Is a Stand Up Paddle Board 2023's Most Popular Watercraft?
Find out why SUP has grown to become 2023's most popular watercraft below!
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Over the last few years there has been one form of water-sports activity that has consistently grown faster than the rest.
This activity has spread from its humble beginnings in Hawaii, across California, to the East Coast of the United States. And now around the world.
In addition, this growth appears to be following the same trend in 2023.
The water sports activity that has seen exponential growth is stand up paddle boarding.
This activity has captured the attention of ordinary citizens around the globe. It now dominates a large sector of the water sports world.
The question is, why?
To understand SUPs rise in popularity, we’re going to do a deep-dive into the reasons why paddle boarding is a fun way to connect with your local water environment. And why you should be one of the millions of people to give it a try in 2022!
Fun Form of Exercise on 2023's Most Popular Watercraft
The number one reason why SUP is popular is because it’s fun!
SUP is a new way to comfortably explore the water in a way that is inclusive to everyone involved. And produces a smile every time a beginner is able to stand up successfully and paddle.
In addition, as you paddle through the water, you are working your entire body with every paddle stroke.
Due to this motion, your legs, core, arms, and back are all involved making for a complete form of exercise that is low impact. It's also easy on your joints. And will increase your cardiovascular health.
You can also use SUP in any way you please. If you want to use it as a cross-training activity, you can use the wind or a strong current as a form of resistance training to build lean muscle.
If you want to relax, you can take a leisurely paddle at your own pace.
Due to these attributes, SUP is a fun way to stay active and healthy.
Connection With Nature
Modern humans have modern problems.
One of the biggest problems humans have these days is time in front of screens. Whether it’s the TV, computer, cell phone, or tablet, the results of spending time in front of a screen are all the same - a loss of connection and feelings of stagnant, low energy.
To remedy this problem, you need to spend more time outdoors in natural elements and under natural lighting.
By doing this, you can increase your immune system, feelings of peace and tranquility, and have a better overall mood as you make your way through the day.
One of the best ways to connect with nature is with a relaxing paddle on a nearby lake, river, bay or even the calm ocean.
SUP takes you out of your home, away from the screens, and reinvigorates your body as you connect with the natural world around you.
Social Activity
One of the most underrated parts of SUP is the built-in social component to the activity.
It’s true, SUP has a thriving community of paddlers you can connect with to experience fun paddles, SUP n Sips, SUP adventures, travel, races, even SUP yoga.
All you have to do is paddle board and you’re automatically invited!
The best way to inject yourself into the social scene in order to make friends with like-minded individuals and experience the health benefits of being a part of a burgeoning social community is through online resources like Perfect Paddles.
Once you make a profile, you can use our Paddle Buddy Finder feature to find paddlers in your hometown to connect with and enjoy an afternoon on the water.
With an increase in your social life, you’re bound to live a more fulfilling life both on and off the water! Add this to the list of reasons why a SUP is 2022's most popular watercraft!
Travel Abroad
SUP makes it easy to experience the benefits of time on the water no matter where you are located in the world.
No more is this true than if you own an inflatable paddle board.
Simply roll up your board. Pack it into its carrying backpack or case. Take it with you to the airport. Check it onto the plane. Arrive at your location. And enjoy paddling in some of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Use SUP as your excuse to take those vacation days and have the time of your life.
Relax with 2023's Most Popular Watercraft
Yes, SUP can be used as a way to get your daily exercise in. But it can also be a great way to relax on the water too.
You can take SUP yoga class where a qualified instructor will guide you through a series of poses on the water. This can be challenging for the beginner, but the end is the reward. Classes are typically concluded with a relaxing resting pose laying flat on the board with the sound of the water bouncing off the rails and the birds chirping in the trees.
This is one of the best ways to relax.
If movement is more of your pleasure, simply take a relaxing, slow paddle on a quiet lake or river. A flatwater paddle is a great way to immerse yourself in the natural world, reduce your stress, and remind yourself what’s important in your life - your health and wellbeing. And the best way to accomplish this is atop 2022' most popular watercraft.
No Age Limit
SUP in an all-inclusive activity.
This means anyone from ages 10 all the way up to 80 can participate. This is one of the main reasons for its rise in popularity.
Most beginners are able to understand the motions of SUP from the first lesson. Combine this with it being low-impact (less stress on major joints) and you have the perfect activity for kids and seniors.
Since anyone can give it a try, the reach of SUP is endless. With such a broad reach, this is yet another reason why it is 2023's most popular watercraft!
Variety of Activities with 2023's Most Popular Watercraft
One of the best features of SUP is the activities you can enjoy on the water.
Beginning paddlers typically start on calm, flatwater surfaces. This is the main activity on SUP.
However, as you gain experience you can branch out into the many different activities that all combine to make SUP a fantastic sport to try.
These activities include SUP:
- Surfing
- Yoga
- Fishing
- Racing
- With your dog
- Touring
- And Snorkel
- Workouts
- Whitewater River Paddling
- Camping/Multi-Day Trips
It seems almost endless!
From such simple beginnings on flatwater, SUP has grown to include a wide-range of activities you can learn, grow, and enjoy on the water.
There’s no telling where SUP will go in 2023!
Conclusion
Is 2022 the year you give SUP a try? You should since it is 2023's most popular watercraft! We hope these reasons are enough to head to your local outfitter, take a beginner lesson, and get onto the water!
Not sure where to go? Check out our SUP Search section where you can type in your location, the activity you want to try, and a list of Paddling Professionals will appear! Choose the closest location and start your journey into SUP the right way.
Of course, if you have any questions about paddling, you can send us a message at any time. We’re a team full of SUP enthusiasts waiting to help the next generation get on the water!
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