Not only is standup paddle boarding (SUP) a lot of fun and a fab way to explore the lagoons around
Bawah Reserve, it also has a number of added health benefits.

There’s evidence that a form of this activity started around 3,000 years old, when Peruvian fisherman stood upright on reed rafts and navigated the ocean with bamboo paddles. Since then, the equipment has improved a lot, even with inflatable paddle boards for convenience, ensuring a fun and healthy way to explore the ocean – no boat required.

Here's are our top 10 reasons to schedule at least one SUP session during your stay at Bawah:

1. Getting started is a breeze:

Bawah Reserve activities centre with paddle boards and kayaks for guests use

Our team will get you all kitted out with one of our super stylish wooden standup paddleboards or one of our new transparent Lucid paddleboards at Bawah’s Activity Centre.

There is not much to stand up paddleboarding equipment, all you will need is the board, a paddle and a life jacket – and off you go.

We can even arrange to have a picnic delivered to your final destination combined with a boat ride home...

2. Explore in peace:

seethrough paddleboards at Bawah Reserve

There’s no better way to explore the Reserve’s 6 islands, 13 beaches and 3 lagoons by yourself. Without the need for a dive or boat captain, you can traverse Bawah’s calm waters solo or with a partner. Either way, you’re in for an interrupted, tranquil day at sea.

Why not use our new LUCID see-through paddleboards some of the best paddleboards on the market and enjoy the underwater show as you SUP!

3. Improve your balance:

yoga and pilates floating on a paddleboard at sea

Mastering the art of SUPing is all about balance. It’s the key to all movement and part of everything we do, from walking to sport to reaction times needed for daily living. Balance is especially important as we age, which makes standup paddleboarding (and its soft water “falls”) great for all ages.

4. Whole-body workout:

yoga on a paddleboard on a private island

It might look like you’re just standing and moving your arms up and down, but in reality your body is silently working from head to toe. From your core to tiny muscles in your feet – SUPing is a full-body workout.

5. Reduce stress:

paddleboard up to your accommodation at Bawah Reserve

There is nothing more peaceful and calming than being surrounded by the ocean. Why not add on some stress-busting breathing exercises atop your board? Our wellbeing team is available to help you with stress-reducing solutions to practice on the water.

6. Lose weight:

wooden stand up paddleboards

It might be low impact, but an hour of standup paddleboarding burns up to 540 calories, just enough to clear breakfast and make room for lunch.

7. Floating movement class:

floating movement classes on paddle boards in the lagoon at bawah reserve

Once you’ve mastered the basics (standing up, that is) you can move on to more advanced fitness options, such as floating yoga or Pilates. Soon you’ll be ready for a downward dolphin or headstand on the ocean.

8. Meditation platform:

paddle boarding at Bawah Reserve

Paddle out to a one of our private lagoons, climb atop a meditation platform and take a moment to meditate. The floating sensation, coupled with the remote location, provides the perfect spot to lose yourself to a higher realm.

9. Sunbathe in style:

sunbathe on a paddle board

If standing is too tricky, simply lie atop your board and soak up a little sun for your daily dose of vitamin D.

10. Dine at sea:

Floating Breakfast SUP Stand Up Paddle Board

Forget breakfast in bed – why not eat your breakfast atop your board?
Sure, it’s a bit zany but we have guests that absolutely love it. Try something new and snag the closest ocean view possible.

Happy SUPing!

Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the activities included in the Bawah Reserve package - Book your trip now.