Are the Adirondacks ready for the newest craze in paddle sports? For the past two years the paddle sport industry has been putting a lot of energy into promoting stand up paddle boards. New to mainlanders but not to surfers in Hawaii, these boards resemble large windsurfing boards. Boarders use an extra long bent or straight shaft paddle to move across the water instead of leaving it up to the wind or the waves. Boards range in price from $599 - $1800 and paddles range in price from $99 - $299. Manufacturers are producing everything from plastic roto-molded to composite foam core boards.
After recently attending a trade show in Georgia, and having the opportunity to stand, rather than sit and paddle, I found them to be a lot of fun. The boards are very stable and offer the paddler a different perspective while on the water. The boards tests your balance and move fairly well across the water. Would I choose a stand up paddle board to ply my local waterways? Probably not. While the board is stable, motor boat wake, high winds and a short warm water paddling season would limit the window of fun with this paddle craft. Not to mention the possibility of falling off in less than desirable locations. However, I do see opportunity for a many firsts: first to stand up and paddle the Seven Carries, first to stand up and complete the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, and first to stand up and paddle the 90 Miller.
So next time your on the water and you see what seems to be someone walking on water, look a little closer and I'm sure you'll see a stand up board under foot.
