Layers of synthetic materials under a dry suit or wetsuit are ideal for insulation and warmth. If you don't have a wetsuit like my friend and I, extra precautions are crucial: always paddle with a buddy, stay incredibly close to shore, and let someone on land know your exact plans, including your route and estimated return time. A dry bag with warm, dry clothes is a must-have, as is a thermos of hot tea or coffee for afterward. It might seem daunting at first, but a day out on the water, even in winter, can be incredibly refreshing and a wonderful way to connect with nature. It's about pushing your comfort zone safely and finding joy in unexpected places. Just remember to prioritize safety above all else, and you might just discover your new favorite winter activity, just like this 42-year-old Oklahoma mom did!
