Catch You on the Water!

If you’re a fan of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), you may be interested in learning about the history of this popular water sport!

While the modern version of SUP originated in Hawaii in the 1960s, the roots of paddleboarding can be traced much further back in history…

Paddleboarding has been around for thousands of years, with evidence of ancient cultures using some form of paddleboard for transportation and fishing. For example, the Polynesians used “olo” boards made from local woods to navigate the Pacific Ocean. Meanwhile, Peruvian fishermen used “caballitos de totora,” reed boats that were propelled using a paddle.

In the 20th century, paddleboarding began to evolve into the sport we know today. In the 1940s and 1950s, surfers in Waikiki would stand on their longboards and use a paddle to navigate the waves. This technique was known as “beachboy surfing” and was popularized by surf legend Duke Kahanamoku.

Then, in the 1960s, surfing instructor John Ah Choy began using a modified longboard with a paddle to teach his students. This technique caught on, and soon others were using similar boards for recreational paddling and racing. The first official paddleboard race was held in California in 1976.

Since then, paddleboarding has continued to grow in popularity around the world. In addition to recreational paddling and racing, there are now a variety of SUP disciplines, including yoga, fishing, and even whitewater paddling.

Whether you’re a seasoned paddleboarder or just getting started, the history of SUP gives you just another reason to love the sport!