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- Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
- Kategorie: Lebensstil
- Sprache: Englisch
An easy and accessible guide for one of the fastest growing water sports in the world
Looking for a way to get some exercise out on the water and have a blast while you're at it? Then it's time to try stand up paddleboarding!
Stand Up Paddleboarding For Dummies walks you through absolutely everything you need to know to get started with this fun, exciting, and healthy activity. It's packed with illustrations, graphics, and easy-to-understand tips that make it a snap to do everything from choosing your first board to respecting the marine life you'll see while you're in the water.
This book will prepare you for your new hobby so you can feel safe, knowledgeable, and comfortable with the ins and outs of this rapidly growing sport. You'll also find:
- Essential safety tips, including how to maintain your balance on the board and helpful stretches you can do before and after your next stand up paddleboarding session
- A list of common rookie mistakes—and how to avoid them—so you can get a head start on your new pastime
- Equipment basics that will help you choose the gear that's right for you on your first try
Stand Up Paddleboarding For Dummies is a great book for people ready to take on a cool and healthy new activity, as well as the perfect gift for that active and fun-loving person in your life who can't get enough of being out on the water. Grab a copy today!
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025
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Stand Up Paddleboarding For Dummies®
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Table of Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Introduction
About This Book
Foolish Assumptions
How This Book Is Organized
Icons Used in This Book
Beyond the Book
Where to Go from Here
Part 1: Before You Get Your Feet Wet
Chapter 1: What’SUP? Paddling While Standing up through History
Paddling in a Standing Position: Ancient History
Surveying the Rise of SUP Surfing in Hawaii
Breaking down the Modern SUP Revolution: Blame Laird
Chapter 2: Choosing the Right Board for Your Adventure
Yes, You’ll Need a Board
Considering Some Bells and Whistles
Chapter 3: Shopping for SUP Gear
So Many Choices: Breaking down the Board Bonanza
Zeroing in on that Perfect Board
The Search Is On: Finding the Right Board for You
Chapter 4: Paddle Perfection: Finding a Match to Propel You Forward
A Good Paddle — Like a Samurai’s Sword
Comparing Paddle Construction and Paddle Weights
Finding the Perfect Fit: Adjustable versus Fixed Length Paddles
Chapter 5: Safety Dance: Take a Chance, but Don’t Leave the World Behind
Your Best Friends: Wearing a Leash and Using the Buddy System
Staying Afloat: Personal Floatation Devices
Sending Out an SOS: Communication Gear
Looking at Other Emergency Equipment
Chapter 6: Shielding Yourself from the Elements
Dressing for Success: Weather, Temperature, and Conditions
Lathering Up: Sunscreen, Sunblock, and SPF
Chapter 7: Preparing for the Big Blue
Just Chillin’: Taking Baby Steps
From Novice to Ninja: Balance Training and Staying Fit Off the Water
Chapter 8: Before You Jump In
Racking΄ Em Up
Being a Good Neighbor at Your Local Beach
Part 2: Get Up, Stand Up
Chapter 9: Stand Up Comedy: Your First Balancing Act
Watch Your Back: Set Up, Lifting, and Carrying Your Gear Like a Pro
Going from Kneeling to Standing Tall
Keeping Your Board on the Straight and Narrow
Taking a Fall and Getting Right Back Onboard
Don’t Forget to Have Fun!
