Student Feature: Kei’s Story
Paddle boarding has become one of my favorite activities, and I can't express how much much joy it brings me to be out on the water, feeling the sun on my skin and the wind in my hair.
Paddle boarding has become one of my favorite activities, and I can't express how much much joy it brings me to be out on the water, feeling the sun on my skin and the wind in my hair. It's an activity that combines physical exercise, mental relaxation, and a connection to nature in a way that few other sports can match. For those who love it, paddle boarding is a way of life, and it's easy to see why.
Paddle boarding has several physical benefits. Firstly, it is a great workout for the core muscles, as well as the arms and legs. Maintaining balance and paddling requires the use of several muscle groups in the body. Additionally, stand-up paddleboarding can be a low-impact exercise that is easier on the joints than other activities such as running. Paddle boarding can also improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and improving blood circulation. Overall, stand-up paddleboarding is a fun and effective way to improve physical fitness and maintain a healthy lifestyle
To me, stand up paddleboarding is also like being alive and the meditative quality of it is something that has really resonated with me. When I'm out on my board, I feel like I can fully immerse myself in the moment and let go of any agitation or distraction and go with the flow of the water, making small adjustments constantly to stay in control. I feel like if I can control my mind on my board, I can control my life in other areas as well. Another thing I love about paddle boarding is the sense of freedom it gives me. I can go wherever I want on the water, exploring new coves and beaches, or just paddling around in circles.I especially love doing yoga poses on my board, which adds an extra layer of focus and concentration. It's a wonderful feeling to have that kind of control over my own movement and direction.
Overall, stand up paddle is a fun activity to me that can bring joy, peace, and a sense of purpose. Whether I'm looking for a way to stay fit and active, or a way to connect with nature and find inner peace, paddle boarding is an activity that can offer all of these things and more. I can't imagine my life without it. It's a passion that brings so much happiness and fulfillment, and it's something I know I will continue to enjoy for many years to come.
Download Our Member App - GloFox
Did you know we have a member app? Easily book your classes, purchase retail, and have your own profile that stores your activity with Luna moon.
Download the app GloFox from the App Store or Google play. Once downloaded, you can simply search Luna moon SUP name. Once in the app, you can sign up for classes, view memberships , community posts and the store.
After logging you can finish your profile with a picture, card and view the studios info easier.
Download below from Google or Apple!
How to reserve your spot for class
Spots fill up fast for classes. The app will get you booking your class super fast, at one click of the calendar. If you are looking for a special event, you can jump ahead in the month and pick your event. See the description of the event and book.
5 Ways to Get Back on the Water
Feeling a little nervous or out of shape? Here are a few things to consider when heading back to the water. Starting with some simple moves to strengthen your core, thighs, and shoulders. Along with confidence building gear to keep you from getting cold if you fall in.
Feeling a little nervous or out of shape? Here are a few things to consider when heading back to the water. Starting with some simple moves to strengthen your core, thighs, and shoulders. Along with confidence building gear to keep you from getting cold if you fall in.
Sure, you can go out there and brave the snowmelt waters, or you can don a wetsuit and start pretending that warmth surrounding your body is the actual sun. Warmer waters will be here soon, but in the meantime, check out these brands of our favorite wetsuits.
Body Strengthening flow:
Dead Bug - Build core on your back, arms & legs in the air and start to crunch with your elbow across the body toward your knee. Altentative method is to place your feet up against the wall while on your back.
Holding Plank - Shoulders above your wrist line and toes high over the heels. Alternative is forearm plank, placing the forearms down with the wrists inline with the elbow creases. s
Squats / Chair - Leg strengthen. Holding the squat while brushing your teeth or waiting for the coffee to brew. Similar to a chair pose in yoga, adding a twist while in the position. Also helps with turning the board.
Work toward progression on each of these and start to make it a mini yoga flow, start standing to chair (hold), to plank pose (add in toe lifts while holding the plank), lower to on your back to finish with a dead bug.
