What is Paddle Surfing?
Generally agreed upon, the origin of this sport as we know it today is placed, both in time and space, on a Hawaiian beach in 1960. It appears that surf instructors in Waikiki began using canoe paddles to be more visible to their students and to take photographs of them.
This practice was subsequently maintained among surfers as a way to train even on wave-less days and maintain physical conditioning.
Concretely, we can define Paddle Surfing (also known as SUP: Stand Up Paddleboarding) as a hybrid between classic surfing and canoeing: it essentially involves maintaining balance while standing on a board, using a paddle to navigate across the water.
What equipment do you need for Paddle Surfing?
Board: there are various models available (inflatable or rigid) and, crucially, of different sizes. Typically, boards suitable for Paddle Surfing are larger than those used for traditional surfing. Beginners are advised to use wider and thicker boards as they make achieving balance much easier.
Leash: similar to those used by surfers, this is a cord ending with a strap to be tied around the ankle, preventing the board from being swept away by waves if you fall.
Deck Grip: positioned on the top of the board, it provides better foot traction and reduces slipping risk.
Paddle: made of plastic, wood or carbon fibre, this is commonly known as the oar and is used to propel yourself and glide across the water.
Which type of board is best?
As with all sports, in Paddle Surfing too, the suitability of equipment depends on our experience level.
We can say that both rigid and inflatable boards have their pros and cons.
The former, due to their rigidity, offer greater balance and allow for much faster navigation with less effort. Unfortunately they're bulky and not easy to transport.
The latter, however, can be deflated and thus transported anywhere. But one must consider they offer significantly less stability. They are nevertheless suitable for those wanting to combine SUP with other activities like fishing or yoga.
Who can practise Paddle Surfing?
This sport's popularity is partly due to its extreme accessibility: no particular physical skills are required for amateur-level Paddle Surfing; anyone can approach this activity and start training.
Moreover, SUP can be practised year-round on any water surface, from sea to lake, even in indoor pools.
If you can't wait to test your balance on the board, you can rely on the professionalism of the team at Spass, in beautiful Naples. Or discover lessons offered by Sunrise Super in the crystal-clear Sardinian waters.
In short, don't wait any longer! Dive into discovering this incredibly fun sport, available throughout Italy and captivating hundreds upon hundreds of water sports enthusiasts!
