Thanks for allowing me to help you decide from the universe’s gourmet menu. After all, you can just choose to go for it, and then my work will be done by the Stand Up Paddle Boarding sport itself.
How did all that begin? Stand Up Paddle Surfing, also abbreviated as SUP, is rapidly growing global sport originating from Hawaii. It is traced back to the 1940’s in Tahiti. Stand-up paddle surfing is a mix between—you guessed it—surfing and paddling. Back in the day, Waikiki beach boys stood on their Long boards while navigating with outrigger paddles, taking pictures of tourists on shore, and the sport of stand-up paddle (SUP) was born. Now referred to as Ku Hoe He’e Nalu on the Hawaiian Islands, the sport is quickly gaining popularity all over the world because of its graceful simplicity and quick learning curve.
Today SUP, or Stand-Up-Paddle, is gaining popularity as the demands for global-conscious green sports increase. Additionally the sport benefits athletes with a strong ‘core’ workout. Supping is popular at warm coastal climates and resorts, and is gaining in popularity as celebrities are sampling the sport and cross-over athletes are training with SUP. Sups have been spotted around the globe anywhere there is easy access to safe waters as well as in the surfing lineups of the world.
Equipment
To learn paddle surfing you’ll need a board—and SUP boards are big, averaging between nine and 11 feet long. An instructor can fit you with the proper size according to your height and weight. Boards, Paddles tend to be six to nine inches (SHAKA distance) taller than the paddler’s height, and the more lightweight and easy-to-handle the paddle, the farther you’ll travel using the least amount of ump.
Most new custom SUP board prices range from $900 to $1500 not include the paddle which cost $65-$325, and most consist of composite epoxy construction. The boards are generally longer than 10 feet and up to 12 feet in length with features such as padded decks, concave hulls, and generally have 1 or 3 surfboard style fins in the stern for stability.
From calm water to high surf
In regular surfing, you catch a wave and attempt to hop up on the board while on the wave. Not so with SUP. Because the goal is simply to stand on the board and propel yourself forward using your paddle, flat water is a fine playing field for Supers and there’s no pressure to catch a wave but being in motion and enjoy the view. . Most people are up and paddling on flat water after just 30 minutes. But, as with any type of water sport, before you attempt to go it alone, be aware of your swimming ability. If you’re not sure, always wear a life jacket in case you fall.
For the advance surfer the SUP is a great tool for a full body workout while stay in their game environment- The Water, when it comes to high performance surfing, a deep understanding of the ocean and the swell is required and being learned . The top stand up paddle surfers know how to use the board’s weight and buoyancy as leverage for powerful maneuver performing on the wave. Gerry Lopez share his thoughts about stand up paddling at Oregon’s lakes and one of the most powerful wave in the world-Banzai Pipeline Click here to watch
LET’S SUP
Letter from Stand Up Paddle Surfing Magazine Editor Bill Ward, Monday, 19 May 2008
Congratulations on your new board and welcome all to the stand up paddle surfing community. Stand up paddling is the fastest growing water sport in the world, and no doubt, you will have many hours of paddling the beautiful oceans, rivers, harbors, lakes, and perhaps riding waves. Please remember the following four points, and share them with others, as you grow with the sport: RESPONSIBILITY, SAFETY, ETIQUETTE, ALOHA SPIRIT.
RESPONSIBILITY: Whether this is your first time on a stand up paddleboard or if you have been doing it for years, we ask that you please take a moment to consider the personal responsibility that you have. Is starts by making sure you boards are securely tightened to your vehicle with properly installed racks. Please take an extra moment to double check every time you transport your boards, as those not properly fastened can fly off your vehicle and may cause accident or injury. Be safe and always double check.
SAFETY: Safety for others and you is something that needs to be top priority EVERY time you enter the water. ALWAYS be aware of the conditions of the ocean (currents, swell, crowds, etc.). If you are new to this sport, please take time to learn your technique in places that have calm, flat, water. Even if you have a strong surfing background, please remember that this is a new sport that requires different balance and muscle groups than you are familiar with. So, do like we all did and put your pride to the side and take the time to learn this incredible sport the RIGHT way!
ETIQUETTE: Okay, so now you have mastered flat water paddling and are ready to start surfing! This is where things get insanely fun! However, that does NOT mean you should paddle straight into a crowded lineup at your favorite surf spot. Even if you are an established surfer there, you will quickly wear out your welcome if you do not demonstrate proper etiquette.
Start slowly by going places that offer easy, small, mushy waves where there are FEW people, if any, around you. You are going to fall off a lot while learning. (No shame, we ALL did!) When you do fall, you board may become a projectile toward others. So again, please be aware of your surroundings and do whatever it takes to surf AWAY from other people. Once you start to master surfing waves, remember that a bigger board is in no way a license to be a "wave hog".
ALOHA SPIRIT: Sharing waves and making friends is not only the right thing to do, but will make every session enjoyable. Isn't that why we all got started in the first place? FUN and STOKE! We have an amazing opportunity to grow this wonderful sport in a positive direction. Let's all do our part and share the Spirit of Aloha every time we hit the water.
Welcome to the sport and enjoy your time on the water.
Are Stand Up Paddle Boards for You?
Copyright 2009 Standing on Water: Stand Up Paddle Boarding. All rights reserved.
