With the summer months approaching quickly, it’s time to start planning how to best make use of the sunny weather on the horizon. If you’re looking for an exciting new activity to take part in with your loved ones, why not try paddle boarding?

A brilliantly fun water sport with plenty of health benefits for the old and young alike, paddle boarding is low-impact,  easy to pick up and relatively cheap to start. All this makes it a great option for families looking to spend time on the water together. Here are some reasons why.

It’s quick and easy to start

We all know how difficult it can be to get everyone on the same page to start a new activity. But paddle boarding is one of the easiest, quickest outdoor pastimes for newcomers. Simply grab your boards, put on your buoyancy aids, find a perfect stretch of water, and launch!

There is a wide range of paddle boards on the market for people of varying ages and sizes, all built to help the rider learn essential skills like balance and paddle movement quickly. Choose the correct gear, do your research on the techniques, and within an hour or two on the water, you and your family could be pros!

It’s relaxing and beneficial

All watersports are great for exercise, but paddle boarding is unique in that it’s also an amazing relaxation tool. Take in the beautiful surroundings, enjoy the time away from life’s various sights and sounds, and take advantage of the endless fresh air on offer. By partaking alongside your family, you can also use the time on the water to connect with one another.

If you’re looking to shed a few pounds, paddle boarding is a perfect solution for people of all ages. Your core will be engaged subtly, helping to strengthen your muscles without inflicting unnecessary strain on the body. Paddling requires the use of several areas of the body, too, so you can be sure you’re getting an all-round workout.

It’s actually relatively safe

When taking on a watersport, first and foremost you should be concerned with the safety of your party. Paddle boarding is a relatively safe activity, so long as you take the necessary precautions when preparing, and when you’re out on the water.

First, ensure that you and your family are comfortable on the boards. Make sure everyone knows how to properly stand on and operate the board – practice on dry land first. Second, everyone should wear an appropriate, well-fitting buoyancy aid in the water. This should still allow for plenty of free movement to allow you to paddle. Next, you should all learn how to fall ‘correctly’. It’s a given that you’ll end up in the water, you just need to know how to do so safely. Finally, make sure the water you choose is calm and not too daunting.

All of these safety tips are especially important when paddle boarding with children. Take the necessary measures to ensure that everyone is safe, relaxed and having fun.