Paddleboarding has become increasingly popular in the last few years. There are many reasons why it’s become so popular, most of which are also great reasons why you might want to start too. Here are some of the most compelling reasons for exploring nature, being a great group activity, and getting a fair workout. Just remember to always wear an inflatable vest and to have lots of fun!
It Allows You To Explore Nature
One of the best reasons why you might want to start paddleboarding is because it allows you to explore nature in a unique way. More often than not, people explore nature by either sailing, hiking, or running along the beach. Some more extreme ways to experience nature are by doing adrenalin sports such as skydiving and rafting. However, all of these activities have either become mundane or are far too extreme for others.
This is where paddleboarding comes in. Paddleboarding is not only very easy to learn, but it most importantly offers a calm and unique perspective of nature while keeping you engaged. Nothing will get you this close to the water surface and allow you to explore narrow canals. Sure, kayaking and surfing come close, but the equipment for these sports is usually very expensive, while paddleboarding requires minimal expenses plus sunscreen. Paddleboarding can also get you closer to exotic fish and small sea creatures on your quest to explore nature.
It’s a Whole-Body Workout
Another great reason you might want to start paddleboarding is that it is a great workout. Paddleboarding is very easy to learn, but that doesn’t mean your muscles will stay relaxed. Paddleboarding is a whole-body workout that may become apparent the more you do it. Paddleboarding, most of all, requires the engagement of shoulders and upper back muscles. However, along with these muscles, the neck and forearms get a proper workout too. Since paddleboarding often requires the user to stand for longer periods it also engages all the leg muscles as well as glutes.
Hip muscles will get a solid workout too since they are required to make a full swing with the paddle while you’re standing up. Pretty much all of the muscles are engaged but not in an aggressive manner; instead, the muscles are working in a calmer but persistent manner. This allows you to paddleboard for a long time, while at the same time developing a very good muscle tone.
It Offers Unique Experiences
There are many great reasons why you might want to start paddleboarding. So far, the leading reasons have been that it offers you to explore nature uniquely and that it’s a great workout. What better reason to start paddleboarding than to combine these two? Paddleboarding doesn’t necessarily need to boil down to just…paddleboarding.
One of the best examples of a unique workout that is in a unique environment is Stand Up Paddle (SUP) yoga. Yoga, in its “usual” form in the studio, aims to achieve a serene state of mind. Doing yoga on a SUP board in the middle of the lake is generally thought to be even more relaxing. Aside from the serene aspect of nature, you can learn more here about the extra strength and balance challenges SUP yoga offers, which take it one step further than studio yoga. In fact, when you’re out on the water, you can do any number of workouts on the board itself.
It’s a Great Group Activity
Another great reason why you might find paddleboarding interesting, and why so many people are turning towards it is because it’s a fun group activity. More often than not friends can fall into a rut when it comes down to group activities. This is especially true for families since they spend every day together. This is why it might be a good idea to start paddleboarding – to bring some fun into your group of friends or family.
In addition to this, every vacation spot that overlooks a lake or a sea has at least one SUP rental, and ultimately, SUP boards are quite inexpensive, to begin with. Paddleboarding goes hand in hand with vacation; or at least will put you in that state of mind. It is also a great weekend hobby since it offers bonding over clear waters in the middle of calming nature. It’s worth considering because it offers so much fun for everyone included.
Anyone Can Do It
Last but not least, the final reason why you might want to start paddleboarding is that almost anyone can do it. Paddleboarding, even though it engages almost all of the muscles, is very easy to learn. There might be a small learning curve in the beginning since it requires you to be able to keep your balance. When you nail this down, the world is your oyster. Paddleboarding doesn’t require any special equipment, just the board, and the paddle. It’s that simple. Furthermore, this helpful guide should give you an idea of the types of paddle boards available and which kind would be the right one for you.
However, it is still recommended that you apply a lot of sunscreen when you head out because you will oftentimes be exposed to direct sunlight and indirect sunlight from the water as well. But, besides these common sense things such as wearing an inflatable vest and protective clothing, paddleboarding is quite easy to master and even more fun to keep doing. Moreover, there are many different paddle and board sizes so they could better fit your body dimensions for an easier experience. Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that you can also bring your dog on the board with you; just remember to practice getting them on the paddling boards safely, so you both don’t fall into the water.
Paddleboarding is overall a truly great group activity. It offers a unique perspective on nature and it gets you directly on the water. In addition to this, you get a very nice workout without any tension. Moreover, you can even do SUP yoga if you want to experience deep calm and connect with nature. Paddleboarding is also a very fun group activity and it’s very easy to learn. All of these reasons are also reasons why most people have a paddleboard on standby at all times.
