S-U-P won't fade away,
soon it will be enhanced to liven your day,
they'll be droppin' that "Paddle" steppin' into foot pockets,
"Propulsion" achieved with "On Board!" rockets!
And then with derision towards new "water lice,"
all go rhythmically arisin' when others won't play nice,
a'wakin' the clapotis per dread-shred jet-set attack,
fly'n fast past paddle pushers of canoe and kayak,
But fear not folks pushed to paddle ages dark,
there are dinosaurs adrift and stompin' this Jurassic Park,
why just the other day canoed right at me can-nuk cambered,
El Dina-Mo derivative of drippin' Spam-gel amber!
that I surf often. Last year, maybe about 5-10% of the line-up last year. This year, almost 50%. A lot of them aren't even into surfing. They try to paddle (survive) through the break zone on a small day, and just paddle around, taking in the sun. That's cool. Whatever floats them.
My homebreak - still only one SUPer and one waveskier (me) so far in a line-up of boardies.
SUP isn't going to fade. The doers will select the ride of choice and stick with it. It's like saying skateboarding, or snoboarding is a fad. Given the demographics of who does what. I think seakayaking will peter out with the middle age group that currently consumes/affords the $3000 boats, $1000 drysuits and misc other (not insignificant) costs (e.g. sea kayaking haulers), lessons, etc that go with the "sport".
Personally, I say don't get caught up with what others do. Just do what you enjoy and/or are challenged/interested by.
"Carp Pull Tunneling" Find a very large cooperative carp. Ask him (or her) to hang onto your tow rope. Hold your breath and head toward all those tunnels that everyone told you to never go into with your kayak…let alone your SUP.
Somebody has a skin boat with a pump to stiffen
and or relax the actual frame; altering performance.
The Hull-Skin Is stretched tight by
three hydraulic hand pumps integrated into
a Marine-Grade Aluminum-Alloy Frame.
Paddler can change rocker while underway.
many of the most popular models have been on national backorder since the middle of this year. Many of the large retailers already have their 2013 orders in, and have doubled or tripled over 2012. Clearly they don’t see it letting up.
paddleboard rentals have exploded at outfitters and parks. The Metro Parks here have already launched pilot programs in SUP rentals and more of them will be in on this next year. A lot of interest in kayaks started w. outfitter rentals. SUP is following this trend.
every rep I know who reps for SUP and kayaks (rec kayaks, daytourers, seakayaks) has said that their SUP lines are by far the biggest sellers by volume, and by profit margin. To them, SUPs are what kayaks were 20 years ago.
SUP has a much broader appeal agewise especially in the under 35 age group.
SUP takes far less gear so the initial investment is low, in many cases much lower than a full on touring seakayak.
SUPs are as a group much easier to transport, to carry and to store. This is important given that many young people drive smaller vehicles, or are in apartments or places where outside storage or garage storage isn’t available.
Just like kayaking, SUP is for the ocean, the rivers, and the lakes - as mild or wild as you want. Just like kayaks.
There is a fitness factor that adds to the appeal. SUP can be done at an elevated cardio rate same as fitness kayaking - but gives much more of a upper and lower body workout.