What Is Stand Up Paddleboarding?

Paddleboarding is currently the fastest growing water sport in the world. Although this sport has been very popular in Hawaii for years, it is now becoming popular worldwide. Many surfers are even swapping their sport to paddle boarding because of the versatility it offers.

The sport of stand-up paddleboarding is by no means new to those who reside around tropical areas such as Hawaii as this way of surfing has taken place since the nineteen sixties. It was first started when those boys of Waikiki roamed the beaches with their surfboards, gawking at the tourists who were trying to surf for the first time. Rather than miss out on the fun and action, they simply grabbed their cameras, a outrigger paddle and their surfboards and headed out on the ocean to where the tourists were getting their beginner lessons in surfing.

This type of surfing is a lot like regular surfing except easier and is more of a relaxing experience. Also, no waves are needed to partake in this style. Many beginners actually prefer to start out in smaller bodies of water such as lakes and ponds rather than large oceans until they feel more comfortable with the sport. Those more advanced in the sport can ride larger waves as a surfer would.

This action by the boys of Waikiki certainly saved grace as well as the lives of many people. The art of SUP became standard as with the heat and calm waters, many surfers hit the beach with their paddles and boards in tow. This style of surfing did not need fifty foot waves or any type of wave at all, one was to simply use the paddle to propel themselves across the calm waters of the ocean.

There are many competitions held every year all around the world. These contests can get very competitive and the contestants are judged on their performance and skill. These contests bring out hundreds of viewers and are a great form of entertainment.

This hobby is not cheap; the equipment used it very expensive. Paddleboards cost anywhere from four hundred to nine hundred dollars and the paddles that are used cost between three and six hundred dollars. This equipment will last a fairly good amount of time if taken well care of. Many people buy special bags for their paddle and board in order to protect the precious equipment when it is not in the water. It is also suggested to never sit a paddle board in a standing position, in order to avoid harmful falls.

The movement of your body with the paddle strengthens the upper body region. The art of learning how to balance yourself to be able to stand up on the surfboard itself strengthens the lower region, or legs. This is a sport of strength, stamina and endurance and is full of challenges for both the beginner surfers as well as those who are considered to be veterans.

By: Rebecca McKeich

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