Taking SUP to Another Level

One of the things I enjoy about paddle boarding versus some of the other water vessels is the versatility. Standing on a movable water platform allows for so many variations of activities on the water. So, when you want to try something different from just paddling around the water, there are definitely some exciting possibilities.

Here are Just a Few Incredible Games to Play on a SUP

SUP Jousting- This is an amazing activity to try with a couple buddies next time you are out on the water. Jousting involves using a jousting stick to try to knock the other person off balance and into the water.

You can keep track of times to see who can stay up the longest or competitions against each other to see who the last person is standing.

Many major events have begun to incorporate jousting tournaments. Check out my post on the best annual SUP events worldwide.

It’s easy to make a jousting stick by using something like a PVC pipe or broomstick. You can wrap both ends of the stick with a foam pad or old towels.

I’d recommend wearing some sort of head protection if you are really swinging hard at each other. Gladiator Joust-Amazon

Paddle Board Polo- If you’ve ever seen water polo, it’s a game that appears to be a combination of lacrosse and soccer with a volleyball. There are two teams of swimmers that compete trying to throw a ball into a goal. Paddle Board Polo is a similar concept, but more like Ultimate Frisbee.

Instead of throwing a ball into a goal the team needs to cross a goal line by catching a ball across the goal line. There are different variations of ways to play the game, so you can determine the rules of play.

Use buoys or floatation devices to map out an area and goals. You want to make sure you have a large enough area for paddlers to comfortably move around and aren’t able to make one throw to score.

Play can start off by throwing the ball to the other team, similar to kicking off in football or placing the ball in the center and the two teams start from their goal lines and race to see who gets it first.

The player that has the ball has to stop paddling and tries to throw to a teammate. Those without the ball can paddle around.

If the ball is dropped or lands in the water, it goes to the other team where the ball landed. Points are scored when teams pass and catch the ball all the way across the goal line. The defending team can block the passes.

attwood Anchor Buoy

Golf- This can be played similar to disc golf by using hula hoops or floating rings. You can set a few out and paddle a certain distance away to see how many throws it takes to get an object in the ring. You could use something like a nerf ball to throw or an actually Frisbee to toss into the rings. After the first throw, you go to retrieve the object and throw it from the spot it landed until you get it into the ring. Whoever has the lowest amount of throws wins.

Dodgeball- You can mark off a large area using rope and buoys while creating a divider line. Use 4 or 5 rubber balls for play. If a paddler is hit or falls off their paddle board then they’re out.

If a paddler catches a ball thrown at them, then the opposing player that threw the ball is out. The team that knocks everybody out first wins.

S&S Worldwide Gator Skin Dodgeballs (set of 6)

Boxing- No, I’m not talking about a legitimate Floyd Mayweather boxing match, but having fun with it.

Getting those large oversized boxing gloves can be a blast just banging them around and trying to knock each other off their paddle board.

You can do things similar to joust with either last man standing or longest duration of time.

Giant Boxing Gloves for Bounce House Inflatables

Relay Racing- Relay races can be set up in a variety of ways. A paddler could race to a spot and back, then the next person on the team do the same until all team member completes the race.

The team with the first to complete wins. You could also do more of a baton relay where team members are positioned an equal distance apart and have to race to the next team member to hand off the baton until the team has completed the race.

The first team to completes wins. This can be a fun way to improve your paddling speed and strength.

Capture the Flag- This game can be played in a large open space by dividing into two teams. It’s best to have a large group of 10 or more. Each team has a flag that can be placed on a buoy or floating device.

Teams are trying to get the other teams flag and bring it back to their flag location. If someone is tagged or knocked off they have to go to a designated area and be rescued by a teammate.

The teammate simply needs to tag the captured player to free them. A rule should be designed so teams aren’t able to sit and guard the flag.

Obstacle Courses- Different objects can be placed across the water to complete various tasks to complete a course. For example, at one spot a paddler could be required to do a certain yoga pose, then the next spot, dive into the water to swim a couple of laps around their SUP, etc.

You could get really creative with designing various tasks or obstacles to complete. It could be a timed event or competing against a team to see who can complete it first.

In Summary, Getting some other fellow SUP riders together and just a few additional items can create a whole new experience with SUP. Many of these games are great just playing on land, but adding water just enhances the games.

Please comment below on anything you enjoyed from this post or games you’ve tried playing on a SUP.

photo credit: END_racing IMG_7275 via photopin (license)
photo credit: Jim Mullhaupt Paddle Board Maui via photopin (license)