By guest columnist Kerry Ann Lukas
Living on the Treasure Coast, with its beautiful and plentiful beaches, the wide Indian River Lagoon and the St. Lucie and Sebastian Rivers, provides everyone with almost unlimited ways to enjoy fitness and recreational activities out on the water. Popular activities include surfing, swimming, knee boarding, windsurfing, skiing, kayaking, and fishing, just to name a few. Wouldn’t it be great to have an activity that people of all ages could do individually or as a group, get some health benefits out of it, and be cost effective? I have an answer, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding! SUP is relatively new to the east coast. I can remember about eight years ago when I was out on the Indian River Lagoon, a friend of mine, John, approached my boat on this ‘big surf board looking thing’. He was standing on it using a paddle to guide his way through the water. I thought, “How weird is that?!” Eight years later, after watching John enjoy being on the water and getting fit and trim on a paddle board, well, now I own a couple of those ‘big surf board looking things’ and absolutely love it!
SUP is a fun way to exercise your whole body! You really have no choice but to use your entire body to do stand-up paddle. SUP is a great way to enjoy recreational fun with family, friends, or simply peaceful time by yourself. SUP has also evolved into fitness paddling, yoga, racing, and even the white waters of some rapids. There is no impact on the joints of the body, you are able to build and tone muscles, as well as, build cardiovascular endurance. How amazing it is to put your board in the water, paddle out and encounter fish, pelicans, cranes, dolphins, and manatee while getting one of the best workouts ever! Or how about this, a full moon paddle trip with a group of your friends.
You can participate in paddling at any time and at any level of intensity; it’s totally up to you. Know this, whatever level you choose, recreational or not, you are sure to get a great workout. I, personally, have never worked out so smart in my life.
Kerry has 20 years’ experience and has been educated and certified by ACSM, the American College of Sports Medicine; ACE, the American Council on Exercise and Florida State University. She holds degrees in Exercise Science and Philology and has a back ground in nutrition. Kerry is also a Certified Paddle Fit Coach and is certified by WPA in Water Safety /SUP Education.