Stand Up Paddleboarding, or SUP is a water sport that originated from the surfing we all know, having its modern roots in Hawaii, from the 1900s. It is an activity in which the surfer usually rides upright, but and in some cases kneeling, on the board with the help of a paddle to push into the water. There is a variety of activities as variants of SUP which include yoga, pilates, board fishing, river and white water SUP, racing, etc., as it extends far beyond the coastal lines, in lakes, lagoons, coves, rivers, water streets, streams, and even swimming pools.
It is a hobby easy to learn, as well as it seems to respond to people of all ages and fitness, always with the right guidance. It generally requires a basic level of skill and balance, especially in calm waters, which makes it clearly easier than "surfing" for those who are wondering. However, this does not mean that this activity can not take a more competitive and adventurous form for those who are looking for something more intense, difficult, and challenging! Either with low or with higher intensity -always by personal choice- the endurance of the person is improved, the muscles of the upper extremities are exercised, mainly due to the use of the paddle, while at the same time the torso and the lower extremities are activated and strengthened, as the body is in a constant effort to maintain his balance when sailing in once calm or even more turbulent waves.
Some of the necessary pieces of equipment are the "life jackets" or personal floating device, the ankle strap (to prevent detachment from our board), the safety whistle (to warn boats and in other cases of danger), the special belt (instead of a strap, when it comes to river SUP, for quick release), the waterproof lens and, last but not least, the sun protection, ie hat, waterproof sunscreen, and sunglasses (because water acts as a strong reflector of sunlight making us more vulnerable to radiation and its harmful effects). In closing, it is undoubtedly a special sport, more and more widespread in the field of sports, having now deservedly taken a place in the next Olympics!
