Stand-up paddle boarding back on Shoreham Beach

STAND-UP paddle boarding rentals return to Shoreham Beach, following a successful summer season last year.
The stand-up baddle boarding concession returns to Shoreham BeachThe stand-up baddle boarding concession returns to Shoreham Beach
The stand-up baddle boarding concession returns to Shoreham Beach

Whatsup paddleboard and kayak rental company has secured a licence from Adur District Council to rent paddleboards from its base in Ferry Road.

A launch event, try-out session and barbecue will be held on Sunday, weather permitting, to give people a chance to find out more.

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Jamie Benson, one of the founders, said: “The team are all Shoreham residents and we are hoping that, following a very successful year in 2013, the new footbridge will bring lots of people over to the beach to try out this fast-growing watersport.

“The sport is increasing rapidly in popularity and from Sunday, on any fair-weather day, boards can be taken out, rented by the hour, half day or full day.

“All equipment will be provided, including a paddleboard, paddle and lifejacket.”

The team also includes Kate Radford, Adrian Worman and Connor Lamb.

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Jamie added: “Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) really is the world’s fastest-growing water sport for a reason. It’s versatile and easy, but also great fun and good exercise for the whole body.

“As good surf is few and far between on our Sussex coastline, SUP has become an increasingly popular way of getting on the water instead of traditional surfing.

“The boards are lightweight but incredibly buoyant and stable, the rider stands and moves through the water using a long paddle.”

Although SUP is fairly new in the UK, it has a long history. The sport has origins in Africa and in Polynesia, where it was adopted by surf school instructors in Hawaii as it allowed them to keep an eye on surfers from a stable vantage point.

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SUP involves standing on a super wide, long board and propelling through the water using a long paddle. It is suitable for individuals, couples and families, though children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.