Paddleboarders finish race at swing bridge

On Saturday, September 20, 2008 a field of 10 enthusiasts competed in the first annual Stand Up Paddleboard Race. The race, sponsored by On Shore Surf Shop, Honolua Surf Company, and C4 Waterman was in conjunction with the International Coastal Cleanup as organized by Lisa Grant, Administrator of Keep Onslow Beautiful. Keep Onslow Beautiful is a community improvement organization dedicated to creating responsible community environments. This year's race started at Morris Landing and continued down the Intracoastal Waterway to the Swing Bridge-an approximate distance of three miles.

First place in the Men's Division went to Chris Hill. Brad Jones finished second, Jon Frisch finished third and Gary Fowler finished fourth.

In the Women's Division, Jennifer Church took home first while Liz Sadler finished in second. Jason Cochley finished first in the Open Class race.

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is a relatively new sport based on an ancient tradition. Famed big wave rider Laird Hamilton has reintroduced it to the world of surfing. Stand Up Boards differ from traditional boards because they are thicker, wider and usually longer. This design allows the SUP surfer the ability to stand up the entire time using a paddle to maneuver through the waves. Traditional surfers are positioned prone on the board mobilizing along with their arms.

The diversity of the SUP boards allows surfers the ability to dip into almost any body of water including rivers, lakes, and the ocean. SUP boarders have ridden into famous big wave breaks such as Pipeline and Teahupoo and navigated whitewater of the Colorado River.

For those of us who cannot afford to have our bodies crushed and twisted by heavy waves can enjoy our adrenalin junkie workout on an SUP. It's particularly useful when the waves don't agree with our family and work schedules.

To learn more about SUP surfing or try out a SUP board, stop by On Shore Surf Shop at 490 Roland Ave in Surf City or call 910.328.2232.

You can learn more about Keep Onslow Beautiful by visiting www.co.onslow.nc.us/landfill/default.aspx

Guest author Kirsten Frisch contributed this article. Kirsten is a Webmaster and dog trainer. For more info go to www.gentlecanine.com or standup-paddleboard.ning.com