So far in our stay in DelMarVa, we've discovered so many hobbies and sports that have been added to our "must-continue" list. Be it things we've tried before like cycling through state parks, or new hobbies like birding, the list continues to grow.

Recently, a new water-sport added a bullet point to our list: paddle boarding, which is essentially is a combination of surfing and kayaking.

Once upright on the large surfboard, the paddling rhythm may take a while but once it hits, looking down into the water becomes possible. The incoming board sends pools of minnows off in a huff through the current created by the paddles; swirling cyclones of bubbles and water. In shallow water, horseshoe crabs lazily sit close beneath the board while skates push up sand and shells.

Peering down from the perch into the glassy bay, blue crabs and other interesting creatures scurry around the sea floor. The perspective is unique; standing on a board cruising on the water, the sensation of levitation takes over; an overseer or watcher of the wildlife only there for observation, not for intervention.

Cruising speed is similar to a brisk walk or a jog, without the nuances of bumps or dips or pot holes of concrete and gravel - the board slides along the water as ice slides across a counter-top, slowly melting and smoothly slipping. As Todd Nash, my gracious host of my first paddle boarding experience said, "It's the new scooter."

After coming back to the Makai and picking our shoes from the Todd's secret hiding spot, I thought to myself that I might not be able to keep up with all the new hobbies DelMarVa has given to me, but I'm going to give my best shot.

All photos are courtesy of Todd Nash.