Do you want a chill and fun workout that will immerse you in nature? Try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)! It’s a great way to get outside and enjoy nature while also getting in a full-body workout that you can pace on your own. 

Here are some other very good reasons why you should get on a SUP and start paddling this summer! 

Six Key Benefits of Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Anyone can paddleboard!

If you’re a beginner to working out or water sports, SUP can be the perfect entry level sport! There’s no pressure like in the gym when you’re surrounded by people and there’s no reps, just steady paddling. It’s suitable for any level since you can start out kneeling/sitting on the board and stand up whenever you feel comfortable. You get to choose your pace and stop whenever you’d like! 

It’s a low-impact sport that helps take stress off your joints.

SUP is a great alternative sport for athletes who engage in high-impact sports. (i.e., running or weight lifting). The core strength you gain from paddleboarding is invaluable for other sports, and it can be an excellent recovery option for athletes who want to improve their general fitness and cardiovascular + upper body endurance over time!

It’s a fun way to get in shape and a full body workout.

This was one of my main motivators for paddleboarding. You’re working your core, arms and legs to stay balanced on the board, and time flies when you’re paddling outside. If you despise spending hours at the gym under fluorescent lighting or find repetitive workouts tedious, then try paddleboarding. You’ll always be a little sore afterward, but that’s a good thing; fff means you’re improving your stamina and strength in your muscles every paddle. You’ll continue to find your strength and endurance growing the more you paddleboard! 

You can improve your balance and posture in your daily life, too!

The first time I went out on a paddleboard, I didn’t even stand up because I was trying so hard to stay balanced. That’s part of the journey! Those same muscles keeping you upright and stable on the board are responsible for maintaining your good posture and balance. There are few recreational activities as beneficial as paddleboarding for building muscles critical for balance and joint support.

My favourite paddleboard benefit…

Use SUP for unwinding and stress relief.

The best part of paddleboarding for me is being completely immersed in the sport. You can’t check your phone, so while paddling, you get the opportunity to unplug and unwind. The natural pressures you’re feeling on the daily can melt away on the water. If you’re currently feeling overwhelmed or need a mood lift, get out there and paddle.

You can connect with different parts of nature while stand-up paddleboarding.

You could hike to connect with nature, but there’s something special about being out on the water. More than half the Earth is covered in water and 80% of our oceans still remain unexplored. By being out on the water, you’ll feel like you’re a part of that exploration and the things around you. It’s a great way to see nature in a way that you haven’t witnessed before. 

Bonus Benefit: You can go paddling with friends and family while still staying six feet apart.

Back at the start of the pandemic, I went paddleboarding with many of my friends and colleagues because you can get a good workout in, be outdoors, AND stay six feet away. During that time when we all felt isolated, it was nice to have an hour or two on the water to soak up each others’ company outside of Zoom or FaceTime.