How do you SUP?

[Dwight (DW)]

What I'm asking is, do you prefer to paddle one break, or do you prefer to explore and surf many breaks during your session?

Just curious if others think like me.

There are two main posse's of SUPers on the island where I live. One gang surfs the same break, circling for hours in the same lineup.

My posse usually does 2 miles coastal runs, surfing the 5 or 6 breaks along each route. We have several routes we run depending on the mood.

For me personally, the adventure of a 2 mile session, combined with the likelyhood of scoring some magic waves along the way, is what makes SUP so special compared to prone surfing, where you are so limited.

Yesterday was a perfect example of why a 2 mile adventure pays off. At 7:30 AM I get a text message asking what the surf looks like. I respond glassy and 2 feet. The texting person responds, doesn't sound fun, I'll pass today. The rest of the posse arrives and we begin our journey. During the run we encounter some wonderful perfectly formed SUP waves. The type you can ride forever without closing out. At about the 1 1/2 mile point on our trip I scored this perfect wave. Fellow zoner CB1 captured this photo of me. The best photo anyone ever took of me. Thanks CB1 

PS, if you're wondering why only 2 miles, its because we're not racing, we're surfing everything along the way. It takes anywhere from one to two hours to make the run depending on waves and wind.

[motopilot]

I like to do both myself and that's what I like about SUP.  Can be in one spot but can always move to another.  DW, are you located up in Myrtle Beach area?   FLew in there yesterday afternoon and saw some great waves along the coast.  Also saw the pier which I think I usually see your photos from.  Saw lots of great waves there.

[Dwight (DW)]

DW, are you located up in Myrtle Beach area?   

Nope, wrong state. I'm in North Carolina.

[Tree]

All Alone! This morning was epic! Thanks to all you mothers!  Nothing beats stand up barrels on a stand up board!

[stoneaxe]

Great shot...I'm jealous of you guys that have folks you get out with commonly. I need to travel to hook up with buds.

Same here DW. On smaller days I usually paddle 3/4's the length of Plymouth beach (2 miles) catching all the way and then head out to the outer shoal. Then paddle back to my favorite nearer shore break for sunset to finish the day.

A lot depends on tides here. The nearer shore breaks only really work if its real big or, if its small, at mid to low tide. If its high tide I paddle straight out to the outer shoal since it works at any tide. Standup gives me a huge area to play in so I rarely stay put. Yesterday was an exception....biggest day so far that I've seen so staying put was an easy decision. Paddling any distance was tough too. Of course it helps that the lineup is ME.

[linter]

nice shot, dw.  i notice you have your leash on your front foot.  are you going switch foot there?

[Dwight (DW)]

nice shot, dw.  i notice you have your leash on your front foot.  are you going switch foot there?

No, I'm regular foot. I wear the leash on that leg because my hip is sore on the other leg.

[Byronmaui]

Dawn Patrol uncrowded waves. Will look for a junk uncrowded wave if all the good waves are crowded.

Aloha

Byron

[gjbstandup]

   We tend to paddle several beach breaks here. Some several yards away and others miles up and down the beach. We also have offshore shoals that come alive during certain tides, swell and weather conditions.   No waves, no problem. We flat water paddle the inshore waters of marshes, creeks, bays and sounds. Stand Up opens the door for exploration in any body of water. .  When the wind is up we do down-winders for several miles.. That is the splender of Stand Up Paddle Surfing here in Southern, South Carolina..  Our County consists of 60% water.  Its a SUP playground and our little peice of heaven...