Cities with the most people interested in stand up paddle boarding Meetups in USA

 

1	Miami, FL	137 interested
2	Fort Lauderdale, FL	132 interested
3	Orlando, FL	128 interested
4	Seattle, WA	68 interested
5	New York, NY	66 interested
6	Virginia Beach, VA	63 interested
7	Saint Petersburg, FL	56 interested
8	Charlotte, NC	55 interested
9	San Francisco, CA	54 interested
10	Wilmington, NC	47 interested
11	Los Angeles, CA	43 interested
12	Mount Pleasant, SC	37 interested
13	Jacksonville, FL	35 interested
14	Miami Beach, FL	35 interested
15	Hollywood, FL	30 interested
16	Newport Beach, CA	29 interested
17	Boston, MA	28 interested
18	Charleston, SC	28 interested
19	Raleigh, NC	27 interested
20	Jacksonville Beach, FL	25 interested

2012 SUP Races Caledar

Date	Race	Venue	State/Country	Region	Rating*
07/14/2012	NY/NJ Paddle's Long Beach 10 Miler	Long Beach	New York	U.S.	★★★★
07/14/2012	SUP Splash Series - St Pete	St Pete Beach	Florida	U.S.	★★
07/14/2012	Bayfest SUP Race	Oahu	Hawaii	Hawaii	★★
07/14/2012	Blackburn Challenge	Cape Ann	Massachusetts	U.S.	★★
07/14/2012	Tahoe Cup Race Series: #2, Jam From The Dam	Lake Tahoe	California	U.S.	★★★★
07/14/2012	East Coast Stand Up Paddle Championships	Ponce Inlet	Florida	U.S.	★★★
07/14/2012	[Stand Up World Series] Betsafe Paddle Challenge	Varberg	Sweden	Europe	★★★★
07/14/2012	Midwest Standup Paddle Festival (Midwest Race Series)	Madison	Wisconsin	U.S.	★★★
07/14/2012	Triple Crown of SUP #3: Maui to Molokai	Maui	Hawaii	Hawaii	★★★★★
07/15/2012	Willamette SUP Cup	Lake Oswego	Oregon	California	★★★
07/15/2012	SUP a la Platja del Prat	Catalunya	Spain	Europe	★★
07/19/2012	YOLO Board Race Series	Western Lake	Florida	U.S.	★★★
07/20/2012	Great Lakes SUP Classic (Midwest Race Series)	Holland	Michigan	U.S.	★★
07/21/2012	Route des Phares Hoalen	Brittany	France	Europe	★★
07/21/2012	Irish Champs: SUP the Lough Festival	Lough Neagh	Ireland	Europe	★★
07/21/2012	Na Pali Race	Kauai	Hawaii	Hawaii	★★★★★
07/21/2012	San Clemente Ocean Festival/SurfRace To Victory SUPCross	San Clemente	California	U.S.	★★★★
07/22/2012	Naish International Paddleboard Championship	Maui	Hawaii	Hawaii	★★★★★
07/27/2012	H2O Overdrive Summer Series	Park City	Utah	U.S.	★★★★★
07/28/2012	SUP.se Swedish Championships (race #4 - Final)	Varberg	Sweden	Europe	★★★
07/28/2012	Detroit SUP Festival (Midwest Race Series)	Milford	Michigan	U.S.	★★★
07/28/2012	Tom Blake Board Across the Bay - Race & Festival	Washburn	Wisconsin	U.S.	★★★
07/28/2012	Bermuda Cup (Rursee)	Rursee	Germany	Europe	★★★
07/29/2012	Stroke the Slough	Seattle	Washington	U.S.	★★★
07/29/2012	Kinzigman SUP Race	Langenselbold	Germany	Europe	★★★
07/29/2012	Tommy Zahn Memorial Race (Poseidon Paddle Series)	Malibu	California	U.S.	★★★★
07/29/2012	Molokai2Oahu	Molokai	Hawaii	Hawaii	★★★★★★
07/29/2012	Manu O Ke Kai Ocean Challenge	Oahu	Hawaii	Hawaii	★★
07/31/2012	SurfRace To Victory/Boardworks Show Up & Blow Up SUPCross	Weber River	Utah	U.S.	★★★★
08/04/2012	North Shore Ocean Quest	Oahu	Hawaii	Hawaii	★★
08/04/2012	"Strokes" Danish SUP Marathon	Sjællands Odde	Denmark	Europe	★★★
08/04/2012	Lake Superior Paddle Fest (Midwest Race Series)	Duluth	Minnesota	U.S.	★★★
08/04/2012	The H2O Generation's Plum Island Paddlefest	Plum Island	Massachusetts	U.S.	★★★
08/04/2012	Paddle 4 People Charity Race	Miami	Florida	U.S.	★★★
08/04/2012	Paddle Party 3	St. Jacut	France	Europe	★★
08/05/2012	Stand Up 4 Liberty	Boston	Massachusetts	U.S.	★★★
08/09/2012	YOLO Board Race Series	Western Lake	Florida	U.S.	★★★
08/10/2012	Paddlestock	TBA	California	U.S.	★★
08/11/2012	SUP the City Smukfest	Skanderborg	Denmark	Europe	★★
08/11/2012	SUPSA Flat Water Distance Race ("Wendts Return")	Gold Coast	Queensland	Australia	★★★★
08/11/2012	Hulinokea Race #1	Hossegor	France	Europe	★★
08/11/2012	5th Annual Easy Rider SUP Cup	Edmonton	Alberta	Canada	★★★★
08/11/2012	PC SUP Cup Race #2	Park City	Utah	U.S.	★★★
08/11/2012	Chicago Shoreline Marathon (Midwest Race Series)	Chicago	Illinois	U.S.	★★★
08/11/2012	La Roootaaa Regataaa race #4	Miami	Florida	U.S.	★★★
08/11/2012	[Stand Up World Series] North Shore Paddle Challenge	Oahu	Hawaii	Hawaii	★★★★
08/11/2012	Ta-Hoe Nalu Paddle Festival	Lake Tahoe	California	U.S.	★★★★
08/11/2012	German SUP Challenge Berlin	Berlin	Germany	Europe	★★
08/12/2012	Steinlager SUP and OC-6 Race	Oahu	Hawaii	Hawaii	★★
08/18/2012	TC Waterman SUP Challenge (Midwest Race Series)	Traverse City	Michigan	U.S.	★★
08/18/2012	Paddle At The Porch / Destin SUP Cup	Destin	Florida	U.S.	★★
08/18/2012	SUP Splash Series - Savannah	Savannah	Georgia	U.S.	★★
08/18/2012	Stockholm SUP Challenge	Stockholm	Sweden	Europe	★★
08/18/2012	Gorge Paddle Challenge	Hood River	Oregon	U.S.	★★★★★
