JUST STAND UP PADDLE
There are many reasons for this but in a nutshell there are very few things you can do that are low impact and utilise almost every moving part of your body, whilst balancing the whole time. Add to this the fact that it is easy and just about anyone can do it and you have the ingredients for a fitness revolution.
You do not need to be a goddess or have high levels of fitness to get started and benefit from Stand Up paddle.
The fitness aspect of Paddle Surfing is one of the key underlying factors of why it gets so many people hooked. There are not many sports/acitivites where you can possibly can gain such a high level of fitness without even noticing you are doing it. Stand up paddle surfing offers a total core and cardiovascular workout. Flat water stand up paddling works your entire body and mind.
The full CROSS TRAINING benefits of Paddle Surfing are only just being realised. If you are training for a sport that requires balance and overall body strength and you are tired of sweating it out in the gym, then you will find Paddle Surfing blows away other forms of cross training.
It doesn’t matter how you paddle or where you paddle, the fitness benefits are there for everyone to enjoy.
For fitness most people get started on all-round Stand Up Paddleboards. We stock a huge range of these all-rounders which are great on flat water, lakes and the ocean. Read more about the different types of boards here.
Currently the fastest growing part of the sport right now is SUP YOGA.
Fitness Benefits
BEWARE, however! It is only good for your back and core strength if you take it easy. Going too hard when your body is not accustomed to the new exercise can do more harm than good. See your practioner if you are having back or shoulder problems and make sure yourt paddle is cut to the right length – 8-10″ (20-25cm) longer than your height.
Is Stand Up Paddle Surfing (SUP) the Ultimate Workout?
Here is what one of our local Physiotherapist’s – Suzi Fisher had to say about the fitness benefits-
Stand up paddling challenges many components of fitness – balance, strength, endurance, co-ordination, flexibility and core stability.
Apart from the exhilaration of being on the ocean SUP makes you work your cardio-vascular system, balance, strength, power, co-ordination, and core stability with every paddle stroke.
If you have been looking for a low impact workout that gives you both a cardiovascular workout and gives you a functional core workout then stand up paddling could be the answer. Stand Up Paddling feels like you’re standing on an exercise ball, swimming and cycling all at the same time.
SUP is a surprisingly demanding cardio workout relying on both your arms and legs for endurance and power. SUP activates the core muscles, switches on the stabilizing muscles of the ankles, knees, hips and shoulders.
Paddling a SUP board also offers a truly functional core workout. For many years PILATES has been considered the ultimate core program. The benefit of SUP over pilates is that it works your core while in standing – which is how our core muscles are designed to be worked. Pilates focuses on mat and machine work-outs which don’t truly replicate how the trunk muscles are designed to work. Although Pilates offers a wonderful introduction to core stability your back is tested when pulling and pushing in standing more than it is while lying on the floor.
Whether you’re a baby boomer, triathlete or just returning from injury Paddle Surfing offers a fun challenging high intensity yet low impact stability workout. And the best part is you’re chasing waves not pounding the pavement or locked in a gym.
