Stand-Up Paddle involves paddling while standing on a large, wide board with a paddle. For us, it's the most accessible water sport, combining physical activity with escape. The ocean is our playground, and we want to share our passion for SUP with you. That's why we're telling you about the 5 good reasons to practice inflatable Stand Up Paddling. Already convinced and want to improve? We share our tips for beginners and for progressing in stand up paddle.
Good reasons to practice inflatable paddleboarding
Reason 1: A sport accessible to everyone
Stand-Up Paddleboarding is a discipline that everyone can try! Whatever your age, size, or physical condition, you'll have no trouble getting started. The only essential is knowing how to swim. Having a little balance is also important, but it's quickly mastered. It's a sport that's far from dangerous, especially if practiced on flat, calm water. And if you adopt the right techniques, you won't risk injury or traumatizing your joints (unlike some other water sports). Perfect if you want to string together sessions without the risk of being sore the next day!
What's more, there are paddleboards for all budgets. At SROKA, we offer inflatable SUPs starting from 430 euros. To make the sport accessible to everyone and ensure there's something for everyone, you'll find among our ranges the paddle that suits your practice: cruising, touring, racing, paddle-surfing... but also the type of body of water you wish to navigate: lake, river, sea... All these aspects will help you choose between an All Around or touring type SUP (pointed nose). The latter provides more glide, with less effort required, and allows you to cover more distance. Just like having sufficient length. Generally, it's recommended to opt for a fairly long board, at least 11', for touring. Find in our article "Choosing your inflatable paddleboard", our detailed advice to guide you towards the ideal board.
Reason 2: A way to escape and go on an adventure
SUP will allow you to discover new horizons, or rediscover spots and land from the water. From sometimes overcrowded beaches, paddle and move away from the shore: you can explore calm places, far from the hustle and bustle. Perfect if you want to recharge in nature, while taking care of your fitness.
It's also a way to explore unknown spots, whether you're on vacation or close to home. By hugging the coastline, it's very likely you'll discover small caves or coves that aren't accessible on foot.
A SUP outing, beyond revealing exceptional landscapes, allows you to disconnect from daily life, be in your own bubble, far from life's worries, and simply enjoy the silence of nature on the water.
Are you planning to venture beyond the authorized 300m limit? You can always use it as a small tender from your boat!
Reason 3: A practice beneficial for physical and mental fitness
Paddling while standing on your SUP board allows you to maintain your fitness, work your muscles while having fun. Even at a slow pace, standing paddling challenges your breath and develops your endurance. It's therefore very interesting if you want to improve your cardio. It's up to you to vary the intensity level according to your desires!
This is a very complete discipline for your physical condition, and what's more, excellent for your proprioception. Staying upright while pushing water with your paddle engages leg, arm, back, and abdominal muscles alike... Your legs will work on proprioception and stability. Your abs will constantly be engaged, and your arms, shoulders, and back will be solicited to provide power to your movements and propel you forward. Be aware, however, that the power of the paddling stroke certainly comes from the arms, but it is transmitted through the legs to make the board glide.
The different muscles used when paddleboarding:
And the great advantage is that you work out without feeling a real "effort," without even realizing it!
Like any water sport, SUP has a mental dimension. Indeed, you need to analyze the body of water, the water movements (generated by wind, waves, currents, nearby boats...). Consequently, Stand-Up-Paddleboarding will develop your sea legs and allow you to approach other water activities more easily.
From a mental perspective, it's the ideal sport to escape and recharge. During your outing, you are in the present moment and enjoy a true breath of fresh air. Don't hesitate to take a moment to relax on your board, by practicing paddle-yoga or simply by indulging in a meditation session. All of this can only be beneficial for your mental health, stress management (and it's scientifically proven!).
Reason 4: A fun and relaxing activity to share with family
As we mentioned, paddleboarding is an activity that allows you to escape. This sport is so accessible that it allows you to share good times with family. From a very young age, your children can accompany you on your outings.
With a SUP board, you can easily cruise with your children sitting at the front. This way, they can have fun looking at the bottom of the water, while participating in the ride. Moreover, it's possible that your children will very quickly want to paddle themselves, or jump into the water from the paddleboard. Inflatable boards are ideal for children, as there's much less risk of getting hurt in case of falls than on a rigid board. Furthermore, inflatable boards are much less prone to shocks, especially paddle strokes that can occur when starting out.
If you want to paddle with several people on a single board, the XL SUP and XXL SUP will allow you to bring along all your friends and family for a fun and friendly time.
SUP will allow you to get away from the crowds on the beach and share an exclusive family moment in nature. Let yourself glide on the water and show your loved ones hidden corners, only accessible to paddlers. And if you feel the need to rest, you can take a nap by lying on your board and letting yourself be lulled by the current (flat water, of course!).
Reason 5: Easy-to-transport equipment
Inflatable boards have the advantage of being much less bulky than rigid boards. Indeed, rigid boards often require installing roof racks to transport them by car, spending a certain amount of time strapping them down, and risking theft of the board when parked...
Whereas an inflatable board stores in a backpack, making it easy to store at home and take everywhere ! Note that all SROKA SUPs are sold with their carry bag. You can travel with your paddleboard without worrying about damaging it.
SROKA models are designed to be shock-resistant, making them as robust and durable as possible. We have reinforced them at the rails, to avoid any problems with watertightness, or those related to impact and friction. We use several layers of high-quality PVC (used for professional rigid-hulled inflatables) to ensure maximum watertightness.
It's also a way to explore unknown spots, whether you're on vacation or close to home. By hugging the coastline, it's very likely you'll discover small caves or coves that aren't accessible on foot.
A SUP outing, beyond revealing exceptional landscapes, allows you to disconnect from daily life, be in your own bubble, far from life's worries, and simply enjoy the silence of nature on the water.
Are you planning to venture beyond the authorized 300m limit? You can always use it as a small tender from your boat!
FIND ALL OUR TIPS FOR:
- How to turn on a paddleboard
- Choosing your inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboard
- Choosing your Stand Up Paddle paddle
- Choosing your SUPFoil
- Repairing your inflatable SUP board
If you still have questions on this topic, or for any other request, do not hesitate to contact us !