SUP originated in Africa where warriors would stand on canoes using their paddle to propel themselves forward, allowing them to silently enter any territory.
Later on a more contemporary form of the sport originated in the 16th century where Hawaiian surfers would use boards up to 5 meters in length. They would used paddles due to the large size of their boards.
SUP continued in Tel Aviv in the 20th century where lifeguards would stand on wide boards in order to have a clear view of any swimmers in distress. The lifeguards would use the paddle to propel through the water quickly to rescue swimmers.
Fast forward to 1940 where surf instructors in Waikiki began SUP as a way to stand on their boards during swells. From here Beach Board surfing was born.
In the 1990s SUP was taught at Hawaiian surf schools as an alternative way to surf when there was no swell. The practice became increasingly popular so surf instructor Brian Keaulana decided to add ‘’Beach Boy Surfing’’ to the world-recognized ‘’Buffalo Big Board Contest’’ in 2003. The response was overwhelming with many recognized surfers choosing to partake in this new form of surfing.
SUP races became more common; in 2012 Kai Lenny won the seasons finals of the first Standup World Series championship races. And there you have it...SUP is on the map!