Land paddlers have their say…
“My story starts out of desperation in the late summer of 2012. The girls/guys of our SUP group regularly got together on a
Thursday night for a ‘keep fit’ session along the promenade. Sadly I felt I was missing out on all the fun – as a general rule I
don't do running (unless being chased by a dog). So I started researching something I could do. I came across some pictures of
people land paddling in America on the internet and thought it looked cool. I felt it came close to stand up paddle surfing,
which I love.
As an engineer my mind soon got to work on how I could make a specifically designed product that performed to the
requirements I wanted – a product that actually felt like surfing the land. After a year’s worth of research, design and
prototyping I came up with a few boards and sticks that fit the role.
I'm really happy I've found land SUP, and helped in its introduction to my local SUP community. There's nothing like cruising
the smooth paths/promenade with friends in shorts and flip flops on a late summer evening, chatting and having fun while
keeping fit.”
Mike Smith – Kent based paddler and land SUP designer/engineer
“I had seen it online and
thought it looked cool
and different. I got a
paddle stick and began
to use my Fanatic
longboard. I enjoyed it
for cruising at the
events I attend
throughout the year. It
seems land SUP
exploded in 2014. It's
growing well with a few
brands about and some
good key people doing
it. Land SUP connects
with the water side of
the sport and helps
improve balance and
turns. It’s definitely
helped me improve!”
Jay JSUP Manning
Fanatic pro rider
“I first tried out land SUP at the 2013 Blokart (land yacht) Euros when we didn’t have any wind
to get out sailing. I was never much of a skateboarder in my youth so was a little bit worried
about giving it a go. But I found it fairly easy to get going on the board with the paddle. From
then on I have been hooked! I use my boards for fun and exercise – it’s a great workout. After a
long distance you know you have done it; fantastic for the core. It’s great to see people’s faces
when you pass them. First they look in wonder, then you get big smiles and cheers. Many a
time I have gotten off my board to give someone a go. I get the funniest looks going in to shops
and banks, but they all want to try it. I love to spread the land SUP groove! I have meet some
great people through land SUP and now have some awesome friends that meet up regularly for
a ride.”
Simon Jeffrey
Kahuna Creations rider and land paddle designer
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