Outdoor Report: Stand up paddle boarding in the Alberta Rockies

Most of us have seen, or heard of, stand up paddle boarding.

But did you know you can do all sorts of activities on your board besides paddling?

Yoga, fishing, surfing or just sit back and relax.

"You can take it as easy as you want, go out for a float,have a tea or coffee," saidSueShih, who is also one ofour regular ski reporters in the winter.

Stand up paddleboarding, orSUPingis becoming increasingly popular in Alberta.

Winter SUPing

Shih has taken her board out 11of the last 12 months.

"I've been in water that's five degree, two degrees, 10degrees, snow.Paddleboarding is my escape from the everyday life."

If you're brave enough to SUP in winter, get yourself a good wetsuitbecause the water can be verycold.

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Shih haslaunchedherboard all over the AlbertaRockies fromquaint alpine lakes to white water rivers.

When heradventures require overnight camping, shebrings herinflatable board,whichpacks down to the size of a large bag.

Then she hauls it up into the mountains on her back.

Take a lesson

Paul Karchuthad ascary first experience withSUPing in Hawaii in the ocean.

"Between the waves and the wind ... My wife actually thought she may have to call a lifeguard to rescue me."

There are some paddling techniques that are specific to SUPing, such as sweep and brake strokes, and differentstances depending on the conditions you're dealing with.

Take away message from Paul? SUPing is not as"intuitive" as canoeing or kayaking.

If it's your first time, he recommends you take a lesson so you don't get frustrated and make sure that lesson takes place on a calm day on alake and not off the coast ofHawaii.

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With files from the Calgary Eyeopener