Paddle Board vs Kayak – What’s the Best Adventure for You?

If you know any kayaking or paddleboarding enthusiasts, you know that there seems to be a friendly competition of which sport is better. In the past, the argument stemmed from whether or not a canoe or a kayak was the better option. But now, with SUPs (stand-up paddleboarding) increasing in popularity, it seems a new debate has arisen.

The answer, however, will vary from person to person. So, if you are looking for things to do in Myrtle Beach and are considering paddle boarding or kayaking but don’t have time for both, we thought we might be able to help. Check out our list of benefits for each sport. We’re hopeful the team here at Crazy Sister Marina can help you make the right decision for you.
5 Benefits of Paddle Boarding (SUP)

Let’s start by highlighting some of the benefits of SUP as a sport.

Improve your core strength – When you SUP, you’ll engage your core muscle and build abdominal strength. Not only that, but you’ll strengthen your arms, shoulders, legs, and back, all while creating lean muscle tone.

1.Build your stamina – SUP is quite the workout. However, it is wonderfully enjoyable, especially when paddleboarding through the Murrell’s Inlet in the Myrtle Beach area. You’ll find that your stamina will increase with each ride.

2.Enhances your stability and joint strength – Balancing on a SUP activates those tiny muscles in your feet and lower legs. This type of exercise mimics physical therapy exercises often used to treat ailments such as plantar fasciitis. Standing on a paddleboard will inevitably improve your stability and balance.

3.Get more Vitamin D – When you’re out on the water, paddling away on your SUP, you’ll likely lose track of time. During your adventure, you’ll be sure to get plenty of Vitamin D, which is crucial for calcium production and strong bones, as well as peak mental functioning.

4.Reduce your stress – We’re all under stress these days. And, being one with nature, socializing with other SUPers, and enjoying the sensation of standing and weaving through the water is quite the stress reducer.

5 Benefits of Kayaking

Now, let’s highlight some of the benefits of kayaking.

1. Increased upper body strength – Paddling is a fantastic upper body workout that can improve both muscle tone and upper body strength. While you rely mostly on your arms to help propel you through the water, you also use the surrounding muscles too. This includes the muscles in your shoulders, chest, and back. The more you paddle, the more those muscles are used and the more you build muscle tone and strength.

2. Improve your core strength – When you are out enjoying the water in a kayak, you’ll engage your core muscle and build abdominal strength.

3. Improved cardiac health – Kayaking is an excellent form of cardiac exercise. It gets the blood flowing, which helps strengthen your heart. A strong heart will produce more red blood cells, which means more oxygen is transported to your body tissues.

4. Get more Vitamin D – When you’re out on the water, paddling away in your kayak, just as with a SUP, you’ll likely lose track of time.

5. Reduce your stress – As we said before, we’re all under stress these days. Thus, kayaking provides an excellent opportunity to be one with nature, out on the beautiful waters of the Murrell’s Inlet, socializing with other kayakers. What a great way to reduce your stress!

Now that you know the excellent benefits of paddle boarding and kayaking, you can hopefully decide on the best choice for you during your next visit to Myrtle Beach.