Regarded as the fastest growing sport in the world, stand up paddle boarding is attracting men, women and children around the globe, from Tahitian blue waters to the breath taking canyons along the headwaters of the Colorado River.
Stand up paddle surfing is derived from its Polynesian roots. The Hawaiian translation is Ku Hoe He’e Nalu; to stand, to paddle, to surf, a wave.
The History of stand up paddling (or SUP’ing) can trace its roots back to the Hawaiian Islands in the early 1960′s. This is where the beach dwellers of Waikiki would stand upright on long boards and paddle out along the ocean waves, often to take photographs of tourists and locals who were looking to catch a wave. It soon became popular as an alternative to surfing, and in local regions was often referred to as ‘beach boy surfing’ because of its similarity to the more recognized water sport.
In the early 2000’s Hawaiian surfers such as Dave Kalama, Brian Keaulana, Rick Thomas, Archie Kalepa and Laird Hamilton started SUP as an alternative way to train while the surf was down. As the years went on they found themselves stand up paddling into the worlds largest waves and thickest barrels.
The many health benefits of stand up paddling include working the core, all over toning of the body, strengthening, balance and endurance, not to mention the mental clarity reached by paddling in a meditative state through the water.
Stand Up Paddle Colorado is dedicated to building this healthy and exciting sport in some of the most beautiful country in America. The rivers are the final frontiers of the sport and can be appreciated by the first time paddler or experienced water person looking to experience new challenges.
We welcome you to integrate your mind, body and spirit with nature’s natural flow down the Colorado River!