Surf Talk Guru

As is extremely evident by the presence of more and more Stand-Up Paddlers out in the lineup these days, SUP surfing has become mainstream. Not only is SUP surfing a regular category in many surf contests, but the number of contests exclusively for SUP surfers is increasing nationwide. There are also SUP races on flat water, down rivers, etc.

I’ve heard a lot of traditional surfers ask: What’s the point of SUP surfing? Or express annoyance at SUPpers’ tendency to be “Wave Hogs.” So I did some research to find out exactly what draws people up on the SUP boards.

For one thing, some people like the fact that SUP surfing is easier and less physically demanding than traditional paddle surfing. You have to work a lot harder using little hands to get you into a wave than you do a long paddle. Also, Stand-Up Paddlers are able to have fun surfing in knee-high surf (1-2 feet), usually more so than a traditional surfer with a 10′0″ longboard in such tiny waves. SUP boards are versatile. Used like a one-man canoe or kayak, you can explore lakes and rivers as well as coastline on a SUP board. There are even products out there specifically designed for making your SUP board more of a touring boat: waterproof on-board packs and bags, camelback water dispensers, sun hats, you name it.

If you do decide to give Stand Up Paddle surfing or touring a shot, it’s a good idea to take a lesson first. See if you like it and learn the basics. A first-timer is going to need a number of skills to stay on the board. You have to know how to turn around, which stances to use, different footwork for different situations, and how to use the paddle for balance. These skills are different, too, depending on whether you’re on flat water or in the surf. Good skills to learn considering that right now, it seems like SUPping is more than just the latest fad, it’s probably here to stay.