Stand-up paddleboarding is a unique form of water recreation that has been trending in popularity as of late. More and more water enthusiasts are embracing the activity of stand-up paddleboarding with open arms. Even those who typically do not consider themselves water zealots test the waters and experiment with this activity.
To those unfamiliar with the pursuit of stand-up paddleboarding, one of the first questions that come to mind is, “What is the appeal of stand-up paddleboarding?” It is a solid question. Unfortunately, for many newcomers, if they do not know the exact appeal of the activity, they will not pursue it.
In this informative article, we will break down this barrier to entry so you can see why so many people are drawn to stand-up paddleboarding. The subsequent list may even convince you to experience the pleasures of stand-up paddleboarding for yourself.
The main appeal of stand-up paddleboarding is that practically anyone can do it for a modest cost. In addition, people can stand up paddleboard almost anywhere there is open water available. This is because paddleboards are easily portable and able to adapt to a variety of aquatic conditions.
In addition to these reasons, there is a host of other variables that factor into the mass appeal of stand-up paddleboarding. We will discuss each of these factors in-depth in the subsequent paragraphs. So keep reading further to find out if stand-up paddleboarding is something that might be up your alley.
1.) Can See Down Into The Water
Relative to other aquatic pursuits, stand-up paddleboarding offers an entirely different perspective.
Stand-up paddleboarders can conveniently glimpse down into the depths of the water from a greater height. It is much more problematic for those who kayak or canoe to have this same bird’s eye view of the depths below. In kayaking or canoeing, individuals are confined to a mandatory sitting position, preventing them from observing deep into the water.
This is not an area of trouble for stand-up paddleboarders. You would be surprised just how much of a difference the added height makes. This clear advantage makes stand-up paddleboarding the choice pursuit of those looking to scan the aquatic life underneath calmly.
2.) Does Not Require A Lot of Effort
Frankly, this activity does not require a whole lot of effort relative to other aquatic ventures.
For instance, this activity does not require individuals to wear as much equipment as scuba diving does. Scuba divers must wear a diving mask, snorkel, wet suit, fins, an oxygen tank, and a regulator. Not to mention that most underwater explorations require proper scuba diving certification. All stand-up paddleboarders need is their board and their paddle. No certification is necessary!
This activity is a viable option for those who want to explore the underwater world without extra effort. It is extremely convenient to hop on your paddleboard and take in the serenity of nature.
3.) Peaceful Rock of the Waves
Sometimes you want to bask in the peaceful rock of the waves. Paddleboards gently sway along with the tide. This way, you can enjoy the calm and tranquility of the water in its truest form.
Motorboats and jet skis slash through waves. Although this is is practical for going from point A to Point B in the quickest amount of time possible, it takes away from the leisurely experience of being on the open water.
Stand-up paddleboarding shares the ebbs and flows of the water. If you want to absorb the waves at their finest, stand-up paddleboarding is certainly the activity for you.
4.) Calm and Steady Motions
Stand-up paddleboarding is not fast-paced whatsoever. Those that are searching for a calming aquatic pastime often find great pleasure in paddleboarding. For thrill chasers, this may be a source of repulsion rather than appeal. Nonetheless, many find the leisurely tempo of stand-up paddleboarding to be exactly what they were looking for.
Many people take immense satisfaction in the slow, tranquil motions of this aquatic venture. Unlike kayaking and canoeing, there is not much rigor with this specific sort of paddling. There was one descriptive comparison about stand up paddleboarding that I particularly enjoyed when I heard it:
Stand up paddle boarding is a lot like taking a walk… except on the water.
This is one of the most accurate depictions regarding stand-up paddleboarding I have ever heard. The experience you have with the calm and steady nature of the water is absolutely unparalleled.
5.) Conducive to Most Water Conditions
Another major source of appeal is that you can do stand-up paddleboarding in almost any sort of water condition.
