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What's Happening: Stand Up Paddle Boarding Barbados
27th June, 2012
Last week we had an amazing paddle board session with What' SUP Barbados. Now, you may be wondering what all this talk about SUP is, well it is Stand Up Paddle(boarding) and one of the most fun, relaxing and social activities that we have ever tried. We started off our Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) session on the West coast at Batt's Rock beach where the sun was just about setting and created a calming and serene atmosphere. Ryan and Mikie (owners and 'partners in crime') were there to greet us as soon as we arrived. We started off the session with a 15 minute beach instruction which allowed us to feel out the boards, understand how to use the paddles correctly and ask any questions we may have had; we were itching to just get into the crystal clear blue water and try SUP'ing! Once we got the hang of the boards and paddling, it was such a marvelous feeling as the graceful sea breeze passed through our hair whilst being able to chat and enjoy paddling on the water. As Ryan explains it, SUP is like your very own personal glass bottom boat tour whilst also getting a full body workout.
After being introduced to the sport two years ago through one of his friends, Ryan immediately became hooked and soon, an avid SUPer. Friends as well as strangers started asking him to teach them, so in March this year Ryan and Mikie attended (and passed) a certification course with the WPA (World Paddle Association) in Florida and towards the end of May this year "What' SUP Barbados" was launched.
So here are some FAQ's which give you more information on this must try activity:
What is the duration of the lesson and how much is it?
What' SUP Barbados offers one and a half hour beginner lessons from $40 USD. This includes 15 to 20 minutes of beach instruction, plus a few minutes of water instruction to get comfortable on the board and then an hour paddle tour where we can hopefully get you hooked on the beauty, nature and benefits of SUP'ing.
Are there different packages offered?
What' SUP Barbados offers group discounts and private classes. For those who like the beginner class and want to try something different, What' SUP Barbados offers several different "Adventure Paddles" including "Down winders", "Exploration" and "SUP Safari" Paddles! We also plan to offer other special event or activities like Full-moon Paddles, Surfing and also Fitness Classes!
Where are your recommended locations?
Barbados is a great SUP destination on it's own and almost all of our coast-line is accessible to SUP'ing at some points in the year. The best places to learn are on the calm West coast and in Carlisle Bay on the South coast. As you get more advanced and step up to surfing or distance paddling, the South coast from South Point to Brandons is an ideal playground with multiple surf breaks or a good down-wind training location. For the really adventurous and more intermediate to experts, the East Coast is where the waves are the biggest and the best!
For more information on What' SUP Barbados, call Ryan on 1 (246) 243-7878 take a look at their Facebook Page or look out for their new website!
We would highly recommend you try Stand Up Paddleboarding with What' SUP Barbados! It was an fabulous experience and we will definitely be making a habit out of it.
Melanie & Kimberly*
We would love to hear what you think.