Sup and kids - just add water

Here are some statistics related to sup and kids:

• Growing popularity: Stand-up paddleboarding continues to be a  fastest-growing water sport globally, and its popularity among kids and families is certainly on the rise. According to a survey by the Outdoor Foundation, around 1.5 million Americans tried stand-up paddleboarding in 2019, and 28% of those were aged between 6 and 17.
• Physical activity: Stand-up paddling is a great form of physical activity for kids, as it provides a full-body workout that can improve balance, strength, and coordination. In fact, a study by the American Council on Exercise found that SUP provides a moderate-intensity workout that can burn up to 500 calories per hour.
• Safety: It's important for kids to wear a life jacket when paddleboarding, especially if they are not strong swimmers. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, children under the age of 13 must wear a properly fitting Coast Guard-approved life jacket when on a stand-up paddleboard.
• Family activity: Stand-up paddleboarding is a great activity for families to enjoy together, as it can be done on calm lakes, rivers, and even in the ocean. It's a fun way for parents and kids to spend time together outdoors, and can be a great way to explore new places and see wildlife.
• Competitive events: There are also competitive events and races for kids who are interested in stand-up paddleboarding. The USA SUP & Paddleboard Championship, for example, includes youth divisions for kids aged 8 to 18, and the APP World Tour holds youth events for sup and kids aged 18 and under.

Where to find SUP instruction for kids in the U.S. and Canada

There are many places in North America where kids can receive SUP instruction. Here are a few options for SUP for kids:

• Paddle Canada: Paddle Canada is a national organization that offers SUP certification programs for instructors and provides a list of certified instructors on their website. You can search for instructors by location, including those who specialize in teaching kids.
• SUPKids: SUPKids is a global organization that provides SUP instruction for kids ages 5-12. They offer programs in several locations throughout North America, including California, Florida, and British Columbia.
• Local SUP schools: Many local SUP schools offer instruction for kids. You can search online for SUP schools in your area or check with your local outdoor recreation center or YMCA.
• Summer camps: Many summer camps offer SUP instruction as part of their outdoor activities. You can search for summer camps that offer SUP in your area or check with your local parks and recreation department.

When choosing a SUP instructor or program for your child, it's important to consider factors such as the instructor's qualifications and experience, the safety protocols in place, and the specific needs and interests of your child. With the right instruction and equipment, kids can have a safe and enjoyable experience while learning valuable skills on the water.

Benefits of SUP and kids

Paddle boarding is a great activity for kids, offering a variety of physical and mental benefits. Here are some of the benefits of kids and paddle boarding

Physical exercise:
Paddle boarding is a full-body workout that can help improve balance, strength, and cardiovascular health. Kids can burn calories and build muscle while having fun on the water.

Outdoor activity:
Paddle boarding allows kids to enjoy the outdoors and get some fresh air and sunshine, which can improve mood and mental health.

Water safety:
Learning to paddle board can help kids develop important water safety skills, such as how to properly use a life jacket and how to navigate and respect different types of water environments.

Confidence building:
Paddle boarding can be a challenging activity, and mastering it can help kids build confidence and self-esteem. Overcoming fears and challenges on the water can translate to increased confidence in other areas of life.

Family bonding:
Paddle boarding can be a fun activity for families to do together, promoting bonding and teamwork. It can also provide opportunities for parents to model healthy behaviors and a love of physical activity.

Environmental awareness:
Paddle boarding can help kids develop an appreciation for nature and the environment. It provides opportunities to explore different bodies of water and observe wildlife, which can foster a sense of stewardship and responsibility for protecting the natural world.

In summary, paddle boarding can offer a wide range of physical and mental benefits for kids, from building strength and confidence to fostering a love of nature and the outdoors.

Youth Sup racing

The more prominent youth SUP races take place in various locations around the world, depending on the specific race and organization. Here are some examples of popular youth SUP races and their locations:

• USA SUP & Paddleboard Championship: This annual event takes place in Oceanside, California and includes youth divisions for kids aged 8 to 18.
• ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship: This international event features youth divisions for kids aged 18 and under and is held in various locations around the world, including Denmark, Brazil, and El Salvador.
• Pacific Paddle Games: This annual event is held in Dana Point, California and includes youth divisions for kids aged 10 to 17.
• Australian SUP Titles: This national championship event includes youth divisions for kids aged 16 and under and is held in various locations around Australia.
• New Zealand SUP Championships: This annual event includes youth divisions for kids aged 12 and under and is held in various locations around New Zealand.
  
  These are just a few examples of the many youth SUP races that take place around the world. Parents and kids who are interested in participating in SUP races can check with local paddleboard clubs and organizations or search online for events in their area.
  

back to SUP fitness

Home – where it all started

SUP kids