A stand up paddleboard (SUP for short) represents the buffet of the watersports world. Racing, surfing, touring, getting fit, finding your Zen – SUPs do it all. So what’s SUP (right? who could resist that?) with stand up paddleboarding?
Every water body you pass these days seems to be speckled with people, standing upright and cruising along. SUP-inspired fitness classes and racing series are popping up all over the place. So what makes paddleboarding so appealing to such a wide range of people, activities and locations… and how do you get in on it?
Why SUP works for so many
Paddleboarding was born in Hawaii in the 60s, and its surf-like vibe appeals to a wide audience. But unlike surfing, stand up paddleboarding doesn’t require a wave, which opens the sport up to anyone near a large body of water.
Standing up gives you a new perspective of the water, and is all about balance. That makes SUP a textbook core workout (but with way prettier scenery than a Pilates reformer machine). It also demands that you put in effort with your legs and arms – in other words, it provides a full body workout.
“All this muscle movement makes SUP an exceptional way to cross train and keep up your fitness,” says Mark Kelly, MEC watersports product manager. “Plus, it’s fun to be on the water. And anytime you enjoy an activity, you’re more likely to get out there and do it.”
Gear to get your feet wet
You only need a few pieces to get SUP’ing:
- Needless to say, but you’ll need a stand up paddleboard (more on this below).
- And a paddle.
- Plus a PFD, because safety is important. There are low-profile waist or vest options available.
And some other items are definitely good to have:
- A wetsuit isn’t always necessary, but if the water is chilly you’ll be thankful for it.
- A leash is nice to keep you and your board connected if you tip into the water.
- Sunscreen, because getting burnt sucks, and sunglasses, because the glare off the water is sharp.
- A bathing suit, boardshorts, tank top, rash guard – basically anything that’s fine to get wet. (Leave your cords at home.)
Board yet?
Paddleboards come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The board that’s right for you depends on where you’re paddling (think lakes versus surf) and what you want to do on the water. Are you new to the sport? Think you’d like to race or tour? Or maybe you want to do some SUP yoga? All of these variables have an impact on the type of board you use.
There’s also the question of inflatable board versus hard board. Inflatable paddleboards pack down into an oversized backpack to make life a little easier for people with tight storage quarters. This option also helps with portability, travelling or touring (and maybe you’ll plan a trip to end up somewhere different than where you started, like MEC Envoy Bruce Kirkby’s journey on an iSUP from Vancouver to Victoria).
If you want to try paddleboarding before purchasing a board, then find a place near you with SUP rentals or lessons and see what boards you like (some MEC stores offer stand up paddleboard rental packages). And if you’re good to hit the water right now, check out the Big Chop Paddle series or stop by your local MEC Paddlefest event to meet fellow paddlers, learn new skills, and have fun standing on water.
For specifics on how to choose a paddleboard and paddle, basic stroke techniques, and commonly asked question, visit our stand up paddleboarding page.