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.