Extreme Paddle Boarding

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Stand up paddle boarding was ranked as the most popular outdoor activity with first-time participants in 2013. That rise in popularity will likely continue to climb. When “SUP” comes to mind, most people envision a huge, buoyant board floating atop calm waters – and perhaps a mountain landscape or palm trees in the backdrop. Beyond the glassy waters of wind protected lakes, bays and inlets, lies countless other bodies of more aggressive water. Think open water, rivers, whitewater and ocean waves. Adrenaline seekers with loads of paddle boarding experience flock to more lively waters giving birth to extreme paddle boarding.

• Stand Up Paddle Surfing – Originating as an off-shoot of surfing in Hawaii, stand up paddle surfing has made somewhat of a comeback in recent years. While the sport has never been fully lost, it’s popularity has continued to rise in places other than Hawaii. Paddle boards are much wider, longer and more buoyant than surfboards making them excellent for balance and catching waves. The paddle enables you to get more momentum into the wave. Be forewarned. Paddle surfing take some practice! Once you’re comfortable, there is no wave too small, too messy or too inconsistent for stand up paddle surfing.

 

• White Water Stand Up Paddle Boarding – Stand up paddle boarding down moving rivers, a relatively new sport, has seen an influx of participants in recent years. Colorado is the current hot spot for adrenaline junkies who are looking for an accessible and attainable way to hit the whitewater. Unlike a kayak, the fear of flipping upside down is nonexistent. Sure, paddle boarding through some fast white water can be dangerous, but users reported feeling comfortable on the water. No matter how many days you’ve clocked on Colorado’s Arkansas River, a helmet  and white water life vest are a no brainier. Inflatable have also proven to be one of the great option for white water enthusiast. As Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards are very durable and are easy to carry into remote areas.

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• SUP Fishing – Looking to catch some bass in a hard to access corner of a lake? Fishing from a paddle board is an extremely effective way to quietly ambush your target spot and catch some fish. Take fishing for it’s purest form. Because stand up paddle boards are more compact than a small boat, the angler is forced fish from an economic stand point, carrying only what they need and not a lot of extra tackle for those just-in-case moments. Even better, a paddle board can enter the water from any shore point that is accessible by foot.

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