Thursday, December 30, 2010 - Blog on a Log

Four Water Craft Way Weirder Than a SUP Board

If you’ve been out of the loop this year, SUP boards are the newest paddling craze.  Described as a cross between surfing, kayaking, and Matthew McConaughey, Stand Up Paddling is taking off as a fun way to get a great paddling workout.

Mila and Rick try out SUP boards at Salt Lake Outdoor Retailer 2010

They may be growing in popularity, but SUP boards are sometimes still considered a little weird; depending on your locale, you may get a few questions—or at least a few looks—as you attempt to stand, balance, and paddle all at once.  Still, they're far from the strangest craft out there.  If you feel a little conspicuous, just think of some of the other strange "boats" that can be found paddling on the water:

Floating Chairs

File this one in the “actually a pretty awesome idea” category.  You’ve got your drink, you’re keeping cool…. add a paddle to navigate back to shore and what’s not to love?

Barges

Sometimes paddling is more about the destination than the journey.  I can’t imagine this driver was merely looking for a nice, relaxing cruise.  Someone should teach them solo paddling strokes – things might move faster.

Inflatable Castles

These three guys took the inflatable craft theory to a whole new level.  What it loses in maneuverability, it’s got to make up in post-paddling fun potential.  Heck, I’d stop mid-trip to take a bounce or two.

Pumpkins

It’s hard to believe there’s enough drive for pumpkin paddling to necessitate two separate yearly regattas, but that does seem to be the case.  In fact, a quick search turns up no shortage of these squash-y races.  In locations all over North America and Europe, competitors compete to navigate carved-out pumpkins though the water.  Of course, the first step is growing a pumpkin large enough to hold a paddler.

So if you’re hesitant to try out this weird-looking new sport, don’t be.  There's lots of people out there looking way more ridiculous than you.  Plus, it might be the most fun you can have out on the water (short of a floating bouncy castle, that is).