Paddle boards are more popular than ever. People are hitting their local rivers, lakes, and beaches to enjoy this fun and leisurely activity. Some people are even trekking around the country—and around the globe—to visit all sorts of paddle boarding hotspots. But paddle boards aren’t just about standing on your board and gliding across the water. Paddle boards are remarkably versatile. You can transform an inflatable paddle board into something new with just a few accessories. Want to turn your stand up paddle board into a fishing platform to reel in an amazing catch? You can do that! Want to do yoga at sunrise in the middle of a misty mountain lake? Go for it! Here are four ways to get more out of your SUP board and try something new on the water.
Kayaking: Double the Paddle, Twice the Fun
You open a world of possibility when you add a second paddle to the other end of your existing SUP paddle. You go from having an inflatable paddle board to having an inflatable kayak. All you do is sit on the board and paddle away. You can also take the extra step and get a SUP to kayak conversion kit. It might sound like a lot, but it’s simple. These kits come with everything you need to turn your inflatable SUP board into a functional kayak.
For instance, you can find kits that come with a seat and a kayak paddle blade attachment. The seat straps to your board, and the blade attaches to your paddle board paddle. When shopping for kayak seats and paddles, be sure to check the specs to ensure it’s a good fit for your board. Many brands are cross-compatible, but not all. So, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the right gear that will work with the equipment you already own. Next thing you know, you’ll be cruising down rivers and exploring all kinds of coves!
Surfing: Riding the Waves in Style
Turning your inflatable paddle board into a surfboard is super easy. You might not even need to invest in any accessories or attachments to make it happen. Many boards can hit the surf right out of the box. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before taking your paddle board for a surf. Some boards are designed for more casual SUP boarding and might not be able to handle the surf. This includes longer boards meant for cruising or touring. With that said, plenty of boards perform perfectly well in the surf. The best SUP boards for surfing tend to be thinner and on the shorter side (9’-10’).
If you have a sturdy inflatable SUP board made from high-quality materials, surfing shouldn’t be too difficult to handle. You may need to change your fin configuration to maximize control, but that’s about it. If your board comes with three detachable fins that can be reconfigured, you’re golden. By using the two side fins alone, you can increase the amount of control you have while riding waves. Using the middle fin on its own can help you maximize speed. All three fins together help balance things out. One last thing to keep in mind when surfing with an inflatable paddle board: watch for rough water. Inflatable SUPs can be very durable, but big waves and rough surf could put unnecessary strain on even the toughest materials. Just keep an eye on your board, and if you notice any serious flexing, you may need to head for calmer surf.
Fishing: Get Ready to Reel in Your First Catch of the Day
Paddle boards make for excellent fishing platforms. Technically, you don’t need anything more than your fishing rod and gear, but there are a few accessories that can upgrade your experience. One of those accessories is a fishing rod holder. It’s easy to find a fishing rod holder that’s compatible with your blow up paddle board. Most holders screw directly into the board, keeping your fishing rod secure as you paddle around and wait for a bite. If your inflatable paddle board has a screw or accessory mount, you should be good to go. Then, you can attach your rod and sit back, relax, and wait for the nibble.
Then, there’s the fishing rack. The fishing rack is a slightly more complex piece of equipment. These racks are made to hold fishing rods (usually two or more) and to secure any fishing gear you might have brought along. Some also have built-in storage options. It adds just an extra bit of convenience so you don’t have to worry about your gear sliding into the water. And don’t forget a cooler or two! You can find SUP coolers that strap directly to your board to hold drinks, snacks, and any fish you catch.
Yoga: Turn Your Inflatable Paddle Board into a Mindful Retreat
There’s nothing quite like practicing mindfulness out on the water. It’s just you, the water, the air, and the sun. Of course, that’s if you’ve found a secluded spot all to yourself! No matter where you are, paddle boards make for excellent yoga platforms—and they require no extra accessories to make it happen. Simply paddle out to a tranquil spot and begin your meditative exercises. Practicing yoga on an inflatable paddle board is a lot of fun because it can create a challenging workout. It all comes down to balance.
Unlike practicing yoga on dry land, you have to work a little harder to maintain balance on the board when you’re out on the water. If you’re up to the challenge, it can make for a rewarding experience. Not only can yoga work your muscles, but it can also boost your focus as you keep steady on the water. Of course, it will come down to what exercises you practice, but chances are you’ll have an enjoyable experience no matter your approach. Either way, you get to spend time surrounded by nature. When you seek inner peace and strength, surrounding yourself with nature brings you closer to your goal. Give yoga on the water a try and take it all in!
About iROCKER
Your next adventure on the water begins with iROCKER! Since 2013, iROCKER has become the go-to online destination for all things paddle boarding. They offer a wide assortment of paddle boards, including inflatable stand up paddle boards (SUPs) and hard boards, along with a variety of accessories to help you make the most of your time out on the water. Plus, iROCKER is home to the iROCKER, BLACKFIN, and NAUTICAL brands. Each brand offers an array of styles and board types, which means there’s something for everyone. Whether you are getting out on the water for the first time or you’re a SUP pro who practically lives on the water, you can find the perfect board for you. iROCKER is also a resource for paddle boarders. You can find videos on their website to help improve your SUP experience and help you grow as a paddle boarder.
Experience the versatility of a paddle board for yourself at https://www.irockersup.com/
