Stand up paddleboards have seen a surge in interest over this decade. Although used by the original Waikiki Beach Boys, they basically disappeared with modern surfing. The recent resurgence can probably be explained by several factors.

• Modern materials, especially epoxy-polyurethane, have created much lighter, stronger, and more maneuverable SUPs than in the past.
• There are many surfers looking to do some cross training. In other words, any other excersize that work the core and stabilize the muscles....which Stand Up Paddle Surfing will do.
• Surfers looking to get away from the crowds, cruise long distances on the coast, and catch the tiniest of waves.

Most stand up boards are very long, usually over 11'. Some designs for cruising long distances can be 15'. Some of the more recent high performance models are 9.5', and some are going shorter than that. The standard board is about 4” thick with low rocker to create maximum float. The average beginner will start out with something close to 11'.

 

SUPs are of course also used with a paddle. They are normally 10” or so longer than a surfers height. A typical blade size is 7” by 19”.

 

Stand Up Paddleboards enable you to cruise and catch waves that even a normal longboard couldn't ride. The maneuverability is less than surfboard so catching more hollow waves requires one of the more high performance SUP designs and lots of practice.

 

Common sense and etiquette will tell you to learn somewhere small, mellow, and not crowded. The size of the board can be a danger to yourself and others when be slammed forward in the surf. Also don't use them to wave hog everything when you are in crowded mellow conditions. You can use them to position outside the longboards...but let some roll through. You also have the advantage of being the first to see incoming sets, given your height above the board.

 

There are also cross training benefits of SUPS. Paddling around prone on a surfboard for long periods of time doesn't exactly lead to a relaxed neck and upper back. Since we spend far more time paddling and waiting than actual riding, the legs are a little “underused”.

 

SUP surfing allows you work the legs and balance by standing parallel on the board for long periods of time. You also get one heck of an ab workout with all the pivoting and leaning involved in paddling and riding waves.

 

Given all the benefits of SUP surfing, it makes for great alternate activity for surfing. While most of us won't be replacing all are surfboards with these, a SUP can make a wonderful addition to the quiver.

 

Most SUP shapers are in California and Hawaii. Here are just some:

 

-Pearson Arrow: “Laird Hamilton” model.

 

Tips for Buying a Stand Up Paddleboard on Craigslist  
Nate has some good tips here for buying a SUP on Craigslist.


Stand Up Paddle Surfing - Choosing A Board With Craigslist

Stand Up Paddle ...

PoseidonStandUp - Jimmy Lewis SUP board update.  Not rated yet
Here is an update on the full range of Stand Up Paddle boards offered by Jimmy Lewis.

Jimmy Lewis "All Around"
11' x 30” x 4.4"
10'6 x 28.75” x 4....