Chapter 10: Avoiding the Most Common Rookie Mistakes
Looking at Paddle Handling Pitfalls
Steering Clear of Board Handling Blunders
Part 3: Leveling Up: From Wobbly Novice to Zen Waterman
Chapter 11: So You’re No Longer a Beginner …
Stroke of Genius: Mastering Efficient Paddle Technique
Forward Strokes: Keeping It on the Straight and Narrow
Surveying Steering Strokes and Maneuvers
Chapter 12: The Need for Speed: Getting into SUP Racing and Endurance Paddling
Discovering the Joy of Distance Paddling
Coming Up with Your Own Training Program
Looking at Cross-Training
Preparing Mentally
Rounding up Race-Day Strategies
Enjoying the Social Aspect of Training and Racing with Others
Chapter 13: Conquering the Waves: SUP Surfing Technique
Mastering Surfing Etiquette: How Not to Be That Paddler
Watch, Ask, and Learn: Before Going into the Surf
Surfing Regular versus Surfing Goofy Foot
Reading the Waves and Currents
Getting out There
Timing Is Everything: Catching a Wave
Fancy Footwork: Switching Your Feet to Surf Stance
Riding Down the Line
Going for Bottom Turns and Cutbacks
Carrying out (Even More) Advanced Maneuvers
Part 4: The SUP Lifestyle
Chapter 14: The Unexpected Health Benefits of SUP
Paddling Your Way to a Better Bod
Shedding Calories While Having Fun
Better than a Six Pack: Contributing to Core Strength
Improving Muscle Control and Coordination
Adding Up the Additional Health Benefits of SUP
Chapter 15: Finding Your Paddle Tribe: Enjoying the Sport Socially
Adding More Bodies to The Mix
Getting into the Competitive Spirit
Being Together for the Sake of Being Together
Connecting with Others
Chapter 16: SUP Racing: Going for the (Olympic) Gold
The Long Road to Olympic Glory
Surfing into the Olympics
The Thrill of Victory: SUP Racing for King and Country
Chapter 17: Taking Care of Your Board: Maintenance and Repair
Pride of Ownership: Zen and the Art of Board Maintenance
Eyeing iSUP Board Construction, Maintenance, and Repair
Peeking at What’s under the Glass: The Anatomy of a Hard Board
Heeding Hard Board Maintenance and Repair
Chapter 18: SUPer Adventures: Paddle Adventure Guide
Setting out on Your Own Great Adventure
Traveling the World to SUP: Challenges and Rewards
Enjoying the Stand-Up Paddle Lifestyle
Part 5: The Part of Tens
Chapter 19: Ten Things to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Stand Up Paddleboard
Will I Be Sharing My SUP Equipment?
Do I Want an Inflatable SUP (iSUP) or a Hard Board?
What Are My Height and Weight?
What’s My Skill Level?
What Conditions Will I Be Paddling in Most Often?
What Are My Future Goals and Ambitions?
What’s My Ideal Balance between Budget and Performance?
Where Should I Buy My SUP?
What Kind of Warranty Does the Board Come With?
How Invested Am I in a Particular Model or Color?
Chapter 20: Ten (Plus One) Tips to Go Faster
Starting with a Good Catch
Powering up Your Stroke
Make a Smooth Exit and Recovery
Working on Recovery
Minimizing Splashing
Maximizing Leverage
Stacking Your Shoulders to Improve Shaft Angle
Perfecting Your Blade Angle and Stroke Path
Getting into the Rhythm
Keeping an Even Keel
Mind over Matter: Holding Your Emotions in Check
Conclusion
Chapter 21: Ten Ways to Deal with (or Prevent) Injuries
Relieving Common Injuries with Easy Exercises
Strength Training
Staying Limber: Flexibility and Mobility
Morning Routine: Starting the Day the Right Way
Fueling Yourself for Optimal Performance
Staying in Shape Year-Round
Recognizing the Importance of Rest and Recovery
Bringing in Breathing Exercises and Contrast Therapy
Pacing Yourself: Avoid Overdoing It
Making a Training Plan
Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Enjoy SUP
SUP Touring
SUP Yoga
SUP Fishing
Paddling with a Dog
Whitewater SUP
SUP Foiling
SUP Rescue
SUP Jousting
SUP Team-Building Exercises
SUP Drills
Chapter 23: School Smarts: Ten Resources for Learning More
Beginner Lessons
Advanced Classes
Training Groups
Resources for Becoming a Certified SUP Instructor
Paddle Fit
YouTube Channels
Other Online Resources
Appendix: SUP Lingo For Dummies
Index
About the Author
Connect with Dummies
End User License Agreement
List of Illustrations
Chapter 1
FIGURE 1-1: A
caballito de totora.
FIGURE 1-2: A modern
hasake
off the Israeli coast.
FIGURE 1-3: African woman paddling a dugout canoe.
FIGURE 1-4: Duke Kahanamoku statue.
Chapter 2
FIGURE 2-1: Volume chart by bodyweight and skill level.
FIGURE 2-2: The parts of a board.
FIGURE 2-3: Rail shapes.
FIGURE 2-4: Nose and tail shapes.
FIGURE 2-5: Different fin setups: Single fin, 2+1, quad fins.
FIGURE 2-6: Displacement hull race boards (left) and a SUP surfing board with p...
FIGURE 2-7: A SUP surfer planes over the water surface; water releases off the ...
Chapter 3
FIGURE 3-1: Different board types.
FIGURE 3-2: Zane Saenz at Sunset Beach.
Chapter 4
FIGURE 4-1: The parts of a paddle.
FIGURE 4-2: Three methods to determine proper paddle length.
FIGURE 4-3: Handle at eye level while paddling.
Chapter 5
FIGURE 5-1: Leash parts.
FIGURE 5-2: U.S. Coast Guard PFD designations.
Chapter 6
FIGURE 6-1: Your author, fully suited up in Tofino, B.C., Canada.
FIGURE 6-2: Types of wet suits and dry suits available.
Chapter 7
FIGURE 7-1: Roller board, balance dome, and rocker board.
Chapter 8
FIGURE 8-1: Two boards stacked on top of each other.
Chapter 9
FIGURE 9-1: Mounting your board and practicing strokes.
FIGURE 9-2: Moving from kneeling to standing.
FIGURE 9-3: Comparing good and bad body position.
Chapter 10
FIGURE 10-1: Incorrect and correct paddle holding position.
FIGURE 10-2: Switching hands versus not switching hands.
FIGURE 10-3: Using the paddlers box to determine a good grip distance.
FIGURE 10-4: Balancing your weight.
FIGURE 10-5: Get into kneeling position and lightly step down one foot at a tim...
FIGURE 10-6: Lifting the board onto the rail before lifting it up.
FIGURE 10-7: Paddling into the wind first so coming back is easy.
Chapter 11
FIGURE 11-1: Power phase.
FIGURE 11-2: Exit and recovery.
FIGURE 11-3: Hacks for propelling your board forward.
FIGURE 11-4: Reverse J stroke path.
FIGURE 11-5: Steering stroke.
FIGURE 11-6: Cross-bow turn.
FIGURE 11-7: Pivot turn.
Chapter 12
FIGURE 12-1: Rounding Portlock Point on the way to the M2O race finish.
Chapter 13
FIGURE 13-1: Parallel stance, staggered stance, and surf stance.
FIGURE 13-2: Skyla Rainer bottom turning and Tyler Judson cutting back.
Chapter 16
FIGURE 16-1: The surfing contest at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
FIGURE 16-2: Narrow boards are faster but also difficult to balance on.
FIGURE 16-3: The start of the Da Hui Paddle Race on July 4, 2024.
Chapter 17
FIGURE 17-1: A Halkey-Roberts valve with valve cover attached.
FIGURE 17-2: A typical iSUP repair kit.
FIGURE 17-3: Marking the boards outline using templates.
FIGURE 17-4: Cutting the outline using a hand saw.
FIGURE 17-5: Using a power planer to shape the board.
FIGURE 17-6: A topless board cover.
FIGURE 17-7: Rough up the area around the ding.
FIGURE 17-8: Apply the repair putty.
FIGURE 17-9: Smooth out the putting using wet fingers.
FIGURE 17-10: Repairing the rails and sharp edges takes special skills.
Chapter 18
FIGURE 18-1: Paddling down a slow-moving river.
FIGURE 18-2: A turtle joins the Glow Down the River Tour in Hale’iwa.
FIGURE 18-3: Your author paddling under a bridge in Venice.
FIGURE 18-4: Paddle adventure on a remote lake in Oregon.
Chapter 20
FIGURE 20-1: Turbulence around the blade edges.
FIGURE 20-2: Using the paddler’s box to determine a good grip distance.
FIGURE 20-3: Stacking the shoulders.
Chapter 21
FIGURE 21-1: Testing for shoulder impingement syndrome.
FIGURE 21-2: A simple lateral shoulder raise exercise.
FIGURE 21-3: Tennis elbow.
FIGURE 21-4: Exercises for preventing and/or relieving back pain.
Chapter 22
FIGURE 22-1: SUP yoga headstand.
FIGURE 22-2: Nick Freeman with Phoenix.
FIGURE 22-3: Paddling down a rapid in a standing position is challenging!
FIGURE 22-4: Performing a flip rescue.
Guide
Cover
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Begin Reading
Appendix: SUP Lingo For Dummies
Index
About the Author
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Stand Up Paddleboarding For Dummies®
Published by: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774, www.wiley.com
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Introduction
Confucius is credited with having said, “Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.” This ode to perseverance and resilience applies especially well to stand up paddleboarding (SUP), where any progress you make is usually accompanied by many falls. Everyone takes a dunking, especially when you’re just starting out. Even as you progress in the sport — going out in more challenging conditions; using a smaller, tippier board; or trying out a new discipline or maneuver, for example — falling into the water is always part of the process. I may even argue that if you’re never falling in, you aren’t challenging yourself enough.
So, yes, SUP is a glorious metaphor for life itself. It’s not about staying perfectly balanced and upright all the time. (No one does.) It’s about laughing off wobbles and wipeouts and about getting back on the board with a smile, no matter how many times you get knocked off. That’s where the glory comes in; as your balance and fitness improve, you can conquer new challenges. You realize that every time you fall and get back up you learn something and get a little better and stronger.
Maybe you’ve never tried to SUP but are curious. Maybe you’re already an experienced paddler ready to take your skills to the next level or you want to teach others to enjoy this beautiful way to enjoy the water. If so, I wrote Stand Up Paddleboarding For Dummies for you. Welcome to the club!
About This Book
You may have heard that SUP is a great workout for your core muscles. That is true, but only if done right. Most beginners paddle using mostly their arms, cruising over calm water with little engagement of the rest of their body. In this book you will learn to paddle using not only your arms but to also engage the stronger muscles in your back, shoulders, legs, and yes, your core, using your whole body to propel yourself forward quickly and efficiently. Stand up paddling is perhaps the most enjoyable way to stay fit, both physically and mentally.
The sport looks quite easy when you’re watching experienced paddlers from shore. They look balanced and calmly paddle at a steady pace, gliding over the water. After you try it, however, you realize that it’s certainly not as easy as it looks; even seasoned paddlers keep finding ways to improve.
Stand Up Paddleboarding For Dummies is my effort to share the knowledge I’ve learned from other experts, through trial and error, and through teaching many people and seeing what they struggle with most — all in an easy-to-follow format. I’ve taught and coached thousands of people to SUP through lessons and free clinics, and watching beginners make the most common mistakes repeatedly has helped me refine the process of explaining the sport to make is as accessible as possible. In these pages, I show you how choose the right board for you, how to actually stand up on the thing, and what other gear you need before you hit the water. I break down the basics of paddle technique (spoiler: don’t just use your arms) and introduce you to a variety of SUP disciplines for both casual and competitive paddlers. Along the way, you can find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the broader SUP lifestyle and community.
I can’t say that writing this book was easy for me; it was one of the most challenging things I’ve done, and I sincerely hope not only that you enjoy it but also that it makes your life a little more fun.
Foolish Assumptions
I haven’t made loads of assumptions about you as I’ve written this book, but I have assumed that at least some of the following may apply to you:
You’re interested in finding out how to stand up paddleboard.
You tried SUP once or twice and struggled, but you aren’t ready to give up yet.
You’re upset because your partner was able to balance and you kept falling in.
You bought a SUP or received one as a gift but have no idea how to use it.
You’ve always been drawn to the water.
You’ve read some other
For Dummies
books and like the easy-to-follow format.
You were introduced to the sport, and now you’re hooked.
You’re already a seasoned paddler and want a reference book that helps you discover new ways to enjoy the sport.
