SUP junkies unite

I'll admit, I've become a SUP (Stand up Paddleboard) junkie. I tried it last year for the first time in a group SUP lesson on a lake. This year we own two SUP boards, and I have introduced it to numerous people. So far, they all take to it within minutes.

I love to watch a new SUPer get on and listen to their reaction during the first trial, "Oui. C'est agreable comme sport!", "I like it!", "It's fun!", "It's tippy! I'm scared!".  Then watch how quickly their balance and confidence improves in 15-30 minutes. And the smile grows bigger. Both for me and for them.

These are all things I've said and felt too. It's normal to feel off balance at first.

But, it's worth giving this emerging sport a try. While you're having fun, you're also getting toned with a good low-impact, core and cardio workout. And, all the little twitch muscles (muscle fibres) you never knew you had, are engaged as well. You may feel some of them the next day or so. There's so much you can do with a SUP. You hardly feel like you're working out, unless you're pushing it for speed in a race, or surfing hard with it.

SUP yoga has become popular. But I still prefer yoga on solid ground. It is hard to ground yourself into the Earth, when it's a few feet under water!

I even introduced SUP to the family dog. Now, I don't have the board to myself any more. She loves it too and jumps on the board before I even get on. When I try to sneak out by myself, the dog runs down the dock and whines for me to come back and get her. All 45 pounds of her. The extra weight on the board (she rides in front) gives me a good workout, and she is good company.

Our dog, a Border Collie, Australian Shepherd mix is smart, highly trainable, and has good balance. The soft steady beat of the SUP paddle and the gentle glide of the board on flat calm water relaxes and fascinates her. Waves, wakes, wind, and the ripple of the water make her curious and surprised and test her balance, just like mine. She may stand, sit or lay down on the board, or jump off for a swim - but, only when I invite her, or if we lose our balance and fall off. She wears a doggie PFD.

It's a lot of fun to SUP with friends, family, and even the dog. Or alone. I find that after about 15 minutes of SUP paddling, whatever I was hanging on to in my body and mind starts to let go. I can feel it. It's awesome.

The SUP crowd is quickly growing around the world. As a fan of outdoor sports, paddling, and yoga, it's more than perfect for me in the heat and calm of summer.

I just wish the ducks didn't like it too!

Enjoy the SUP, but please also respect the dangers that can come with any paddle sport and stay safe. Don't launch from docks and rocky shorelines standing up. I've seen this far too many times. And, I do wear a PFD (life jacket). Most people don't.

My next story is up about SUP on The Great Waterway, a cool Ontario tourism website where I'm a regular blogger, if you'd like to check it out.

Find your beach. Bring your SUP!

Happy paddle trails!
The BaffinPaddler