Kiteboarding is our favorite sport. But what do you do when there is no wind?

Stand up paddle boarding, of course!

What Is Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Stand up paddle boarding — usually written as SUP — is great sport that’s become very popular in recent years.

Basically, you stand on a long, specialized surfboard while you move yourself around with a long paddle. Some people catch waves in the ocean, while most simply paddle around on more flat water in oceans, lakes, ponds, and rivers.

The History of SUP

Modern SUP began in Waikiki Beach, Hawaii in the 1960′s. Local surf instructors would stand up on their long boards (long surfboards) and use a long outrigger canoe paddle to move around. This allowed them a better vantage point to teach their surfing students and to watch for approaching swells.

About 40 years later, modern surfers started using SUP as a way to workout when there were no waves. In the early 2000′s, SUP was “imported” from Hawaii to California, and then it really began to take off.

Now, you are likely to see some stand up paddle boarders on just about any body of water.

Why SUP?

Stand up paddle boarding is both a great core workout and a relaxing way to enjoy the beauty of the water.

Stand up paddle boarding is both a great core workout and a relaxing way to enjoy the beauty of the water. Here are two people enjoying a SUP in English Bay, Vancouver.

As a workout, you really exercise your all-important core muscles as well as your shoulders and arms. SUP is also great for working on your balance. Some people even do yoga on stand up paddle boards!

And, there is certainly a karmic peacefulness to stand up paddle boarding. It’s gives you a unique perspective and special closeness to the water that you don’t get from the shore or from swimming. SUP is truly a wonderful way to feel closer to the natural world.