What SUP with the Latest Outdoor Sports Trend? Stand-Up Paddle Surfing in the NW

Many of us have seen the serene photos of Hawaiians paddling smoothly on island waters standing on a surfboard with a kayak-like
paddle.

Stand-up Paddle Boarding, or Stand-up Paddle Surfing, (SUP) is the newest activity that has sprung from the trend we have adopted from Eastern cultures of connecting our physical fitness with calm or mindfulness. 

Though we will always find our particular Western brand of any physical activity, if it can be measured, we can compete.  I almost laughed at the instructor at my recent SUP lesson when he mentioned that a particular stroke was utilized in SUP racing.

Racing?  Isn’t that like having a yoga championship?  Most of us are not looking to race, but rather to try something new that contributes to our fitness and might relieve some stress.

After a visit to Kauai last summer, my husband and I were bummed that we hadn’t had a chance to try SUP that we saw many natives
enjoying.  Little did we know we would be able to experience it home on the mainland, even in the Pacific Northwest.

As our anniversary approached once again, I Googled SUP to see what might be available in our area.  While there were about three options for SUP lessons within reasonable driving distance, Northwest Outdoor Center (NWOC) [http://www.nwoc.com/] off Westlake Avenue in Seattle looked the most promising.

Not only did it appear to have the most-experienced instruction, it was the most budget friendly option as well.  Every Thursday night in the summer, for $30 per person, you can get a two-hour SUP lesson on Lake Union.  No lesson is required to rent SUP boards for $15 per hour as well.  I thought it might be a good idea the first time out to get a little instruction.

The folks at NWOC recommended clothing that you wouldn’t
mind getting wet (man overboard), and they supply the personal floatation devices (life jackets) or you can bring your own.  I was thinking we would have to spend some time out of the water learning a few starter tips like we had in our surf lesson in Hawaii, but thankfully, we got right to learning on the water.

We began in the little cove that NWOC operates out of (they are primarily known for kayak lessons and rentals and have been operating since 1980), and paddled around to an enclosed marina area where the water was essentially still for practicing strokes.

All of that was preparation for paddling out of the safety of what the instructors referred to as the “kiddie pool,” and into the open lake toward the Ship Canal Bridge, before heading back to the NWOC dock. 

Since our Thursday night fell on the first nice day this area had seen for a long time this summer, there was more boat traffic than usual and our balance was tested as boat wakes made their way over to where we were paddling.  The trick is to turn the board to hit a wave head-on rather than be dumped from side-to-side motion.  Or do as I did and drop to your knees and hear the instructor say “nice save.” 

While the adults were dead set on not falling, two tween girls had a great time getting in the water and back up on the board to cool off and have fun.  After talking to some other families that have tried it, it appears that this is a family friendly activity that kids can enjoy participating in as well.

The beauty was, for a 45-minute drive and $60, my husband and I got to SUP in the sunshine for our anniversary.  Though we live on the south end, NWOC’s location, not far off of the Mercer Street exit on I-5, is actually a very accessible option for such a unique experience for the Northwest.

I have Googled and called around, and though there are SUP owners who paddle on Lake Tapps, there are no local rental shops in the Enumclaw area. 

The Puyallup Costco has recently carried one for sale toward the lower
price end of what can be found from SUP retailers.  The current price online of $899 for the package is not a reasonable option for those sampling the activity or even going occasionally in a Northwest summer. So we will continue to plan summer date nights renting SUP boards on Lake Union.

I have been asked if it really is a workout.  You will engage your core for balance, your lower body for the slight squat, upper body for paddling, and your mind for focus.  There is no cardio involved (unless racing), but that is part of the nature of the experience.  So channel your inner Aloha and call and reserve your spot on a Thursday night to try out the latest fitness and sport trend.