In light of a great article recently published in USA Today that mentions Stand Up Paddle Surfing Magazine I feel the need to write a quick follow up.  The forementioned article can be found by going to www.usatoday.com and searching for “stand up paddle” or by clicking HERE for as long as the link is valid. It's entitled “Laird Hamilton rides a business wave.” You'll also find the article in print on the cover of the Money Section of the USA Today weekend edition. My compliments to Matt Krantz for writing an excellent article. 

Laird Hamilton is one of the true surfing pioneers who has opened has opened up the ocean to new an innovative ways of riding waves. He has been and continues to be an awesome ambassador for the sport of surfing whether it be prone paddle, stand up paddle, tow-in, or distance paddling. I would venture to say that that at some point or another, every surfer has gazed into a photo of a Laird-worthy wave and mind surfed it at least momentarily.

            Stand up paddling is a truly awesome sport. Anyone can do it on any body of water. It has introduced countless people to the ocean and inland waterways and helped them to develop a love for the ocean the same way that surfers have for centuries. As I reflect on this, my thoughts wander to one of my favorite surf videos ever, Step Into Liquid. This video highlights all of the excitement that surfers feel when they get out in the waves. With stand up paddling, to a degree, that same stoke can be felt on lakes and rivers hundreds of miles from the ocean. It’s exciting and the smiles tell the story.

    With a new industry, there are naturally new companies that are continually entering the stand up paddle market, including that of Laird Hamilton. It seems that only recently Laird has entered into more commercial ventures. Laird has contributed so much to surfing history and the progression of the sport that I can't help but feel excitement for Laird's new business. The fact that most of the apparel in his line is planned to sell for about $10 seems to have ruffled the feathers of some clothing companies. From the point of view of a surfer, it’s hard to find fault in someone who is doing what he can to hook up surfers with affordable apparel. It’s all part of an organic industry. If surfers pay less for their clothing, maybe they’ll be more likely to pick up an extra board, paddle, or leash. I recall talking with one stand up paddler who was explaining that she got such a good deal on her board, that she had all this extra money to buy all kinds of extras like a board carrier, etc. Such are the benefits of an open market for both the surfer and the retailer.

            Is stand up paddling here to stay as Laird proclaims? In my opinion, guaranteed! Once a surfer, always a surfer, and stand up padding is bringing the stoke to both inland paddlers and those by the ocean. It’s amazing how many people who live by the ocean and never have wanted to surf before get on a stand up paddle surfboard and discover a love for the water they had never before experienced. In my opinion, even lake paddlers are surfers at heart. It is not uncommon for someone who begins stand up paddling “just for the fitness” keeps to the harbor until a wave on the horizon catches their eye and lets draws them into the surf. I can’t help but be excited for all those who have discovered the magic of the ocean and the waves.

            Stand up paddling carries with it a huge responsibility to represent the sport honorably and display a standard etiquette that goes above and beyond the norm. For stand up paddling, the old saying, “it only takes one bad apple to ruin the bunch,” has a lot of truth to it. Stand up paddling is definitely not a license to jump into surf lineups and to grab all the waves that come through. Such actions are frowned upon by prone paddle and stand up paddle surfers alike. The truth is, stand up paddle industry leaders are continuously trying to find out how to communicate that to new stand up paddlers. Stand Up Paddle Surfing Magazine is always looking for various ways to promote proper etiquette on the water.

            In the article, there is mention of stand up paddlers surfing together. I personally think it’s great! Stand up paddling has revived that sense of community among surfers that has been lost over the years due to competitiveness and aggressive behavior on the water. Should a group of stand up paddlers move in and take over a surf break? No way! However, when a group of paddlers go off together to lesser known peaks or to previously unsurfed waves, it’s one of those magical moments of community, good times, and smiles… even if it’s in mushy knee high shorebreak. Stand up paddle surfing shines brightest at the outer reefs where others don’t venture to surf or on the less desirable waves that prone paddlers shy away from. This is part of the romance of the sport. 

            For those who choose to join their local lineups, always remember that you have to show respect to earn respect. Purchasing a big board does not buy you the right to catch more waves or dominate the lineup beit a prone or stand up paddle surfboard. Respect as a stand up paddler has to be earned one session at a time, not one wave at a time. Sometimes you may have a one-wave or no-wave session out of respect for the others in the lineup. Such is the case for prone paddle surfers and, in my opinion, such should be the case for stand up paddlers as well.

            The stand up paddle industry is exciting and evolutionary. From the surfer side, it’s opened up the ocean to the world. From a commercial side, it’s a market, myself included, thirsty for new innovations and gear. Best of luck to Laird and his new company, and all other companies that are out there fueling the stoke!

Your comments on this article are welcome below. Aloha.

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