Stand Up Paddle

The Beginnings of Stand Up Paddling

The ancient Hawaiians and Polynesians are credited with the origins of stand up paddling. It has also been traced to numerous other cultures as well, like the ancient Chileans and the Egyptians. They made their boards by carving wood or binding together reeds, like papyrus, to make fairly efficient vessels for transportation between islands, to use as fishing platforms while trolling, diving on reefs and casting nets. Of course we have to believe they couldn’t possibly resist the temptation to get out and play a little either, catching a wave is simply too much fun to pass up. There are early drawings of Hawaiian kings riding the surf.

Many surfers have integrated stand up paddle surfing because of the versatility of the sport. Stand up paddle boarding offers surfers the ability to catch more waves in a set, as well as offering a better view of incoming sets.

River SUPing is gaining popularity in inland areas among the boating community due to the thrills and challenges it presents paddle boarders. The sport requiresa good deal of  skill and agility to navigate rapids and avoid obstacles. SUP surfers can be rewarded with standing river waves to be surfed for long durations.

Stand up paddle surfing is now the fastest growing water surf activity because it allows a wider range of athletic types to get involved and SUP surfers need do not schedule around high and low tides for the best riding conditions. Where can you stand up paddle? Anywhere!!! Rivers (the Rio Grande right here in Albuquerque), lakes, oceans and bays. Ride the lakes and cruise or race on flat water, surf waves on the ocean and on rivers (YES even through the RaPiDs). Practice yoga and other fitness routines while adding another dimension to your workout. You can cruise, rip or race as your heart and soul desires. If there is water in it,  you can SUP it.

SouthWest WindSports of New Mexico is your source for Stand Up Paddle equipment and instruction. SUPing is the fastest growing water sport in the world! It offers you a great whole body work out as well as a fun activity for you and your partner or the whole family.  Now you can have access many of those gorgeous, impossible to reach spots on the other side of the lake or bay you thought were inaccessible. Because a stand up paddle board has an extremely shallow draft (and many have Xtra heavy-duty construction), you can take it anywhere. Stand Up Paddling is the sport for a peaceful, serene cruise; a day fishing; an intense full-body workout; an exciting dash through the rapids; or surfing your favorite break.

There are literally hundreds of styles and constructions of boards to choose from including classic and custom epoxy/wood laminates, inflatables, and rigid foam. We can help you choose the style, shape, color and construction that suits you best! So whether you’re in to cruising, racing, fishing, exercising, or just letting the kids splash around we can help.

SUPing is affordable! You can rent by the day or buy your own board and paddle whenever you want. Board and paddle packages are custom fit to suit your paddling style and range in price from as low as $795 and up depending on design, construction and purpose. Once you have your gear then you’re ready to go, anytime and virtually any place, and you don’t have to buy a ticket to ride.

Wow! What’s ? Lot’s of great stuff. We’re leading short floats down the Rio Grande through Albuquerque, day trips on New Mexico’s beautiful lakes, adventure runs on rivers, fishing and paddle adventures all over the state.   We’ve also added several lines of SUP boards, paddles and other equipment & accessories (like boards from, Rusty, Boardworks, Sawyer paddles & many more)!  We’ll match you with the right gear for your style and destination.

Don’t have a lot of room in the on the roof with all your other toys. You need one of the incredible inflatable SUP boards from Amundson and Boardworks. These boards are AWESOME! They offer combat tested quality, performance and best of all, portability. They are go anywhere, do anything boards that deflate and roll up so they can be stored and carried in their backpack. Taking a SUP sufari? Take your own board along when you travel.

With all this excitement going on give us a call or drop an email. Stay tuned for more to come. Aloha!