Why you should consider Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP).  

SUP is a great way to enjoy the water, and can give you a good physical workout.  

SUP requires little equipment to get going.  You can paddle on lakes, rivers, ocean or on the beach.  While the sport of SUP started with waves, it is not necessary to have waves.  Actually, you would not want to start on moving water or with any wave action when learning.

SUP gives a full body workout.  You exercise from your toes to shoulders, and it is a good core workout when done properly.  SUP has become a popular sport for cross-training for other sports.  

Another advantage is that you are standing tall and your view is much better than the usual paddle craft.  You will see further away than when your eyes are near the water level as in a kayak or canoe.  You will also see much more clearly what is directly below your feet.