Boards that are used for Stand Up Paddle Boarding are easily confused with the boards used to surf with and for good reason. They started out as the same thing. Way back in history the royalty of Hawaii used boards that bore a striking resemblance to a SUP or stand up paddle board. They were much lighter and easier to paddle through the water in order to get out into the wave zone than a standard surf board. They were mostly forgotten until about 100 years ago when a man was refurbishing some of them for a museum and he got an idea. He bored holes in a surf board to lighten it up and then covered them over with material to make it buoyant. He refined his design over time and for years was unbeatable in the paddle boarding races throughout the islands. Many of his records still stand to this day.

Once these boards came over to the United States, people began to stand up on them using a specially designed paddle. The paddle is usually about 6 to 10 inches taller than its user. It has a flexible elbow built into the middle of the shaft that allows the maximum amount of force from each stroke to be used in powering the board. It is surprising how much speed a professional can build up while Stand Up Paddle Boarding and gain muscle at the same time. With these modifications the Stand Up Paddle Boarding that we know today was born. The boards themselves are made from epoxy and fiberglass to enhance their durability and light weight. The length and width of a SUP is dependant on the height and weight of its owner but on average they are between 12 to 18 feet in length and 29 inches wide. The width is one of the main factors in the board’s stability so you will want to make sure that you get a board suited to your measurements. That is why it is recommended that you rent your equipment at first instead of buying everything new at Paddle Board Retailers.

One other thing that is a little different on a board used for Stand Up Paddle Boarding is the traction pad. Surf boards need to be constantly waxed to provide traction for the surfer. Without the wax the surfer would slip right off the wet board. A SUP has a traction pad affixed to the board that provides all the traction that you need and will never have to be reapplied.

Paddle boarding has become one of the newest and fast growing hobbies for water lovers. If you enjoy being on the water then you should definitely try it. Find a local paddle board shop. They would be more than happy to help you get started. You may want to rent your board to start off with then buy when you discover which boards fits you the best. Everyone needs to take time off and enjoy life!

Author Bio: Article was written by Craig Lawson with Clickready Marketing on behalf of GUSU Paddlesports. For more information on stand up paddle boards, visit their website at http://www.gusupaddlesports.com.

Category: Recreation
Keywords: standup paddle boards, stand up paddle boards, destin paddlesports