Stand-up Paddle Surfing or SUP has been getting increasingly popular in South Africa for a while now. Affordable and enjoyable by people of all sorts, Paddleboarding is a fantastic way to experience South African waters like never before. In this article, let’s explore some SUP activities in South Africa and how to get started.
What is Stand-Up Paddle Surfing or SUP in South Africa?
For those unfamiliar with the concept, the SUP is a watersport where the surfer stands on a board to float on water and a paddle to propel and steer around. The board is similar to a surfing board, except they are thicker, heavier, and much longer for the surfer’s safety and stability on the water.
The modern version of SUP comes from Hawaii. While stand-up paddleboarding was primarily a method for teaching novice surfers, it gradually became popular as we discovered the benefits. The most enticing thing about SUP is accessibility; anyone can do it, even people with back or shoulder issues.
Let’s explore a few SUP activities in South Africa.
SUP Activities in South Africa
If you are thinking about ‘thrills’, SUP isn’t probably what you are looking for. SUP experiences tend to be on the serene side. Let’s talk about some of the popular SUP activities in South Africa.
Learning to Surf
People usually consider paddleboarding as the first step in learning how to surf. Think of it as having training wheels on your bicycle. Learning SUP in South Africa helps you understand and improve your stance, balance, and your core strength.
If you are a complete novice to surfing, paddleboarding will help you read the waves, understand how swells move, and how to catch them effectively.
SUP Fitness
If you love fitness and South African waters, then this activity might be just right for you. You can carry out a multitude of exercises on a paddleboard. Institutions like SUP Fitness can help you out if you are a novice.
SUP Fishing
Traditional anglers may find the idea strange at first, but SUP fishing is definitely a thing and it is reinventing fishing like never before. Experience the serenity around you as you cast the line; the absence of engine noise, the calming sound of water beneath you, with occasional plops.
Not only that, but the lack of an engine and its noise also helps protect the ecosystem and does not scare wildlife. This also means that you are likely to score a prize. To increase your chances, you can use portal fish finder devices on your angler adventures.
SUP Tours
For those who love exploring waterways and enjoy tranquil nature, South Africa offers the perfect opportunity. With an SUP, that dream may just turn into a reality for you.
If you know the waters, then it is time to pack your essentials and embark on a serene adventure. You can tour tranquil lakes, explore uncrowded coastlines, or bustling dam waters or rivers with others enjoying a similar activity. It will be a refreshing getaway for you and your family.
SUP Parties
You may consider hosting SUP parties to surprise your kids on their birthdays or enjoying a wholesome outing with your family and friends. SUP parties are fun group events including food and beverages, a variety of SUP-involving board games, and much more.
Conclusion
Enjoying the waters in South Africa with SUP activities is one of the best ways to make unforgettable memories and bask in the natural beauty. In South Africa, the stand-up paddleboarding governing body is SUPSA. In case you have any questions, we highly advise you to reach out to them.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for some traditional boating experience in South Africa with a powerboat, you will require a skipper’s ticket. In that case, Sail and Power SA provides all the necessary training and information. For more information regarding the license or training, feel free to contact us today.