Stand up paddle surfing???

Well ,

I had the lucky opportunity to try stand up paddle style with Brian K and Dave Parmenter last year in Japan. It was a real good work out, full body.

I think if you made it part of your training you would be faster and stronger. Its fun too, I will be including it in my training before next season for sure.

Later

Koka

#1 Wed, 07/19/2006 - 10:41pm

I do it almost daily in the surf. I also do downwind stuff.... I'm totally into it! Haha!! The negatives I've seen are guys that go out to a crowded spot and try to take over and get all the waves. That sucks. Now days we straighten guys out and try to "dominate" a spot just because they have the paddle power. When I surf I go early and when the crowd fills in I move on to another reef even if the waves are not as good...

I also build my own boards and boards for others who do it. I'm selective on who gets one because it will only make you more of what you are. The paddle advantage is so great if you are a nice person, you will become even nicer as you will have the ability to give more waves away. If you're a wave hogging jerk, well...... I won't make a board for you and the boys will probably come talk to you real soon....

Overall its a gnarly workout. Waaaay harder than it looks. I remember seeing guys doing it thinking it can't be that hard but even on a huge stable board you get sore all over. I surf/paddle everyday even if no waves around and its a killer workout everytime... Haha! Now I'm building performance type SUP boards that are 10'-6" down to 9'. The materials and design concepts allow us to actually surf waves instead of just glide like you would on a huge "learning" board.... Off the tops, carving cutbacks, floaters, and even ride in the barrel in control...

Its soooo much fun!!! Just surf with Aloha....

#2 Fri, 07/21/2006 - 1:13pm

I'm doing a standup paddle board comparison in Maui starting February 15th. Probably mostly at Kanaha--depending on the wind. I'm looking for testers that would be willing to devote at least one day, and preferably three. You don't have to be an expert, in fact I'm looking for beginners, intermediate and advanced as well as longboard surfers who have never tried SUP or don't do it often. If you can help, leave me a comment on the "Big SUP Board Comparison page of the Ponohouse blog: link

I'd also like to test standup paddles sooner or later, but I haven't been able to come up with a methodology for comparing paddles. If anyone has ideas I'd expect it to be you folks.

#3 Mon, 11/12/2007 - 10:00am

Looks really interesting, but with a tough learning curve. I see people out there struggling with it.

#4 Sat, 11/24/2007 - 9:44am

The learning curve is fast if you follow a few good tips.
1) stay in the flat water till you feel more comfortable.
2) build up that core before going in the surf.
3) Practise moving the board around and simulate different situations, turns-kick turns etc.
4) Start in small clean conditions, away from others. Build on your skills and core strength before moving into more challenging conditions.
5) check out that DVD by C4 Waterman- great tips and tech.
6) donÊ»t forget number 1.

regards,

Koka

#5 Sat, 11/24/2007 - 1:43pm

I've been SUPing (mainly flat and open water) for over a year now (coz there is no surf where we live at Hervey Bay within the protective waters created by Fraser Island.)
Seems to me that 2 things affect how tricky first time SUPers find the sport.
1. If you paddle outrigger canoes, you bring the know-how of what to do with a paddle to SUP. That staight away improves your propulsion in SUP, which improves your stability, which gives you confidence, which makes you think "wow...I'm loving this!"
2. If your first time out, you try a nice stable board with a flat flat deck, you'll probably do really well. If you are given a convex decked big modified surfboard, as opposed to a purpose made SUP board, you'll find it tricky. The rails will rock, and it will feel really tippy.
The last thing is just give it time. In the early stages, I reckon you can actually feel your brain making countless calibrations about where the 'tipping point' is...storing data for the next time, so that your 'muscle memory' is being honed all the time....Next thing you know, you go out on a really bumpy day and come back with dry hair and shorts!!
Be patient, and dont expect it to be all about speed and power first up. Relaaaax, keep your eyes to the horizon, engage those abs, let your legs work underneath you like inbuilt shock absorbers and enjoy!

