Author Topic: Sup surfing growth stagnant?  (Read 18384 times)

PonoBill

  • Cortez Bank Status
  • *****
  • Posts: 25864
    • View Profile
Re: Sup surfing growth stagnant?
« Reply #30 on: June 13, 2010, 03:59:40 PM »
I did the Wanda Fuca race yesterday. It was mostly a kayak deal though they had quite a few very fast Surfski and OC paddlers. I was amazed at how interested those folks are in SUP. One of the raffle prizes was SUP lessons, and people were REALLY interested in winning them. I was more than a little surprised. Numerous people told me how excited they were about SUP growth, and that they were looking at race boards. I think Beau Whitehead could have sold his board on the beach after he came in first in the SUP race ahead of most of the Kayaks.

If I were trying to sell SUP boards I know where I'd be concentrating my efforts.
Foote 10'4X34", SIC 17.5 V1 hollow and an EPS one in Hood River. Foote 9'0" x 31", L41 8'8", 18' Speedboard, etc. etc.

PonoBill

  • Cortez Bank Status
  • *****
  • Posts: 25864
    • View Profile
Re: Sup surfing growth stagnant?
« Reply #31 on: June 14, 2010, 02:44:02 PM »
Clearly you've never set foot on a Stand Up board. Give it a try in some real waves, and then slither on back and let us know how it went.
Foote 10'4X34", SIC 17.5 V1 hollow and an EPS one in Hood River. Foote 9'0" x 31", L41 8'8", 18' Speedboard, etc. etc.

Bald Brother

  • Malibu Status
  • **
  • Posts: 92
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: Sup surfing growth stagnant?
« Reply #32 on: June 14, 2010, 02:51:26 PM »
Let's be elementary:

Like kayaking in that paddle in hand.

Like surfing in that feet stand on board.

With SUP there is not one without the other.

Try and keep up.

RecSuppa

  • Malibu Status
  • **
  • Posts: 91
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: Sup surfing growth stagnant?
« Reply #33 on: June 15, 2010, 09:18:49 AM »
That's interesting. Yes, we have to use a paddle to SUP, which may lead to the impression that it's closer to kayaking than surfing.

Still, most people doing it (or getting into it) come from a surfing background. Also, there are people living far from the sea that always wanted to be able to surf, and now are getting into SUP, so they can actually do it in river rapids and small lake waves all around the globe. And now there's also flat water SUP, races, fitness training, many other ways to SUP, and these variations make not only kayakers and canoe paddlers, but also triathletes, football players, movie stars and almost everybody else more and more interested in SUP.

So considering SUP was originally meant to be done in the ocean, where there are waves to deal with, and that we have to stand up on a board (not on a vessel), keeping our balance and gliding on water's surface, seems to me it's not only closer to surf, but actually another kind of surf sport, just ike body boarding or tow surfing. The fact that we also use a paddle to do it doesn't really makes it closer to kayaking.

eeck62

  • Malibu Status
  • **
  • Posts: 89
    • View Profile
Re: Sup surfing growth stagnant?
« Reply #34 on: June 15, 2010, 01:16:01 PM »
Ok, the kayaking comment made me have to write something.  I actually never really like kayaking, it was always pure torture to have to go with my girlfriend or take some out of town visitors.

What SUP is like, my thoughts; I have never thought of SUP being like kayaking, it just didn't cross my mind.  I started out windsurfing, got into surfing, kiting, and towsurfing.  There are times when SUP feels like windsurfing in waves as you have the paddle, like the boom, to hold on to, make your turns more powerful, and give you speed.  I also get the feeling of windsurfing, kiting, or tow-in from SUP as you are standing up already, you can see the waves coming, get in early, and enter the wave faster than you could laying down.  I think it crosses many disciplines and brings some of it's own uniqueness, either way it is another toy to enjoy the water with.

Thoughts on why people say it is gay; for the hard core surf crowd I think that if you blow it on a SUP board in waves with good surfers around you look like the biggest kook, way worse than if you were prone surfing, not worth the risk in some circles.
Me:  6'1" x 180
Board(S): Axis foils: HPS 980, BSC 740, 810, ART 899, 999
Jimmy Lewis Wing Board 4’10” x 23 x 71L
Rawson 7’8” x 26”
Jimmy Lewis Stun Gun 8'2" x 28.3/4 x 99L
Naish Hokua 8'5" x 28 x 115L

Linus

  • Rincon Status
  • ***
  • Posts: 201
  • www.coreban.com
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: Sup surfing growth stagnant?
« Reply #35 on: June 15, 2010, 04:32:37 PM »
This is a fascinating thread.  Thanks admin for the graphs and charts.