08/18/2012	SEA Paddle NYC	New York	New York	U.S.	★★★★
08/19/2012	Australian Stand Up Paddle Titles	Port Macquarie	New South Wales	Australia	★★★★★
08/19/2012	Penobscot Bay Paddle Challenge	Rockport	Maine	U.S.	★★★
08/21/2012	Duke's Ocean Fest	Oahu	Hawaii	Hawaii	★★★★
08/25/2012	Oregon Open Ocean Classic	Newport	Oregon	U.S.	★★★
08/25/2012	A Day At The Beach SUP Race	Folsom	California	U.S.	★★★
08/25/2012	Watermans Paddle For Humanity	Washington DC	Washington DC	U.S.	★★★★
08/25/2012	[Stand Up World Series] Brazil Grand Slam	TBA	Brazil	South America	★★★
08/26/2012	Catalina Paddleboard Race	Catalina Island	California	U.S.	★★★★
09/01/2012	Austrian SUP Championships	Neusiedlersee	Austria	Europe	★★★
09/01/2012	Silvaplana SUP Race	Lake Silvaplana	Switzerland	Europe	★★
09/02/2012	Haleiwa Joe's Race	Oahu	Hawaii	Hawaii	★★
09/02/2012	Battle For The Booty SUP Race	Virginia Beach	Virginia	U.S.	★★★
09/02/2012	SUP Regatta Rotterdam	Rotterdam	Netherlands	Europe	★★
09/02/2012	Six Fours SUP Classic	Six-Fours-les-Plages	France	Europe	★★
09/05/2012	SUP 11 City Tour	Friesland	Netherlands	Europe	★★★★
09/08/2012	SUPSA Club Championships, BoP-style race	Gold Coast	Queensland	Australia	★★★★
09/08/2012	[Stand Up World Series] Miami World Paddle Challenge	Miami	Florida	U.S.	★★★★★
09/08/2012	Paddle2Live	Newport Beach	California	U.S.	★★★
09/08/2012	Open de Lyon	Lyon	France	Europe	★★★
09/08/2012	PC SUP Cup Race #3	Park City	Utah	U.S.	★★★
09/08/2012	SUP Splash Series - Blue Ridge	Blue Ridge	Georgia	U.S.	★★
09/08/2012	German SUP Challenge Pelzerhaken	Pelzerhaken	Germany	Europe	★★
09/09/2012	Richard Henry Dana Charity Regatta SUP Race	Dana Point	California	U.S.	★★★
09/09/2012	Round the Rock	Seattle	Washington	U.S.	★★★★
09/15/2012	Watermans Paddle For Humanity	Austin	Texas	U.S.	★★★★
09/15/2012	Mokoli'i Paddle Classic	Oahu	Hawaii	U.S.	★★★★
09/15/2012	SurfRace to Victory SUPCross Series Final	Huntington Beach	California	U.S.	★★★★
09/16/2012	[Stand Up World Series] Tahoe World Paddle Challenge	Lake Tahoe	California	U.S.	★★★★
09/16/2012	Tahoe Cup Race Series: #3, Fall Classic	Lake Tahoe	California	U.S.	★★★★
09/16/2012	Bissets Strand Paddle Challege: SUP the Lough Festival	Dublin	Ireland	Europe	★★
09/23/2012	4 Lakes Trophy: Lake Starnberg	Munich	Germany	Europe	★★
09/29/2012	Battle of the Paddle	Dana Point	California	U.S.	★★★★★★
09/29/2012	Translac du Bourget	Le Bourget-du-Lac	France	Europe	★★
10/06/2012	Catalina SUP Festival	Catalina Island	California	U.S.	★★★★★
10/06/2012	Bissets Strand Paddle Challege: Mullagmore Battle of the Paddle	Mullaghmore	Ireland	Europe	★★
10/06/2012	Presqu'île Paddle Race	Presqu'île de Crozon	France	Europe	★★
10/06/2012	[Stand Up World Series] Huntington Beach Pro Grand Slam	Huntington Beach	California	U.S.	★★★★★
10/06/2012	4 Lakes Trophy: Chiemsee Marathon	Chiemsee	Germany	Europe	★★
10/12/2012	[Stand Up World Series] World Championship Finals	Oahu	Hawaii	Hawaii	★★★★★★
10/13/2012	La Roootaaa Regataaa race #5	Miami	Florida	U.S.	★★★
10/13/2012	Battle of the Bay	San Rafael	California	U.S.	★★★★★
10/21/2012	SUP Splash Series - Golden Isles SUP Classic	St. Simons Island	Georgia	U.S.	★★
10/27/2012	SUPSA Flat Water SUP Sprint Series race #3	Gold Coast	Queensland	Australia	★★★★
10/27/2012	Paddle Royal	San Juan	Puerto Rico	South America	★★★★
11/03/2012	Hennessey's World Championships	Cabos San Lucas	Mexico	South America	★★★★★★
11/03/2012	Los Cabos Classic	Cabos San Lucas	Mexico	South America	★★★
11/03/2012	Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival	Fort Myers	Florida	U.S.	★★
11/10/2012	SUP Splash Series - Pacifico Paddle Challenge	St. Pete Beach	Florida	U.S.	★★
11/11/2012	Malibu SUPathlon	Malibu	California	U.S.	★★
11/17/2012	Power of the Paddle	Coolum	Queensland	Australia	★★★★
12/09/2012	Paris Nautic SUP Crossing	Paris	France	Europe	★★★★
02/01/2013	2013: ISA World Stand Up Paddle and Paddleboard Championship	Miraflores	Peru	South America	★★★★★★
03/01/2013	2013: [Stand Up World Series] Australia	TBA	TBA	Australia	★★★★★
03/01/2013	2013: [Stand Up World Series] New Zealand	TBA	New Zealand	Pacific	★★★★
03/08/2013	2013: Punta Sayulita Classic	Punta Sayulita	Mexico	South America	★★★★★
04/01/2013	2013: [Stand Up World Series] Chile	TBA	Chile	South America	★★★
04/18/2013	2013: [Stand Up World Series] CamSur World Paddle Challenge	CamSur Waterpark	Philippines	Pacific	★★★★★
05/11/2013	2013: OluKai	Maui	Hawaii	Hawaii	★★★★★★
05/25/2013	2013: Lost Mills International	Brombachsee	Germany	Europe	★★★★★
06/01/2013	2013: [Stand Up World Series] Norway	Oslo	Norway	Europe	★★★★
06/29/2013	2013: Lake Max Challenge	Culver	Indiana	U.S.	★★★★

