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How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected the stand up paddleboarding industry and community?

Adline Tooby

Well, well, well, buckle up my fellow paddleboard enthusiasts because we are about to paddle through the choppy waters of Covid-19's impact on our beloved industry and community. Let's dive in!

First and foremost, the pandemic has caused a significant shift in the way we paddle. With social distancing measures in place, group paddle events have come to a screeching halt. As a result, we had to become creative and find alternative ways to continue our passion without risking each other's health. Virtual paddleboard races, online yoga sessions, and ocean conservation webinars became the new norm, and we can all agree that it was a much-needed source of fun and community during these challenging times.

But, unfortunately, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. While some paddlers managed to adapt to the new normal, others had to put their passion on hold due to financial strains caused by the pandemic. With the economic downturn, people lost jobs and had to tighten their belts, resulting in a dip in paddleboard sales and rentals. But, the good news is that the industry is slowly recouping and adapting to the new normal. With more people looking for outdoor activities, paddleboarding has been a popular choice, and rental companies are starting to see a steady increase in demand.

Another impact of Covid-19 in the paddleboard community is on paddleboard yoga and fitness. With gyms and fitness studios closed down, people turned to alternative workout options, including paddleboard fitness and yoga. While outdoor workouts have seen a surge in demand, the challenge has been accommodating a larger group of paddlers while maintaining social distancing. Nevertheless, paddleboard yoga and fitness have proven to be an excellent way for people to stay active and healthy while enjoying the beauty of nature, so kudos to all the innovative instructors out there.

The pandemic has also brought into focus the importance of protecting our oceans and staying environmentally conscious. With disposable masks and gloves becoming a common sight, it is essential now more than ever to practice ocean conservation, picking up trash, and being mindful of the waste we generate.

Lastly, let's not forget about the impact of Covid-19 on paddleboard competitions. With international travel restrictions in place and events being canceled left and right, competitive paddlers have had to put their goals on hold. Nevertheless, the paddleboard community has come together to create unique virtual competitions, like the 2020 Paddle League Virtual Championship, allowing paddlers to compete against each other from the safety of their homes.

In conclusion, the Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly impacted the paddleboarding industry and community, but we have also shown resilience, adaptability, and innovation in finding ways to continue this sport and stay connected. As we look to the future, let's continue to prioritize our health, protect our oceans, and keep paddling on!