In the water or on top of it — two ways to cover distance.
Open water swimming and stand up paddleboarding are two of the most accessible watersports. One immerses you completely in the water; the other keeps you standing above it. Both are excellent for fitness and can be done in oceans, lakes, and rivers. Here is how to choose between them.
Open Water Swimming
You need to know how to swim, which most adults do. Open water adds sighting, breathing in chop, and dealing with currents. Comfort in open water is the real learning curve.
SUP
Stand up and paddle. Most people are moving within minutes. Balancing in chop takes practice, but the fundamentals are immediate and intuitive.
Verdict: Both are accessible. SUP is easier to start from zero. Open water swimming requires basic swim competence plus open-water adaptation.
Open Water Swimming
A swimsuit, goggles, and a swim buoy: under $100. A wetsuit ($150-$400) extends your season into colder months. No ongoing equipment costs.
SUP
Inflatable SUPs: $300-$600. A paddle and leash are included in most packages. Optional wetsuit for cold conditions.
Verdict: Open water swimming is the cheapest watersport. SUP is affordable but costs more to get started.
Open Water Swimming
Elite cardiovascular workout. Swimming engages every major muscle group with zero impact. Burns 500-800 calories per hour. Builds endurance, flexibility, and lung capacity.
SUP
Full-body workout with emphasis on core and shoulders. Burns 400-600 calories per hour. Lower cardiovascular intensity than swimming but excellent for balance and stability.
Verdict: Open water swimming is a more intense cardiovascular workout. SUP is gentler and more accessible for varied fitness levels.
Open Water Swimming
Needs calm to moderate water. Strong currents and large waves are dangerous. Water temperature is a limiting factor without a wetsuit. Visibility matters for safety.
SUP
Works on any calm body of water. Wind is the main obstacle. Warm conditions are ideal. More stable and safer in most environments than swimming.
Verdict: SUP is usable in more conditions and feels safer. Open water swimming requires more careful assessment of conditions.
Open Water Swimming
Distance challenges (1km, 5km, 10km), marathon swimming, channel crossings, cold water adaptation, and competitive open water events. Mental toughness is a key progression metric.
SUP
Touring, racing, yoga, surfing, river SUP, downwinders, and fitness challenges. Multiple disciplines branch from the same equipment.
Verdict: Open water swimming deepens through distance and endurance. SUP spreads across multiple fun disciplines.
Open Water Swimming
The meditative rhythm of open water swimming, the connection with the water at body level, and the accomplishment of completing a long swim. Wild swimming in beautiful locations is its own reward.
SUP
Elevated perspective on the water, exploring coastlines, social paddling with friends, and the sheer variety of things you can do on a board.
Verdict: Open water swimming is deeply meditative. SUP is more social and versatile. Both shine as outdoor experiences.
Choose open water swimming if you love being in the water, want the ultimate no-gear fitness challenge, and enjoy endurance goals. Choose SUP if you prefer standing on the water, want more variety in your activities, and value portability and social paddling. Both are perfect complements to more gear-intensive watersports.
Whichever sport you choose, Watersports Tracker records your speed, distance, route, and more — for 24+ sports.