Stand Up Paddle Surfing
Professional longboarder Adam Zervas introduces us to the Hawaiian art of Stand Up Paddle surfing. Originally used by the beach boys in the sixties SUP has seen a resergurence in the last year, manly thanks to better design and new materials.
1) How long have you been surfing SUP and where?
I have been riding SUP since the end of September last year. I tend to surf at Watergate Bay, Crantock, and South Fistral in the UK.
2) Why did you start?
Years ago I saw video footage on a travel program on Hawaii and thought that looks fun and that I would like to give it a go, I tried using a canoe paddle and a rescue board about seven years ago, but that was really hard work the board was to narrow the paddle was awkward.It was quite obvious that you needed the proper equipment.Then after seeing some video footage on C4Waterman.com last year I finally plucked up the courage to get the right equipment and do it properly.
3) Who do you look to for inspiration in SUP?
Todd Bradley,Brain Keaulana,Dave parementer ,Laird Hamilton, Bonga Perkins and Dave Kalama,I think that they are pushing the sport into a new realm.
4) What boards do you ride?
I am currently riding a Stewart SUP from Sea Base which is a really responsive 11 footer, the most exciting news is that I am waiting on a C4 10 footer, from Hawaii, which will also be available from Sea Base pretty soon.
5) Ideal SUP conditions?
Ideal learning conditions are calm glassy days or some where flat , once you master paddling and basic board skills it all depends on what conditions you feel comfortable in (high winds and chop make it extremely difficult to learn in).
6) Worst wipe out to date?
Worst wipe out was early January South Fistral solid 5-6ft swell chunky slight chop ,dug a rail on a set wave out the back and got dragged in nearly all the way under water by my 12ft board.
7) Best SUP wave/session to date?
The day before yesterday, in fact each one just gets better, your learning curve is really steep so you surprise yourself each session.
8) What is the best thing about SUP?
The perspective you have, everything seems different as if you were seeing it through different eyes .
9) What is the worst this about SUP?
Not being able to get time to do it.
10) Plans for the future with SUP?
Catch bigger waves, do bigger turns take it to a new level, but most importantly have more fun.
Thanks to Adam Zervas (Reef, Stewart SurfBoards, C4, Snugg and Da Kine) and Geoff Toyama for the photos.
