Stand up paddleboarding is easily among the most popular activities to do if you are on vacation in the southeastern U.S. As one of the fastest growing water sports in the country, it has a low entry bar because it is easy to learn to paddleboard, which makes it the perfect fun activity for the whole family.
What You Will Need to Learn to Paddleboard
Paddleboarding requires very little gear. All you need is:
- A paddleboard
- A paddle
- A PFD (personal floatation device) is suggested for beginners, children, and individuals who are not strong swimmers.
- A leash that attaches your leg to the paddleboard for safety.
- Review our quick tips for beginners here.
Once you've rented or purchased your paddleboard and equipment, you're ready to go out and enjoy !
Why Learn to Paddleboard on Vacation?
With so many activities to do on vacation, you should consider paddleboarding because it has numerous other benefits in addition to the pure fun of the experience:
1. Paddleboarding is a workout
Just because you are on vacation doesn't mean that you have to let yourself go. Paddleboarding is a great way to work out while having fun with your family and friends.
Stand up paddleboarding works your entire body including your core, shoulders, arms, gluteus, calves, and back. It also continually tests your sense of balance. Just like rowing or jogging, you decide how far and fast you want to go, and can turn the activity into a competition.
2. It’s a leisure activity
Despite giving you a full body workout, stand up paddleboarding easily qualifies as a leisure activity. Unless you request a personal trainer, your paddle boarding rentals don’t come with one! Therefore, you are free to go as slowly as you want and take as many rests as you like.
Besides, you're on vacation - there's no rush! Take time to enjoy the crystal clear water below your board and observe the view underneath. If you like, you can time your paddle boarding experience with the sunrise or sunset.
3. Explore the area around you with paddleboards
If you don’t feel like taking a cruise or driving around your vacation destination (say The Outer Banks), you can instead decide to explore the seashore on paddleboards. It makes for a truly unforgettable experience. You can choose to get up close with the local sea life without scaring them.
4. A family friendly affair
When on vacation with your entire family, paddleboarding is the perfect activity to do as a group. Adults, teenagers, and children can all enjoy learning, paddling, and exploring.
If you want to learn to paddleboard or are interested in the sport, you can get all the gear you need from VayK Gear! Check out our options here.