4. Another recommendation if you would like to keep warm if you fall in the water. My recent purchase has been a dry suit. While I have some experience with wet suits, I really wanted to try out a dry suit. Well I love it, little more freedom in the arms and shoulders to paddle. One concern to consider is how much seal the neck does have but it’s guaranteed no water can leak in. Check out my dry suit
5. The other option is a wet suit, what’s the difference?? A wetsuit is meant to be wet, you will feel the water on your skin but the material is made to absorb sun to make you feel warm with water against you. Not the easiest thing to explain but think of yourself as a thermal unit working the wetsuit material to help you stay warm with the sun. Also wetsuits are typically black that help with the sun. My finding while using them during longer paddles, it becomes a little uncomfortable around the arm pit crease. My wetsuit is also think at 4mms. Thiner ones may be a little more forgiving around the arms.
Check out some more tips about wet suit gear, including gloves and boots. Wet Suit Video
Sylvan Summer Swap & Sale
UPDATE from 2023 event: The Swap n’ Sale was a big success! We had some rain, but we made the best of it, and we made lots of sales, from tiny treasures and trinkets. Even though we were busy, there was plenty of time to mingle and reconnect after a long winter. New friendships were formed and even a few new paddle partners! With over 20 participants with items, image the variety that surfaced and became other persons treasure.
We collected 206 pieces of garbage and well, weird unidentifiable objects that may or may not be of this earth. The jury is still out on that one. We didn’t find another Sylvie (our last years stuffed animal find) or a relative to him but we’re always on the lookout for things that DO NOT BELONG in the lake, like trash, cigarette buts, beer cans, etc. Thanks for helping us keep our lake clean, all the kind comments and the support!
Head on over to the Sylvan Lake Summer Swap at the Community Center for item drop off 8-10AM with all your summer-related swap treasures including boards, paddles, water gear, sports gear, apparel, and accessories. The event goes from 11A - 4P This community event will help you get to know your neighbors and witness firsthand all the weird stuff they wear and do. Not that any of us are judging because let’s face it, none of us are immune to that life jacket or cracked surf board we just can’t seem to let go of.
The first annual Sylvan Summer Swap & Sale all started last year, May 1st 2022. It was a splendid day of swaps, sales, trash pick up with Great Lakes Great Responsibility and a water safety basics forum. Last year we were able to collect 393 pieces of litter around our waters edge. Prevention work that keeps our lake healthy along with the surrounding Great Lakes.
This year plan for the same type of day. Grab your gear, outdoor equipment, backyard unwanted items and head over to the Sylvan Lake Community Center on April 30th. Checking in items start at 8am and the event goes from 11am - 4pm. One to multiple items is encouraged for participation. Also make sure the items are in good working condition. Not accepting personal items, such as shoes or clothes.
Wondering more? Here are a few examples to consider.
- Swapping scenario - You have a 2 person kayak and would like to swap for a 1 person kayak.
- Donating scenario - Drop off with no strings attached.
- Sale scenario - Attaching a fee to the item and returning to collect payment at 4pm. If the item does not sell, please return to collect all unwanted items.
Here is an outline to participate:
-What kind of items to bring: Summer related objects from kayaks, beach games, backyard equipment, lake gear, and camping or recreational related objects.
Repurposed & Recycled - Without the commitment of a garage sale!
If you need help handling an item or would like to participate but may not be available, please reach out to
Misty 248-480-6080 for assistance. Any more questions, call or text Misty.
More action on the day!
- Rise & Grind Coffee 9a - 12p
- Water Safety Basics Forum - 12p
- Family Day Clean Up at Community Center - 1pm
- Popup Bike Shop - Bicycle Recycle
- Baby Bear Burger for dinner - 4:30 pm
What’s in the Pool?
Paddle Board Pool Fitness and Yoga. Bring your I-Miss-Summer attitude to the pool! Join us for some laughs and community on the water.
