Wave Rider: Stand Up Paddleboarding Moves in on Surf Turf

Stand-up paddleboarding is making a comeback in a big way. Although not a new sport, it certainly feels like one with a growing number of followers. Some surfers are completely against it, but some love having the option and enjoy both sports equally. Truth be told, it is the opinion of some surfers that there is no place for stand-up paddleboards in the line-up, and that they are just out there taking waves.

The evidence of the increase in popularity of stand-up paddleboarding can be seen on the water, in the stores and in magazine spreads. Surf shops are noticing a decline in surfware sales and a sharp increase in sales of stand-up paddleboards. As one person asked, "Is this what Jennifer Aniston was doing in that magazine photo?" Yeah, something like that.

There is a difference between paddleboarding and stand-up paddleboarding. Stand-up paddleboarding is like combining two water sports: outrigger canoeing and surfing. A Stand-up paddleboard is thicker and wider than a traditional surfboard making it more buoyant and therefore easier to balance on. With your paddle in hand, you can easily take a scenic paddle or use the paddle to propel yourself into the perfect wave. This makes it a versatile sport since you can take it into lakes and rivers.

Laird Hamilton, a pro surfer, big wave rider and a Stand-up paddleboarding pioneer, is being partially blamed for this skyrocketing sport. Laird Hamilton reintroduced and arguably reinvented the sport. Although Laird is an extremely proficient professional surfer, some surfers blamed him for reintroducing the sport and going as far as to print "Blame Laird" bumper stickers. According to his blog, which his wife, professional beach volleyball player Gabby Reece posts on, at first he was offended, but then he embraced it, taking it as a compliment. Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reese have taken it so well, they have started their own "Blame Laird" line of apparel.

Stand-up paddleboarding has become so popular you can now purchase a board and paddle for around $450.00 at Costco. For the more serious athlete, it would be easy to spend about $2000.00 on the board and another $400.00 on the paddle. Of course you will still need a deck pad and a leash, and unless you can carry an awkward 24 pounds for a distance, you may want to invest in a sling board carrier.

Here in the beach cities, stand-up paddleboarding has become the "in" thing to do. It's not unusual to see stand-up paddleboarders in the water off Hermosa, Manhattan and Redondo beaches. That leads me to the question, will this strike up a new "locals only/surfing only" war? I ask this because there is a certain history in the South Bay, with local surfers having the claim on specific locations. In fairness, the dispute between stand-up paddleboarders and surfers has already begun in other locations with surfers calling stand-up paddleboarders "sweepers." Because the stand-up paddleboard is bigger and you are armed with a paddle, it is easy to steal waves from surfers. If you do not follow the rules of the line-up, you could be referred to as a "kook." Of course if you both surf and stand-up paddleboard, you are well aware of the surfing etiquette.

There are always going to be traditional surfers who hate the idea of stand-up paddleboarding. I'm sure both sides can argue their cases. The dangers of an inexperienced Stand-up paddleboarder dropping into a wave at the same time as a surfer is always going to be an issue, as it would be if it were two surfers.

The combination of the stand-up paddleboards buoyancy and the paddle make it easier to balance on and easier to catch waves. Yes, stand-up paddleboards are surf-worthy as well as seaworthy. Which is why as of October, 2008 the United States Coast Guard classified the stand-up paddleboard as a vessel and you will need to have a United States Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device, aka PFD and a whistle if you take it out further than the surf break.

Earlier this year a petition went to the United States Coast Guard to request reclassification of stand-up paddleboards. To date, the United States Coast Guard still considers the Stand-up paddleboard a vessel.

Although some may find the thought of wearing a Personal Floatation Device cumbersome, they will be pleased to know that some manufactures make them the size of a fanny pack.

It seems to me that there is a place for both stand-up paddleboarding and surfing. I look at it like this: If there are waves, go surfing, and if not, go stand-up paddleboarding. If you are out on your stand-up paddleboard and an unexpected set comes in, enjoy the ride.