Zhang Yiheng, an associate professor at the School of Physical Education, China University of Geosciences, told China Central Television that they were planning to set up a SUP team and launch courses to get more students involved.

The sport's popularity has boosted the sales of paddling gear. Luo Li, an executive with the China water sports section of French sports equipment retailer Decathlon, told Beijing Business Today in late July that the sales volume of paddleboards had jumped by 145 percent year-on-year, and that of accessories had surged by more than 200 percent.

One of the reasons that SUP has become trendy in China is that people are increasingly exploring ways to have a getaway locally due to travel restrictions that come with COVID-19 flare-ups.

Gu Huimin, a professor with the School of Tourism Sciences at Beijing International Studies University, told Beijing Business Today that COVID-19 has changed people's lifestyles. This has quickened the popularization of niche sports such as SUP and Frisbee.

SUP is also easier to learn compared with some other water sports. And like camping, SUP provides scenic backdrops for those wishing to share photos on social media.

Safety is always a top priority for any sport. Water sports bases in urban parks are a suitable place for people to start SUP, recommended San Qi, an executive with Quye, a base for SUP and kayaking in Beijing.

San told China Tourism News that water sports bases in urban parks are safer than the public waters in cities because there are designated areas for paddleboarders, water level indicators and well-maintained equipment. Base operators also remove waterweeds and provide safety patrols and emergency rescue services.

Beijing Water Authority "does not encourage" water sports on public waters in the city due to inadequate rescue services and potential safety hazards, China Tourism News reported.

But the institution has been working to develop leisure resources around urban rivers and lakes to provide residents with more places for recreation.