Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a fantastic water sport activity that offers a fun way to play on the water along with the additional benefits of an excellent workout. SUP offers something to everyone regardless of age or paddling skills.
Before you hit the water for the first time, it’s imperative to know a little bit more about stand-up paddleboarding. I this article, we’ll discuss the most important things you need to know about SUP, including:
- Different ways to enjoy SUP
- How to gear up for SUP
Different Ways To Enjoy SUP
You can use SUP for fun and entertainment and use it for health maintenance, among other worthwhile activities. Below are some of the most popular ways you can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding:
SUP Touring
Most paddleboarders use SUP to tour and explore places (popularly known as SUP touring). This is one of the best and memorable things you can do with your SUP. You can head out on the water to explore nature, view what’s out on the horizon, and have an excellent vantage of viewing what’s under the water.
Inflatable stand-up paddleboards are usually the best for SUP touring since they’re lightweight and come with strips that help you carry them wherever you want. If you haven’t experienced SUP touring yet, we recommend trying it and experience the absolute feelings of exploring nature while floating on nature.
SUP Yoga
If you’re an enthusiastic yogi, you’ve probably heard of practicing yoga on a stand-up paddleboard commonly called “SUP yoga.” This is one of the most practiced fitness activities done while floating on water. You can enjoy SUP yoga on any calm water body such as lakes, bays, rivers, swimming pools, and so on.
SUP yoga has a wider range of fantastic benefits. You get a combination of both the yoga and stand-up paddleboarding benefits. The greatest benefit of performing SUP yoga is the practical enhancement of balance and core strength.
SUP Racing
SUP racing is an official water sport that’s gaining popularity day by day. This SUP activity allows you to have fun while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Among countless ways to maintain your health, SUP racing seems to be the most enjoyable way to stay healthy and fit.
Racing with a group of paddlers or friends while enjoying SUP involves HITT techniques. This helps you improve your cardio routine by increasing your heart rate and speeding your blood circulation level. SUP racing also helps you burn loads of calories and lose weight.
SUP Fishing
Sometimes fishing can be boring, but there are several ways to enjoy fishing, and SUP fishing is one of them. SUP fishing is a fantastic way of fishing while enjoying a water sport.
Fishing paddleboards are usually lightweight, easy to transport, and entirely designed to cater to your fishing needs. These boards consist of firm scotty mounts to attach rod holders, bait trays, fish finders, etc.
SUP fishing boards also provide quick mobility and are even more advantageous and enjoyable than kayaks. Additionally, SUP provides you with a better vision of the fish swimming around you, and the board motion is silent such that it doesn’t scare away the fish.
Paddling With Your Pet
If you’ve got feelings for your pet (think: your dog or cat) and you don’t want to leave them behind while paddling, then SUP allows you to ride with your pet. Paddling with pets has become a trend, and you should try it on your next SUP tour.
Note: Before heading out on the water with your pet, ensure you’re comfortable paddling on your own before including the pet. It’ll be safer for both of you.
How To Gear Up for SUP
The good news about gearing up for SUP is that you just need several basic pieces of SUP gear to enjoy paddling. The following are the key pieces you need:
The board: SUP boards come in four different types; inflatable, rigid, all-round, epoxy, and soft top paddle boards). Your weight, skills, local conditions, and intended use will determine the type you choose.
Paddles: A SUP paddle resembles a stretched-out canoe paddle that has a tear-drop-shaped blade. Paddles come in various constructions like plastic, wood, carbon fiber, aluminum, etc.
SUP leash: You’ll need a SUP leash to keep you attached to your board with the help of a strap around your ankle. The SUP leash helps keep your board close by in case you fall.
Personal floatation device (PFD) or life jackets: These items are essential for your safety or your pet’s safety. However, if you’re a skilled paddler and swimmer, you don’t have to wear the PFD or a life jacket, but children and pets must wear one.
Safety whistle and light: The Coast Guard requires you to have a safety whistle to call for help or warn other surfers. A light will be essential if you intend to paddle after sunset.
Sun protection: These may include sunglasses, sunscreen, SUP cap, and general sun-protective clothing.
Bottom Line
SUP is the most enjoyable and worthwhile water sport you shouldn’t ever miss enjoying. Before grabbing your board and head out on the water, ensure you’ve got the basic SUP gear and understand how you’ll use your board.
Source