Why you should try Stand Up Paddle boarding in 2021

*I have been working with Bluefin on a review of their SUP boards - my words and review are 100% my own

As most of us can agree 2020 didn't exactly go to plan and learning how to adapt and hopefully thrive was key and as we move forward into 2021 we all have hope for normality but it appears to be a few months off at least. Saying that having goals and dreams are important and help to give us purpose and keep our moods up with something positive to look forward too. In fact, for a lot of us, our new found hobbies during lockdown helped to get us through the year.

Last year I joined the Bluefin SUP community and had lots of plans for very exciting content, especially the charity SUP I had planned to help raise money for those struggling in South Africa (my home country) but due to Covid this simply wasn't possible and has now been replanned later in 2021.

My BlueFin 10.8 Cruise board is a perfect all-round SUP board and suitable for most conditions as well as being very stable, versatile and portable and I've enjoyed the kayak conversation kit that comes along with it. It's also easy to pump up and I can get it in and out of my car myself as well as accommodate the kids and I on fun excursions. I am putting together an in-depth review of my board but I do just want to say if you're interested in getting a SUP, Bluefin are fantastic and one of the best on the market. 

Despite the stop-start nature of last year, I did manage to get out on the water in 2020 and it makes for the perfect socially distanced sport or pastime that can be done safely while offering up some much needed outdoor time and connection with nature and really help to give an instant boost to my mental health during 2020.

If you haven't tried standup paddleboarding then I highly recommend giving it a go in 2021 and here's why.

1. It's super easy to grasp the basics

SUP boards are very stable and buoyant and anyone with fairly good balance will grasp the basics very quickly as well as being suitable for all ages. I grew up surfing so when I first jumped on a SUP board in 2018 it felt very familiar and comfortable and my instructor said that he has taught children as young as 5 to adults in their 80's, so don't be nervous to give it a go.

2. Is a fun full body workout

While SUP is a fairly gentle hobby it can also be one of the best ways to get a full-body workout as your using every part of your body from your arms for paddling through to your legs and core which work on keeping your balanced. The best thing of all though is how fun SUP is, it's a great way to explore the waterways in a whole new way and if you are nervous about the sea or more choppy conditions that a relaxing meader down a river or on a lake is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while also benefitting from a workout.

3. Easy to socially distance

As I mentioned at the start of this post it's a great activity for this year moving forward as you naturally keep at least 2m away from others, in fact, rivers and the ocean are far less crowded than your local park or cycle trail making its safe way to benefit from being outdoors in the fresh air. Also if you have your own board which I would recommend, your not sharing with others. 

4. A boost for your mental health

Did you know it's scientifically proven that being out on the water, in nature, helps you relax and after the year we have just had I think we all need to relax more? Along with the positive elements of it being a gentle way to work out, the happy endorphins released will also help with reducing things like stress and help you unwind. It also allows for moments to get away from others and have a break from the world and reality for a moment. 

5. A new way to explore

For anyone with a sense of adventure and wanderlust, the past year has been hard, many of us have been restricted to lockdowns and limited to where we can go but the one positive is that we have been exploring more of our local area and SUP gives an extra element to that as you can tap into that sense of adventure by getting on the water and discovering a new perspective to where you live. 

6. Great for the whole family

As I mentioned earlier, SUP is perfect for all ages and is generally enjoyed by all, my two son's, 5 & 10, love getting on my board with me. My eldest first tried his hand at independent sup'in on a lake when he was 8 and took to it like duck to water and I am looking at getting him his own board this year, in fact, Bluefin does a fantastic junior pack with everything you need to get started, while my youngest loves to hitch a ride on mine. As always I highly recommend everyone wears a life jacket or suitable buoyancy aid so you can enjoy your time on the water safely. 

So if you're looking to try SUP out then this could be the year to do it, or if you're looking to improve your skills and get out on the water more then this could be the safe and fun way to do it. We all know of the positive effects on both our body and mind when we spend time in nature, being active and outdoors and this ticks all those boxes, so why not give it a go?

Bluefin SUP Blog and community pages offer some great tips and inspiration, as well as advice for those looking to buy their first board, or tips on taking your kids or dog out on the water with you, along with do's and don't and general safety advice, so it's worth checking it out.