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Dr. Anthony Hutchinson Read Guest Opinion: » Paddle Like a Polynesian SUP is an increasingly popular fitness and fun activity Amidst varying opinions as to the origin of standup paddling, or SUP, no one disagrees that this versatile water sport is riding a huge wave of popularity. According to the Outdoor Foundation's 2013 Outdoor Participation Report, SUP was listed as the nation's most popular outdoor activity among first-time participants, even topping boardsailing and windsurfing. Comment By TEXT BY CINDY QUICK WILSON MailTribune.com By TEXT BY CINDY QUICK WILSON Posted Aug. 4, 2014 at 2:00 AM Updated Aug 6, 2014 at 4:56 PM By TEXT BY CINDY QUICK WILSON Posted Aug. 4, 2014 at 2:00 AM Updated Aug 6, 2014 at 4:56 PM Getting Started with --> the Right Gear Whether you're drawn by the idea of cruising calmly on a glassy lake or you're an adrenalin junkie who loves the idea of navigating the rapids, there are some things to cons... » Read more X Getting Started with the Right Gear Whether you're drawn by the idea of cruising calmly on a glassy lake or you're an adrenalin junkie who loves the idea of navigating the rapids, there are some things to consider before purchasing your own equipment. Scott Keith, owner of Medford's Northwest Outdoor Store, says the shape of the board has a lot to do with functionality and stability. "What's important is the beam or the width of the board. For instance, a beginner's board will be wider and slower, but it will be more stable in the water. A racing board will be longer and narrower. It will be faster, but you have to pay more attention to your balance. Almost all boards are designed for flat water, but people are also using them to go down the river. In general, the longer boards are faster and the shorter boards are more maneuverable. It's a considerable investment, so renting is a good way for people to get a feel for it and decide what kind of board they prefer." Keith says an entry-level board that will last most people for years is about $795. These weigh about 28 pounds and are easily handled by one person. The less expensive boards cost around $400 but they weigh more and he finds that most people end up buying another board anyway, so you're better off to buy a good one the first time. Some boards suitable for yoga can cost around $1,200. The choices in paddles are much simpler. "There is a fixed-length paddle, which means there is no adjustment in length, and then there's an adjustable paddle that telescopes. One board might work for everyone in the family but one paddle might not work for everyone. The paddles start around $100 for an adjustable and the fixed-length versions start around $60. Although getting started can set you back a few bucks, it can be a one-time expense, Dahn says. "The beauty of the paddleboard sport is that once you get past the initial investment, it's an investment for life. If you take care if your equipment, it will last forever. All you really need is a paddle and a board, a lifejacket, sunglasses and sunscreen." SUP Safety Water safety is always an important consideration and Scott Keith, owner of Medford's Northwest Outdoor Store, says life jackets and a whistle or sound-making device for each paddler are a must. "Kids 12 and younger need to be wearing a life jacket, where adults can lash it to the board if they wish. We stock the kind that have the Co2 cartridges, and they're nice because they are so less cumbersome. Then we also have fanny packs for hydration, which is always important. For sun protection Keith suggests sunglasses, waterproof sun block and/or UV protective clothing. Standup Paddling Resources Stand Up Ashland Guided tours—private, groups, parties Specialty tours— sunrise, sunset, moonlight 541.727.8466 www.standupashland.com Kokopelli River Center SUP rentals and SUP trips on the Rogue River 1655.Parker.St., Ashland 541.201.7694 www.kokopellikayak.com Liquid Blue SUP SUP fitness classes at Emigrant Lake Paddle Fit & WPA certified instructors All ages and fitness levels Rentals, lessons 541.292.3343 www.liquidbluesup.com Northwest Outdoor Store SUP equipment and rentals 980 Biddle Road, Medford 541.245.4000 thenorthwestoutdoorstore.com Rogue River Raft Trips Lessons, equipment, river trips 8500 Galice Road, Merlin 800.826.1963, 541.476.3825 » Social News Amidst varying opinions as to the origin of standup paddling, or SUP, no one disagrees that this versatile water sport is riding a huge wave of popularity. According to the Outdoor Foundation's 2013 Outdoor Participation Report, SUP was listed as the nation's most popular outdoor activity among first-time participants, even topping boardsailing and windsurfing. Rather than paddling from a prone or kneeling position used by surfers, participants stand upright on boards similar to surfboards and use an elongated paddle to propel themselves through lakes, rivers, canals and along seacoasts. Enthusiasts of all ages cite the ease of learning, versatility, fitness benefits and the enjoyment of nature as reasons for its wide appeal. A recent arrival to Rogue Valley waterways Though SUP surged in popularity the 1960s, it has only recently become a common sight in Southern Oregon. Former Floridians and paddleboarding enthusiasts, Steven Dahn and his wife Lauren, first visited the Rogue Valley in 2011. "We saw all