This sport most likely originated in Hawaii, at the Waikiki beach, in the early fifties of the previous century. The first standup paddlers were probably surfers; they used a paddle to accompany their pupils when teaching them to ride the waves. Much later, around the turn of the century, the surfing legends Brian Keaulana, Dave Kalama, Laird Hamilton, Rick Thomas, Archie Kalepa and a number of others started using these boards on days without waves. It was a way to keep in shape, and at the same time a new form of sport was being developed.
Others claim that the origins of standup paddling reach back to the period between the 19th and the 20th century, to the Tahiti region, where Polynesian fishermen had been noticed paddling while standing on their wooden canoes. But the true beginning of the SUP sport happened around 2000, when Brian Keaulana and his friends introduced SUP as a new way of recreation. Only four years later this sport was presented at a large event organized for surfers. It became very popular, gained extensive media coverage, and a great number of people started practicing it.
Stand up paddling is nowadays a very popular sport, which encouraged a number of manufacturers to design the first large, stable boards intended especially for SUP. SUP thus became accessible to many people, and was practiced on seas, lakes, and rivers. People have recognized this form of paddling as something they have been looking for, as this sport is suitable for everybody, from the younger to the older ones. It can be mastered quickly, and although it looks as if it would be extremely difficult to keep one's balance on a moving board, and far from suitable for everybody, it is actually not so. The experts, one of them being Aleksander Stopinšek from Laško, who also occupies himself with free climbing, claims that once you catch your balance and paddling rhythm, relax and start looking at the surroundings, you suddenly notice it is a great way for discovering the coast, or just for gliding on the river. According to him waves present no hindrance for the real standup paddlers; he prefers to call them a challenge!
Standup paddling – recreation for everybody
Stopinšek, who is also in charge of promotion of SUP in Slovenia, and has given a presentation at Kostanjevica na Krki, says: "Standup paddling on a board is amusing, a way of relaxing, and a water game. SUP became an extremely popular activity, as besides fun it offers perfect workout, and extraordinary adventures in special places. All muscles are involved, even those you might have not even known you had. The body is constantly occupied for keeping your balance; arms, chest, and back work while rowing, feet, legs and abdominal muscles see to your balance on the board. Of course, you are able to regulate the amount of effort you invest. SUP can be a leisure activity, or a sport activity which requires a lot of strength and excellent shape."
The secret of SUP popularity is the fact that you can learn stand up paddle boarding very quickly, and simply. Therefore it became the fastest growing water sport in the world. All you need is a suitable board, which can be also inflatable, a paddle, and perhaps a life jacket. There is no need to wait for favourable weather conditions, as you can SUP no matter what the weather is like.
You can already notice people practicing SUP in many places in Slovenia, on rivers, lakes and on the sea – where most of them can be seen. They are already organized, and have their national championship. A lot of Slovenians are also joining competitions abroad. 17 years old Manca Notar from Škofja Loka is not only the best in Slovenia; in spite of being so young she has joined the very best in the world of SUP paddlers. She has been noticed by the most famous surfer of all times Robby Naish and was invited to join his team; and she is also a member of the elite Austrian Red Bull team. Last year Manca won the second place with Michael Schweiger, former Austrian surfer, at the world championship at Hawaii, and the first place at the Maui Paddle Championships race. In N1SCO category she at first became the European, and next the World Champion. This year she won on an inflatable board at "one-design" world championship on Naish One boards.
Žiga Brajnik became famous at the same competition as well – he became vice champion among boys under 16. This year Manca can boast with a number of excellent placements at world cups, and European championships.
Goran Rovan, translated by G. K.
