SUP to Campeche Island, sunrise and glasses for Iemanjá

I woke up at 04:00, board already tied to the car and heading to the south of the island. The plan was simple: go to Campeche Island and back. This ride is never “just a stroll”, always has double dose of adventure and excitement.

Arriving at the beach I met the Floripa Stand Up Paddle crew and we fell into the water. Literally. The surf was absurdly nervous, the entry was car wash mode and with the right to some tumbles. A few gulps of water to wake up well and we continued. Past the impact zone, the sea became a mirror. The day hadn’t been born yet and, after a few minutes paddling, the sun began to appear. It was a breathtaking sunrise, made us stop paddling just to keep the scene.

On the island we always have the traditional reception committee with the coatis, official residents and guardians of Campeche Island. With them around blinking is losing food, glasses, cell phone, everything becomes potential souvenir. We took a quick break and went to the tip of the island. Magical place, one of those where the photo never translates.

On the way back the sea decided to remind me who’s in charge. Already close to arriving at the beach, after crossing a bunch of waves well, I had one of those surprises that I didn’t even see where it came from, just had time to hear someone shout my name and say “watch the wave”, took a beautiful tumble about 30 meters from the sand. I was wearing glasses and well… they decided to become an offering. Iemanjá got a new gift. The gift created a new challenge: driving for about an hour, from south to north of the island without glasses. Everything worked out, but here’s the lesson. Next crossing will be with contact lenses.

On the watch: 6.06 km in 1:46:57 of movement. Turbulent sea at the exit, generous on the way and that sunrise that’s worth waking up early.