You can do this activity in oceans, lakes, and rivers. Even swimming pools are utilized to instruct novices on the fundamentals of stand-up paddleboarding. The versatility of this aquatic pursuit allows stand-up paddleboarding to reach a vast audience of people. Individuals that live near these various bodies of water are easily able to pick up this recreational activity.
Other aquatic pursuits, such as windsurfing or parasailing, demand a particular set of environmental conditions for it to be performed. These aquatic pursuits require a rather large open body of water and adequate wind to be accomplished. Stand-up paddleboarding has no such restraints.
Stand-up paddleboarding can be executed in breezy conditions, choppy waters, or on a tranquil lagoon. That is the beauty of this pastime. Paddleboarders have the freedom of choice. They can challenge themselves by muddling through harsher tides or kick back and relax on calmer waters.
6.) Paddle Boards Are Easily Portable
The paddleboard is also an easily transportable piece of equipment. As aforementioned, stand-up paddleboarding is conducive to most water conditions. The fact that paddleboards are conveniently portable allows water enthusiasts to effortlessly access their favorite aquatic locations without any unnecessary hassle.
Since paddleboards are not overly heavy or irregularly shaped, only one person is needed to carry a paddleboard safely. This is drastically different from kayaks or canoes—these sizable pieces of aquatic equipment demand at least two or more people for safe transportation. If one person attempts to carry a kayak or canoe on their own, they risk severe injury. A paddleboard can quite literally be hoisted with one hand.
The convenient portability of the paddleboard also makes the process of actually getting out on the water painless. The paddleboard can be taken directly to the water straight from a car. From there, all you need to do is venture out a bit away from the land, and you are all set to begin your paddleboarding experience.
7.) You Can Stay Dry
One novel aspect of stand-up paddleboarding is that you barely even have to get wet. Once you drift away from land and stand up on the board, your ankles and feet are really the only things that get wet. Apart from that, the rest of your body is practically dry.
This point is commonly overlooked by those unfamiliar with stand-up paddleboarding, but it is definitely a solid point of attraction. Of course, some people have no desire to get wet. However, with recreational pursuits like scuba diving and snorkeling, immersing yourself in the water is imperative to get the full experience.
This is not a necessity in stand-up paddleboarding. You can enjoy being on the water without having to actually fully submerge yourself into it.
Of course, there is the risk of completely soaking yourself if you fall into the water. However, it is fairly easy to avoid falling in once you get the hang of it. All it takes is a bit of time and patience.
8.) Enjoy the Challenge Of Having to Balance
The balancing act of stand-up paddleboarding presents a bit of a challenge to novices. Still, certain individuals welcome the challenge. Although the challenge may seem intimidating at first, becoming proficient at balancing on the paddleboard becomes second nature with practice.
The most rewarding pastimes are typically the ones that require a bit of a learning curve. People that conquer the challenge of having to balance on the paddleboard take pride in that fact. There is something to be said of venturing outside your personal bubble and reaching success. Knowing that you have accomplished something that once seemed impossible is no small feeling.
Most people who are frustrated with the balancing act of stand-up paddleboarding often find immense pleasure once they finally triumph.
9.) Painless Transition If You Fall
As I just discussed, stand-up paddleboarding is a bit of a balancing act for novices. Those that are just starting the journey of paddleboarding will fall at one point or another. It takes time to acquire the skills of balance necessary to maneuver around the open water smoothly.
The good thing is that climbing back onto your paddleboard if you fall is easy.
For one, bringing the paddleboard back toward you is an effortless task. The paddleboard is equipped with a leash is designed to be strapped to your ankle. This prevents the paddleboard from drifting too far away from you in the case that you do fall. The leash is a convenient tool to bring the paddleboard back to within arm’s reach.
The task of physically orienting yourself back onto the paddleboard is also rather simple once the board is within arm’s reach. All you have to do is climb back on. Climbing back onto a paddleboard is a walk in the park relative to climbing back onto an upturned kayak or canoe.
