In recent years, the sport of surfing has grown into a huge global community and has spawned some interesting side sports.  One that has really caught on, first in Hawaii and then here in Southern California, is Stand Up Paddle Surfing (SUP).  The surfboards are large and float very well, making them stable enough to stand on without a wave to push the rider.  You use an oar-like paddle to propel the board through the water instead of your hands and arms. Not having to go through the act of standing up when you catch a wave has really opened up surfing for many people.  I know of tons of old dudes who had actually given up surfing because it became too hard on their backs to stand up fast enough on a conventional surfboard to negotiate the take-off on a wave.  They now are able to easily paddle out and catch waves while already standing up.

You can see SUP surfers daily now in our local waters.  Some of the good beaches here in the Los Angeles County area include County Line at the far north end of the county, and Sunset Blvd., which is at the foot of Sunset Blvd. where it meets the ocean in Santa Monica.  Check out surfline.com for detailed maps, weather, water conditions, and swell height.

But the SUPs are not limited to only being ocean-ridden vehicles.  They are becoming increasingly popular on lakes and rivers all over the country and all over the world.  Paddling them is not only a great workout but it’s really fun and relaxing.  When you get good at it, you actually never really have to get wet, if you don’t want too.  That is, unless you decide to tackle large surf, as they do in Hawaii.

Corky Carroll: Five-time US Overall Surfing champion.  Three-time International Surfing champion.  International Big Wave champion.  World Small Wave champion.  Named Best Surfer in the World in by Surfer Magazine poll.  Miller Lite All Star.  And voice of Grubby Grouper on Spongebob Squarepants.