Fruitbowl - Fresh Ideas from Hawke's Bay

The new thing to learn this summer has been Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding. I’m really enjoying it and it suits the local Bay conditions really well.

Here’s a couple of vids …

and a view from the board that shows the footwork going on …

It’s a bit like windsurfing in that you’re going the whole time and even if the waves are tiny or nonexistent you can go for a paddle. You’ll definitely feel it in your arms after the first few times.

I started on an Oxbox 11′6” which is a cruiser board. If you have reasonable balance you’re away on the first session and after a couple of sessions you should be quite comfy.

This is a good starter board but doesn’t have a carry handle and is very heavy.

I’ve also been riding a Fanatic Fly 10′6″ which is a more high performance wave oriented board.

If you are already a surfer I’d suggest skipping a crusier board (borrow one for a couple of goes if you can) and go straight to a higher performance and lighter board. You might get wet a few times but it only took a couple of sessions on the 10′6″ to feel in control – it was quite skatey at first. On a wave they are still big boards and you do need to jump on the rails and use your paddle to turn. I’d like to now try a smaller board and if you’re under 80kg I’d suggest buying a 10′ model.

I got these boards from WildWinds in Wellington. Dave from WildWinds, who has done windsurfers and kites for years, said – “we’ve finally found our mountain bike”. That is, a fun activity that pretty much anyone can get on and enjoy quickly.

Looking forward to the next big easterly swell that hits Hardinge Road!