Bali Stand Up Paddle Surfing

Stand Up Paddle Surfing is an ancient form of surfing. It can be traced back to the very early days of Polynesia. It's most recent history dates back to the 1940's when the beach boys (surf instructors) on Waikiki beach used to stand up and paddle out to the break using a one bladed paddle. The reasons for this are 2 fold. First it allowed them to have a better visibility over their group of surfing instructors and allowed them to call the sets easier as their upright position meant that they could see the swell long before the prone surfers. Secondly it allowed them to keep their wealthy customers camera dry and allow them to take pictures of them surfing. As time moved on board designs and fashions changed, the paddle was all but lost in the history of surfing. A few surfers in Waikiki continued to use a paddle but they were very much in the minority.

Fast forward to the first part of this century and the paddle made a return to surfing in the hands of some of the world's most famous watermen. They were discovering stand up paddle surfing to allow them to keep in shape for the bigger days of tow surfing as well as adding a new dimension to their skills. Standing up and paddling out through the waves is a totally new experience.

The level of surfing on stand up paddle boards has sky rocketed in the last few years with feats such as Archie Kalepa's crossing between Molokai and Oahu and Laird Hamilton's recent foray out at Jaws on a stand up paddle board.
Many riders are pushing the sport to a new high… All around the world SUP are taking over the most famous surf breaks.
Modern technologies have allowed the boards to come down a lot in weight and modern understanding of board design has allowed the large boards to be maneuvered easily on the waves. Carbon paddles cut weight and increase board speed and suddenly Stand Up Paddle Surfing has been reborn. It isn't going to revolutionize or take over the world, but it does add another angle to surf riding.

Laird Hamilton at Jaws

Give respect

The modern Stand Up Paddle boards allow you to catch waves a lot earlier than even the long boarders. This is great but can lead to congestion problems on the water at crowded breaks. Here at Bali Stand Up Paddle we would like to encourage a culture of respect and sharing. Don't steal all the waves. Ride a few, then let a few pass under your board. Use your elevated position to call the sets for the other surfers. Use your paddle to head off to other peaks on the beach, which maybe you haven't ridden before. In Hawaii they call it "Surfing with Aloha." It isn't difficult to do, but it will mean that the sport grows and is respected by other water users.

If you are taking part in Stand Up Paddle surfing at the moment or are thinking about taking it up then you can see yourself as a pioneer of the sport in Bali. Don't be greedy out there - give respect to gain respect.

Letter from Stand Up Paddle Surfing Magazine Editor Bill Ward, Monday, 19 May 2008

Congratulations on your new board and welcome all to the stand up paddle surfing community. Stand up paddling is the fastest growing water sport in the world, and no doubt, you will have many hours of paddling the beautiful oceans, rivers, harbors, lakes, and perhaps riding waves. Please remember the following four points, and share them with others, as you grow with the sport: RESPONSIBILITY, SAFETY, ETIQUETTE, ALOHA SPIRIT.

RESPONSIBILITY: Whether this is your first time on a stand up paddleboard or if you have been doing it for years, we ask that you please take a moment to consider the personal responsibility that you have. Is starts by making sure you boards are securely tightened to your vehicle with properly installed racks. Please take an extra moment to double check every time you transport your boards, as those not properly fastened can fly off your vehicle and may cause accident or injury. Be safe and always double check.

SAFETY: Safety for others and you is something that needs to be top priority EVERY time you enter the water. ALWAYS be aware of the conditions of the ocean (currents, swell, crowds, etc.). If you are new to this sport, please take time to learn your technique in places that have calm, flat, water. Even if you have a strong surfing background, please remember that this is a new sport that requires different balance and muscle groups than you are familiar with. So, do like we all did and put your pride to the side and take the time to learn this incredible sport the RIGHT way!

ETIQUETTE: Okay, so now you have mastered flat water paddling and are ready to start surfing! This is where things get insanely fun! However, that does NOT mean you should paddle straight into a crowded lineup at your favorite surf spot. Even if you are an established surfer there, you will quickly wear out your welcome if you do not demonstrate proper etiquette.

Start slowly by going places that offer easy, small, mushy waves where there are FEW people, if any, around you. You are going to fall off a lot while learning. (No shame, we ALL did!) When you do fall, you board may become a projectile toward others. So again, please be aware of your surroundings and do whatever it takes to surf AWAY from other people. Once you start to master surfing waves, remember that a bigger board is in no way a license to be a "wave hog".

ALOHA SPIRIT: Sharing waves and making friends is not only the right thing to do, but will make every session enjoyable. Isn't that why we all got started in the first place? FUN and STOKE! We have an amazing opportunity to grow this wonderful sport in a positive direction. Let's all do our part and share the Spirit of Aloha every time we hit the water.

Welcome to the sport and enjoy your time on the water.