Stand Up Paddling

Book excerpt: Hawaiians were stand-up paddle surfing (known as SUP), in the 50's and e60's, but the sport was first seen on the US mainland in the early 2000s, when surfers Laird Hamilton and Rick Thomas brought it to California. But now you see SUP popping up everywhere, it's ranked as the fastest growing sport in the US by the Outdoor Industry Association.Longtime stand-up paddler and instructor Rob Casey has authored the first and only comprehensive guide to the sport. From choosing the right gear, to stroke techniques (j-stroke, Tahitian technique, sculling brace) and fitness advice, Rob will have you stand-up paddling in no time. Specific chapters focus on flat water paddling, surfing, and river and tidal rapids paddling to show you exactly what you need to take your SUP skills and knowledge to a specific environment. Whether you want to learn about tides and expedition-planning in flat water, or how to forecast waves and current for surfing, or how to prepare for rooster tails andusing river eddies to your advantage, it's all here in this easy-to-reference guidebook from a SUP expert.