* Stand Up Paddling (SUP) is the fastest growing outdoor sport * The first comprehensive guidebook to how to SUP at all levels * SUP appeals to everyone, from fitness enthusiasts to paddlers looking for a new challenge Hawaiians were stand up paddle surfing (known as SUP) in the '50s and '60s, but the sport was first seen on the U.S. mainland in the early 2000s, when surfers Laird Hamilton and Rick Thomas brought it to California. Now you see SUP popping up everywhere; it's ranked as the fastest growing sport in the U.S. by the Outdoor Industry Association. Longtime stand up paddler and instructor Rob Casey has authored the first and only comprehensive guide to the sport. From choosing the right gear to stroke techniques (j-stroke, Tahitian, sculling brace) and fitness advice, Rob will have you stand up paddling in no time. Specific chapters focus on flat-water paddling, paddle surfing, and river paddling to show you exactly what you need to take your SUP skills and knowledge to a specific environment. Whether you want to learn about fitness or expedition planning in flat water, how to forecast waves and current for surfing, or how to use river eddies to your advantage -- it's all here in this easy-to-reference guidebook from a SUP expert. If you want to know more about Stand Up Paddling author Rob Casey be sure to check out his amazing photography , and for more frequent updates from our SUP paddling guru be sure to check out his blog , Facebook page , Twitter account , or even his YouTube page! "You will learn about fitness, expedition planning, surfing and how to use river eddies to your advantage--it's all here." -Jim Miller, Werner Paddles. "Whether you're interested in boarding at home or while vagabonding, Stand Up Paddling can help you get set up the right way to enjoy the water." - Rolf Potts, Vagablogging. I wrote this book to offer readers an easy to use guide to learn stand up paddling.  When I started paddling SUPs in 2007, there was no instruction available in my area and few friends had any idea how paddle the boards.  As stated in my book, my first experience was on a tippy board too narrow for my 6'-5" frame, so I couldn't stand up, and even thought it wasn't for me.  In time, I was able to try wider more stable board and immediately stood up and was hooked.  It's fun to know that with one SUP board, you can run a river, do an overnight trip, go surfing, catch a few fish, race, spin in circles in a whirlpool of a tidal rapid, paddle casually on flat water, and even surf thousands of miles from the ocean.  With a background in sea and surf kayaking, I quickly adapted many kayak strokes such as sweep strokes, the stern/tail, bow/nose rudder, and the use of edging to turn the board.  I've had fun since learning to master new skills such as the pivot turn and the cross bow turn for quick directional control.  Since my first day on the water, the SUP community in my area has grown considerably with year round races, surfing contests, and I've met many new friends.  Every day I get on the water, I learn a new skill or see a fresh perspective.  I hope this book is useful and you find your own stoke as I did.   Dressed in wet suits, board shorts, or bikinis, stand up paddlers glide through wetlands like kayakers and ride waves like surfers. Stand up paddling, or 'SUP', is one of the fastest growing sports in North America, offering a range of challenges from mellow lake paddling to running Class IV rapids. It's also a signficant workout, strengthening the core as well as legs, and arms. Strap gear to a SUP board for longer adventures or bring your dog along!It sound fun but how do you get started and keep from falling off? How do you propel yourself forward? And what about those waves? Happily, expert paddler Rob Casey has the answers. Writing in a friendly and encouraging style, Casey covers everything from selecting equipment, packing your PFD, and standing up on your board, to holding your paddle for maximum efficiency and using ocean or river currents to your advantage. He even includes pointers from professional SUP racers. Whether you're new to the sport or are looking to hone your skills and take it to the next level, you will find the information you need in this guide. Pacific Northwest photographer Rob Casey's photographs have been published in a variety of media, including National Geographic Adventure and Men's Journal, among others. His paddling articles have been published in Canoe Kayak, SUP Magazine and Women's Adventure.He's the owner of Salmon Bay Paddle, a stand up paddling and sea kayak instruction and guide business in Seattle.  Rob is also the founder of the Northwest's only surf kayak festival, the Hobuck Hoedown.  He lives in Seattle, WA. Author: Rob Casey ISBN#: 978-1-59485-253-4 Publication Date: Mar 8, 2011 Publisher: Mountaineers Books Recommended Use: casual, paddle