Surfing is a water sport in which a surfer rides on a board and is carried by breaking waves. There are different ways that this can be done, dictated basically by the vehicle used to ride the wave. Basic categories include regular stand-up surfing, kneeboarding, bodyboarding, surf skiing and body surfing. Stand up paddle boards were used initially by surfing instructors. It was a way to manage large groups of student surfers. Standing on the board gave them a higher viewpoint, increasing visibility of what was going on around them.

If you are in the market for a new stand up paddle board, remember that form is important in that it serves function. There are downwind boards, surfing boards and all purpose cruisers. It pays to know what you want and need. Paddling in windy conditions means that you use your body to act as a sail. Rather than go against the gust, it is more reasonable to use nature to advantage. In doing this, you are a downward paddler. Downwind boards are a little bit longer and more narrow, a design that increases hull speed.