Stand-Up Paddleboarders Will Get Ticketed for Not Wearing Life Jackets

Sup, bro? You totally into that crazy SUPing? You know, that stand-up paddleboarding? Well, the Conservation Commission Marine Patrol is about to cramp your style and issue a ticket if you decide to SUP in certain areas without a life jacket.

In 2008 the U.S. Coast Guard decided to classify paddleboards as vessels. According to the Palm Beach Post, anyone operating a vessel in areas that aren't designated for swimming, surfing, or bathing must be wearing a life vest. Operators must also have a whistle and, at night, a flashlight and a visual distress signal.

So a spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission tells the Post that it'll begin issuing warnings to paddleboarders who don't meet the requirements. Repeat offenders could face a fine of $90. The FWC's full requirements can be found here.

Technically, paddleboarders aren't required to wear a life jacket, but they must have it on board. And there's not really much room on a paddleboard for a life jacket unless you're wearing it. So, paddle boarders, get ready to accept those awkward tan lines.

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Palau Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board/Kayak

The Palau SUP/Kayak is perfect for experience to beginner paddlers featuring a 5 layer drop-stitch construction for extreme rigidity and stability, a comfortable EVA traction pad, and 3 removable fins. The Palau also doubles as a kayak with adjustable backrest and padded seat!

