In recent years, Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) has gained immense popularity as a recreational water activity. SUP involves standing on a large board and using a paddle to propel yourself through the water. It is a low-impact exercise that offers a variety of health benefits to the body and mind. Let’s explore what SUP is, its history, and its many benefits.

Stand-up Paddleboarding, also known as SUP, is a water sport that originated in Hawaii in the 1940s. It has since become a popular recreational activity across the globe, with people of all ages and fitness levels taking part. SUP is a versatile sport that can be done on calm lakes, rushing rivers, and even in the ocean. It offers an exciting and unique way to explore the beauty of the water while providing a full-body workout. Stand up paddle boarding is one of the easiest ways to get into watersports. SUP is fun, versatile, and best of all anyone can do it; meaning adventures are more accessible than ever. Whether you live by the sea or near a river, lake or canal, you can join the paddleboarding community.

History of SUP

SUP has its roots in Hawaii, where it was used as a means of transportation for fishermen to navigate the waters and cast their nets. In the 1940s, Waikiki beach boys began using SUP as a way to stay in shape during the off-season. In the 2000s, SUP experienced a resurgence in popularity, with the invention of inflatable SUPs making the sport more accessible to the masses.

Types of SUP

There are two main types of SUP: inflatable SUPs and hard SUPs. Inflatable SUPs are portable, easy to store, and generally less expensive than hard SUPs. Hard SUPs, on the other hand, are more durable, provide better performance, and are more suitable for racing and surfing.

SUPs can be used on the sea to surf, tour or race. Or if you prefer inland, canals, rivers, or lakes may be your preferred adventure. SUPs are so versatile you can even do yoga, white water SUP, or take your dog for a joy ride on them!

How to SUP

The great thing about SUP is any ability, any age will be able to do this sport! If you are a beginner, you would typically want a board that is more stable so after a short sessions with the right guidance you should be able to stand up and be paddling around. Those that don’t feel as confident first time round usually kneel and paddle where they want to venture. 

Proper technique and safety are essential to make the most out of the sport and avoid injury. When paddling, it is essential to keep your back straight, look forward, and use your core muscles to maintain balance. Safety tips include wearing a leash, using a personal flotation device, and checking weather conditions before heading out.

Health Benefits of SUP

SUP offers a range of health benefits, making it an excellent way to stay active and improve overall health and wellbeing. Some of the benefits of SUP include:

Full-Body Workout

If you are looking for a full body work out stand up paddle boarding is for you! When paddle boarding you may not realise but in fact you are using every part of your body; whether it be to keep your balance or to use your paddle. Whether you are on the sea, lakes, rivers or any other waterway you will constantly be trying to balance. When you become confident on your SUP balancing may not be at the front of your mind, but your body will still be doing all the work to help you maintain upright on your SUP. The constant balancing and paddling requires significant effort, making it a great way to burn calories and build strength.

Low-Impact Exercise

SUP is a low-impact exercise that puts less stress on the joints than high-impact activities like running or jumping. It is an excellent option for those with joint pain or injuries who want to stay active.

Stress Relief

Being on the water and surrounded by nature has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and reduce stress levels. SUP offers a peaceful and meditative experience that can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Improved Balance and Coordination

SUP requires balance and coordination to maintain stability on the board while paddling. Regular practice can help improve these skills, leading to better overall balance and coordination.

Cardiovascular Health

SUP is a great way to get your heart rate up and improve cardiovascular health. Paddling provides a low-impact cardiovascular workout that can help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve overall fitness levels.

Burn lots of calories

Stand up paddle boarding caters for all abilities; from people who want to put miles in touring on their board, to people who want to bob about on the water practicing their movements and skills. You may think SUP doesn’t burn that many calories, think again; paddle boarding burns about double the number of calories as walking!

Depending on what you choose to do during your paddle activity depends on how many calories you’re burning of course. In a single hour of moving smoothly at a moderate pace, you are going to burn 300-400 calories.

SUP yoga may look relaxing but in fact it is a very strenuous activity. Nevertheless, it will see you burn 400-500 calories in one hour. SUP racing however is by far the most intense form of paddling boarding. In a serious SUP race, you are likely to burn 700-1000+ calories in an hour. So, if you aim at becoming competitive in the SUP community or want to become incredible fit, SUP racing is the way forward for you.

Life Confidence

Stand-up paddleboarding can give you a sense of life confidence by challenging you to try something new and pushing you out of your comfort zone. Learning to balance on the board and manoeuvre through the water
can help build physical and mental strength, and as you gain more experience, you'll become more confident in your abilities. Additionally, the peaceful and calming environment of the water can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being, which can contribute to a greater sense of confidence and happiness in life. Find out more about life confidence through watersports here

Conclusion

SUP is a fun and exciting way to explore the beauty of the water while providing numerous health benefits to the body and mind. Whether you're looking to improve your fitness, reduce stress, or simply have a good time, SUP is an excellent option to consider. With its easy-to-learn techniques and versatility, anyone can enjoy this fantastic water sport.

If you want to develop your skills at a faster rate, there are plenty of opportunities to do so; with SUP instructors based all around the UK. They will be able to teach you the basics up to advanced skills of SUP while building your confidence along the way. 

Your SUP can be used all across the UK in most waterways including, rivers, lakes, canals and sea. With nearly 5,000km of waterways included in the British Canoeing membership licence there is an adventure out there to suit everyone waiting to be explored! Find out more and join British Canoeing or Water Skills Academy

With people of all abilities, all over the country now taking part in stand up paddle boarding, we are seeing this sport and it’s participants thrive.