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Check out the fastest growing water sport in the country

By Shellie AnnePosted April 25, 2017

You have the opportunity to try before you buy at Virginia State Parks, or just enjoy water related summer programming at your leisure. Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) is taking the country by storm.

SUP is a combination of surfing and stand up kayaking, the sport is an ancient form of surfing with a Hawaiian heritage, where it is called Hoe he'e nalu.

SUP is a great beginner water sport, start out on your knees while paddling out then stand up

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding is a popular activity in the hot summer months at Douthat State Park

HISTORY

The popularity of the modern sport began in the early 1960’s, the beach boys would stand on their long boards and paddle out with outrigger paddles to take pictures of the tourists learning to surf.

It also became popular with surfing instructors as a way to manage their large groups of students, as standing on the board gave them a higher viewpoint with increased visibility.

The sport benefits athletes with a strong core workout and unlike surfing; paddle boarding is very easy to learn. Within one hour you can become very comfortable in the water and on your board. SUP is also more popular with women because of their lower center of gravity, often making them more skilled than men.

Variations include flat water paddling for outdoor recreation (this is the main idea for SUP at Virginia State Parks), fitness, or sightseeing, racing on lakes, large rivers and canals, surfing on ocean waves, paddling in river rapids (whitewater), Paddle board yoga and even fishing.

SUP at Belle Isle State Park (above right) provides a fun way to see the park. If you don't have your own paddleboard, you can rent one from us.

RENTALS

No experience necessary, but a life-jacket is required if SUP is rented from us
and highly recommended for everyone

Family fun in the summertime at Hungry Mother State Park with a SUP rental

Park issued life-jackets are included as a part of your rental at a Virginia State Park

We don't require a lifejacket if you BYO SUP (but it is still recommended)

Many Virginia State Parks offer boat rentals for canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, stand up paddle boards, Jon boats, various motorized boats, tubes or some mix of them all.

Most rentals are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but some parks have exceptions like Holliday Lake State Park when rentals are available from the first weekend in April through last weekend in October, weather permitting.

Click here to see a list sorted by region. Rental fees vary by park so contact the park for more detail.

It is our policy that everyone wear a lifejacket if participating in a program, or renting from us

PROGRAMS

Staff at Virginia State Parks are certified and trained to become SUP instructors to teach seasonal staff

Quality time together when you rent a SUP at Hungry Mother State Park

Some of our parks offer SUP Programs in season, click here to search the events database for your preferred park.

Summer programs are being added weekly, so if you don't see an event there now, please check back or call the park directly to inquire. Click here for a list of all Virginia State Parks.