SUP Your way in to 2017

It’s that time of the year when we get to reevaluate our approach to life and set a goal to improve things for the better in the coming year. If you have fallen out of shape over the last year (I know I have), consider paddling your way back into shape on a SUP. Standup paddleboarding is an exciting sport that nearly most anyone can do. All you need is water—a river, lake, bay or ocean. SUP can be enjoyed alone or with the entire family; and along with getting fit, “supping” brings paddlers close to nature—which provides a great way to de-stress from the demands of our busy lives.

Stand-up Paddling (SUP) can give you a full-body workout through long-distance, endurance training and through shorter, more intense paddle sessions and SUP surfing. SUP works your core, your arms, your back, and your legs. It is also a competitive sport for you athletes out there with events and races taking place all over our great Ocean State.

So here are a few of the ways that you can paddle your way to fitness on a SUP.

Yoga and Pilates

SUP Yoga—the combination of standup paddleboarding and Yoga is one of the fastest growing fitness trends today, with SUP Pilates not far behind. Practicing Yoga or Pilates on your paddleboard is an excellent way to fire-up your core and improve balance and strength. During the season, we offer yoga at both our locations at a very accommodating schedule.

Fishing

Anglers can combine fitness and fishing on a paddleboard to reach those hard-to-get-to places and no-motor zones. A wide and stable SUP provides the perfect platform for your backcountry fishing days. Hook a big enough fish and hold on for the ride! We sell boards specifically rigged for fishing!

Exploration

For the nature enthusiasts, a paddling a SUP is like taking a hike on the water. SUP is a 100% eco-friendly way to distress and enjoy our natural world. The next time you visit a state park, look for “water trails” you can explore.

Family

Boards come in all shapes and sizes so there is sure to be one for every member of the family. Small children can sit comfortably on the front of the board and dogs love it too! Combine family time with fitness with the outdoors as often as possible for the perfect New Year’s solution. An unlimited family membership is a great way to spend more time together.

Groups

Supping is a great way to make new friends. In most places, it is not hard to find a group of paddlers who share a love for SUP. Find a group of paddlers that meets up near where you live. Join an email list or a Facebook or Meetup group that regularly gets together for the type of paddling that you prefer. Paddling with a group is a great way to benefit from their encouragement as you strive to meet your goals.

Race

SUP has become a competitive sport with a large number of events held around the world. Training to race is a great way to keep motivated as you improve your endurance and strength. Even if your goal is not to compete, just having a set distance and time in mind, much like training for a running race, will help keep you motivated to get out there and paddle. Here in Rhode Island, Race the State is an up and coming annual event. Race the State Rhode Island is made up of 5 legs: 3.8-mile run, 1-mile SUP, 12.3 mile run, 5.6 mile kayak & a 28.5 mile bike.

Lights

Who says you can only SUP during the day? If the only free time you have is after dark, get yourself a set of waterproof LED lights for your board. Underwater lights as well as a headlamp are great additions to your SUP kit.

Most Importantly Be Safe!

Make safety on the water a priority by investing in a quality life jacket that won’t inhibit your paddling range of motion. Many paddlers prefer a waist-worn inflatable life jacket, which maximizes their freedom of movement. Wear your board leash at all times! Besides your PFD, your leash is the most important life saver. If you fall off of your board you will not become separated from it. Wear it!

Always tell someone where you plan to paddle and when you expect to be back—or paddle with a group. Do your research on areas where you haven’t paddled before to know local rules and regulations—and remember to check the weather, wind direction, tides and currents (if applicable) before you launch.