When winter came and it was no longer possible to be out on Sylvan Lake, of course I added classes at the pool. I mean, that just makes logical sense for SUP enthusiasts to have a place to practice their skills.
There is also the added benefit of being in a controlled environment where the current can’t pull you away from the refreshments that may be waiting on shore. So yeah, SUP at the pool is different, but it holds its own for an insulated, nuanced experience.
What I wasn’t quite expecting was the level of community at the pool over the last year.
We’re still recovering from all the laughs! Maybe it was the fact that we were escaping winter together, or we didn’t have the natural surroundings of the lake to distract us, but the end result was – we tried out some new moves and had a blast.
We also spent some time on what I like to call “Free Your Feet” during yoga. If it feels like your feet are glued to the board during yoga, try freeing your mind first and then one step at a time.
We finished off the class with some beach ball action. Oh, so you think catching a beach ball while on a board is easy? It does look easy...Come show us how it's done!
What’s in Your Drag Bag?
Fall / Winter additional gear to have on hand. Less items may not be as need in the summer months but a colder paddle is more cautionary. Here are a few inspirational tips!
It may depend on what time of the year you are paddling, will determine what you might pack inside your dry bag. Here are few inspirational tips on what I throw into my dry bag in the early fall to when the lake might freeze. I find that I don’t need as much stuff with me in the summer months but a colder paddle is more cautionary. Therefore I like to keep some items with me that are just in case. Maybe even items to use when I’m done paddling. Im also testing out a new dry bag from Goose Hill.
Dry bags can serve has a few options, a go to bag for the beach or strapping down on your board. Allowing items to stay dry, hence the name dry bag. 💦 This one has a nice strap to wrap around your body, easy to carry while launching on the water. Its a 5L bag, the smallest one but still holds enough for a short time out. They do have bigger ones to carry more for longer durations.
These are only extra items to keep on board.
Head light might help with taking gear home. Sometimes I like to wait for a perfect sunset show to get some snaps before heading home.
Emergency Blanket - Early fall I start to keep this one with me. Especially if I have others with me who are less experienced. One quick fall off the board and a emergency might come in handy to keep yourself warm. Fairly cheap and small item to have just in case.
Beanie Hat - Usually Im already wearing something to keep my head warm. This one is extra or if the conditions change and it gets cold later.
Waterproof socks - These could be on board for purely just extra. I typically already have my boots on or layer the socks with boots. If its still on the warmer side, above 50 degrees then I might wear these later in the paddle. Helps with warmth and if you need to walk your board in to shore.
Waterproof Oven Mitt Gloves - I would have these with me if I needed an extra glove on top of what I am already wearing on my hands. They come in handy if you need to put you hands in the water for a reason. Maybe to pick up some trash!
Neck Gaiter - I LOVE to have one around my neck. Later the paddle the cooler it gets!
Long Sleeve Hoodie - Great for the walk home or if you do lose balance! Layering up on the way home or if you got wet.
Staying warm is the name of the game. These are few items I like to have on hand in my dry bag. Here are few items that I am already wearing and need keep close to me. The must haves! Pictured below are items already on my waist or around my neck.
Student Feature: Lisa W.
Once or twice a season we like to feature a paddle boarder that is willing to share their story. Lisa has come a long way through dedication and consistency. Upon completing her SUP certification this summer, she also competed in her first SUP race. We love her passion to share the stoke of the sport. You may have paddled with Lisa or maybe seen her helping out with group paddles.
Lisa, Thank you for all your dedication! - Misty
How did you find paddle boarding?
I was actually introduced to paddle boarding by my yoga instructor at the time (now friend) who was taking a class in Lansing Mi. It was a yoga class on water and add in the paddling out to the destination I was hooked.
After your first paddle on your own board. How did you feel coming back to land?
