 |
This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. Please help recruit one or improve this article yourself. See the for details. Please consider using {{Expert-subject}} to associate this request with a WikiProject |
Stand up paddle surfing, or SUP, is a surface water sport, a variant of surfing where the surfer uses a paddle to move through the water while standing on a surfboard. Stand up paddle surfing is derived from its Polynesian roots. The Hawaiian translation is Ku Hoe Heʻe Nalu; to stand, to paddle, to surf, a wave.
Contents |
History
The popularity of the modern sport of SUP has its origination in the Hawaiian Islands.[1] 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" originates, another name for Stand Up Paddle Surfing. In the early 2000s Hawaiian surfers such as Dave Kalama, Brian Keaulana, Archie Kalepa and Laird Hamilton started SUP as an alternative way to train while the surf was down. As the years went on they found themselves entering events such as the Moloka'i to O'ahu Paddleboard Race and Mākaha's Big Board Surfing Classic. Now you can find Stand Up Paddle Surfers in many of the Outrigger and Paddleboard races as participants within their own division. One difference between the modern idea of surfing and SUP is that the latter does not need a wave. In SUP, one can paddle on the open ocean, in harbors, on lakes, rivers or any large body of water. One of the advantages of Stand Up Paddle Surfing is the angle of visibility. Because of the standing height over the water one can see both deeper into the water and further across the surface of the water, allowing better visualization of features others lower above the water may not be able to see, whether it is the marine life in the harbors, lakes and coves or the incoming swells of the ocean marching on the horizon.
How to paddle surf
To catch a wave in SUP, one chooses a wave and begins paddling. As the wave picks up the SUP surfer now acts similar to a modern surfer except for the use of a paddle, although waves may be caught smaller while farther out. While on the wave the paddle can be used for leverage in turns or to gain speed down the face. One may compete in the sport of Stand Up Paddle Surfing in other events besides surf competitions. Many outrigger and paddleboard races welcome Stand Up Paddle Surfers and offer a division or class to compete in. There are usually two different courses, a short course and a long course. There are also extreme events such as channel crossings that can test a Stand Up Paddle Surfer's endurance.
SUP
SUP Australia
SUP is growing in popularity at Noosa Heads, Queensland, Australia where a small group of locals are breathing new life into the sport. A Noosa local is getting the surfing community involved in SUPS by offering lessons and tours on Noosa River to get interest in the growing sport. standuppaddlesurf.com.au Some effort has been put into board design to suit the rolling point breaks that Noosa is famous for and which although spectacular on "good" days can often be small and not much fun for experienced surfers. The first ever SUP race in New South Wales is scheduled for September 16th, 2007 at Cronulla. Australian users visit seabreeze.com.au for forums, and view weather forecasts for picking the best conditions.
SUP UK
SUP has now entered the United Kingdom and is growing in popularity. Several websites has are now dedicated to SUP in the UK such as Stand Up Paddle Boarding UK, Stand Up Paddle Surfing UKAirhead Blog and in September 07 the British Stand Up Paddle Association (BSUPA) was formed to encourage the growth and progression of Stand Up Paddling across the British Isles BSUPA.org
Interactive Product Review and Product List
Every new production board and paddle (and many accessories) are listed and ready for review. Stand Up Zone Product Reviews
Interactive Stand Up Paddling Photo Posting Site
Stand Up Zone Photo Posting and Review Site now offers the ability to post and critique stand up paddling photos.
SUP Discussion Forum
A user forum has been created for the most complete and up to date world-wide developments in this evolving sport Stand Up Zone Helpful tips from users of all abilities, help with gear selection, getting started, photos, videos, a comprehensive manufacturer list, product review, shaper discussion. The British Stand Up Paddle Association has a lively and active forum for SUPers / BSUPA forum seabreeze.com.au features busy forums for Australian SUPers.
SUP Blogs
For a full list of blogs on stand up paddle surfing go to www.StandUpPaddleSurf.net and John Ashley has an excellent stand up paddle surf blog www.paddlesurf.net Stand Up Paddle Surfing Magazine Editor's Blog www.supsurfmag.com In the UK the British Stand Up Paddle Association includes the o-log - a blog for British SUPers by Olas Macleod : O-Log and Stand Up Paddle Surfing UK runs an industry and sport news blog : Stand Up Paddle Surfing UK Blog. California based blog standuppaddlesurf.com Hawaii based blog standuppaddlesurf.net
SUP Equipment
SUP Boards are generally 9-12 feet long, 27-32 inches wide and 3 1/2-4 inches thick. Longer boards are used for distance paddling and racing, 12, 14 or even up to 16 feet in length. Joe Blair is well know maker of custom stand up paddleboards from San Diego JBlairSurf.com Several high quality photo galleries of Joe Blair's custom stand up paddleboards, as well as SUP boards from Maui-based shapers Bill Foote and Jimmy Lewis can be found at:standuppaddlesurf.com Stand up paddles are made of wood, fiberglass or carbon material. Paddle sizing is generally 6-10 inches taller than your height. Longer for distance, shorter for surfing with 7 inches above your height being preferred by many. Paddle blade widths range from 8 inches to 9.5 inches. For a more stand up paddle surfing equipment go to :c4waterman.com
References
- ^ Catherine Lo (August/September 2007). Get Up and Blow. Hana Hou! Vol 10, No. 4.
