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What is SUP?
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What is SUP?
Hello everyone! Suddenly, have you heard of "SUP"?
Some of you may have heard of it, as it has been featured in the media a lot in the past few years and is rapidly gaining in both name recognition and popularity.
This article introduces SUP, a new standard in marine sports that is attracting a great deal of attention.
What is SUP?
SUP is an abbreviation for "Stand Up Paddleboard.
As the name suggests, this is a new type of activity in which participants stand on a board and paddle through the water.
This marine sport originated in Hawaii and was a cutting-edge activity favored by celebrities and celebrities.
Recently, it has become a common sport and is gradually spreading in Japan.
Because it can be enjoyed more slowly and at one's own pace than other marine sports, even those who are not good at exercise or are beginners can easily try it.
Another good thing about SUP is that it can be experienced for as little as one hour, making it easy to enjoy in your spare time.
The boards used for SUP are larger than those used for surfing, and are extremely buoyant and stable, so children, the elderly, and beginners alike can quickly enjoy the sport.
While on the board, it is effective in strengthening the torso because of the need to balance against the rocking of the waves.
In addition, paddling is a highly effective exercise that mobilizes not only the arms, but also the abdomen, waist, legs, and all the muscles in the body, and is expected to become a new marine fitness activity.
SUP Benefits
As mentioned above, SUP has high fitness benefits.
One of its main characteristics is balance.
It is not only the body that supports a sense of balance; in fact, the brain is also involved.
The cerebellum, in particular, is responsible for the body's sense of balance and tells the body to maintain balance.
Training the cerebellum develops a sense of balance, so that even in old age, people can walk with their feet firmly on the ground instead of staggering.
Since balance is the basis of all sports, it is very effective to train the sense of balance in terms of improving overall motor function.
In some cases, vertigo caused by hearing loss has been alleviated.
This may also be a good way to develop equilibrium and core strength.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, paddling a paddle uses all the muscles in the body, not just the muscles in the arms.
This helps to increase muscle mass throughout the body.
Increased muscle mass increases basal metabolism, which also helps to build a healthier body.
Thus, while SUP develops a sense of balance, it also has a tremendous shaping effect!
It also has positive effects not only on the physical aspect but also on the mental aspect.
First of all, when you do it in a large field, you feel very open because you have a lot of freedom.
It is even better to do it while surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Its pleasantness and comfort is a great stress reliever!
Yoga SUP is also popular because of its exquisite sensation and feeling.
The open space is sure to refresh your mind and body.
How to ride SUP and what to look out for
(1) Preparation before riding
First of all, the key to enjoying SUP is the length of the paddle.
If the length is not adjusted to suit the individual, the basic posture of the rower will not be stable, which can lead to injury if the rower hurts an odd part of the body.
Therefore, you need to adjust the paddle to your height and arm length.
The best length is where the hand reaches the handle with the blade down and one hand raised above the head.
(2) Basic Stance
Basic posture is important in rowing.
If you don't paddle with the correct posture, you may hurt yourself, so be careful and enjoy SUP with the correct posture!
First, lightly grip the paddle at the tip of the handle and at a position slightly wider than shoulder width when viewed from the tip.
The most stable position to stand is in the middle of the boat.
If the center of gravity is shifted from the center, the boat may capsize, so ride in the correct position.
The feet should not be positioned front to back, but left to right, parallel and side by side.
This will make it easier to balance and stabilize.
This is the basic posture when standing on a SUP board.
(iii) How to row
The next step is to row.
To begin, insert the blade of the paddle forward into the water.
At this point, the board will be stabilized by slightly bending the knees and rowing with a straight back.
When the paddler pushes the upper part of the paddle forward using the lower handle as a fulcrum, the principle of leverage is activated and the paddler can make large strides even with little force.
It is important to note here that you should not pull the paddle with your hands or arms, but rather push the top of the paddle.
Be careful not to row with force, as this may cause the skin on your palms to peel and your muscles to become sore.
Also, when you actually paddle, you will find it more difficult to go straight than you imagined.
Until you get used to it, try to paddle parallel to the immediate side of the board, as it is easier to go straight!
(4) Sitting → Standing
Although SUP has a strong image of standing, in fact, it is not necessarily necessary to stand.
You are free to sit all the time leisurely or lie down occasionally, as each has its own advantages.
However, the view from a high vantage point when standing is still wonderful, so please experience it.
We told you that SUP boards have excellent stability, but since you will be standing on shaky waves, it may be difficult to stand up from the start.
On average, about 1 in 10 people who experience SUP will capsize.
Even if the board capsizes, there is no need to worry because the leash, which connects the board to your feet, allows you to be caught by the board immediately.
Therefore, it is best to start by getting used to sitting and then kneeling without overdoing it at first.
If you sit down, there is no danger of capsizing unless something goes wrong, so it is a good idea to get used to rowing well here.
When you can afford it, get into the basic posture introduced earlier and row slowly standing up.
