“Enjoy Walking on Water”
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is becoming one of the most popular water sports in the country! People of all ages find that getting out on the water on a paddleboard offers fun, fitness and even relaxation.
What is Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)?
SUP is an excellent way to examine the surroundings and enjoy the warmth of summer days with friends. It’s also a great workout on the water.
Unlike traditional surfing where the rider sits waiting for a wave, stand up paddleboarders have a large enough surfboard to allow standing up and keeping the board balanced. In SUP, you stand on your oversized board and use a paddle to propel yourself through the water.
SUP is suitable for all fitness levels and ages. For beginners, there are wider boards that help you keep balance.
Fastest growing water sport
SUP may be the newest board sport, but it is the fastest growing water sport in the U.S. and the world
It’s also an activity that engages both mind and body and a hard-core workout. You’ll strengthen core muscle groups and improve your coordination and balance. Its low pace is ideal for enjoying the wildlife and momentum of waterways.
You can paddle with challenging physical fitness workouts in mind or enjoying a leisurely paddle.
Easy to learn
SUP is easy to learn and low impact, so it’s great for all ages and body types. It has a moderate learning curve that allows you to advance your paddling technique and skills faster than with most sports.
Most people find they’re up on the board and paddling after an hour of instruction.
It’s a great way to see friends and be out on the water. Anybody can learn to do it. It’s relaxing and challenging and it’s all about having fun.
SUP rental options
Want to try it? Rent SUP or paddleboards for a day or more. Paddleboard tours depart regularly from downtown Charleston.
Dolphins often frolic alongside paddling groups, and waterfowl including egrets, seagulls, and even eagles keep the lookout!
See another beautiful side of Charleston—the one from the water, which some say is the most breathtaking of all.
Once you’ve been on one, you’ll be hooked!
SUP’s appeal is that it offers multi-dimensional possibilities to enjoy the water. You need not wait for a wave. You can paddle flat water and explore waterways at your own pace.
SUP racing
The fastest-growing segment is the SUP racing, and there have been several races on the East Coast. Charleston has been holding its own. Charleston Watersport has presented the SUP Shootout, a race in qualifying for the national finals, and the multi-week Charleston SUP Race Series.
Find racing events at World Paddle Association: https://worldpaddleassociation.com/
Get onboard
A new SUP board and paddle will set you back from around USD 500 to USD 1500, but you can rent one for about USD 40 a day.
Nature Adventures is a rental outfit in Charleston:
https://www.kayakcharlestonsc.com/