What is SUP?

The health benefits

 ·         It improves balance: SUP requires you to stand on the board, which requires a lot of core stability to maintain balance. This also increases your focus and balance in day-to-day activities.

·         It provides the paddler with a full body workout: almost every muscle in the body is used at some point during paddleboarding. Leg muscles will be hard at work attempting to stabilize your center of gravity, while the arms, back and shoulders are used to propel the paddleboard in the water. The core, back and abdominal muscles are constantly at work to maintain your balance.

·         It is low impact: it is unlikely that you will do damage to the tendons and ligaments of your joints, so it is great if you are experiencing shin splints or knee and hip pain, yet still need a good exercise to do while healing. Because of its low impact nature, paddle boarding can be a useful tool for people in rehab to gently increase strength without doing any harm. It is very gentle on your muscles and joints.

·         It reduces stress: water naturally soothes the body and exercise helps to reduce stress. As you glide through the water, you have the sensation of walking on water, and, when you maintain the rhythm of your stroke, stress melts away.

·         It increases overall strength: after spending a day out on a paddleboard, you might feel tired and even a little sore, but it is a good soreness that shows you that you have used your muscles and built up your overall body strength.

·         It gives you a cardiovascular workout: If you paddle hard, you can get a good cardio workout. If you like, you can race your friends while paddling; this will really get the heart rate up! According to iSupWorld.com, paddle boarding will help you avoid being a victim of heart attacks and strokes. You’ll have improved cardiovascular health and less risk for related diseases.

·         It Improves endurance: once you learn how to stand up paddleboard, and you start to increase the distances you paddle, you may notice that your balance is improving and your muscles aren’t getting quite as tired, and your endurance also improves.

·         It allows you to connect with nature: Being out on the water is calming, and engaging with nature can have a positive effect on your mental health and attitude. In addition, getting some extra vitamin D from the sun is good for you, providing you don’t get sunburn!