Paddle surfing ,Origin, benefits and types of stand up paddle or SUP boards | paddle surf - teenflixsports

Paddle surf 🎖️Origin, benefits and types of stand up paddle or SUP boards🏄‍♂️🏄‍♀️🏄

Some know paddle boarding as stand up paddle boarding , and others refer to it as SUP . This rowing sport is gaining more followers every day. The objective of practicing it is to maintain an active life, disconnect from stress and connect with nature. Paddle surfing also allows you to enjoy the environment, the sea and incredible sunrises or sunsets in the water. In addition, anyone who has received an introductory stand up paddle course or has simply ventured to try it, will be able to affirm that they managed to stand up on the board and row. It is that simple.

The practice of  paddle surfing brings multiple benefits to our health. There is a basic and protagonist element: balance .  Maintaining the balance of the body on the board allows correcting posture and muscle weaknesses. In addition to the physical benefits, SUP brings mental health benefits. Controlling your balance while paddling and overtaking the waves requires your concentration and adrenaline to be at 100%. These two factors increase the levels of relaxation and well-being, producing an effect known as mindfulness ,  that is, full attention. In this article you will be able to know all the benefits and reasons to practice stand up paddle , as well as its origin . In addition, you will discover the different types of paddle surf boards  that exist according to each modality. These SUP boards  are essential to start this incredible adventure in the water. Once you start, you will not be able to stop practicing this sport!

what is paddle surfing

Paddle surfing , also called stand up paddle or SUP for short , is a water sport that consists of sliding on the water with a board and a paddle or paddle as a means of movement. The main goal is to stay on your feet. The difference between this type of board and the surf board is that the paddle surf board is wider and generates greater stability. This sport has its origin in the Polynesian islands, although it became popular on the coast of Hawaii. There it is called “Ku Hoe He'e Nalu” and it means standing up, rowing or sailing. It can be practiced in the sea, lakes, reservoirs and rivers.

Paddle surfing is the water sport that has gained the most popularity in recent years. It is practiced all over the world, especially in Spain, where every day more people join the practice of this sport. That stand up paddle boarding is becoming the king sport on the Spanish coasts is due to three main factors: accessibility, availability and affordability. That means it can be practiced by everyone without investing large sums of money in classes and equipment. In addition, its learning is very fast and brings many benefits .

To start practicing it, only two items are needed: a stand up paddle board and a SUP paddle . With these two materials you can go rowing and enjoy this sport. There are several different shapes, sizes and paddle surf boards . For this reason, later we will see how to choose the best paddle surf board to live the best possible experience on top of it. Additionally, there are various accessories that will complement the exercise according to the modality to be practiced: lanyards for the ankle and knee, helmet, protection vest and transportation systems for the boards .

Origin of SUP and history of paddle surfing

The history of paddle surfing goes back thousands of years. The ancient cultures of Africa and South America used boards, canoes, and other vessels propelled by a long pole to fish, travel, and even ride waves. In fact, for almost 3,000 years, Peruvian fishermen used a boat made of reeds called "Caballitos de Totora." After a day of fishing, they would surf the waves just for fun. It is quite possible that these are the true roots of all surfing. However, although activities similar to current paddle surfing existed in all these cultures, the origin of surfboards is in Polynesia. Surfing is born there and its epicenter is Hawaii.

modern stand up paddle boarding

Modern stand up paddle boarding also has its own Hawaiian roots. In the 1940s, surf instructors in Waikiki grabbed paddles and stood on their boards to get a better view of the waves and surfers. From time to time, they would ride the waves using the paddle to steer the board. The first surfers to paddle stand up were found between 1900-1980. There is a recording of Duke Kahanamoku (father of modern surfing) standing on a board and catching waves. Duke inspired John Zapotocky , who started paddle boarding in Waikiki in the early 1960s.

Later, Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama developed SUP as a sport and spread it to the whole world. With them, modern paddle surfing was officially born. It all started at a photo shoot for Oxbow in 1996. Dave had some canoe paddles in the car, and since there were hardly any waves, he played with the boards and paddles. He got so excited about the potential of stand up paddling on a surfboard that he just didn't stop. On the other hand, the first photo of Laird catching waves is from September 12, 2002. This photo represents the transition from SUP as a game between friends to the water sport with the greatest progression in history. Barely 15 years later, millions of people do paddle surfing all over the world, thanks to Larid Hamilton and Dave Kalama.

As we have commented, originally SUP was practiced on large surfboards and with canoe paddles. Over time, Dave Parmenter began to develop equipment and was the first to create a stand up paddle board .

Benefits of paddle surfing, what does SUP bring?

