There are many good reasons why to start with physical SUP activities. For a healthy human being it’s beneficial to move around, get physically active and get the blood pumping through their body.
Cardio on steroids (but without steroids!)
Stand-up paddle-boarding is brilliant in that regard! it is what I would call a cardiovascular activity on steroids. It’s intense enough for those who are after a serious full-body training but it can be also very social and entertaining when done in groups and exploratory when paddling to new unknown places.
In the following paragraphs I have compiled my favourite 5 reasons why it’s a good idea to start with this amazing water sport.
1. You’ll get in shape (Fitness aspect)
Did you know that stand up paddle boarding is one of the best full-body workouts? When you SUP you burn more calories than in most other sports. It’s because of the combination of strength, balance, core and endurance. Therefore, whether you surf, race or just recreationally paddle, you get in shape in no time.
2. You’ll meet new people (Social Aspect)
You might have heard that stand up paddle boarding is the fastest growing sport in the world (if not, you just heard it) and that means there are more and more people paddling on the water every day. More people in the water means a greater opportunity for you to meet someone new and spark up a conversation about what you both have in common.
3. You’ll get outdoors (Exploration)
Today, we have more distractions from technology than ever before. People aren’t enjoying the outdoors enough. One of the greatest ways to spend time with nature is on a SUP. Unplug from everything around you and immerse yourself in the magnificent outdoors. Enjoy the tranquil wonders of paddling across glassy waters on a sunny day.
4. You’ll find inner peace (Meditation)
It’s a known fact that looking at large bodies of water calms the human soul. The art of paddling along a body water and soaking in the natural surroundings is meditative. A SUP session can be anything you make of it. It can be a fun way to let loose with friends or it could be a solo paddle to relax the mind and forget the problems you have on land. One step on the paddle board is one step closer to inner peace.
5. More opportunity for adventure (Exploration and Travelling)
Taking up a new outdoorsy hobby means you will be interesting in adventuring out to new destinations on the reg. One of the greatest perks of paddle boarding is that you can do it wherever there is a body of water. The only caveat to traveling with your SUP is bringing it on airplane. For this situation, we recommend you travel with an inflatable paddle board.
Have fun, actively relax and energise your body and spirit!
The most important thing about paddle boarding (or about any other physical activity) should be that you have fun doing it while it benefits your physical and mental yourself.
The whole point of standup paddle boarding is to have fun. Plan a day or weekend trip with some good friends and explore a body of water no one has been to before. Adventures are good for your health (and so is paddle boarding).
If you happen to travel through or live in Asia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar feel free to check our best places where to paddle board.
