Machado’s doing it, Fanning’s doing it, even Slater is doing it standing up. So what is this new ancient sport that is taking the world by storm? Is it cool or is it dorky? Is it for ou toppies or can anyone do it?
These are just some of the questions that are surrounding what is said to be the fastest growing watersport in the world.
Beach boy surfing, or otherwise known as Stand Up Paddle Surfing, originates back to the early 60’s when Waikiki beach boys like Duke and Leroy AhChoy started paddling around on big surfboards to take pictures of the tourists. It soon caught on with the other beachboys and Waikiki was packed with people of all shapes and sizes stand up paddling.
Tradition was soon to be replaced as the 70’s high performance era arrived in full force. Colorful shortboards, neon wetsuits, along with media hype and big sponsorships quickly replaced the art of traditional long board and Beachboy Surfing.
Tradition was soon to be replaced as the 70’s high performance era arrived in full force. Colorful shortboards, neon wetsuits, along with media hype and big sponsorships quickly replaced the art of traditional long board and Beachboy Surfing.
But like many of Hawaii’s volcanoes this dormant art form was soon to resurface with an even greater explosion. An innovative crew on Maui called the Strapped Team consisting of watermen Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama, started searching for new ways to express themselves on the water. At the same time Oahu’s West Shore boys, Brian Keaulana, & Mel Puu were stand up paddling as a form of cross training for tow in surfing into big waves. Laird and Dave literally jumped on this idea and soon the world was exposed to Stand Up Paddle surfing. American Express commercials, DVD’s and movies had the Strapped team riding waves using a paddle and big boards.
Stand Up Paddle Surfing
Now I have to be honest, when Laird first paddled past me 5 years ago while surfing at Hookipa on Maui, I had mixed reactions. First, he looked big and intimidating standing on his 12 foot tank. Secondly, he looked totally awkward standing in a parallel stance and getting klapped as waves broke in front of him. But finally as he paddled way out and started catching all the biggest and best sets I knew it was time to lay my pride aside and attempt Stand Up Paddle Surfing.
With the 12 ft Surftech Softop being the only board big enough and available at the time, the stage was set for me to quickly conquer this sport and move on back to regular shortboard surfing. Having a background of windsurfing for 20 years, surfing for 30 plus tow in surfing and kiteboarding how difficult could it really be to catch some waves standing up? Paddle in hand and standing like a frog I set out to sea to master this interesting sport. After hours on the water, countless falls, bruised shins, and a crushed ego, I eventually managed to catch a wave. But something was different as I cruised down the face of this wave. For the first time I experienced a new sense of waveriding; the challenge of catching waves on a big board and feeling the roots of tradition flowing through my veins all in one instance was all it took to get hooked. Five years and thousands of waves have passed since that day and slowly the mystery that lay hidden on what makes Stand up paddle surfing so unique is being unveiled.
Core Workout
A big word these days is the word CORE. The center of your body, what everything revolves around. If your core is strong, your body will function better. In surfing a strong core will allow for powerful moves, airs and the opportunity of pushing the limits and actually pulling off moves that seem impossible. Stand up paddle surfing is the ultimate core workout. Whether it’s doing a 10 km down winder or just paddling around the dam, legs, stomach, arms and back muscles are all working overtime to maintain balance.
Stand Up Paddle Surfing – Family Fun
Remember the days when windsurfing hit the scene in the 80’s. Almost every car had a board on the roof. Moms were doing it. Kids were trying and even the dog and cat seemed to be in photos of people all sizes “doing it, standing up”. Well in much the same way, stand up paddle surfing has brought that same element of family fun as now anyone can “surf”. So definitely a great tool to add to your quiver to keep your girlfriend stoked at the beach.
Exploring
The sport has absolutely opened up new avenues to paddle further distances and explore reefs and waves that were unreachable before. The ability to paddle over 5 kilos in one session is one of the great aspects that the sport allows, the opportunity of riding waves without crowds and finding new secret spots.
Wavecount
Without a doubt once you master the sport of Stand Up Paddle surfing, your wave count will increase ten fold. An average session that consists of 8 waves all of a sudden becomes 30. Less time sitting around waiting for waves and more time riding. This is probably a good time to mention wave etiquette. Golden rules- stay away from crowded areas and don’t be a wave hog. Realise that you have extra paddling power so don’t act like a kook and take every wave that comes through.
No Limits
Whether it’s doing a hang-ten on a 12 foot board, tucking in the barrel on an 8foot fish, or charging your secret spot at 30 foot. The sport has no boundaries. Guys are already riding JAWS and Mavericks, getting barreled at Pipe and shredding Backdoor.
The big question remains “where is the sport going?” Olympics or short term fad?
Regardless of the future, and before you decide to tear it apart, Stand Up paddle surfing is at least worth a try. The Challenge, the workout, and the essence of experiencing the roots of surfing all in one package- Most of all – Enjoy the ride!
For more information visit www.coreban.com
