Explore Samui’s coastline from a Stand Up Paddle board!

Stand Up Paddling (SUP) is a fun and easy to learn water sport, and is gaining popularity as a fun activity for the whole family.

“Paddle boarding is a great way to stay fit and explore the coastline. The boards are so stable we get most people up on their feet within a few minutes, and it’s much easier to learn than surfing” says Tammy Wade, SUP Instructor and co-founder of iSUP Samui, the newest SUP school to open on Koh Samui.

iSUP Samui is a partnership between Tammy and her husband Ian Wade, who are both accredited SUP Instructors with the Academy of Surf Instructors (ASI) and mad about the sport. Ian and Tammy have been regular visitors to Koh Samui over the past 15 years, and recently relocated from Australia to Koh Samui to launch iSUP Samui.

“We started paddling about 5 years ago on Sydney Harbour, and right from our first lesson we dreamt about exploring the Koh Samui coastline on our paddle boards. We were out on the water every weekend, paddling for fun and competing in flat water races and downwinders. We even started planning paddle board holidays” says Ian.

Stand Up Paddling (SUP) is a unique way to explore the local waters. It’s accessible to most people, no matter what age or fitness level. Once you’ve picked up a few techniques, you’ll be gliding across the water and getting the benefits of a full body workout. It offers better views of the water and coastline compared to kayaking, and you can stop for a swim and easily get back onto the board from the water.

First timers are encouraged to start with an introductory lesson to learn the basics, starting with a few paddling tips on the beach to make sure you have a fun and safe time out on the water. Or you could sign up for the 90 minute lesson to improve your turns, learn new paddle strokes and explore the coastline.

iSUP Samui is a mobile SUP School, which gives their students the opportunity to paddle on a variety of Samui’s beaches depending on the weather conditions. You can join a sunrise tour at Choeng Mon, take in the view of Big Buddha from the water or paddle around the rocky coastline near Lamai.

“Safety on the water is one of our key priorities. All paddlers wear leg-ropes, which means they are always attached to their board even when they fall off” says Tammy. “We also check the weather forecast several times a day, and will only take small groups of paddlers out when the conditions are appropriate.”

If you’re striving to get fitter and stronger, you’ll be glad to hear that Stand Up Paddling is a great workout that improves balance and strengthens your core. Beginners can book in lessons on most days, and experienced paddlers can join the weekly SUP 5.0 session, a 5 kilometre time trial held on Sunday mornings, or the iSUPcore! interval training sessions held on Thursday mornings.

For more information call 092 737 9705 or visit www.isupsamui.com.

 

 

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