SUP ATX is a company that specializes in manufacturing standup paddleboards for ocean, lake, and river usage. This truly unique and cool company is located in the city of Austin, which is the state capitol of Texas, and was started in 2008. Even though Stand Up Paddle Surfing got its true start in the surf Mecca’s of Hawaii and Malibu SUP ATX is credited with introducing Stand Up Paddle Surfing both in the United States and abroad and making this unique activity extremely popular amongst outdoor sports enthusiast as well.
SUP ATX founder Nick Matzorkis started the company to develop, design, and manufacture their stand up paddle boards and he chose Austin Texas for a reason too. Nick Matzorkis was convinced that there was great interest in stand up paddle boarding both on the ocean and even more so inland on freshwater lakes and rivers. The latter reason is why he chose a landlocked location for SUP ATX. Stand up paddle boarding is so popular in Austin Texas that on any given morning you can see paddle boarders on Lady Bird Lake, which is located downtown in Austin Texas.
Originally, SUP ATX started out by taking different board shapes and makes and testing them off of Malibu, CA in the waters of the Pacific Ocean. What they were looking for were the designs that would work best in coastal waters as well as on inland waters both at home and internationally as well. Once SUP ATX had completed this initial phase of testing they began to ship the various boards that they thought would make the cut to both business associates and to friends so that they in turn could further test those board designs and forward critical and helpful information back to SUP ATX.
The success of SUP ATX is because they do not suffer from a shortage of talent and experience. Both Mike Bill (SUP ATX President) and Steve Mellem (SUP ATX General Manager) both enjoy the benefits of a combined 50 years of experience within the surfing industry. They have both been involved in virtually all aspects of the surfing industry too from surf board sales and managing a retail surf chain of stores, to surf board manufacturing, distribution, and shipping of surfing accessories and surfboards as well. This experience is part of what makes SUP TAX the success that it is today.
Actually, the whole SUP ATX Stand Up Paddle Team is made up of successful, talented, and experienced individuals. In addition to Nick Matzorkis, Mike Bill, and Steve Mellem on the team there is also co-founder Michael Burniston, Mitch Taylor, Paul Constantineau, and Mark Stanton on the team as well. All of these people bring something to the table with their experience and together their drive and inspiration to be on the cutting edge of the Stand Up Paddleboarding world by both improving board design and creating interest in the activity keeps the company moving inexorably forward.
Just like regular good old-fashioned surfing, paddle surfing has its fair share of tricks that you can learn to do as well. Of course, there are tricks for those who paddle surf in the ocean and those who paddle board in freshwater, although the tricks for freshwater are not for showing off, but for navigating lakes and rivers. The tricks we are going to take a look at are those tricks that paddle surfers show off in coastline surf. However, just like any other sport or activity, that utilizes tricks or stunts you need to remember that performing these moves can be potentially dangerous to both you and others around you.
The first trick we are going to talk about is called the 360. Surfers have performed this trick for years and they seem to have it pretty well figured out and even perfected. However, the technique of doing a 360 is different for a paddle surfer than for a crawler or regular surfer. Regular surfers accomplish the 360 with balance and foot placement at the top of a wave. Paddle surfers on the other hand accomplish their version of the 360 by paddle stroking away from the board with their paddle or by shifting their feet from a forward dominant position to the rear of the board while using the paddle to pivot.
The Tail Slide is also another surfing trick that surfers have been pulling for quite a long time. If you pull off the trick right, it looks very radical and cool too. The "Tail Slide" is also just plain fun to do as well, and many surfers will often do more than one "Tail Slide; on a wave. Performing the Tail Slide takes extreme balance and coordination for the trick to be successful. A surfer performs the "Tail Slide by gaining speed on the face of the wave and then goes to the top of the wave, presses down and the back of the board and pivots hard in the opposite direction, and a SUP rider also uses the paddle for balance too.
