With the current trends in the paddling industry, Stand-up Paddling (SUP) may be the first recreational sport to cross not only the surf market, but the general paddling market, and also enter the fishing and fitness markets as well.  A new twist on one of the ealiest forms a recreation, stand up paddling takes elements from surfing and kayak and canoeing and blends them into one of the best workouts money can buy.  With the ability to do well in several genres of watersports SUP may be the next big trend from coast to coast.

“Stand up paddle surfing is derived from Polynesian roots. The Hawaiian translation is Ku Hoe He’e Nalu; to stand, to paddle, to surf, a wave.”

The modern form of SUP originated in Hawaii as a means for surf instructors to have a higher vantage point of the surrounding area and their students and SUP was an easier way to get out into surf, it also afforded a great form of exercise to big wave surfers when the surf was down.  The main differences in surfing and SUP is that the later can be done without waves.  With enough stability and buoyancy a SUP board can be used in flatwater as well.  Around 2000, the sport migrated to California. As it caught on, it wound its way into the american surf culture. It didn’t take but a few years for it to jump coasts and is now migrating into inland lakes and rivers.  With its roots firmly planted in the surf culture it is an easy transition from surfing to SUPing; however, with the evergrowing popularity of paddlesports many paddlers are making the transistion to standing while enjoying their sport on both flatwater and, more recently, whitewater.

The equipment needed to enjoy SUPing is fairly basic.  A stand-up paddle board (an old windsurf board with all the foot loops removed works as well), a stand-up paddle and clothes you don’t mind getting wet in (swim trunks and a t-shirt or rash guard).  The size of the board is important depending on the type of paddling you plan on doing and the size of the paddler. The smaller the board the more maneuverable it will be for surfing but it also means it won’t track well on flatwater. The longer the board the straighter it will travel on flatwater like lakes and other inland waterways. It is not uncommon for a inland SUP board to be 12+ feet in length. Longer boards will also typically carry more weight, but you also have to take the thickness and width of the board into consideration. The thicker the board the more weight it can hold. If you are going to be SUPing in the surf a leash (a longer version of the surf leash) is needed to keep the board from getting too far away from the paddler. These boards are typically equiped with either a single large fin or a large fin and two smaller fins on the bottom of the board to aid in the boards tracking (keeping the path of travel in a straighter line). In cooler temps adding layers or a wetsuit, neoprene booties and even gloves can keep one paddling into and through the winter months.  If taking this sport into a whitewater venue interests you, the addition of a good whitewater helmet and possibly even knee and elbow pads may be a good idea.

The paddles used are similar to a canoe paddle except they are 7-9+ feet in length and are often fiberglass or carbon fiber.  Wood paddles are also fairly common, but can be heavier than their composit brethren.  Though not a steadfast rule, adding 8-10 inches to the paddlers height is a good place to start in determining paddle length.  The type of paddling you are doing (flatwater, surf or racing), the distance you plan on traveling, and your personal preference also should come into play. Surf paddles are often a little shorter while flatwater and race paddles often longer.  If traveling many paddles come in 2-3 pieces so they can be broken down for packing.  Some paddles are adjustable in length to accomidate different styles of paddling without having to get a paddle for each style.  My favorite paddle is the Werner Spanker, a super lightweight, stiff, carbonfiber paddle (http://www.wernerpaddles.com/paddles/stand_up/performance_core/spanker/).  It has a larger blade width for a greater purchase on the water.  Others we currently carry at GetOutdoors are the Werner Advantage (an all fiberglass paddle) with a somewhat narrower blade for efficient flatwater SUPing (http://www.wernerpaddles.com/paddles/stand_up/premium/advantage/).  If you like wood paddles the WhiskeyJack Ocho, is a suprisingly lightweight model (http://whiskeyjackpaddles.com/paddles_ocho.asp).

Once equiped, getting started is fairly easy. When begining this process make sure you are in deep enough water to safely fall of your board without hitting anything in the water.  Wearing a PFD (personal floatation device/ lifejacket) is also a great idea and is often required as SUP boards are now categorized by the coast guard as watercraft like a canoe or kayak (http://www.supmagic.com/sup-standup-paddlesurfing-and-bouyancy-aids/). Start by placing the board in about a foot or more of water, making sure to have enough depth to clear the boards fin of the bottom of the lake.  Start out on your knees about shoulder width apart in the middle or the balance point of the board (this is often were the grab handle or hand groove is) and get a feel for the stabilty of the board and how it reacts to your movements in the water.  More stability is gained by forward momentum and once you start to feel more confident in your movements, standing is the next step.  Lean forward on all fours, with the paddle laying perpendicular to the board and under your hands.  From this stance get your feet under your hips (remember to keep your feet shoulder width apart) and stand in one clean motion.  The smoother this is done the easier standing will be, jerky movements will often land you in the drink.  As you become more comfortable balancing on your board and paddling freely about, you can start to work on paddling technique and becoming a more efficent SUP boarder. More on these techniques in later posts.

As I stated previously SUPing has a great fitness aspect not only do you get a great upper body workout from paddling, but by balancing on the board you also incorporate your legs and core into the workout. The is a great was to cross train and make training more enjoyable without having to force yourself to workout in a gym. The core workout is probably the most beneficial aspect SUPing will give the paddler. A strong core enables better balance and coordination, in addition it also make you less prone to back injuries. A good friend who got me started SUPing had back surgery last year and used SUPing as a means of rehabilitation and she is now stronger than she was prior to her surgery.

We are in the process of bringing SUP Boards in the store, we will have a selection of entry-level through high-end boards that range in price from $900- $2300. With the popularity of kayak fishing, Native Watercraft will, hopefully soon, be releasing the Osceola. This 12 foot Kevlar board blends some basic kayak designs with the tradition of the stand-up paddle boards. It has a simple dugout design and a shallow “v” hull which allows for more secondary stability and foot purchase on the deck than a SUP board typically has. Equipped with deck bungees and Scotty rod holder mounts this new board will allow the more adventurous fisherman to take fishing and SUPing and blend them together for a new angling experience (http://www.nativewatercraft.com/media/videos/osceola.cfm).

Be on the lookout at GetOutdoors for new lines of SUP boards to get you started in this great sport later this fall and into next spring. Keep an eye on the local lakes as you will see a lot more of us using them to travel our local waterways and exercising through the winter.

Check out this link for a recent local news story on WXII 12 about this exciting trend in paddlesports as we taught local weather man Austin Caviness to SUP (http://www.wxii12.com/video20730033/index.html).

See you on the water!!!

Will

Check out the following links for more info on SUPing
http://www.supmagic.com/
http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php
http://howtostanduppaddlesurf.com/