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A new way to get fit

So how does Stand Up Paddle work?

You might be thinking, "But I've tried kayaking and canoeing" however let me assure you it’s like nothing you've ever tried before. When people first try it, something strange happens. It could be because you feel like you’re walking on water, or it might be the thrill of learning a new skill. Perhaps it’s the sensation of scooting across water. Whatever it is, it can bite hard and you will find yourself lusting after another session.

Most people awake the next morning having "discovered" a few new muscles. Even seasoned, fit and healthy athletes find it uses muscles which are left neglected by their other sports. SUP awakens the whole potential of cross training. And what better way to exercise on a hot day, than enjoying the view as you paddle across a nice cool body of water?

Photo courtesy of Sea Breeze
Photo courtesy of Sea Breeze



What kind of fitness does SUP provide?

The motion of paddling while standing up is quite a unique exercise. With the right technique it's like performing a sit-up, bent over row, dead lift, fly & squat all-in-one! If you know your exercises, you'll know that these are your compound exercises, and they hit all the major muscle groups. This means serious calorie consumption, which in turn means fat burning!

Initially you may not be able to go to hard, but as you build your strength and your fitness improves, the fat will begin to drip off. Your six pack will be developing, your chest will be expanding, your butt tightening, your back building and your legs will feel powerful.

You only need to look at photos of paddlers to see that it's an excellent all body workout. And the stronger you get, the harder you can push it.

But I'm getting carried away. It doesn't have to be all hard core strength & fitness. Many people enjoy a casual paddle around - it really burns the fat like you wouldn't believe, as it's the perfect cross between aerobic and anaerobic exercise. The beauty of this sport is that you can go as hard as you like, or take it easy for a stress busting relaxing time out.

So, how do you get started?

Well, the sport is bursting at the seams and retailers and associations are putting on plenty of "Have a go" days, where you can try the sport and sample a variety of boards. SUP training schools are popping up where you can hire the boards for an hour or sign up to training sessions or a fixed course with other fitness-minded people.

A complete list of "have a go" days are listed at the internet home of SUP in Australia - seabreeze.com.au. On Seabreeze, you'll find a vibrant SUP community (the 'Breezers'), photos, videos, events, latest SUP news and a large range of second hand boards listed by members.

Australia, being the famous watersports nation that it is, has taken to SUP like a duck to water. Many of our rivers and oceans are now featuring the sight of Stand Up Paddlers enjoying the outdoors, and getting fit in the process.

At seabreeze.com.au, join the forums, introduce yourself to the friendly community, and make your way down to a demo day.

You won't regret it, and neither will your body & mind!