Benefits of Paddle Boarding

Paddle boarding is a fun way to play on the water and offers a complete-body exercise. Because you stand entirely upright on your board, it allows you to see what’s beneath the surface and far ahead of you.

Despite its comprehensive-body intensity, paddle boarding may be attempted by people of all ages and levels of fitness.

In this article, we’ll discuss the top benefits of getting out on the water so that you can decide whether this activity suits you.

What is Paddle Boarding?

Stand-up paddle boarding, also known as SUP, is an activity that involves standing on a board and using a paddle to move through the water. It’s similar to surfing, but because you’re not relying on waves to propel you, it can also be done in calm waters.

Paddle Board Basics

There are two main types of paddle boards: all-around and race. All-around boards are wider and more stable, making them ideal for beginners or those looking to do yoga or other exercises on their board. Race boards are narrower and faster, designed for people who want to paddle long distances or compete in races.

Regardless of which board you choose, you’ll need to wear a life jacket and leash (attached to your leg in case you fall off). You’ll also want to apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

SUP has many advantages of kayaking without discomfort or limited mobility. You may SUP almost everywhere because it’s so popular and simple to learn.

How Difficult is Paddle Boarding? 

Not only is paddle boarding easy to learn but it’s fun, gets you outside and is a great full-body workout.

So, why is it easy? Paddleboards are designed to provide a solid footing for most users.

It’s much more steady and simple to balance on than a regular surfing board, and you don’t have to worry about popping up at exactly the right moment to catch a wave.

If you’re new, start practising in shallow water or on a lake before progressing to the sea. Once you feel confident standing on your board, you can begin paddling around.

To paddle, hold the paddle in both hands with your arms extended in front of you in a standing position. Dig the paddle’s blade into the water and then pull it towards you, using your core muscles to power the paddle stroke.

Switch sides frequently so that you evenly distribute the workload during SUP paddle. As you get tired, your form will start to suffer, so be sure to take breaks as needed. The best way to improve is to get more practice paddling.

What Muscles does Paddle Boarding Work?

Paddleboarding engages various muscles, including the shoulders, biceps, triceps, back, core, and leg muscles. Because paddle boarders are constantly engaging their body to maintain balance, paddle boarding is also a great way to improve your balance and stability.

There are 11 muscles paddle boarding works, including: 

Lungs (diaphragm)
Heart
Quadriceps
Hamstring
Rhomboid
Lats
Traps
Triceps
Biceps
Rotator cuffs
Abs

SUP is a full-body workout that targets all the major muscle groups in your body, including your arms, shoulders, back, core, and legs. It’s an excellent way to improve your cardiovascular fitness and overall strength, as well as your balance and coordination.

This is also a low-impact activity, which is easy on the joints. This makes it an ideal
exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels.

What are the Benefits of Paddle Boarding?

Paddleboarding offers a variety of benefits, both physical and mental.

1. Exercises your whole body

It takes your entire body to paddle effectively on a SUP board. This implies you’ll work your back muscles, core, arms, legs, shoulders, and torso while paddling, making it a full-body exercise.

During this boarding, your body will work very hard to keep balance as you struggle against gravity. Simultaneously, you’ll push the stand-up paddleboard ahead by using your arms and shoulders while your heart races faster and produces nitric oxide. Your blood vessels will dilate, bringing more oxygen to your brain, which aids in the function of almos every organ in your body.

2. Low impact

Paddle boarding is a low-impact activity, meaning it’s gentle on your body and easy on the joints. This makes it an ideal workout for people of all ages, especially those with joint pain or arthritis.

3. Improves balance and coordination

Because staying on paddle boards requires that you maintain your balance while standing on a moving board, it’s an excellent way to improve your balance and coordination.

4. Builds muscle

Paddle boarding is a great way to build muscle, especially in the arms, shoulders, back, and legs. Building muscles in these areas not only looks great but also helps improve your posture and can relieve pain in the lower back and other regions caused by muscle imbalances.

5. Increases cardiovascular fitness

Paddle boarding is an excellent way to increase your cardiovascular fitness. The combination of paddling and standing on the board works the large muscles in your arms, legs, and back, raising your heart rate and pumping your blood.

Heart health is crucial for overall health, so this is a great way to keep your heart healthy and strong.

6. Relieves stress

In today’s world, when stress levels are at their highest, it’s critical to find methods to disconnect, unwind, and naturally manage the pressures of everyday life.

Stand-up paddle boarding allows you to get away from it all while still taking in nature’s scenery, scents, and sounds. Not only is being outside in nature beneficial for lowering stress levels, but you’re also using exercise’s well-documented mental health benefits.

Stress can cause various health problems, so it’s crucial to find ways to manage it.

7. Boost Endurance

The constant paddling motion works the large muscles in your arms and legs, which will lead to increased endurance over time.

8. Your Get Abs Of Steel

Paddle boarding is a great way to work your core muscles and get abs of steel( or at least less jelly?!). The constant need to balance on the board while paddling works the deep abdominal muscles, which leads to toned abs and a strong core.

9. Great For Weight Loss

Paddle boarding is an excellent workout for people looking to lose weight. Constantly paddling and standing on the board burns many calories, which can lead to weight loss.

10. Fun And Exciting

Our favourite benefit is that it is fun and exciting! We love getting out on the river and exploring the local area. It’s a great way to spend time with friends or family and a great workout. Whether paddling on a lake, river, or ocean, you’re sure to have a great time.

11. Improves your mood

Paddleboarding has been shown to improve your mood. The combination of exercise, being in nature, and the endorphins released during exercise can help to improve your mood and overall sense of well-being.

12. Improves sleep quality

Getting out on a paddle board can also help to improve your sleep quality. The exercise can help to tire you out, and the fresh air and relaxing environment can help you fall asleep more easily and sleep more soundly.

13. Great way to explore

When you’re out on the water, you have a unique perspective of the shoreline and can see things you wouldn’t be able to see from land. Not only that but as the seasons change so does the nature and wildlife in the area. There are never two days the same!

The Bottom Line!

Paddle boarding is a great way to get out on the water and enjoy the scenery. It’s also a great workout, and it has a host of health benefits. If you’re looking for a fun and healthy activity, this may be perfect.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and paddle board!