Stand Up Paddleboarding

Surfing has always been a popular pastime in semi-tropical and tropical areas and Hawaii is world famous for its volcanoes, luaus, pristine beaches and of course, the surfers. Suddenly, an old style of surfing which is known as stand up paddleboarding has suddenly become new again. Many surfers are hitting the waves.

Some seasoned surfers are switching their style of surfing to paddle boarding just because of its versatility. It was more prominent in the sixties when the natives of Hawaii would hit the beach with their outrigger paddles and other surfing gear to take pictures. You might wonder just exactly what pictures they took, well, it was more of a chance to gawk and secretly have a laugh amongst themselves upon looking at the pictures and remembering the exact day.

Back in the sixties, the Beach Boys of Waikiki would take pictures of the tourists trying to surf. This type of surfing became known as SUP, and was also implemented by professional surf instructors as a way to show and teach a group of people that were just learning how to surf. The SUP was beneficial on the water as in the beginning years it was used as a safety measure.

This stand up paddle boarding way of surfing was used by the more experienced surfers. They would watch for the big waves and warn the beginner surfers about the impending danger. This surfing style does look like a more relaxing way of surfing and is much easier to handle as no waves are needed in order to participate.

All the equipment that was needed was the surfboard and an outrigger paddle. When paddle boarding all one had to do was stand up on the surfboard and use the paddle like you would if you were in a canoe and move yourself through the water.Often when people are just learning this sport they tend to stick to the smaller bodies of water, such as lakes and rivers.

Perhaps it is because these waterways are somewhat calmer or perhaps it is because they are not as vast. This type of sport is perfect for those wishing to participate in strength training. Strengthening the upper body with the movement of the paddles and the lower leg area is strengthened by balancing your body on the surfboard itself.

Competitions are held yearly in this sport and it can be an expensive hobby for those who are just beginning to learn to surf. Special care is taken with the equipment as to prolong its life. Equipment bags for both the surfboard and paddle are available for purchase. If you are just beginning in the sport of surfing, why not give stand up paddle boarding a try as this type of sport is on the rise and will be with us for years to follow.