Hey. I went on vacation at my mother’s hideaway in the swamps of South Carolina. She took drastic measures to not have any neighbors and bought a mobile home on bricks. We always try to go someplace interesting when we are there, and our first stop was at James Island. They were having some sort of aquatic fair where you could rent paddleboats, try out a kayak, buy water gear, learn a bit of archery and so on. I had no intention of participating in these activities. My mother is much more concerned with my children having a good time. But something attracted me. There were people on a surfboard type gizmo with a paddle, and people were gliding to and fro with ease on the board. Well, I said, every one else seems to be able to do this, surely I can as well.

I began on my knees. The paddleboard guide said stay there. But I wanted the thrill that so many others found easy. So I attempted to stand. I was too far on the front edge of the board to keep it steady. Then this happened.

That’s me, clinging to the board after it upended me. I was wearing ordinary clothes so I would be soaked for the whole day. I was mad at first, but I have some distance from it and now it is rather funny. My pride was so hurt, people. I wanted to try new things, is all. This is what I get for showboating…or more accurately, show paddling.