What: Stand-up Paddleboarding
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Where: The SUP'ing Caveman, Molonglo Reach thesupingcaveman.com
Stand-up paddleboarding (that's SUPing for those in the know) has created a bit of a buzz over the past few years. Celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Kate Hudson are fans, and rave about the core workout it gives you.
I've always been intrigued, and was excited to see you can now do it on our very own Lake Burley Griffin. Matthew Scott, The SUPing Caveman, first discovered the sport when he lived in Newcastle, and was instantly hooked. Moving inland to Canberra didn't stop him, and he's now offering lessons so other locals can enjoy its fitness benefits.
I admit I was incredibly concerned about falling in the lake, given I've never felt a strong urge to touch its water, coupled with my intense irrational fear of fish touching me. Scott supportively told me that a fall was inevitable and to just get over it.
I headed along on a Sunday morning, with two other ladies who were fellow SUPing virgins. Scott started us off on shore, where we got a feel for the board and the paddle. After about 20 minutes it was straight into the lake, where we got onto the boards and paddled a short distance on our knees. The three of us mastered the knee bit quite quickly, but then it was time to stand up.
I made half an attempt, and after a few wobbles, dropped straight back down to my knees to try again. That was when the lady next to me went straight overboard, emerging half-winded from the chill in the lake. I don't know whether it was due to talent or pure terror after witnessing the fall, but I then managed to pop up and stay upright for the whole lesson.
Once you're up, SUPing is incredible. The feeling of almost walking on water is quite indescribable, and just cruising along out there in the calm is a whole other level of bliss. My legs were shaking for the majority of the class, which is apparently fairly normal, but as you get the hang of it and relax a bit it actually gets easier. Having well and truly stayed away from the lake for the four years I've lived in Canberra, I was left wondering why.
As well as lessons, Scott is also offering SUP'ercise lessons, like boot camp on a SUP, and I'm definitely heading back to try it. Although I hear there are SUP burpees involved – so I feel a dip in the lake next time is truly inevitable.
Next day pain factor: My legs in particular felt like they'd done a decent workout, but other than that, I was still revelling in the endorphins from gliding along the lake.
Get started: You can get three learn to SUP lessons for $150, which includes all the gear you'll need, and you get a free SUP'ercise lesson thrown in.