Stand Up Paddling has become popular because people are stuck at home and want to find ways to recreationally spend their time.
Gyms and restaurants were not allowed, but people needed the fresh air and social interaction that they provided. Our homes became more like prisons.
Why Is Stand Up Paddleboarding So Popular?
Before 2020, most people were unaware of stand-up paddleboarding, even though it had been around for a while. In recent years, paddleboarding has become a popular recreational activity for people of all ages.
Since the pandemic began, paddle boarding has seen a sharp rise in popularity. Travel bans have led to more staycations, and people are looking for alternative ways to enjoy the UK.
With global concern for health and well-being on the rise, more people are enjoying outdoor pursuits.
Since the UK is surrounded by a beautiful coastline and has many waterways, it is not surprising that water sports are popular.
SUP is the fastest growing sport in the world with an estimated 614,000 participants in the UK alone. What has made SUP so popular?
It’s easy to learn
Unlike some water sports, SUP is gentle enough for people of all ages and doesn’t require any special skills or training. even the family dog can join in the fun.
It is easy to adapt stand-up paddleboarding to suit people with a variety of needs or disabilities, which provides an important opportunity for them to experience an outdoor activity that is inclusive to all.
During the pandemic, a Somerset paddleboarding company called WhatsupUK even provided adapted boards for children with different disabilities to try out SUP..
It’s Safer Than Most Water Sports
The tragic deaths of two paddleboarders in South Wales on 31st October 2021 has brought to light the importance of carrying out appropriate risk assessments before going out on the water.
This heartbreaking incident is a reminder of how crucial it is to always consider the risks before embarking on any water-based activity.
Paddleboarding is generally safe, but it is important to understand the potential risks. Few incidents occur in paddleboarding compared to other water sports. To get familiar with the equipment and learn how to balance, it is a good idea to start with some lessons.
If you are new to paddle boarding, you should always check the tide and weather conditions before you go. This is because wind will have a bigger effect on you when you are standing up on a board.
Even if you are experienced, you should still check the tide and make sure someone knows where you are going. Like with any sport, you need to know your limitations and stick to waterways that are appropriate for your level of experience.
The Social Scene
One of the main reasons that paddleboarding became popular during the pandemic is that it is a social activity. With clubs springing up all around the UK, people were able to meet others who shared their love of the water and the outdoors.
Since you don’t need to be a professional to join in the SUP fun, anyone can wear waterproof performance clothing and join a club. There are different types of meet-ups and events offered by clubs to appeal to different interests and levels of experience, such as tours, challenges, or exploring local wildlife.
Joining a club is a great way to make friends and travel to new places. You can also spend weekends exploring your new hobby with a group of people who share your interests.
Great for Mental Health
As mental health has become an increasingly important issue in recent years, people have been looking for new ways to deal with anxiety and depression. The combination of being in nature and doing gentle exercise is ideal for getting away from all the stresses of modern life.
Paddling can be a very peaceful activity that allows you to clear your mind and enjoy the scenery around you. If you choose a scenic route, you may find yourself taking in the view from a whole new perspective.
Although starting is hard, you will feel more confident after a few tries. Once you get the hang of it, you can enjoy being outside and getting some exercise. It can also be a great opportunity for some meditation or even yoga if you’re feeling flexible.
Cost of Equipment
One of the great things about paddleboarding is that it is a more affordable water sport compared to many others. Swimming is the cheapest, but for a sport that requires some equipment, you will be relieved to learn that you can pick up a budget paddle board for around £400.
The small investment has been a big incentive for new paddleboarders.
Inflatable SUP boards usually come with a travel bag, so you won’t need a big car or a roof rack to get to the water. They’re also easy to store when you’re not using them.
There’s no need to buy a board or any special clothing to try the sport. There are many clubs that offer beginner’s lessons or taster sessions for a low cost.
Equipment Storage and Transportation
If you live in a small space with no access to a garage or shed, paddleboarding is a great option because the equipment is easy to store. An inflatable paddle board can be packed into a small bag and stored in a cupboard or wardrobe.
