With stand up paddle boarding being a mostly serene and mellow pastime (on flat water at least) it gives the rider much more time than if he/she were surfing for instance. The biggest demographic of stand up paddle boarding tend to err towards flat water SUPing with a degree of touring thrown in for good measure (although the term touring ‘touring’ is a tad grandiose). Touring suggests Bear Grylls style off grid wilderness adventures. And whilst this is a goer for some it’s not on the majority’s stand up paddle boarding agenda.
Launching into calm water and mosying off along a stretch of coast or through a deep valley, all the time taking in those picturesque surrounds is much more akin to what 90% of SUPers do. And that’s just dandy because what being atop your iSUP allows is breathing it all in.
Bezzing from A to B in your vehicle doesn’t really accommodate the same gazing around. You’re usually in the midst of some task or errand so it’s often hard to stop and appreciate nature’s beauty when you come across it – even if you happen to live in the most picturesque area imaginable. Aboard a stand up paddle board, where life slows down, it’s possible to appreciate those views a little more and drink in the splendor. Often just balancing on your board, without dipping a paddle, being puffed along by a very slight breeze, whilst you gaze around is an act that’s almost mediative. Our lives are often so busy we literally can’t see the trees for the forest. So having the opportunity to look at the great outdoors proper is a great thing.
Wherever you end up cruising this summer it’s worth picking your head up and taking stock of what’s all around. Appreciate the vista because all too soon it’ll be the off season again when you migtn’t fancy heading for a paddle. Although we have to say that even winter time SUPing can offer up its own unique and awe inspiring views. So not all’s lost when summer finally fizzles out…
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