SUP is the hot season

SUP rowing meets the need for relaxation and cooling off on hot days. Photo: Song Uyen

Instead of sitting for hours in a coffee shop, walking around the mall or going to the cinema, many young people choose SUP rowing on the river as a new hobby to reduce the heat and combine physical exercise.

SUP (Stand Up Paddle board) is stand-up paddleboarding or stand-up paddleboarding, participants often sit or stand on the board, using paddles to move on many types of terrain such as rivers, streams, canals... This sport is personalized, the playing equipment is used by only one person.

In Ho Chi Minh City, SUP is becoming more and more popular with the appearance of many clubs.

New experience

The feeling of being unsteady when stepping off the board, staying calm and concentrating to glide the board evenly on the water surface are the sensory experiences that attract young people to participate in SUP paddling.

SUP brings many interesting experiences to Phuong Trinh. Photo: Riri Phuong Trinh

Riri Phuong Trinh (25 years old), who regularly participates in SUP, said that outdoor activities close to nature and rivers are of interest to many people in the summer, including SUP.

This sport brings Phuong Trinh many interesting things that cannot be found in other forms of entertainment. "I have to overcome my fear and stay calm when I step on the board. Even though I know how to swim, it is not easy to control the board in the direction I want. After a while of paddling, my worries gradually disappear, I feel like I am immersed in the water and feel my whole body is relaxing," this young person recounts the feeling when paddling SUP.

"I like rowing along the riverbank, following the mangrove, coconut and sycamore trees. Immersing myself in the sun, the wind and enjoying the cool air from the wind blowing close to the water, just like being in the West," Phuong Trinh said.

Not only is SUP an effective way to cool down, it also equips Phuong Trinh with underwater survival skills. Her mind also increases the ability to concentrate and her body maintains better balance.

Wanting to find a fun water activity to do on hot days, Nguyen An Vy (22 years old) chose SUP because she saw many check-in photos on social networks.

SUP is considered a form of entertainment combined with heat avoidance. Photo: Nguyen Quang Hoang Lang

"Enjoying the air conditioning at shopping malls or coffee shops is no longer interesting to me. I want to exercise, play in the water and immerse myself in nature, so SUP is the most suitable. This is also the first time I tried rowing," An Vy said.

Unlike Phuong Trinh who had experience rowing, An Vy had to spend more than 30 minutes listening to the coach explain the basic skills. After the nervous and awkward moments on the board were a series of new experiences.

Sitting on the board, gliding through the ripples of water, An Vy was able to explore Rach Dua, enjoy fresh coconut water, float on the board to see Landmark 81 in the sunset and the city view from a new perspective. "Thanks to participating in SUP, I have the opportunity to get to know many people who share the same passion for discovery," this young person shared.

In Ho Chi Minh City, some SUP clubs that are popular with young people include Saigon SUP Club (Binh Thanh District), Saigon Paddle Station (District 7), Go Sup (Thu Duc City), What SUP (Binh Thanh District), Sup-rise Saigon (Thu Duc City)... Prices range from 300,000-800,000 VND/person.

Closed SUP Club

The weather is hot, many young people want to relax in water or cool space. For this sport, when the weather is sunny, not cloudy and the water surface is calm is the best time to do it.

Floating on the river and watching the sunset are experiences that can only be had when SUPing. Photo: What SUP

According to Duong Hai, representative of What SUP Club, the number of customers participating in SUP has increased by more than 50% since the beginning of March, and the rowing tours are also full. This sport is quite new in Ho Chi Minh City, most of the customers have never been exposed to SUP. They are curious, want to experience the feeling of floating on the river and take beautiful photos.

SUP is quite safe and suitable for many people, even those who cannot swim. "In this sunny season, everyone wants to go SUP. Not only young people, but also the elderly and many children also book tours," said Mr. Hai.

Before getting into the water, the club's instructor will spend about 30-40 minutes introducing SUP, instructing on paddling techniques, how to use equipment and providing protective life jackets.

"First-time SUP participants need to prepare themselves with an eager spirit, listen to the instructions and follow the coach's instructions. After about 30 minutes in the water, participants will get used to it and be able to paddle freely," he added.

Thanh Da area has strong water flow, suitable for experienced people. Some river ports in Thao Dien, Kim Cuong Island (Thu Duc City) or Phu My Hung area (District 7) are places for beginners. SUP paddle courses have various lengths, suitable for each physical strength.

SUP is quite safe and suitable for many different subjects. Photo: What SUP

Ho Chi Minh City has favorable natural conditions for SUP paddling all year round. However, participants need to proactively check the tide schedule to choose the day. When paddling, participants should wear loose, long-sleeved sportswear, a hat and sunscreen.

Occasionally, other boats, ships, and canoes will pass by, causing rough waves. Participants may need to kneel or sit down to avoid falling. Be careful not to paddle beyond the permitted water area for your own safety.