Welcome and aloha! Stand up as been around a while but is taking off like crazy here in greater Charlotte area.

The number one reason Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Surfing (or just SUP, or Hoe he'e nalu) is taking the country by storm is because anyone can join in the fun. In fact, most of us so far in the group are new to the sport. SUP just has a ton of benefits over other sports--especially during the hot later Summer months:

• Builds balance as well as fitness
• Strong core and full body workout
• Can be done anywhere from rivers to waves
• Fun as a group
• Cool in hot weather
• Eco-friendly, YOU are the motor
• Better view of water than other no-motor sports
• Relatively low cost of entry

This group is open to anyone that wants to test out or help promote the sport, and have a good time on the water without leaving a carbon footprint.

We have several places we meet regularly and post routes and mileage logs to the forums. Feel free to jump in and contribute yours. Thursdays are regular rotating meetup days to give beginners a try and socialize. These are completely family friendly. The plan is to move these around a bit to allow others in different areas to get in on it all. For now they have been confined mostly to the north on Lake Norman and Lake Davidson.

We also cross-post things from the kayaking group and other eco-friendly events on the water.

There is NO COST associated with this meetup community, and there are usually several boards available for free to beginners on Thursday to try things out. Additionally, if you prefer, sponsors and experienced members do rent boards and offer personalized instruction and tours for a fee. My Aloha has been our biggest sponsor and we thank them specifically for their support

While this is a relatively safe sport compared to others keep in mind that by joining this meetup group you are expressly accepting the liability of any participation in any event and excuse any member or sponsor from such liability. Let's keep it safe and have fun out there. Specifically, please do NOT excessively drink and paddle at any event unless the event specifically states that in the description.

Mahalo nui loa!

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