Exciting experience with SUP

In early mornings, at Hon Chong beach, it can be easily observed a group of young people doing Sup on the sea. With inflatable paddle boats, and some skillful movements with paddles, players can comfortably control the boat moving on the sea surface. Mr. Thieu Van Sang, a player shared that Sup was a sport experience introduced to Vietnam a long time ago. However, in the past 1 or 2 years, Sup movement has gradually developed in NhaTrang. Sup boats are made of different materials such as wood, synthetic plastic; the popular type is still made from inflatable rubber as it is neat and convenient for long-distance travel with a length of about 350cm, a width of about 84cm, a weight of 8kg to 10kg, and load capacity up to 150kg. Players can freely choose various places to paddle such as sea, lake and river, etc.

Having been doing Sup for more than 2 years, Ms. Vu Thu Trang (LocTho Ward) has experienced a variety of destinations for Sup players.  Trang said that was an interesting sport for people who are eager to explore. Players of this sport need to have minimum skills such as good physical strength, good balance, knowing how to handle situations and must wear life jackets when rowing. There is a rope attached to the leg of the rower to keep the rower close to the boat when falling into water. The interesting point of this sport is that players can experience rowing in different places.  NhaTrang is a great place for Sup players with the sea, many rivers and lakes. She has experienced Sup in many places such as Hon Chong beach, Am Chua lake, Ninh Van beach, Dam Mon beach, SuoiDau lake and Thuy Trieu lagoon, etc. In particular, Hon Chong beach has beautiful coral reefs, so the combination of Sup and coral diving is favored by many people.

Mr. Luong Hoang Nam also has many interesting experiences with Sup. He shared: “I was still new to this sport in the begining, so I fell continuously into the water because I could not keep my balance. However, once I got used to it, I just took the paddle and relaxed where I liked.  The difficulties of this sport are rowing skills as you must be able to stand on the SUP boat. I like to paddle in the sea from 5:30 to 7 a.m., as the sea is quite calm and clear around this time, so you can freely watch the coral.

According to SUP players in NhaTrang, Sup boats can be sold at different prices with different quality, ranging from VND 5 million to tens of millions. This sport is not difficult to get used to and play, but players need to know how to swim and ensure safety factors such as wearing life jackets, comfortable clothes (preferably swimwear), and knowing how to choose safe places to sail. Because of its convenient and portable form, Sup boat is chosen by many people when going on picnics, camping, swimming and diving, etc. “ It is not only a hobby, but Sup also helps players to exercise and improve health.  Many people also combine Sup with fishing and doing yoga on the water, etc. On weekends, just bring the Sup boat to a place around the city to be able to freely experience.  Therefore, this sport has gradually become prevalent in NhaTrang City", Mr. Sang shared.

H.PHONG