You lie on the beach at the resort, watching the surfers ride the waves. The sport looks exciting, but you are not sure that you are ready to plunge (not a pun) to something intense. One type of surfing that is growing in popularity is paddle lifting or surfing SUP.
What is behind the paddle?
Sport is basically what it looks like. You are standing on a surfboard with a paddle similar to a kayak that propels you through the water. The paddle gives you a lot of control over your movement, and your upright position gives you a beautiful view of the surrounding waves.
Entering the fun of surfing is very new and very old. Modern sports are only about ten years old, designed by surf legends Laird Hamilton and Dave Calama. However, the activity is rooted in the hoe, which he practices the ancient inhabitants of the Hawaiian Islands. Modern SUP-surfing and other areas were designed to give surfers a better view and more control, but turned into an independent sport.
What are the types of SUP surfing?
Paddle surfing was first used by hardcore surfers who wanted to catch higher waves around Hawaii, and this is still a great way to get to better waves faster and safer to ride them. You will find that many people surf the racks instead of the traditional boards. However, people quickly realized that, unlike traditional surfing, you do not need big waves to have fun while surfing SUP.
Paddle surfing is an easy way to get out of the water for beginners. You do not need to ride the waves, if you are not comfortable. Many people are happy just rolling around and enjoying the ocean. Water has many flat wave areas that are ideal for this kind of rowing. Those who want to surf can ride the biggest waves, and the paddle gives them more control, as they do.
What equipment do you need?
You do not need much to start SUP-surfing. First, of course, you need a board. Although some people use standard surfboards, experts recommend walking with boards specifically designed to lift paddle-surf. Secondly, you will need a paddle, and again you better choose the specialized SUP pad holder. Thirdly, you need a leash that protects you and the board in case you fall (and you will have several times). Finally, as always, when you are on the water, you need a personal flotation device.
