We’ve been keeping these paddle board life hacks under wraps for a while now. If swindling the system to score epic experiences sounds like your cup of tea, then keep reading. If not, then you better stop reading right now, but we’re sure you won’t because these are too good to pass up.

6 SUP Life Hacks

1. Free concerts at waterfront venues
2. Free gym membership
3. Always have front row seats to fireworks
4. Make your SUP glow at night
5. Don’t need a boat to go deep water snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing
6. Use your inflatable as an air mattress when camping

1. Free concerts at waterfront venues

You know what’s better than buying an expensive concert ticket? Not buying one and still being able to see your favorite artists perform… from the water. We’ve been doing this for a while in San Diego at our favorite waterfront venue, Humphreys. We’ve been able to watch so many amazing performances by artists like Jimmy Buffet, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and The Beach Boys. The Megalodon is a crowd-pleaser during shows. It’s big enough to fit 4-6 friends, pizzas, beers and anything else you want to bring along.

2. Free gym membership

Wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t have to pay a monthly gym membership? With a paddle board, you will never have to pay for a gym membership again. Why? Because paddle boarding is a full-body workout and also because of these 5 other awesome reasons. Depending on what type of paddle boarding you will be doing (recreational, SUP surfing, touring, racing, etc.) you will need to setup an intensive routine to get a solid workout. The number of calories you burn while paddle boarding will surprise you. See how many calories you can burn here.

3. Always have front row seats to fireworks

During the summer season, a paddle board will be your ticket to front row seats at waterfront firework shows. Grab some friends, food, drinks and blankets to enjoy fireworks up close and personal. No need to arrive early to score a good spot, because the open water is your playground. However, you might want to get there early to enjoy the sunset from your SUP.

4. Make your SUP glow at night

The secret is out. You can effortlessly navigate your local waters at night with Nocqua Lights. Learn everything you need to know about lighting up your SUP here.

5. Go deep water snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing

You no longer need to invest in a boat to enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving or fishing on the open water. A paddle board can help you do all three of these activities just as well. Inflatable paddle boards are a smart choice for all these activities because they are durable, sit higher up on the water, have a wider deck pad and you don’t have to worry about your bulky gear damaging your SUP. Our good friend Brent (professional underwater photographer) uses his inflatable to take unreal underwater photos of marine life. Watch the full video here.

6. Use your inflatable SUP as an air mattress when camping

Have you ever noticed how comfortable your inflatable paddle board is when you lie down on it? They are pretty darn comfortable. If you already have your inflatable with you on a SUP camping trip, you can you use it as a bed when you’re ready to pass out. Paddle by day, sleep on it by night. Double uses are fantastic. Pro tip: Let some air out of your inflatable to create a softer bed.