How This Book Is Organized
Stand Up Paddleboarding For Dummies is divided into four sections with each part going into different aspects of the sport. Unlike a novel, you don’t have to read it from cover to cover, each part is written to make sense on its own, so you can skip around and read what you are most interested in first and then get back to the other parts later. From learning about the history of the sport, understanding the equipment, preparing for getting your feet wet, to paddling for the first time, to progressing and trying different disciplines and enjoying the sport with others, my goal is to give you a complete overview that is easy to read and follow.
Part I: Before You Get Your Feet Wet
This section has a brief history of the sport and how it became one of the fastest growing sports in the world. I cover equipment knowledge and how to choose the right board and paddle for your needs. Part I also covers safety considerations and equipment, dressing for the occasion, and how to prepare for getting on the water.
Part II: Get Up, Stand Up
Armed with the knowledge and preparation from the first part, you are ready to get on the water! In this part you will learn the basics of carrying the board, launching safely, paddling on your knees, learn to steer the board, how to stand up, how to paddle in a straight line, turning around and getting back to shore safely. You will also learn about some of the most common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them.
Part III: Leveling Up: From Wobbly Novice to Zen Waterman
So, you’re no longer a beginner and are ready for new challenges, in this part I go into mastering efficient stroke technique. As you get faster you can consider entering some SUP races and what’s involved. If paddling in flat water is not exciting enough for you, you can also learn about catching some waves and SUP surfing technique, as well as doing downwinders and paddling in rough conditions.
Part IV: The SUP Lifestyle
SUP is more than a pastime, it’s a lifestyle. In this part I get into the many health benefits of paddling and how to avoid injuries. You can enjoy the sport on your own but it’s always fun to share the experience with others and many different ways to enjoy the sport socially. As SUP grows worldwide, there are efforts to make it an Olympic sport, which would broaden its appeal as a serious sport. I cover assessing damage, repairing your board and how to properly take care of your equipment. This part also has an adventure guide that will make you want to explore.
Part V: The Part of Tens
This part has lists of ten questions to ask yourself before buying a board, ten tips to go faster, ten ways to avoid injury, ten things you can do on a SUP, and ten resources to continue your quest to learn more with certifications, lessons, and other resources.
Icons Used in This Book
Every For Dummies book has some helpful icons pointing you in the direction of information that’s sure to help you along your way. These are the icons I use in this book:
This icon marks simple pointers and nuggets that can make a big difference.
I use the Remember icon to emphasize useful information — important points to remember for later use.
You should always have a healthy respect for the water and for mother nature. This icon points out risks to avoid on and off the water.
When you see the Technical Stuff icon, you know that what you’re about to read is interesting but ultimately not critical to understanding the topic at hand. If you’re short on time or just want to get in and get out with the need-to-know info, you can skip these paragraphs.
Beyond the Book
In addition to the book text, which I consider a complete SUP manual, I’ve also created a Cheat Sheet that’s a quick start guide to stand up paddleboarding. To get this resource, visit www.dummies.com and search for stand up paddleboarding for dummies cheat sheet.
Where to Go from Here
You can read this book from start to finish or bounce around depending on your needs. If you can’t wait to get on the water, jump to Chapter 9. Before you buy a board, make sure to read Chapters 3 and 19. You can also use the table of contents and index to find the topics that most interest you. I hope you do read the whole book eventually and get a lot of value from it. Thank you and enjoy!
Part 1
Before You Get Your Feet Wet
IN THIS PART …
Trace the history of SUP.
Understand the makeup and construction of boards and paddles.
Focus on safety.
Dress for success (and the weather).
Prep for the big day.
Know and follow SUP etiquette.
Chapter 1
What’SUP? Paddling While Standing up through History
IN THIS CHAPTER
Discovering the earliest recorded examples of paddling in a standing position
Focusing on the early pioneers of the sport
Getting a glimpse of SUP’s popularity and potential future
Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) may seem to many like a modern invention, but the roots of this sport stretch far back to ancient civilizations. In its current form, SUP has only been around since the early 2000s, when Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama picked up paddles during a 2004 photoshoot and realized how practical and fun standing and paddling on a big surfboard with a long paddle was. Since then, modern SUP has become a global phenomenon and undergone rapid growth.
