Stand Up Paddling Becoming a Favorite
Past Time in Toronto & GTA
Stand up paddling is not some new or trendy
sport or activity that those in Toronto have discovered. What they have
discovered however, is how much fun it can be, and the benefits that come with
it.
Paddle boarding is a water sport that
allows the participant to propel themselves across a body of water by using a
swimming motion with their arms. This is generally done with one lying on a paddleboard
or kneeing on one. However, we are going to be talking about a step up from
this which is called Stand Up Paddling (SUP).
The
basics of Stand Up Paddling:
This is one of those great sports that
doesn’t take a lot of start-up funds for purchasing gear. You won’t need a lot
of starter training, but you will want to devote some time to perfecting your
skills and techniques. Finding a
certified, insured instructor is key and a great place to start is the WPA
Canada website (http://www.wpacanada.com)
What
you need:
Your biggest expense is going to be your
stand up paddle board. Before investing you want to get yourself some basic
education about these so you can make some informed decisions. Which one you
choose is going to depend on your weight and your skill level. How and where
you are going to use it will also play a big factor in your choice.
Your
Paddle:
This is your next equipment requirement and
again you are going to be faced with some choices here. Length and shaft
stiffness will be the primary concerns. The general recommendation is that it
should be between 6” to 8” above your height, although some manufacturers will
suggest 8” to 10”.
Personal
Floatation Device:
As with any water sport it is always
recommended that you put safety and protection first. No matter how water
confident you feel, or how good a swimmer you are, make sure you always wear a
PFD. There are lots to choose from on the market, but for stand up paddling you
want one that is not going to restrict your movements or feel heavy and
cumbersome such as the
waist style inflatable models pfds.
Remember that it is the law to have a pfd or life jacket as well as a
signalling device.
You
stand up paddling attire:
What you wear is going to depend on the
weather. For Toronto and the GTA you are going to be dealing with the spring,
summer and fall seasons, and at the best of times the weather can be
unpredictable. You want to wear the proper attire for the session whether you
decide to go with a wet or dry suit, or just normal water attire will be your
choice. Don’t forget about supplementary protection like sunglasses and
sunscreen.
Accessories:
One of the most important accessories that
probably didn’t come with your board is the leash. This is what ties your board
to you. Not only do you not want your board to get away from you if you happen
to fall, but your board is a floatation device that enhances your safety. There
will be choices available to you so make sure you choose the appropriate one
for your board, and the type of water venue you are going to be doing your
stand up paddling in.
Developing
Your Techniques:
While perfecting your stand up paddling
techniques is going to come with practice, you still need to learn the basics.
In Toronto some of the more established reputable companies are Paddle Sport Performance, SUPnGirls Canada, PSP SUP Specialists or any WPA Canada certified instructor.
Toronto
and the GTA Opportunities:
As a Toronto resident or visitor you will
be most pleased to discover that there are many opportunities to participate in
Stand Up Paddling. There are locations such as….
In
the Toronto area…
·
Ashbridges Bay
·
Woodbine Beach
·
Kew Beach
·
Sunnyside Beach
·
Cherry Beach
In Mississauga…
·
The Mississauga shore line
·
Port Credit
·
The Credit River
In
Oakville…
·
The shores of Lake Ontario
·
Bronte Beach
·
Oakville Harbor.
These are just a few of the wonderful water
venues providing an opportunity to participate in Stand Up Paddling.
The
benefits:
The benefits that come with this activity
are many. It is a wonderful form of exercise starting from the beginner to the
advanced exercise enthusiast. It has many health benefits that are interrelated
with the exercise. It can also be a wonderful family event. It is a fun way to
enjoy the great outdoors even in a city as large as Toronto, and its
surrounding area.
