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 longboards while navigating with outrigger paddles, taking pictures of tourists on shore, and the sport of stand-up paddle (SUP) was born. 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. 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 there is easy access to safe waters as well as in the surfing lineups of the world.
Most new custom SUP board prices range from $900 to $1500 new, 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. Paddles tend to be six to nine inches taller than the paddler's height, and the more lightweight and easy-to-handle the paddle.
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. 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.
