Stand-up paddling is gaining in popularity as a team building activity. Accessible to all, this gliding experience on the water is an ideal opportunity to strengthen team cohesion. In 2024, many companies are choosing paddling for its many benefits. Let’s find out why paddling is an essential activity for your corporate events, and how to organize a memorable day for your team.
The benefits of stand-up paddle for team building and corporate seminars
The stand-up paddle is an activity perfectly suited to the needs of companies looking to strengthen the cohesion of their teams. Here’s why:
Accessibility for all levels: Whether you’re a beginner or a watersports enthusiast, paddleboarding is an easy-to-learn activity. Everyone can move at their own pace on the board, standing up with a paddle.
Boosting self-confidence: mastering balance on the water and successfully completing various challenges boosts participants’ self-confidence. This often translates into better speaking skills and greater commitment to collaborative projects.
Stand-up paddling is also ideal for the health and well-being of participants. It stimulates the whole body, offering a complete physical workout in a friendly, relaxing atmosphere in the heart of nature.
Some key benefits:
- Improved balance and physical strength
- Stress reduction and mental well-being
- Development of communication and collaboration
Stand-up paddle sessions for groups of all sizes
Whether you’re a small team or a large corporation, stand-up paddle can be tailored to meet your needs. Sessions can be arranged for groups of all sizes, with experienced instructors ensuring the safety of every participant.
H2O Paddle and TEX’ are two examples of organizations that offer tailor-made sessions:
- H2O Paddle offers sessions with challenges or races in locations such as Saint Cyr sur mer, La Ciotat, Cassis and Marseille.
- TEX’ offers a variety of activities onîle de Ré for groups of up to 350 people, supervised by qualified instructors.
You can personalize your session by adding races or challenges to boost thecompetitive spirit and strengthen bonds between employees.
A sample organization chart for different group sizes:
| Group size | Activity | Location | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-10 people | Stand-up paddle | Saint Cyr sur mer | Yes |
| 10-50 people | Giant SUP | La Ciotat | Yes |
| 50-100 people | Canoe-Paddle | Marseille | Yes |
| 100-350 people | Various water sports | Île de Ré | Yes |
Stand-up paddle sessions tailored to your needs
To maximize the benefits for your team, it’s vital to tailor paddle sessions to your company’s objectives and needs.
Many providers offer tailor-made activities:
- Challenges or races to boost competitiveness
- Giant SUP sessions for more conviviality
- Integration ofother water activities such as catamaran, water skiing, and wakeboard.
Some organizers also offer « sports olympiads on the beach », combining various fun events to improve communication and team cohesion.
For a full day, here’s a list of complementary activities:
- Introduction to sailing
- Calanques discovery tour
- Canyoning
- 4×4 safari in the Camargue
- E-bike rally
- Gabarre trip
- Discover the Arcachon basin
Finally, in the event of bad weather, it’s reassuring to know that plans B indoors exist so as not to compromise the event. Some organizations offer catering and accommodation options, or even themed evenings to extend the festive experience.
Share unforgettable moments with your colleagues
Looking for a team building activity that combines sport, nature and conviviality? The stand-up paddle is the ideal solution for creating lasting memories outside the usual professional setting. As Sophie Dupont, Human Resources Manager at a technology company in Paris, points out, this activity helps to improve team cohesion and communication, while staying within the company budget.
To complete the experience, consider exploring unique ideas for your team building. For example, discover these « 20 outdoor workshop ideas for a successful team building » or these « 10 unique ideas to make your accrobranche team building unforgettable! ».
Whether you choose paddling or other activities, the most important thing is to offer your team moments of sharing and relaxation. These experiences can improve professional relations and boost motivation.
Rates and reservations : Rates for these nautical team-building activities are generally quoted on request. The duration of the activities can be adapted to suit all group configurations.
In conclusion, stand-up paddle is a fun and entertaining way to strengthen professional ties, improve internal communication and develop team motivation. As a human resources professional, Sophie highly recommends incorporating paddling into your next team building session for tangible and memorable results.
