Soaking up a Lake Erie sunrise atop a stand-up paddleboard immerses you in a deeper appreciation for our Great Lake. "When people get out on the water and start to enjoy it, they become more cognizant of what we have," says Bill Cochrane, who owns Nalu Standup Paddle and Surf. While the watersport has recently been making waves in Northeast Ohio, Nalu has been open for five years with locations in Rocky River and Marblehead. Cochrane and five instructors offer intro classes ($90 for a private session) through the Nalu University, the only American Surfing Instructors-accredited school in the Midwest. Once your confidence is up, try a Warrior I or headstand in the yoga class ($35 per person) or join the four-week adult race league ($320 per week). As your skills strengthen, expect your body to follow. "The board is always going to rock a little bit," says Cochrane. "So you're using your core, you're using obviously your arms, your shoulders, your back." 1328 Linda St., Rocky River, 216-272-1504; 199 S. Bridge Road, Marblehead, 419-635-6466, nalusup.com
Best of Cleveland 2015: Paddleboarding
Coast the Lake Erie shoreline with nothing but an oar, board, and the open water.
