I've heard this before. Training does not have to mean that you focus on being race-ready. It can allow you to maximize the benefits standup paddling offers. Some of the benefits that drew you to standup paddling in the first place. Fitness from standup translates to other sports and life-related physical challenges. It's been said many times before that stand-up paddling strengthens your core and back. With a focus on training, it also aids in weight management. It enhances balance and supports flexibility. These are all components of multi-dimensional fitness.
As much as can be said about the physiological benefits of paddling, training and conditioning also allow you to get more out of your paddling experience. You'll be able to paddle further, faster. You'll make it around that next point. You'll be stronger in rougher conditions.
And that leads us to possibly the most important benefit, it may save your life or someone else's. Having the strength and fitness to manage most conditions may mean the difference between making it back home in one piece or requiring a rescue or worse. In the Northwest, conditions can turn at anytime. What seemed like a calm, sunny morning can quickly turn into a windy disaster. Currents can surprise us and a subtle mistake in timing can result in a 3 knot treadmill until you reach the next eddy. Have you ever had to tow a friend who was injured or unable to paddle?
Racing certainly isn't for everyone but if you enjoy getting out on the water for more than just a stroll around the marina, training and conditioning should be for you.
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