Stand Up Paddle Surfing
Stand up paddle surfing (SUP), or in the Hawaiian language Hoe he'e nalu, is an emerging global sport with a Hawaiian heritage. It can be traced back to the early days of Polynesia. The sport is an ancient form of surfing, and began as a way for surfing instructors to manage their large groups of learner surfers, as standing on the board gave them a higher viewpoint, increasing visibility of what was going on around them - such as incoming swell. To begin with, this started with using a one-bladed paddle, whilst standing on a normal length surfboard. The popularity of the modern sport of SUP has its origination in the Hawaiian Islands. In the early 1960s, the Beach Boys of Waikiki would stand on their long boards, and paddle out with outrigger paddles to take pictures of the tourists learning to surf. This is where the term "Beach Boy Surfing", another name for Stand Up Paddle Surfing, originates.
The sport benefits athletes with a strong 'core' workout. SUP'ing 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 where there is easy access to safe waters, as well as in the surfing lineups of the world.
The first "modern" surfer to bring Stand Up Paddle Surfing out of Hawaii and onto mainland USA was Vietnam veteran, Rick Thomas. In 2000, Rick - on a 11ft Muñoz board, and with a Leleo Kinimaka paddle - introduced California to the new sport.
Surfers have converted because of the versatility of the new sport. Stand up paddle boarding offers surfers the ability to catch more waves in a set, as well as offering a better view of incoming sets.
New custom SUP board prices range from US$600 to US$1500, and most use glass-reinforced plastic construction using epoxy resin that is compatible with the expanded polystyrene foam used in the core. The boards are generally longer than 9 feet (3 m), and up to 12 feet (4 m) or more in length, with features such as padded decks and concave hulls; they generally have one or three surfboard-style fins in the stern for stability.
As of October 3, 2008, the US Coast Guard now classifies SUPs as vessels and as a result SUP riders are obliged to wear a personal floatation device when paddling in certain areas. Whether this will affect the continued take up of stand up paddling in the USA remains to be seen.
Stand up paddle boarding and stand up paddle surfing has become extremely popular throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Anytime you head out to a great break like Canoes or Pops, you’ll probably see someone standing up on a wider than normal surfboard, using an abnormally long paddle to cruise through the waves.
Stand up paddle boards range in size from smaller boards for light riders to 16 foot boards for long distance paddle boarding. Paddle vary based on the height of the paddler and can be made of all types of materials. Stand up boards, like any surfboard or kayak, can range in price from beginner around $1000, to several thousand dollars for a nice competition board.
Stand Up Paddle Boards
As mentioned, stand up paddle boards come in all sorts of sizes and prices. You don’t even need a specific stand up board if you have the balance or a large enough surf board. Stand up boards, however, are made with stand up in mind. They are wider and thicker and have a flater top usually with a deck pad running 3/4 the length of the board.
If you’re thinking about doing some open ocean stand up paddle boarding you’ll be much better off with a competition board like a 16 foot board. These boards are extremely thick and have a lot more rocker. Meaning the front ends of the boards are angled up.
A good beginner board is a South Point or a C4 Waterman http://www.c4waterman.com/. I would suggest an 11′ or 11′6″ board. Some prefer a shorter board like a 10′, but if you’re beginning a longer board will help you. Plus longer boards will enable you to use them in more conditions, like Kailua Bay, or Black Point at Diamond Head.
The sport even has its own magazine, www.supsurfmag.com, news sites and blogs http://www.paddlesurf.net/, http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php
If you’re in the market for stand up paddle surfing gear, you can check out http://www.standuppaddlesurf.net/
Stand Up Paddle Surfing
If you’re looking to get into stand up paddle surfing you may want a little shorter board, or a fish tail, or something with a little different shape in the back to allow for easier maneuvering on the wave. Although you can use your paddle for turning and guiding you down the face of the wave, a slightly different shape to your board can go a long way.
Stand up paddle surfing is really the same thing, only you’re headed out with the intention of surfing. In Hawaii, these guys can be dogged in the water by other surfers, although as time goes on, you may see more stand up paddle surfers than surfers on some breaks.
It takes a lot of skill to stand up and paddle out over breaking waves. You’ll want to start out in smaller surf and stay to the end of the break. Being able to drop to your knees quickly and pop back up on your board is also a good skill to have.
Stand Up Paddles
Stand up paddles for paddle boarders and surfers are long. The suggested length is about 6 inches over your head. These paddles are best made out of carbon fiber or some type of carbon composite material. Another popular material for paddles is wood. Although more expensive, some claim the feel is better than those carbon counterparts. Also the traditionalists will promote wood over carbon composites any day.
"Stand Up Paddle Surfing Global - The History of Stand Up Paddle Surfing". www.supglobal.com. http://supglobal.com/stand-up-paddle-surfing-features/stand-up-paddle-surfing-articles/6-the-history-of-stand-up-paddle-surfing.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-09.
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Stand Up Paddle Surfing Information
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"Stand Up Paddle Surfing Global - Interview with Rick Thomas". www.supglobal.com. http://supglobal.com/stand-up-paddle-surfing-features/interviews/42-interview-with-rick-thomas.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-09.
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http://www.supmagic.com/sup-standup-paddlesurfing-and-bouyancy-aids/
When heading out to Paddle Surf, don't forget to sport
a pair of SeaSpecs! They help block out harmful UVA and UVB rays that can
harm your eyes and reduce tons of glare off of that crystal blue water
you'll be skimming across!
