Stand Up Paddling basics from Runtastic Fitness.
As summer approaches, it’s time to dust off our sports equipment and reacquaint ourselves with our favorite warm-weather activities. The beach is a great way to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze that blows off the water. Exercise enthusiasts planning their next trip to the beach will be glad to hear about the several health benefits of paddle boarding. If you don’t know what they are yet, we list four of the best.
1. It Increases Stamina
Building your stamina is essential to maintaining your overall health. After all, the ability to keep moving is what keeps us productive. Paddle boarding is an excellent way to steadily build your stamina over time. Even when cruising at a relaxed pace, you’re increasing your endurance by working every part of your body at the same time.
2. It’s Low-Impact
You don’t necessarily have to exert a ton of energy when doing Sit Down Paddle Boarding, as it isn’t a sport that requires a lot of movement, once you get going. The exercise puts less stress on your body, so you’re less likely to suffer any muscle pulls or bone fractures when you adjust the paddle to the proper length, and wear proper equipment, such as a helmet and life jacket. For anyone recovering from an overuse sports injury, and looking for a low-risk workout, paddle boarding might be be an ideal option. However, overuse from too much, too soon, can put you at risk of a shoulder injury. Always check with your health care provider, if you are recovering from an injury.
3. It Promotes Cardiovascular Health
Every component of your body is involved in propelling your board across the water. When you exercise your arms, legs, and core all at once, you’re also improving the health of your lungs and heart. It’s for this reason that the sport is often credited with helping prevent heart disease.
4. It Encourages Good Mental Health
When out in the water, you’ll find yourself disconnected from social media and many other stressful aspects of the world. With nothing to engage you but your movements and open nature, you may find peace of mind in the hours you spend paddling. Being outdoors, you have the activation of Vitamin D courtesy of the sun, and a connection with nature and fresh air, which can help you relieve stress.
If you do a lot of Stand Up Paddle Boarding, you will use a lot more muscles, especially core stabilization muscles of the abdomen and back. You will develop your balance skills. Much of your propulsive power should come from your core, not your just your arms.
Paddleboarding isn’t complicated, just grab a SUP and a paddle and head for the water. But there are a few common paddle mistakes made by beginners which make their paddling unstable and inefficient. Once you’ve master the correct use of the paddle your paddling will be easier and more enjoyable too, allowing you to paddle further with less effort.
How to stand up on the board (below video) …
How to SUP: Balancing on a Stand Up Paddleboard from Blue Planet Surf. If you have a hard time finding balance on a SUP, watch this video for some tips that will help you get started. One of the hardest things for beginners is often just being able to balance and stand up on the board.
Trip Smith sets up an inflatable SUP at Morrison Spring, Florida.
Morrison Springs County Park is one of the most popular diving spots in northwest Florida and well-known throughout the southeast. The 161-acre park near Ponce de Leon, Florida was acquired by the state of Florida in 2004 and has been leased to Walton County to maintain and preserve. The highlight of the park is a 250-foot diameter spring pool that produces and estimated 48 million gallons of crystal clear water each day and has been recorded to produce up to 70 million gallons a day. According to Walton County authority, three cavities allow Morrison’s frigid waters to surface from the underground aquifer. The deepest of these cavities, at approximately 300 foot in depth, eventually terminates in an underground chamber of unknown dimensions.