Stand-up paddling

By Metro Creative

Recreational activities entice people to embrace the great outdoors, particularly in summer. Stand-up paddling is one such activity that has become more popular in recent years.

Recent research from the Physical Activity Council, a collective effort on the part of eight leading trade associations in sports, fitness and recreation, found that 3.5 million Americans participate in stand-up paddling. Participation in the sport is split up almost 50-50 by gender (51% female, 49% male), indicating that stand-up paddling is equally attractive to both men and women.

In addition to serving as a relaxing way to enjoy the beauty of nature, stand-up paddling gets some of its appeal from its relative ease of participating. The PAC notes that minimal equipment is needed to engage in stand-up paddling, participants typically spend minimal time and effort preparing for an outing. That makes stand-up paddling an ideal respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and a perfect way to spend some time outdoors for people whose schedules suddenly clear up.

Would-be paddlers who are curious about the availability of places to paddle should know that more than half of all stand-up paddlers travel less than 10 miles to paddle, proving that just about any body of water provides an opportunity to engage in this activity.

People interested in stand-up paddling but unwilling to make any significant financial commitment before trying it out should know that 42% of people who do not own paddleboards rent them from local businesses such as on-site rental providers at boathouses or marinas and independent outdoor specialty stores. That makes stand-up paddling among the more accessible activities for people looking to enjoy the great outdoors this summer and beyond.

— Metro Creative