Stand Up Paddle Surfing Magazine - The Right Wave for Stand Up Paddle Surfing

The Right Wave for Stand Up Paddle Surfing

By: Stand Up Paddle Surfing Magazine

Saturday, 22 September 2007

Looking back after a morning session in Haleiwa, Hawaii, Sept. 2007

"What wave is the right wave for stand up paddle surfing?" It's a question that goes through our heads from time to time as we paddle out. On a small day, you may be wondering to yourself if this is the kind of wave where stand up paddling truly shines. Likewise, on a bigger day, the thought may cross your mind, "Is this really a good idea? It's a perplexing thought.

This article is an attempt to answer the question, "What is the right wave is for stand up paddle surfing?"

One of the most remarkable qualities of stand up paddle surfing is that, with the right equipment, the sport shines in all surf conditions, from flat water to overhead bombs. In recent years, as the sport started to make its comeback, it seemed that the general consensus was that stand up paddle was for the small, mushy surf that is nearly impossible to ride with a regular longboard. That notion has been shattered to pieces with insane photos and videos of stand up paddle surfers taking on the meanest of world class waves. With the right equipment, any wave is the right wave for stand up paddle surfing.

Lazy days and summer swells seem to be the foundation of many of our stand up paddle surfing memories. Why? Because it feels like "home". Everyone has at least one place they call home, someplace to go and feel at peace. Home could be anywhere, from where you were born to that special stretch of sand you frequent to simply sit and meditate. Likewise, the peace and tranquility of paddling calm water and mellow waves feels like home to many stand up paddlers.

When the surf is up and the crashing waves call your name, the channel feels like home. After exerting your energy to make it though an intense ride, the glide back to the channel provides a serentity that feels like home. Then, you want to leave home and do it again, intent on returning to where you started...at home.

Nobody wants to live at home forever. There is a giddy satisfaction that we all feel when we raise the bar of our surfing performance. Whether it's riding a bigger wave or cranking a harder bottom turn, there is something thrilling about leaving "home" and venturing into unknown territory. There is no telling where this sport is taking us. The journey into unknown territory is a daily experience for stand up paddle surfing.

Now, back to the question of "What wave is the right wave for stand up paddle surfing?"

Close you eyes and picture your favorite wave....whether it be big and hollow or smooth and easy, it's the right wave for stand up paddle surfing.

Stand Up Paddle Surfing Magazine ...100% Pure Stoke!

4 Comments



Adriano December 23, 2009 189.104.14.36	I'm new in SUP, but i have some eayrs surfing, I guess the right wave is the one you dream, like told.


madge November 25, 2009 124.183.125.91	I bet the bloke swimming only wears speedo's as shorts are a bit big and bulky and too heavy. Good thing is if theres already 50 people out, theres probably another break just up the beach you can paddle to.


eliasbigisland May 11, 2009 72.235.133.207	if I can get to the line up swimming with my bare hands with no board at all, I see no reason to bring an SUP to a beach break with four footer waves and 50 guys in the water. It feels like too much equipment and weight.


a guest May 14, 2008 222.153.82.150	I totally agree that SUPs can be ridden on all sorts of waves. When I first started surfing beach breaks surfers would tell me the waves are too hollow and not thick enough for standup paddle boarding. What rubbish that advice turned out to be. I have learned to paddle my 11"6 Kalama Southpoint over the ledge of step faces (in low tide conditions) into the pit by lifting the front of the board up like a skateboard and landing it. It is quite a thrill gliding over the edge with the front of the board in the air. Going into the unknown is such a buzz. Likewise, I have learned how to pump up and down bigger waves and get through the closing out sections. I find it is easier on an SUP to get on bigger waves than longboards or shortboards. The great thing is you can catch the wave about 20-30 metres ahead of longboarders and 30-40 metres before shortboards. Likewise, I find the Bonga Perkins model is great for catching waves as the wave is about to break.

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