Come Paddle in South Florida

Come and Paddle in beautiful South Florida. Many diffrent location from Fort Lauderdale to Miami. Its growing and will become very big at the end of 2012.

Surf's Up: The Rise of Stand-up Paddle Boards

By KEVIN HELLIKER

When Chris Krause hops on a board each morning to surf Lake Michigan, the water is usually flat. But who cares? Instead of catching a wave, Mr. Krause is catching a workout, by standing on his board and paddling for 60 minutes.

"For my money it's the best total body workout you can get," says Mr. Krause, a 44-year-old triathlete who runs a match-making service for promising athletes and college coaches.

Stand-up paddle surfing is the fitness rage of the summer. In lakes, rivers and bays where the surf is never up, Americans in skyrocketing numbers are standing on boards and paddling, a balancing act that strengthens the muscles of the legs, buttocks, back, shoulders and arms.

"Stand-up paddle surfing is a valuable new form of cross-training, in part because it's so low impact," says Cindi Bannink, a triathlon coach in Madison, Wis.

For an industry long dependent on California and Hawaii, the trend is rapidly forging new sales territories. "Suddenly, our fastest-growing markets are places like Chicago, Boise and Austin, Texas," says Ty Zulim, sales manager for Surftech International, a surf-board maker and distributor based in Santa Cruz, Calif.

"Stand-up paddling is the fastest-growing segment of the surf industry," says Sean Smith, executive director of the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association, whose most recent study found that the industry had sales in 2008 of $7.2 billion.

Some manufacturers say they can't make them fast enough. "Every one we make is already sold, and that's the case with most manufacturers," says surfing legend Laird Hamilton, who has licensed his name and stand-up board designs—including a model called the Laird—to Surftech and other manufacturers.

After introducing stand-up boards at west coast stores last year, Recreational Equipment Inc. this summer stocked it in a number of land-locked stores—and met its annual sales projections by mid-June, says Nathan Grothe, product manager for REI, based just outside of Seattle.

Even general merchandiser Costco Wholesale Corp. began selling stand-up boards this summer to great success, says Jack Weisbly, the Kirkland, Wash., chain's sporting goods' merchandise manager. "We're selling a lot of them to hotels and resorts that are located near water," he says.

Known as SUP (pronounced as in "Wassup?"), the stand-up paddling trend comes on the heels of the kayak craze, but offers potentially greater health benefits, especially given recent research showing the hazards of prolonged sitting. Like yoga, standing on a board requires basic balancing abilities, which in turn strengthen and tone any and all muscles used to stay in position. (A new trend in some still-water locales involves staging yoga classes on stand-up boards.)

 

Surfer Laird Hamilton, with daughter Reece, 6, on Hanalei River, Kauai.

People of any age can get started, proponents say, recommending that newcomers should use the widest—and therefore sturdiest—boards. While conventional surf boards are about 20 inches in width, stand-up boards can be 32 inches wide. Children older than toddlers can use them alongside their grandparents, although life preservers are recommended and in some locations required.

Newcomers should kneel on the board and paddle that way before trying to rise to their feet. In still water, standing up is hardly more difficult on a stand-up board than on solid ground. Once afoot, staying that way is relatively easy. This reporter—who during yoga class takes frequent tumbles—stayed dry during an hour of debut paddle surfing last week on the choppy waters of Lake Michigan.

Like cycling, paddle surfing can be done at a recreational pace or, for an aerobic workout, at heart-thumping speed. And like yoga, stand-up paddle surfing is proving particularly popular with women.

"Nearly 50% of the buyers of our stand-up boards are women, which is a much much higher percentage than" conventional surf boards, says Mr. Hamilton.

At worst, a tumble means getting wet. But many veterans say they never do. "If falling off was a real danger, my wife and I wouldn't be out on Lake Michigan doing it in March," when chunks of ice are floating in the lake, says Mr. Krause, who says only his feet ever get wet.

High-end models of stand-up boards sold in sporting-goods stores range from about $900 to $1,500, with the paddle costing an additional $150 to $300. Costco, however, offers a board-and-paddle set for as little as $429.

Paddles have given rise to races. Dozens are scheduled this summer, up from none only a few years ago, with the fastest paddlers moving well beyond 10 miles an hour. "This is to surfing what snowboarding first was to skiing," says Mr. Hamilton. "I'm convinced it will be an Olympic sport."

Mr. Hamilton declines to call himself the inventor of the sport because Pacific Islanders—and Italy's Venetians—for centuries have stood in boats using paddles or poles.

Yet there's one place where stand-up paddling isn't popular: the waters where conventional surfers converge. To them, the oversized boards and six-feet long paddles represent a danger, especially in the hands of novices. "Don't Encourage Them," said a recent headline in a blog called Postsurf.com.

