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NSP Stand Up Paddle Boards Also Come In Many Shapes And Sizes

By Ida Dorsey


Stand Up Paddle-boarding or SUP is an exciting new version of the traditional surfing that took the world by storm during the last few years. Where-ever you go to a beach, lake or river, you see people - young and old and in all shapes and sizes - propelling themselves along through the water with a paddle whilst standing upright on a board. NSP stand up paddle boards also come in many shapes and sizes and you should pick one that is most effective for your weight, size and the purpose why you want it - racing or relaxing?

Paddling along gentle waves while balancing yourself on a big board with a single banana-shaped oar to propel you forward, is not only fun, but also a great work-out and an exercise in balancing! It is an excellent outdoor activity for people who want to learn to surf, or those who are too old for surfing, but still want to experience the joy of riding a wave. The boards are bigger and thicker than a traditional long board, allowing one to catch and ride a wave much easier.

SUP boards are generally bigger and thicker than the traditional surf board, which makes it easier to keep one's balance and to ride a wave. Keeping one's balance and paddling along with a single banana-curved paddle is not only excellent physical exercise, but also loads of fun. It is no wonder that this fairly new sport last year toppled old favorites like board-sailing and windsurfing as the most popular outdoor activity in the USA!

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.

The first ever Standup World Series championship races were held in 2012 - in Hawaii. Kai Lenny was the first SUP racing world champion ever to be crowned after winning the seasons' finals of that championship. Now, a mere two years later, this sport has gone viral and upright paddlers can be seen paddling away where-ever there are masses of water!

Today, there are a huge variety of SUP boards, made of different materials and in different shapes and sizes, that one can choose from. The two main types are the All Arounder and the Racing or Touring SUP boards. The latter is aimed at professional, competitive paddlers, while the All Arounder is for beginners and those who just want to enjoy the experience.

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!




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