OUTDOORS

Paddles up

Katrina Lau tackles the stand up paddle board in Southside

If dragon boating and windsurfing are not up your alley, standup paddleboarding (SUP) may be the relaxing water sport you are searching for this summer. We’ve tested the water and here’s how you can enjoy some sun and sea in Stanley.

WHAT IS PADDLEBOARDING

A cross between surfing and kayaking, paddle boarders stand on the boards and use a paddle to propel themselves through the water. To get moving paddle boarders will need to balance their knees on the board and gradually begin to stand up. Once standing up they can increase paddle speed and even practice some yoga poses.

WHERE TO LEARN

Aqua-Bound SUP

Led by professionally trained instructors, Aqua-Bound SUP, located on Stanley Main Beach offers classes and equipment hire. The water sports centre offers SUP equipment rental for SUP boards, kayaks, windsurfing and wakeboarding equipment. Boards are available to rent for one hour for $80 or the whole day for $350. Buoyancy vests and wetsuits are also available. aquabound.com.hk

Island Paddle HK

Island Paddle HK

Founded by fitness and ocean enthusiast couple Esther Bland and Niall Westley, Island Paddle focuses on giving people the confidence to paddle safely and teach you the fundamentals of SUP safety and technique before hiring out a board. Join one of its 90-minute lessons and • Always check the sea state, wind speed and direction before you get in the water. Don’t paddle in conditions beyond your ability. • Select the right board for your paddle. A wider and larger board is more stable and generally better for beginners and SUP yogis. And always use a leg leash when paddling. • Understand the different paddle strokes to control your board. A straight stroke paddle along the board will help you go towards your destination, while a sweeping circular stroke from the nose of the board to the tail will help you turn the board.

tours taking place in Stanley Bay or enjoy a SUP Yoga session to help you reconnect with nature.

islandpaddle.hk

AUM Yoga Academy

Founded by Miss Doris in 2012, AUM Yoga

SUP tips from Niall Westley, co-founder of Island Paddle HK

Academy has four branches across Hong • Improve your balance by looking out at the horizon rather than down between your toes.

• Take arms out of the equation when you paddle and use the rotation and hinge motion of the hips to develop a stronger and more efficient stroke.

• Always keep an eye on your surroundings when practicing SUP yoga. It’s easy to get caught up in a pose and end up drifting too close to the rocks or another yogi.

• If any of this sounds a bit overwhelming, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly for more tips and a lesson or two.

Island Paddle HK

Kong offering a variety of yoga practices from traditional matt yoga to aerial yoga. Throughout August, the academy is offering SUP yoga sessions at South Bay Beach, so you can practice your downward dog on the water. aum.com.hk

BEST PLACES TO GO

Stanley Beach

While Stanley is the perfect weekday location to hit the seas, weekends and public holidays tend to be a bit busier with plenty of sea traffic. Beginners should opt for a quieter time to practice their skills.

Repulse Bay

One of Southside’s most popular beaches, paddle boarders can enjoy an afternoon in the sunshine before heading over to The Pulse for a well-earned snack.

Tai Tam Bay

For a more serene SUP experience Tai Tam Bay’s calm waters will put first time paddlers at ease. Its abundance of marine life will be an exciting addition to the trip.