Surfing Laguna: Stand-up paddling sweeps into Laguna

What is that down at the Laguna coastline that’s been blotting out the sun recently? A solar eclipse, a low-flying blimp perhaps? Not quite, it’s just a pack of stand-up paddlers stroking by in perfect harmony, looking equal parts graceful and imposing with each stroke of their svelte graphite paddles.

Over the course of this past summer I noticed a growing trend that has taken hold here “” stand-up paddle surfing or “supping” as it is also called.

Hailed by many as a great workout and an easy way to enjoy the waves from a unique vantage point, supping has attracted what appears to be a growing legions of local fans.

Laguna’s many coves and relatively glassy ocean surface conditions have undoubtedly contributed to the sport’s exploding popularity in not only our local waters, but in lakes and other waterways worldwide.

One of the attractive features of stand-up paddling is the ease of which beginners can actually get up and stroke along on smooth conditions; however, it takes much time in the water to move into the surf line, and safety is an issue when dealing with such substantial boards.

As with any ocean activities, surfing within your abilities and seeking advice by knowledgeable friends and instructors is essential.

What a workout

These boards are massive, some as long as 14 feet and almost 3 feet wide and can be daunting just getting down to the water’s edge.

It’s this added bulk that makes them so stable and fast as riders “sweep” across the ocean’s surface.

Many of Laguna’s surfing luminaries have been seen out enjoying supping for years.

As I sat down at Oak, two highly advanced riders danced along the waves, gently gliding through sections with grins on their faces almost as big as the boards they were riding.

CHRIS WILLIAMS is a surfing coach and Laguna Beach resident, and father of four surf-crazy sons. He can be reached at [email protected] or (949) 497-5918.