Stand Up Paddle Surfing

[Fat Jeff]

Stand Up Paddle Surfing...or SUP for short.

I've got the bug to give this a try. Never been much of a waterman, but I'm an OK swimmer, not really interested in the wave catching aspect as much as the paddling part.

Anyone here have any experience with SUP? Any recommendations for a preferred shop to get a board? What are the best spots for paddling?

[TATTRAT]

It is fun, real fun, and the surfing aspect of it just makes it MORE fun. You can ust the paddle like a rudder, and surf conventional, making it a fun combo. It is a real work out, you will be sore...a real workout

I would recommend just getting a used board, off of craigslist or something, they are REAL pricey new, and if it is something you find to not be your cup of tea, just resell...well, looking at used, still pricey...

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/search/spo/oah?query=paddle+board&minAsk=min&maxAsk=max

[shaveice]

a lot of first timers try it out in the calm waters at ala moana; wait for a day without much breeze. when i tried it, we went to the area on the ward center side of ala moana; low tide and no breeze = flat conditions, just right for testing it out. have fun!

[lavagal]

I am eager to try this! I've been surfing since I first came to Hawaii in 1981, and I love it. I have learned SUP is a great workout for the core. Since I already surf, I'd love to have the paddling edge to catch some waves from outside. I see myself making this investment in about a year--when the first wave of used boards start floating into Craig's List, LOL!

[Fat Jeff]

OK I've got a demo set up for Thursday morning. Funny how huge the boards look to me...as I'm kinda tall and, well as the name says..."fat", so the board I'll be trying looks like a battleship! 12 feet long, 31" wide, nearly 5" thick...hope it holds up!

Shaveice...yup, I'm doing the demo at Ala Moana. I got inspired to try SUP while walking through the park and thinking....if I'm gonna exercise here, why not on the water?

Lavagal...I've seen a bunch of SUP boards on CL, but not many as big as I need. I've been a cyclist for 15+ years, and I value a proper fit when it comes to gear. You on the other hand...woo hoo! Lot's to pick from!

Tatrat...yes, pricey...the whole set up can run $1600+ with a leash, deck pad, paddle, rack pads, board, & God knows what else. At least I already have a roof rack on the Pilot...mark one off :)

I'll post on how the demo goes...Mahalo for all the input!

[tutusue]

I've watched SUPing for years at Makaha beach...moreso during the summer than the winter for obvious reasons! I've also seen it along the Gold Coast. Looks like fun but, to me, there's nothing like the thrill of catching a wave.

[TATTRAT]

"fatt" Jeff, have a great time, I am sure you will enjoy it a lot. Look forward to your thoughts and report back!

If your name is changed to Battleship Jeff, I will assume it went well, lol.

[D'Alani]

If you go Ala Moana check out China. He is always on the ewa side by the concession and you will see his pop up tent and his blue van. He gives free lessons to anyone who wants to learn as long as you know how to swim. Go in the morning because he usually leaves about 1:00pm. If he is not out giving lessons you will see about 4 boards by the tent. He is really friendly so don't be afraid to approach him and ask. China Uemura is the guy who have all those longboard surf meets, he lost quite a lot of weight since he began SUPing.

[shaveice]

OK I've got a demo set up for Thursday morning. Funny how huge the boards look to me...as I'm kinda tall and, well as the name says..."fat", so the board I'll be trying looks like a battleship! 12 feet long, 31" wide, nearly 5" thick...hope it holds up!



even tho the board IS big, on your first try i'd guess that it's going to feel a bit tippy, believe it or not! looking forward to your thursday report.

ps: wear a cap or something; not for protection from the sun but to shield your eyes from the laughing beach goers who may be laughing when you fall off the board! anyway, i found it helpful in that respect!

[Fat Jeff]

even tho the board IS big, on your first try i'd guess that it's going to feel a bit tippy, believe it or not! looking forward to your thursday report.

ps: wear a cap or something; not for protection from the sun but to shield your eyes from the laughing beach goers who may be laughing when you fall off the board! anyway, i found it helpful in that respect!

No need...when you show as much pearly white haole opu as I'll be flashing, the glare will blind 'em!

That said...I am expecting to wear a visor & sunglasses.

[lavagal]

If you go Ala Moana check out China. He is always on the ewa side by the concession and you will see his pop up tent and his blue van. He gives free lessons to anyone who wants to learn as long as you know how to swim. Go in the morning because he usually leaves about 1:00pm. If he is not out giving lessons you will see about 4 boards by the tent. He is really friendly so don't be afraid to approach him and ask. China Uemura is the guy who have all those longboard surf meets, he lost quite a lot of weight since he began SUPing.


I know China! I'll definitely do this. When, I have no idea! Thanks so much for the tip! I've surfed in several of his contests!

[Nords]

Anyone here have any experience with SUP?
I'm waiting until I get tired of paddling with my arms, and I'll be buying from Craigslist, but I've had a few parking lot conversations.

