StarBulletin.com

Walking on water rejuvenates both body and soul


By

POSTED: Saturday, March 20, 2010

Stand-up paddle surfing is growing most rapidly among women who have discovered its fitness benefits.

Jane Culp, 69, of Honolulu, has been paddling for more than a year, and goes out several times a week. She got into it after walking into Wet Feet at Aina Haina Shopping Center, and finding the right board for her petite size, which she said makes all the difference.

“;It's good exercise for the core and balance,”; said Culp. “;For someone my age, balance is key. And if you fall, you fall in the water.”;

If you get tired during a distance paddling trip, Culp says you can always sit down. But she's hooked.

Susan Lamb of Aina Haina is also hooked, so much so that she's training for races. Since she started a year ago, Lamb, who is in her 50s, said she has slimmed down by three short sizes, and quit her gym membership.

“;It works your abs, butt, thighs, right down to your feet and your arms,”; said Lamb, an athlete with a canoe paddling background. “;It's just a total workout.”;

               

     

 

 

Young at Heart

       

»Gi whiz: Judo keeps seniors in shape

       

»Woman breaks out of personal prison to seek education

       

»Busy senior finds ingredients for a fulfilling retirement

       

»Walking on water rejuvenates both body and soul

       

»Is a multivitamin a smart idea?

       

»Teaching an ancient Asian art keeps a crafter's spirit young

       

Still, Lamb says she paddles because it's incredibly relaxing and a great way to relieve stress from her job working with pre-schoolers.

Reid Inouye, founder of Paddle Core Fitness says women tend to get the hang of stand-up paddling faster because of a natural advantage.

Women have wider hips, are lower to the ground, and thus, have a better center of gravity, he said. Also, women tend to listen more patiently to their instructors compared with most men, who just want to get up and go.

Stance and balance are key, said Inouye, along with the right-sized board.

One of the best perks of stand-up paddling is the chance to get in tune with the environment. Inouye says he loves it when he gets into a zone: “;Just you, the water and Mother Nature.”;

Stand-up paddling connects a person's soul with nature, he said, releasing endorphins that relieve stress, and make people happy and relaxed.

“;It's relatively safe to do, easy to learn and anytime you can walk on water, it's gotta be considered amazing and fun,”; said Inouye. “;But if you never try, you'll never know.”;

               

     

 

 

TIPS FOR OLDER PADDLERS

        Advice from Reid Inouye, owner of Paddle Core Fitness, who says, “;Anyone who can walk can paddle. You are never too old.”; Inouye says stand-up paddling builds strength and improves balance, both in mind and body. “;Remember you are only as old as you make yourself out to be. So get out there and paddle.”;

       

» Take a lesson from a qualified instructor, someone who will teach you balance, stroke, safety and how to fall safely and get up on your board in shallow and deep water. Look for someone who has Red Cross and lifeguard certifications.

       

» If you have trouble balancing, the key is to find a board at least 29 inches wide if you're less than 125 pounds, 30 inches wide under 150 pounds, 31 inches wide under 175 pounds, 32 inches under 200 pounds, 34 inches by 11 to 12 feet if between 200 and 250 pounds. It's all about width, not length.

       

» Always learn to paddle in calm waters away from swimmers and beachgoers to avoid contact and injuries.

       

» Avoid windy days unless you are an advanced paddler.

       

» Hydrate with at least 20 ounces of water an hour. Wear sunscreen.