Paddle surfing, leisure activity or extreme sport?
Historians would suggest that stand up paddle boarding can be traced back to the islands within the Polynesian triangle, with its strong Hawaiian heritage this new sport is rapidly gaining popularity. Indigenous tribes would have been seen paddling on logs and hollowed-out tree trunks. Today logs are light, colorful and bright!
Who are those people that you have seen in the middle of the lakes and on our shores, who seem to walk on water? They are people like you, but they are the lucky pioneers who have discovered this versatile activity. Stand up paddle boarding can be considered a sport if you choose to “ride” the waves or put some strength into getting some speed or a leisure activity if you choose to wander through winding canals as if you were taking a walk or bike ride through a neighborhood . with streets of water. This is an activity that can be experienced alone or as a social experience with friends or family.
This is a sport for everyone, not just Gen X radicals. Paddle surfing is for people who never thought of “surfing” or for those who have made surfing their way of life.
The first time you stand on a paddle board “on” the water, you feel completely empowered and have the urge to just GO. The designs of the boards make them so stable that they absorb the “wave action”. All you need is a 15 minute introduction to the various strokes which will then allow you to move through the water with ease and confidence. Within an hour or so you feel like you’ve ‘mastered’ the cruise and are ready for some ‘waves’.
I have been asked on several occasions, “what does it feel like?” The “buzz” resembles the blissful state a child experiences after riding a bike for the first time without training wheels and “without falling off.” That’s when you realize you’ve discovered a way to enjoy exercise while spending time outdoors and having fun…either alone or with others. Many novices find themselves daydreaming as if they were the chief tribal warriors on the Polynesian islands centuries ago. It’s a trip!
Every time I’m on a board, onlookers yell… “What’s that?” “It’s hard?” “It must be a great workout!” “Where can I get a board like that?” Stand up paddle boarding is versatile, FUN, relaxing and great exercise! Anyone can do it and frankly, it’s sexy!