#6 Sun, 11/25/2007 - 7:46pm

What is a good starter board, not for surfing, but for learning with an eye for moving on to offshore paddling? What are these boards like and how do they handle on Hawaii Kai runs? Do you carve swells like a long board moving foward and back as needed, maintain a neutral stance looking for the long rides like an OC1, or paddle agressively like a surf-ski up and over, switching from one swell direction to another?

#7 Mon, 11/26/2007 - 8:47am

Ok. Its a few years late for this post, but Im quite annoyed at all the rich "Haole's", talentless surfers, and generally ignorant people that have jumped on the S.U.P. bandwagon. First of all. I only have close to 2 years of canoe paddling experience. But within those two years, Ive collected many gold and silver medals on Maui (zero bronze), a silver medal at the state championships, and both gold and bronze at the " World Sprints". Also, I have been surfing since I was 3 years old. ( Taught by my aunt, 1977 world champ). I am not even close to Pro status in either sports, but you should at least listed to me when I say, " Stand up paddle surfing SUCKS". Would you go bowling with a basket ball? Would you use a golf club in base ball? Sure S.U.P. is fun when the surf is really small, or when there are chicks watching. But can you really consider it a sport. The boards really suck for surfing ( equivalent of an 8'0 fun board) ,and as for the paddling aspect, why not just put some rubber on the tip of your blade, and paddle your fricken skate board around a skate park. Either way, you look like an " idiot. Very few don't. I'll admit some guys rip shirt up, like Laird doing it on a "real" long board, and Machado. And I know there are some very reputable surfers, and canoe paddlers that have backed S.U.P.ing. And I commend them for making money off of dumb people. But enough allready. How lame was the first S.U.P. Big wave comp. Ooh, guys caught waves. Hurray. Money isnt every thing.

#8 Sun, 05/09/2010 - 3:21am

It's an awesome workout and feels like it would be a great supplement to your paddling training. I think most people who come from outrigger wouldn't want to do it that often because it's really slow in comparison. A fun way for people to get out on the water, and it's cool to see so many more people getting wet because of this new activity, but like others have said, SUPers should generally steer clear of the established surf spots. It's gotten a whole new group of people in the water, and unfortunately not everyone is aware of the proper line-up etiquette.

#9 Sun, 05/09/2010 - 4:45am

janitors of the sea, sweep elsewhere.

#10 Sun, 05/09/2010 - 5:22am

yuru nassle, what's up with cutting all these people down? rich haoles? who cares if someone get money or not, as long as they cool. you say the sup guys look like idiots, but you SOUND like you ONE idiot! chicks watching? you try fo' act big and cool when the chicks watching? sound like one kook to me. what does all your medals have to do with this thread? brah, you sound so full of yourself!! get idiots who surf,paddle and sup, but as long as people cool and respect one another and having fun that's the main thing. we no need a-holes like you who think they better than everyone else in the water. you say you not one pro but you sure act and talk like you one. be humble, getting cracks in front a da chicks no look to cool.

#11 Sun, 05/09/2010 - 8:03am

Mask and snorkel, OC1, K1, Shortboard/Longboard, Sail canoe, Eleu paddleboard, Surfski or SUP are just tools.
Be honest with yourself about your ability and show respect. And above all...always be humble. Thats the Hawaiian way.

#12 Sun, 05/09/2010 - 8:32am

You should listen to me when I say, ”Guys full of sh!t SUCKS”.

#13 Sun, 05/09/2010 - 11:25am

What "WATERFUN" said....