From there, all you have to do is find your bearings, establish your balance, stand back up, and then you are on your merry way.
10.) Unrestricted Movement
Another draw of stand-up paddleboarding is the freedom of movement.
You can stand up, sit down, and even lay back on your paddleboard if you so desire. No obstructions will impede you from finding the most comfortable position for you.
Certain other aquatic pursuits force you to sit in tight, cramped spaces for hours on end. Take kayaking and canoeing, for instance. The way kayaks and canoes are structured, there is not a whole lot of room for movement. To paddle effectively, you have to be in an upright sitting position at virtually all times. People can feel like they are hemmed in after being out on the water for a while.
Stand-up paddleboarders are not confined to such cramped quarters, which makes for a far more comfortable ride.
11.) Alternative Form of Exercise
In addition, this aquatic pursuit is also an unorthodox form of exercise.
People are always searching for fun and creative ways to mix up their fitness routine. There are few exercises out there that mimic the workout of stand-up paddleboarding. This activity provides a nice change of pace for those that are bored of their current workout routine. Plus, they can enjoy the wonders of nature while they burn off some calories.
The amount of calories burned has a direct correlation with how much you are challenging yourself. Therefore, to burn more calories, it is essential to take to harsher waters. Even if you opt to take a stroll on the water, however, you will burn some additional calories.
Paddleboarding works a surprisingly large number of various muscle groups. Most people automatically assume that stand-up paddleboarding only targets the arms due to the heavy emphasis on stroke movements. Although this activity certainly challenges the arm muscles, paddle boarding also works the latissimus dorsi, deltoids, pectoralis major, trapezius, and abdominal muscles.
The abdominal core is put to the test with stand-up paddleboarding. This aquatic activity is a fantastic means to tighten up those abdominal muscles and have a blast while doing it.
12.) Relatively Easy to Pick Up
This is one of the primary appealing elements of stand-up paddleboarding. Nearly anyone can participate, regardless of whether you are young or old.
The learning curve for this activity is quick. The only prerequisite skill that a person needs to stand up paddleboard properly is balance. Although you may take a tumble once or twice, it is not a laborious task to master.
If you do not believe me, check out the image below!
Stand-up paddleboarding appeals to a vast audience. It is a marvelous idea for unconventional family outings. Moreover, it is also a spectacular way to get out there and try something new.
13.) Much More Affordable Relative to Other Water Pursuits
Some aquatic pursuits can break the bank. This is why the affordable cost of stand-up paddleboarding is such a prominent source of appeal.
Purchasing your very own stand-up paddleboard is a costly endeavor. However, renting a stand-up paddleboard for a day on the weekend or a vacation is a rather cheap investment.
If you are interested in exact costs, renting a stand-up paddleboard for one hour can cost as low as $15. A daily rental can cost as low as $50. A newcomer can jam-pack their entire day with paddleboarding at rates like these!
Let us compare this pricing to scuba diving, for example. There are multiple moving parts to scuba diving, which ultimately results in some expensive costs. Renting the scuba gear alone could cost hundreds of dollars. Not only that, you must pay for the instructional course if you are non-certified and pay for the boating trip out to the scuba destination.
If you compare the pricing of the two activities, it is no contest. Stand-up paddleboarding wins every time.
14.) Be a Part of a Surging Community
The activity of stand-up paddleboarding is also rising in popularity. As this pastime has become more and more mainstream, the community of paddleboarders has grown exponentially.
People treasure having their own little exclusive communities where they can connect and share their passions. The stand-up paddleboarding community allows people to do exactly that… share their love of the water! This community grows larger by the day and is always willing to take on more paddleboarders.
Obviously, having a supportive community at your back can be an extremely appealing concept. Not only does it provide an outlet for you to divulge your specific experiences, but it will also help to take your passion for the water to new heights. Who could argue against bolstering their passions?
