Did you know that there’s a ton of ways to have fun on a paddleboard? Yes, we know, paddleboarding in itself is an amazingly fun way to explore the water, stay fit, and see the world. If you’re looking to add a little more adventure to your stand up paddle boarding experience, however, there’s some great ways to pack even more into the experience. Here’s some top tips from the Big Blue Collective that will greatly enhance your paddle boarding adventures, so why not give them a try today?
Sightseeing
Possibly the most obvious way to have fun on a paddleboard, you’d be surprised how fulfilling sightseeing can be from the water. As with kayaking, a paddleboard can take you into many places that neither a yacht nor land-based sightseeing can. Think secluded mangrove channels and alluring saltwater lagoons beckoning you to explore further!
You can hug a coastline closely on a paddleboard without risk to yourself or the equipment, and inch into spaces traditional waterborne vehicles can’t hope to follow. Drafts don’t come shallower than a board! They’re also a fantastic way to experience both the land and sea at your location. In the Turks and Caicos, you can hop off your paddleboard, picnic on the beach, then hop back on and head to the next exciting destination.
Paddleboards are gentle and slow, so you don’t churn the water and frighten off the native sea- and birdlife. Not only do they bring you close to the surface of the water, offering an unusual viewpoint to enjoy nature’s beauty, but they also give you a perspective you will get nowhere else. From the back of a paddleboard, you can look down into the crystal clear sea around the Turks and Caicos, watching marine life flit about the board undisturbed by your presence or noisy boat engines.
Fish
The Turks and Caicos are also home to some wonderful fishing spots, and anglers will be hard-pressed to resist the temptation. Do remember that anyone over the age of 15 will need a permit to fish in our waters, however, so make sure you get the paperwork done! We’re always happy to assist you in getting what you need to make the most of your time here, so just let us know if this interests you.
Paddleboards are a fantastic way to include some activity with your fishing trip, and reef fishing can be particularly rewarding from the back of a SUP. It’s also a fantastic way to add a new challenge to your paddleboarding- and some epic photo opportunities, too!
Ride the Waves
The Turks and Caicos don’t offer a lot of surfing, but that doesn’t mean you need to abandon surf culture altogether! A SUP is far better suited than a standard surfboard to the unique sea conditions around the islands, and it makes for a great way to get some ‘lazy surfing’ in. Challenge yourself riding the waves in deeper areas, and take your paddleboarding to the next level.
If you’re feeling particularly competitive, you can always try your hand at SUP racing, too! Just make sure you’re comfortable and experienced with your board so you don’t wipe out.
Chill Out And Embrace Serenity
Did you know that SUP Yoga is one of the hottest new trends? If you’re looking for a great way to keep up your mind-body practice, with the added challenge of doing it in the heart of our spectacular seas, then look no further.
The ocean has always held a special place in mankind’s heart, and many of us retreat to the beach to experience true serenity and healing. Challenge your balance with this utterly unique version of yoga, and let the placid sounds of the water whisk your cares away. Plus, if you break a sweat during your asanas, you can simply hop off the board for a balmy and restorative swim to finish this wonderful experience.
Go On Safari
The ecologically spectacular back islands of the Turks and Caicos are calling- will you answer the challenge? Safaris have headed out of Africa, and adventure awaits you! Let your board carry you on a slow and meditative nature experience that’s truly out of this world. As with more general sightseeing, a SUP safari can take you places you won’t otherwise experience, and allow you to meet nature on her terms.
SUP Safaris are also one of the best ways to practice minimum-impact ecotourism. No diesel engines or big vehicles come with you. You have a unique opportunity to become one with the living landscape around you, seeing the land as our primal ancestors would have experienced it. Noise levels are low, and pollution is non-existent. It’s simply you and nature. You can even SUP in some of the protected areas of the Turks and Caicos, making for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to let nature shape your adventure for you. Be sure to bring a waterproof camera to capture the moment and plenty of reef-friendly sunscreen!
As you can see, there’s a lot more to stand up paddleboarding than you may think. It’s a versatile sport, and one that most people with a basic confidence in the water can enjoy. Even older children can try their hand at stand up paddleboarding, and it’s a great way to bond with the whole family on your trip, too. Whether it’s calm and serenity, spectacular wildlife sightings, eco-adventure, or a new way to pump adrenaline and challenge your body, it’s a sport that truly offers something for everyone.
Which of these amazing SUP opportunities will you try first? The Big Blue Collective is always here to help your dreams become reality, so reach out to us today, and experience the world from a different view. You’ll be hard-pressed to convince yourself to get off your board, we guarantee- but don’t forget some fun time on the beach, too!