new adventures to be had

I have seen people doing this along the shores of Kitsilano Beach in English Bay and every time I think how fun it looks. A little google researching told me it's called 'paddleboarding'. I am going to try it this summer and see what I'm missing out on. I'm curious as to whether it is really hard on the back or not; it could be awesome on the core muscles which is just what I need or it could also wreak havoc on that darn slipped disc of mine. A short distance first time will provide some answers. I would like a partner though. Those big freighters might be intimidating out there all alone.