The Helicopter trick is uniquely suited to a Stand Up Paddle Surfer and is a very cool trick to add to your repertoire. The "Helicopter" is also a trick that very few surfers can do successfully, although it can be done on a regular surfboard. For the Paddle Surfer, the trick is easier to do in part to their use of a paddle. To perform The Helicopter" you must first turn the paddleboard backwards on the wave. Once you get the rear of the paddle board facing the shore, you then gain speed and use a combination of paddle strokes and board walking to get the paddle board turn back 180 degrees.
The "Duck Dive is not necessarily a trick that is used by a paddle surfer for performing, although it does look good when it is done right. The "Duck Dive" or to be exact "The Stand Up Paddle Duck Dive is not performed in the traditional manner that surfers use to accomplish the maneuver. A surfer does a successful Duck Diveuot; by pushing the surfboards nose under the water in order to get through the wave and out to the lineup. A paddle surfer performs their version of the maneuver by being on their knees, quick hard strokes, and leaning forward arms out front and the paddle facing the nose of the board.
Sup Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Stand Up Paddle Boarding or Paddle Surfing as it is known beachside originally has a proud Polynesian heritage. This ancient surfing art has its origins and beginnings in Hawaii, and was called Hoe he’e nalu by the native islanders. In fact, the sport of Stand Up Paddle Boarding or Paddle Surfing is actually an ancient form of surfing that the indigenous peoples used to travel from island to island as well as for competition between competitors and other ohana’s. The art of Hoe he’e nalu was taught to all of the people in a given ohana and usually at an early age too.
In the early 1960′s Stand Up Paddle boarding saw a re-emergence in the Hawaiian islands by surf instructors who used the ability to stand up in order to have a better view of their students and of the waters as well. Being able to see all of their students as well as conditions on the water like incoming swells allowed the surf instructors to respond to any given situation both earlier and quicker than they would otherwise be able to while straddling a standard surfboard. However, when the surf instructors first started using this method they did so standing atop a normal length board and used a one blade paddle.
Also in the 1960′s the Waikiki Beach Boys started to use the paddle surfing technique on their long boards as well. They would paddle out with outrigger paddles so that they could get photographs of the tourists who were newbies learning to surf in the local waters. If you have ever heard the term "Beach Boy Surfing", well now you know where the term originated right there on Waikiki Beach thanks to the "Beach Boys", and "Beach Boy Surfing" is yet another way of saying Stand Up Paddle Surfing. Eventually the art of Stand Up Paddle Boarding saw it’s popularity soar.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding was finally re-introduced to the world of water sports by none other than legendary surfers Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama. However, the Vietnam Veteran Rick Thomas was the first of the modern surfers that brought the sport of Stand Up Paddle surfing out of the Hawaiian islands and onto the waters of mainland USA. In 2000 California was introduced to the sport of Stand Up Paddle Surfing by Rick Thomas who used a Munoz board and a Leleo Kinimaka paddle and once the locals got a surfs eye view of this new way to ride a board they took the bait hook, line, and sinker.
Today there are several manufacturers who produce high quality Stand Up Paddle Boards. Some of these companies are Becker and King, Jerry Lopez, SUP ATX, and Ron Hall. Stand Up Paddle Board prices tend to range between $600.00 and $1500.00 dollars depending on the manufacturer and quality of the board. Stand Up Paddle Board sizes average from 9 feet up to 12 feet and sometimes even longer. Features such as concave hulls, padded decks, and surfboard type fins in either a 1-fin or a 3-fin configuration are standard on SUP’s. In 2008, the US Coast guard designated SUP’s as vessels.
There are some helpful common sense tips that people who are interested in learning Stand Up Paddle Boarding and even experienced stand Up Paddle Boarders should have learned these valuable tips as well. Of course, with newbies, you should always make sure that they have learned and listened to someone who actually knows what they are talking about, and that they understand what they are have learned and heard too. Let us look at the four most important tips that you should learn and understand as a newbie to the awesome sport of stand Up Paddle Surfing.