I was fortunate enough to learn how to SUP back in 2007 from some of the early pioneers of the sport. Ever since, I’ve been passionate not only about participating in the sport myself but also about sharing the sport and stoke with others — which I hope to do in this chapter.
Paddling in a Standing Position: Ancient History
Humans have long been drawn to the water and paddling while standing up has been a natural evolution for many societies throughout history. So many early records of paddling while standing exist that it seems to be deeply rooted in human nature. In some places, the technique was born from necessity for fishing and transportation, while in others it became a cultural practice.
One of the earliest examples of standing up while paddling dates back as far as 3,000 years ago along the Peruvian coast, where fishermen used crafts called caballitos de totora (reed horses; see Figure 1-1) to navigate through the surf to fish in coastal waters. Paddlers could use a long paddle to steer these rafts, made from bundled reeds, from a kneeling or standing position. Paddling on the knees was more stable because of the lower center of gravity, but standing up on their reed crafts allowed the fishermen to stretch their legs, get a better view of the fish, and have more leverage on their paddles.
LuisAlexanderMJ/Adobe Stock Photos
FIGURE 1-1: A caballito de totora.
In Israel, a similar style of paddling emerged with the hasake — large, wide-bodied boats propelled by a standing rider with a long, two-sided paddle as shown in Figure 1-2. Early records of these crafts date back to the Roman Empire, and they’re still being used in the Mediterranean Sea today (mostly by skilled lifeguards as a rescue tool, but also for fishing and recreation). In many ways, the hasake is a precursor to the modern stand up paddleboard; wide and stable, it’s designed for utility and allows the paddler to stand up comfortably while navigating ocean waves and turbulent waters.
Rafael Ben-Ari/Adobe Stock Photos
FIGURE 1-2: A modern hasake off the Israeli coast.
Indigenous communities across the world have long engaged in stand up paddling. People in Polynesia, North America, Southeast Asia, Africa (see Figure 1-3), and New Zealand have all stood and paddled canoes and boats for a variety of reasons: fishing, transportation, navigation, and cultural ceremonies. These practices show that standing up while paddling has played an integral role in human survival and culture over millennia.
You can find countless other examples of paddling while standing up, including the gondoliers of Venice, loggers navigating rivers and rapids on wooden logs, and canoeists.
bandanar/Adobe Stock Photos
FIGURE 1-3: African woman paddling a dugout canoe.
Surveying the Rise of SUP Surfing in Hawaii
While Polynesian canoes were mostly paddled in a sitting position, it was not uncommon for ancient Polynesians to paddle standing up, allowing a better vantage point of the reef below, making it easier to spot fish, and to get a better view of the horizon, weather, and other things in the distance.
The modern version of stand up paddling on a big surfboard began to evolve in the early 20th century, specifically in Waikiki, Hawaii. When the first hotels opened there in the early 1900s, the local surfers began to make a living as surf instructors, lifeguards, and entertainers. These locals were known as beach boys and would paddle out on large surf boards and outrigger canoes (canoes with side float attachments) to introduce tourists to riding waves. Taking a canoe paddle on a surfboard allowed them to paddle faster as they gave lessons. Paddling on a large surfboard with a paddle became known as beach boy surfing; the Hawaiian name for it is Hoe he’e nalu (stand, paddle, surf a wave).
Allow me to introduce you to some of the main beach boy surfers of yesteryear:
Duke Kahanamoku was born in 1890 to parents from prominent Hawaiian ohana (families). He grew up in Waikiki, close to Queen’s Beach, where his statue, shown in Figure 1-4, stands today. Duke spent much of his youth at the beach, where he developed his surfing and swimming skills. He was a powerful swimmer and started breaking world records at local swim meets. He went on to win the gold medal in the100-meter freestyle at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, followed by several other Olympic medals. He is also credited with introducing surfing to Australia, during a visit in 1914, and later to California, where he performed as an actor in Hollywood.
Australian lifeguards that Duke trained gave him an early surf ski, a big wooden board with a long two-sided paddle, as a gift. Duke Kahanamoku paddled this board and caught waves standing up with the long paddle.
