School’s (almost) out, and summer vacation is about to begin. As a beach community, it’s a no-brainer that everyone will be hitting up the beach at some point. So why not try something a little new this summer, like stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP.

SUP came from Hawaii as a derivative of surfing. Paddleboarders go out throughout the year, accommodating for the weather with different wetsuits. Junior Caity DeCara goes out throughout the year, commenting, “I paddleboard three to four times a week now after school, and in the winter I go once a week.”

SUP can be done in both the bay and the ocean, though it’s best in the bay for beginners due to the lack of waves.

SUP is great for everyone as both a workout and a fun activity. For those who think it’s fun, it’s definitely worth a try. Junior Katherine Klima advises, “If you’re going to try SUP, you’re gonna need good balance.” DeCara also advises beginners who may be frustrated at the lack of instant results, “Don’t give up, keep trying. Start on your knees and work your way up to standing.” Once getting the knack of it, one may try Yoga SUP.

Beginners and people wishing to try SUP should look into the different type of boards there are. There’s fiberglass, foam, and even blow-up boards. For someone trying out SUP, it’s a better idea to buy either a foam or blow-up. Someone with more experience and who finds SUP fun should considering investing in a fiberglass board.

For those competitive paddleboarders, there are local races. On July 18th at Peconic Bay, Riverhead, different races will be held from two miles for the novice to 12 miles for the extreme paddleboarder. More information can be found at paddlebattleli.com.

SUP is great for everyone, and with the summer season coming up it’s great idea to try it out. It’s a fun way to stay active over the summer vacation.