Flat water paddling: Surprisingly easy, seriously addictive

Glide into serenity

Think peaceful mornings on mirrored lakes, a gentle breeze whispering through reeds, and the rhythmic dip of your paddle slicing the water. Flatwater paddling isn't just a sport; it's a gateway to serenity.

Easier than you think: Don't be intimidated by kayaks or canoes. Mastering basic strokes is surprisingly quick, and within minutes, you'll be gliding across the water. No whitewater rapids, just pure, calming immersion.

Addictive in the best way: Once you taste the freedom of the open water, the rhythmic pulse of your paddle, and the breathtaking scenery unfolding around you, you'll be hooked. It's an escape, a workout, and a meditation all rolled into one.

Benefits galore: Stress melts away, replaced by a deep sense of calm. Core and upper body get a workout, leaving you feeling energized. And the connection with nature is unparalleled, fostering mindfulness and appreciation for the beauty around you.

Ready to dive in? Grab a paddle, rent a craft, and find your calm. Lakes, rivers, or even calm coastal waters await. You might be surprised at how easy it is to fall in love with flatwater paddling - a love that keeps you coming back for more, stroke after blissful stroke.

Bonus: It's perfect for people of all ages and abilities, making it a fantastic solo adventure or a shared experience with friends and family.

Physical Benefits:

Low-impact exercise: Unlike high-impact activities like running, SUP is gentle on your joints, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. It engages various muscle groups, including your core, legs, arms, and shoulders, providing a full-body workout.
Cardiovascular health: Paddling steadily increases your heart rate, improving your cardiovascular health and endurance. As you get stronger, you can increase the intensity and duration of your paddling sessions for even greater benefits.
Balance and coordination: Maintaining balance on a SUP board constantly challenges your core and improves your overall balance and coordination. This can benefit other activities in your life and help prevent falls.

Mental Benefits:

Stress relief: The rhythmic movement of paddling and the tranquility of being out on the water can be incredibly relaxing and reduce stress and anxiety. The natural environment contributes to this effect, promoting mindfulness and a sense of peace.
Improves mood: Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.Spending time in nature also contributes to better mental well-being.
Mental clarity: Being out on the water allows you to disconnect from technology and daily pressures, offering a space for clear thinking and reflection.

Social Benefits:

Solo or group activity: SUP can be enjoyed solo for quiet introspection or with friends and family for shared experiences and social interaction.
Exploring new places: Flat water environments like lakes, rivers, and canals often offer scenic views and hidden coves that you can explore at your own pace.
Community building: Paddleboarding communities are welcoming and inclusive, providing opportunities to connect with like-minded people and create lasting friendships.

Additional Benefits:

Easy to learn: Compared to other watersports, SUP is relatively easy to learn, making it accessible for beginners. This encourages participation and allows people to quickly enjoy the benefits.
Affordability: The initial investment in a paddleboard and paddle can be lower than other watercraft, making it a more affordable option.
Environmentally friendly: SUP is a non-motorized activity that doesn't pollute the water, making it an environmentally conscious choice for enjoying nature.

Dockslocks locking system

More benefits of flat water paddling

Stand-up paddling (SUP) is a great activity that offers a wide range of physical and mental health benefits. Here are some of the core benefits of stand-up paddling:

Full-Body Workout: Stand-up paddling engages your entire body, from your arms and shoulders to your core and legs. The constant balancing and paddling motion require you to use your muscles to maintain stability and propel yourself forward, making it a great workout for toning and strengthening your muscles.
Low-Impact Exercise: Unlike other high-impact activities like running or jumping, stand-up paddling is a low-impact exercise that is easier on your joints. This makes it a great option for people of all ages and fitness levels, including those with joint pain or injuries.
Cardiovascular Health: Stand-up paddling is a great way to improve your cardiovascular health. The sustained effort required to paddle can raise your heart rate, improve your circulation, and boost your endurance over time.
Stress Relief: The peaceful surroundings of stand-up paddling, along with the meditative nature of the activity, can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. The rhythmic motion of paddling can be incredibly calming, providing a sense of serenity and relaxation.
Improved Balance and Coordination: Stand-up paddling requires you to maintain balance on a floating board while paddling, which can help to improve your balance and coordination over time. This can also have benefits in other areas of your life, such as reducing your risk of falls and improving your athletic performance.
Connection with Nature: Stand-up paddling provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature and explore new environments. Whether you're paddling on a lake, river, or ocean, you can enjoy beautiful scenery and wildlife while getting some exercise.
Social Connection: Stand-up paddling can also be a great social activity, allowing you to connect with friends, family, or other like-minded individuals who share a passion for the sport. It can also be a great way to meet new people and make new friends.

Overall, stand-up paddling offers a wide range of physical and mental health benefits that make it a great activity for anyone looking to improve their overall wellbeing.

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My flat water paddling bliss

I paddle on the Columbia River near the small town of Castlegar B.C. Canada. Now and then vehicles slow down and watch from the road above. On one occasion a jogger stopped and called down to ask some questions: How can I try paddling?, Is it a good workout? and: Is it affordable? Now, of course, I’d send him here rather than shout my answers from the middle of the river, where he—like you—can explore these pages and resource links and find out why stand up paddle boarding is drawing so many converts.

There are many disciplines for using a paddle board. Within the flat water category you can tour, cruise, race, fly fish, explore, perform yoga or join exercises classes. Surprisingly easy, seriously addictive? You bet.

Getting Started

Another getting started by PaddlingTV bringing you important points to note – how to, safety and ettiquete.

What to do when you fall off.

General paddle boarding technique.

How to launch and land your SUP. With Mike T.

For your interest:

DESCRIPTION: explore paddle boarding expeditions across Canada
LINK: http://www.normhann.com/expeditions/

DESCRIPTION: family fun in Calgary B.C. Canada. An article about stand up paddle boarding in Calgary.
LINK: http://www.familyfuncalgary.com/stand-up-paddleboarding-in-calgary/

DESCRIPTION: from B.C. Living, stand up paddle boarding tips
LINK: http://www.bcliving.ca/health/standup-paddleboarding-tips

DESCRIPTION: This link takes you to a short article about a centurion senior from Minnesota U.S. paddle boarding.
LINK: http://www.seabreeze.com.au/News/Stand%20Up%20Paddle/Will-you-be-stand-up-paddling-into-your-100s_5936946.aspx

DESCRIPTION: The following link brings you to a story about a yoga enthusiast that tried yoga for the first time on a stand up paddle board.
LINK: http://yoga.about.com/od/yogaenthusiast/a/SUP-Yoga.htm

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