If sunday is free but do not know what to do in Saigon, you can try the SUP (Standup Paddle Board) paddle boarding experience to see Saigon with a completely new look.
- Not far away, even in Saigon can experience the feeling of peace floating on the waterPHOTO: NGOC THAO
We arrived at the rendezvous point is a park near the Saigon River in District 7 (Ho Chi Minh City). ho Chi Minh City) in the morning when the weather is still quite cool. Our guide today is Vu Ngoc Chien (29 years old, member of an SUP rowing club on the Saigon River who is currently a swimming instructor).
To experience SUP rowing on the Saigon River is very simple, visitors can contact the guide directly, then choose the location to see such as Landmark 81, Phu My Bridge (Q.7), Saigon Bridge (Q.2), Starlight Bridge (Q.7),…
 Sup paddles are neatly arranged in a bag, convenient for everyone to bring with them when travelingPHOTO: NGOC THAO |
 Mr. Chien guides guests to pump boats with dedicated pumping tubesPHOTO: NGOC THAO |
 Above the pump tube there is a pressure gauge to help the pumper control the pressure level of the vapor and the tension of the boatPHOTO: NGOC THAO |
Particularly The Starlight Bridge, visitors should go in the evening will be able to watch Saigon at night shimmering lights. At the price of an experience paddle from VND 400,000 to VND 500,000, Mr. Chien will directly guide and supervise the paddle to ensure safety.Before going into the river,
Mr. Chien carefully explained the usage of the SUP boat and modeled some basic rowing. The boat will be pumped with a dedicated pump tube, above the pump tube with a pressure gauge.Included instruments include paddles, seat belts and rudders. The paddle is divided into 3 small parts, after assembling visitors can adjust the short length to suit the reach.
One end of the seat belt will be attached to the boat, the other end attached to the person in case the boat capsizes, the rower falls into the water. Finally, the rudder is mounted on the underside of the boat. This is a fairly important part of helping boats swim straight.
The SUP boat that I was about to row was medium-sized with a length of about 3m and a width of about 1m, enough room for 2 people to sit. After modeling a few paddles on the shore, we went out to the river. The sun began to rise quite high, small experience to have the most complete experience is to bring a hat, wear comfortable clothes and prioritize sun protection for women.
 The paddle is divided into 3 small parts, after assembling visitors can adjust the short length to suit the reachPHOTO: NGOC THAO |
 Mr. Chien guides basic actions for guests before water practicePHOTO: NGOC THAO |
 After guiding the movement, Mr. Chien capsized the boat and mounted the rudder. This is the final assembly step to ensure the boat is ready to go into the waterPHOTO: NGOC THAO |
 When paddling SUP, guests are advised to equip a waterproof backpack to store their phones and personal belongings in case of falling into the waterPHOTO: NGOC THAO |
Mr. Chien got off the boat, paddled around for us to observe first and then approached the shore, keeping my balance so that I would step off the boat. Other than feeling anxious before you get off the boat, sitting on an SUP boat is quite safe because the boat is hard and horizontally quite wide. After Mr. Chien paddled out into the middle of the river, I boldly offered to row my own boat.
 The sun began to rise quite high, small experience to have the most complete experience is to bring a hat, wear comfortable clothes and prioritize sun protection for womenPHOTO: NGOC THAO |
 Before rowing, players need to attach the SUP seatbelt to their legs in case the boat flips, who is still associated with the boatPHOTO: NGOC THAO |
 Mr. Chien paddles the first rounds of modeling for touristsPHOTO: NGOC THAO |
 Guests are advised to sit and watch the guide perform before paddling on their ownPHOTO: NGOC THAO |
For first-time SUP rowers like me, this will be a difficult period. It takes some time to get used to the water because the paddle is quite heavy. Now I understand why it is necessary to pump the boat yourself to “stretch the tendons” before rowing.”When rowing, with the paddle out the front and then use the paddle to the back, the boat will move forward, changing the paddle side continuously to direct the boat. When I want to turn my head, I will take the paddle away and just paddle side by side,” Mr. Chien explained.
Just a moment later, I was able to change hands fluently, the boat started surfing faster and headed in the right direction. I started to see the scenery on both sides of the shore. As I paddled in district 7, I could see high-rise buildings in the distance hidden behind layers of trees on both sides of the shore.The river passes by daily but is now paddled on the river surface to bring a whole new feeling.
Not far away, even in Saigon can experience the feeling of peace floating on the water. The steam radiates so cool that I remember the trip to visit the west of the river not long ago, it was good because it was good to be able to exercise health and relieve stress very effectively to start the new working day.
 “When rowing, with the paddle out the front and then use the paddle to the back, the boat will move forward, changing the rowing side continuously to direct the boat,” Mr. Chien sat behind the instructionsPHOTO: NGOC THAO |
 After a while of getting acquainted, I was able to change hands fluently, the boat started to glide faster and went in the right directionPHOTO: NGOC THAO |
 Today’s goal is to paddle and enjoy the scenery so I stop at the rowing position. If desired, guests can switch to rowing and stand-up paddles accustomed to rowingPHOTO: NGOC THAO |
 Not far away, even in Saigon can experience the feeling of peace floating on the waterPHOTO: NGOC THAO |
 To experience SUP rowing on the Saigon River is very simple, visitors can contact Mr. Chien directly with the phone number 0909012430 then choose the location to see such as Landmark 81, Phu My Bridge (Q.7), Saigon Bridge (Q.2), Starlight Bridge (Q.7),…PHOTO: NGOC THAO |
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 When we’re done rowing, just release the air in the boat and fold it up, it’s very convenient to take it anywherePHOTO: NGOC THAO |
Today’s goal is to paddle and enjoy the scenery so I stop at the rowing position. If desired, guests can switch to rowing and stand-up paddles that are accustomed to rowing.When paddling SUP, guests are advised to equip a waterproof backpack to store their phones and personal belongings so that in case they fall into the water, they do not get wet. If you can not prepare visitors can speak, Mr. Chien is willing to lend waterproof bags to hold the phone.Small note for those who have just rowed SUP for the first time, do not know how to swim, it is mandatory to wear a life jacket. For those who know how to play and know how to swim should also wear life jackets to ensure absolute safety.
Source:https://thanhnien.vn/du-lich/cheo-thuyen-sup-luot-song-sai-gon-cuc-chill-ngam-nhung-toa-cao-tang-thanh-pho-1276666.html