What is Stand Up Paddle Boarding?
This may not be the best time to be thinking of going out into the ocean for us northerners dealing with the frigid weather. But there are hot places all around the world where you can go paddle boarding. Stand up paddle boarding is done with a long paddle and a surf board, a great way to stay in shape, lose weight and have fun. It seems that stand up paddle boarding has become so popular that it has been approved for a class-1 certification by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). This movement to popularize and certify participants has been spearheaded by a national organization called Stand Up Fitness.
Surfwire has just released some information on stand up paddle boarding.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
A new partnership with the WPA provides Paddle Fit participants with a range of benefits including a Class 1 certification, discounted liability insurance, up-to-date industry knowledge, and much more.
“The World Paddle Association is excited to be a part of Stand Up Fitness and Paddle Fit. Brody Welte provides a professional, informative and entertaining curriculum that works with and supports the WPA’s Water Safety/SUP education course,” states Byron Kurt, WPA Board of Director for Instruction and President of the World Paddle Association. “Education and communication are key elements to provide with SUP since there are so many people engaging in the sport that have not been active on the water or at all for many years. SUP allows participants easy access, a short learning curve and a sport that puts less stress on the body and joints for a great experience.”
Now offering classes from coast to coast, Paddle Fit Certification is currently offered at the new Stand Up Fitness/YOLO Board Headquarters in San Diego, CA and Jupiter Paddleboarding in Jupiter, FL. No prior SUP training is required for course participants. First Aid and CPR Certification is recommended prior to taking Paddle Fit in order to maximize the benefits of the program, however can be completed following the course.
“Learning to SUP and completing the Paddle Fit program have been life changing for me,” adds Kurt Forster, Paddle Fit graduate and St. Petersburg, FL resident. “I have not only lost 25 pounds using the Paddle Fit workout, I’ve stretched myself through competing and gained tremendous excitement for exploring life and creation through paddling. I have recommended the course to dozens of other paddlers from shop owners and racers to beginning paddlers–it truly offers something for everyone.”
Stand up paddle boarding may be new to us non-beach living folks but it looks like it catching on for those beach lovers who are always developing new ways to get fit and have fun on the beach. I can see how this activity is a great overall body strength and conditioning exercise. The paddling builds your upper body, the balancing develops your core and lower body, while using the whole body should be a great cardio workout. Not to mention that you may have to swim and learn how to get on and off the board. This looks like a lot of fun and a great way to stay fit on the beach.
If you would like to read the rest of the article…
Want to learn how to join this organization and have fun, Amazon has books and equipment to get you started.
If your planning a vacation or know people who live by the beach, send them this information.
