Stand Up Paddle Boarding: Surfing Evolution

Like the ocean where it is enjoyed, the sport of surfing has experienced high crests and low troughs of popularity over its many years in the United States. It is often a new twist in the sport that will bring it back into the eyes of the public and into the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts. The surfboard was first introduced to the United States in the 19th century. It was not until the mid 20th century that it became popular. With innovations in design that allowed for smaller, lighter, and more affordable boards, surfing became a pastime that could be enjoyed by amateurs with little experience on the waves. The surfboard started out long and cumbersome, often measuring over 10 feet in length. As technology developed, it became shorter and more versatile. Then, as surfing was experiencing a lull in popularity, a new alteration came out. This new sport was called windsurfing. The surfboard now had a small sail attached that gave surfers more freedom on the waves. Breaks that had never been accessible were now open for experienced wind surfers. The sport became so popular in fact that it was recognized as an Olympic sport in 1984. Since the 1990’s, windsurfing has experienced a decline in popularity. The time it took to learn the sport and be able to perform at a level that could be enjoyed was too long for most amateurs. For about a decade, surfing remained in a low place of popularity. Recently, with the advent of the stand up paddle board, surfing has again surged in pop culture. The multipurpose SUP boards allow participants to engage in numerous activities in many different settings. From traditional surfing, to white-water experiences, to calm paddle excursions, to long-distance racing, the SUP board is well suited for almost any body of water. SUP board designs follow the trend of new surfboard alterations. The boards are much larger to allow for increased stability so the user can stand and paddle. Because they are large, the learning curve is much faster. Amateurs can buy a board and be standing and paddling the very first day. New enthusiasts find the sport very invigorating and enjoy the many activities available to them. Custom-made boards give riders the freedom to choose the features they desire in their board. More experienced riders can tweak aspects important to them to enhance their SUP enjoyment and performance. When searching for SUP boards it is important to consider the quality of material used and the reputation of the business. Never settle for a sub-par board. The nature of the sport requires the very best board possible. The board determines the SUP experience.