Introduction To SUP

Book Extract

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is a relatively new watersport. In the last 10 years it has exploded worldwide. Its growth has been driven by its accessibility to so many stretches of water from inland rivers, lakes and canals to coastal estuaries and surf locations.

SUP has transcended other watersports because it is so diverse: you can paddle on flat water, surf, tour, race, join a club or take a holiday with your SUP. You can also use SUP for fitness or yoga.

You can buy a board for every option in epoxy from 7ft (210cm) to 18ft (550cm). You can use one of many different models of inflatable board, pump it up, ride it and then pack it away into the size of large backpack and stick it into the boot of your car. You can take your dog out on a SUP, go fishing, ride white-water and even take the whole family on a Mega SUP.

My journey into SUP started in 2006 after hearing about Laird Hamilton crossing the English Channel on a new type of surfboard craft with a single-bladed paddle. Timo Mullen called me and said, “Let’s buy some boards!”

I started to SUP on a tandem Surftech surfboard with paddles imported from Hawaii. At the time we were part of very small group of paddleboarders – there were less than 10 in the UK. They were exciting times, lots of things happened very quickly. By 2007, the British Stand Up Paddle Association (BSUPA) had been set up after the first UK SUP contest in Watergate Bay. By 2008, Andy Gratwick and I had started developing the BSUPA teaching scheme and I had also run, with others, the first BSUPA National SUP series.

I hope this SUP Beginner’s Guide will help provide some basic knowledge, advice, technical tips and water safety to start you on a lifelong journey on the water with your SUP.

Simon Bassett

 

© Not to be reproduced without written permission from Fernhurst Books Limited.

Stand Up Paddleboarding: A Beginner’s Guide is written by Simon Bassett. Simon started stand up paddleboarding in 2006 when there were less than 10 paddleboarders in the UK. In 2007 he set up the British Stand Up Paddle Association (BSUPA), starting to develop the BSUPA teaching scheme and national SUP contests the following year.