We’ve been hesitant to try this new recreational activity (stand up paddleboarding also known as SUPing) that has exploded over the past few years. And for good reason, or so we thought.
We are both high-level whitewater paddlers, having guided and instructed canoeing and kayaking down rivers full of rapids. We love the thrill of speed when skiing down a mountain or the challenge of a multi-day hiking trip where the days are long, hard and rewarding.
So, we dismissed the world of SUPing as something that would be less than thrilling or perhaps, even boring.
Since moving to the west coast of Canada we’ve been exposed to SUPing culture wherever we turn. Since we live on an island, there is obviously water all around. While the idea of stand up paddleboard surfing has been enticing from our trips to our local surf Mecca, Tofino, we’ve resisted trying it at out at our neighborhood beach.
Things have changed.
This blog post might be about SUPing but it can very well relate to many other activities anyone has resisted trying.
It is a good reminder to pay attention to the old saying “Don’t knock it until you try it” and to keep an open mind.
Not only have we tried it but we have been out for the last four days in a row and we love it.
It might not replace our love of whitewater paddling, skiing, surfing and other high speed, strenuous and physically demanding activities but we believe we’ve seen the light.
Five reasons why our new hobby, SUPing, is the best medicine:
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It gets us outside
As described further in Getting Enough Vitamin N with the Camping Solution, being outside in nature has many benefits. Getting vitamin D from sunlight, fresh air, allowing your eyes to focus on things further than a few inches away and reconnecting with the natural world are timeless and simple remedies to help restore balance in our lives.
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Being on the water is healing
Our body is comprised of 80 percent water and being near water assists our bodies to synchronize with the natural rhythms of the earth. In a more concrete way, spending some time with the rise and fall of ripples and waves, the sound of lapping water has a physiological effect on heart-rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. You can also get a good dose of negative ions by spending some time on the water.
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Meditative state
Normal daily life allows our minds to become anxious about the future and regretful about the past. Often we miss out on being in the present moment. The act of SUPing is very zen. Being out on the water, maintaining your balance, and coordinating your paddle strokes is a great way to be here now. Upon returning to shore, we were both surprised how calm, relaxed and whole we felt.
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Not being sedentary
While we wouldn’t say that SUPing is a replacement for HIIT cardio or resistance training, it fits nicely into the category of LISS (low-intensity steady state). LISS is a fairly new term. However, we discuss this concept in the article 5 Ways to Move Beyond Exercise. We acknowledge that you can get a good workout by digging in and going hard on the paddle board but we really love the almost unintentional benefits of enjoying your time on the water and getting more movement into your day.
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Low barrier to entry
This activity can be done on any body of water. You can start in a calm spot where paddling skill and safety is almost a non-issue. You can start off renting, we’ve seen prices for a low as 10 dollars, or invest in the equipment and enjoy the freedom of getting out whenever you want without any additional fees. Our kids were able to get out and get going without any lessons (not that we are against good instruction) and within twenty minutes we were all paddling together.
What it really comes down to for us is that we can get out and do something together as a family. This might be skiing, canoeing, hiking, camping or our new hobby, SUPing.
You know it’s a winning formula when you can bond as a family, improve your health, be fit and be outside at the same time.
I do like the zen aspect to this and at my age, it’s more my speed too, lol.
Love the name! SUPing. I’m looking forward to trying it one day. It looks fun. I agree with the old saying… Don’t knock it until you try it.
High five and knuckles
This definitely sounds more my speed — I am not into fast, strenuous, thrill-seeking forms of exercise, thanks very much. Especially around water — I’m a Fire sign, after all, 3 or 4 times over….
I like the relaxing, meditative, mindful aspects too — this looks like a very healing activity, that works your body physically at the same time. Sounds perfect!!
I tried it. It’s fun but I think I like more the faster things on water 🙂 But I want to try yoga on a SUP. I will let you know the result 🙂
You sparked my curiosity Brad! I’m on an island myself but have never tried SUPing. And I hear you, water sports can be incredibly healing. Give me some ocean and you’ll have a happy me.