**SUP for SPORT!!**
It’s time that stand up paddle boarding be normalized by the average population as a ‘sport’ like other sports with teams, clubs, coaches, schools and programs, and competitive options.
What can that look like? Racing, touring, technical courses, training, SUP surf, SUP fitness, and slightly newer yet is freestyle SUP.
I’ll be completely straightforward here in saying that SUP for me has and always will be a sport to me. I first got into it as a way to get active, fit, moving while outside and on/in the water.
The first time I tried SUP was in San Diego in the Bay and I was hooked. But what really caught my attention was the FIRST RACE and EVENT I ever experienced - the Battle of the Paddle in Dana Point, California over 10 years ago. I was awed at the skill and athleticism of the athletes!
My profession was in personal trainer plus I competed in and coached gymnastics. But, to me personal training NEVER felt like my sole purpose or ‘thing’ to do to help and impact others lives.
Because imo what you do in the gym IS important, AND the rest of the hours of the day are just as important. How could I truly impact and help people with their fitness, wellness and lifestyle in just an hour long gym workout session then leave them to their own devices outside there?!
So, I used SUP to move my fitness and athletic passions outdoors to the waters. It started out in SUP fitness classes, a signature class I named Paddle Fused Fitness and that was a HUGE hit in the Lowcountry during the pandemic and which I created an actually certification course for (yes you can become a coach to teach it!)
If you think you won’t get the calming, relaxing, healing experiences via SUP if you race or train more competitively YOU’RE WRONG! That ‘runners high’ is something that SUP athletes get too just on the water doing a total body low impact sport!
SUP is so similar to how running is! I’m talking races that attract ALL levels and abilities with various courses and distances. I even coach my clients and members
Unless it’s truly a recovery day, and even those days I’m simply easing up on my intensity and speed, you’ll see me paddling with intention and focus throughout the local waters NOT just floating and sitting (though the post session reward may definitely include some R&R on my board at the sandbar 😉).
And don’t even get be started about SUP surfing! I’m even MORE hooked on that these days! Or I prefer training and entering technical race where you have to paddle out past the break do some buoy turns which entails skills including footwork and balance, then paddling back in often catching bumps or waves on a 14’ race SUP! The best part of paddle surf and technical courses is that falling in is half the fun and excitement! Don’t get me wrong, falling while flatwater, distance, touring and race training is completely ok and encouraged too!
So, there you have it. SUP FOR SPORT! The best way to experience stand up paddle boarding with ALL the physical, mental and emotional perks!
Want to experience it with me? Not only do I offer lessons and coaching in SUP and paddle surf, but I run Camps, Clinics and Retreats in various places! Let paddle!
Visit www.standandpaddle.com
Follow:
@stand_and_paddle
@fusion_retreats
Find me:
@paddle_racer
@rachelsfusion
Comments