In the practice of paddle surfing we work all the muscles of our body gradually. The impact on the muscle is small and therefore there is no risk of injury if you are not training. This is one of the main advantages of this sport; There are few modalities where all the muscles are worked aerobically and without impact. Point by point, all the benefits of stand up paddle are the following:

• Tones and stimulates the upper and lower train.
• Paddle surfing improves reflexes thanks to the work of dynamic balance, thus avoiding accidental falls.
• Promotes recovery after suffering an injury.
• High caloric intake.
• The stand up paddle improves body posture.
• Prevents pain and joint, muscle and bone injuries.
• Stand up paddle boarding increases aerobic capacity and muscular endurance.
• Work on body symmetry and muscle development, achieving a slimmer body.

Mental benefits of SUP

Stand up paddle is a complete sport that allows you to work on your posture, body and mind. In addition to providing physical benefits , its mental benefits are enormous. First of all, stand up paddle boarding is good for morale as it helps to improve mental health and reduce stress levels. Second, it allows you to connect with nature. On top of the SUP boards , you will have the opportunity to discover rivers, lakes and oceans. Your sensitivity to environmental issues will increase and you will feel like a different person, completely renewed. In addition, the SUP help you relax. It is a highly recommended sport for anxious and emotional people. The movement of the water is hypnotic and very calming. Finally, it is a sport that allows you to share the experience with your family and friends on top of the tables . All these benefits make paddle surfing improve the attitude towards everyday life.

How to stand up paddle surf

It is advisable to start paddle surfing when the water is calm and with hardly any waves. Ideally, the board should have enough stability that it won't move forward when you try to get on it. If after several tries you can't keep your balance, try a wider board. Many people start in this sport with a foot that is too small and never manage to stay on their feet, so they get discouraged and give it up. Therefore, it is important to choose paddle surf boards with the appropriate measurements. If you want to start SUP and experience all its benefits , it is important to take into account the following tips:

• Work on dynamic balance.
• Use your whole body and correct position when rowing.
• The view must be oriented to the horizon. Do not row watching your strokes.
• When practicing paddle surfing, sink the blade of your paddle in its entirety.
• The separation of the hands must be adequate. The elbows must have a 90º angle when you have the racket on your head.
• Keep your distance from bathers, fishermen and other boats.
• When doing paddle boarding, wear a life jacket.
• Do not go near shallow areas.
• Practice SUP on sunny days and with a very light wind.
• Measure the effort and always work below your means.
• Choose a shovel to suit you. It can be rigid or adjustable.
  

How to stand up paddle boards

To begin with, it is important to consider the initial stand up paddle stance . Take the board to an area of ​​water where the depth allows it to float without the fin hitting the ground. Afterwards, get on your knees in the middle of the stand up paddle board . Then slowly rise to a standing position with your feet parallel and your knees slightly bent to cushion your movement. You have to hold the oar with one hand at the top and the other in the center of the handle. Hold it in front of you with your arms in a 90 degree position. This will give you comfort when paddling. Also, remember to keep the blade of the paddle facing away from the direction of the board so that the motion allows you to move forward.

Now that you know how to hold the oar and what is the starting position in stand up paddle boarding , there are a few basic techniques when it comes to paddling on the boards . However, they are all based on using the oar as a lever. The upper hand will guide the lever and the lower hand will do the force. In this way, the upper arm should be stretched and the lower arm will be the one that flexes, bringing the oar from the front to the height of the body. To maintain a fixed course, it is enough to go giving two strokes on each side, changing the position of the hands. If you want to tack to the right, paddle several times on the left side only, and vice versa.

Types of paddle surf boards

In paddle surfing , it is very important to define the measurements and the type of surfboards  that you should use according to the modality to be practiced. It will not be the same to catch waves as to do a long journey. Thus, the size and shape of the paddle surf boards provide a series of characteristics that will offer you more or less stability, maneuverability or speed depending on the modality you want to practice. For this reason, there are four basic types of SUP boards on the market : Allround, Touring, Surf and Race or Carrera.

How to choose the best board

As paddle surfing has many types of surfboards , you may not know how to choose a perfect board for you. At the time of purchase you have to take into account your level of practice, height and weight. You should also think about the use you are going to give it, since it will not be the same board for paddling on flat water as it is for going to make waves. If you are a beginner user and have not yet mastered the technique of this sport, we recommend choosing a large and wide stand up paddle board. Thus, it will be easier for you to maintain your balance. If you already know the technique, you can choose smaller, narrower and lower volume surfboards . Once you are clear about your abilities and mastery of the technique of paddle surfing , you have to take into account the following factors.

