Experience SUP paddling to welcome the extremely 'chill' sunrise on Cua Lo beach

One weekend morning, at exactly 4:30, when the sky was still dark and the dawn was starting to turn plum-colored, about 30 young people from the Nghe An Floating Club (37 SUP Club) were present at parking lot No. 5, next to Binh Minh Square, Cua Lo town. In addition to regular members, today the group had the participation of many young people who were learning about SUP for the first time. Before that, the group leaders and deputy leaders had checked the weather forecast and given new members some notes about health, clothing, itinerary, etc. Photo: Diep Thanh

Before “setting sail”, the team members will prepare together, including unloading the SUP from the car, pumping the SUP, connecting the paddles, distributing life jackets, sending items… Meanwhile, team leader Nguyen Ho Manh gathers the first-time participants to disseminate techniques and notes when paddling SUP such as: How to use SUP, fins, paddles, how to sit and stand on SUP, what to do when falling into the water… Not too many skills are required, but Manh especially reminds new members to always wear life jackets, even if they know how to swim, and always tie their feet to the tail of the SUP. Photo: Diep Thanh

In addition to the personal SUPs of its members, the Nghe An Floating Club also invests in some SUPs to give new members the opportunity to experience them at a fee of 200,000 VND/ride. It is known that the new purchase price of each SUP ranges from 7 to 30 million VND depending on the type. For young people who are passionate about "checking in", a mobile phone is an indispensable item on the trip. That is also the reason why members should buy a waterproof bag for their phones in advance. Photo: Diep Thanh

The feeling of cutting through the waves, even on a small boat, excites many young people. Even tourists who are swimming in the sea are interested and want to experience it.

You may have watched the sunrise from the beach many times, but watching the sunrise on a SUP, amidst the vast waves, shimmering with the Sun is a completely different feeling. Moreover, this journey of “swimming towards the Sun” is not simply a sightseeing trip but also an exciting challenge for each person. Photo: Diep Thanh

Calm winds and small waves helped the “experience boat crew” have a “smooth, cool” start beyond expectations. With this weather, members can easily control the paddle in the right direction, even relax on the SUP in various positions such as standing, sitting, kneeling, lying down... Photo: Diep Thanh

With extensive experience, the veteran members of the Nghe An Floating Club always proactively supervise and promptly support new members in all situations. At a suitable distance and time, the whole group stops rowing, together fully enjoying the fresh, peaceful atmosphere of the early morning sea. Photo: Diep Thanh

Gathering many young people who share a passion for SUP, the Nghe An Floating Club was established in 2020 with the regular participation of about 30 members. In addition to weekends, members also paddle together on beautiful days of the week. In addition to SUP, the Club also organizes many other meaningful activities for the community. It is known that, interspersed with these sightseeing trips, the club also regularly organizes more challenging trips such as rowing to Ngu Island, SUP rowing competitions between veteran members... All are based on the principles of time and weather to ensure the health and safety of members. Photo: Diep Thanh

At around 6 o'clock, when the sunlight began to warm up, the members decided to paddle to shore. The appearance of the brightly colored SUPs attracted the attention of many tourists. Photo: Diep Thanh

Before returning home, the members took turns cleaning the SUP, removing the fins, removing the paddles, and neatly packing up their belongings... After the experience of SUPing to welcome the sunrise on Cua Lo beach, all the young people who participated for the first time had the same affirmation: There will definitely be many more times to come! Photo: Diep Thanh

“We hope to build the club stronger and stronger, first to share our passion and improve our health, and then to develop this sport as a unique tourism experience in Cua Lo. With new and youthful experiences, tourists coming to Cua Lo will have more options for their trip” – shared Mr. Nguyen Ho Manh, Captain of the Nghe An Floating Club. Photo: Diep Thanh