VIDEO: A How-To for Stand Up Paddling

If you have been on a Cape Cod beach this summer, chances are you have seen someone paddle boarding.

What is Stand Up Paddling or Paddle Surfing?

According to Stand Up and Paddle's website, it is "one of the fastest growing sports worldwide. SUP can be done on any body of water, from high surf to flat water. It is easy to learn, great exercise, plus you are outside enjoying nature. It's an ideal sport for cross training and for improving core strength and balance."

Where did it start? According to Wikipedia, "Stand up paddling comes from Hawaiian heritage as well as back to the early days of Polynesia. The modern sport of SUP originates from the Hawaiian Islands. In the early 1960s, the Beach Boys of Waikiki would stand up on their long boards and paddle out to take pictures of tourists learning to surf, also to get a better view of the incoming surf."

Who's doing it? It seems like everyone.

Personally, I thought it looked cool the first time I saw it. However, I was not convinced it was for me.

After participating in "Paddle for the Bays" on Wednesday morning I have changed my tune. Getting up on the board is easy. 

Yes, I am athletic - but I am only somewhat coordinated. Hence, my original aversion to the ease of paddle boarding.

It was peaceful, relaxing and really fun.

While on the board I thought, "Wow. I am doing this. It's beautiful out here."

It's such a different feeling than kayaking and I could feel my entire body working to keep me stabilized and moving, but it wasn't in a super taxing way. 

I enjoyed the water, listened to the beach sing and moved. It was lovely. After a short 10 minute jaunt, I am set on trying it again. 

Amy Hotchkiss, owner of Stand Up &  Paddle in Osterville, offers lessons, guided tours and rentals.

A tour that looks really cool is its "Paddling during a Full Moon on the Centerville River" tour.

2011 Full Moon Dates

Saturday, August 13
Monday, September 12

More details here.