Here's my theory:

I first saw SUPing in Hawaii 4 years ago...there were a few people SUping and now in 2010 it's HUGE over there.  Hawaii experienced and exceptional amount of growth in SUPing very quickly.  But Hawaii is a waterman's culture (and waterwomen ;-)  From outrigger to kiting to windsurfing to diving etc. etc. etc.  there is an appreciation for all things "water" and there is a value placed on someone that is accomplished in multiple water sports.  So....it's not surprising that the Islands have largely embraced the sport (and more and more of my friends in Hawaii are shifting from being anti sup to loving it, ha)

Okay...stay with me here....

Now, I believe that Hawaii was a trendsetter in SUP and from there it moved west to California...and from there it's moving to the rest of the U.S. 
So...here's my take on California (now I'm a Californian, so, all you Californian's don't get offended if I say anything controversial - I love my state...except for our massive debt ;-)

California is home to most of the surf industry and surf media.  It's pretty surf centric because it doesn't have the crystal clear water for diving, or the warm water for snorkeling.  It's pretty cold for most of the year - for most of the winter i'm wearing my full suit if I'm surfing.  There isn't the consistent trade winds that Hawaii offers (which made it the mecca for windsports).  So, again....we are back to the primary ocean sport being surfing.  Think about it...what is the primary ocean sport in California?  It's surfing.  Most people didn't grow up doing outrigger, or spear fishing, or kiting...it's surfing.

So, my assumption is that there is a slower acceptance of stand up paddling.  It will come.  But it's slow - because I believe it's hesitant to accept what is new....it's not used to having a lot of other sports share the ocean like Hawaii is.  I think there is a mindset that surfing is "it" and that no other boardsport is as cool or is as fun.  I'm seeing a lot of my friends that I grew up with beginning to try SUPing and really like it.  So, yes, it's growing - slowly but surely.  And the more it grows in California the more we see the trickle effect to the rest of the states.

That's my theory.  So, I'd love to hear any critique or imput!!!!  Let me know what you think!




paddleoz

  • Waikiki Status
  • *
  • Posts: 26
    • View Profile
Re: Sup surfing growth stagnant?
« Reply #36 on: June 15, 2010, 08:39:30 PM »
In my part of Australia it seems that more and more sup surfers are getting into the racing/downwind thing and spending less time in the surf (good thing I reckon).  I believe a lot of people got into sup and after they mastered the basics they wanted more than a casual river paddle and so, went into the surf, but maybe the surf wasn't the challenge they wanted from sup, and because many were non-surfers they looked for other challenges with sup and they discovered the racing side of the sport and are pursuing that more.  I personally avoid crowds at all cost when out on my sup so I suppose I may not be completely up to date with the actual numbers sup surfing the busy spots but I must admit that when out on my longboard I am tending to see less and less sups surfing - especially when its on.

PonoBill

  • Cortez Bank Status
  • *****
  • Posts: 25864
    • View Profile
Re: Sup surfing growth stagnant?
« Reply #37 on: June 15, 2010, 09:14:25 PM »
Interesting take Linus, and I think there's a lot to what you say. I've also noticed that California surfing is mostly a shorebreak thing. I know there's other stuff, but by and large the breaks are a short paddle out, and there's no outer reef, so it's not as easy to spread out. SUP boards don't present a big advantage in getting to the bigger waves that are a mile offshore.
Foote 10'4X34", SIC 17.5 V1 hollow and an EPS one in Hood River. Foote 9'0" x 31", L41 8'8", 18' Speedboard, etc. etc.

CMC

  • Sunset Status
  • ****
  • Posts: 263
    • View Profile
Re: Sup surfing growth stagnant?
« Reply #38 on: June 15, 2010, 09:18:39 PM »
In my part of Australia it seems that more and more sup surfers are getting into the racing/downwind thing and spending less time in the surf (good thing I reckon).  I believe a lot of people got into sup and after they mastered the basics they wanted more than a casual river paddle and so, went into the surf, but maybe the surf wasn't the challenge they wanted from sup, and because many were non-surfers they looked for other challenges with sup and they discovered the racing side of the sport and are pursuing that more.  I personally avoid crowds at all cost when out on my sup so I suppose I may not be completely up to date with the actual numbers sup surfing the busy spots but I must admit that when out on my longboard I am tending to see less and less sups surfing - especially when its on.

Same thing is happening here (Gold Coast).  Many of the SUP surf guys have moved over to DW paddling and racing etc and there are less SUP surfers than before.  However contrary to what you have said above about being from the non-surfing background it is the opposite.  Most of the guys started on shortboards, went to surf SUP and then discovered DW paddling.  When the waves are on they are back on shortboards, if there's no wind and small or fat riding Surf SUPs and if it's any kind of quality back on shortboards.  If it's windy look way offshore and we are surfing different waves.  Ocean ones.  It's so much fun if you havent tried it yet, you need to.

Linus

  • Rincon Status
  • ***
  • Posts: 201
  • www.coreban.com
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: Sup surfing growth stagnant?
« Reply #39 on: June 16, 2010, 02:12:18 PM »
Wow, it's really cool to hear what's going on in Australia! I've got to get out there!

