SUPing in Dayton (ok, this isn't Dayton but you get the picture)

The increasingly popular sport of stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is sweeping the Miami Valley. Cruising around local waterways is fun and easy to get out and play on the water for all ages. You can paddle anything from lakes and rivers to the ocean—no waves required.

Anyone who has been on a SUP can tell you it is an amazing full body workout and provides an excellent cross-training activity for skiers, snowboarders, cyclists, runners and other athletes. While standing up you all get a new perspective and view of the natural surrounding you might not get while sitting down. It’s almost like walking on water!

What You Need To Get Started:

Stand up paddleboard: By far the biggest investment. Sizes are based on the paddler’s weight and experience. More experienced and lighter paddlers can choose narrower boards. Novice paddlers should choose wider, flatter boards, which offer more stability.
Paddle: Yes, they are different. They have an angle or “elbow” in the shaft for maximum efficiency, are much longer since you are standing up and are usually taller than the paddler themselves (roughly 6” to 8” taller than you are)
PFD (Personal Flotation Device): No matter what you are paddling, you should wear one, and that includes a SUP. The U.S. Coast Guard classifies stand up paddleboards as vessels, so always wear a PFD whenever you’re paddling navigable water.
Proper clothing: For cold conditions where hypothermia is a concern, wear a wetsuit or dry suit. In milder conditions, wear shorts and a T-shirt or bathing suit—something that moves with you and can get wet.
Sun protection: Wear sunscreen, sunglasses.

Where to buy, rent, or try in the Miami Valley

Whitewater Warehouse, fulfilling the regions paddle sports needs for years. Located in downtown Dayton. Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Demo – Sunday, June 3

Great Miami Outfitters, where you can find anything to suite your next adventure in the heart of Miamisburg

Here is a great video to show you what it is all about and some tips to get started.

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