If there is one thing you promise yourself to do this summer it should be trying STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING! My family and I got on our first “SUP’s” last summer, and have been hooked ever since. I am convinced that there is no better form of a full body work out disguised as great fun!
You may have heard of this sport out in Hawaii, with super beach studs going up 50 ft waves and said to yourself, “Wow, that’s for crazy people!” In that environment you may be correct, but you may be surprised to find out that people of all ages, genders, and athletic ability have gravitated to this sport at their local beaches, lakes and rivers. You will see wave riders, yoga masters, distance racers, and so many other forms of this quickly developing sport of Stand Up Paddling. It is so much fun and a very quick learning curve, all it takes is time on the board.
This past weekend my family and I went to our local lake to join the fun that the Surfrider Foundation Atlanta Chapter had put together. My wife Tracey, my oldest son Gabriel and I all entered our first Stand Up Paddle Board race. Then we got to demo some new boards as well as take part in some fantastic clinics designed to share the multi sides of SUP with novices and experts alike.
My Boys and I enjoying a day of SUP
So do yourself a favor and get on one today, or at least this weekend. You will love it and it is a great adventure for the entire family. You will be amazed at what a great time it is, and just how many people are excited to spread the “stoke” about this awesome time!
Erik Pearson
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdyBQFZEfWs
Special Thanks to Steve Combs, Chair of Surfrider Foundation Atlanta Chapter for putting together such a great event and sharing his time with Soda-TV.