To find out more about Duke Kahanamoku’s legacy, check out the 2021 documentary Waterman.
Torval Mork/Adobe Stock Photos
FIGURE 1-4: Duke Kahanamoku statue.
SUPSURFIN’ USA
In California, a standout pioneer of stand up paddleboard surfing was Ron “Canoe” Drummond, who famously surfed waves in a canoe while standing up in Dana Point. Drummond was a wild man, known for his eccentric style and creativity, combining the elements of canoeing and surfing to create something new and different.
In 1940, John “Zap” Zapotocky moved from Pennsylvania to Waikiki and was inspired by watching Duke Kahanamoku. He ordered a custom-made long wooden paddle and started using it with his large longboard to ride the waves in Waikiki. Zap went on to be one of the sport’s most enduring figures, SUP surfing in Waikiki until he was in his 90s. He witnessed the sport becoming a global phenomenon before he passed away in 2013.
Well-known Waikiki Beach Boy John “Pops” Ah Choy used a large wooden surfboard and long paddle to teach surfing and take photos of tourists. His sons Bobby and Leroy Ah Choy carry on the legacy and host an annual Pops Ah Choy Surf Fest in Waikiki.
Breaking down the Modern SUP Revolution: Blame Laird
The modern era of SUP surfing started at an Oxbow photoshoot on the south shore of Maui in 2004. Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama were surfing on big longboards in offshore winds. They noticed that they could just stay standing up on their boards after catching a wave while the offshore breeze would carry them back out to the lineup. Dave decided to get a couple of canoe paddles from his car, and he and Laird had a blast using them while standing on the boards.
They immediately ordered longer paddles from Malama Chun, a local paddle maker, and started designing specialized boards for SUP surfing. Their experimentation and the influence they had as well-known watermen sparked the creation of modern stand up paddleboarding. That’s why surfers like to “Blame Laird” for the popularity of SUP surfing.
Kindling the SUP flame
As the popularity of the sport began to grow, it quickly caught the attention of the global water sports community. On Oahu, Brian Keaulana picked up the sport and introduced a beach boy surfing division to the Buffalo Big Board Surfing Classic at Makaha in 2003, making it the first official SUP contest. The competition spurred rapid development of the sport, and both equipment and technique evolved quickly.
Keaulana, Dave Parmenter, and Todd Bradley started a company called C4 Waterman that was dedicated to developing SUP-specific boards, paddles, and equipment. Paddlesurf Hawaii and C4 Waterman were the first SUP-specific production boards available, and my business, Blue Planet Surf, was the distributor. Early adopters provided strong demand — so strong that it was impossible to keep up with in the early days of the sport. We held SUP clinics to introduce people to the sport, and I was fortunate enough to learn it from the best.
SUP quickly grew beyond its surfing roots into new disciplines, such as cruising, touring, racing, and downwinding, which accelerated growth. In 2006, the 32-mile Molokai to Oahu (M2O) Paddleboard World Championships introduced a SUP division. (Kevin Horgan won that race in 7 hours and 23 minutes.)
By 2008, several brands started producing SUP boards, which were sold and promoted mostly through surf and water sports retailers. My friends Jeff Chang and Doug Locke opened the first SUP-specific retail store, Wet Feet Hawaii, and were soon followed by many SUP-focused retail stores opening up around the world.
That same year, Gerry Lopez and Rainbow Sandals organized the first Battle of the Paddle in Dana Point with an unprecedented $25,000 prize purse. Also unprecedented was the spectator-friendly configuration of the race, a format now called “technical SUP race” (also see Chapter 16). It had a beach start, took competitors in and out through the surf, around buoys, and running through a series of tight turns on the beach and back out again for multiple rounds. The maximum board length allowed was 12 feet 6 inches, which created a whole new category of SUP boards. The excitement created through these events further solidified the sport’s place in the competitive paddling world.
