Sep 02 2008
Learn Stand-Up Paddle Surfing in Hawaii
Paddle surfing is all the rage in Hawaii. Visitors can take the opportunity to try it during ideal calm summer conditions.
Stand up surfing, also known as supping, has become extremely popular among both locals and visitors. It was recently included in the 7th Annual Duke’s Oceanfest, a weeklong surfing celebration which took place at Waikiki Beach, sponsored by the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation.
Supping consists of standing on a modified long (9-11 foot) surfboard and using a canoe paddle as an oar. Boards with a soft surface are easier for learning. But while it may look easy, in reality it is not, requiring good coordination. Therefore, it is most easily learned in calm, wind-free conditions. Obviously it is essential that you have appropriate swimming capabilities for supping.
Surfing has long played a role in Hawaiian culture. Once reserved exclusively for royalty, surfers would often travel from North to South shores to find the best year round conditions. Surfing was immortalized by Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku in the 1920s. A statue in his memory is found on Waikiki Beach.
Most all local surf schools are now offering standup (or “sup”) lessons. Just call and ask. If you’re here on Kauai this summer, consider Titus Kinimaka’s Hawaiian School of Surfing in Hanalei. Hotels are also taking advantage of the recent interest among visitors, with many of them offering lessons and board rentals as well.
For more information, check out Stand Up Zone, a blog and forum dedicated to the sport.
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Thank YOU for this posting on paddle surfing.
Couldn’t agree with you more when you say “while it may look easy, in reality it is not, requiring good coordination”.
I had my first opportunity to try it and … well, I thought I had good coordination, but I really struggled.
Everyone gets wet when they learn to stand up paddle but it’s definitely more fun than hard. I always say, if you’re not falling down you’re not having enough fun. . . and that’s for beginners and experienced paddlers.
If you start out on the right equipment, even the big boys will be up and paddling with no problem on their first try. Before taking a lesson or renting a board, it’s a good idea to find out it they are using actual stand up paddle boards. It’ll make a huge difference.
Although big longboards and Softops might work for smaller paddlers, they’re definitely more tippy and will really be a struggle for most people. Find a school with the right equipment and you’ll have a blast on your very first try.
On Oahu, Hawaii there are several schools offering lessons. Here are just a few:
North Shore:
Rainbow Watersports
http://www.rainbowwatersports.com
Surf n Sea
http://www.surfnsea.com
East Side:
Hawaiian Watersports http://www.hawaiianwatersports.com
Wet Feet: http://www.wetfeet.com