Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Playa Hermosa

Stand up paddle boarding, or SUP riding, is becoming more and more popular. Not just in the U.S., but here in Playa hermosa, Costa Rica, surfers are taking to the stand up position vs. the prone riding experience, to get a different kind of wave.

SUP is not easy. It usually takes a few sessions to get the hang of standing up. Here in the Central Pacific of Costa Rica, it's even more difficult, since the waves can be larger in Playa Hermosa and Jaco Beach, than other areas of the country. The waves are steeper, more critical, and require more skill.

Lots of surfers like to surf in front of Backyard hotel, Marea Brava hotel, or the other places on the main strip in Playa Hermosa. Stand up boarders typically paddle out to the waves with their feet facing forward, shoulder width apart. Riding a wave, a surfer assumes the regular position, either goofy foot or regular foot. Since the boards are usually longer, a person needs to position themselves closer to the rail to ride the wave. The ease of catching waves however is enhanced, and overall SUP surfing allows a rider to catch more waves, per session.. and that's pretty cool!