You keep hearing, reading, dreaming about it (ok, maybe not that), but you’re still not sure – what is the mighty SUP (stand up paddling) and more importantly – why should you care and start doing it? Well, we sat down and put together a short introduction to this fun and active sport that has taken the world and the yoga world by storm.
What is SUP?
To put it shortly – stand up paddle surfing or simply SUP is a form of surfing where the surfer uses a paddle to move through the water while standing on a surfboard (a specially designed surfboard) The sport is quickly gaining popularity all over the world because of its simplicity and quick learning curve.
The history of Stand Up Paddle Surfing comes from its Polynesian roots. The Hawaiian translation is Ku Hoe He’e Nalu which means – to stand, to paddle, to surf a wave. So it’s no wonder that the modern version of this sport has originated in the Hawaiian Islands where in the early 1960 surf instructors would stand on their long boards and paddle out with paddles to take pictures of the tourists learning to surf.
Today SUP is popular around the world and holds an advantage over surfing or wind surfing – you do not need to wait for waves, good winds, as well as no special preparation or physical condition, is needed to practice it.
SUP – an incredible exercise
The full-body workout SUP provides is just unbelievable – it offers a combination of balance, strength, and endurance which are exercised at all times, whether you are paddling or just balancing on your board. It’s not only an excellent core workout but it also makes your legs, back, shoulders, arms and toes work together.
For those who are new to any water sports, it’s important and good to know that SUP is a very low impact exercise, which means that the chances of you damaging your tendons, ligaments or joints is very low. So yes, you can relax and just enjoy the workout and the ride! And what a ride – in addition to the mere pleasure of being on the water you are actually doing a cardio exercise, burning calories and hey – lowering the chances of a heart attack and a stroke.
But you know what we love about SUP so much – it’s not just these incredible benefits, but also a unique way to escape, relax, relieve stress and just chill!
SUP and yoga
Today’s wellness world is incredible – it constantly provides us with new experiences. And so do SUP boards. We’re talking SUP yoga, of course. Why do it? Performing yoga while on a paddleboard adds an extra dimension of balance and challenge to the practice as well as a whole lot of fun! In addition to that, having a SUP yoga class is far more pleasant and relaxing than being in a crowded studio or gym. We’re talking yoga on the water, right, does this get any better?