I've started a collaborative article on my blog about how to do stand up paddle surfing--how to choose gear and what's available, how to get started, and how to surf these big boards. If you have anything to contribute just stick it in the comments section or email it to me. I'll act as editor, integrating and polishing the document as we go.
Commercial stuff is welcome too--I'd like this to be as inclusive as possible. If you supply boards, paddles, or something I'm not thinking about let me know and I'll stick it in. The end result might be very useful to people who want to start into this sport. Personally, I think standup could be as big or bigger than surfing--you can do it anywhere.
the blog is at www.ponohouse.com/ponoblog. Thanks, Bill
Submitted by PonoBill on Wed, 02/21/2007 - 7:56am
I've never tried stand-up paddling. I've "tradionally" surfed for over 20years, and have paddled kanu for about 8. I don't "get" stand up paddling. I used to race motocross. I've ridden fast street bikes. I thought a "dual sport" bike would be the best of both worlds...it wasn't. It was a poor compromise of both of these riding types. That's generally how I feel about most of these combination sports. Why stand up to paddle? Why surf a wave on an extremely long and wide board with a long paddle in your hands? Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking it, and maybe I'll try it this year and love it, but as of now, I don't get it. Basically, you guys that like it, Why? Just wondering....
#1 Wed, 02/28/2007 - 4:01am
First of all, go ride a GS1200 BMW (I don't have one myself, but I've ridden with a lot of them). Very hard to keep up with in the twisties, they're usually in the front of any pack of sportbikes because they handle tight stuff and transitions better, and they can handle fire roads and the desert. They'd look stupid at a motocross race, and no one is going to take them to MotoGP (except to watch) but they're incredibly fun. For that matter, my bikes here on Maui are both dual sport, but that's because there's not enough roads to justify a sportbike.
What's cool about the new generation of dual sport bikes is they're really fun to ride anywhere. Just like standup. Yesterday my wife wanted to go learn more about using our Hobie Adventure Island (sailing/paddling/pedaling trimaran kayak). But I wanted more of a workout so I took the standup board. I paddled around with her, helping her learn to sail and giving her confidence (she's a panicky type) and I paddled miles on my board in choppy swells and wind, getting a great workout without hanging in a sweaty gym. See Nice Standup Day
A couple of days before that I was surfing at Thousand Peaks in knee high mushy waves on the same board. See Thousand Peaks Nothing you could catch on a short board, but lots of fun and another great workout. I'm not trying to out-paddle fifteen year olds for a wave, and not sitting on my board waiting for something to happen, I'm moving all the time, I can travel long distances on it, and catch waves.
I'd also point out Laird Hamilton's exploits as an example of the upper end of the feasible spectrum for what you can do with these boards, but he's a space alien and what he does has nothing to do with us humans. See Photographic Proof: Laird Hamilton is a Space Alien
Incidentally, to whoever is running this board--nice job. Not only is the technology really good stuff, but the setup is brilliant.
#2 Wed, 02/28/2007 - 7:10am
Rather than read that long reply, you can just look here: http://www.ponohouse.com/ponoblog/?p=194 I'll take standup over Jenny Craig any day.
I'm hanging out in this forum too much--I'm starting to look seriously at OC-1s. I think I better lose another 20 pounds first though.
#3 Wed, 02/28/2007 - 7:04pm
Drewp,
I've been doing SUP surfing for three years now. I understand your doubts about SUP surfing and, overall, I think it's a highly overrated sport. At least by those who are now replacing their surfing days with SUP surfing.
It's like the cool thing of the moment.
But the motivations (and photos) that Bill brings in are eloquent enough.
On my side, I don't need to lose weight, but I still like to SUP surf in the following conditions:
1) small waves (1 to 2 feet). It's a lot of fun and you can catch a hell lot of waves. The overall fun is higher that what you can get even with a 9.0 longboard.
2) I'm too tired to do lay down surfing (because I had one or more sessions already) and I only have energy to do SUP surfing. I use different muscles, and, even though SUP surfing is a great workout, it's still less work than regular surfing. Lay down surfing is the most physically demanding sport that I do. For example, windsurfing is like a piece of cake in comparison.
Bill, ask Mark of Ding King to let you try one of his one man canoe. I own an old one and riding small waves with it is a lot of fun. In addition to that, I use it mostly in summer time for the downwind runs from Maliko to Kanaha. I used to do that standing up on my SUP board, but the glide of the OC-1 on the windswell chop is actually more fun for me.
