How small are the Pro's actually riding?

[Surfershane]

I thought a rule that you have to be standing up padding when you catch a wave would be an absolute given?  Even at a club comp I would not bother scoring someone who took off prone.

Oh, I have nothing against smaller SUPs when the riders are showing good use of the paddle as most successful pros should and often do.  Call me a purist if you like, but I feel SUP is a paddle sport. This is exactly what differentiates it from normal surfing?

[jdmotes]

 I thought it's call "STAND-UP PADDLE SURFING"... If your not STANDING (except for a rest or talking to your prone-buds) then your not STAND-UP PADDLE SURFING! Seems pretty simple to me...     Paddle on,    JD

[Strand Leper]

I ride some pretty low volume boards. I am not a small fellow.  I occasionally prone paddle, like when I am getting hammered on the inside, for example... Or when taking a rest and getting my bearings in an unfamiliar spot.  That is it. IMHO, any more than that and you are defeating the purpose.

However, to each his own.

SL

[14 West]

I was addressing the (sarcastic) concerns that people would take off prone and carry fake paddles.