Stand up paddle boarding, also known as stand up paddle surfing, actually originated in the Hawaiian islands during the 1960's, where a paddle board and a one bladed paddle were used by surfing schools to practice surfing moves before going out and hitting the great waves. Hawaiian surfers continued to use paddle boards to stay in shape and for racing events. Over the past decade SUP has become a fast growing water sport across the U.S. from California to Florida, probably because it is a fun easy way to play in the water, a great form of exercise, and is much easier to learn and far less dangerous than surfing. Another great advantage of stand up paddle surfing is the tranquility of being close to nature. Just skimming on top of the waterways allows the paddler to see everything beneath them, from beautiful fish and stingrays to manatees and dolphins.

Equipment needed for SUPing are: (1) A good stand up paddle board, which is longer and narrower than a regular surfboard. Novices are advised to start with a wider, flatter board. (2) A paddle, which needs to be at least 6" to 8" taller than the paddler with an elbow in the shaft for more efficiency. (3) As the U.S. Coastal Guard classifies a stand up paddle board as a vessel, a personal floatation device should be worn when paddling navigable waters.

Kelly Huffman, author of Stand Up Paddle Boarding: How to Get Started, recommends that beginners to paddle boarding should start out in flat, calm waters, free of obstacles like swimmers, boats, or buoys. Some may find it easier to first kneel on the board, stabilizing it by keeping the hands on each side until the balance point is found, then gradually standing up, one foot at a time. Once up, toes should be kept pointing forward, knees bent and back straight. Balancing should be done with the hips, not the head, keeping your gaze level with the horizon and not looking at your feet.

Paddle boarding is an excellent sport for a full body workout. "Maintaining balance while standing on the board engages transverus abdominis, (deep tissue abdominal muscles that firm lower belly bulge). And twisting to move the paddle from side to side activates the obliques (muscles that wrap around the torso and cinch in the waist like a corset)," says trainer Owen McKibbin. For faster toning and superior upper arm sculpting, it is recommended to extend the paddle as far forward as possible before pulling it back through the water.