Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA NA . C O M 19 SUP BENEFITS AND HEALTH Stand-up paddle boarding is a full-body workout. It will work your mid-back muscles, shoulders, and arms. Micro-adjustments in your legs and hips are needed for balance, and your core will be con- sistently activated. Additionally, SUP can be relaxing. Tune into the motion of the water, take in your surroundings, and enjoy the feeling of becoming more natural and efficient at maneuvering the board. WHAT DO YOU NEED TO GET STARTED? Unless you want to seriously invest in a SUP setup, you don't need to own anything—the board, paddle, and life jacket can be rented at locations across Montana. ose three items are really all you need to get out on the water. Paddle boards come in a variety of styles depending on skill level and intended use. e most common shape for beginner boards are wide, rounded ovals around 10-11 feet long, and 30-35 inches wide. e wider the board, the more stability it will have on the water. Most leisure / beginner boards have a planed hull—a wide, flat front designed for sitting on top of the water. As SUP yoga gains popularity, yoga-specific boards have also become available. ese boards are shorter, with a broad deck for balance. More advanced / specialized boards are built longer and nar- rower. ese move swiftly and efficiently through the water, and are best for fitness-oriented activities and racing. is style of board will have displacement hulls (pointed front ends), similar to a canoe or kayak. Most styles of boards come in solid and inflatable versions, and there are pros and cons to both. Solid boards are very durable, built with an EPS foam core encased in fiberglass and epoxy. ese offer the best performance on the water for stability and movement. On the other hand, inflatable boards are convenient—perfect for people who like to travel or don't have much storage space. Inflat- able boards roll down to the size of a sleeping bag, and can even be hiked into locations if your body of water is down a trail. Both solid and inflatable boards weigh between 20-25 pounds. If you're looking to buy, be sure to research the specs for your height and weight. Paddle boards are forgiving, but they do have a weight limit and an optimal size / shape that will help you feel as balanced and secure as possible during use. Paddle boards can be pricey—buying one yourself will cost around $400 for a beginner board, and can run over $1000 for a specialized option. If you're just starting out paddle boarding, rentals are the way to go. Aside from the board, you'll need a SUP paddle, which re- sembles an elongated canoe paddle with a teardrop-shaped blade. Life jackets, comfortable clothing, and secure sandals are also recommended. O VER THE PAST FEW YEARS, STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING (OFTEN REFERRED TO AS SUP) HAS TAKEN THE SUMMER RECREATION INDUSTRY BY STORM. SUP is an accessible blend of full-body fitness and meditative balance, and is a low-invest- ment way for people of all abilities ages to get out on the water. by MAGGIE SLEPIAN CHUCK HANEY Whitefish Lake

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