Stand up paddle surfing
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Stand Up Paddle Surfing is a style of surfing whereas the surfer uses a paddle to move through the water while standing on a surfboard. Stand Up Paddle Surfing is derived from its Polynesian roots. The Hawaiian translation is Ku Hoe He'e Nalu; to stand, to paddle, to surf, a wave. The spirit of the Stand Up Paddle Surfer is one of Aloha.
The popularity of the modern sport of Stand Up Paddle Surfing has its origination in the Hawaiian Islands. In the early 1960's the Beach Boys of Waikiki would stand on their long boards and paddle out with outrigger paddles to take pictures of the tourists learning to surf. This is where the term "Beach Boy Surfing" originates, another name for Stand Up Paddle Surfing. In the early 2000's Hawaiian Watermen such as Dave Kalama, Brian Keaulana, Archie Kalepa and Laird Hamilton started Stand Up Paddle Surfing as an alternative way to train while the surf was down. As the years went on they found themselves entering events such as the Moloka'i to O'ahu Paddleboard Race and Makaha's Big Board Surfing Classic. Now you can find Stand Up Paddle Surfers in many of the Outrigger and Paddleboard races as participants within their own division.
One difference between the modern idea of surfing and Stand Up Paddle Surfing is that a Stand Up Paddle Surfer does not need a wave. A Stand Up Paddle Surfer can paddle on the open ocean, in harbors, on lakes, rivers or any large body of water. One of the advantages of Stand Up Paddle Surfing is the angle of visibility. As you are standing on your Stand Up Paddle Surfboard you can see both deeper into the water and further across the surface of the water. This allows the Stand Up Paddle Surfer to see things others may not be able to see, whether it is the marine life in the harbors, lakes and coves or the incoming swells of the ocean marching on the horizon.
While catching waves there is an ancient style and grace to a Stand Up Paddle Surfer. Already in the standing position of surfing the Stand Up Paddle Surfer chooses a wave and begins paddling. As the wave picks up the Stand Up Paddle Surfer he or she now acts similar to a modern surfer expect for the use of a paddle. While on the wave the paddle can be used for leverage in turns or to gain speed down the face. The paddle also adds a style unique to Stand Up Paddle Surfing.
You can compete in the sport of Stand Up Paddle Surfing in other events besides surf competitions. Many Outrigger and Paddleboard races welcome Stand Up Paddle Surfers and offer a division or class to compete in. There are usually two different courses, a short course and a long cours. There are also extereme events such as channel crossings that can test a Stand Up Paddle Surfer's endurance.
Stand Up Surfing is growing in popularity at Noosa Heads, Queensland Australia where a small group of locals are breathing new life into the sport.
Some effort has been put into board design to suit the rolling point breaks that Noosa is famous for and which although spectacular on "good" days can often be small and not much fun for experienced surfers.