Looking back at my first trip now I can say I felt happy to get back. I had been so excited to get my first board, but I did everything wrong. We had gone to a public lake, I launched in the swim zone and it was so windy, I had to fight to paddle out to even attempt to stand up. I did get up for a split minute that day and was very excited.
Did your SUP certification training meet your expectations?
Yes my SUP certification was great. I learned so much. There is really a lot that goes into paddling. The certification really takes you to a whole different level and mind set. It provides a thorough understanding for not only you personally to have a better understanding but to train to lead others was just great.
How does paddleboarding make you feel? Mentally & physically.
I always say this is the most relaxing /challenging sport out there. I feel no matter what day I’m having once I hit my board those cares go away. 1. Because your on your board and surrounded by the beautiful water. This provides a calming and peaceful experience 2. Also you have to balance, so your thinking about feet placement and holding your paddle and paddling. This brings in the challenge and at the end of a outing you always feel a sense of accomplishment.
After completing your first SUP race. What would you recommend to others who are curious about racing?
Try it! Check the races see if there is something less than a 5k. I was able to do a mile race my first time. Paddle boarding has a very supportive community and was fun to see everyone cheer each other on.
Sylvan Coven Witches Paddle
If you witnessed some witches on the water at Sylvan Lake last month, you weren’t hallucinating – it was Luna Moon’s first Annual Witches Paddle benefitting Magic Wheelchair.
benefiting Magic Wheelchair
If you witnessed some witches on the water at Sylvan Lake last month, you weren’t hallucinating – it was Luna Moon’s first Annual Witches Paddle benefitting Magic Wheelchair.
“Magic Wheelchair is a nonprofit organization that builds epic costumes for kiddos in wheelchairs — at no cost to families,” with the express mission to “bring communities together to create unforgettable moments for children around the world by transforming their wheelchairs into magic.”
The opportunity to participate in such a worthy cause while at the same time giving us some belly laughs on the water was an event we won’t soon forget. We believe in giving back to the community and we can’t think of a better way to express that than witches on the water at Halloween!
And yes, we were prepared to flip a witch back on the board if necessary – because as always, we’re all about safety first. And yeah, maybe someone fell in and lost their witch accessories, but was still magical!
The goal was to raise $555 - all fives for 5th year anniversary of Luna Moon. We surpassed the main goal and raised over $900!
Check out our photos and footage of the event and share your best costume tricks with us, on and off the water.
Trick, treat, or paddle? What’s next for Luna Moon SUP? We’re heading to the pool, friends. Schedule a class and see you on the water.
Happy Halloween!
-Misty
Luna Moon SUP Yoga Celebrates its 5th Anniversary!
Luna Moon SUP Yoga Celebrates its 5th Anniversary! Established 2017 in Sylvan Lake, Michigan.
“I’ve always been a water kid!”
“I’ve always been a water kid,” says Luna Moon’s Owner and CEO, Misty Marcum. “If there was a pool or lake or ocean, you couldn’t get me out of it. So when I went to Hawaii sometime around 2004 and saw people paddle boarding, I thought – Wow! That looks really cool.”
That initial paddle board sighting stuck with Marcum as she worked her job as a User Experience Designer at the Chrysler Headquarters in Auburn Hills. Around that same time, she took up yoga, where she set a goal to become a certified yoga instructor, clocking in more than 200 hours as an instructor. But there was just one problem about teaching yoga – like her job, it required her to be indoors.
Fast forward some eleven years, Marcum had settled into a home with her husband, Jeremy, on Sylvan Lake, Michigan and noticed that paddle boards were showing up in outdoorsy shops next to the kayaks and boat supplies. Intrigued, she started researching paddle boards, watching YouTube videos, and envisioning herself on the board. “Suddenly, this [ad for a] kit popped up and I hate to even say it, but it was at Costco. It was a hardboard and a pretty decent brand and I thought – you know what, I'm gonna get it! It was a 10-[foot], I think, and it came with a cheap paddle and leash and that’s where it all started!”
“I would come home from work and get on the board and be out there the rest of the afternoon.”
