Why Paddleboarding Beats Screens This Summer

Schools out! And your SUP Summer is just beginning!

Paddleboarding is the perfect way to get kids off their screens and into the great outdoors. But there’s so much more to it than just fresh air and sunshine. From fitness to focus to independence, here’s why paddle boarding is one of the best things you can do with your kids this summer.

Balancing on a SUP works out the entire body, especially the core, glutes and legs. Just staying upright is a mini workout and they won’t even notice they’re doing it! Exercise disguised as fun? Sign us up!

Paddle boarding takes concentration so this will encourage your kid to focus and be patient. They will have to scan their environment, to plan their route, look for any oncoming traffic/obstacles and be able to control their movements. So wether they're learning to stand up for the first time or figuring out how to turn their board in open water, being on a SUP will teach them to have patience and persistence in a natural, pressure-free environment.

Having your own SUP comes with some responsibility! Making sure that they are cleaning off their board after each session, packing it away and ensuring they have everything that they need for their next adventure will teach your kid to be organised and responsible.

Kids will naturally pick up basic water safety like how to fall in, climb back onboard but they will also learn lessons like reading the water around them and who has right of way in lakes and open water. They will gain a deeper understanding of water safety and develop a respect for open water that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Being on a paddle board, feeling the steady rhythm of the waves below, in a peaceful surrounding can be calming even for the most energetic of kids! It’s a natural way to clear the mind, reduce stress and promote mindfulness.

We always recommend the use of a buoyancy aid when out on any body of water, even if your child is a strong swimmer. A personal floatation device (PFD) offers peace of mind and protection in unexpected situations. And don’t forget the ankle leash, if they fall off, it keeps the board close.

Start off with learning the basics before heading out, teach them how to carry their board, hold their paddle correctly, and fall off safely. Learning how to get back on is just as important as learning to stay on.

As with trying anything new it can be quite daunting at first, especially when you’re a kid and the lake looks like an ocean! That’s why we suggest starting off small in a nice calm body of water to build up confidence on the paddleboard. There you can safely practice honing in on your skills! Not sure where to go? Check out our guide to the Best SUP Spots in the UK for family-friendly paddleboarding.

Begin kneeling on the board to build balance. Once they’re confident, encourage them to stand and fall in! Making a game of it helps remove the fear. The more they fall in and get back up, the more confident they’ll become. Confidence grows when they know how to handle it and trust in themselves being able to get back on the board.

Games are a great way to build skills without them realising.

• Follow the Leader : Try kneeling, sitting, spinning, or paddling backwards.

• SUP Simon Says : Add a playful, competitive twist with a group.

• SUP Limbo : Two paddlers hold a rope between boards while others try to duck under. Great for balance, movement and (inevitably) falling in with a laugh.

This summer, don’t just pass the time, make it count. Paddleboarding brings movement, mindfulness and memories your kids won’t forget.