Stand up paddle boarding (or “SUP,” in industry lingo) is increasingly popular around the world. The sport, which involves a large, stable board and a single-blade paddle, originated in Hawaii. Paddlers may race, though most casual participants simply laze about on flat rivers, large lakes and calm sections of ocean.
Stand up paddle boarding exploded around 2007, when the first company opened a shop in Santa Barbara, Calif. There are now stand up paddle boarding companies around the world, with some even offering SUP yoga classes — the act of balancing on a board in water while doing yoga offers an additional balancing challenge.
Stand up paddle boarding affords a unique way for travelers to take in a location. Few travelers can explore the nooks and crannies of a coastal city’s waterways. It’s also incredibly relaxing, because unless you’re racing, you’re probably not going anywhere fast. SUP is also a moderate workout if you’re not used to paddle sports, so you’ll burn a few calories in the process.
SUP can be found in places like Chicago, New Orleans, Seattle, Aruba, Key West, Lake Tahoe and countless other locations. To learn the basic technique of stand up paddling, REI has a useful video and article tutorial.
Read This Next
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedNorth America
Sep 8, 2026New Upscale Italian Restaurant and Bar Opens in NYC’s West Village
Last month, New York City’s West Village welcomed a new restaurant and bar with some seriously promising dishes and drinks. Floradora is the newest concept from Cody Pruitt and Jacob Cohen, the team also behind Libertine, Chateau Royale and Capitaine.
Sponsored Content
A New Rhythm of Work in Seoul
SEOUL REDEFINES THE FUTURE OF WORKATION by seamlessly integrating business, leisure and culture across the city. From the established MICE hub of Magok to the creative energy and scenic lifestyle along the Han River, it offers a dynamic ecosystem where productivity and relaxation naturally coexist — positioning Seoul as a global destination for a new way of working and living.
Destinations / North America
Sep 7, 20265 Unique Glamping Getaways to Take Across the South This Autumn
Did you know glamping accounted for 29 percent of all camping experiences in 2025? The elevated camping experience lets you both enjoy the great outdoors with some comforts you don’t get from just sleeping in a tent.
Asia
Sep 7, 2026Canopy Opens First Hotel in Southeast Asia
Hilton’s Canopy brand made its debut in Southeast Asia. New Canopy Bangkok Sukhumvit opened last month.
Sponsored Content
The Province That Surrounds Seoul — And Outshines It
Skip the Seoul Crowds. The Real Korea is in Gyeonggi.
Hotel
Sep 7, 2026Crowne Plaza Opens New Flagship Hotel in the Heart of Manhattan
A new hotel is on the radar for Midtown Manhattan, marking an important milestone.
ShareThis