Those afternoons on Sylvan Lake would soon morph into the launch of Luna Moon SUP Yoga (named after her huskie who learned to paddle board as a puppy) featuring 8 boards and a community of eager students. Marcum went after her additional teaching certifications and launched her new business, teaching paddle boarding and paddle board yoga.
Along the way, she teamed up with another water lover from California, Cynthia, who she met while working at the Chrysler Building. The two hit it off immediately, cheering each other on, practicing and honing their craft, trying out new yoga positions and even developing a lip balm. They discovered early on that falling in the water was part of the process and was just another opportunity to learn and have some fun. Now those falls are referred to as “Flip it” where the board is used to flip the person back on to their board and back into the game. Some might say that’s a great metaphor for life, just one of the many lessons and community moments shared out on the lake, and in the off-season, nearby pools.
Merging her love of the outdoors, the lake, yoga, and community, Marcum is content out on the water, but it wasn’t always a straight line. Even while she attended College for Creative Studies, Marcum realized that although she loved making art, something was missing. “When you're in an art school and you're making things and you're using the computer…or you sit down and draw or do something else – you’re still stuck at a computer…indoors.” Now, when Marcum finds herself at her desk in her office running her business, she knows it’s necessary, but her sights are always set outdoors and on the water.
“Every time we get on the board, we get to start over.”
When asked what inspires her most at this 5-year milestone, Marcum shares, “I just wanted to introduce this [paddle boarding yoga] as a gateway or an outlet for people who might be afraid to try yoga…People might not want to do yoga in a studio because of the four walls…Or maybe they fear that there's a little bit more judgement. But I feel like the board and the water – it just brings everybody down to ground zero, where every time we get on the board, we get to start over.
“I think if I went back and looked at old journals [of mine], I’m pretty sure I wrote about how I should be leading something that other people would be able to enjoy. There’s just too much seriousness in the world, you know?”
We do know. But perhaps not on Sylvan Lake, where laughter skips across the water, oblivious, searching for connection, a board, and a paddle.
What to expect for your first SUP class
Is it first time paddle boarding? Maybe new to Luna Moon classes. Covering a few things to prepare for your class reservation. What to wear, bring and the equipment.
Is it your first time paddle boarding? Maybe new to Luna Moon classes? Here are few things to prepare for your class reservation, what to wear, bring and the equipment.
This is a friendly and supportive learning environment. Sometimes we have to give our self a mind set to show up with, allow our self space to learn, release expectations of getting it all in the first class. Each class time you will get more confident and stronger. Remember we all have a fall or 2 off the board.
We will cover the basics before getting on the water. If you need to change or use the bathroom, we have one located in the park, within walking distance.
Each class will start with introductions, basic water safety and cover equipment. Apparel – Bathing suit under your yoga clothes, or SUP yoga specific apparel. Eye wear, hat and sunscreen. Trucker hats are great because it floats. Croakies for your glasses, so you don’t lose them or a pair you don’t mind losing in the water if you fall in. PFD’s are required on the board, if you have your own favorite one please bring it.
NEW
Upgrade your paddle experience. Next time you come out for class, you can upgrade your paddle to fancy one! We supply all the equipment but you can upgrade your rental for a light weight paddle. Less shoulder strain. Improve your technique.
Sunglass float strap. Secure your glasses so you can keep protecting your eyes and not fishing for them in the lake.
Checklist:
Water
Towel and change of clothes
SPF and Trucker Hat / Sun glasses that are using croakies
Personal Floatation Device (PFD)
It is required and we provide them but if you have your own life jacket please bring yours.
HOW TO CHOOSE A SUP AND EQUIPMENT
Curious about which board is for you? This video below covers four different types of boards and the equipment used. Including paddles, fins and fun extras. These are boards in my fleet, mainly for beginners, yoga and my race board. Let’s take a look a few differences between all them. So many different types and they all do play differently in the water. A few boards not mentioned, wood construction (maybe a pt 2. post), foam boards or plastic molded boards.
