Recently, surfing with a paddle is gaining more and more popularity. The name of this sport, so far few know. But he already has more than enough fans.
What is saversurfing?
Sapsurfing is a water sport, many also known as paddle surfing. What is the name of this entertainment, you now know, it is time to figure out the details.
In this water sport, a surfer stands on a board, moving through the water with a paddle. Surfboards are practically no different from classic surfboards. They are only slightly wider and longer. Due to this, keeping the balance to the athlete is much easier.
Sapsurfing competitions are held regularly. As a rule, athletes travel long distances, they are organized on the coasts, rivers and large lakes. In paddle surfing, a special paddle is used - its length is about two meters, and its diameter ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters.
Surfing History
In Hawaii, paddle surfing was born. The name of this kind of water sport was not thought at that time. It was first described by Europeans in 1778. By that time, the natives already regularly went to sea on wooden boards, using paddles for rowing. True, it was not a sport, such outings to the sea were used for practical purposes.
In the 60s, with oars on the boards, they went to sea to take pictures of the training and competitions of classic surfers.
Only at the beginning of the XXI century, as a separate sport, paddle surfing began to develop. What is the name of the new entertainment, they decided promptly. In literal translation, sapsurfing means "standing on the board."
The first professional athletes in this discipline were Dave Kalama and Laird Hamilton. It was they who, in 2003, organized the first Hawaiian sapsurfing competition. Surfing with a paddle, whose history is associated with these islands in the Pacific Ocean, quickly began to gain popularity.
Already in 2005, a professional federation in the United States was created. The spread of this sport began in all corners of the globe.
Beginner sappers
Unlike classic surfing, big waves are not needed to master sup-surfing. What, where and how to do in the first stages, we will explain in detail in this article.
You can start surfing in a quiet sea bay, river backwater and even on the surface of the lake. At first, you have to master the calm movement along the surface of the water while standing on a board, and with a paddle in your hand. You can learn to stand more or less tolerably on the board already during the first few days of classes. Therefore, this sport is so popular.
An instructor will help you quickly and better to master a new sport . You can rest assured that surfing with a paddle will soon become your favorite sport. Competition, equipment and other features of sauser surfing will help you to master an experienced trainer. But with a certain degree of perseverance and desire for everything, you can achieve it yourself.
Where to start to ride?
For the first practice of surfing, a quiet river or lake is best. Do not wave to high and dangerous waves in the first days of classes. Be sure to bring a life jacket with you.
To go on your first voyage, put the board on the water, lie on it and a little swim away from the shore. Then gently kneel down. As soon as you feel self-confidence, get up. Now the main thing is to maintain balance.
Standing, put your hands on the front of the board. After slowly, first stand on your right and then on your left foot. For the first time, climb exactly to the middle of the board. When you get used to it and feel the strength to keep your balance on the water, you can begin to move.
Racks on the board
Now that you know what sup-surfing (sap-surfing is in Russian), it's time to understand the technique of movement on the board. There are three main varieties.
The first is the most universal. Ahead is the right leg. The second is with the left foot in front and, finally, the stance when both legs are on the same level.
Poses can be changed so as not to get tired of standing in one position. Having taken a pose, lift the oar up (before that it should lie on the board itself) and try to start rowing. At the same time, your hands should be bent at the elbows at a right angle. Experienced sappers surfers recommend periodically changing the position and position of the hands. For example, you can row from different angles. This will make it easier for you to move around.
Remember the simple rule: the simplest way is the direct one. Therefore, do not make unnecessary turns.
The development of surfing in Russia
Sup-surfing is a universal water entertainment and sport. It has already become popular in our country. Indeed, in order to start practicing this sport, it is not at all necessary to go to Mecca for all surfers - to Hawaii. It is long and expensive, so not everyone is available. Russian ponds are also excellent for sapsurfing.
In domestic reservoirs, this sport is most widespread in the Krasnodar Territory and in the waters of the Leningrad Region. This is where most fans of this sport live. It is not difficult to rent a surfboard here.
One of the most popular rental locations is located near St. Petersburg, on the shores of Lake Lakhtinsky. Here you can rent all the necessary equipment and immediately go to try it out.
It is in the Northern capital that the largest domestic competitions in this sport are held. The first of them, for example, took place already in 2011. Just 6 years after the appearance of the official federation. Over the course of several years, the Autumn Marathon Cup, which takes place in the waters around the city of Vyborg, remains the most popular competition among sappers.
Benefits of Surfing
Compared to classic surfing, saversurfing has a number of obvious advantages. The first and most basic is that even small waves are enough for sappers. With the help of a paddle, they can change directions and control the speed of the board.
In addition, sapsurfing will provide a load on all muscle groups in your body. This is a great workout for both women and men. A great and fun way to keep fit.
Sapsurfing is great for competitions. On the board, the athlete is able to develop high speed, due to this, to overcome decent distances. Therefore, you can even compete in a race.
Sapsurfing is not only a popular sport, but also a great reason to watch the surrounding nature. Standing on the board, you can enjoy the scenery around, and the low speed allows you to carefully consider everything. See fish and birds in their natural habitat.
Surfing with a paddle is suitable even for beginner athletes, and of any age and level of physical fitness.
Cost of equipment for surfing
Admittedly, surfing classes will cost you a lot. The simplest boards are US-made inflatable shells. Their cost is approximately 500 dollars.
Professional racing boards, which have a narrower shape, which increases speed, are much more expensive. At least 1,200 dollars. A novice athlete can purchase the best equipment for surfing for about $ 800. This is the best value for money.
If you will order equipment not in the USA, but in Europe, then keep in mind that European surfboards are more expensive. But you can significantly save on shipping. Therefore, you may find yourself in the black.