There is more to stand up paddle boarding than just standing on a board and paddling around water. The possibilities and activities that you can do on a SUP are endless, and you’ll be sure to find something that interests you and your entire family.
Over recent years, paddle boarding has increased in popularity and the sport is now being practiced all over the world. Paddle boards, especially inflatables, can be transported to remote locations and allow you to explore waters that larger boats can not.
One of the main benefits of SUPing is that you can paddle on any type of water as long as you have permission to do so. Lakes, rivers, and oceans have different paddling conditions and require different skill levels to paddle on. But, if you’re bored of just paddling around, what else is there to do on a SUP?
- SURFING
Surfing on a SUP is a great free workout and can test even the most experienced paddlers. It goes without saying that waves, even if they are small, provide more of a challenge for SUPing than flat calm waters found in lakes or rivers.
Beginner paddlers should practice paddling on flat water before attempting to SUP surf. If you’re new to SUP surfing, it’s better to avoid the big waves and start small until you’ve got the hang of it.
- FISHING
SUP fishing has gained traction in the angling community because of how easy paddle boards are to fish from.
Paddle boards are non-motorized, less obstructive, and ultimately better for the environment. When out fishing on a board, you have a top-down view of the water, making it easier to find and catch fish.
SUPs also give you the ability to glide over the water, reducing the amount of noise and water movement that could potentially scare away your catch.
- WHITEWATER
Another SUP activity for the thrill-seekers out there is whitewater paddling.
It mixes together all the fun parts of surfing, rafting, and kayaking, and gives you an entirely different experience than just paddling on flat water. When you go whitewater paddling, you need to adapt your paddling techniques because of the flowing water and currents that you don’t encounter on your average lakes or rivers.
It is important to note that whitewater paddling should only be done by experienced paddlers and can be extremely dangerous.
- YOGA
There is nothing more tranquil than being out in the open in the middle of a quiet lake or river. Add the occasional chirping bird or the sound of water ripples from passing fish, and you’ve got yourself the perfect location to practice yoga.
Inflatable SUP boards tend to be the top choice for SUP yoga because of their spacious, squishy deck that helps with balance and overall comfort when trying to hold a pose.
If you’re an experienced yogi or just looking for a new low impact, high-intensity workout, SUP yoga could be just the challenge for you.
- RACING
This one is for those who have a competitive streak in them. SUP races are held annually all over the world, and they not only provide a day of fun but also test your paddling skills amongst other experienced paddlers.
Competing in these races is a great way to connect with other like-minded people in the SUP community, and you could even learn a new thing or two about the sport.
Long, narrower boards are the ideal candidate for SUP racing as they cut quickly and smoothly through the water, giving you optimal maneuverability and speed.
- SNORKELING AND DIVING
A SUP is great for snorkeling trips because it is essentially a large floating platform to rest on when you need a break from swimming and exploring.
SUP’s are small and can get into secluded areas that can’t be accessed by other boats. If you take a SUP with you on a snorkeling trip, it gives you the ability to paddle down uncharted coastlines and take in the undisturbed and abundant marine life.
Much like snorkeling, diving from SUPs has become increasingly popular because of how easy they are to take out and dive from. Larger boards provide a higher weight capacity, meaning you can carry essential dive gear and head to remote and untouched areas.
- PHOTOGRAPHY
You don’t need to be an incredible photographer to get some great shots of nature.
Smartphones alone have high-quality cameras that you can easily take on board and use to capture amazing photos of the wildlife and water surroundings.
If you have a passion for photography, paddling on a SUP can help you reach secluded places and capture things that are tucked away and inaccessible to the general public.
