When planning a trip, we always consider how to organise it and the leisure opportunities available at the destination. What will certainly save us from a dull day shuffling between the beach and the hotel is trying an adventure sport.
One way to have fun involves water sports, as they're the most suitable for coastal areas. Among all available activities, paddle surfing is becoming increasingly popular.
It involves standing on a surfboard and moving with the aid of a paddle. While currently used for recreation, it was originally employed by native Hawaiians to travel between beaches with better visibility and easier landing in the breaking waves.
It shares similarities with surfing, such as the board (though in this case wider and thicker, always adapted to the practitioner's weight and height). Another parallel with surfing is the ability to navigate both calm and rough waters, even riding large waves.
The year 2000 brought not just a new century but also... Stand Up Paddle Surfing, as renowned surfers began practising their favourite sport with paddles as an additional training method. Gradually, the discipline expanded to include various categories and competitions.
If you want to try it, your first step is finding a good SUP company that will provide the necessary equipment and give you a brief introductory course on handling the surfboard.
Your own limits define this sport – why? Because it's suitable for all audiences, from those with no water sports experience (though swimming ability is recommended) to expert surfers, kitesurfers or other sports practitioners.
You can practise SUP in open seas, lakes or rivers, with the added advantage of observing underwater life – potentially spotting marine species, both animal and plant. It's an excellent sport regardless of your purpose, whether relaxation or adrenaline: the possibilities with waves and wind are endless.
Dare to experience an adventurous holiday for once – a weekend along the Spanish coasts doing active tourism in a different, fun and spectacular way.
