Stand Up Paddle Surfing

Stand Up Paddle Surfing is an extension of the age old sport of Longboard Surfing. Longboarding has been going on since the Polynesian age and recently in an attempt to push the sport further they increased the length of the board and added a paddle to add a new flair.

Paddle surfing provides a means to surf when the waves are very small or nonexistent. While people have been known even to Paddle surf at Pipeline you are going to see the most use on open lakes or very small, clean surf.

Stand up Paddle Surfing has also gained exposure from the great workout that it can provide. Paddling provides a great workout for the arms, back, chest, and legs if you really put that umph into it. You also get a leg work out as you ride the waves if this is more your style.

Stand up surfing is going to have the same stars as longboard surfing. You are going to look to the Hawaiian Noah Shimabukuro and Californian Joel Tudor. I was fortunate enough to see Shimabukuro surf a stand up in Hungtington Beach at the US Open of Surfing and it was definitely a site to see. He managed and maneuvered this thing like a 9’ longboard.

Takayama Surfboards is definitely one of the best places to get a Stand Up board with offerings from 10’3” all the way up to 11’6”. Obviously the 10’3” is going to give you the most maneuverability but if I know anything about Takayama the 11’6” will still turn on a dime and ride like a beauty.

Most longboard manufacturers will offer stand up counterparts to their lines. On stand ups I think that the Surftech boards are great because they are quality shapers and are going to be more durable than their foam counterparts. If you’ve ever tried to carry a foam longboard you know the headache this can cause. The boards are also relatively light.

I highly suggest giving this sport spinoff a try if you haven’t already. You won’t regret it.

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