Hawaiians have been stand up paddle boarding (SUPing) for years as a mean for staying fit, so it’s no surprise that the rest of the world would eventually catch on. Much like the surfing culture, stand up paddle boarding is a phenomenon enjoyed by absolutely everyone – mums, dads, , fitness junkies, celebrities and everyone in between.

While paddling through the waves at a leisurely pace seems like a simple enough task, SUPing is an intense workout, making use of your existing core strength and balance to remain in an upright position and propel through varying water obstacles. With every muscle in your body being called upon to sail the seas on a piece of beautifully carved wood, SUPing proves to be a worthy addition to your fitness regime. Want to try your hand at stand up paddle boarding? Here are three fantastic schools on the Sunshine Coast that will teach you how to effectively board.

Noosa Stand Up Paddle – Noosa

Noosa Stand Up Paddle abide by the philosophy that restoring the balance is essential to a healthy life. In saying that, their method of finding the balance is through a daily indulge of stand-up paddle boarding. They specialise in teaching everyone; from the never-touched-water-in-my-life, to the advanced SUP practitioner. Your first lesson isn’t designed to make you a SUP champion on the first go, it’s more about having fun. You will head out to the calm waters of the Noosa Sound to practice in a safe environment before tackling the ocean. Regular lessons are held every day but private lessons can be arranged at a suitable time.

Ocean Addicts – Cotton Tree

They are crazy about water sports, after-all, these specialty SUPpers are called Ocean Addicts. Cruising the flat water, river or surf waves is made safe and easy thanks to the encouraging and friendly team of instructors at Ocean Addicts. Their stand up paddle board classes are held at Cotton Tree and feature beginner and intermediate lessons. Choose from a flat water class (ideal for beginners) to learn essential techniques to becoming a confident paddle boarder or test your limits in a surf stand up lesson; a class designed to help you understand the surf environment and introduce you to riding waves. Private lessons are $55 p/p and groups of more than three are $35p/p.

Sunshine Coast KITE N SUP Fun

Whether you are looking for fun, fitness, a challenge or to socialise, Sunshine Coast KITE N SUP Fun, will help you explore the glorious coastlines of the Sunshine Coast all from the perspective of an exhilarating paddle ride. While bookings are preferred, a last minute decisions to experience stand up paddle boarding is welcomed. From beginners to advanced, there a class styles to suit all levels. Prices are $50 for one hour, although they recommend two hours for your first lesson.

The Sunny Coast is the ideal location to learn how to stand up paddle board, book in for your lesson at one of this fine schools today.