Tip #2

Find some big, old windsurf boards (most everyone here calls them "barge's" - I guess because of how ancient and massive they are). Try any local windsurf shop, or just keep your eyes peeled as you're driving places. Both of ours were found on the way to the dump. Fiberglass any holes or dings so that they are water tight...

(I would explain how to do this step, but, unfortunately, I am unaware of it's procedure. That is the job of my McDreamy. Fiberglass is, to him, like epoxy is to my father: the all-encompassing panacea, for defects ranging from the minuscule board ding to the extensive whole body car restoration... )

Then voila! You've just cheated the system and gotten a normally $1000+ paddle board for about $20 of fiberglass repair equipment.

Then use the leftover fiberglass to adhere a piece of wood to an old windsurf boom (also found at the dump), hacksaw it (the boom) in half (again, the job for McDreamy) and you've got the best date-on-a-plank you can come by. Paddle out to Klein Bonaire, and watch, like a kid in a candy shop, as 20+ turtles swim underneath you. Wave to the Dee and Joe as you pass their Trimaran (The Woodwind), and take a swim in the best (ok - this is my opinion) snorkel spot on Bonaire.

Oh...and don't forget the water-wings for your son. He will more than likely jump off your board when he sees an 'ishy' (bronsonian for fish).


P.S. This board will also be handy as you try to teach yourself how to windsurf. Those teeny-tiny boards all the professional's ride...you know - the ones that make windsurfing look so easy...well, yeah. They're not as easy as they look...