Watch for more tips and see the difference between the boards. I do highlight one more board I use frequently and it has a big jump in activity that the surf sup is designed to do. Give it watch! 👇
-Misty
Yoga for SUP - Side Plank / Vasisthasana
Arm balances to work on your mat, board or fit mat. I always like to teach for all levels, break the pose down and give a modification. Here are few steps to work the pose. Working from the ground up or the board up, starting with the knee on the board and building up to extending both legs back. Stacking the ankles for the full expression.
Warm up beforehand with a few cat/cows, spinal balance or a few downward facing dogs. Then start to play with your balance from table pose
Be sure to check out the YouTube video to see the water version too!
Using the Evolve Flow Motion Fit Mat, with wobble discs underneath to mimic the water feeling.
SUP YOGA
Watch the set up of the pose and on the water version!
Evolve Brand Ambassador, all the boards are Evolve and inflatables.
Yoga for SUP / High Plank
Yoga is awesome for standup paddleboarding. Builds lots of core and arm strength during your studio practice. Some variations of the pose is the fun part.
High Push UP - Phalakasana
Yoga is awesome for standup paddleboarding. Builds lots of core and arm strength during your studio practice. Some variations of the pose is the fun part. We could be super challenged and hold with one arm lifted or a little more spicy with one arm and leg lifted.
This week we are working the pose in a few variations. Remember to listen to your body and modify when you need to. Coming down to your knees if you need a break or if you are still building up arm strengthen. After going through a few rounds, doing your combination, give yourself a little wrist therapy. Taking the palms to the sky.
What is an Inflatable Paddleboard?
Owning a new inflatable or thinking about buying one. Here are few basics around an ISUP.
Curious about inflatable paddle boards? Inflatable boards can be so handy to travel with and carry around. With proper care they can also last for years. Especially if you invest in a quality brand.
Here are few differences between these inflatables; Evolve Lotus Inflatable and Movement Inflatable. Plus informational tips for when you first get your board.
Watch the video below on how to inflate, what surprises you might have when airing up for the first time and what gear comes with the Evolve and Movement inflatable boards.
SUP Season Highlights 2021
SUP Season Highlights with video and photos
Year in review from the summer season. June to October goes by so fast in a 4 season state. Although this one definitely the longest season to date. The last paddle, literally ended as a fall season witch paddle on a Wednesday night. The lake was silent and we had it all to our selves. I will say it does take the more confident paddlers to end that late in the season. The water is starting to cool down and it gets dark earlier.
A few more highlights that made the season stand out above the rest SUP certifications, Meditation at the yoga pod and girls SUP camp. All of it made it more about learning, connecting and de stressing.
2021 season is a big year, its celebrating the 5 year of Luna Moon SUP. Getting started in the early spring with a few new editions that we are proud to show case.
Looking forward to paddling with you soon! More to come in 2022!
Student Feature
This season has brought out a lot of newbies on the water and they usually have a lot of exciting energy because they are doing something completely new. I love hearing student's perspective on paddle boarding, what their interpretation is of the new adventure on the water.
Meet Jeanie Fraser, she went from a kayak tour of the lake to standup paddle boarding. I loved her energy during the kayak lesson, she was amazed by the lake and canals we explored. Probably went out longer than originally planned but it was a beautiful day, we took full advantage of the opportunity.
Jeanie just moved to Sylvan Lake a few months ago and she is living her best life out here on the lake this summer. She never been on a paddle board before until Luna Moon SUP. First started with a land class, took a kayak lesson and then moved on to a standup paddle board on the water. Its amazing, I love watching people evolve!
Such an accomplishment, way to go Jeanie! Thanks for showing up and giving it your all!
"I feared not being able to do it because I am out of shape and have poor balance but
with your guidance and instructions
I accomplished what
I never dreamed I could do!"
Jeanie