Paddleboarding – The Perfect Summer Activity On The Water

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By Tom Rohrer

van dorm sponsorThe waters around Budd Bay and the southern area of the Puget Sound provide a perfect setting for those looking to become involved in one of the fastest growing water sports on the planet.

ThurstonTalk.com writer Tom Rohrer (right) looks to West Bay Paddlleboards owner Chris Fry (left) during a lesson near Swantown Marina in Olympia.

Over the last half-decade, the sport of paddleboarding has developed a dedicated following in the Thurston County area as a recreation activity, competitive sport and fitness workout.

Standing on a board similar in size and length of that of a surfboard or wind-surfing board, paddleboarder’s glide across the water top using an elongated oar that allows riders to propel and direct themselves in any direction at a suitable pace.

Along with being another way to explore relatively mild summer water conditions around the area, paddleboarding has earned a reputation as a terrific workout, as it uses core muscles and balance while not providing strenuous resistance that could damage muscles and tendons of the body.

For the last three years, Olympia resident Chris Fry has operated West Bay Paddleboards, which provides paddleboard lessons, rentals and retail for local citizens interested in the sport. Fry, a self-described lifetime waterman, came across the sport when looking for a new water activity.

“I have always liked being on the water, and grew up on the water,” Fry said. “But I don’t really like to sit. I like the primitive simplicity of paddleboarding and in my opinion, you can’t beat it.”

Fry, a certified fitness trainer and stand up paddleboard instructor, believes the workout provided by the sport is hard to top.

“It’s great for people who have grown tired of going to the gym and doing endless sit-ups or what not,” Fry said. “Paddleboarding works the core muscles and a person’s balance as well or better than any other excercises.  A lot of people are participating in it for the workout, but it’s a fun, enjoyable workout as well.”

Chris Fry of West Bay Paddleboards shows the perfect technique for paddling during a lesson near Swantown Marina in Olympia.

While paddling along at a leisurely pace is a workout in itself, followers of the sport have taken to stand up paddleboarding (SUP) yoga and fitness routines, allowing participants to workout in a unique location.

“That’s kind of where the sport is heading,” Fry said. “It’s a relatively young activity, at least mainstream wise, so people are going to look at new areas and new experiences on the board.  The fitness courses and yoga routines are challenging but very beneficial and almost holistic in the sense that you’re in a natural environment and setting when you do so.”

With a reputation as a terrific and all-encompassing workout, the sport of paddleboarding may seem intimidating to those new to the actitivy.  However, that reputation should not scare away possible participants.

“It’s a lot easier to do than people think,” said Mimi Kvinge of Olympia.  “It’s just a fun activity that provides a workout without you knowing it.”

That’s not to say there aren’t those who paddle at a competitive level.  Fry said he consistently participates in races and that those events are also part of the sports bright future.

“I’ve seen the participation in competitions really increase over the last several years,” Fry said. “Lots of terrific athletes are starting to dedicate themselves at a higher level and race.  That’s a cool thing, to combine something fun that you enjoy doing with competition.”

The sport seems to be an ideal activity for the Olympia area, as the waters (including rivers and lakes) and surrounding scenery are an ideal location for a day standing on a board.

“Paddleboarding and Olympia, it’s a perfect match,” Fry said. “You’ve got the great setting for it, but it just fits the culture.  It’s such a simple activity, but it’s enjoyable and it connects people with themselves and nature.”

For more information on West Bay Paddleboards, visit www.westbaypaddleboards.com.

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