Why SUP is the Best Adventure Activity

6 Reasons SUP is the Best Bite-Sized Adventure 

Disclaimer - This entire article is based on your understanding of basic Stand Paddling safety; always wear your PFD and leash, and paddle with a friend and within your limits.  

Stand Up Paddleboarding is currently the fastest-growing outdoor sport in North America. The Outdoor Industry Association provides a yearly report on outdoor recreation participation and Stand Up Paddling has been on the rise for the last few years.  Just look at your nearby lake, bay, or river, you will see paddleboard rental shops and people out on the water.  What has spurred this growth and why is it the perfect bite-sized adventure?  

SUP or Stand Up Paddleboarding dates back 1,000’s of years but the popular version we see today originated in the 1940s in Hawaii, on the shore breaks of Waikiki.  As a local surfer, John Ah Choy, got older he found it challenging to get up on his board so he took a long canoe paddle and used that to paddling into the waves to keep his surf passion alive.  His friends began using this strategy to teach beginner surf lessons because they would be higher in the water to see the students.  In the 1990’s famed surf legend, Laird Hamilton, triggered another growth as he used it to paddle into larger waves.  And the sport has had immense growth from there.  

But why is it so popular today and what makes it an amazing sport for your next outdoor adventure?  

1. Low Barrier to Entry

The biggest reason is there is a limited barrier to entry and that makes it easy for many people to try it for the first time.  There are board rental shops all over the place and I have even seen an automated one (think BikeShare or CitiBike but for Paddleboards).  This low barrier to entry makes it really convenient for people with no experience to rent a paddleboard and give it a try.  Other outdoor activities like rock climbing, or surfing, or whitewater rafting, or scuba diving; all require a lot of equipment, or the perfect weather conditions, and likely a guide or instructor to show you what to do. All of that can add up and cost up to a hundred dollars per person.  And yes I know that once you understand some of those sports, buy the equipment, and learn the safety protocols, those can be free to participate, but like I said... a huge barrier before you can do it competently on your own.  But Stand Up Paddling rentals are about $20/ hour for a board, a quick 5 minutes “How to go straight” lesson from the high school kid at the rental place, and you are on your way to trying a new activity.  

2. Fast Learning Curve

Many people that rent a board are quick to learn the basics; standing up, paddling forward, and turning around.  Also, if you fall in, you get wet (because you are wearing your PFD).  The cost of ‘failing’ is not as high as some other outdoor activities where you can get seriously hurt.  Also, if you are concerned about getting wet, many new paddlers will simply paddle on their knees until they are comfortable.  

3. Fairly Inexpensive (I know I just said that it’s cheap)

Once you get hooked, here is where the money part comes in.  Like many outdoor activities, you may want to purchase your own equipment.  There are so many paddling companies that you can purchase an introductory board and a PFD (lifejacket) for under $500.  There is a ton of cost-effective options on Amazon and that can feel overwhelming, check out my other post here about purchasing an introductory Stand Up Paddleboard.  But I will say this, in the SUP world, you will get what you pay for.  I can say I have had a few really inexpensive boards just to get out on the water (which may be your goal to start with) but if you have the means, start looking at the mid-level and high-level boards.  After a few years, I upgraded my board to a more responsive board that fits my paddling style.  Again, check my other posting on purchasing a SUP here.  It will provide a general 30,000-foot overview of what you should be considering.   

But once you purchase your own board, paddle, and PFD; you are basically good to hop on any public body of water (within your comfort level), and paddle for free or a small day-use permit fee.  In my first few years of paddling, I used this inexpensive amazon board and paid for a season pass at my local lake ($80), and paddled 2-3 times a week during the summer months.  This was well worth it and I have done this ever since.  Be sure to support your local waterways by purchasing a season pass or day-use permit when using those areas.      

Additionally, if you are planning only to paddle a few times a year, then consider renting at your local waterway as probably the best and most inexpensive way to get out on the water.   

4. Family Friendly

This is one of the biggest benefits of Stand Up Paddleboarding, it is extremely great for kids and dogs.  Many paddleboards are big enough to hold you and a child, spouse, or dog, the key is making sure they have a PFD and feel comfortable floating in the water, just in case you both go in.  Once the kids are bigger (7-8 years old) and/or feel confident they should be able to paddle their own board.  

5. Multifaceted

Paddleboarding is something that can fit into so many people’s lives, there is a SUP activity for you.  Some people just like to take a leisurely paddle or touring around a body of water, some people use it to go fishing, while others train for SUP competitive racing.  Many will use their SUP to surf, and some like to work out while doing SUP yoga.  SUP can be as simple as an afternoon paddle for an hour, or as much as a 4-day camping trip down the river, or used for a morning surf session while on vacation at the beach.  There is a stand-up paddling activity that will fit your lifestyle.  

6. Mental and Physical Health 

This is the most beneficial reason to try SUP and put it into your outdoor list of activities you love.  Stand Up Paddling will most definitely increase your mental and physical wellbeing.  Paddlers are clearly getting exercise for their whole body while they paddle, which will benefit their physical health but also they are spending time in nature.  Both of those are proven to increase a person’s overall health and wellbeing.  I have introduced many people to SUP and they have decided paddling will be their new leisure time activity.  It has helped them with stress reduction, weight management, a happier disposition, and provided them with a smile.   

Now don’t get me wrong, there is an exurbanite amount of skills to know about SUP and it could take a lifetime to master those.  The point here is that getting out on a SUP has a small learning curve and people can have a positive experience on the water very quickly.  With all of this in mind, I can see why Stand Up Paddleboarding is growing in the US, and why it is the perfect bite-sized adventure for you and your family.