I’ve got no plans to sit at home on the sofa
My wife and I retired two years ago. I worked for British Airways and we moved from Langley near Heathrow Airport to the south coast. I felt that I needed a new challenge. After working all my life and then months of being shut up at home during lockdown, I was looking for something that would give me a sense of freedom. The pandemic showed us that life is short, and that you never know what’s around the corner, so I wanted to make the most of my retirement.
I decided I fancied having a go at paddleboarding after seeing other people out enjoying themselves while we were out walking. I found it very difficult to balance at first, but I persevered, because I needed a hobby to get me out and about, meeting new people. I joined the Chichester SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) club, which is run by a local couple who organise social paddles and water safety and rescue courses. It’s very sociable when you paddle with a group. You pick up pointers, and we all have a coffee together afterwards.
I started out on flat water on a canal without any currents, but since then I’ve tested my ability to paddle in more challenging conditions – on choppier water on the sea, in windier weather and on the River Hamble near Southampton. This summer, I’m hoping to paddle at Hayling Island.
The more time I spend on the water, the more confident I feel. Charting my progress has given me a real sense of achievement. I feel fitter than ever, and my core muscles feel stronger. In the summer, I go out up to four times a week. I even go out in the winter when it’s bitterly cold with a wetsuit, gloves and boots. I’ve also tried Pilates on a paddleboard, which I never would have seen myself doing. I’d urge anyone to give it a go. You’re never too old – although it’s important to go out with someone who understands the wind and the tide until you’ve got more experience.
It’s important to me to live life to the fullest. For my 60th, I went up Ben Nevis with my son, and even though some of my friends think I’m mad, I’ve got no plans to sit at home on the sofa. As you get older, you’ve got to work at keeping your mind and body active. As the saying goes, the less you do, the less you do.