Paddle boarding (划桨冲浪) is now becoming more and more popular in the outdoor recreation (娱乐) industry. People are increasingly drawn to the sport that can be done for exercise and racing or for paddling or yoga with friends and even dogs aboard.
Taking part in standup paddle boarding in the United States has increased nearly three times from 2013 to 2016, according to a study from the Outdoor Foundation. That makes it one of the fastestgrowing outdoor sports, the foundation says.
The sport is easy to learn and can be practiced all around the world, said Jimmy Blakeney, marketing manager at BIC SUP, one of the leading companies making boards.
And there's what Blakeney calls the “cool factor (要素)” that also draws people.
“You're standing up, you're in your bikini, you're being seen，” Blakeney said. “Boards are cool. A lot of young people really like being on a board more than a boat.”
The modern paddle boarding originated in Hawaii, where surfers used paddles to get out further or do exercise when there were no waves. The sport slowly spread from Hawaii and has been around in the United States for about 10 years, Blakeney said. Growth really accelerated (加速) about five years ago, he added.
The Stand Up Paddle Industry Association was formed in 2012 to bring support for producers, sellers and people who teach, train and organize races.
Kristin Thomas, the industry association's director, said the versatility (多功能性) of the boards is a huge draw. “It's very easy to use and yet can be as extreme as you want it to be. People are surfing huge waves. They are doing whitewater，” Thomas said.
Most of the people are recreational users who use the boards about 10 times a year, he said. A smaller number of people, often the types who are drawn to running, use the boards for exercise and compete, Blakeney said.
