Standup paddleboarding: what is it and why is it so popular?

Standup paddleboarding, often shortened to SUP, is a relatively new surfing discipline, which involves surfing with the help of a paddle. The main difference between ordinary surfing and standup paddleboarding is that in this discipline, sportsmen move with the help of a paddle rather than with their hands. Let us take a closer look at this discipline.

Variations of standup paddleboarding

There are many different types of SUP, each of them has its peculiarities and characteristics. What are they?

• SUP touring. This type of water tourism is the most popular variety of standup paddleboarding. This outdoor activity is safe and does not require any special skills. Tourists explore the most beautiful places next to the coast. The boards are wide and long, which is why they are stable and make it possible to cover long distances at a time.
• SUP surfing is a discipline that differs from the ordinary surfing and involves using a paddle. This sport is relatively young but popular among many surfers, which is why international competitions are held regularly. The boards are wider than ordinary surfing boards, and the paddle helps to reach high speed faster.
• SUP racing is a sport, in which sportsmen have to cover a particular distance faster than other competitors. The boards are very narrow, which is why they move extremely fast. At the same time, they have low-level maneuverability.
• SUP downwind involves moving on the water surface in the direction of the wind. This discipline is so similar to SUP surfing that sometimes they are not separated from each other.
• Whitewater rivers SUP is the most dangerous variety of SUP because it is very similar to rafting. Those who want to go whitewater rivers SUP have to cover the distances in the mountains. This discipline requires wearing a helmet, a life jacket, knee and elbow pads.
• SUP yoga is a combination of standup paddleboarding and yoga. This sport is a great way to relax, tone muscles and improve the sense of balance.

The board

Usually SUP boards are very similar to ordinary surfing boards. They are wider and longer, though. Sometimes their length is more than 558 centimeters. The size of these boards is very floatable and makes it possible to stay above the water. The boards can be either made of wood and polymers in their combinations or be inflatable. Inflatable SUP boards are very comfortable to store – this is one more reason why this sports is so popular. When it comes to choosing the equipment, everything depends on your preferences. Nowadays, all companies have a wide choice of different boards, so everyone will get one to their liking.

As for the paddles, they are much shorter than the boards. Their length usually varies from 160 to 250 centimeters and fully depends on the sportsman’s height. The diameter of the handle is approximately 2.5-3.5 centimeters.

Advice for SUP surfers

Since standup paddleboarding is becoming more and more popular, many people start thinking of taking SUP lessons. What advice can we give to those who want to try SUP?

• You should forget about your fears and phobias. Beginners are often afraid of falling and they start to panic. Professionals know that it is easier to take control of the body if it is not tense.
• You should be ready to fall into the water. Although the boards are very stable, their phones or any other things often distract people. As a result, they fall in the water. This means that it is necessary to be wearing a wetsuit in spring and autumn to prevent yourself from catching a cold.
• You should paddle in the right way. Professional instructors will teach you how to do it correctly, so make sure you follow their instructions.
• You should opt for the high-quality equipment. This means that sometimes it is better to pay more for the board and the paddle and get durable equipment that will not break after the first surfing session.
• You should follow the safety rules. You must listen to the instructor carefully. It is not allowed to take children with you when you try SUP for the first time, As soon as you become more convenient with this discipline, you will be allowed to take your children with you, but beginners should not risk.

If you are not a beginner and are planning to go SUP surfing on your own, do not forget to wear a life jacket and some kind of a hat. Before setting off on the adventure, remember to check out the weather forecast and make sure that you’ve applied the sunscreen. Respect other surfers and try not to initiate dangerous situations. When training, make sure that you are persistent with this process. In winter, or when the weather is not suitable for surfing outdoors, you should train in the swimming pool. In addition, try to include some swimming training in your routine, because falling into the water is an inevitable part of standup paddleboarding.

History

This discipline appeared in the Hawaii in 1778. Local citizens used long boards and paddles to float on the water surface. In 1960s, these boards were used by photographers to take pictures of the surfers who took part in different competitions. Yet, it was not an official sports discipline. The situation changed in the beginning of the 21^st century, when the first competitions were held. This sport was officially recognized after the 2003’s tournament had taken place. Dave Kalama and Laird Hamilton are to be thanked for that.

All in all, standup paddleboarding is a very interesting discipline that attracts many people from all over the world. It is available almost everywhere where there is water. This discipline is one of the safest water sports, so if you want, you should try it out.