The Great SUP Debacle

When Stand Up Paddleboards came on the scene, I was introduced to them as an alternative to a kayak, per se. I lived on the river and purchased a couple to go paddle around and even fish from. Great times and I liked the whole concept.

Then, my surf break started seeing them in the lineup. Ok, no worries, just another longboard, I though. However, the problem I was noticing was more and more started showing up and I quickly realized many of these SUP surfers were not really surfers because they all seemed to skip the class on surf etiquette in the lineup. On the contrary, there were a few rippers that I had all the respect for that I would any other surfer in the lineup that could shred a wave and had respect in the lineup for other surfers.

Just a little backstory, In my early 20’s I mostly surfed in the Patrick Air Force Base (PAFB) area. Second Light was the cool place to go to see and be seen… I guess. Officer’s Club, AKA O Club or 1^st Light, was more spread out and the longboarders go-to spot. I both longboarded and short-boarded and actually preferred O Club to 2nd Light.

However, O Club did get crowded too, and then I realized this other spot down the road was almost always empty. This was called Hangers and I started surfing there in the same waves, I actually believe it was better than the two other mentioned spots with little to no one out. Weird, but true.

There was a stigma about the place as it was rocky with coquina on the bottom and sharks liked to visit a bit more to check out the sea life within the rock structure. There was once a pier there - called Patrick Pier. I loved it and enjoyed being away from the crowds.

A decade later, a new city was being built inland that made PAFB the closest beach. This was also the time SUP surfing was coming heavy onto the scene. Suddenly all stigmas were gone with Hangers, it was really never dangerous anyway, and middle-aged guys on 12 ft. boards were surrounding me on my 5”10 and snaking what I considered to be my waves. I actually counted 18 SUPs in one session and I knew times have changed forever. Hangers had become the SUP spot and they all gathered there and ruined what I considered a little known gem. So, I loathed anytime I saw an SUP from this point forward.

Fast forward to being a bit older and I think the trend has died off a little, can’t say for sure since I have moved on from my beloved Hangers. I now live on the beach a bit South and have a mostly empty lineup to surf. I went and did the unthinkable…I bought an SUP to surf on, I became what I hated!

This was not a serious addition to my arsenal of boards, but more of a way to get out there when the waves are really small and looking for something to do. I must admit, I was quite humbled at the beginning. It is quite different to surfing in many aspects and getting out while a set is rolling through and dropping in late is a talent that takes a bit of time to develop. Of course I challenged myself and went out in more than really small surf and ended up getting decent at it after some embarrassing moments. That said, this is an empty beach here, so only embarrassing to myself.

 Would I ever take an SUP out into a crowded surf break? That answer is HELL NO!!! However, I do have a newfound respect for the sport and it is actually harder than it looks. There is a lot going on that is easily avoided on a surfboard, like a paddle and a whole lotta board under your feet. My only complaint about them now is “Get off of your knees for pete's sakes!” It is called a Stand Up Paddleboard for a reason. Get a kayak if you’re gonna sit or kneel. It just makes me crazy to see that…LOL!

What are your thoughts on an SUP invasion in your local lineup?