It’s 2am and I couldn’t sleep. Although I know I need a good sleep whenever I have an early morning the next day - - -
This always happens though, every time I know I am going to hit the water in the early morning light – the excitement I get. It has been about almost 5 years since I bought my first Stand Up Paddleboard (or more commonly known as SUP board). You’ve seen these things around during your beach getaways or probably in the movies. They’re surfboards on steroids – big, solid, bulky which you stand athwart, propelling across the waves with a paddle. My first board was a solid 12-footer I bought from a local shop in Taman Melawati. I have always maintained a personal interest in water sports but I never had the chance to focus on it until I finished architecture school years ago. And so far, it has been amazing and I never regretted buying my giant 12-footer.
People tend to compare SUP to surfing or white water kayaking, but really all sports are amazing in their own ways. I love SUP particularly because it can be meditative or relaxing. It is also just as much fun if you’re afraid of surfing the big waves or if the waves are not adequate for surfing. You can also enjoy the big waves with paddle surfing, so really, you can choose whichever scenario you’re comfortable with. People have often asked if I panic whenever I fall off. Well, falling off is part of learning to stand and balance better and you adapt to it as you practice more.
THE JOURNEY
One of the things I enjoyed most from SUP is mapping and planning out my journey with
other friends to paddle. I had always believed that there are numerous of beautiful places in Malaysia that most people don’t know about or sometimes not accessible from land. You get to experience a different perspective when you’re “walking on water”.
I have always enjoyed photography and nature since I was a kid so you can imagine how much I enjoy taking photographs from water perspectives and the views I receive from being on water. I know it can be terrifying to some people because I understand not everyone is confident being on water but I would like to encourage more people to try out or invest in this sports that is already growing globally. Ever since I started paddling, I am more confident in waters and I always look forward to my weekends spending time on water activities.
HEALTH BENEFITS
At first glance, SUP does not look that much of a challenging sport. How hard can it be to stand on a board, right? Sure if you watch someone paddling, it doesn’t look much, but once you plant your feet and head out to sea or white water, you realise the effort it takes to control. People assume that SUP is mostly an arm workout when it really is a whole body workout. Most of the time I paddle, my quads are usually the ones that give out on me. You make use of balance and strength to remain upright on the water. It utilises your arms, back, and shoulders to propel in the water whilst your core and legs are constantly at work to maintain balance.
Not only paddling, but you can enjoy the benefits of challenging yourself at doing Yoga as it adds more dimension of balance to the activity. The sun and water will definitely enhance the experience. If there is one more great benefit of SUP is that is that it’s a great way to relieve stress.
Working as an architect, I personally have found it as an excellent way of coping with stress. I can really feel my mind being totally relaxed as I get into the rhythm of paddling. I don’t know what it is about being in the water that makes you feel better and at peace. It’s a great sports and I have never been so in shape. I’ve done obstacle races, hiking, cycling, climbing, yoga. Yet, after doing SUP for almost 5 years, I feel happier and fitter more than ever and every weekend feels like a holiday to me. The best form of exercise is the one you know you’ll enjoy in long term and live the life you love! If your goal is to enhance an overall health without stressing so much part of your body and mind, go grab a board, a paddle and get your dose of Vitamin Sea!
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