GET ON BOARD

Difficulty: Easy  (arms, core)

If you’ve been to the beach lately, you’ve seen—and probably tried—stand-up paddle-boarding. The sport has grown to the point of having its own magazine and competitions, but in its purest form it’s still mainly a joyride on the water with the sneaky benefits of exercise. Balancing on a board a little longer than a surfer’s works the core, and paddling tones arms. Lacking an undercurrent, Eagle Creek on a calm day makes for better paddle-boarding than does the  choppy ocean, as second-generation boat-maker Anna Greeley found out when she built her own SUP to haul supplies to a vessel she was fixing up. Then she started paddling to her class at Eagle Creek’s waterfront yoga center. It was too much fun to keep to herself, so she crafted a fleet of seven boards (prettier than any you’ll rent at a hotel, with palm-print fabric decoupaged to the nose and a no-slip pad) and began leading PADDLEBOARD TOURS on Saturdays. A two-hour cruise starts at the Rick’s Boatyard launch and heads north, past the causeway, hugging the tree-line for shade in  high summer. It’s a workout but not a fitness class, so the group tends to take it easy and soak up the scenery. Ducks approach the boards, and it’s common to spot heron and turtles. Bungee cords on each ride will hold a cooler and a bag (for a camera and towel, perhaps)—and still leave plenty of room to lie down at times and simply float along through nature’s gym. $40. Paddleboard Yoga-works, 317-281-8760, launch at 4050 Dandy Trail.

http://paddleboardyogaworks.com/

Tip: Feeling wobbly? Squat, kneel, or sit while you paddle—it’s easier to balance with a low center of gravity.

Don’t Try This If: You can’t swim. Lifejackets are provided, and chances are you won’t fall in, but your fear might overshadow the fun.

What to Wear: Quick-drying clothes, and a swimsuit underneath if you want to take a dip.

Strike a Pose: Greeley also offers paddleboard yoga on Thursday and Saturday evenings.