The first thing that any beginner surfer or paddle boarder should learn is surf etiquette, which is basically the rules by which all of us survive in the lineup. Of course, these rules really only apply to those who choose to paddle board in the ocean. Some things to learn regarding surf etiquette for example is "Do Not Drop In". This means do not cut in front of someone who started on the wave before you and is coming towards you. Doing this can get you hurt and the other guy too. Another one is Do Not Cut In Front of Another Rider. Taking cuts will make others in the lineup very mad at you.
Learn to paddle on flatwater before going out into a more active aquatic environment. This is very important regardless of whether or not you interested in learning on the ocean, or river, or lake. Learning to paddle means learn to paddle without a paddle and with a paddle. The reason you learn to paddle with your arms is in case you lose your paddle, or if you are paddling out into surf. Doing this in flat or calm water gives you the ability to learn this skill along with things like turning and stopping in a more safe environment that in an environment such as one that involves a strong current.
Wearing a leash is a good idea especially for a newbie paddle boarder or surfer until they get the hang of the sport and develop good swimming techniques and instinct for their surroundings. However, most experienced surfers and paddle boarders wear a leash anyway just to make sure that their boards do not get away and hurt both themselves and others around them. While being hit by a surfboard can really mess you up SUP boards are bigger, heavier, and more dangerous than a standard surfboard and can do more damage than a regular surfboard too.
This lat tip is just good advice and that advice is to find someone who knows the ropes and have them take you out for your first time. That person can show you how to find your own peak, and teach you how to be prepared for different conditions on the water. However, even this will not stop you from wiping out, because it is not a question of if you wipe out but when you wipe out. You will not be able to avoid the dreaded wipeout forever, because everyone wipes out eventually. If you take this advice then you will have a great time, and if you make a mistake apologize for it and move on.
Sup Stand Up Paddle Boards SUP ATX 2
Creating the Best Quality Stand Up Paddleboard Board is what SUP ATX is all about and they will not curt corners or compromise on the quality of any Stand Up Paddleboard that bears their name either. Perhaps the best way for SUP ATX to go about that ethos was to pursue and gain their partnership with Becker Surfboards, which SUP ATX ultimately achieved. The result of this partnership is that the manufacturing of SUP ATX boards is done in the very same factory by the excellent craftsmen that have manufactured other previously top selling SUP boards.
Optimization of Stand Up Paddle Board Shape is a very important mission for the folks at SUP ATX. SUP ATX desires to create Stand Up Paddle Boards that give users the maximum benefits possible whether they are on the ocean, on a lake, or on a river. One of the first things that SUP ATX did was to purchase 20 SUP boards from different makers such as Jerry Lopez, Ron House, and Becker and King. The boards purchased were a variety of shapes and sizes and were tested extensively in all types of conditions. The results of their efforts are the quality boards that bear the SUP ATX name today.
Making accessories standard equipment is part of the overall philosophy for SUP ATX. SUP ATX is not just looking to make one or two accessories standard, but everything from fins and handles to vent plugs and traction pads as well. The reasoning behind this SUP ATX philosophy is that what other brands consider accessories SUP ATX considers them necessities. The ultimate goal of SUP ATX is 100 percent customer satisfaction from the factory, to the store, and ultimately to the water where it really counts. This philosophy is the standard under which every SUP ATX board is built and sold.
SUP ATX Believes that their Stand Up Paddle Boards should also be designed for ease of both portability and storage, and they are all designed with those two things in mind too. There are many challenges to in transporting, managing, and storing Stand Up Paddle Boards and all of these things were given serious consideration by the SUP ATX designers. As a result many things were designed and incorporated into SUP ATX boards such as integrated handles on the boards. Still other things were manufactured to use specifically with SUP boards like Car racks, mules, for transport as well as storage racks.