Miami Watermen Crossing of Gulf Stream on Stand-up Paddleboards

 

Miami Watermen Complete First-Ever Crossing of Gulf Stream on Stand-up Paddleboards

Miami Watermen Complete First-Ever Crossing of Gulf Stream on Stand-up Paddleboards
Bimini-Miami Blue Water Challenge Raised Awareness for Surfrider’s Rise Above Plastics
MIAMI BEACH, FL—JUNE 15, 2012— A journey of 10,000 strokes starts and ends with just one. On June 9th, Miami residents, Bill Whiddon (58) and Thaddeus Foote (38) set off from the docks of the Big Game Club Resort & Marina, Bimini. 17 hours, 11 minutes and 43 seconds later they took their final stroke to the shore of Haulover Beach, Miami. In doing so, they became the first in history to cross the Gulf Steam on stand-up paddleboards.
During their 60-plus mile epic journey, the pair battled rainsqualls, searing summer heat and the natural northern drift of the Gulf Stream.
“It was paddle, hydrate, eat and paddle more,” said the 58-year-old Whiddon. “We did battle a 40 minute tough squall with the first hour of leaving the Bahamas and the seas went from flat to three-foot swells breaking into us.”
Their course was as tactical as it was long. To counteract the north pull of the Gulf Stream, Whiddon said he and Foote, 38, started a heading more southwest out of Bimini and then after ten hours turned the course more to a due westerly direction that increased speed and pushed to the north.
“We only had one fish encounter when we woke up a huge sun fish basking on the surface,” Whiddon recalled. “The fins on the fish were at least two feet long. We also had a school of dolphin swimming under our boards for a longtime, using the shade for some relief from the blistering sun.”
The cause behind the “Bimini to Miami Blue Water Challenge” is to raise awareness for Surfrider Foundation’s Rise Above Plastics campaign to reduce plastics in the ocean.
“This crossing was a great opportunity to highlight the impact that plastics are having on our world’s ocean and how our actions, as a society, can make such a big difference,” said Foote.
C4 Waterman, Inc. is an Oahu, Hawaii-based lifestyle and adventure sports equipment company. They are a brand focused on providing the highest quality hard goods and soft goods to water sports athletes and enthusiasts around the world. C4 was the first company with a focus on SUP and continues to lead the pack when it comes to industry recognition, authenticity, innovation and product design. Planning a unique SUP expedition? C4 is always seeking new adventures. Contact us at www.c4waterman.com.

Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Local Miami Chapter www.surfridermiami.org efforts include lobbying for the enforcement of litter laws, beach dune restoration and K-8 environmental education.
Bimini Big Game Club
The historic Bimini Big Game Club, which reopened in the summer of 2010, is located on the main navigation channel in Bimini Bay. The resort currently features 51-rooms and a 75-slip marina capable of accommodating boats up to 145 feet in length. For more information, go to www.biggameclubbimini.com.
Contacts:
Chase Olivieri, C4 Waterman, 787-316-2289, www.c4waterman.com chase@c4waterman.com
Thaddeus Foote, 786-837-3988, thaddeusfoote@gmail.com

Martha Greenlee, 407-580-1830, www.surfridermiami.org,

HOW MUCH DO YOU PADDLE?

One of the big things that I struggle with as a competitive paddler is how much training I should be doing. There is a fine line between training hard and over training. I am also like most paddlers out there and have a life outside of stand up paddle boarding. If you are looking to improve your training you can do many different things besides two-a-days on an Olympic champion program. Small things like practicing your technique and forming a training plan will help you improve.
The article below is from an Olympic kayaker and gives good perspective on the amount of training you should be doing.

How much training is required? That depends on two things. Your goals, and how much time you have available to train.
If your goal is winning the Olympics or other high-level competition then you must be willing to devote a large portion of your time towards training. However, if you want to simply get into reasonable shape, it can be done with a much more modest time commitment.
Training is a game of diminishing returns. Working out a few times per week will reap tremendous benefits compared to a full-time couch potato. Add a few more sessions on top of that (say four to six sessions per week) and you’ll see even more benefits. However more is not always better. At some point, you’ll reach an optimal level of training at which point any additional training does more harm than good – this is overtraining.
Training does not make you better or faster. It’s the RECOVERY from training that brings improvement. Training tears down your muscles and your body adapts by rebuilding them stronger than before. However, if you don’t give your body time to recover, you’ll end up tearing yourself down more than rebuilding. Notice that the blue curve peaks out at about 12 hours of training per week. More than that amount is detrimental.
Note that 12 hours per week is an arbitrary amount that I have chosen. The actual amount will depend on the type of training you are doing and your initial fitness. Somebody training with extremely high-intensity sprint sessions may find that 8–10 hours is the most they can do without overtraining. Somebody training at lower intensity for marathon events may find that they are able to train 15 or even 20 hours per week.
After two to three years of consistent training at a high level, your body will adapt to handle even more volume. Note that the red curve has shifted to the right and slightly upwards. Thus, a highly trained athlete may be able to handle 16 hours per week and advance to even higher performance.
Beginners may find that four to six hours per week is the maximum they can handle until they get more training under their belt. Increasing volume or intensity too quickly is a sure way to experience injury or burnout.