I've done some downwinders in Maui and it's so much fun.  I admit that I made sure my leash was secure ;-)  Mostly when it's windy I'm on my kites, but I'm going to do DW more.


PonoBill

  • Cortez Bank Status
  • *****
  • Posts: 25864
    • View Profile
Re: Sup surfing growth stagnant?
« Reply #40 on: June 16, 2010, 04:43:09 PM »
My sails are dead to me. Really pathetic. Here I am in the windsurfing (and kiting) capital of the world and all I want to do is do downwinders.
Foote 10'4X34", SIC 17.5 V1 hollow and an EPS one in Hood River. Foote 9'0" x 31", L41 8'8", 18' Speedboard, etc. etc.

J-Bird

  • Sunset Status
  • ****
  • Posts: 373
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: Sup surfing growth stagnant?
« Reply #41 on: June 17, 2010, 07:00:06 AM »
Baldy, You need to get out on a SUP in the surf and in a kayak before you talk about how similar these two things are (because they aren't).  From your remarks its obvious you haven't.  Clueless.

paddledaddy

  • Peahi Status
  • *****
  • Posts: 512
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: Sup surfing growth stagnant?
« Reply #42 on: June 17, 2010, 07:36:52 AM »
I love this line Bill:
My sails are dead to me.

When "they" make the movie about the early days of SUP, I am going to recommend they cast you as the Godfather of SUP. I can see the trailer now: Giampaolo walks up to you in your jeep on the beach. He is holding a broken mast foot and wants to borow some gear. You look him in the eye and throw down a pile of windsurf gear replying "My sails are dead to me." Cut to a dank warehouse known as Ding King, looking over a bunch of carbon fiber molds you tell Mark Raaphorst, "Loose the gun build the F16." Cut to a Maliko run all the regulars are there on the same swell as the headline rolls up: "The SUPfather" opening this summer at a theatre near you.

StandUpVirgin

  • Malibu Status
  • **
  • Posts: 89
    • View Profile
Re: Sup surfing growth stagnant?
« Reply #43 on: June 17, 2010, 02:13:21 PM »
Paddledaddy, that's FUNNY!!!

I want to see The Supfather!

JeffBach

  • Rincon Status
  • ***
  • Posts: 193
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: Sup surfing growth stagnant?
« Reply #44 on: June 22, 2010, 07:31:52 AM »
From my perch here in the middle of the craton, it seems to me that growth is slowing. I think one easy metric to use is the amount of threads and replies done by people that have recently joined this forum. Not rock solid but a decent barometer. For me, using that metric, interest is definitely sliding.  Maybe Admin could divulge some info on the rate of new users signing up over the last year or so, although that is probably sensitive info.

I think that SUP's fast growth days were based on user enthusiasm in HI and the land of fruit and nuts. To a lesser extent eastern seaboard too.  imo, fast growth in the SUP world is finished because all of the people interested in starting to SUP have already done so in the prime coastal areas of HI and southern CA.  The big volume of people in small areas (HI and south CA) have already signed on, bought their gear and are established. What remains is a trickle of new people (relatively speaking) in HI and CA  AND the remaining 99% of the geography that the manufacturers have not quite figured out how to handle.

In my opinion, this "neglected" 99% is a huge problem, because ~250 million people are WIDELY dispersed across a few million square miles of inland.  This is much harder selling, requiring promotion, a sales force, a dealer network, and especially dealer education. 

I think that the SUP manufacturers are still quite smallish.  Hobie, Naish, and Star-board are all good people and the three biggest SUP-aware brands that come to my mind off-hand. At the end of the day if they have single employee outside of the Pacific time zones I would be (pleasantly) shocked.  So how do smallish players in a still smallish industry accustomed to high concentrations of enthusiasts in a small area adapt to this new style of selling?

They don't, or at least they haven't.  Not yet anyway. 

And so SUP growth begins to stagnate, because that easy first group of coastal dwelling saltie customers are already in and participating.  The next huge group of customers remains dispersed across a few gazillion miles of inland "coasts", aka lakes, mostly ignored by manufacturers still located in HI and CA.  The manufacturers are mostly at their limit and imo are not in a position to grow quickly inland. That leaves the inland potential SUP customers to figure things out on their own, which makes for a much slower adoption rate.  I wonder what happened to all the enthusiasm for SUP at last year's OR show in Salt Lake?

Gary Stone (paddleboardspecialists.com) is doing his thing pretty hard in Madison, WI area (my neck of the woods) and there is one company in Chicagoland doing a SUP rental thing (could not find them with a quick Google search though).  Other than that I see an inland full of customers with hardly anyone promoting, building interest, educating, introducing and then selling SUP.

my .02
Jeff Bach


 


SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2024, SimplePortal