Act Young, Stay Fit
Author: Shannon Miller
Summer is almost here, and we need some family fitness activity involving water.
As kids we had our boogie boards and got our exercise in the water, but have you ever tried paddle boarding? Paddle boarding is a great way to get family fitness exercise on the water. We spoke with Tiffany Layton of Jacksonville Surf Training, who helped explain to us this fad of exercising.
What is SUP?
- “‘SUP’ is an acronym for Stand Up Paddleboarding! Most people do not know we are shortening the name when we refer to it as “SUP.” I feel like the word needs to be added to the dictionary. This is the most accessible and fastest growing sport in the world right now with no sign of slowing down any time soon. People want to ride a board. Simple as that. It is a cross between surfing, kayaking, and sheer balance. I teach a lot of people how to SUP and most are surprised on how easy it really is to paddle a board on flat water. While SUPing, a rider will get on the board utilizing a kneeling position and make their way to their feet by using a high plank position. We stand in a forward stance not a surfer stance always using the paddle in the water as leverage for balance. Once transitioning from high plank to your forward stance, you can explore, exercise, relax, stretch while always working to perfect your paddle stroke. By paddling with your core and proper arm technique, you have the momentum to balance on the board and propel the board forward where you have placed the paddle in the water. SUP is a lot of fun and comes with many health benefits for all ages on any body of water!”
Are there classes for Stand Up Paddleboarding?
- “Yes, we hold weekly Beginner SUP Class, SUP Fitness & Yoga Classes, SUP Surfing Class, SUP Race Training & Paddlestroke Class. Classes are held in the Greater Jacksonville Florida area. We hold classes in the many beautiful waterways in North Florida. Look at our schedule or Contact Jacksonville Surf Training for more info or for private training.”
Can my kids join and start SUPing too?
- “For sure! Start them young! The younger they learn to appreciate the waterways, the longer we can preserve our natural resources. Create your little environmentalist. Trust me the first time you see trash floating along while you are surfing or SUPing, you will have no tolerance for pollution. SUP is great for families to do something fun together. We are so fortunate to be able to offer this to our children. SUPing will help the whole family stay healthy for life. I see a lot of parents putting their young children on the front of the board while the older ones are paddling on their own. Be safe. Take a lesson to learn the basics.”