Stand up paddle boarding is one of the most popular activities to do on calm waters. Fortunately, the islands of Turks and Caicos are surrounded completely by calm waters, which makes it a great destination for stand up paddle boarding.
But what is stand up paddle boarding and why do so many people find it so fun?
Stand up paddle boarding (or SUP) has a low bar for entry, which makes it great for nearly everyone. It requires very little gear—a board and paddle—and it takes only moments for even the greenest beginners to get the hang of it.
Once you have the equipment, you can take yourself out and navigate the beach, wetland, marsh, river, lake, and more.
Why Do Stand Up Paddle Board on Vacation?
With so many activities you can do while vacationing in Turks and Caicos, why even consider stand up paddle boarding? We already mentioned that it’s easy to start, but it’s also what you make of it. Here are some different ways you can enjoy stand up paddle boarding on your vacation.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding As A Workout
Yes, vacationing should be about letting yourself go: Order the fresh lobster sauteed in extra butter, and don’t forget to end dinner with a slice (or two) of tiramisu cake.
But if you’re the type that needs to keep your calorie intake and expenditure in check, SUP is a great form of exercise while on a Caribbean vacation. Don’t coop yourself up in your resort’s gym. Take your exercise to the beaches and enjoy the sun and waters. You’ll paddle directly over barrier reefs and countless fishes and other marine life.
SUP is a full-body workout that activates your core, shoulders, glutes, and calves, and your sense of balance is constantly tested. Like jogging or rowing, you decide how fast and how far you want to go.
Want a little competition? Race the shark behind you!
Just kidding.
While grey reef sharks are common in barrier reefs and nurse and juvenile lemon sharks can be seen in the wetlands, there have only been three recorded shark attacks in the entire Turks and Caicos archipelago with zero cases of fatalities or loss of limb.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding As Leisure Activity
SUP can easily double as a leisure activity. Your SUP hourly rentals don’t come with a personal trainer so you can go as slowly and rest as often as you like.
Besides, what’s the rush? You can see straight through the crystal clear water to the reefs below your board, which are packed with vibrantly colorful and active life.
You can even time your stand up paddle board experience with the beautiful sunset. It’s a completely different experience to be on the water while the sky gently turns from bright blue to fiery orange, red and deep shades of purple. Life that was active during the day now goes to sleep and the nocturnal marine life wakes up to take their turn on and around the reefs.
Explore the Islands with Stand Up Paddle Boards
There are areas where SUP or kayaks are the best forms of transportation. Turks and Caicos, while it can be a luxurious retreat, is also teeming with wildlife.
Skim the waters of nearby mangrove channels and explore the national parks and nature reserves. Because SUPs are human powered, you can get up close and personal with birds and iguanas without scaring them away with loud and noxious engines.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding Is Family Friendly
If you’re on a family holiday, SUP is perfect to enjoy time with the entire family whether your family has children, teens, or adults.
Children and adults alike can enjoy learning and exploring on stand up paddle boards. Even if every family member is a beginner at stand up paddle boarding, there’s no shortage of accomplished and expert instructors that can teach you the fundamentals. Your family will be on your way with just a few instructions and a few minutes of practice.
Where to Stand Up Paddle Board in Turks and Caicos?
Stand up paddle boarding can be done in many places in Turks and Caicos. You can do it in the mangroves of North and Middle Caicos or above the reefs of Providenciales. You can even bring SUP equipment with you on charter boats and explore secluded beaches and cays that aren’t seen by the general public.
Rest assured, there is no shortage of beautiful stand up paddle boarding sites on Turks and Caicos.
Planning Your Stand Up Paddle Board Vacation
When you’re ready to book your stand up paddle board vacation, whether it’s an hour-long workout or a three-day eco tour, there are several things you should look for.
Instructors
Even though stand up paddle boarding is relatively easy and straightforward, you are always at the mercy of the tides. Nothing can beat the power of the ocean.
Make sure that you are able to feel comfortable on the water and using the equipment. Always feel free to ask for an instructor. They know their equipment and locations better than anyone. Listen to their advice and pointers and follow their instructions and you will be able to fully appreciate how fun the sport is.
Weather and Season
Weather and ocean conditions can be fickle. While things can change on the day of your booking, you can still make plans to an extent.
For example, September to November is a great time to paddle board. In addition to historically great conditions, it also coincides with the annual Kalama Kamp. Kalama Kamp is a weeklong paddle board adventure that is hosted by Dave Kalama, a legendary Hawaiian surfer.
This experience couples paddle board instructions with wilderness, backcountry, and wave safaris to make stand up paddle boarding a truly memorable adventure.
Finding the Stand Up Paddle Board Experience for YOU
There won’t be any shortage of stand up paddle board rentals on Turks and Caicos. So whether you just want to workout for an hour or go on a four-hour sightseeing tour, you can sleep soundly knowing that your stand up paddle board booking can accommodate you.