Perhaps the best goal for SUP ATX to try to achieve is for them to able to put a Stand Up Paddle Board on the market that is comparable to other high quality top named brands, but at half the price if not less. However, Stand Up Paddle Boards are inherently expensive because of high quality materials and the skilled craftsmen that are necessary to build them. Fortunately, SUP ATX is able to circumvent many other expenses related to the pricing for SUP boards by handling some things that would otherwise drive up the prices such as marketing, sales, and distribution.
Cosy Corner – Torquay – Victoria - Google Maps link If your lost contact Tim Forbes (Zak Surfboards): 0402 366 592
Due to the demand for SUP product, Zak Surfboards in conjunction with Walk On Water will be holding a SUP (Stand Up and Paddle) demonstration day highlighting the Simon Anderson and Luke Short designs. The demonstration is for beginners, the curious and those that are looking to upgrade.
Leave your name with Tim on the day to recieve a 10% discount on all Walk On Water package (Redeemed at Zak Surfboards). Contact us for further information and quotes and look forward to seeing you there.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding or Paddle Surfing as it is also known is riding a wave of popularity amongst surfers and newbie enthusiasts alike. The ancient art of stand up paddle surfing originated in the Hawaiian Islands and is an important part of the island chains proud Polynesian heritage. Since the introduction of this sport to the mainland in the year 2000 there has been an explosion of paddle surfers and demand for high quality paddleboards and paddle board accessories has also soared. Due to these demands design and development of quality inflatable paddleboards has also emerged on the scene.
Inflatable paddleboards are part of the natural evolution of paddleboards and paddle boarding due to the need to offer Stand Up Paddle Boarders a better selection of boards and gear from which to choose. The more options that paddle boarders have to choose from the more likely they are to find the right boards and gear that works best for them. While there are no traditional, inflatable surfboards on the market or many traditional surfers if any that would use them, they definitely have a place in the sport of Stand Up Paddle Boarding and there are great benefits to using them too.
One of the great advantages of using an inflatable paddleboard is the ease with which it can be stored. Storage of an inflatable paddleboard is much easier than a storing a conventional paddle board, because it requires less space to store it in. All you have to do is deflate your inflatable board after it has had the salt washed off and it has dried. Once it is deflated, you can then roll up the inflatable paddleboard. The inflatable paddleboard becomes a compact roll that is about 2 ½ to 3 feet by about 9 inches. Once the inflatable paddleboard is rolled up, you can then place it in its storage bag and put it in the closet.
Another great benefit of owning and using an inflatable paddleboard is that it is much safer to use than a rigid paddleboard. That does not mean that an inflatable paddleboard cannot hurt you, it just means that serious injury is a lot less likely than the alternative, which is the use of a rigid or hard paddleboard. An inflatable paddleboard weighs less, is softer than a traditional paddleboard, and that includes the edges of the inflatable too. If you are hit by an inflatable paddleboard or if your inflatable hits someone the injury will be a lot les severe. However, the fins on either type can hurt you or someone else.
The plain truth of the matter is that an inflatable paddleboard is an excellent piece of equipment to own and use on the water whether you are going to be on the ocean, on a lake, or on a river. They do not damage easily either and are easy to repair barring a catastrophic event that completely compromises the board. Inflatable paddleboards can be inflated to a recommended 10 psi in about 2 minutes or so with a portable small electric air pump. Inflatable paddleboards come in both 11 and twelve foot configurations, which are standard size boards for Stand Up Paddle Boarding.
When it comes to finding the best surfing spot, most people will think of none other than Bells Beach Australia. Bells Beach is most famous for the world renowned Easter Surfing Classic where riders of all standards are able to join in the fun and excitement. You can try your hand at wave sailing, SUP, and kite surfing. This beach first became popular for surfing back in 1949 by 3 men named Vic Tantau, Owen Yateman and Peter Troy.
