The SUP Scam — Gullible or Trusting?

“To assume the best about another is the trait that has created modern society. Those occasions when our trusting nature gets violated are tragic. But the alternative — to abandon trust as a defense against predation and deception — is worse.”

– Malcolm Gladwell

Just in case you’re not up on your personal watercraft terminology…

“SUP” stands for “Stand-Up Paddleboard.”

Personally, I don’t particularly enjoy using the darn things…but I did have a rather interesting encounter with a paddleboarder recently.

Here’s what happened:

My friend’s daughter, Ella (15), and I were kayaking in Brentwood Bay. We’d parked our kayaks at our favourite beach (at Tod Inlet) and had gone for a swim. We were just getting back into our kayaks when a good-looking guy (late-thirties) came up to us. He had a little dog with him.

“Excuse me,” he says. “Can I ask you guys a favour?”

“Sure!” I chirp, all friendly. Ella gives him the stink eye, not so friendly.