The Battle for SUP - Definition Defined

As Stand Up Paddle boarding continues to grow and become more popular, the definition of SUP has now become critical. The International Surfing Association and the International Canoe Federation are each claiming the sport as their own.

They will battle it out in the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with a claim lodged in June 2017.

The Canoe Federation says that SUP uses a paddle and therefore is a paddle sport.

The Surfing Federation says that SUP is a large surfboard and therefore is a surfing sport.

ASI, the world leader in SUP education, says that SUP is a unique sport with its own regulations and guidelines specific for SUP.

Let’s look further at the definitions.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary definitions of boat, vessel, canoe, paddleboard and surfboard are below:

• Boat: a small vessel propelled by oars, paddle, sails, or motor for travelling, transporting goods

• Vessel: a watercraft bigger than a rowboat

• Canoe: a light narrow boat with both ends sharp that is usually propelled by paddling

• Paddleboard: a long narrow buoyant board used for riding the surf or in rescuing swimmers

• Surfboard : a long narrow buoyant board (as of lightweight wood or fiberglass-covered foam) used in the sport of surfing

There is no Merriam-Webster definition for stand-up paddle boards.

A boat, vessel or canoe requires a paddle to propel it along. A SUP board can be propelled by hand. The paddle is not a requirement. Therefore, by definition SUP is not categorically a paddle sport.

SUP boards composition is similar to surfboards with fiberglass covered foam, a similar shape, fins and attachment for a leash. but SUP Boards are also inflatable. The fins maintain stability and direction of the board. However, because the SUP Board uses a paddle, it is not categorically a surfing sport.

By definition, SUP is unique. It does not “fit” into either a boating/canoe or surfing category.

SUP is a sport with its own unique risk and safety applications.

ASI identified SUP as a unique sport in 2008, when they created dedicated SUP education standards, safety regulations and framework.

The fact that surfing and canoeing federations are trying to claim SUP as their own, is more about financial gain and the Olympics.

And the problem here is that the canoe and surfing federations have different cultural attitudes that they are trying to impose on the sport.

Canoe federations state you do not need to wear a leash, but everyone must wear a lifejacket and you will be safe.
BUT this is dangerous. If you fall off the board, it may be easily carried away and you may not be able to swim to retrieve it. A lifejacket can also hinder you getting back on a board, tiring you out.

Surfing federations are telling everyone to get out into the surf. Make sure you wear your leash, no lifejacket required.
BUT this is dangerous for novice suppers, with no ocean experience, invading the surfing line-ups and putting surfers at serious risk of injury. SUP surfing is only for experienced paddlers.

There you have it.

SUP should not be governed by the safety standards, regulations or cultural attitudes of either surfing or canoeing federations. ASI states that SUP is unique sport and neither should claim it.

Also see News articles:

Surfing, Canoe Federations Take Stand-Up Paddle Row To CAS
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/06/15/surfing-canoe-federations-take-stand-paddle-row-cas
SBS Australia

Surfing And Canoeing In Row Over Stand Up Paddle Boarding Ownership
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/canoeing/39505823
BBC Sport News UK

Surfing And Canoe Bodies In Row Over Stand Up Paddleboarding As Both Claim It As A Branch Of Their Own Sport Ahead Of Potential Olympic Inclusion
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-4383242/Surfing-canoe-bodies-stand-paddleboarding-row.html
Daily Mail UK

	Exposed waters paddling in Sydney Harbour, Australia Choppy waters, with swell, no breaking waves.  Inland bodies of water greater than 1km (0.6 miles wide)
	SUP Fitness. Fitness exercises on a SUP board.
	Flat water paddling in central England UK (North Hampshire). Inland waterways, rivers, canals, lakes no larger than 1km (0.6 miles wide)
	SUP surfing – the paddle is critical in performing manoeuvres
	SUP Yoga in the Cook Islands.  Yoga on a SUP board
	White water river rapids supping in Colorado USA
	Downwinding off the coast The Netherlands Downwinding uses special boards of 12’6 to 18 ft – in wind condition of 20 knots and more.  Using the wind to push you along.

 

 

 

 

 

ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors), is the worldwide peak body for Instructors and Coaches in the outdoor recreation and sport industry for surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding.
www.academyofsurfing.com

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