#14 Sun, 05/09/2010 - 11:46am

While there is good and bad about SUPs whether one is surfing or paddling the Lakes and oceans, it's been said that it's a great workout, it's fun, and it's a great crossover into OC racing. I took up SUP this Feb., and I haven't looked back. I've been racing OC-1, surfski, but mostly OC-2 with my wife for the last five years, and this year we decided to give SUP at try. I started with a 12', but felt it was not for me because I probably wasn't paddling correctly--couldn't keep it straight at all. Got a 14', and since most of our paddling is on lakes, the 14' felt stable, fast, and easy to get 8 to 9 strokes a side. Now fast is not a term used for boards on flat water, but it just seemed faster. Got a 17' with steering and now we're talking. I'm only 5'8" and 150 lbs, but the workout is just awesome. The crossover to the tandem and single is amazing, and the resistance training into the wind is to die for. I just completed my first 70+ mile week on the boards(14' & 17"), and am looking forward to the NorCal racing season that starts the end of the month. Since it will be on lakes only, using the 17' will probably be the way to go. But since I'm so new at this I'll show up with both and make my decision at the site. I've mentioned mostly good, but I would think, not seeing first hand, that individuals at a surfing site should be able to get along, but EGOS can sometimes get in the way. I think SUP is worth a try.

#15 Mon, 05/10/2010 - 8:53am

I started paddling a couple of years ago on a "sweeper". Good fun, and I'd hit breaks on the north shore of Maui that don't get surfed or monkey around where there weren't any surfers. We have a place on the south shore that I like to keep an eye on, so I'd paddle out there, but I figured I'd get more mileage out of a one man. Love it, but my wife still sweeps, so I'm good with that, too. Some guys get way too territorial when it comes to surf. I surfed Kanaha in the mid 80's when you had to look for guys to go out, and now there's 50-100 out on a swell. Feck that! But I don't pretend that it's MY break. Bumbye you make too many rules and you got guys who think they're cops out there. Waste time! Go paddle and chill.

#16 Tue, 05/11/2010 - 11:27am

Surfing one peak spots with crowds is not a whole lot of fun....especially with the invention of what I still call "kook cords". Nice when the outside cleanup sets would actually clean up. Stand ups in crowded places are like when we got back on long boards in the late 80's. Too much of an advantage. Creates bad vibes and that takes away from the true joy of it all.

One mans are the way to go. Plenty of swells, go where you want and when you want. Wind is a good thing. Put on some tunes...no need to get all huhu.. ..just have fun...soul paddling. Let the masses fight for the crumbs...we get the cake!

#17 Tue, 05/11/2010 - 11:47am

F'get about the sour grapes comments and go paddle a SUP. It's good fun, like anything in the ocean.

#18 Tue, 05/11/2010 - 2:23pm

So SUP is like a canoe with no outrigger, for stand-on paddling instead of sit-on paddling.
Can be surfed in a hollow section of a wave, and survive a wipeout better than other canoes. But is not good for a person who maybe has a big ego to take care of, like the NASSLE points out....................come to think of it, being free of the ego problem is another plus factor for SUP.

#19 Tue, 05/11/2010 - 5:22pm

The main problems with sweepers at crowded spots are 1) they're giant boards, god help you if you're in the way, and 2) they can monopolize the break, as they can paddle faster. If you really want to surf one, respect the other guy. Give waves, let guys know about cleanups, and don't be an aggro a-hole. It's a great full body workout, don't sell it short.

#20 Wed, 05/12/2010 - 7:13am

what makes a waterman? not just being able to master one water craft, but many! can you call yourself a waterman if all you do is supine surf, or paddle? Try them all ,and respect the folks around you while you are at it.. Its all good fun!

