A new watersport is taking off in New Zealand, one that will have you fighting fit. Kirsten Warner checks out stand-up paddling.
Last weekend, Mark Houghton stand-up paddled from Devonport to Waiheke - three hours of whooping it up in front of a big tailwind, catching waves with a pod of dolphins.
Standing up on what looks like an over-sized high-tech surfboard, Mark uses a lightweight paddle to glide over the water.
"It was fabulous fun," he says. "Catching down-winders is the real fun of the sport. In Maui you get the tradewinds that come down the coast every day in summer, which makes it the perfect playground for stand-up paddling. We've got a fantastic harbour in Auckland where on any day you can find a downwind course, as long as you're able to get someone to pick you up at the other end."
Paddlers will tell you it's the fastest-growing sport in the world. Stand-up paddling is already big overseas, especially in the United States and Hawaii, where the big boards originate.
Here the sport is about five years old and getting organised, although it's no surprise that New Zealanders are already competing close to the top at world level.
Houghton and one of the sport's national helmsmen, Jeremy Stephenson, competed at the Battle of the Paddle in June at Waikiki Beach, Hawaii. Houghton won his division. Stephenson showed he is competitive with the sport's best, finishing in the top 20 in his Elite class race. Stephenson probably ranks in the world's top 10 paddlers - in July he came fifth in his class at the Molokai world SUP champs.
Last week former Aucklander Annabel Anderson finished second in two world cup events in Germany.
A triathlete, ironman and surfer, Houghton started stand-up paddling so he could get out on the water when there were no waves to surf. Now both he and his wife Rose, who live 100m from Takapuna Beach, are out on their boards most days.
A beginner, however, should start on a sheltered stretch of flat water when there's no wind. Unlike Houghton, most of us will be looking for leisure, fun, fitness and maybe some organised events, at least to begin with.
Constantly stabilising while propelling yourself forward, paddling is great cross-training and described as the ultimate out-of-gym workout. It's such fun - as close to walking on water as most of us will get - that you won't realise you're using just about every muscle.
"When you get into it and can go long distances it can actually end up being an endurance sport," says Houghton. "Plus it doesn't hurt your back, there are no twisting movements like in a kayak, and it's low-impact."
The Summer Series events every Tuesday night through summer at Takapuna Beach from November will be a good place to start. Turn up an hour early and take advantage of the experts like Houghton.
"Races make you paddle harder. People realise how fast they can go. It really gives you a workout. I haven't been this fit for years."
Paddle-boarding is quite easy for all ages and you will enjoy even your first outing. Go for a stable 12'6" rather than a racing board, with an ankle leash. With a handle in the middle and around 15kg, they're light enough for most people to carry. In winter, you might need a wetsuit, although the boards are more stable than you'd expect.
An all-rounder board provides good flat water paddling and good small wave riding. New boards cost $1800 to $4500 (paddles $300-600 new). You might find a second-hand board from about $1200, but do your homework.
Getting started
Hire before you buy: You can rent boards at the following places from $15-$40/hour - some operators include a wetsuit and a lesson.
* Point Chevalier - NZ Boardstore, Raymond St. Boards available at the Raymond St Reserve beach weekends and Wednesday-Sunday from October.
* Takapuna Beach, northern end - Standup South Pacific, lessons and demo days from October 1.
* Takapuna - Watersports South Pacific, Barry's Point Rd.
* Lake Pupuke - Madloop, ph 021 958 812.
* Okahu Bay - Fergs Kayaks, Tamaki Dr.
* Kohimarama Beach - look for paddleboards over summer.
For online paddling lessons and event info see supsnz.com
