FAQ

Origin

Hoe he'e nalu – The Hawaiian word for Stand-up Paddle Surfing or SUP. In the early 1930’s, Thomas Edward Blake helped created paddle boarding while trying to become more competitive in local and distance races as well as save lives as an ocean lifeguard. Stand up paddle surfing has its basis in an ancient form of surfing by Hawaiian Kings, but was re-invented in the early 1960’s as a way for surf instructors to view the waters around them, the incoming surf, and their novice surfing students. This higher viewpoint was a great advantage to see and photograph but required the use of a paddle to keep up with the traveling group.

Q. Is Stand Up Paddle boarding an extreme sport?

A. Almost anyone who can stand, can paddleboard at your pace and leisure!  If you are fishing off a stand up board and catch a huge fish, well then it may be extreme! Or, if your stoke leads you to surf consistent overhead sets - definitely extreme!    The amazing nature of this sport is you can take your paddle board on flat water, lakes, rivers, moving water, white water, surf... it's truly great for all ages and abilities!

Q. Is Stand Up Paddle boarding a good alternative workout?

A. You get a great core workout while having fun!  Now add in our paddle-fitness class and you will get a huge alternative workout and core strengthening!  Ask about a less buoyant board and get a more intense workout.

Q. Does Stand Up Paddle boarding require a lifejacket?

A. In 2008 the USCG classified the Stand Up Paddle Board as a vessel, and thus a PFD is required when not used in the narrow limits of swimming, surfing, or bathing areas.  Not to mention, it is just plain smart at many times!  Fanny pack style USCG approved devices are allowed, and a much better alternative to strapping a PFD to your deck.

Q. If Stand Up Paddling is so easy, why do I need to have instruction, why can't I just go rent a board and go have fun?

A. Your certified instructors have taken many classes in safety, technique, and advanced skills so we can fast track your learning curve.  Ask if your instructor is certified and insured to teach SUP and by which organization.  Don't take it from me.  The ACA says "With instruction, you will have more fun, gain confidence, go farther and faster with less effort and take control of your paddling experience. Take a lesson from a certified ACA Instructor.  Set aside time to learn the basic use of equipment and proper stroke technique. In a few days, you can develop a solid foundation of skills, far quicker than if you learn piecemeal from friends, or haphazardly by trial and error. The typical paddling class atmosphere is fun. By taking a class you meet other people who will be about your skill level, thus you will expand your network of paddling friends." from www.americancanoe.org, the American Leader in SUP instruction.  We follow the ACA curriculum.  Heck! We are on the committee developing the ACA SUP program to make it easier for you to learn and safer so you can have fun!

Q. Won’t my legs get tired standing for 2 hours?

A. Maybe!  If you stand for 2 hours straight your legs may get tired or more likely bored.  We at Black Dog Paddle, have already experienced this and we know when to play, work, and just take a break and sit and relax on the boards and enjoy the view, they are SUPer stable and easy to have a picnic on!  Also, your balance and weight shifts on every stroke so that really keeps that major muscle group well balanced!

Policies

• All classes include SUP paddleboard, SUP adjustable Paddle, PFD (required by USCG)
• All participants are suggested to bring and provide their own, water, sunscreen, snack, water footwear, towels, dry storage for any medications, wetsuit as needed, rash guard, hat, floating sunglasses.  You can wear your own PFD if it is USCG approved.
• Paddleboard fun and stability is based on weight and center of buoyancy and may exceed the capacity of some boards acquired from the manufacturer.  All attempts will be made by staff to accommodate floatation inadequacies.
• Participants must be able to float or swim with a PFD.
• Participants must be able to hold and use a paddle.
• Participants must be able to stand in one spot for periods of time.