Bond University researchers are looking for sedentary “couch potatoes” to try their hand at stand up paddle boarding (SUP) during a free six week course to discover how the activity can benefit the every day person.
Last year Bond launched a study examining the sport from a performance point of view. To complete the study, they now want to see how the sport impacts on people who aren’t used to exercise and are offering a free six-week course by professional coaches. Males and females who are currently inactive aged 18-60 are invited to participate.
Physiotherapist and Bond University PhD candidate Ben Schram, who is lead researcher in the study, said it was now time to shift the focus of the study to the every day person, to see how the sport can benefit them.
“We have profiled the world’s best in elite competition both here and in Hawaii, and have a good understanding of what it takes to succeed in the sport from a performance point of view. We are now interested in seeing how SUP could increase the health of the average person”  Ben said.
“We require a range of people to complete our studies and will provide them with some fitness, skills and fun in the water at the same time.”
Bond University initiated the study to provide some evidence behind the claims of advocates that stand up paddle boarding is beneficial for fitness, core strength, balance and back pain.
Ben Schram said that if proven to be correct, SUP could provide an alternative, enjoyable outdoor activity which could help combat the growing rates of inactivity among Australians and promote healthy lifestyle and exercise.
The six week course will be conducted in the calm waters of Currumbin Creek by expert coaches, and all equipment will be provided.
“It is a very safe activity with minimal risk, and it is low impact, making it ideal for arthritic joints!’ he added.
“Most people find they are pretty comfortable standing up on the board after about an hour of training.
“We aim to test them before and after the training, to monitor parameters such as aerobic and anaerobic fitness, balance, core strength, blood lipid profiles and body composition to see how beneficial the training has been to them.”
If you are aged 18-60, currently inactive, keen to try something fun, willing to commit to 6 weeks of training and want to have your pre and post training status assessed for free by physiotherapists and exercise scientists, please contact Ben Schram at the Bond Institute of Health and Sport via [email protected].
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