Shut Up ‘n’ Paddle

The sport, which blends long board surfing with paddle power, and has Rihanna leaving her umbrella at home, has officially been awarded here at Surfdome as one of the fastest growing board sports. Whether she is releasing racy music videos, becoming one of TIME magazine’s most influential people or just stand-up paddle boarding, Rihanna always seems to draw attention to herself.

Riri’s paddle power

The incredible act of Stand-Up Paddling, which entails a combination of balancing and paddling, is an excellent sport for building the core-body strength and improving the arm and leg muscles. It has been rumoured that the Barbadian music star mastered the sport in the beautiful Hawaiian island of Maui, during the shoot of her recent movie role in Battleship (2012), which is loosely based on the actual game.  Rihanna has not been the only celebrity that has taken up SUP, as many trend-setting celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Pierce Brosnan and Matthew McConaughey, just to mention a few, have given it a go.

Jennifer Aniston (upper left), Pierce Brosnan (lower left) and Matthew McConaughey (right)

For those of you who are into SUP or just find it intriguing, the second year event of the Summer Sizzler race series is fast approaching. It will be held on the 19^th May, 2012 along the River Thames. The highlights of the event include the “Thames Leveller Sprint Challenge” in Kingston and the “Battle of the Thames”, also known as “2 Bridges Race”. This involves racing through Kingston bridge, turning under the Hampton Court bridge, heading back past the Palace and Surbiton, and finishing up at Thames Sailing Club.

Last year’s paddling companions

Last year, 51 paddlers turned out for the pioneer race event in perfect conditions and this year even more paddlers are expected to grace this grand occasion.