If you are a water sports-enthusiast, you’ll be interested to know that stand up paddleboarding is one of the quickest growing sports in the world. Paddleboarding is easy to learn, safe and enjoyable for all ages.
Historically, there appears to be no valid point of origin, but the practice of stand up paddleboarding is rooted in ancient times. What served as transportation in ancient Polynesia and Venice gondolas has evolved into a modern day water sport.

What is Stand up Paddleboarding?

Basically, you stand on a specialty board and paddle. Balance is important but the sport is recommended for people of all fitness levels to foster a strong upper body and core.

It’s a common misconception that paddleboarding is all about catching waves. Not true. You can practice on lakes or any flat water, as well as the ocean.

By standing up, you are privileged with an incredible view of your surroundings and opportunities to catch a glimpse of any marine life.

Growing Popularity of Stand Up Paddleboarding in Minneapolis – St. Paul

Minneapolis and St. Paul locals love being outdoors in the summertime. They particularly enjoy the experience of engaging their senses with the beautiful scenery, trees, birds and water.

Devotees of stand up paddleboarding in the Twin Cities are raving about the “motor-free serenity” of a Zen-like connection with nature, while simultaneously obtaining a core workout.

An abundance of “flat waters”, or rivers and lakes in the area provide an auspicious location for the sport that is rapidly exploding in popularity.

Where to Start Paddleboarding and Beginner Tips

If stand up paddleboarding is “uncharted waters” for you, it’s a good idea to take lessons from a professional. Consider using rental gear until you master balance and stoke techniques.

Normally a three-hour beginner lesson includes: correct water entry, balance, proper stance on paddleboard, paddling techniques and safety.

What is Average Cost of Startup Gear?

Expensive gear is the main caveat connected with this trendy sport. Beginner stand up paddleboards can range in price anywhere from $500 to $2,000+. A high performance paddle runs around $69-$400. Later on you can research accessories, such as fins, inflatable belt packs, paddle covers, bags etc.

Check your state laws about personal flotation devices (PFD). Some states consider paddleboards water crafts and require that you have a PFD. Have fun paddling!

The Chicago Blackhawks are also bringing in extra business to Rockford. Owners of some sporting stores say the team’s winning record has made up for half of their sales this season.

A Blackhawks win means big money for some Rockford businesses. 23 News caught up with the owner of GQ sports, who says Blackhawks gear has been flying off the shelves since the team landed in the playoffs.

“It’s hard to keep it in stock, especially the pictures, you know the clothing’s a little tricky to keep in stock right now with the t-shirts and sweatshirts and that but we do still have stock left,” says Gary Larson.

Read the rest of the article at Wifr.com.

Cabela’s Inc. announced plans to open stores in Lubbock, TX and Berlin, MA. The Lubbock store, along with a store set to open in Cheektowaga, NY, is scheduled to open in 2014. The Berlin location is expected to open in 2015.

Construction on the 88,000-square-foot location, which will serve the greater Buffalo area, is scheduled to begin this fall, which will be Cabela’s first New York location. The store is expected to employ up to 200 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees.

Construction on the 42,000-square-foot Cabela’s Outpost store is scheduled to begin this fall and Cabela’s anticipates a summer 2014 opening. The store is expected to employ approximately 90 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees.

Bass Pro Shops also plans a store at Luxury Point, one of the largest new mixed-use developments in the U.S., in Sayreville, NJ. The new 200,000 square-foot Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World will be located at Garden State Parkway and Chevalier Avenue.

Seth Jones, Nate MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin, seen as the top three prospects in the 2013 NHL draft, have signed with Reebok-CCM Hockey.

The three will showcase Reebok-CCM equipment including the RBZ skate and RBZ Stage 2 stick.

The three join the likes of Sidney Crosby, John Tavares and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins at Reebok-CCM.

This is a big win for Reebok-CCM as they have a lot of competition for top players.

When it comes to athletic training, everything centers around the fluid motion of your body. Regardless of the sport that you play, the fluid motion of your body’s core is the most valuable tool that you can have. It is through this fluid motion that your body will be able to move like it needs to during your sport, without needing you to concentrate on making it happen.

The 8 Board is a new piece of athletic training equipment that is designed to help you turn the concept of fluid body motion into something that you do automatically. Through practice on this unit, athletes around the world are turning fluid body movement into an automatic reflex.

The 8 Board is a small exercise device that consists of two rotating discs on an adjustable mount. You position these discs so that they are shoulder width apart, and then climb onto the unit with both of your feet pointing directly forward. Once you are properly in position, you turn both of your feet to the left, and then swing them around to the right. Back and forth you go, creating a figure 8 shape with your body as you move.

Your muscles begin to feel this motion as you work with the 8 Board, helping you not only learn fluidity in your motions, but likewise helping you to strengthen the core of your body. With continued use, the fluidity of the motions that your body undergoes begins to become muscle memory. This means that when you move for your sport, or during athletic training, your body automatically wants to do so in a fluid motion that comes from the core of your body, adding strength and stability to your motion.

As an exercise tool that builds balance and tones the muscles of your core, the 8 Board is perfect for those recovering from accidents or surgeries as well. Physical therapy offices are starting to use this device more frequently to help their patients recover from traumatic instances more quickly. Fitness clubs are investing in the 8 Board for many of the same reasons.

As the importance of fluid body movements becomes more evident in athletic training, the 8 Board encounters more fans. The best way to prevent an injury, or to keep yourself from concentrating on injury prevention, is to make that prevention part of your natural instincts.

The cost of the 8 Board is $119.95 and can be found on their website at GrailSports.com.