Paddleboarding has soared in popularity since it was first introduced in Hawaii as a way to stand and propel yourself through smaller swells. Paddleboarding is now practiced all around the world. And SUP racing is growing significantly all over the U.S. and abroad.
I’ve been paddleboarding for about 3 years and it’s become my favorite watersport and outdoor activity. There are so many beautiful places to paddle; the world is your oyster when it comes to exploring on a paddleboard. Here’s 5 reasons why you should try paddleboarding…
It’s a great workout!
Standing on the board requires balance and strength on its own. When you propel yourself forward and start paddling, you are working the entire core – and your arms, legs, shoulders, and back – everything is working on varying levels. If you want an even better workout, go for a longer or more challenging paddle, or add some yoga to your routine. Practicing yoga on a stand up paddleboard might seem intimidating at first, but there are plenty of beginner poses to try while you develop stability on your board. I’ve only tried a few poses but with my love for yoga, maybe it’s something I’ll try more of in the future.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
It’s no secret that being outside in nature alleviates stress, anxiety and depression. I can tell you personally that it does wonders for your mindset! It’s also no secret that exercise reduces stress and anxiety. So what happens when you take your workout outside…you reap the benefits of being in nature while exercising. Let me tell you – it’s the biggest stress reliever!
Bring Your Dog or Kid Along!
My labs LOVE the water, but I’ve never attempted to bring them on a paddleboard. I’ve seen tons of pups on the front of paddle boards who look like they’re in doggie heaven! With a little training and patience, maybe your pup will love being on the board with you.
Since last summer, I started showing my son how to sit on my paddleboard – lifejacket on of course – and he’s doing great so far! He’s still young and his attention span is short, but we’ll keep trying so he gets more comfortable with it. Each time we paddle, I’m able to be out for a longer amount of time. Paddleboarding with your kid is such a fun experience for both of you. I love looking for turtles or fish in the water as we go by.
Explore Local Spots
You don’t have to live by the ocean to find beautiful spots to paddleboard. I loved paddle boarding in Florida (Weeki Wachi Springs is one of my favorites), but there’s plenty of places to explore in the Midwest (and no alligators are a plus!). Since Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes, I could make a giant wish list of places to paddle. I’ve found parks and restaurants I didn’t know existed simply by paddling by them. Exploring the area on a paddleboard is like seeing things from a new perspective. You never know what local gems you will find along the way!
It’s a New Experience!
What if I’m not fit enough or I can’t balance on the paddle board? Keep trying. What if I fall? Been there! I bet you’ll enjoy it once you get the hang of it! See if there is a beginner class in your area or find a spot where you can rent a board to try it out. It’s like riding a bike where you don’t have to think about what you’re doing anymore; you just jump on the paddleboard and go!
