Stand-up paddleboarding — a cross between surfing and kayak paddling — is the newest, hippest coastal rage. But, for Bob Babcock, who was diagnosed in 2004 with vestibular schwannoma, a tumor that short-circuits brain signals, it was the way he recovered his balance and coordination after successful treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Babcock now also sees his paddleboarding passion as a way to raise money for a cause close to him, Christopher’s Haven, a temporary home for patients undergoing cancer treatment, according to the Boston Globe. And he has organized a fundraising paddleboarding event dubbed the Cape Cod Bay Challenge on August 14 stretching 30 miles across bay waters from Plymouth to Provincetown, Mass. Christopher’s Haven offers a home for the families of children undergoing cancer treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Following his own MGH proton therapy, a more precise and less damaging type of radiation, he had difficulty driving, biking or jogging. His brother, who lives in Hawaii where paddleboarding has been popular for a decade, suggested he start stand-up. Initially, he could barely stay on for a few seconds, but eventually he mastered the core-building activity. In 2008, he and a friend Mike Brown decided to paddle across Cape Cod Bay and six others joined them. Last year, they decided to make it a benefit event for Christopher’s Haven and 21 paddlers raised $35,000. This year, Babcock hopes it will be bigger than ever.
“If I can do it, anyone can,” says Babcock.
What a stand-up guy.
Photo by madmarv00 via Flickr.