Paddleboards that come with a pump and paddles are very compact and can be stored in one neat storage bag.
Some paddleboards are so lightweight that you can carry them in a backpack, making them easier to transport. You can choose an inflatable package that’s right for you, whether you want to put your board in your car trunk or go on a hike.
Get Us Out of the House
We realized that we were spending a lot of time at home and not paying attention to the outside world. With so many free hours, we wondered if this could be our last chance to explore the world.
We asked if there was anything we could do to get out and enjoy nature and exercise.
Paddle Board Leash
Many people who rented paddleboards in the past decade considered buying one, but were put off by the high prices of epoxy paddleboards, which ranged from $1,299 to $1,999. In addition, most people’s homes didn’t have enough space to store a paddleboard, which is typically at least 10 feet long.
Liveries that rented gear noticed that they were losing customers as former paddleboard renters were able to find the perfect board online. Customers could now have a personal floatation device without breaking the bank.
Inflatable Paddle Boards and Hard Sup Prices Have Dropped
As economies of scale developed and made it possible for hard stand-up paddle boards to be sold for less than $1,000, the real driver of the current paddle board business boom was the development of inflatable stand-up paddle boards, or iSUPs.
Inflatable Paddle Board Technology Has Improved
The technology used to create inflatable SUPs is so advanced that today’s boards are just as rigid as boards made from epoxy. And the price for a high-quality inflatable SUP is often below $700.
They’re also much easier to carry and manage, which makes them a great option for people who are getting their first SUP and don’t have a roof rack.
If you live in an apartment, you can still enjoy paddleboarding thanks to new deflated paddle boards that take up about as much room as a large backpack. These boards come in an inflatable bag that resembles a backpack, making it easy and efficient to travel with your favorite hobby on your back!
The Hierarchy of Needs
The Covid pandemic has forced us to change ourselves since our “hierarchy of needs” reminds us every morning how mundane our lives have become.
If you want to improve your paddle boarding, it’s important to focus on your strokes. You can use the internet to research tips on the best way to do this. Whether you should focus on your forward stroke, reverse stroke, or sweep stroke depends on what you’re trying to achieve.
Practicing proper paddle technique and grip will help you paddle for long distances on flat water. As more people become interested in paddle boarding, the community around it continues to grow.
Paddle Boards Represent Freedom
The text discuss how stand-up paddle boarding became popular because it is an easy sport to learn and does not require much equipment. The author also discusses how the sport has become a lifestyle for many people.
Stand-up Paddle Board vs Kayak
Even though it is easier to learn how to kayak, you typically need a large 4X4 vehicle to transport it and a lot of storage space in your home. Also, kayaking doesn’t make you look as cool as stand-up paddle boarding.
Social Distancing
The social distancing requirements pose a challenge while paddle boarding. It is difficult to stay within the mandatory 6-foot or 3-foot distance while on the water.
transmission is less likely to occur outdoors
Adventure With Friends
While stand-up paddle boarding, you can hold a conversation with friends because the average paddler isn’t training for a long race, so they aren’t breathing hard. You have time to relax and paddle while talking with your loved ones.
There’s nothing not to like about enjoying nature’s glory with your friends while waxing poetic about your favorite “Tiger King” characters.
Full-Body Workout
Stand-up paddle boarding will work muscles that you didn’t know you had. It is also a lot of fun and doesn’t require a lot of skill.
Paddleboarding gives you a great full-body workout, working both your upper body and your core, and will really work your calf muscles. Paddleboarding will also give you great abs by working the muscles in your core. The paddling techniques used in paddleboarding are great for toning muscles.
When you paddle and generate power, it requires a lot of strength because you are not only using the small muscles in your legs to keep your balance, but also the large muscles to control the paddle.
Engaging With Nature
Many people have taken up stand-up paddle boarding during the pandemic as a way to connect with nature.
The connection that humans have to nature is known as ‘biophilia’, which is described as a desire to interact or be closely associated with other forms of life in nature.
This is part of the reason why the SUP yoga community has grown quickly, because being out on the water and engaging your body while surrounded by nature is appealing.
