Why Is Stand-up Paddleboard the Fastest Growing Water Sport? 

If I asked you what stand-up paddle boarding was a decade ago and if it was the fastest growing outdoor water sport. Would you be able to give me an answer? Probably not. 10 years ago paddle boarding was a relatively unknown activity.

Fast forward 10 years later and you’re guaranteed to at least heard of the term “stand-up paddle boarding”.

We see them in real-life and on our social media. So, what’s made it so popular in such a short period of time? Keep reading because we are about to give you all the reasons why paddle boarding has become so popular.

 History of Stand-Up Paddle Boarding 

First, let’s take a look at how stand-up paddle boarding originated. Stand-up paddle boards have actually been around for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, people would stand in small boats and paddle around to perform a number of tasks.

Throughout the years we’ve seen many cultures adopt the stand and paddle movement. Think about gondolas in Venice.

They’re operated by people standing and paddling. During the 1940s, surf instructors would stand on their boards with a paddle to view their students as they practiced. Later in the 1980s surfers began standing on their boards with a paddle to take pictures of other surfers. It wasn’t until later when stand-up paddle boarding really started to boom.

In California’s calm waters. More and more people were taking up stand-up paddle boarding as a new outdoor water sport. This is where its popularity really started to rise across the world.

Since then, stand-up paddle boarding has evolved considerably. We now see more than just a gentle paddle. We see competitive racing, touring, yoga, and surfing all being performed on a stand-up paddle boards.

Why Has Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Became The Fastest Growing Outdoor Water Sport?

Now we’ve seen the evolution of stand-up paddle boarding. Let’s take a look at why it became the fastest growing outdoor water sport.

[icon icon=”arrow-right” color=”#81d742″] It’s Accessible

Thanks to a surge in inflatable stand-up paddle boards. It’s now easier than ever to transport a board around. You don’t need a large van or roof rack, all you need is a bit of spare room and you’re good to go.

They’re also very well priced. You can pick up a decent stand-up paddle board for a couple of hundred dollars. When you think about how long they last and how much use you’ll get. It’s a fantastic price.

Unlike other watersports, stand-up paddle boarding can be done on pretty much any body of water. Pick from the calm waters in a lake to big waves in the ocean. Chances are, if it’s filled with water, you can go stand-up paddle boarding.

In terms of geographical location, this is a huge advantage. Not all of us are lucky enough to live by the ocean.

But, that doesn’t mean we can’t go stand-up paddle boarding. Lakes and rivers are also very popular amongst stand-up paddle boarders. Many of these places will rent out stand-up paddle boards if you haven’t got your own or want to bring a friend.

[icon icon=”arrow-right” color=”#81d742″] It’s Great for Recreational Paddlers To Competitive Ones

When it comes to water sports, many people are put off by its difficulty. What’s great about stand-up paddle boarding is it’s relatively easy to do. Sure, you’ll probably be a bit wobbly to start with, but it’s one of the easiest water sports to pick up.

You don’t even have to be super fit to stand-up paddle board. It’s still a physical activity so it will raise your heart rate, but it’s nowhere near as demanding as other water sports.

If you’re looking for more than just a recreational paddle, stand-up paddle boarding is still for you. Throughout its evolution, stand-up paddle boarding has taken many forms. There’s stand-up paddle boarding racing, touring, yoga, fishing, and surfing.

If you want to specialize in a specific area of stand-up paddle boarding, there are options to do so. Stand-up paddle boarding is also building a pretty impressive competitive community.

Across the world more and more stand-up paddle board competitions are taking place. From sprint races to stand-up paddle board triathlons. There’s guaranteed to be something to bring out your competitive side.

[icon icon=”arrow-right” color=”#81d742″] It’s Great for Your Physical and Mental Health

Stand-up paddle boarding as a water sport is a great form of exercise. It works all your major muscle groups, strengthens your cardiovascular system, burns calories, and improves your stability and balance. All that without having to set foot into a gym. Out of all the exercises, stand-up paddle boarding is definitely one of the most fun.

Not only is stand-up paddle boarding great for your physical health, but it’s also good for your mind. Moving your body releases endorphins that make you feel happy and more confident. Being out on the water in the fresh air also helps clear your mind and makes you feel relaxed.

For the ultimate zen experience, you can even try stand-up paddle boarding yoga. There’s just something so unique about feeling the water move below you and hearing nature’s beauty through your ears.

[icon icon=”arrow-right” color=”#81d742″] It’s Fun for Everyone

When it comes to stand-up paddle boarding, it’s easy to get everyone involved. If you can swim, you can stand-up paddle board. You don’t have to be young, fit, or athletically gifted to be a stand-up paddle boarder. This loose criterion makes it the perfect activity to get the whole family involved. Most boards even allow you to take your dog on board.

Surfing is very popular due to its laid-back social culture. Stand-up paddle boarding shares this culture too. Spend the day on the beach with your friends and family riding your boards, then head back to the beach for a relaxing BBQ.

If you’re new to stand-up paddle boarding as a water sport, there are loads of clubs that will make you feel welcome and teach you the ropes. Whether it’s an hour paddling around, or a full-day of adventure, you’re guaranteed to have a good time.

 Takeaway From Paddle Boarding Being the Fastest Growing Outdoor Water Sport 

Stand-up paddle boarding has been around for thousands of years. But, it’s taken us a while to see its true potential as a water sport. Inflatable stand-up paddle boards have made it easier than ever to carry our boards around.

All you need is a body of water, a paddle board, a paddle, and the ability to swim and you can be a stand-up paddle boarder. If you want to specialize in a certain area of stand-up paddle boarding or want to get competitive you can do that too. Stand-up paddle boarding can be enjoyed by everyone.