Does anyone do stand up paddle boarding?

[NannyR]

I've just had a week in the Lakes and noticed loads of people doing stand up paddle boarding. I thought it looked like a good way of getting out on the water and seeing the Lakes from a different perspective.

Does anyone on here do paddle boarding? How difficult is it? - I'm not super fit (but not sedentary either - I walk a lot) and I have basic swimming skills. I'm thinking I might book a trial lesson next year.

Hard at first but after a bit of practice it’s very easy and quite fun. I go paddle boarding the sea when it’s a bit wavy so I can do a bit of surfing too

I've done it in the sea. I found it surprisingly easy (40's and fit). I didn't fall in.

I liked watching tiddly jellyfish bobbing along.

I've only done it once, took about 15min to get the hang of it then we were off. Great fun.

We are members of a watersports club and it's very popular there. My dcs have done it (6 and 16) and the 6 yr old loves it, but the 16 year old isn't as fussed, she prefers faster/rougher watersports.

Look for a local club, they are usually a lot more affordable than what you think. Ours is £99 a year for a family of 5 with no extra fees, its amazing value. Failing a club I think Juice is a paddleboard franchise that might be local. If you are in the sheffield/Barnsley area pm me and will give our club details.

It's fun if you don't mind falling in - you'd probably want a wetsuit in the lakes. I've done it on neilson holidays in the Med - it's something to do if theres not enough wind for sailing or windsurfing. (I'm in my 50s).

If you want to explore a lake, tbh a Canadian canoe or those plastic sit-on kayaks are a heck of a lot easier and faster.

I guess paddle boards are popular because they're a bit more transportable - and can look very cool but honestly why stand if you can sit?

Do book a lesson though - it is fun. If you don't take to doing it standing you can kneel (obviously that doesn't look as cool).

I do. It’s fairly easy to get the hang off, just takes a little while to learn the balance.
You can always start on your knees.

Great fun, relaxing and easy exercise.

We’ve got a board. It’s great fun.

Where do you live? If it’s south wales there are some great into to SUP courses in Penarth marina.

@Frouby, I’m just N of Barnsley and I know the man who has Juice. I don’t think it’s a franchise, but I could be wrong - there’s only his local contact details on the website.

Which Watersports club do you belong to? I want to get my dc more involved. Is it the one at a lake that begins with M?

honestly why stand if you can sit?

I wonder this. I also wonder if I could get my ancient bum into a kayak anymore!

Yes the M one, it's amazing. We kayak, dragonboat, sup, marathon boat and I run with the running club. Very family orientated and very friendly. Its the best value thing I have ever done as a family.

Have a look on the website and if you have any questions drop me a Pm.

Great, thanks for the replies - I will look into booking some trial lessons for paddle boarding and kayaking and see which I get on with best.

Yes me!! I LOVE it!

Standing works out your entire core and thigh muscles although kneeling gives them a good work out too.

We’ve just spent the summer on a lake by our house SUP boarding. My just 8 year old is great at it and is begging for one for Xmas

You need good balance. Start my kneeling down and paddling then progress to standing up. My ex dh ( 20 stone ) came with us one day proclaiming great balance and could not even get on his knees on it

There are different depths - the bigger the better for beginners and there loads of SUP facebook groups across the country. They can be quite costly but you can get good deals on gum tree/eBay for a whole kit - board, paddle, pump, bag ect. We got ours for £350 brand new. Worth every penny.

You can also get one with seats but I take my two kids out on mine so it was a waste is space.