TRAINING SUP

TURNING

Stand up paddleboards are not easy to turn. We don’t have side thrusters to dock up to the beach or go around buoys. Fortunately, there are some easy tips and techniques that will help you handle your SUP. Pivot Turn- The pivot turn is a turn that you will probably see used the most [...]

 

ENERGY SYSTEMS

As we progress in our stand up paddling we begin to look for ways to improve. The first and most important thing to do is to get your technique dialed in. Read our Stoke Breakdown article for more information on basic stand up paddle technique. Once we become comfortable with our technique, it is time to [...]

 

TRAIN SMARTER

 

Before I started training this year I decided that I would keep a stand up paddle training log. I started the log to keep track of my progress as well as to use for future reference and comparison. Below this article you will be able to see the exact copy of my log from [...]

 

STROKE BREAKDOWN

These stand up paddle stroke rules are applicable whether you are trying to win your next race or you simply want to prevent fatigue on your sunset paddles. Check out our articles in the training section for ways to increase your speed and endurance, but only after you have your technique down!

 

SUP CROSS-TRAINING

There are a couple of approaches to training for stand up paddlers. One approach is known as cross-training where most aerobic training is done through a variety of basic exercises such as running, swimming, biking, and maybe even the Gazelle elliptical trainer. Basically anything that gets your

PERFECT TECHNIQUE

An important aspect of any sport is technique. Using proper technique will help an individual perform at a higher level for a longer period of time as well as prevent injury. When I began stand up paddle racing two years ago I found myself searching for answers for the correct mechanics in stand up

 

HOW DO I TRAIN FOR STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING?

In the world of endurance sports, stand up paddle boarding is the new kid on the block. As a stand up paddle competitor and race organizer I have seen stand up paddlers of every skill level take to the water to race. Some of us have GPS watches and are gunning for gold

Stand up paddle surfing

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A man with his sup in Rishon Lezion, Israel

Kai Lenny, World Cup Sylt 2009

Woman stand up paddling

Stand up paddle surfing (SUP), stand up paddle boarding, or in the Hawaiian language Hoe he'e nalu, is an emerging global sport with a Hawaiian heritage. The sport is an ancient form of surfing, and reemerged as a way for surfing instructors to manage their large groups of students, as standing on the board gave them a higher viewpoint. This increased visibility of what was going on around them such as incoming swell.

History

The popularity of the modern sport of SUP'ing has its origin 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.^[1]
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. Another reason for the rise in popularity of stand up paddleboarding is that, unlike surfing, paddleboarding is very easy to learn. Within one hour you can become very comfortable in the water and on your board. Stand up paddleboarding is also more popular with women because of their lower center of gravity, women are often more skilled at paddleboarding than men.^[2]
Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama re-introduced the ancient sport of paddle surfing to the modern water sports world. The first "modern" surfer to bring Stand Up Paddle Surfing out of Hawaii and to the mainland United States was Vietnam veteran Rick Thomas. ^[3]
Custom surf shaper Jimmy Lewis, created one of the first modern production boards, the All Around.
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.
River SUP'ing is gaining popularity in the boating community due to the skill and agility required to navigate rapids and obstacles.
Stand up paddle surfing is now the fastest growing water surf activity because it allows a wider range of athletic types to get involved and SUP surfers need not schedule around high and low tides^[4]

Materials and design

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. Some SUP boards use a hollow wood construction instead of foam with epoxy resin.^[5]. In the last few years inflatable boards have been introduced as well. The boards are generally longer than 9 feet (3 m), and can be longer than 12 feet (4 m), with features such as padded decks and concave hulls; they generally have one or three surfboard-style fins in the stern for tracking.
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 flotation device when paddling in certain areas.^[6] Whether this will affect the continued take up of stand up paddling in the USA remains to be seen. The Canadian Coast Guard has implemented similar rules, however SUPer's are only required to have a PFD with them, they don't have to wear them.

Stand up paddle

A stand up paddle is a type of paddle used in stand up paddle surfing. The stand up paddle is used to propel an individual across the surface of the water while standing on a surfboard. The paddle consists of a blade, shaft and handle.

Materials and design

Paddles used for stand up surfing are usually constructed from carbon, fiberglass or wood with flat blade on one end connecting to a handle on the other end by a long smooth shaft. The blade ranges from 6 to 10 inches in width with an oval or round shaft ranging from 67 to 86 inches in length with a 1 to 1.5 inch diameter. Blades are designed with several shapes and features. Normally the blade has a pizza peel shape sometimes having a slight keel on the back side of the blade. Other commonly used shapes include diamonds, or oar like blades.

