{"id":29671,"date":"2020-02-26T16:45:40","date_gmt":"2020-02-26T21:45:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/perfectpaddles.com\/?p=29671"},"modified":"2021-09-02T15:51:17","modified_gmt":"2021-09-02T20:51:17","slug":"social-events-on-a-sup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/perfectpaddles.com\/social-events-on-a-sup\/","title":{"rendered":"Social Events On A SUP"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/b><\/p>\n

As the sport of standup paddle boarding continues to grow, outdoor enthusiasts around the globe are beginning to take notice of the unique opportunity SUP offers those looking to spend more time in nature. The sight of a person standing on a board as they float atop the water usually bathes potential enthusiasts in enough curiosity to search out a local paddle shop offering lessons and rentals. And as their experience on the water grows, often their passion for the sport and connection with other fanatics in their area does as well. Quickly recognizing this need, shops and outfitters decided to create activities involving SUP to match their clientele\u2019s appetites. These varied activities all fall under the category of Social Events on our website, Perfect Paddles<\/a><\/u><\/span>.<\/p>\n

What is a SUP Social Event?<\/b><\/p>\n

Standup paddle board socials are events held by shops, outfitters, or board companies which bring paddlers from all stages of experience- from beginner to professional- to meet, discuss and revel in all things SUP. Through this inclusivity, social paddles offer beginners the opportunity to quench their curiosity and see what it feels like to stand on the water and paddle. In addition, these events often entail a lesson on the basics of the sport including the correct paddle length, how to hold it, the correct stroke, how to stop and turn around, and of course what to do if you find yourself in the water instead of successfully standing up (a place where everyone finds themselves in the beginning!) Social paddles can take place in any setting, along with a number of activities, whether that may be flat water, river paddling or ocean paddling, but most are held on relatively calm waters in order to be more inclusive for those looking to break into the sport. The events are loose, fun, and a great way to introduce yourself to the local paddling community.<\/p>\n

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Paddling Community
\n<\/b>A unique feature of standup paddle boarding can be found in the creation of community. Despite being labeled as a sport, SUP is not about competition as much as it is about camaraderie. Even in the most competitive sphere of paddling, that being racing, SUP has always carried an aura of both aloha and the idea of stoke. Aloha, which is the Hawaiian word for love or affection, and stoke which essentially means excitement, are the two attributes most clearly identified with the activity. Often, new racing attendees will notice seasoned paddlers encouraging their competitors on instead of actively trying to best them. Each participant effectively becomes a cheerleader, offering advice, a few words of encouragement when fatigue sets in, as well as tips and tricks to improve each other\u2019s paddle strokes and efficiency. And as any amateur or professional will say, paddlers are continuously building a family of like-minded people who enjoy their time on the water and getting others involved despite their skill-level and abilities. Of course, paddling alone can be a relaxing and worthwhile pursuit, but spending time on the water with friends can be even better. And by bringing different people together from a single area to enjoy an outdoor activity, participants are guaranteed to have fun, make new friends, and develop a skill they once thought unattainable.<\/p>\n

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Different Types of Events<\/b><\/p>\n

While paddling flat water for a beginner may be fun and exciting, to keep advanced paddlers interested in the social community of SUP, most shops and outfitters have begun to implement new and exciting events to their calendars. In addition, at Perfect Paddles, we have worked together with select shops across the world to offer what we call \u201cBuddy Deals.\u201d By becoming a member on our site and booking your event through us, we offer select discounts for all activities on a SUP. Be sure to sign up and check out what events shops have to offer. It is there you will find a comprehensive list of all activities on a SUP under Social Events, but as a general overview to get the excitement flowing, maybe try one of the experiences as followed.<\/p>\n

Social Paddles<\/i><\/p>\n

Beginners and advanced paddlers can join in a social paddle to introduce each other to the community and help newbies become familiar with being on the water. This loose, laid-back event is great for every skill-level. Paddlers will find themselves on a relatively calm, flat water surface making it easier to paddle and socialize at the same time. The paddling aspect usually lasts from anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour where everyone can become acquainted with the feel of paddling as well as who their fellow paddlers are, where they come from, and how long they have been paddling on a SUP.<\/p>\n

Once the paddling section of the event winds down, most shops and outfitters will have a place where paddlers can socialize with one another on land. This may include such accommodations as food and bonfires. It is here where paddlers will really get to know one another, exchange information, and create an additional date to paddle, hang out, and share some laughs. Social paddles are a fun way to learn a new skill, make new friends, and get some exercise.<\/p>\n

To take advantage of our Buddy Deals for Social Paddles be sure to check out offerings from:<\/p>\n