Paddle Fit - Wednesdays

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Cameron Diaz does it, Lewis Hamilton does it, Rhianna and Matt Damon both do it, and now paddleboarding – one of the latest celebrity fitness regimes - is hitting the North East shores.

Over the last couple of years, primarily due to government-led advertising, we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of people thinking about adopting a healthier lifestyle. Acknowledging that not everyone wants to attend a gym, fitness providers have been forced to think creatively. Subsequently Boot Camps have shot up all over the place offering people the opportunity to exercise outside, usually under the watchful eye of a personal trainer. Alongside some healthy inter-group competition participants also receive an important social element.

Paddleboarding has been around for a few years now, and alongside being a great way to explore our beautiful North East rivers, lakes and coastline (or play in the waves when the forecast delivers), the sport has established itself as a really effective core muscle workout with celebrities, young and old, raving about its benefits! Recent celebrity converts include Matt Damon, Rhianna and Lewis Hamilton. We’re now also seeing serious athletes using paddleboarding as a cross training regime which again adds gravitas to the sport’s wide ranging appeal.

After test marketing the concept in 2010 at Yarm-on-Tees, the North East’s leading Paddleboard School, Boardskillz is rolling out their take on core muscle fitness. ‘Paddle Fit’ is taking place across a number of flat water locations throughout the region, including Teesside, Durham and Newcastle with more locations in the pipeline.

The company’s owner Joe Thwaites said “The great thing about Paddle Fit is that we provide an outdoor experience that explores some of the regions most beautiful stretches of flat water. Participants interact with each other on the water, completely de-stressing but at the same time, unconsciously strengthening their core muscle groups and improving their posture and balance”

Boardskillz intend to visit a specific location each midweek day running a ladies only session during the day and a mixed after work session.

Local ITV Tyne Tees & Border Reporter Kenny Toal says “Paddle Fit with Boardskillz was a revelation. I had never even heard of it before, but now I'm hooked. It was of huge benefit to me in training for the Great North Run working my core and strengthening my body. But more than that it is great fun and a fantastic way to exercise without even realising you are working out. I would recommend this to anyone. It's the most fun you will ever have getting fit.”

Alongside growing the sport amongst the general public, Boardskillz are in talks with many of our local professional sports teams to incorporate Paddle Boarding into their squads’ off season core muscle conditioning programs. Joe goes on to say “When we first took a leap of faith and started the business 2 years ago we weren’t sure what to expect but now we’re seeing people from all walks of life getting into paddleboarding we’re very optimistic about the future of the sport. To have interest from professional athletes and celebrities is truly remarkable!”

Heather Peacock, Marketing Manager at Codeworks “I took up paddleboarding a couple of years ago after trying it in Maui. At the time, I was pretty much the only person in the North East doing it, but I was really excited to find out Boardskillz were teaching people how to do it. Having taken part in their Paddle Fit program last season, and having recently had 2 children, I found it a great way to get my core strength back and spend some time out in the water. Paddle Fit is easy to get to grips with and a real and new alternative to everything else out there. I am not a big fan of the gym, so this was perfect for me”

With endorsements like this Paddle Fit could well be this summer’s must try fitness craze.  If you’re interested in finding out more about Paddle Fit with Boardskillz either find their page(s) on Facebook, visit www.boardskillz.co.uk or call Joe on 0191 2581499 / 07779 127230.