the lakes and rivers and asked around town about renting a paddleboard," Dahn says. "At that time, people said, 'What's a paddleboard?' and we thought, perfect! This is a perfect place to start our business." They soon launched Stand Up Ashland and have been providing paddleboard guided tours ever since. "We give the basic instruction," explains Dahn, "like mounting the board, maneuvering and feet placement. We go over how you handle a wake and the wind and what kind of equipment you need. We know the best places to go where there is not a lot of boat traffic or other things to worry about and that makes it easier for folks to relax, be safe and gain confidence. From there, we think there's a lot to be said for allowing people to learn on their own." So how hard is it to stand up on a floating "board" that is 30-some inches wide and up to 12 feet long? According to Dahn, it's not as difficult as you might think. "Balance does come into play some, but it's amazing how the body will adapt. If you can stand and you can walk for 20 minutes straight, you can paddleboard." Dahn says the consequences of falling are nothing like with skateboarding or snowboarding where you're landing on a relatively hard surface. Falling into the water is much more forgiving. Brian McQueen with Kokopelli River Center in Ashland says that's all part of the fun. "Yes, you can plan on falling off. How often depends on the water you're on and how good your balance is. It's a physical sport and the heavier the water, the more of a workout you're going to get. When the water's calm, it's so easy to move around, but once the water or the wind are more active, it can be a little more challenging." The natural benefits of fitness on the water Dahn, who is also a personal trainer, is enthusiastic about SUP's fitness aspect. "For people who are burned out on being in the gym, it can be a great alternative way to get your workout." Dahn says that even with variable conditions, paddleboarding is an activity that most anyone can enjoy. "There is so much bias out there when it comes to sports aptitude and athletic ability, but with paddleboarding it doesn't matter how old or young you are or what your physical limitations might be. It doesn't matter what your background is or what profession you have. We all get wet when we fall in the water and we all paddle exactly the same. It's just good fun!" Some might call it fun with benefits. "There's nothing like working out in nature," says Jackie Auchard with Liquid Blue in Ashland. "My husband and I have been paddling for years and got into racing. We love the sport and felt like we wanted to offer something that didn't seem to be happening around here, so that's how we started offering SUP fitness classes at Emigrant Lake." Auchard provides people of all ages and levels of fitness a unique "on the water" workout experience. "The classes are perfect for anyone looking for a more stimulating way to exercise while enjoying the beauty of nature." Auchard says anyone can take the classes with no previous experience, but she does recommend at least one introductory session to become familiar with the board. "People don't need to be in great shape to take one of our core fitness classes. We work with people on any level. We start off with a warm-up on shore, just a few minutes of light cardio and paddle exercises to get the blood flowing and then we move onto the boards and move around the lake. The balancing part really adds to the workout. We incorporate core and functional exercises that you use while paddling. Everybody gets to work at their own level, so no one needs to "keep up" with anyone else." If you can imagine taking the workout challenge to a whole new level, the latest trend is yoga classes on paddleboards. Participants say maintaining balance during movement changes really enhances the core workout while enjoying the tranquil beauty of nature. Paddle forth When asked about the best place to enjoy standup paddling, McQueen replies with a chuckle, "Any type of water you're comfortable swimming in. For this area, probably 90 to 95 percent of the market is going to be in really calm situations like many lakes, but there are people who are doing standup paddling on rivers and through rapids. In that case, people really need to be protected when they start dealing with Class III and IV water where you might be falling off the board a lot. You have to start thinking about rocks and other hard landings. For that, in addition to a PFD (personal flotation device), you need body protection such as a helmet, elbow guards, knee pads, maybe even some shin pads." As a closing thought, Dahn says, "I think it's important to mention that paddleboarding is a very 'green' sport. It doesn't take any fuel to propel these boards through the water. There are no lasting effects to the environment. The only thing that lasts are the pictures I take while everyone is having fun. We leave no footprint behind." By TEXT BY CINDY QUICK WILSON MailTribune.com By TEXT BY CINDY QUICK WILSON Posted Aug. 4, 2014 at 2:00 AM Updated Aug 6, 2014 at 4:56 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction Archive Terms of Use Privacy Policy Contact Us Advertise Careers Copyright © . Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Southern Oregon Media Group: Mail Tribune.com | Ashland Daily Tidings | Medford Nickel