By Chloe Lee Mei Tchuin
Combine surfing with kayaking, then you’ve got Stand-Up Paddleboarding!
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a water sport which originated from Hawaii. Over the years, it has quickly developed and grown in popularity all over the world, as well as in Sabah. SUP is an amazing full-body workout that improves your core strength, cardio fitness, balance, and flexibility with virtually no impact. It is a sport that all people can participate in regardless of age!
Unlike surfing, SUP is a relaxing activity where you don’t need waves to paddleboard. Calm flat water is best for beginners.
The beauty of paddleboarding is that you can do it on an ocean, lake, and even a river. Of course, Kota Kinabalu has the perfect beach and sunset… so the the sea is definitely our first choice!
How?
Save your surf stance for the surf and keep your feet parallel with toes pointed toward the nose. Make sure your grip on the paddle is shoulder width apart, then dip the blade fully into the water and take a long stroke, letting your back muscles do the work.
Where?
We recommend Kinabalu Yacht Club (KYC), located at Tanjung Aru Beach along the coastal stretch towards the Shangri-la’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa. Stepping into the KYC grounds itself is an invitation to relaxation equated by the sea breeze. Please note that KYC is for club members only and SUPs are privately owned. Therefore, feel free to apply for a membership and seek assistance from getting your own SUP. Otherwise, don’t forget to bring your own paddle board along as there is no board available for rent at the club house.
It’s fun to get out on the water and enjoy nature, so it hardly feels like exercise.
Permanent and Executive (yearly) membership available for interested parties.
For more information and enquiry about joining KYC as member, contact:
Kinabalu Yacht Club
Address: 3A, Jalan Aru, Tanjung, P. O. Box 10392, 88804 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
T: +6088 240 070, 243 070
F: +6088 243 007
E: kinabaluyachtclub@yahoo.com
W: www.kinabaluyachtclub.com