As the beach developed and allowed access for the public to get to it, surfing contests started popping up this brought in more visitors. The very first surfing contest was in January 1962 which was started up by Peter and Vic but it didn’t get completed until Easter which is why Bells Beach Australia became famous for the Easter Surfing Classic. When it comes to long running events, this event is the longest running in Australia as well as the world which is due to the wondrous swells that form in the water.
Bells Beach Australia has plenty for people to see and do in addition to the excellent beach that people come to bask in during the warm months. The Easter Festival offers so much for the entire family to do that you will find that you just never seem to have enough time for your vacation. The Bay is really small but is sits in between two headlands which create the perfect setting for perfect surfing conditions.
As more and more surfers started coming to the area, it looked as if Bells beach was consistently producing world class surfers. This was drawing the attention of many professionals in the surfing world and Bells Beach soon became the permanent home for the Easter festival and the Easter Surfing Classic. The Easter Surfing classic can be found near Torquay which lies in Victoria on the southern coast.
If surfing is not your thing then you may want to take in the beautiful sites of Australia around Bells Beach on a cycling tour. Some people prefer to rent their own bicycle so that they can leisurely see the sites. You can even hire transportation via a bicycle to take you along Torquay as well as Bells Beach or you can relax and enjoy a stroll along the great ocean road.
The Easter Surfing Classic later changed names to the Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival and it is still known today as being the longest running surfing competition where people come from all over the world to either watch the surfers or to give it a try to see just how well they can stand on a surfboard. Whether you are a pro or you are just taking your first lesson, there is something for everyone to do at Bells Beach Island in Victoria Australia.
Knowing how to catch a wave is the what the end result of all of the learning and practice brings you to. The steps that you will take in order to catch a wave are pretty much set in stone and there really is no other way to accomplish the task other than in the order in which every surfer has to follow so that they can get the ride. Of course every experienced surfer already knows how to catch a wave so we are basically going to be addressing the newbies. Before we get started make sure you have a surfboard, and mini-mal surfboards are a good choice for beginners.
Step one for catching a wave is paddling out into the surf. Walk yourselves and your mini-mal surfboards out into the surf until you are deep enough to lay on the board without bottoming out. When paddling out make sure that you paddle to the right side of the surfers and more towards the area where they are not waiting for waves. Paddling into the surf zone and in front of those catching waves is inherently dangerous for you and will be an annoyance to the other surfers. On the way out make sure to duck-dive the waves and make sure that you do not let go of your surfboard because that is dangerous too.
Step two for catching a wave is to get into the lineup with the other surfers for catching a wave. Make sure that you straddle your mini-mal surfboards at or about the middle of the surfboard for maximum balance while waiting for your turn to catch a wave. Here is where what surfer has the right of way comes into play and the rule of thumb is that the surfer closest to the peak of the wave has the right of way or the surfer to your left. The only exception to this rule is if the break is a left hand break, then it is the surfer to your right who has the right of way. Do not drop in on the surfer with the right of way.
Step three for catching a wave is once it is your turn to catch a wave start your move. Make sure to start paddling your mini-mal surfboards a little bit before the wave starts to break over you. Make sure to check to your left and right just to make sure that no one is taking off to your left or attempting to drop in on top of you as you catch the lip of the wave and start your ride. Another good reason for checking to your left and right is so that you can avoid an accident if you see it coming and keep from getting hurt seriously or hurting someone else even the idiot that drops in on you, because fingash and board smash really does hurt.
Step four for catching a wave is to stand up on the board. Once you start moving down the face of the wave on your mini-mal surfboards you have to stand up on the surfboard. In order to stand up on the surfboard you have to pop up and place both feet on the surface of the surfboard at the same time or you will wipe out. Once you are up and standing on your surfboard, you will then ascend into the pit or bottom of the wave and then make your cut to the left or right depending on which way the wave is breaking. At this point you can then do your moves down the face of the wave as you desire and that is how you catch a wave.