Use

The proper form for paddle surfing requires a paddle of the correct length and size. A common rule of thumb is a “shaka” length, or 5 to 7 inches, above the rider's height. While standing on board, the rider holds the paddle with one hand on the handle and the other hand approximately 1/3 of the way down the shaft. The hand placement alternates depending on what side the rider is paddling on. When paddling on the right side the handle is held with the left hand and the shaft with the right, vice versa on the left side. When paddling, the blade is placed in the water 1 to 2 feet in front of the rider. The paddle is then pulled through the water with a motion similar to the rider punching with the top hand. The motion is continued until the blade is pulled through the water to a point approximately 6 inches to a foot behind the rider's body

How to Get Started Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

The fast-growing sport of stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is a fun, easy way to go play on the water. With a minimum of equipment, you can paddle anything from ocean surf to lakes and rivers—no waves required.
Paddleboarding offers an amazing full body workout and is becoming a favorite cross-training activity for skiers, snowboarders and other athletes. And since you're standing at your full height, you'll enjoy excellent views of everything from sea creatures to what's on the horizon. It's almost like walking on water!

Paddleboarding Gear

You need just a few key pieces of equipment to enjoy this sport:

• Stand up paddleboard: This is by far your most significant gear investment. Sizes are based on the paddler's weight and experience. More experienced and lighter paddlers can choose narrower boards. Novice paddlers should choose wider, flatter boards, which offer more stability.
• Paddle: Stand up paddles have an angle or “elbow” in the shaft for maximum efficiency. Choose a paddle that's roughly 6” to 8” taller than you are (though some manufacturers recommend an 8” to 10” differential).
• PFD (Personal Flotation Device): The U.S. Coast Guard classifies stand up paddleboards as vessels, so always wear a PFD whenever you're paddling navigable water.
• Proper clothing: For cold conditions where hypothermia is a concern, wear a wetsuit or dry suit. In milder conditions, wear shorts and a T-shirt or bathing suit—something that moves with you and can get wet.
• Sun protection: Wear sunscreen and sunglasses.

Shop REI's selection of paddleboarding gear .

Techniques: Getting Started

Carrying Your Board to the Water

If your stand up paddleboard has been designed with a built-in handle, carrying it is a breeze. Just lean the board on its rail (edge), reach for the handle and tuck the board under one arm. Carry your paddle with the other hand.
For longer distances, or if your board has no handle, you can more easily carry your paddleboard on your head. Here's how:

• Stand the board on its tail (end) with the deck (top of the board) facing you.
• Lay your paddle on the ground within easy reach.
• Grasp the rails (the edges of the board) with both hands.
• Walk yourself under the board so that your head is about midway between the nose (front) and the tail.
• Stand upright with the board overhead, still holding it by its rails.
• Now bend down and pick up your paddle and carry it alongside the board.
• Head for the water.

Paddleboarding on Calm Water

When you're learning the sport, it's best to start out in ideal conditions: flat, calm water that's free of obstacles like boats and buoys.

Mounting the Paddleboard

When you're a beginner, it's easier to kneel on the board rather than to stand directly upright. Here are a few pointers to get you started:

• Standing alongside the board, place your paddle across the deck of the board and use it as an outrigger. The paddle grip is on the rail (edge) of the board; the blade rests on the water.
• Hold the board by the rails. One hand will also be holding the paddle grip.
• Pop yourself onto the board into a kneeling position, just behind the center point of the board.
• From that kneeling position, get a feel for the balance point of the board. The nose shouldn't pop up out of the water and the tail shouldn't dig in.
• Keep your hands on either side of the board to stabilize it.

Once you're ready, stand up on the board one foot at a time. Place your feet where your knees were. You might also bring a friend to wade out about knee-deep with your board. Have your friend stabilize the board as you get the hang of standing on it.

Techniques: On the Water

Paddleboarding Stance

A few tips to help you keep your balance as you stand upright on the paddleboard:

• Your feet should be parallel, about hip-width distance apart, centered between the rails (board edges). Don't stand on the rails.
• Keep toes pointed forward, knees bent and your back straight.
• Balance with your hips—not your head.
• Keep your head and shoulders steady and upright, and shift your weight by moving your hips.
• Your gaze should be level at the horizon. Avoid the temptation to stare at your feet.
• It's much like bicycling: When your forward momentum increases, your stability increases as well.

Paddleboarding Stroke

Once you've practiced balancing on the board in flat water, it's time to take off on a paddleboarding excursion—where the real fun begins. Here are some pointers for getting started with the basic paddleboarding stroke.

• If you're paddling on the right, your right hand is lower and on the paddle shaft. Your top (left) hand is on the top of the grip.
• The elbow (angle) of the paddle faces away from you.
• Keep your arms straight and twist from your torso as you paddle. Think of using your torso to paddle rather than your arms. You have more strength in those abdominal muscles than in your arms.
• Push down on the paddle grip with your top hand.
• Plant the paddle by pushing the blade all the way under the surface, pull it back to your ankle, then out of the water.
• When you're beginning, keep your strokes fairly short and close alongside the board. No need to overpower it.
• A small draw stroke at the beginning of the paddle stroke will keep you going forward.
• To go in a reasonably straight line, paddle about 4 or 5 strokes on one side, then switch to the other.
• When you switch sides, you'll reverse hand positions.