#21 Thu, 05/13/2010 - 1:44pm

Wow, I resparked this thread from its 3 year lull.
First off, I would like to apologize for my insensitivity. I was a little jag at the time And slighty irritated after meeting a few people who just moved here, cant surf, and just spent a huge wad of cash on 4 SUP settups. I still feel that SUP is not as fun as regular surfing. I will say that its more fun than canoe paddling. Thats my own opinion. I enjoy the performance of real surf boards rather than sacrificing performance for the ability to stand up and use a paddle. I can appreciate the great workout you get from long distance SUPing, and it is kinda fun to go on your own little adventure down the coast. My apologies go out to anyone I offended, except "Lilo". Lilo, your worthless threats of giving me cracks, and petty name calling, only justify the fact that you are a "Kook", You probably suck at surfing and do the SUP thing to make you feel a false sense of respect. If you talked like that to me out in the water, I would catch up to you on my 11' tanker, Take your paddle, spank your sorry ass with it, then make you lay down for a change. But that would never happen because I dont go out when its flat. As far as my "rich haole" comment. Its not an insult, just an observation. Here on Maui, at least 75% of SUPer's are rich, and not from here. The fact that your so offended by that comment tells me, you are not a "rich haole" (nothing wrong with being a rich haole), you are a "f#$!ing rich haole"(very wrong to be). Your pidgin attempt and fake Hawaiian name are hillarious. Cracks, Lol 30 years of surfing Maui, and I havent even come close to a violent surfing encounter. Show respect out there, and you may not get it back untill you prove you belong out there. Best way, is dont waste waves. And dont act all Kanak's if your not.

#22 Wed, 05/26/2010 - 6:10pm

Yur-a-natsi:

I personally surf a short board, long board, 6 man, OC1, and SUP on any given day. Long boards have been dominating "some" breaks for years. I'm living proof. But I also short board and know how it can get. Short boarders never get a chance at "certain breaks". You'll see them sitting in water up to their chest 20 yrds in waiting for a crappy wave to slip pass you just to get a little close out. Now shit has changed and you and your "11'0" long board ass is sittin 20yrds inside a SUP and now you're getting the greatest sun tan action in history. Sucks when it happens to you doesn't it? Times have change. If you can't handle it, stay home!!!!!

Do us a favor..........stay on Maui!!!

#23 Wed, 05/26/2010 - 8:53pm

No, he's not a natsi, he's a Nassle.

#24 Wed, 05/26/2010 - 10:09pm

What you said "ZERO"!

#25 Thu, 05/27/2010 - 2:45pm

You take him, tango, we don't want him!

#26 Thu, 05/27/2010 - 8:52pm

when I'm on my fish, i get pissed off at the longboarders for hogging all the waves,
when i'm on my longboard, i get pissed off at the SUPers for hogging all the waves,
when I'm on my SUP, I get pissed off at longboarders and shortboarders who kooked and missed on waves I let go by.

just one pissed off person, that is me...

#27 Fri, 05/28/2010 - 1:38am

Lmfao
This thread is very entertaining. At least Hiro Nakamura got my name right. Thought it would be obvious that you pronounce Nassle the same as hassle. Anyways, If you think all I ride is an 11' tanker, thats fine. Its not like Im gonna catch up to some SUPer on my 6'0" flying egg and take his paddle away. Well I wish all of you well. And if next big craze is "Lay Down Kick Paddle Canoe Bodyboarding" I'll remember not to criticize anyone for enjoying it. I feel bad for hurting a lot of your feelings in my first post. Go ahead and talk stink about me all you want. Im done with this thread. If you scroll up to the top of the page, the subject is on SUP, not FU me.

#28 Sat, 05/29/2010 - 4:39am

Dang! i thought the spelling was nASSoLE.......with silent o.

#29 Sat, 05/29/2010 - 4:49pm

I know your name son. The way you speak your thoughts just reminded me of the German Nazi's....... Hence my term "yur-a-natsi"!!!! Haha!!

Mr. Hiro Nakamura....... Hello sir!!!

#30 Sat, 05/29/2010 - 6:06pm

!

#31 Sat, 05/29/2010 - 9:35pm

Me no Nakamura !

#32 Sat, 05/29/2010 - 6:20pm

That's not what your buddy Yur-a-nazi said.

#33 Sat, 05/29/2010 - 6:40pm