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Paddleboarding is one of the world’s fastest-growing water sports. It’s a versatile sport that can be done sitting down, kneeling or standing up, depending on your level of expertise and confidence. It’s possible to paddle alone or using a larger paddleboard that offers room for multiple people.
Often, people learn beginner skills on stiller lake waters and progress up to other bodies of water.
If you’re serious about paddleboarding, you could kit yourself out, purchase a paddleboard and take to other bodies of water, such as canals (once you’re confident). Providing that you have the correct licence, you can paddleboard out on almost any inland waterway in the UK – and, with paddleboard insurance now becoming more widely available, you could potentially get your board covered, too.
Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider paddleboarding:
- Being on the water boosts mental health
Proximity to water has been shown to have a calming effect on our brains, helping us to relax and unwind.
It’s not a secret that exercise in general provides mental health benefits as well as physical ones, so a water-based hobby like paddleboarding can get you some of those calming effects.
Multiple studies have shown that spending time in “blue space” is even more restorative than only exploring areas of greenery. In fact, research from YouGov has found that 65% of people report feeling like being near water improves their mental wellbeing, saying that this is their favourite type of natural environment.
- It’s a great, all-over workout
While you enjoy these benefits, you can also feel the satisfaction of knowing that you are getting a great workout.
Paddleboarding is an all-body workout, meaning that no part of your body gets neglected. The muscles in your shoulders, arms and abs will feel the burn especially, meaning that you may notice yourself looking visibly more toned after just a handful of sessions.
What’s more, paddleboarding is also great for joint stability. Balancing on the board strengthens the muscles that contribute to balance and joint support in a way that few other sports can parallel.
- It’s an exciting hobby
The feeling of gliding along the calm, still waters of a lake or riding with the currents of a river can provide hours of enjoyment.
You can paddle alone or with friends, depending on how you feel. Paddleboarding can be a thrilling way to socialise as well as a wonderful way to reflect in solitude. Either way, you’ll discover a new appreciation for nature and get in your weekly dose of exercise. All you need to do is grab your board and hit the water!