Paddleboarding Turns

There are several straightforward ways to turn a paddleboard.

• Sidestroke: One easy method to is simply to paddle on one side until the nose turns in the direction you want to go. Want to turn right? Paddle on the left. Headed to the left? Paddle on the right.
• Backpaddle: Another fast way to turn or reverse direction is to simply drag the paddle or paddle backwards on either side of the board.
• Sea ("c") stroke: Plant your paddle towards the front of the board and take a long sweeping stroke towards the tail. This is sometimes called a sweep stroke.

Other tips:

• Stepping back on the board or looking over your shoulder to the direction of your turn also helps in making a turn.
• Another turn that works well, especially in surf, is to paddle on your dominant side (left foot forward, paddle on your right side). Really bend your knees and put more weight on your back foot. This allows the board to pivot and turn quickly.

When You Fall

Stand up paddleboarding is relatively easy to learn, but expect to take the occasional fall as you're gaining skills. For those inevitable times you lose your balance:

• Aim yourself to the side, so that you fall into the water and not onto the board. Falling onto the board is more likely to cause an injury.
• If you get separated from your paddle and your board, get your board first, then paddle it to retrieve the paddle.

Common Beginner's Mistakes in Paddleboarding

These mistakes are easy to make when you're starting out. Try to avoid them and you'll have a lot more fun on the water:

• A hunched posture. Keep your back straight, shoulders level.
• Staring at your feet instead of the horizon.
• The elbow (bent angle) of the paddle facing in the wrong direction. It should point away from you.
• Having both hands on the paddle shaft. Your top hand belongs at the very top of the paddle, on the grip.
• Standing straight-kneed. It's much easier to balance with bent knees.

Paddleboarding: Next Steps

Once you've mastered the basics, there's almost no limit to the watery worlds you can explore on your stand up paddleboard. Play in the waves and ocean surf, carve turns or learn new strokes. You might find yourself wanting a narrower, more maneuverable board as you become more adept.
Meanwhile, get out there, enjoy the view and have a great time on your SUP!

Stand Up Paddleboarding FAQs

Q: Do I need waves in order to paddleboard?
A: Even though paddleboards look like oversized surfboards, you don't need waves in order to enjoy this self-propelled sport. In fact, flat water is preferred for building your paddleboard skills.
Q: Where can I rent a board?
A: Most surf shops that sell paddleboards also rent them. It's a great way to test out the sport before you commit to buying.
Q: What size paddleboard is best for me?
A: The choice is determined by a combination of paddler weight and skill, your intended use and the local conditions. Talk to an REI store employee for help with choosing the right paddleboard for you.
Q: Why does the paddle have an angle?
A: The elbow in a paddle provides a more powerful, effective stroke. When you're paddling, the elbow causes the paddle blade to align straight up and down as it comes alongside the paddleboard.
Q: What should I wear for paddleboarding?
A: Wear clothing that lets you move and that can get wet: shorts and a T-shirt or a swimsuit work well in warm climates. In cold weather when hypothermia is a danger, consider a wetsuit or drysuit. Always wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device).
Q: Do I need to wax the top of the paddleboard?
A: Most paddleboards sold at REI have a traction pad attached to the top of the board. These provide reliable grip and should not be waxed. If you choose a paddleboard that doesn't have such a pad or soft-top, you'll need to use a base wax and a grip wax (such as Sticky Bumps) to provide traction.
Q: How do I transport the board on my car?
A: You can transport your paddleboard on the roof rack of a car. It's best to use a bar pad on the rack in order to protect the board. Be sure to stack the board on the roof with the fin up, towards the front. Use surf-specific straps that won't crush the foam on the board when you strap it down.
Watch the Expert Advice video for tips on transporting watercraft .
Q: Can the fins on a paddleboard be removed?
A: The fins on underside of the board help with navigating through the water. They can be removed for travel and storage, but you won't want to paddle without them.
Q: Where is the best place to stand on a paddleboard?
A: Stand just behind the center point of the board. The nose (front) of the board shouldn't pop out of the water, and the tail shouldn't dig in.
Q: Can I take a paddleboard in rivers?
A: Yes, you can paddleboard almost any navigable body of water.
Q: Why not just use a kayak?
A: Kayaking is great fun, but the beauty of SUP is that standing up allows you to enjoy much better views, both to the horizon and down into the water. It's a simpler sport to pursue than kayaking, with less equipment required. It also offers a fantastic core workout.
Q: Can you surf with a paddleboard?
A: Yes, but learn to surf in an empty break before you enter the lineup. When you get good, remember to share the waves!
Q: What does a full paddleboarding setup cost?
A: Depending on which models you choose, the cost of a board and paddle ranges from about $1,100 to $2,100.