Okay when I first saw SUP I thought interesting but not for me. Couple of reasons but mostly due to the fact that I do enough water-based sports as it is - kitesurfing in Summer, body-boarding in Winter.

But, I keep reading how much fun everyone is having and wonder if I am missing out on something.

Just wondering if someone can address a couple of points please:

1. My initial thought is that it probably is a really good work out but that is because it's inefficient, i.e. standing up and leaning out to paddle is a bit awkward/gruelling and the same amount of energy expended on, say, a kayak would be "better"?

2. When catching waves, I like the thrill of surfing/body boarding, i.e. getting sideways, doing tricks etc. Would it be fair to say that a SUP is a bit like a mal, i.e. great fun because it's easier to get going a wave but not quite as exciting as surfing because the size of the board limits manoeuvrability?

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

I can probably answer point one.

I think supping is a pretty good core body workout that you can have without knowing you are doing it. By standing up you are higher than when sitting on a kayak and as a result you get a better perspective of your surroundings. The boards are multipurpose and relatively easy to get around with, which makes them a bonus. So I guess it depends as what you mean by "inefficient"

No, it's not going to travel as fast as a kayak. As for awkward - I think that may have more to do with your paddling technique. I find paddling upright and digging deep into the water with your paddle while standing up straight is very good for your back and posture. There is a whole thread about this topic here:

www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=38392&SearchTerms=back,problems

As for gruelling - you choose the pace.

Kayaks and things are faster, especially upwind.

There's two kind of pleasure in SUP paddling.

There's the cruise around, at one with nature thing which is very very pleasant. More so than other craft because you're standing and can see around and can see the bottom and stuff. If whales or dolphins pass by you can cruise over and say hello. The gentle paddling is very meditative.

Then there's the grunting, manly (personly?) digging in and pounding along. You feel fast (you're not really but it feels fast) but it feels so strong and powerful. Very tribal warrior powering the war canoe stuff.

As far as waves go, SUP travel much faster on a wave than a mal and the rides are much longer. Small waves are great fun. Bigger waves are amazing. How did I catch that wave on this aircraft carrier and why am I making all these sections?

While waiting for waves you can stand up and keep warm and look at the view and the bottom and stuff. If you see a wave 500 metres away you can nip over for a set or two.

Thanks for all the great replies.

Greenroom - I live in South Perth. Thanks for the offer, next fine weekend I will prob take you up on that! Where do you normally go?

Cheers.

I'd be keen for sure
am very tempted to get a decent board.

Prefer to demo in the ocean though in a swell.
I would find just paddling about in the river tedious, waves would be my game.

That is mighty generous of you Olive.
Ok