What is SUP

What is SUP (Stand Up Paddle)

Stand up paddle is a unique sport. Participants use a paddle and large stable board to paddle in any water location being inland waterways, lakes, rivers, canals, dams, and coastal beaches. 

 SUP is not a surfing sport nor is it a canoe or surf ski sport. It’s a melding of all, with its own specialised equipment and skill and technique.

Its versatility of locations, minimal equipment needs, amazing fitness benefits and the ability for the whole family to participate make it one of the fastest growing sports in the world today.

ASI provides the skills, knowledge and framework to help you develop your stand up paddle skills, pursue a career as an outdoor recreation instructor or sports coach, or become a professional competition paddler.

ASI can help you get there !

History

Stand up paddling appears to have been around for thousands of years.  There is evidence that ancient cultures in South America used watercraft with long sticks to travel, to fish and even in war. 

Modern day SUP is said to have originated the early 1940’s in Hawaii, where stand up paddle surfing was used by surf instructors to get a better view of the surfers in the water and waves, and to also take photos of their clients. It faded out of popularity as alternatives became available including such things as: waterproof cameras, jetskies etc.

SUP as we know it now, re-emerged in the year 2000 with the first known competitions taking place in 2004. It has since gained immense popularity. 

Types of Stand Up Paddling

Flat Water Paddling 
Conducted in inland waterways.  SUP Boards are long and wide to provide stability whilst paddling. 

Exposed Waters Paddling 
Conducted in ocean locations, in flat water conditions or swell up to 2ft.  But no breaking waves.  As it is the open ocean, there are greater hazards and an indepth knowledge of weather, winds and water conditions is required. 

Downwind 
SUP downwinding is conducted in winds of 15 to 25 knots and uses the ocean or lake swells and wind to help propel you along. Paddling distances from 5km to 30 km.   Board sizes start at 12ft 6 up to 18 ft.   Paddling in windy conditions should only be undertaken by experienced paddlers.

SUP Surfing 
Surfing waves and utilising the paddle to perform turns and manoeuvres.  Use smaller boards that are more manoeuvrable.

SUP surfing is an extreme aspect of the sport and should only be undertaken by very experienced paddlers. 

White Water
Riding stand up paddle boards in white water rapids.   White-water SUP is an extreme aspect of the sport and should only be undertaken by very experienced paddlers.  

SUP Wellness

SUP Yoga : Yoga on a SUP board on serene flat water conditions.

SUP Fitness : Fitness exercises conducted on a SUP board on flat water conditions.

SUP Pilates : Pilates exercises conducted on a SUP board on flat water conditions.
 
 

SUP Experiences

Taster 
Simply for fun. Choose 1-3 hour introductory session and enjoy the experience.

Lessons 
Learn some skills and techniques and soon be stand up paddling like the pros !

Private Coaching 
One-on-one coaching, ideal to work on your own style and paddling ability.

SUP Wise Courses 
SUP Wise courses take you step by step through the learning to increase your paddling skill.   

Rentals
Once you have mastered paddling and understand the water and weather conditions, you can rent a board and paddle with friends in approved and safe locations. 

Social Paddles
Join in each week and paddle along with the group.  Boards and paddles supplied by the SUP School.  Or bring your own.

Competition Coaching
Develop your competition flat water paddling race skils or SUP surfing skills.  Work with ASI coaches who have first hand personal competition experience and successes in developing SUP champions. 

Kids - After School Activities 
Ideal for kids. Offering a range of paddling activities.   

Kids Camps 
Offered throughout the year and in school holidays.  Kids camps range from daily lessons and activities to weekend or weekly camps.  

SUP Camps 
SUP camps and retreats are for adults and provide accommodation at interesting paddling locations. Include SUP lessons, food packages, yoga and other activities.
They are a great way to get away from the stresses of every day life. 
Wake up in beautiful countryside locations, wiith amazing waterways to explore, relaxing with your new SUP friends.  
Accommodation options could be tents, glamping, budget to luxury hotels. 

SUP Tours 
SUP Tours take you on an adventure.   Paddle along amazing waterways, see historic sights and nature all round.   Overnight tours see you paddling to your accommodation, then setting off paddling again the next day.
SUP Tours, may include accommodation, food, SUP lessons, guiding. 
Choose one day SUP tours, weekend tours to 10 days or more.
Camp under the stars or stay in backpacker houses and even luxury accommodation. 

SUP Paddle Fitness
There is no better way to get fit, than an on water paddle program including paddle fast, slow, out of the water and run on the shore, back and paddling on the water, compete a few sharp turns along the way.  It's a different type of fitness program that uses a lot of your muscles and stamina! 

SUP Wellness

SUP Yoga : Its the ideal way to experience yoga - on a SUP board with calm serene waters all around.  A qualified SUP, 200 hour yoga teacher will ensure you are performing modified SUP yoga poses with safety. 

SUP Fitness (Personal Training) : Get out of the gym and start working out on a SUP board.   A qualified SUP personal trainer guides you through fitness exercises specially adapted for the SUP board.  The results are fantastic ! 

SUP Pilates : Get out of the gym and start working out on a SUP board.   A qualified SUP pilates instructor guides you through pilates exercises specially adapted for the SUP board.  The results are fantastic !