Try Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) in the Turks and Caicos
SUP Lets You Explore Providenciales’ Cays and Mangrove Flats
Hey mon, what sup?
Well, how about I tell you.
SUP is short for Stand Up Paddleboarding and it’s fast becoming one of the most popular sports in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Originating in the Hawaiian islands, SUP is an interesting combination of surfing and canoeing or kayaking. For thousands of years in China and South America fishermen have been standing up in their boats and paddling through the waters. But it wasn’t until the late 1990’s and early 2000’s that SUP became a popular sport. Why this popularity you might ask?
One reviewer on Big Blue’s TripAdvisor page says, “Highly recommended for the exercise and beauty that you’d never experience just lounging on the beach someplace.”
How To Stand Up Paddleboard
The reviewer makes two very good points. SUP is a very beneficial form of exercise. How does it work? The equipment used in SUP involves a long, light surf board and a canoe type paddle which is long and single bladed. Participants mount the board then, while maintaining an upright stance on the board, stroke the water with the paddle and propel themselves along the water. Physically SUP improves balance and tones the core muscles. Once beginners learn the techniques, the activity is quite relaxing. It’s a remarkable stress buster. Even children can give it a try, although, as it requires some balance and a basic level of fitness, it’s probably best suited to those age 10-12 and up.
While you’re toning your body, SUP lets you access a wide variety of settings: shallow water, lakes, rivers, mangroves, off the beach and open waters. It’s a remarkable mode of travel which allows you to see the beauty of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“The crystal clear waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands are a paddler’s paradise!” raved another TripAdvisor review of Big Blue.
Video of SUP Race
Once you get comfortable on the SUP board, you can even consider racing. This year in the Race of the Conch Event, participants took place in a Paddleboard Sprint. Check out this video:
SUP Excursions on Providenciales
Okay, so you’ve arrived on Providenciales, you’re intrigued at this point and want to try paddling yourself? Well, there are several excursion companies that are eager to take you paddling. SUP Provo offers excellent stand up paddleboarding lessons and an extensive variety of tours such as Long Bay Canal, Mangrove Island and Iguana Island. Big Blue Collective offers many SUP eco-adventure programs and safari excursions through remote cays and mangrove flats as well as SUP tours on the islands of North and Middle Caicos. Included in WaterPlay Provo’s wide variety of water activities for the family are Stand Up Paddleboarding tours as well as a paddleboarding with cycling combo package.
The spectacular scenery is only a board and paddle away. Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) in the Turks and Caicos is definitely worth a try. But don’t take my word for it. Listen to the converted fans.
“Anyone can do it!” says a reviewer on TripAdvisor, “Definitely a must do while visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands!”
Says another SUP fan on TripAdvisor, “Have never been paddle boarding before. It was worth the experience!”
Stand Up Paddleboarding! That’s what’s “SUP” in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
