Try SUP in Jesolo this summer

On your last beach vacation, while relaxing under the umbrella, you may have noticed some people paddling standing on some sort of surfboard. But what exactly were they doing?

The answer is simple: they were practicing SUP, or Stand Up Paddle, a water sport that combines fun, exercise and contact with nature.

If you haven't had the opportunity to try this fascinating sport yet, this summer at Garden Paradiso you will have the perfect opportunity to do so.

And to get you off on the right foot (or the right wave), we've answered the most frequently asked questions about SUPs.

What is SUP and how is it practiced?

SUP, an acronym for Stand Up Paddleboarding, is a sporting activity that is practiced while standing on a surfboard, using a paddle to move on the water. This sport offers a unique combination of balance and strength, making it accessible to everyone, from beginners to experts.

Practicing SUP is relatively simple:

• First of all, think about the equipment, choose a board and paddle that suits your weight and height, and wear a life jacket and ankle leash so you don't lose the board
• Once in the water, find the center of the board and climb on it
• Kneel on the board and slowly stand up, keeping your legs slightly bent for added stability
• Sink the blade completely into the water and paddle alternately left and right to move forward
• To turn, paddle harder on the side you want to turn, to slow down or stop, move the paddle in reverse and sink it into the water.

As you gain confidence, you will be able to explore choppy waters and even ride small waves!

What are the origins of SUP?

The origins of SUP can be traced back to the time of the ancient Polynesians, but its modern history significantly begins during the eighteenth century. In 1778, English explorer James Cook, the first European to land in Hawaii, observed some natives paddling standing on large boards to ride the waves. This practice, an integral part of Polynesian culture, was both a method of transportation and a form of entertainment.

However, many believe that the birth of SUP as a sport did not occur until later, around the 50s in Waikiki, a well-known neighborhood of Honolulu. Here, Hawaiian Islands surf instructors used large wooden boards and paddles to stand up and get a better view of beginner surfers and sea conditions.

This practice has gradually been recognized as a sport in its own right and has gained worldwide popularity in recent years due to its accessibility.

What are the benefits of SUP?

SUP also offers a wide range of physical and mental health benefits. Here are some of the main benefits of practicing Stand Up Paddle.

• Full body training: practicing SUP requires the use of almost all the muscles of the body and helps strengthen the legs, abdomen, back and shoulders in particular
• Improved balance: Standing on a board in the water is a great proprioception exercise that improves balance and coordination
• Increased endurance: The continuous and repetitive nature of paddling helps to improve cardiovascular endurance and muscular endurance.
• Stress reduction: The aquatic environment, combined with the physical activity of the SUP, helps to reduce stress and improve mood. The sound of water and the concentration required to maintain balance can have a calming and meditative effect.

Where to practice SUP in the Venice lagoon?

The Venice lagoon offers an ideal setting for SUP, thanks to its calm waters and enchanting landscapes.

The Cavallino-Treporti area near Jesolo, for example, is ideal for those looking for a more immersive SUP experience in nature. Its shores are less crowded and offer a beautiful setting for a relaxing paddle or a bit of birdwatching.

If you don't have the necessary equipment or if you want to improve your skills, at Camping Village Garden Paradiso you can rent SUP boards and take lessons with experienced instructors. This will allow you to learn basic techniques or perfect your skills in a safe and fun way.

By staying at the campsite, you will also have the opportunity to explore other water activities such as canoeing, windsurfing or catamaran sailing.

What are you waiting for?