Get in shape.
Whole body workout
Stand up paddle boarding is excellent for upper body workout due to the paddle motion you’re using to propel yourself forward. Despite most of the motion coming from the upper body, your trunk and lower limbs are experiencing a great workout from maintaining balance on the board. By keeping balance on the paddle board, you’re also engaging your core throughout the process.
According to ClinMed’s case study, “The Long-Term Effects of Stand-up Paddle Boarding: A Case Study,” authors, Ben Schram, Wayne Hing, and Mike Climstein assert that the short term effects of SUP as a training tool on the untrained individual show positive effects on mass, body fat, aerobic, and anaerobic fitness, multi directional trunk strength, and self-rated quality of life.
Burns more calories than average
It is hard to pinpoint exactly how many calories one burns while paddle boarding. However, general estimates are between 300-500 calories over an hour of recreational paddling. This amount increases for other variations of paddle boarding – where stand up paddle board surfing, yoga, and touring are all more strenuous exercises and thus burn more calories.
An hour of recreational paddling can be roughly double the amount of calories burned relative to an hour of casual walking.
Low impact workout
There is minimal impact on joints and as a result, it is suitable to a wide range of individuals.
Contrasted with walking or running which has a higher impact on your joints, paddle boarding is the more appealing option.
Helps develop better balance.
Benefits of greater balance aren’t very obvious. However, for older individuals, balance can make a real difference. Great balance helps prevent falls, improves your mobility, and increases your muscle strength.
According to The Permanent Journal, in “Preventing Falls in the Geriatric Population” by Aimee Lee, Kuo-Wei Lee, and Peter Khang, falls are the leading cause of injury and death by injury in adults over the age of 65 years. Having a good sense of balance goes a long way in preventing falls later on.
It is a growing sport.
Paddle boarding has grown tremendously over the years and is here to stay.
In 2019, it was estimated that 3.5 million Americans participate in Standup Paddle Boarding according to ACA Paddlesports, special report on paddle sports.
Many are hoping paddle boarding will become a part of the Olympics soon.
It is versatile.
You don’t have to be near the ocean to do it (rivers, lakes, etc.)
It is easy to pack and travel with.
There are a lot of different use cases.
From the beginner to the expert, you are able to relax when you want and be competitive when you chose to.
Yoga SUP, fishing SUP, surfing SUP, to doing a long trip over the water, sunbathing, and more.
Peace of mind, a calming and tranquil activity.
Relaxing atmosphere.
Offers you the optimal environment for meditation.
Meet new people.
Google search for paddle boarding events: Doing a quick google search for “social paddle boarding” should produce a variety of local options to get together with local paddle boarders.
You can find paddle boarding communities that exist online. Additionally, you can find local meet up groups for paddle boarding online.
Get outdoors.
Being outdoors reduces stress, cortisol levels, muscle tension, and heart rates.
It’s well-known that being outdoors is good for you. Below are a couple of specific benefits from getting outdoors that you may have not been aware of
According to the US Department of Agriculture, studies show that being outside in nature is relaxing, reduces stress, cortisol levels, muscle tension, and heart rates – all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
A good warm up to learning how to surf.
Helps you gain greater balance and feel for the water
More time spent on a paddle board standing up, the more comfortable you will feel on one and you’ll improve your balance.
It is a good segue into learning how to stand on a surfboard
Paddle boards are more buoyant than surfboards, so it’ll be easier to balance while standing on one relative to a surfboard. Additionally, paddle boards are usually wider and will include some form of grip.
Catching waves on a paddle board can prepare you for surfing
It is easier because you’ll be standing already when going to catch a wave on a paddle board whereas in surfing you have to learn how to pop up for the wave.
Anyone can do it – it is quick to learn.
You can be standing up paddling on your paddle board on your first day of trying it.
They’re affordable.
Paddle boards: $200-$2,000. From $200 on the cheaper end to $2,000 on the more expensive end.
Boogie boards: $30-$200. From $30 on the cheaper end to $200 on the more expensive end.
Skim boards: $50-$300. From $50 on the cheaper end to $300 on the more expensive end.
Surfboards: $250-$1,200. From $250 on the cheaper end to $1,200 on the more expensive end.
Kayaks: $200-$3,000. From $200 on the cheaper end to $3,000 on the more expensive end. Sea kayaks are more expensive and can range between $1,000 – $3,000.
