Let’s take a look at some of the many things you can do on a paddle board, aside from stand up paddling.
Yoga
When you’re out on a lake or river, it’s usually the most peaceful and tranquil of sports which is extremely conducive to a spot of yoga. Nothing quite beats being at one with nature hearing the chirping of the birds and the gentle lapping of the water. It’s probably no surprise that paddle board yoga has become so popular.
The spacious deck of a paddle board makes it the ideal place to practise your favourite poses. What makes it even more of a workout is the fact that you are on water so have to focus that little bit more on holding your core, maintaining your balance and getting those stretches just right. SUP yoga makes for a great low impact, high intensity workout.
Fishing
There is an art to fishing but mostly it requires patience and peace and quiet. The more quiet and still you are, the more likely you are to catch a fish. A paddle board is not motorised, and doesn’t create a lot of splash, therefore allowing you to sit and fish quietly, increasing your chance of a catch
Of course, you have to be mindful that you are still on a a freestanding float on the water which requires concentration and balance. You can actually purchase fishing SUP boards which are designed to bear a higher capacity to include the weight of your fishing gear. You also need to think about the equipment you require. This includes action mounts, d-rings, scotty mounts, kayak seat compatibility, fishing rac compatibility, and rod holders. The Bluefin Voyage 10’10 Package has been voted Best SUP for Fishing in 2023 by Stand Up Paddle Board World
SUP Surfing
If the waves are too small for surfing, chances are they are perfect for stand up paddle boarding. It is a great workout and designed for the more experienced paddle boarder. The increased length of the inflatable paddle board makes it great for this kind of surfing however, if you want something with a bit more thrill, you may want a rigid board.
If you are a beginner paddle boarder, stick to the calmer waters before attempting any kind of wave.
Racing
Only the other day, while running with a friend, she mentioned she had entered a tri. I know she’s not a fan of the swim but she told me it was a SUP triathlon. So you paddle board, bike and run rather than swimming. This kind of triathlon is growing in popularity and, as paddle boarding becomes more widely undertaken, event organisers are introducing more races.
If you are going to race properly, you might want to consider a a long narrow board that is easier to manoeuvre quickly through the water. You don’t have to enter a professional race though. You can just race family and friends but remember – safety first.
Photography
As someone who used to run along the bank of a river, i saw things from a new perspective while in the water watching the world go by. There is so much that you don’t appreciate on land – the ducks, the swans, the dragonflies, the view from the water is somewhat different to that from the land and so, it brings wealth of opportunity for the keen photographer. It also gives you access to new places that are inaccessible by land.
Of course, with smartphones producing great quality photos, you don’t have to balance on your belly with the latest photographic equipment to get the latest shot but you do need to ensure you keep a hold of your phone. We usually take it in a waterproof case as it’s great for emergencies. Be careful not to drop it in the water though!
Picnic
If you take a backpack, or a tow bag, you can take a picnic for further down the river. Paddle along to a great picnic spot then get out your picnic blanket and sandwiches for a picnic in the sunshine. You can also set out your picnic on the board if you don’t want to get off the water. Now there’s a memory to treasure. If you have the kids with you, it makes a novel thing for them to tell their friends.
Sunbathing
Paddle to a quiet spot, and enjoy a few minutes in the sunshine. Be careful not to fall asleep and end up downstream and make sure you use sunscreen. The UV rays can bounce off water and increase UV exposure.
Touring
Whether it is a day out exploring a body of water, a weekend away or even a week long holiday, packing up the car and popping your paddle board in the boot, offers you the chance to visit some places that perhaps you normally wouldn’t.
Try a camping trip, take the camper van or simply book a lodge somewhere and get out exploring. It’s a great way to see new places and to enjoy nature from a different perspective while staying fit and active. If you are going off on a day trip though, remember to take supplies – food, water, sunscreen, a change of clothes etc.
Do you have any further suggestions of things you can do on a paddle board. We’d love to hear your stories.
