Mark Tulin is an author, poet, and short-story writer who lives by the avaricious central coast.

Paddleboarding: Poetry in Motion

Paddleboarding is poetry in motion. It starts with skill, then becomes an art form, a meditation, an existential journey on a wooden or fiberglass vessel across oceans, marinas, and lakes.

It takes balance, plenty of core work, and upper body strength. Since the sea is so unpredictable, it's best not to venture out there alone, unless you are a seasoned veteran.

Once upright, the paddler needs to look straight ahead to keep the board from veering off. With knees slightly bent, feet hip-width apart, the paddle will switch hands as needed, creating an easy flowing rhythmic motion, gliding across the water's surface to destinations unknown.

Please enjoy "Maritime Energy" and watch the video poem.

Maritime Energy, by Mark Tulin

Paddling straight ahead

single-mindedly

I slide into a billowing cloud

of ocean turbulence

not sure what I’ll find

exploring daylight

in the breath of morning’s

beast, where two pelican

silhouettes

drift along

the lonely surf

I move in chugging

sweeping rhythms

arms pushing

into the earth’s

resistance

Each side

I tend equally

digging into

the maritime energy

I glide gracefully

letting the tide

do its magic

as I maintain

my balance

continue my flow

staying upright

and on course

in the seafaring brine

of the misty

mysterious.

Comments

Mark Tulin (author) from Santa Barbara, California on August 23, 2020:

Thanks Brenda, I’m glad you liked it.

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on August 23, 2020:

Your words make paddleboarding seem enticing.

Another thing I have not tried, but I can picture it with your words.

Mark Tulin (author) from Santa Barbara, California on August 06, 2020:

Thanks,Genna. Much appreciated.

Genna East from Massachusetts, USA on August 06, 2020:

I do so love the ocean, and this poem.

"exploring daylight

in the breath of morning’s

beast, where two pelican

silhouettes

drift along

the lonely surf..."

Gorgeous writing, Mark, that exists both above and below the surface. And what a striking video. :-)

Mark Tulin (author) from Santa Barbara, California on August 01, 2020:

Shauna, I’m so glad the poem lights up your senses. Have a safe rest of the summer.

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on August 01, 2020:

Mark, this is such a soothing poem. I love your water-themed poetry. I can smell the salt air, feel the breeze and the freedom of soul as you glide across the water. The video is beautifully choreographed. I love the boats in the background. They add to the serenity of your morning rapture.

Mark Tulin (author) from Santa Barbara, California on July 31, 2020:

Thank you, Gypsy Rose Lee. I’m glad you liked it.

Gypsy Rose Lee from Daytona Beach, Florida on July 31, 2020:

Loved your poem and thank you for taking me on the water.

Mark Tulin (author) from Santa Barbara, California on July 31, 2020:

Thank you for your lovely thoughts, Maya.

Maya Ellenson from Hobe Sound, Florida on July 31, 2020:

Mark, I loved your poem for its rhythm and pulsing undercurrents. Beautiful words with even more beauty and depth lying between the lines.

Mark Tulin (author) from Santa Barbara, California on July 31, 2020:

Thank you, Ankita.

Mark Tulin (author) from Santa Barbara, California on July 31, 2020:

Yes, Miebakagh, I will surely check out your water stories.

Mark Tulin (author) from Santa Barbara, California on July 31, 2020:

Yes, Flourish. It takes great concentration to navigate the seas.

Ankita B on July 30, 2020:

Wonderful poem with beautiful descriptions of paddleboarding. It was a nice read.

Miebakagh Fiberesima from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NIGERIA. on July 30, 2020:

Mark, yes, my home town is washed by the Atlantics, and our primariy means of living-depends on the water. I have told at least three related stories here. More to come later. Thanks feedback.

Miebakagh Fiberesima from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NIGERIA. on July 30, 2020:

Mark, yes, my home town is washed by the Atlantics, and our primariy means of living-depends on the water. I have told at least three related stories here. More to come later. Thanks feedback.

FlourishAnyway from USA on July 30, 2020:

Nice poem. I could feel the focus and intensity as one tries to stay upright, afloat, move forward or backward, and be aware of the surroundings all at once

Mark Tulin (author) from Santa Barbara, California on July 30, 2020:

You’re welcome, John. Happy canoeing.

John Hansen from Queensland Australia on July 30, 2020:

Paddleboarding sounds like the perfect way to combine exercise with relaxation/meditation. I haven’t tried it but love canoeing. Great poem Mark, and always love your reading. Thanks for sharing.

Mark Tulin (author) from Santa Barbara, California on July 30, 2020:

I’m happy that the poem stirred some pleasant memories for you, Jason. Much peace and health.

Jason Nicolosi from AZ on July 30, 2020:

I always loved being out on the water. When I lived in MA, I would often go fishing at the lake with my friends. We would use a small rowboat and row out to the best areas to catch fish. Your poem brought back good memories of better times. Beautiful write. Vividly described. Very enjoyable read. Nice job!

Mark Tulin (author) from Santa Barbara, California on July 30, 2020:

Miebakagh, I’m sure you have your own river stories to tell.

Miebakagh Fiberesima from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NIGERIA. on July 30, 2020:

Mark, I'm a riverine dweller and. I do know for sure how it relates. I enjoy the read. Much thanks.

Mark Tulin (author) from Santa Barbara, California on July 30, 2020:

Thanks, Lorna. Never tried wind sailing or hang gliding. I’m sure both are equally surreal.

Lorna Lamon on July 30, 2020:

It sounds very peaceful Mark. I have tried wind sailing which is fun, once you get the hang of it. Your poem has a surreal feel to it which I enjoyed.