It was about two years ago when people started paddling around on long surfboards.  Athletes like pro volleyball player Gabby Reece and her husband Laird Hamilton could be seen daily out in the calm Malibu waters.  Like surfing, paddleboarding is an intense, full body core workout that lets you get as close to walking on water as current physics will allow.

Why is it so great?  Well aside from using your arms, legs, and core, when you train or exercise on unbalanced surfaces you are constantly shifting your weight and adjusting your muscles to the push and pull of the waters.

Now, the right board is based on your weight and experience with the sport.  The narrower the board, the less stable it becomes and the harder the workout.

If you’re new to surfing, paddleboarding, or just aren’t that comfortable on the water it is ideal to start to learn on calm waters. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you are first beginning:

• The more vertical you are able to paddle, the straighter your ride will be
• You want to keep you back and torso straight.  This not only engages your core more fully, but gives you a better sense of balance on the board
• Avoid looking down. The desire to stare at your feet will only land you head first in the water
• Hold your paddle with both hands
• Feet should be parallel centered between the board’s edges

You can also choose to take a class to best acquaint yourself with this traveling workout.  Check out http://www.malibulongboards.com/standuppaddle.html.

You can be paddling to a stronger core, a firmer behind, and toned arms and legs in no time.  Plus you might even spot a friendly sea creature or two along the way.

-Arianna Schioldager