IS THAT EASY TO DO?

The number one question we seem to get when on the Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boards from observers; “Hey is that easy to do?” The answer like anything else, all depends on what you’re willing to try and commit to, but most people find it simple and fun to learn.

My husband and I started Stand Up Paddling two years ago. He had a history on windsurfers, and I grew up with a dance and yoga background. Finally a sport came together that fulfilled both of our passions. From ocean rides, rivers or small, calm lakes, the sport is adaptive and flexible. SUP’ing is generally an easy activity. Like a kayak ride, you’re pushing your craft with a paddle. What’s different is you’re standing up (of course) on a long and stable surfboard, and propelling yourself with a cool SUP paddle. It’s an excellent total-body workout, and a great way to get outdoors.

CAN I DO IT?

Simply put, if you can swim, and if you can stand on one foot, you should have the ability to SUP. Some kayak and canoeing facilities are now carrying SUPs in their rental fleet. Check online ahead time to find a SUP outfitter, and ask about rental specifications and rates.

WHAT DO I WEAR?

The weather conditions, and your balance will determine how much you stay dry or get wet, so wear your favorite beach attire. Because you’ll be propped up on the board taking sun from above and the reflections off the water, you’ll want to step up your sun protection. Wear polarized sunglasses, with a float-strap if you want to keep them. Your outfitter might suggest that you bring a life-jacket as well.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

If possible, go with a SUP buddy or guide, and choose the calmest area you can, where the wind and waves are a bit relaxed. You’ll want to consider where the wind is blowing, because it will affect where you go, and how long it will take to get back. When the board is in knee-deep water, straddle it like a horse, and get used to just floating. Get a feel for the center balance area in the middle of the board. Try kneeling and paddling first if you prefer. Eventually stand up one leg at a time, holding the paddle like a balance. This first moment of truth only takes a few seconds before your subconscious says, “Really? That’s it?”

Once you feel balanced, with feet parallel at hips-width distance apart, pointing towards the bow, start experimenting with different paddling strokes.

If you do take a dip, don’t panic. Leave the paddle and swim to the board first. In a little wind and waves, the board’s going to want to leave you. Get back to the board, climb on, and then hand-paddle back to get the SUP paddle.

In a short time you’ll start to recognize how a slight wave can help surf-push the board a little, and how positioning your back can sail you. Soon you’ll be going faster, pushing yourself to go longer distances, bringing passengers, exploring new rivers, lakes and bays, and maybe booking your trip to Hawaii to take on bigger waves. When you’re done on the water, the boards are about 30 pounds, and fairly easy to transport.

Stand Up Paddling helps you with a total body workout, establishing stronger balance, and of course, you’re not using any gasoline in your watercraft, so the environment thanks you.

ANY MORE TIPS?

Make sure you ask if the board is a real Stand Up Paddle board. You can accomplish similar tactics on an old windsurfer, a long surfboard and even a canoe, but it might not be as enjoyable, fast, and stable. New Stand Up Paddle boards are usually longer than ten-and-a-half feet, and 30-inches wide. Most have padded top decks for comfort and a  leash for your ankle in bigger waves.

Schedule enough time to workout and relax, enjoying the sound of rippling water slapping the hull and waves across the tops of your feet.

While most bodies of water will do, make sure you know the waters you are exploring and take into consideration advice from the locals in regards to currents, weather conditions, vessel traffic.

When you’re done, you’ll be in a group of individuals who have tried it, or a group who still do it. So either way you can’t go wrong and you’ll be able to say you can ‘walk on water’ as some say in SUP circles.

TARA KROLCZYK is a dance, yoga and Pilates instructor who has trained with some of the most reputable professionals and dance companies, including: Mikhail Baryshnikov, River North Dance Company, Gus Giordano’s Dance Company in Chicago, and several others… {more}

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