Friday, November 21, 2014

There Are A Huge Variety Of NSP Stand Up Paddle Boards To Suit Everyone's Size, Style And Specific Needs

By Ida Dorsey


The latest water sport that is spreading like a happy bug across the world, is stand up paddle-boarding (SUP). It is the ideal outdoor activity for those who want to learn to surf, as well as those who simply want to ride gentle waves close to shore. The beauty of SUP is that it can be enjoyed by old and young, and in any place where there is water - lakes, canals, rivers or the ocean. There are a huge variety of NSP stand up paddle boards to suit everyone's size, style and specific needs.

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 is relatively safe and easy compared to surfing and thus suitable for young and old. It can be done competitively or for leisure at any place in the world where there is water - on rivers, lakes, canals and over long distances along coastlines. It is thus small wonder that it was dubbed last year as the most popular and fastest growing new outdoor sport boasting the most first-time participants in the United States.

Although many people have used logs and other forms of floaters and oars to fish and cross rivers since the beginning of times, SUP only recently became an official sport. An exclusive SUP magazine was only founded in 2007 with its headquarters in Maine. The first SUP board race with 34 male and female competitors racing over a distance of seven miles was held in August 2007 in Tahoe City, California.

Another indication of how new the sport is, is that the first SUP board race was only held in 2007 in California. This 7 mile race in which 34 male and female paddlers competed, also heralded the popular annual Tahoe Nalu Paddle Festival. Today, these stand up paddlers have become a common sight along most coasts and lakes around the world.

There are currently two main types of SUP Boards - the all arounder and the racing or touring ones. Both are suitable for different types of paddling. There are also several other more specific styles of boards to choose from - even inflatable ones for those who often travel to distant places to enjoy their sport in different locations!

The width of the boards plays a major role in stability. SUP boards are generally up to 36 inches wide to accommodate most body types - from skinny kids to obese adults. The wider ones of 31 inches or more are ideal for larger people or those with poor balance or flexibility. The wider and thicker the board, the better your weight is displaced in the water.

A new SUP board can cost you between US$600 to US$1500, but there is also a huge second-hand market. The boards can be hollow or solid and are made from different materials. The secret is to find one that is most suitable for your size and needs.




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