Why Is Stand Up Paddleboarding So Popular?

Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) has experienced a huge surge in popularity in recent years, and is one of the fastest-growing watersports worldwide with thousands donning their SUP clothing and heading into the water. It’s estimated that there are currently around 614,000 SUP participants in the UK. From tranquil harbours to winding rivers you can spot paddleboarders everywhere. So, what’s made this relatively new sport so popular both here and globally?  

SUP is accessible and easy to learn

One of the key things that’s made stand up paddleboarding so popular is how accessible and easy it is to learn. SUP can be enjoyed by every member of the family from grandkids to grandparents and the family dog can even get involved too! Learning how to SUP is a relatively gentle process, allowing beginners to quickly grasp the basics and head out on the water. With a few simple instructions, anyone can get on a board, balance, and paddle away. This inclusivity and low barrier to entry has made SUP a popular option for watersport newbies. 

It’s sociable

The ascent of stand up paddleboarding into one of the most popular watersports worldwide is helped by the vibrant and inclusive community of enthusiasts it’s fostered. Many paddleboarders join clubs that go out for weekly outings, allowing beginners to meet like-minded people and build lasting friendships. The SUP community is supportive and welcoming, and by joining a club you can make friends and combine your new hobby with a new social group to enjoy it with. 

Great health and fitness benefits

Getting started in stand up paddleboarding offers many different benefits to your health and fitness, which has contributed a lot to its popularity. Getting out on the water is a full-body workout that engages your core, arm and leg muscles whilst also being a pretty low-impact sport, meaning it won’t put unnecessary strain on your joints. 

SUP is also a beneficial tool for improving your mental health. Getting outside and onto the water, surrounded by nature is a tranquillity that can rejuvenate and lift your mood immensely and be its own form of therapy. Although it might be a bit of a learning curve at first, once you get used to the techniques SUP has the ability to completely relax you and improve your wellbeing. 

You can do it anywhere

Okay, not exactly anywhere but stand up paddleboarding is a highly versatile sport that can offer a huge range of experiences. If you prefer calm, serene waters or an adrenaline rush on the waves, SUP can accommodate whatever your preference or confidence. If you’re just starting out, head on down to your local river (as long as it’s safe), or when you become a SUP pro you can try your hand at some SUP surfing – yes it’s really a thing!

Do you think it’s time to get involved in the watersport that’s taken the world by storm? If this article hasn’t convinced you I don’t know what will.