"What’s up" is used as an informal alternative to the greeting., "Hello", "What are you doing?", "How are you?", as well as "What’s going on?" However, in this case we are referring to Standup Paddle boarding, also known by its acronym SUP (Stand Up Paddleboards) . And as you probably noticed as you cross the bridge to Wrightsville Beach, it is one of the fastest growing water sports.
There is some debate as to the origin of SUPing, some documentation exists in surfboard history of Peruvian fishermen riding waves on primitive boats as far back as 3000BC. While it is widely accepted that the first Polynesians of the Pacific were the first to surf on a wave and make major advances in surfboard design. Think about it, the early Polynesians were not only able to negotiate and navigate the seas, they located a small island in the middle of the largest ocean!
Because of their knowledge of the ocean, is it any wonder that they were the developers of Hoe he'e nalu (SUP in Hawaiian language). As Plato wrote, Necessity is the Mother of Invention. As early as 1777, explorer Capt. James Cook recorded in his journals the sight of native Hawaiians riding royalty on long surfboards called OLO. They were made of solid wood, flat with a square tails. The heavy weight made the boards hard for anyone but the strongest and most athletic.
Others say SUPing was the invention of a young entrepreneur in Waikiki in the 1950’s who decided to take photo’s of tourists as they surfed near Diamond Head. He wanted to get close and personal to capture the moment, but needed to find a way to carry his camera out to meet them without getting his equipment wet. So he grabbed his longboard, borrowed a paddle from an outrigger canoe and headed into the surf. Is it truth or tale?
The sport benefits athletes with a strong core workout. And non- athletes with the opportunity to be adventurous or connect with nature and live in the moment. SUP’ing is popular at warm coastal climates like ours and is gaining in popularity due to access to safe waters and unlike surfing, is easy to learn. Within one hour you can become comfortable in the water and on your board.
In any case, with its protected inland waterway enhanced by challenging ocean conditions, Wrightsville Beach is recognized as one of the prime destinations for SUP athletes in the East Coast’s southeast region.
If you are interested in taking lessons in Wrightsville Beach, there are several resources
Wrightsville SUP, Hook, Line and Paddle and Coastal Urge.
If you are looking for a workout, fun or another form of meditation, a way to connect mind, body soul and nature, give Paddleboarding a try. It’s heritage might be cloudy, but it is clear that SUP’ing is a perfect fit for an active coastal lifestyle.