The popularity of the modern sport of stand up paddleboarding, commonly referred to as SUP’ing, has its origin in the Hawaiian Islands. In the early 1960s, the beach boys of Waikiki would stand on their long boards, and paddle to the distant outside reef break using outrigger paddles.
In spite of its surfing origin the sport is gaining in popularity even in more protected coastal waters and lakes. The sport benefits athletes with a strong “core” workout.
SUP’ing is popular at warm coastal climates and resorts, and is gaining in popularity as celebrities are sampling the sport, and cross-over athletes are training with SUP. SUPs have been spotted around the globe, anywhere there is easy access to safe waters, as well as in the surfing lineups of the world.
Another reason for the rise in popularity of stand up paddleboarding is that, unlike surfing, paddleboarding is very easy to learn. Within one hour you can become very comfortable in the water and on your board.
Stand up paddleboarding is also more popular with women because of their lower centre of gravity, women are often more skilled at paddleboarding than men