The History of Stand Up Paddle: From Hawaii to the Floripa Craze
- Adventure in Floripa
- Jan 2
- 3 min read
Stand Up Paddle, or simply SUP, has become a global craze due to its simplicity: a board, a paddle, and nature. In Florianópolis, it's no different, being one of the most sought-after water activities in calm seas and lagoons. But unlike what many think, SUP is not a recent invention. Its origin is ancient and fascinating!
In this article, Adventure in Floripa takes you on a journey through time to discover the ancestral origin and modern rise of SUP, the sport that changed the way we explore the waters.
Ancestral Roots: Paddling Standing Up for Over 3,000 Years
The practice of navigating a vessel with the aid of a paddle, while standing, did not originate in the 20th century.
Evidence shows that ancient peoples and cultures, such as the Egyptians, Mayans, and Polynesians, used primitive concepts of paddle boards over 3,000 years ago. These vessels did not have a recreational purpose but served as a means of transport, working tools (especially for fishermen), and even for moving between islands.
What we know today as SUP is, therefore, a modern resurrection of a millenary human tradition.
The Modern Birthplace: The Contribution of Hawaii's "Beach Boys"
The modern history of SUP, which transformed it into a sport, is directly linked to the surfing culture in Hawaii.
1940s: The modality re-emerged on Waikiki Beach, the world cradle of surfing.
The Beach Boys: Surfing instructors, known as the Beach Boys, began using long boards and paddles (often improvised bamboo rods) to accompany students during lessons. Paddling while standing offered better visibility to observe the waves and take photos of the students.
The practice continued improvised for some years until Hawaiian John Zapotocky began developing more suitable equipment, being considered the oldest person to practice the modality.
The Global Ascent: From Surf Legend to Sport
The great popularization and the definitive transformation of SUP into a sport occurred in the 90s, with the figure of Laird Hamilton, one of the world's greatest surfers.
Sport and Training: Hamilton and other Hawaiian surfers began incorporating SUP into their training and crossings.
New Equipment: The use of more modern equipment allowed for the execution of more radical maneuvers and the development of various modalities.
From the 2000s onwards, SUP spread globally due to its versatility and accessibility.
SUP in Brazil and Florianópolis
The Stand Up Paddle craze reached Brazil around 2005.
Pioneering: One of the great pioneers in the dissemination and production of boards in the country was Felipe Mendes, who brought examples from Hawaii in the 2000s and started national manufacturing.
Popularity: Due to the vast coastline and the large amount of calm waters (rivers, lakes, lagoons), the sport multiplied rapidly.
Organization: The Brazilian Stand Up Paddle Confederation (CBSUP) was created in 2009 to organize the sport and national competitions.
In Florianópolis, SUP fits perfectly into the active lifestyle, offering a complete activity that provides physical and mental well-being, in addition to an unparalleled connection with nature. Places like Lagoa do Peri and the North of the Island are perfect for paddling, whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner.
Live this History: Your Paddle Starts Here
The evolution of Stand Up Paddle, from a millenary tradition to a modern sport, shows that the connection between humans and water is timeless.
In Florianópolis, you can be part of this history. SUP is the perfect way to combine physical exercise and mental well-being, allowing you to explore the tranquility of places like Lagoa do Peri and the protected waters of Canasvieiras.
Ready to grab your board?
Move. Connect!
Experience Floripa with us.
Comments