CTF Paddle Boarding with Chicago SUP

It's official, my new favorite sport/outdoor activity is stand up paddle boarding! Betina at CrossTown Fitness invited me to check out her paddle boarding class and of course I had to do it. I'm enjoying every bit of the warm weather and #summertimechi before I move to France.

CTF's paddle boarding class is every Saturday this summer at 8 am at Chicago SUP on North Ave. beach. Included for CTF members as a regular class, which is normally $25 per class or less with packages. There are also great specials for new clients, like $30 for 3 classes or only $80 for the whole first month. You can purchase classes and sign up here.

We had a pretty big group show up on the beautiful Saturday morning. We got our paddles and life vests and then headed to the water to pick up our boards. After a short lesson, we were ushered to the water and on our way out to sea! I mean, the lake. I've never paddle boarded before so I really didn't know what to expect and was sure that I would fall in the water immediately when I tried to stand on my board. I hesitated at first, but once I got up, I was really surprised at how easy it was to keep my balance. However, I could definitely feel my core working not only to stay upright but also to paddle.

We were on the water for about an hour. We paddled north along the beach and then back. It was work, but fun work and just felt like a stroll along the water. My arms were definitely sore the next day! My favorite part was how peaceful it was out on the water and the incredible views of the city. The pictures really speak for themselves.

You can wear a bathing suit or workout clothes while paddle boarding but it's better to wear something you can get wet in case you accidentally or purposefully fall in. I'm wearing my new Mika Yoga Wear in the picture, more on that later! Also, don't bring your phone on the board (I had my waterproof camera strapped to my vest).

Stand up paddle boarding is so fun and a great way to kick off your Saturday morning. Sign up on CTF's website and check out Chicago SUP to learn more about other paddle boarding programs.

Are you trying any new outdoor activities this summer?