You don't have to go far: a SUP adventure in your own neighborhood

Add planning to curiosity, and even nearby places feel new

When you think of an adventure, do you picture a faraway ocean or a big suitcase? SUPKids shows short, simple adventures you can have close to home. Finding new sights at a familiar spot by the water can be a small adventure. So can choosing a place where your family wants to relax. What you need is not a plan to go far, but curiosity about the world around you.

The workbook gives examples like paddling to the next beach, going to a picnic spot by SUP and camping on the beach with your family. The first sentence to remember here is that an adult must come along on every micro adventure. A route isn't easy just because it's nearby. So after you pick an idea, you always need to research the place and the weather.

Franz Orsi's steps for getting ready are: research, make a map, check the weather and think about safety first. Below, you'll use these steps for your family's plan. It's okay if you don't go out on the water today. Your adventure begins when you research where you want to go and choose what to bring.

Try it together

1. Pick one thing you're curious about nearby

   With a grown-up, choose a spot by the water or a picnic place you'd like to visit. You can look at a map or think of a comfortable place you've seen before. First, write down what you want to see and where you want to rest. Next, research with a grown-up how long it takes to get there and whether there are places to avoid or hazards. Focus on understanding the plan, not on making the route long.

2. Mark the important points on a map

   Find a map of your area and mark the start, the finish, places to rest and places you won't go near. You can also draw a simple map yourself. Explorers get a map ready and take it with them on the real trip. Check with a grown-up that the plan you drew matches the real route. Then explain it so other family members can look at the map and know where you're going.

3. Check the weather and water, then choose what to pack

   Look at the air and water temperature, the wind direction and the weather forecast together. When it's cold, think about warm gear and dry clothes. When the sun is strong, think about protecting your skin and bringing water to drink. Also think about how to keep your picnic food and things from getting wet. Check your real clothes and gear choices with a grown-up. Next to each item, write a few words about why you're bringing it.

4. Decide who's coming and whether to go

   Read the ten SUPKids promises again and check with a grown-up who will come with you. Your first adventure doesn't have to go far. You can plan your next one based on a short trip somewhere nearby. If the conditions aren't right, make it a day for talking over the map or watching the view from land. If you have a picnic, finish by taking back everything you brought, trash and all.