SUP / Stand Up Paddle Surfing
Stand Up Paddle Surfing (or SUP) is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Essentially it involves standing on a very large surfboard whilst paddling with a canoe paddle. Originating in Polynesia, as a predecessor to regular surfing, it became popular with the Waikiki beach-boys in Hawaii as it allowed them to watch over their surf pupils; to see waves approaching from a higher vantage point; and to keep their customers' cameras dry. However, it is now increasingly popular in Europe & California as an alternative to surfing. The equipment has moved on from the early days, with heavy redwood boards replaced by lighter epoxy and Styrofoam boards. Laird Hamilton, the legendary big wave surfer & waterman, uses it for fitness cross-training to enable him to tackle huge waves, whilst many Hollywood-types use it to make them look fit & pretty. I can’t claim to use it for either of these reasons but just find it a fun alternative to surfing when the conditions aren't optimal. You can have a sedate cruise on the board or go for the full burn - the burn becoming apparent quickly on waves or choppy water. SUP improves Core Fitness as well as working almost every muscle in your body.
SUP Flat Water
SUP is very accessible to almost anyone. The new SUP boards offer a stable platform and a comfortable paddling position. The boards come in different sizes and widths to suit any rider and glide through the water smoothly, giving a stable, comfortable ride. Once balancing is mastered, you can find yourself going faster over flat water than you've ever managed on a board before. Standing up means you see a lot more than you would while surfing or kayaking and you can see marine life through the water. A short paddle on flat water uses lots of muscles across your shoulders, back, core and legs and gives a low impact workout all over. In general, SUP Flat water is sociable, a good sensation, an easy workout and a lot better than the gym for excitement, scenery and motivation!
Why SUP Surf?
If you live next to a barreling reef break that works all the time, and you can surf a 6ft board then you probably don't need a SUP Board. However, if you want to try surfing in small waves or want to spend more time riding waves than sitting on your board, then SUP Surfing is for you. On such a large board you can catch any wave, 6 inches to 15 foot high, and using a paddle allows you to catch waves a lot earlier and paddle through any flat spot on the wave. So the wave can be ridden from out beyond any surfer all the way up to the beach! If you’ve never surfed before you'll find the easiest way is on a SUP Board. There's no scrambling to your feet and jumping up on a wobbly board because you're already standing. All you need is a gentle paddle onto the wave and you're up and riding and even have a paddle to lean against on the wave like a stabiliser. Surfing is a great sport but requires lots of time and practice in the right conditions. SUP surfing is easier and a lot more accessible for most people.
Surf already? Why SUP Surf?
Having surfed all around the world for years at some of the best breaks, coming home to sub-optimal conditions doesn't always make me want to rush out and sit in the line up. However, SUP surfing makes even the less-than-perfect days great. Suddenly those small, perfectly formed waves running down the sandbar that used to be considered too small start to look like more fun. Paddling a SUP in surf can take a bit of getting used to - watching your friend falling down, being washed off his feet and falling on his backside can be pretty amusing. Catching the first wave is tricky, choosing the moment to turn, paddle and pick up a wave isn't easy and it takes a good few attempts, but that first ride is magic! SUP allows you to catch unbroken swells, ride those high tide waves too fat for anything else, generate speed and excitement when it's normally too small to bother, catch more waves and set yourself up to the right part of the wave before you would normally be on it. SUP surfing offers the chance for a surfer, however experienced, to get that 'learning to surf' buzz again, and get in the water on marginal days that would otherwise be unsuitable for surfing. It's all made a lot easier with some SUP / Stand Up Paddle lessons
Where to go SUP
With SUP it is possible to explore the un-surfed, further-a-field reef breaks that Tiree has in abundance. The journey is all part of the experience. Catching larger waves on your SUP is not always that simple - getting out over 8 feet of white water isn't going to be easy. Try to spot the rip currents and channels as a means through the whitewater. Start in smaller surf and as you become more experienced try some bigger stuff.
SUP Etiquette
- Always start well away from other water users. (Being hit by a 12ft surfboard isn't going to go down well.)
- If you're riding with other surfers always let surfers drop-in if they like (they don't usually).
- Never paddle onto a surfer's wave (he'll have spent a long time getting into the right place to catch it) and you can also catch the next one a lot easier.
- Always check that there is nobody on the wave either side of you.
- Basically give way to everyone else! Being a SUP rider in a busy surf break is not going to make you many friends (just like canoes, kayaks and windsurfers) so it is best to stay well away from crowded surf. You can always paddle easily to another peak and have plenty of waves to yourself.