Not many individuals get to experience the Navy Yard and The Yards Park by water. However, since the grand opening of Capital SUP DC on May 20, we now have an easy and convenient way to be out on the water, combining enjoyment of exploring the river while reaping the incredible benefits of a workout.
Spice up your weekly workout regimen by cross training out on the water. Balance, back strength, core strength, and posture are a few of the many benefits you can gain from stand-up paddle boarding (SUPing) with Capital SUP DC. “Our goal is to make the world a more active place by promoting paddling,” stated Nate Strong, manager of business development and marketing at Capital SUP DC.
As I arrived at Capital SUP DC, along the east portion of The Yards Park, the excitement of being out on the water was a pleasant appreciation. Having been a collegiate swimmer and having a strong passion for water activities, I have rarely turned down the opportunity to be near the water, and this was one I was not going to pass up.
I was cheerfully greeted by Strong, an avid SUPer and our instructor for the day. He handed each participant an inflatable life jacket belt and then placed a paddle board and paddle along the water’s edge for each person. Before we headed out on the water, he walked us through a brief introduction to SUPing talk.
As we gracefully moved from the stable marine dock to the less stable SUP board, it took a few paddles to get our sea legs before we were off and exploring. First, we ventured south toward Nationals Park, where we could see fans gathering for the Nationals versus Rangers game. My imagination started to wander as I thought about how fun it would be to enjoy a Nationals game and paddle along the river in the same day. Next time I’ll be sure to tackle both, keeping the good times rolling with friends and family. And if you have kids old enough to paddle, this would be a wonderful family adventure and workout.
We continued our lesson by going under the South Capitol Street/Frederick Douglass Bridge before turning around and heading up the Anacostia River toward the 11th Street Bridge. From the water, you get a different feel of the city. You can soak up the Anacostia park on one side and see the many views of the ever-growing Navy Yard on the other.
It was never a dull moment out on the water. Between focusing on paddling, chatting with fellow SUPers, or taking in the sights, our time flew by. Before we knew it, we were headed back under the 11th Street Bridge and arriving at The Yards Park.
We have many individuals and groups spending valuable time cleaning up the Anacostia River. Capital SUP DC is doing its part with a future popup event, in which I am strongly looking forward to participating. Capital SUP DC is hosting a paddle and clean-up-the-river day on the water, where each paddler picks up river trash to make our rivers cleaner. More information about this fun activity will be posted on Capital SUP DC’s website.
Explore your backyard this summer by taking a paddle along the Anacostia River through SUPing or kayaking. These are common activities, but stand-up paddle boarding is a more recent one that is similar to “walking on water.” Paddle boards are great for everyone and require no prior experience.
Capital SUP DC is the only location in DC that rents paddle boards. It also offers lessons and popup events for individuals, groups, and business professionals from May through October.
Exploring the water together is a great way to engage co-workers in a business-bonding and wellness outing with paddle options for everyone. For more information about Capital SUP DC classes and times, or to meet the educational and fun team, visit http://capitalsup.com/ or stop and say hello along the water near 1492 Fourth St. SE.
I look forward to seeing you out on the water!
Stacy Peterson, M.Sc. Human Nutrition & Functional Medicine, CNS, CHHC, CSCS, is a functional nutritionist, holistic health, wellness, and strength and conditioning coach practicing whole-foods nutrition and physical training to individuals of all ages on the Hill. She provides an integrative approach, critical to everyone’s healthcare and performance team, helping individuals reach their health goals. For recipes, nutrition ideas, and exercise tips sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.accelerationsports.net. Connect with Stacy by email, stacy@accelerationsports.net, or by calling 805-704-7193 for a free 15-minute consultation, to ask questions and discuss how she can help you achieve your digestion, overall health, and fitness goals.