Tracing the explosive growth of SUP
Early adopters of the “new” sport were often already water sports enthusiasts that were eager to try something new. Surfers — especially older surfers with stiff backs and shoulders who found it difficult to paddle in a prone position and then pop up quickly while catching a wave — felt like groms (young surfers) all over again. Windsurfers and kitesurfers discovered SUP as a great activity when the wind was light. Canoe and kayak paddlers crossed over into SUP racing and whitewater SUP as a novel way to paddle. The introduction of inflatable boards that are easy to transport and store also played an important role in the worldwide growth of the sport.
Catching the World Wide Wave
SUP was the first major water sport where almost all information was available online. Traditionally, water sports enthusiasts got their information from print-based material and glossy magazines. The World Wide Web accelerated the development of equipment, technique, and hype. The accessibility of the sport, both in terms of the ease of getting the latest information (anywhere with Internet) and where it could be done (anywhere with water), quickly spread it to a much wider audience and helped stand up paddleboarding become the world’s fastest growing water sport.
Making lemonade out of lemons
In Hawaii, the rapid growth of SUP had plateaued by 2019, but then the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly caused a renewed boom in popularity. During the global shutdowns of 2020 and 2021, when people were unable to go to the gym, travel, or go out with friends, SUP emerged as a perfect socially distanced activity. It offered people a way to stay active while being out on the water. SUP participation and sales of SUP equipment boomed during this period as more and more people from all walks of life discovered the versatility and appeal of the sport.
According to the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), by 2021, the global SUP market was valued at $1.4 billion, with tens of millions of participants having taken up the sport around the world. In the United States alone, an estimated 3.5 million people participated in SUP annually. A compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 10 percent is projected for the next decade.
Looking to the future
SUP continues to grow as more ways of enjoying the sport emerge and draw in a more diverse group of paddlers, with more women and young paddlers taking up the sport each year.
The growth of SUP foiling (see Chapter 22) has further expanded SUP disciplines, led to increased innovation and specialization, revolutionized downwind racing, and drawn many new athletes to the sport. SUP rentals continue to grow in popularity, especially in beautiful destinations around the world.
As of this writing, SUP is set to become part of the Olympics. (For more on that topic, see Chapter 16.) When that happens, it will open the sport to increased youth participation with support from national sports associations and establish SUP as a serious athletic pursuit.
Although I can’t say for sure what’s next for SUP, I do know that innovation will continue and that new trends will emerge to quickly be taken up by dedicated water athletes around the world ready to take the next step in the evolution of the sport.
Chapter 2
Choosing the Right Board for Your Adventure
IN THIS CHAPTER
Understanding how a board’s length, width, and thickness affect performance
Making sense of volume and how it relates to rider weight
Understanding the parts of a board
Leaning about board shapes
The first time I stood on a SUP was back in 2007. Balancing on the board was more challenging than I expected. Luckily, I had some of the pioneers of the sport giving me pointers and once I found my “sea legs,” I quickly got hooked on the sensation of gliding over the water in a standing position. Sharing the joys of this sport by helping others get started has been my passion ever since.
Yes, You’ll Need a Board
First things first: Let’s address the elephant in the room — you’ll need a board. While this may seem obvious, the sheer variety of boards available can be overwhelming for beginners. But fear not, I’m here to help you navigate the waters and find the right fit for your needs.
Your first question may be “Should I buy an inflatable or a hard board?” It’s a great question, and I’m glad you’re thinking ahead. But before you decide on what type of board to get, you need to get a handle on how dimensions and shape influence a board’s performance, so you have a better understanding of what size and shape work best for your needs. Ideally, you should try a few different boards before making a buying decision and this chapter will help you make sense of the differences.
If you’re just dying to know whether you should go inflatable or stick with the tried-and-true hard board, check out Chapter 3, where I explain the differences and cover the practicalities of buying a new or used board.
Looking at dimensions: Length, width, and thickness
The length, width, and thickness of a SUP board play a crucial role in its performance on the water.
Length: Longer boards offer more glide and tracking (making it easier to paddle straight) as well as more stability (making them ideal for beginners and casual paddlers). On the other hand, shorter boards are more maneuverable and responsive, making them better suited for riding waves and for more experienced paddlers.
Most boards have the length, width, thickness and volume printed on the bottom or on the rail of the board.
Width:
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