It's quite a big thing to carry around, but I'm sure you'll be able to put it on your Jeep...
#4 Wed, 02/28/2007 - 10:06pm
Aloha Pono Bill,
Nice Blog. Deadly sin (enviable) world you live in!
Howzit Drew?
You are physically harder than "Chinese Arithmetic†and with that I am sure you can appreciate the added benefits from this form of cross training.
From your own words, “I’ve “tradionally†surfed for over 20years, and have paddled kanu for about 8. I don’t “get†stand up paddling.â€, I would guess you would “get†any form of argonautic expression. (cool word, huh? Wish I could claim it.)
I have a couple of sticks in my quiver right now and I will add another before the summer is gone!
Come on down to the “Bridge†and go for a paddle. When the waves are too small to ride, even on a good longboard, you can get some sweet glides on the SUP. Down wind runs this winter have taken on a whole new perspective and intensity, 50 feet off the beach with a Nor’easter blowing!! How about slogging through some ice-crust to get out to clear water in the Back Bay, when a paddle on the OC-1 was not going to happen?
No bold claims here, but I feel much more prepared for the upcoming season and I didn’t numb my brain on the Paddleone machine.
A Hui Ho my friend.
#5 Fri, 03/02/2007 - 2:57am
Hey Billy-boy!
one of these days I'm going to take you up on your offer to come down play w/ all of your toys! I know you've been into the stand-up paddle thing for awhile. I guess the next transition will be to place a long pole on the board, w/ a molded seat up high so that you can sit and do "high seat paddling"....kind of like what they've done w/ those skateboard/scooter hybridy things :)
PonoBill. I've either ridden or owned: husquvarna dirt bikes, a BMW Dakar, the 1200GS, 1150R rockster (I presently own) and a K1200R. I find that w/ "dual sport bikes", my center of gravity is too high, and I sit up too straight for high speeds on the pavement...and conversely, the bikes are too heavy and bulky to navigate in the dirt. Also, I can't argue about what Laird can do with a board. Finally, I saw that Hobie adventure Island thing this winter. That thing looks like a hoot. AGAIN, it probably doesn't do any one thing great (ie paddle, peddle, sail), buy the combination looks like fun (especially to go offshore and fish, etc.)
I WILL try stand up paddling this summer...thanks for the input from you guys.. almost 60degrees today.....GOING PADDLING! (going to be lazy and sit down :(
#6 Fri, 03/02/2007 - 3:35am
www.surfingsports.com
After I posted the last comment I was perusing the "sponsor column" on the right hand side of this page and hit the Surfing Sports web link. Halfway down the page is a link for a 18 minute video with music, of a guy with helmet cam paddling some ankle high stuff in Cali(?). I was transfixed!
Good representation of the ultra-calm-day-glide, I was alluding to earlier.
Must get a life...or not.
Mahalo Nui Loa for the pre-work fix.
#7 Fri, 03/02/2007 - 3:36am
Man, if I didn't know better, I would say you were pokin' fun at me or making some kind of statement like I'm getting old...wait a minute, you got me by a couple, don't you?
Come on down anytime and if you don't I will have to come up to your neck of the woods.
Got any surf close by?
#8 Fri, 03/02/2007 - 3:40am
for those of you that haven't tried stand up paddling, go try it. its such a good workout for all your core muscles, abs and legs. for all of us over here in makaha, we love it because its different, you can catch a whole bunch of waves from two foot to 15 -18 foot bombs at makaha point and its such a good workout.(oops i said that already) just think if it strengthens your abs and core muscles when you stand up , it will do wonders for you sitting on the one man. i tell all my paddling friends that it has helped me become a better paddler, for sure.what have you got to lose!
#9 Mon, 03/05/2007 - 9:18pm
I just did a review of the standup boards I own. Odd thing to do perhaps, but it was fun. I planned to get out with my helmet cam (I cobbled one together and I'm spending too much time screwing with it) but I decided I might look dorky. Oops, too late.
Any, it's about several of the most popular boards: the Laird, the Ku Nalu, the Jimmy Lewis 11x30 and the 11"7 X26. It's at http://www.hawaiiv.com/allalum/?p=176 or just go to either of the blogs. You'll find it.
What a nutty bunch you guys are. I feel right at home.
#10 Sat, 03/24/2007 - 1:12pm