If you do fall, be aware that you will fall from the back.
If you fall off your feet, you may sprain your leg or injure yourself with something on the bottom of the water.
However, the view from standing on the boat is exceptional, as you feel as if you are walking on water.
Don't be too scared to have fun!
SUP Precautions
(1) Hold the paddle firmly.
Naturally, you cannot paddle without a paddle.
The water may make it slippery, but keep a firm grip on your paddle.
If you drop your paddle, get it while lying on your stomach on the board and wading through the water with your arms.
It's an image before surfing waves.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
If you are on a tour, it is safe to tell your guide to take it.
(2) Be sure you know where you are.
When doing activities on the water, it is easy to get swept away by wind and currents and lose your bearings.
Make sure you know where you started from and what was nearby.
If you are on a tour, be careful not to be too far from the people around you.
(3) Clothing
When SUPing, it is best to wear clothing that can get wet.
As I mentioned earlier, this is because of the possibility of capsizing and falling off.
Even if you do not fall, you or someone nearby may be exposed to water when paddling.
The boards also basically get wet, so when you are tired and decide to sit down, your buttocks and other parts of your body often get wet.
Therefore, we recommend that you wear clothes that you do not mind getting wet.
Shoes such as flip-flops are recommended, and if the SUP board is too shallow, you will hit the ground and will not be able to proceed.
Therefore, they may be carried on foot to a place that is a little deeper before boarding.
Barefoot is not safe, so wear flip-flops or other footwear that can get wet.
Also, since the board rider is barefoot, something that can be easily taken off is preferred.
There is a place to tie your shoes you take off to the board, so don't worry!
4) Personal belongings
A change of clothes and a towel are useful if you have a place to put your luggage, such as in the tour's car or in the office.
This is because SUP often gets wet.
If you plan to board the ferry after the experience, please remember to do so because you will not be able to board the ferry if it is wet.
As for what to bring on the SUP ride, a drink is all you need.
SUP is a sport that uses more of your entire body than you might imagine, so be sure to stay hydrated.
There are not many places to shelter from the sun, so extreme care must be taken to avoid heat stroke.
Also, those who need to will be responsible for bringing cameras and other equipment at their own risk, which will make for wonderful memories.
However, it is basically difficult to hold in the hand because it is rowed with both hands.
For this reason, it is convenient to have a small container for small items that can be attached to the body.
Even then, we recommend that you bring only items that can basically get wet.
It is also recommended that you put your camera or cell phone in a waterproof cover when you want to take it with you.
5) Sun protection
During activities, of course, there is no blocking of the sun's rays.
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can lead to sunburn and heat stroke.
Especially in summer, the sun is very strong, and sunburn protection is essential, as you will be exposed to direct sunlight with nothing to block the sun's rays.
There is also a risk of burns.
Therefore, in addition to sunscreen, wear hats, sunglasses, and rash guards as much as possible.
The sun is quite strong on Iriomote Island even in spring and autumn. Please be on your guard and take proper measures against sunburn all year round.
SUP in Iriomote Island
SUP is a new standard marine sport that can be enjoyed all year round, not only in summer but also in fall and winter, as it is a water-based marine activity and does not require submersion in water.
It is very popular in Iriomote Island.
SUP in Iriomote Island allows you to enjoy SUP in various situations taking advantage of the rich natural field.
SUP cruising, which is a classic SUP-based walking tour, is very popular.
There are a variety of plans, including SUP during the day, SUP while watching the sunrise or sunset, half-day tours in the morning or afternoon, or a full day tour.
We are happy to be flexible with your schedule.
Recommended SUP Tours
1) SUP Cruising Tour
SUP cruising, which takes advantage of the magnificent nature of Iriomote Island, offers a different view for each field, so you will never get tired of seeing it no matter how many times you participate.
The nature changes its expression according to the seasons, so each of the four seasons can be enjoyed in its own way.
Sunrise & Sunset SUP Tour
After all, the Sunrise & Sunset SUP tour is a unique way to enjoy the island.
Iriomote Island, in particular, has not been developed around the coast, so there are no tall buildings and few levees along the coastline.
Watching the sunrise and sunset in such a natural setting is the most luxurious experience one can have.
(2) Night SUP
The night sky of Iriomote Island will be more beautiful than any other sky.
It is no wonder, then, that Iriomote Ishigaki National Park was the first park in Japan to be certified as a starry sky protected area.
You can be enchanted by such a beautiful night sky at this starry night SUP.
If you are looking for the best starry sky, please try to go on a day around the new moon.
It is said that on a full moon day, the number of stars that can be seen is about 1/3 of those on a new moon day.
in the end
How was your introduction to SUP?
The cutting-edge marine activities that are inevitably Instagrammable were very appealing, weren't they?
It is very nice to be able to get a full-body workout and shape up, not to mention the installation.
Please visit Iriomote Island once and experience SUP in various scenes.
Thank you for reading to the end.
This article was written by.