One SUPer recommended paddling in quiet waters at the head of a stream until you get your balance & coordination. Don't know if that's so easy to find but you might want to spend some of your time paddling away from the actual break in an area that's at least flatter and easier to paddle in.

You can catch just about any wave... and every wave. You might want to stay away from other surfers and go outside with the other SUPers. (Some of the longboarders, in particular, resent having "their" waves dominated by SUPers.) White Plains/Kalealoa used to have a half-dozen SUP guys in among the regulars but now I see them all way way waaaaaay outside regularly catching 6-8 footers.

In addition to the sunscreen (rashguard & hat?), you will chafe in new areas. A friend learned to wear jams instead of shorts when the rails kept abrading his thighs. And occasionally a traction pad will slide across a sensitive part of your anatomy... or a knee.

Think through what you're going to do with your paddle & board when you fall. I don't know if it's sour grapes or fact, but I've heard that Laird took a few stitches from his paddle at the end of this session: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGsjFSmDLG0

[cezanne]

I too have been perusing craiglist for one of these puppies. Just perusing because I doubt that my wife will let me have another water toy at the moment.

[Fat Jeff]

A qualified success...

Wow...that was fun...challenging...different from what I expected...harder than I expected (and I expected HARD)...and I think I may be hooked.

My demo was this morning at Ala Moana. The young guy from the shop was super cool, and was really helpful. He taught me more in one hour than I could have ever learned in months. Understand that I have NEVER been on a board of any kind, much less a SUP. Total noobie. I could get up on the board. Up on my knees. Could paddle from my knees. But...standing is a challenge for me...a real challenge. I did manage to get on my feet on a couple tries...for a total of about a second and a half. Needless to say I'm riding that learning curve. I think I could get a handle of it in a couple months. At least I didn't fall on the paddle. I've got a pretty bad chill now...was the water really that cold?

Will I do it again? You bet! Although I didn't get to my feet successfully I think I could get it done with more practice (OK, lot's more practice). I'm looking forward to trying this again.

[turtlegirl]

Yay Jeff!! :)

I saw a lot of SUP ers at Lanikai yesterday, apparently coming back from the Moke islands. Whatta workout!!

[Keanu]

Yay Jeff!! :)

I saw a lot of SUP ers at Lanikai yesterday, apparently coming back from the Moke islands. Whatta workout!!

Lol! I'm highly offended by the use that word here. :D

[lavagal]

Way to go Jeff! The fact that you haven't been on a surfboard before, let alone a SUP, is a big deal! It's also great to hear that your instructor was a stand-up kinda guy!

[Geebz]

On hell of a workout for sure! Love It!

[mordakine]

what kind of gear do you recommend, Where do you get it.

[TATTRAT]

A qualified success...

Wow...that was fun...challenging...different from what I expected...harder than I expected (and I expected HARD)...and I think I may be hooked.

My demo was this morning at Ala Moana. The young guy from the shop was super cool, and was really helpful. He taught me more in one hour than I could have ever learned in months. Understand that I have NEVER been on a board of any kind, much less a SUP. Total noobie. I could get up on the board. Up on my knees. Could paddle from my knees. But...standing is a challenge for me...a real challenge. I did manage to get on my feet on a couple tries...for a total of about a second and a half. Needless to say I'm riding that learning curve. I think I could get a handle of it in a couple months. At least I didn't fall on the paddle. I've got a pretty bad chill now...was the water really that cold?

Will I do it again? You bet! Although I didn't get to my feet successfully I think I could get it done with more practice (OK, lot's more practice). I'm looking forward to trying this again.

Dude, I can not believe this is a board first?!

Now, you say you don't like to surf, but imagine RIDING A WAVE!!!! knowing now you have never been upright, I can't help but think there is a part of you that feels the vibe of the ocean. The way it rolls under you, the way you feel it suck you back to the crest...c'mon, riding a wave/water is like harnessing the end of an epic journey, every crest and trough you go through has traveled XXXX miles for you to enjoy its death throws. It is a truly individual experience, no two are EVER the same, just a break that hopes to keep consistent.

Keep that in mind if you choose to pursue it, ...or perhaps it has chosen you?

[starbolt]

Are these demo sessions at Ala Moana a regularly scheduled thing? How does one "sign up?"

[lavagal]

Are these demo sessions at Ala Moana a regularly scheduled thing? How does one "sign up?"

If China Uemura still hangs out at the jughandle there, he's probably at one of the picnic tables by the Ewa-most concession stand. It's been so long since I've gone to Ala Moana Park. I used to go every day, used to surf there at Tennis Courts all the time, used to hang out with the lifeguard Helene Philips... Just ask around. If anything, a lifeguard can tell you where to find China.

[starbolt]

thanks, lavagal. i used to surf courts regular too, but that was 8-10 years ago. got tired of the place... well, that was one of the reasons.