Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) Surfing in Costa Rica

Finally, a solution to the lifelong problem of what to do when the waves won't cooperate for a day when you want to rip off a few risky maneuvers. No worries-grab your Stand-Up Paddle Surfboard-SUP, for short-and elevate yourself over the wave. Surf small waves, break out and paddle upright in the flat water somewhere new. SUP is the evolution of surfing providing freedom from the frustration of bad days, and liberating the board man or woman from the confines of the lineup, if one chooses. It's a whole new world.

Leading the new frontier in Costa Rica SUP surfing is Blue Trailz surf shop in Tamarindo, the only place to buy Costa Rica Stand-Up paddleboards. With 13 different SUP Surftech models with prices ranging from $1,200 to $1,600, our shop sells the surfboards-including the models from famous waterman Laird Hamilton-as well as paddles, and offers the all important personal instruction. This makes Blue Trail the headquarters in Costa Rica SUP Surfing.

Instruction is a key element of SUP, this new sport must be undertaken in a "controlled environment." Imagine a typical surf lineup invaded by a few SUP surfers manning these 25 lb boards. You'd want them to be under control out there."

Locally, Playa Tamarindo, with its enclosed bay is perfect for beginners' lessons, while Playa Avellanas with its variety of reef, beach and estuary breaks offers the Stand-UpSurfer more practice. Imagine riding Costa Rica Stand-Uppaddleboards, looking at the gorgeous scenery both on the shore and in the water from the top down. "With the paddling in its repertoire, Stand-UpSurfing is also a good alternative exercise for kayaking,". "It's a great workout, and of course, it gives you a beautiful vantage point of the ocean while you are standing up looking down at it."