Skylar Siegel / Contributing Writer
Photo by Skylar Siegel
Students with problems balancing work and play can try to find it – on a paddleboard.
A new sport has been introduced to the Biscayne Bay Campus. Sept. 1 will be the first paddleboarding event to take place at BBC. Followed by two other events on Oct. 6 and Nov. 3.
“It is a new and upcoming sport here in Miami,” said Jonathan Torrey, departmental administrator recreation specialist for BBC. “It came to my attention to start the sport here on our campus since we already have kayaking and other aquatic sports here.”
Paddleboarding is a water sport where a person stands, sits or kneels on a board and propels him or herself using a paddle. It’s a combination of surfing and kayaking.
The launch will take place behind the aquatic center where there is an entry point to the bay. There will be three time slots for each event, trip one will launch off at 9:30 a.m., trip two at 11:15 a.m. and finally the third trip will launch at 1 p.m.
Torrey explained that paddleboarding is a healthy sport because a person has to use both upper and lower body strength.
“It’s definitely a real workout, but the great thing about the sport is that it is actually enjoyable, which is why I think students will really find it exciting,” said Torrey, who is also host and instructor for the event.
A total of 15 students are expected to participate and all slots have been filled. Students can participate for free and guests can participate for a $10 fee. Participants should bring a swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, towel, sunscreen and any other items they would bring for a day of fun in the sun.
“For me, having a paddleboard is like having a boat. In fact, it’s even better than a boat because you can approach the wildlife without scaring them away,” said Brenda Lowe, alumna with a bachelor’s in journalism. “I’ve seen countless types of animals on my paddleboard – manatees, dolphins, sharks, stingrays, alligators, even tiny seahorses.”
The recreation department has attained five paddleboards to utilize in the event and is hopeful for additional department funding so that they could be able to purchase more. That way, the campus can hold larger events for more participants.
“For now, the five boards are ideal for the event, which is why we have three launch times so the 15 participants can divide into three groups, allowing everyone the opportunity to get in the action,” said Torrey.
Torrey feels that paddleboarding will be exciting for students.
“After all what other campus has the Biscayne Bay right in their backyard?”
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