Why should you explore with a SUP your favorite locations ? In the past years, you did, without doubt, have noticed that Stand Up Paddle, also called SUP or simply Paddle, has been on the rise all over the world! Perhaps, you are also one of the countless riders who have grabbed their paddles to explore the most beautiful lagoons, or maybe you’re looking to buy one but you don’t know which one to take.
What is a SUP ?
SUP stands for Stand Up Paddleboard. It’s an aquatic activity that consists of moving while standing on a board using a paddle. It was invented by the Polynesians who were using large boards cut from tree trunks to move on the water,.
Today, SUP is practiced on the sea, lakes, rivers and even in a swimming pool. There are also “SUP yoga” or “SUP fitness” classes that allow you to perform postures and exercises in balance.
Which SUP ?
There are 2 types of SUP :
- inflatable boards (perfect for beginners), very strong, which inflate in a few minutes, fit in a large backpack
- rigid boards (rather intended for practitioners who are experts in surfing or racing), more efficient, more fragile and which require a car gallery to transport them
We choose two inflatable SUPs from Aqua Marina, a brand that is devoted to creating authentic paddling experience. We have one Coral paddleboard, which is 3,10m long, 12cm thick and 78cm wide. The other paddleboard is the Fusion, it’s a tiny bit bigger: 3.30m long, 15cm thick and 81cm wide.
Why did we choose FUSION and CORAL ?
Valérie choose CORAL because it’s a ladies-specific all-around board designed for all levels of female riders. The board is 8,6kg, so really effortless to carry around, without compromising on stiffness.
Alex choose the FUSION because it features more generous volume and payload that cater to those looking for easier ride and carrying more luggage. Perfect to take with us our camera gear! The comfortable diamond grooving footpad provides extra grip while the strengthened stainless steel leash D-ring ensures a safe ride in small waves.
Website link: https://www.aquamarina.com/
Where to buy : https://www.aquamarina.com/find-a-dealer/
Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/aquamarinaglobal/
Each SUP is coming with a zip backpack to carry it around, a double action pump, one paddle, one slide-in center fin, one safety leash, and one carry strap.
Just few days after we received our SUP, we took them for the very first one time in Lago di Avigliana. In just a few minutes, the board were all filled up with air and it was time to get on the lake. It took me a few minutes to find my balance, and after that it was time to enjoy sunrise. Obviously, we captured some unforgettable moments.
The inflatable SUPs from Aqua Marina are around 8/9kgs and can be carried really easily around. You only need 5 minutes to pump them, and you won’t even realize it’s not a solid one. Install the fin, the safety leash and you are ready to go. Best thing about hem, is that they only require a small storage space, perfect while traveling in van!
Reasons to travel with a SUP
The cool thing about Stand up Paddle boarding, is that you do physical activity without realizing it. Indeed, rowing standing on the board, even at a slow pace, calls on the cardiovascular system and muscles:
- the legs which ensure stability
- the abdominal belt which transmits the effort of paddling to the board
- the upper body (shoulders, arms, back) which are activated in the paddling movement
Everyone can practice sup in complete safety on a flat body of water, without wind and without current. Children can start seated at the front of the parent’s board before standing on their own.
And the only risk is then to become completely addicted to this practice. You will make longer and longer outings, try to go faster, and even to go have fun surfing on small waves.
Explore with a SUP means experience! We are traveling by van, so we can easily take our SUP everywhere with us. When we see a lake, we know it’s time to get our SUP out, go paddling, and explore every hidden treasure. It’s time to experience absolute freedom.
