Wednesday, November 26, 2014

There Are A Huge Variety Of NSP Stand Up Paddle Boards To Suit Everyone's Size, Style And Specific Needs

By Ida Dorsey


The latest craze in water sport is stand up paddle-boarding, also called SUP. This variation of the traditional surfing is spreading like wildfire across the globe and is equally popular among professional, competing surfers and laymen. Standing upright on a huge board while paddling along with a single paddle seems to appeal to all water sport lovers. Just a few years after this activity became an official world sport, there are a myriad of NSP Stand Up Paddle Boards in different sizes, shapes and specifications to choose from.

The idea of riding a wave, paddling or fishing in an upright position whilst balancing on a huge board, apparently appeals to most water sport lovers. Maybe it is the fact that one is not submerged in water all the time, or have a better view from a standing position, but whatever the reason, this craze has spread like wildfire. Even traditional surfers are hooked and many are trading their long boards for a SUP version.

Another advantage is that it is easier than surfing and thus suitable for young and old. Because one propels oneself forward with a specially designed paddle, one is not dependent on waves to move forward and can thus also enjoy the sport in the calm waters of rivers and lakes. Apart from being great fun, it is also an excellent workout in supreme locations.

SUP originated in Hawaii and only became popular in the USA and other countries during the past nine years. Last year, it was documented as the most popular and fastest growing water sport in the USA. The first dedicated SUP store in North America only opened its doors in 2007 in Santa Barbara, California. The owner, Deb Thomas, was also the first female standup paddler in North America in 2005.

Another indication of how new the sport is, is that the first SUP board race was only held in 2007 in California. This 7 mile race in which 34 male and female paddlers competed, also heralded the popular annual Tahoe Nalu Paddle Festival. Today, these stand up paddlers have become a common sight along most coasts and lakes around the world.

The sport is equally popular among professional, competitive surfers, laymen and recreational fishermen. The two main types of boards are All Arounder and those used for racing or long distance touring. These include specific styles made for women, kids, river racing, etc. Inflatable boards are becoming increasingly popular because they are so easy to transport.

The SUP paddles resemble traditional canoe paddles, but they are longer. They are generally made from fiberglass, wood or carbon with a flat blade on one end that is connected by a shaft to a handle on the other end. The blades come in different shapes and are custom-made with specific features for different kinds of paddling conditions such as long-distance, turbulent ocean surf or calm lake water.

Prices vary from $600 to $1500, but one can also get good second-hand ones. The latest trend is inflatable SUP boards that are light-weight and easy to transport. No matter why and how you SUP, there is a board that is tailor-made to suit your style, size and fancy!




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment