What’s SUP?

What water sport

requires little to no experience
helps with balance
reduces stress levels
exercises your whole body
boosts your cardiovascular health
offers the optimal meditation environment
can help you lose weight
offers a low-impact workout
refreshes your mind, body, and soul
requires very little equipment

If you haven’t guessed by now, it’s stand-up paddle boarding. It has become an increasingly popular activity in recent years, enjoyed by individuals of all ages and skill levels.

Though stand-up paddle boarding dates as far back as the early 1900’s, its rise in popularity in recent years certainly enticed this otherwise not-so-fond-of-water-sports gal to want to give it a whirl. The simplicity of it combined with the demand for balance and its obvious physical and mental benefits shot this sport to the top of my wish list.

I had the pleasure of enjoying the experience for the first time when I invited my daughter to join me on the lake with rented paddle boards, and it did not disappoint. However, the paddle boards we rented were solid (as opposed to inflatable), and we quickly realized why these were the less-popular option! They were heavy and unwieldy.

It wasn’t too long before I happily took the plunge (no pun intended) and purchased my own inflatable paddleboard.

Shortly after that, I completely tore my ACL in a skiing accident. That landed me in a full-leg hinged brace for six weeks, but as soon as I ditched the brace I was back on my paddle board. The injury, though significant, was not enough to keep me off the lake or my paddle board…. mainly because of its mental and physical therapeutic properties.

I hope to share some tips and tricks as well as some equipment that I found helpful in simplifying and maximizing the experience.

What type of board should you get?

There are many choices for paddle boards, but here are a few things to look for when making your selection.

Inflatable
10-12 feet in length (mine is 10ft. and perfect for me)
30-32″ wide (width helps with stability)
6″ thick
Portability (the ideal weight is between 13 and 17 pounds for easy portability)
Sturdy carrying bag with padded straps (backpack style is my favorite)

Top 5 Picks

* Quick shout out to Travel + Leisure for their research and testing of the above-suggested boards.

Paddle Board Accessories

Following are some suggestions on accessories that can boost the paddle-boarding experience. I hope you find these helpful. Let me know which are your favorites!

A sturdy, well-made carrying case (if your paddle board doesn’t come with one). I prefer a backpack style.
A manual pump (most paddle boards come with one) or an electric 12V DC car pump (my preference)
A small, soft, insulated cooler for snacks and drinks while on the water or hanging out on the shore
A water-resistant blue tooth speaker
A quick-dry towel

Summer isn’t over yet, folks! There’s still time to take advantage of the beautiful weather and get out there for some fun in the sun (and water). I would love to hear about your paddle-boarding adventures. Please comment below!

Have a happy and safe rest of your summer!