What to know before buying a paddle board?
To find the right stand up paddle board for you, consider how you’re going to use it, how it will fit your body and how you want it to handle in the water. The key decision points will be the shape of the board, getting the correct volume and capacity, as well as the proper length, width and thickness. In summary, a SUP and a paddle board refer to the same watercraft used for the sport of stand-up paddleboarding. SUP refers slightly more to the activity, of actually standing, rather than solely the board being used.Balancing on a paddleboard makes use of the muscles and joints in your feet and lower legs. I did say this was a full-body workout. The great balancing act of SUPing fortifies those essential muscles for achieving stability and providing joint support. This is a unique characteristic of this recreational activity.The Board: Traditional paddleboards are longer and narrower than SUP boards, typically between 12 to 19 feet long, making them more hydrodynamic. These boards are designed for either prone (lying flat) or kneeling positions and require a high level of balance and core strength.Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) might look easy, but it’s not always so. Things like wind, waves, and trying to go straight, even taking extra stuff with you, can throw off your balance. Yet, learning to stay steady in these tough spots is how you make sure your time on water is fun and safe.SUP stands for stand-up paddle board, which describes a type of watercraft used for paddleboarding.
Do I need a 10 or 11 foot paddle board?
If your adventures involve speed, long-distance cruising, or fishing, an 11′ paddle board is your match, offering faster gliding and ample space. On the other hand, if your focus is on yoga or recreational paddling, or you just prefer a more relaxed pace, the nimble 10′ paddle board should be your go-to. It might sound like paddle boarding only helps to build arm muscles, but actually, it is a whole-body workout that uses plenty of muscle groups. It can really work your shoulder, back and leg muscles, and it engages your core muscles too, so is also a great core workout.Paddle boarding is generally easier to pick up, with good balance being the primary skill needed. Surfing has a steeper learning curve and requires practice paddling while lying down, popping up to your feet, and riding waves. You may consider how much time you’re willing to invest in learning a new activity.For overweight paddlers, a wider board (at least 32 inches or more) offers better stability. Wider boards distribute weight more evenly and make it easier to maintain balance while standing or paddling.Paddle boarding can be as hard or as easy as you want it to be, but either way, it provides an excellent cardio workout. Paddling increases your heart rate, matching the benefits of similar-intensity exercises like running or rowing.The 11′ paddle board stands out in choppy waters or when embarking on long touring trips due to its superior stability and speed. Conversely, a 10′ board, due to its shorter length and great maneuverability, thrives in calm waters and is perfect for casual cruising.
Is paddleboarding a good way to lose weight?
Paddle boarding is an effective and enjoyable way to lose weight and improve your overall fitness. By incorporating structured workouts, interval training, and SUP yoga into your routine, you can burn calories, build muscle, and enhance your cardiovascular health. On average, you’ll burn 330 to 460 calories per hour while recreational paddle boarding. That’s twice the calories you’d burn walking your neighborhood! The average, recreational (all around) paddle is done on calm water with light winds at a walking pace.On average, 45 minutes of paddle boarding can burn 247 to 345 calories, based on the typical rate of 330–460 calories per hour during recreational paddling. That’s nearly double what you’d burn walking at a relaxed pace, making paddle boarding an efficient and enjoyable way to stay active.Paddle boarding does burn belly fat. This is because you’re recruiting large muscles such as your back and arms to paddle. The larger the muscle group you recruit, the more muscular strength you build and the more calories you burn, which can help burn body fat (including belly fat).This activity uniquely integrates balance, strength, and endurance training, making it an exceptionally comprehensive form of exercise. During a typical hour-long paddleboarding session, you can expect to burn anywhere from 400 to 700 calories, depending on the intensity of your workout.