Outdoor Report: Stand up paddle boarding in the Alberta Rockies

Paul Karchut, Danielle Nerman | CBC News | Posted: July 21, 2016 11:14 PM | Last Updated: July 22, 2016

Paul Karchut says beginners should take a lesson because it's not that 'intuitive'

Media | Paul Karchut describes the different activities you can do on a stand up paddle board

Caption: Stand up paddle boarding, or SUPing is becoming increasingly popular in Alberta -- for yoga and fishing, too.

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Most of us have seen, or heard of, stand up paddle boarding.

But did you know you can do all sorts of activities on your board besides paddling?

Yoga, fishing, surfing — or just sit back and relax.

"You can take it as easy as you want, go out for a float, have a tea or coffee," said Sue Shih, who is also one of our regular ski reporters in the winter.

Stand up paddle boarding, or SUPing is becoming increasingly popular in Alberta.

Image | Sue Shih stand up paddle boarding

Caption: Sue Shih goes for a leisurely stand up paddle board at Two Jacks Lake in Banff National Park. (CBC)

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Winter SUPing

Shih has taken her board out 11 of the last 12 months.

"I've been in water that's five degree, two degrees, 10 degrees, snow. Paddle boarding is my escape from the everyday life."

If you're brave enough to SUP in winter, get yourself a good wetsuit because the water can be very cold.

Image | Paul Karchut

Caption: Each week this summer, the CBC's Paul Karchut will explore a new outdoor activity, as recommended by a Calgary Eyeopener listener. (CBC)

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Shih has launched her board all over the Alberta Rockies — from quaint alpine lakes to white water rivers.

When her adventures require overnight camping, she brings her inflatable board, which packs down to the size of a large bag.

Then she hauls it up into the mountains on her back.

Take a lesson

Paul Karchut had a scary first experience with SUPing in Hawaii in the ocean.

"Between the waves and the wind ... My wife actually thought she may have to call a lifeguard to rescue me."

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There are some paddling techniques that are specific to SUPing, such as sweep and brake strokes, and different stances depending on the conditions you're dealing with.

Take away message from Paul? SUPing is not as "intuitive" as canoeing or kayaking.

If it's your first time, he recommends you take a lesson so you don't get frustrated — and make sure that lesson takes place on a calm day on a lake and not off the coast of Hawaii.

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With files from the Calgary Eyeopener