SUP, or Stand Up Paddle Boarding, is an outdoor water sports activity in which a rider stands up on a large board and uses a paddle to move through the water.

Currently, it is one of the fastest growing boardsports in the world.
This is a very fun sport which you can enjoy on large ponds, lakes, beaches, rivers or the ocean.

Standing up on the paddle board for the first time you will realize that you may need to work on your balance skills in flowing waters and on unexpected cross winds,  you may find yourself in the water on more than one occasion. First timers should start out on calm waters of a pond or lake, as well as kneeling on the board while paddling and eventually standing up slowly.

After hours of practice and getting the basics down, preferable with the assistance of a great instructor, you will be able to enjoy this amazing sport. You’ll eventually got to the point where you could take our cooler, backpack, and phone to listen to music without fear of everything being swallowed up.

If you are looking for an adventure sport that also includes a full body workout, give SUP a try. Everything from your core, back, arms, legs, and shoulders are worked the entire time and you will be a bit worn out at the end of the day, depending on your level of fitness.

SUP boards come in all shapes and sizes for ability groups. Beginners should choose a wider and longer board for stability in flat calm waters. This is known as an all-round SUP. Others are designed for specific activities such as fishing, yoga, touring, surfing, and racing.

For those of you like myself who like to incorporate water sports into a camping weekend, I suggest investing in an inflatable SUP. They are great for traveling because they roll up to the size of a sleeping bag, great for beginners, and are very durable. If renting an inflatable SUP, check carefully for leaks before taking off.

As with any outdoor sport that you are trying for the first time I suggest waiting to purchase after taking a lesson which includes sizing of board, paddles, safety equipment and techniques.