What is Paddleboarding?
Stand-Up Paddleboarding is extremely simple. You stand on a large surfboard-shaped
hull, and use a single-bladed paddle to propel yourself forward. The boards are highly
stable - anyone from age 5 to 75 can enjoy this sport, without falling off or getting
wet. It's the ideal way to explore the creeks, bays and inlets of the New Zealand
coastline and our inland creeks, lakes and rivers, as there is almost nowhere that
paddleboards cannot go. If the water is more than 4" deep, you can paddleboard it!
It's more than just a method of propulsion though. Stand-up-paddleboarding is actually
extremely good exercise, particularly for the all-important ‘core' area of the stomach
and lower back. It has proven therapeutic benefits for anyone with balance problems
such as those recovering from injury or surgery. A few hours paddleboarding per week
will quickly tighten up those flabby abs!
It's environmentally friendly, and the perfect way to get up close and personal with
mother nature. From the standing position you have better views into the water, and
also of the surrounding landscapes and seascapes. They're great platforms for fishing
from, too!
It's also superb training for surfing - mastering your 'pop-ups' and getting the feeling of standing up on a board is perfect practise for the waves.
Even when inflated, the paddleboards and paddles are light and easily transported and manoeuvred on land, and you don't even need to wear a wetsuit or foul-weather gear. Unless you're playing in the waves or trying tricks on them, you don't ever need to fall in.
One final point - please do show proper consideration to all other water users if you're SUPing in New Zealand. Click here for our guidelines on SUP etiquette.
