The Art Of Stand Up Paddle Boarding


In the past few years, Stand Up Paddleboarding, or SUP as it's abbreviated, has become an increasingly popular outdoor sport. Unlike surfing, anyone can master SUP on their first try, making it quite appealing to tourists and locals alike. People all over the world can't get enough of it, from Miami to San Francisco, or from the cold climate of Russia, to the tropical climate of Peru.

Even though SUP isn't too difficult to learn, it can be a pretty intense workout. The constant balancing works your core and legs, and the relentless paddling is sure to leave your arm muscles sore long after you're done. Some even take the athleticism to an extreme with SUP yoga, where they actually do an entire yoga class atop the floating paddle boards. There's also stand up paddle surfing, which allows beginners to experience a bit of the surfing thrill on very small, one or two foot waves.

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Most people prefer to partake in SUP in mild, warm conditions like those you'll find in Miami, where you can wear a bikini on the water all year round. But others still get on their boards in windy, chilly conditions, like those that frequently occur in the Bay Area's summer months. On those occasions, you'll likely find some people out on the water in a full wet suit. Paddling a board in these conditions can be quite difficult as well because your body tends to act like a sail, pushing you in random directions.

Yet whether it's sunny or cloudy and windy, SUP is a favorite outdoor activity for millions of people. It's a great way to get exercise, connect with nature, and enjoy the company of good friends.

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