The length of the SUP boards will not affect your stability in normal conditions, but it will when you catch a wave. The most appropriate, if you are going to start, is that you opt for one that is 9 or 10 feet long. Keep in mind that, depending on the type of paddle surf you are going to practice, you must also choose a different board. To make long journeys, the ideal is to choose boards with a large volume. If, on the contrary, your intention is to catch waves, a good option are those that resemble traditional surfboards .

Choose the volume of the SUP boards

There is a minimum volume that stand up  paddle boards have to have in order for you to ride on them with ease. It is calculated by adding the following values: your weight, the weight of the board, the weight of the paddle and the comfort value to float. This last factor varies depending on your experience in the practice of stand up paddle . The greater the knowledge, the less volume is necessary.

• Expert: 20-30 liters.
• Medium: 35-50 liters.
• Basic: 40-45 liters.
• Beginner: 50 liters.

Finally, it is also important to consider your storage. Inflatable stand-up paddle boards  are easy to store and transport, but if you have a large place to store them, a rigid board will always be better. Nowadays, many people prefer inflatable stand up paddle boards . The latest models are offering hardtail-like quality and performance and, when deflated, fit into a backpack, making them perfect for occasional transport and enjoyment.

Best stand up paddle boards

As we have commented, there are four types of SUP boards : Allround, Touring, Surf and Race or Carrera. Each of them will bring you different benefits .

• Allround paddle surf boards : They are the most common, cheap and suitable boards for all types of waters and disciplines. Therefore, you can use it both in a turbulent river for adventure or for a calm day practicing yoga in a calm sea. They have a rounded nose and are rather wide. Therefore, they are the most stable and versatile. Allround boards are ideal to start paddle surfing since, due to their measurements, they have enough volume to give you stability on top of the board. Also, inflatables are usually sold.
• Stand up paddle Touring boards : They are larger and longer boards , designed for long rides. They have pointed shapes at their ends and are much thicker than other surfboards. In addition, they have moorings to incorporate objects. SUP touring boards allow you to move through the water with agility and speed.
• Race or Carrera : They are competition tables and the fastest. They have a pointed shape, and are the longest and narrowest on the market.
• Surfboards : They are boards with little volume and shorter to have more maneuverability. His designs are closer to modern surfboards ; nose with more pronounced tip, different versions of tails and small sizes. They are, in short, specific stand up paddle boards for catching waves.
  

Stand up paddle surf blades

In paddle surfing , in addition to the boards , it is also very important to have the right paddle or paddle. It is one of the fundamental parts in the practice of stand up paddle . It will be the element that will allow you to move, since it is the main instrument to execute your rowing. Among the different types of oars we have:

• Fixed SUP paddle : Comes with the knob loose. Thus, it requires you to cut it to your size and then glue the knob to it in order to use it. It is the highest quality and the one with the best response to paddling.
• Adjustable stand up paddle paddle : It is the ideal option if you want to start in this sport. You can use it at different heights, just by adjusting it. In addition, it is usually removable, which makes it a very easy paddle to transport. However, it has a worse response to paddling.
• Three-piece paddle: It is the best alternative if you travel or use inflatable SUP boards . It consists of an adjustable oar that, additionally, the blade can be released and can be divided into three pieces. This fact makes it much easier to transport.

Much like boards , stand-up paddles come in many different constructions and combinations of materials, with the most common being plastic, aluminum, fiber, carbon, wood, and kevlar.

Modalities of paddle surfing

You can practice different modalities of paddle surfing . Each one of them is divided into different categories according to the place, the conditions and the material used.

• Wave: It's all about catching waves. Smaller and wider surfboards are used .
• Race: It consists of racing in competition. Race Tables are used .
• Crossing: Modality similar to the race, but with a long journey. It is one of the most demanding paddle surf modalities , since it tests resistance and dexterity. We recommend a touring board, which offers more volume and various anchors for carrying gear.
• River: It is one of the extreme modalities of paddle surfing and consists of descending rivers of different flows.  Small and wide surfboards are used .
• Yoga/fitness: This modality of paddle surfing is for fans of Yoga and Fitness. Inflatable boards are recommended for your comfort.
• Polo: Combination between paddle surfing and water polo.
• Adapted: Adaptation of stand up paddle for people with physical disabilities.
• Land sup: Combination of paddle surfing and skateboarding. The idea is to stand on top of a length and propel yourself with the help of a long stick.
• Big sup: Giant inflatable SUP board (five meters long). They fit between 6 and 10 people, and they can row together.
• Sup dog: Practice paddle surfing with your dog.
• Sup fishing: Practice of fishing from a SUP board . Manufacturers make surfboards specially equipped for this activity.
• Sup touring: It has no competitive purpose. In this modality of paddle surfing, it is simply about jumping into the water to enjoy the surroundings. You can use any allround board, although for longer distances we recommend a touring board.