Stand-Up Paddling in Palau

While Stand Up Paddling is not new, it is a sport that is making a comeback.  The sport originated years ago in Hawaii.  The ancient Hawaiians paddled their outrigger canoes standing up, into and through the surf.  In the 1960's, the "beachboys" in Waikiki would take their long boards out with their paddles to take pictures of the tourists surfing.  For the next 40 years, the sport of standup paddling faded out, while surfing took the world by storm, using smaller, lighter and more maneuverable boards.  Today, however, the interest in standup paddling has been increasing around the world and the outstanding surfers of Maui are leading the way.  Laird Hamilton has been the most influential in popularizing the sport while paddling huge waves at Teahupoo and even paddling across the English Channel.

Stand Up Paddling is now making a comeback around the globe.  Palau presents a unique environment for the sport because it is enclosed in a natural reef, keeping the waters fairly calm and ideal flatwater conditions.  Standup paddling appeals to so many different people because there is such a diversity of activities that are possible.  You can surf in more conditions than a typical surfer because even the tiniest of waves is a playground.  Long distance traverses are quite an enjoyable experience as are downwinders.  You are enjoying nature in a very eco-friendly way.

The beauty of standup paddling is that you do not need waves to have a blast.  Take the downwinder, as an example.  You are traveling with the wind at your back and with this, you can cover very long distances with little effort, even stopping along the way to snorkel or have a picnic lunch on a remote tropical island.  Now, if there is plenty of wind, you may be lucky enough to catch an open ocean swell and ride unbroken waves for hundreds of yards at a time.

While cruising around the Rock Islands of Palau on your standup board, you will experience nature in a very primeval way.  Often, you might experience dolphins coming around and playing as they are attracted by the silent graceful craft.  Your high vantage point will make it much easier to see all of the sea life underneath, giving you a unique opportunity to see rays, sharks, colorful fish and beautiful colors of coral.  The board allows you to travel silently into secluded and sensitive areas without disturbing the natural ecosystem.

Standup paddling can be very relaxing, but there is also plenty of opportunity to get a core workout from the sport.  By balancing on the board, you are constantly engaging and challenging several muscles in your body, from your legs to arms and especially your core.  This unique combination of strength, balance and endurance can result in a phenomenal full body workout that is great for the mind, body and soul.

We hope you will join us in paradise here in Palau and paddle around the Rock Islands with us.  After days of diving and kayaking, come give a new sport a try, you will be glad you did and you will feel a great sense of accomplishment at the end of your vacation.

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