Standup Paddle Boarding...Is it hard to do?

[sweetpee_1993]

I know the question isn't entirely cruise-related but then again it sorta is since I'm looking at standup paddle boarding for something to do on our upcoming Costa Maya port day. Originally we were thinking we'd just stay on the ship but then I stumbled across info about paddle boarding and figured why not? So, has anyone ever SUP'd? Is it hard to get the hang of? Does it wear ya out easy? There's a couple ladies from Austin, Texas who moved down to Mahahual (fishing village just outside Costa Maya's port area) and set up shop renting paddle boards and selling toe rings. Interesting combo, right? Love the thought of someone chasing the dream in paradise and really love the opportunity to try something totally new. Plus, as much water as we have all around us at home if I really enjoy the paddle boarding I could buy a board and taking up a new hobby.

 

[Master Yoda]

I have not done it, but my oldest daughter who can not walk a straight line without tripping over her own feet has. If she can get the hang of it anyone can. According to her you start out be doing it on your knees. Once you have the balance down for that you go to the standing up position. She toppled a few times but got the hang of it pretty quick.

You should be ok if you are a fairly active person, but the upper body will be a little sore after a day on the board. This is simply because you are using muscles you don't normally use in ways you don't normally use them.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

@Master Yoda, thanks! Yeah, I read that it's a great core workout which is why I want to like it enough to take up as a more regular activity at home. I'm pretty good at getting my balance with that sort of thing so I think I'll do alright. My boys, though, aren't the most balanced. Brian is like your daughter, somehow falls down just walking along. It'll be fun to try, I suppose. It's only an hour and not that much $$.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

I've been wondering if that was easy too! I've watched people do it and fall, but get it eventually. So I was wondering about it too.

Although I am very anti-exercise.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I've been wondering if that was easy too! I've watched people do it and fall, but get it eventually. So I was wondering about it too.

Although I am very anti-exercise.

I like exercise disguised as fun.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

I like exercise disguised as fun.

It has to be a very heavy disguise.

Skiing, for example, is exercise disguised as fun. I like skiing! Cross country skiing, on the other hand, is not disguised well at all and I hate it!

 

[Zman-ks]

I have done the standup paddle board before....it feels pretty easy after you get used to the balance of the board. Just go slow and easy....its a workout! I was so sore the next day!

 

[wdwstateofmind]

It is not very relaxing and at least I eventually got frustrated from how much I had to paddle and that I could have been windsurfing instead (which is much simpler)...

 

[Sumrdog]

I got one for my birthday last year and I take it out pretty often in the summer. I LOVE it! It is a great work out because when I am doing it I don't really notice that I am using my core muscles to stay upright, but then the next day I will notice that they are a little sore.

It took me about 10 minutes to get the hang of it, I have a lower center of gravity, 5 foot 2. I think it may be harder if one is taller. But if you have any sense of balance, I think you won't have a problem and if the wind, the current, or the waves get a little out of hand you can always kneel on it and paddle. I am at the point now where I feel really comfortable on it and I will take it out with my kids or my 65lb dog hitching a ride and not tip over. My ten year old daughter loves it too. I take it to the lake and all the kids get on it and paddle around and try to do headstands on it.

I cannot tell you what a beautiful feeling it is to quietly navigate around the water on one. It is just so peaceful, like walking on water. I had mine on lake Pend O'reille in Idaho last year on a camping trip, and the water in that lake is crystal clear, I could sneak up on the fish and the birds. it's just amazing. I could go on for hours, its one of my favorite activities. I think you should try it.

 

[tink66]

I know the question isn't entirely cruise-related but then again it sorta is since I'm looking at standup paddle boarding for something to do on our upcoming Costa Maya port day. Originally we were thinking we'd just stay on the ship but then I stumbled across info about paddle boarding and figured why not? So, has anyone ever SUP'd? Is it hard to get the hang of? Does it wear ya out easy? There's a couple ladies from Austin, Texas who moved down to Mahahual (fishing village just outside Costa Maya's port area) and set up shop renting paddle boards and selling toe rings. Interesting combo, right? Love the thought of someone chasing the dream in paradise and really love the opportunity to try something totally new. Plus, as much water as we have all around us at home if I really enjoy the paddle boarding I could buy a board and taking up a new hobby.

We are dying to try it!! We see it all the time at the beach and say everytime "I want to do that" I just need the water to get warmer and I will definetly try this summer!! (we live in Florida so I need the water in the 80's before I go in lol lol lol }