Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is quickly becoming one of Ireland’s most popular watersports, largely due to the many health benefits of stand-up paddleboarding. Of course, it’s also fun and exciting, either alone, with friends, or with the whole family.
At The Lagoon Activity Centre in Rosscarbery, West Cork, we’re seeing more and more people finding out “what’s SUP” and enjoying themselves on the water. Looking to catch the wave of this trendy sport and discover the benefits of paddle boarding for yourself? Find out why SUP is a great way to spend your day in West Cork and learn all about the health benefits of stand-up paddle boarding with this blog post.
Physical Health Benefits of SUP
Full-Body Workout
SUP is a fantastic way to work out your whole body in a natural way, since it relies on natural movements with the paddle to move about whilst also working out the legs because you must always maintain balance over the gentle waves beneath you.
The gentle strokes work out the upper body muscles well, from the arms to the shoulders and back, especially if you’re paddling against a breeze. Not only is it fun to move about and glide over the water, but you’re building endurance whilst you’re at it!
For the lower body, stand-up paddleboarding requires a fair amount of balance. Your legs might not move very much, but the muscles will certainly be constantly exerted in order to maintain balance as the waves pass underneath you. Keeping spatial awareness at all times and making minor adjustments works out the lower body muscles.
Low-Impact Exercise
One reason why stand-up paddleboarding is – for many – the perfect blend of adventure and exercise is that it’s a low-impact activity that can be enjoyed by just about everybody. It doesn’t matter too much if you’re out of shape or at the top of your game, a young child or in your golden years, SUP is doable by most without feeling too exhausting.
Unlike running or jogging, SUP improves overall endurance and fitness without straining the joints since the knees and other joints aren’t constantly in motion yet the whole body is still undergoing exercise.
Cardiovascular Fitness
A happy, healthy heart is a great way to train your stamina and endurance. Casual walks or even intense running can get your blood pumping, but SUP is another fun way to give your heart some love.
The Irish Heart Foundation says what most of us should already know: getting regular physical activity benefits your physical, mental, and social health. Cardiovascular activities from walking to tennis and including stand-up paddleboarding can be a great way to improve overall wellbeing.
Mental Health Benefits of SUP
Stress Relief
The fact that SUP is done outdoors in Ireland’s beautiful inland waterways and lagoons such as The Lagoon Activity Centre means that you can decompress and reduce overall stress with the relaxing scenery around you.
Moreover, the calming sensation of the water underneath your board and the gentle gliding across the water from rhythmic paddling can help clear your mind and help you forget about the hustle and bustle of city life.
Mindfulness and Focus
Being active is one of the best ways to achieve wellbeing, according to Mental Health Ireland. SUP is not by any means an idle activity, but instead it’s one that requires constant focus and attention to your balance on the board, gentle paddling to move across the water, and attention to your surroundings.
The simple fact of maintaining your focus on the present helps to improve mental clarity and reduce worry and anxiety about future or past events.
Connection with Nature
Ireland may have few inland waterways compared to say, England or the Netherlands, but quality trumps quantity and our beaches, canals, and estuaries certainly exude natural beauty worthy of enjoying.
SUP puts you right on the water surrounded by peaceful flora and fauna as well as soft green rolling hills forming a picturesque landscape. The lagoon at Rosscarbery is a perfect location that draws plenty of summertime tourists and it’s a superb location for paddleboarding adventures.
Social and Recreational Benefits
Social Interaction
SUP can be fun if you’re alone and just want a getaway adventure, but of course it’s plenty of fun and excitement with friends and/or family. Young children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly can all enjoy SUP and it’s safe and engaging for everyone involved.
You could even consider SUP for work team building events or as an organised group to explore some of Ireland’s great natural beauty whilst remaining active and healthy in the process. Group classes can be a good ice-breaker that helps everyone get acquainted with one another.
Versatility for All Skill Levels
Since the 1960s, stand-up paddleboarding spread out from Hawaii and took the world by storm. One reason why it’s so popular in Ireland and elsewhere is that it’s quite a friendly sport for beginners and seasoned veterans alike.
SUP is a simple watersport that can be enjoyed on your own terms. If you’re content with leisurely floating along the gentle waters at your own pace, great; if you’ve got a competitive spirit and want superb training and adventure, SUP caters to your desires.
Accessibility for Everyone
Suitable for All Ages
Stand-up paddleboarding is suitable for just about any age and it’s perfectly safe for young children and the elderly as well. There are no dangers with the movements made and if anyone falls over the board into water, life jackets will keep them afloat and safe.
SUP is easy to learn and families can come and enjoy an afternoon paddling about without having to invest too much time learning the basic movements.
Minimal Equipment Needed
As far as watersports go, SUP doesn’t require too much equipment. All that’s needed are a paddleboard (usually either inflatable or solid), a paddle, and a life jacket. All of these can be purchased, but it’s often much more convenient just to rent them from an activity centre.
Naturally, you’ll also need a decent body of water with enough space to move about that isn’t too exposed to rough waves. Inland estuaries such as the The Lagoon Activity Centre in Rosscarbery are perfect for SUP adventures.
Environmental Benefits
Eco-Friendly Water Sport
What makes SUP so healthy for body and mind also plays into what makes it an eco-friendly watersport, that is, there are no loud motors needed nor any need to burn fuel to enjoy a day out on the water.
SUP is eco-friendly and doesn’t disturb natural environments, which helps any surrounding wildlife go about undisturbed whilst you cruise along the shore.
Try SUP and Enjoy the Benefits it Has to Offer
SUP is an extremely popular watersport in Ireland because, quite simply, it’s fun and exciting while also having many other benefits. It’s good for body and mind, improving upper body strength, cardiovascular activity, boosting mental health and focus, and it’s also a great social sport that can be enjoyed by just about anyone.
If you’re looking to get away from the daily grind and find peace and tranquility whilst staying active and healthy, give SUP a go!
Book Your SUP Adventure Today
Enjoy a healthy, active, and exciting outing at our activity centre located in Rosscarbery, right at the waterfront off Carbery Street. Contact Us today for stand-up Paddleboarding, Kayaking, and much more. We offer Vouchers that make for perfect gifts for outdoor adventures.
Start Your SUP Adventure in West Cork at The Lagoon Activity Centre
Surf’s “SUP” at The Lagoon Activity Centre! Whether it’s your first time or you’re experienced at gliding gracefully over the water on a paddleboard, we’ve got the facilities, equipment, and friendly staff to make your visit enjoyable.
Enjoy the natural beauty of The Lagoon Activity Centre in West Cork today.
