One... Two... Three... Paddle
Three... Two... One... GO! Paddles break the anxious silence in an explosion of energy and churning whitewater. Twenty seven racers, paddling stand up paddle (SUP) boards, vie for a strategic spot and head west towards the first turn of a three mile course through the Intracoastal Waterway.
Sunday, April 26th, marked the first of the three-race “Hobie Stand up Paddleboard Series” sponsored by Liquid Surf and Sail and Coconuts in Ft. Lauderdale. Men and women, young and old gathered to test their skills among friends. The next series race is Sunday, May 17 in Miami and all are welcome. For more event information, click http://www.liquidsurfandsail.com/index.cfm?page=events.
One can trace the SUP roots back to Polynesia and Hawaii. Even here in South Florida, early natives stood in dugout canoes and paddled the shallows. The 1960’s saw a resurgence during the “beach boy” era in Waikiki and Southern California where innovative surfers stood on long boards and adapted canoe paddles. Recently, the sport is riding a huge swell of popularity throughout the country and around the globe.
“Anyone can do it” promises Liquid Surf and Sail co-owner, Jim Desilva. “Also” he adds, “South Florida is one of the best places for the sport because we have small waves, flat water, we can do it all year... everyday.” One of the great attractions to SUP is its versatility and simplicity. If the waves are up, surf at the beach. If the tide is up and you want to cruise the mangroves, put in at any of the hundreds of spots within 20 minutes from home. If fitness, outdoor adventure and friendly competition are the goal, sign up for a race. Anywhere with liquid water is an adventure waiting for company and the only fuel needed is some cereal and a banana. SUP is a perfect South Florida sport with low maintenance and high rewards.
Twenty seven racers, each trying to outpaddle the next, may intimidate the newcomer. Don’t be fooled, however. It’s as easy as One... Two... Three...
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