If you haven’t heard of stand up paddle boarding yet then you might be living under a rock! It’s the newest ocean sport craze and I’m definitely hooked! What I like the most about stand up paddling is that it’s another vessel for me to use in the ocean and it can be used as a great training tool to get in shape or take your fitness to another level.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Paddle boarding requires constant balance. If you have ever tried it you know what I mean! As I’ve emphasized in other articles, balance is one of the most important components in keeping yourself in shape as you age. With balance also comes core strength which is essential for everyone. It’s a constant struggle for anyone to keep their balance on a paddle board and when the wind kicks up the workout becomes even more intense. You continually have to shift your weight to keep balanced and you use every muscle in your body to do that, even your toes!
Another great thing about paddling boarding is that it’s for all ages and skill levels. From keiki to adults, paddle boarding can be utilized at all different skill levels and ages. I have even taught people in their late 60’s to paddle board successfully. My daughters also love paddle boarding and my wife even used a paddle board as exercise when she was pregnant. It’s such a versatile tool and you really don’t need to know how to surf or have any experience with any ocean craft to pick it up. But, if you do surf you can challenge yourself to learn how to paddle into waves!
Trying to catch waves on a paddle board really takes concentration and takes some time to get the feel of it. Once you get on the wave you still have to battle to stay balanced and can even use your paddle to help you maneuver. Once you get the hang of it, it’s definitely addictive!
I have also incorporated paddle boarding into the work outs that I have my fighters do. In fact, I had the guys on my show, The Champion, paddle board for one of their challenges and it was really interesting to see how they did. (You can learn more about my show at www.Championhawaii.com) The range of exercises and core strengthening workouts you can do on the paddleboard is almost endless. I’m working on new exercises all the time that will challenge all skill levels. So, if you’re considering taking up the sport….remember that there’s a lot more to it than just “paddling around”. You do have to push yourself hard to get a good workout, so challenge yourself to paddle upwind and try to catch some waves. Once you’ve got your workout in, enjoy your paddleboard as a fun and relaxing recreational sport. I enjoy getting out on the water with my family and just enjoying the ocean. Your stand-up paddle board can be used as a great piece of exercise equipment. Stay tuned in upcoming articles for some of the exercises I’ve been coming up with on the paddle board.
