Paddling and keeping balance on a board on the water
Meditative. Soothing. Sublime. These are some of the words that a group trying out standup paddling for the first time on Phuket used to describe the experience. Standup paddling, or SUP as it’s often called, is a water sport that’s being keenly taken up by more paddlers across the world, Phuket included.
Stand atop a sturdy board, stab at the water with paddles and glide over the sea. It just might feel warrior-like.
It’s a highly versatile sport that can be done in all water conditions, and in Phuket, which sees little wave action from November through April, it’s a good water-sports alternative to surfing. Children and beginners can easily learn to paddle in a shallow, sheltered bay. And much like kayaking, SUP offers a way to explore Phuket’s coastal areas and reach places that are inaccessible to boats.
SUP is also a fantastic way to keep fit. Even on glassy-calm water, balancing on the board boosts agility and keeps the legs busy, while the paddling action builds strength in the arms and the body’s core.
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Paddling down a river
