Where I ponder (some) men’s need to stop dead in their tracks at the sight of a woman like they just got out of prison yesterday.

So several times that I’ve been stand up paddling on the Hudson I have experienced water harrassment. Yes, in addition to street harassment I now get to enjoy the new and wonderful experience of being harassed while on the water, balancing on a board amidst waves and wakes with my bikini and life preserver while some dumbass guy I’ve never met before:

 

1. Whistles and waves at me from the pier (shirtless with belly) to go back in the cove instead of venturing out into the Hudson River.

2. Jokes to my (male) friend to “Push her in!” When I respond with a loud “Yea, yea..” he responds with the always original “Aw, I’m just kiddin. C’mon..”

3. Or just your usual friendly staring, overweight, firemen on a boat.

And then walking home tonight, the usual, “Night beautiful.” Wow, great.

I usually don’t talk about street harassment too much to people. I would tell the ex-BF here and there if it was especially noteworthy. My friend, Holly Kearl, founder of Stop Street Harassment, does talk about it often. It’s very cool. It reminds me that street harassment is a big deal and not just a (annoying) part of my every day that I need to accept, silently, by myself.