The SUP Evolves

The line - some of my best friends SUP - is increasingly being used these days as more and more surfers, particularly the older ous, cross over to the dark side as they seek more consistent ways to keep fit.

Much like the transition from skiing to snowboarding, or windsurfing to kiteboarding, the crossover is boosted by the addition of new elements in the overall evolution of water craft, which coincides with new trends in multi-disciplines and cross-over sport. The game changer that fuels huge global growth is an obvious one. SUPs can be ridden anywhere, any time, from lakes to rivers to dams to the open ocean.

But within this mass movement lies a unique core: the rapid advance in radical wave riding that enables a new generation of youngsters to be the pioneers in technique and equipment.

Former competitive surfer Gary van Rooyen, the man behind recently acquired Coreban, explains  why the standup paddleboard is the new best thing, and reassures surfers and warns those new to the SUP that the rules of the game are still the same - respect the locals, don’t pig out and choose your nursery spot carefully.

Where did the SUP orginate?

Hawaii and South America and the Polynesians, where much of the surf innovation comes from. A hundred years ago, fishermen used reed type dug-outs and a single paddle to be able to see the fish from a standing position and to navigate through the reefs. This was re-engineered in the early 2000’s by the likes of Laird Hamilton and his bandits, and has evolved into what it is today.

Tell us a bit about the shape and size of SUPs and how they are used?

In essence, there are five categories:

1. Wave riding: a remarkably fast evolution followed the easy track of short-board surfing, windsurfing and kiteboarding. Five years ago, the boards were very longboard-inspired at 10-12 feet, but they have come full circle to 7’ 6” to 8’ 6” high performance surfboards.
2. Flat water / open ocean racing: here the boards range from 12’ 6” to the most popular being 14’, very little rocker with a focus on lightweight, speed and water displacement.
3. Down-wind: these are primarily 14’ with more nose-kick and tail-lift to enable one to ride open ocean wind swells.
4. Inflatable: great for convenience traveling as well as going down the rivers.
5. Sup-fit: a new platform for doing pilates, yoga and fit sessions on which is gaining popularity fast.

Is the SUP here to stay?

The sport will obviously peak at some stage just like windsurfing did but we are still on a very strong upward curve. The biggest factor is that it has such a low barrier to entry as far as ability goes – anyone can paddle a board! Much will depend on organising bodies at national and international level, so that there continues to be a hype at that level. The Olympics are looking promising too!

Globally, the SUP is taking off, with amazing stats coming out of the US. Tell us about that

80% of paddling is done on flatwater in the USA and there is a strong trend in Europe as well. Seems like the Saffa’s and Aussies are the two countries where wave riding is most popular, but there is a very strong flow towards the canoe/ski paddling and even the mountain biking arena.

what is your BACKGROUND AND CONNECTION to surfing?

After a few years in the navy and spending two years diving up the west coast for diamonds I joined Tich Paul as a partner in Lifestyle Surfshop. General surf trade was so slow back then (1980’s) that Tich started an accessory company and I started a screen-print company, eventually breaking away and doing it full time. After selling the company, I moved into the sports footwear business and headed up Nike in all the Coastal regions of SA, before being asked to start up New Balance in South Africa. 13 years, 11 stores and 95 staff later, it was time to move on and head back to the beach. (That sounded so idyllic, but I saw my butt a few times on the journey!)

How did the Coreban deal come about?

My old windsurfing mate, who I had spent time in Hawaii with – Ivan van Vuuren, convinced me to buy one when he came back to settle here. That was 2009 and the sport was only just kicking off here. This was about the same time that I opened a little store down in Muizenberg to help my two daughters gain some experience in trading while they were studying. Four years later, we were offered the International rights and a partner and I took over Coreban International. We do our R&D in SA, Hawaii and California, manufacture in Thailand and distribute to 26 countries around the world. It all happens from li’l ol Cape Town!

You own retail outlets, including a new space ON the Durban beachfront

Our retail concept is all about being a One Stop Sup & Surf shop carrying all of the major brands. The small store in Muizenberg became a larger one, then we wanted a footprint in Durban and also Tableview and so the retail model grew. We have just opened the largest SUP store in Africa down on the beachfront in Durban, next to Marine SLC. The whole building is branded Surfriders Café, stocking primarily SUP’s,surfboards, Quicksilver and Roxy. Downstairs an amazing beach café is almost complete and will be run by the famous Circus Circus food connoisseurs.

Who are the other players in the industry?

The two main players are Starboard and Naish – they pretty much dominate the world stage, but watch out for the Saffa’s coming through the back door! Just kidding, but we will be a force going forward. I believe that if we can dominate in SA, and take into account the locally relevant requirements of the USA, Australia and Europe, we can certainly play with the big boys.
We have some incredible team riders and this is growing fast. They give much credibility to the brand. Robin Johnston and Hallie Harrison from Hawaii, Tarryn Kyte and Justin Bing, our two No.1 waveriders in SA, a lovely young Dutch girl by the name of Bowein van der Linden and a host of Aussies and South Americans.

In this age of multi-sport and cross-training, what would you say to disgruntled surfers who see the SUP as a threat ?

Don’t knock it until you have tried it! Ironically, during the recent SA Longboard champs at St Francis I had some interesting debates with Lippy and old Mush Hyde who once again brought up the age-old etiquette side of surfing. Like any water craft, if you are taking every possible wave being spat up by the ocean, pushing the queue in the line up or a danger to others in the water because you are out of your depth, then you are asking for trouble. Respect the locals, don’t pig-out and choose your nursery spot carefully.

Share the Aloha spirit!

{youtube}fxp75hYp6QI{/youtube}