take a stand

There is a slow invasion taking place on our patch of the Pacific waters. The cool arch of the surfer is straightening up, recalling the romantic imagery of a Hawaiian paddler topped with a wreath of hibiscus flowers. Stand up paddle surfing (SUP) is a trend that is quickly dotting ocean lines. The sport requires less time obsessing over surf reports and fluency in surfer dialect is not a requirement. Stand up paddling provides a strong core workout that can result in the physique of a veteran yogi.

Expect the activity to dominate Laguna Beach this summer with the newly opened Stand Up Paddle Company. Partners Tommy and Noelle have seized the trend and are prepared to set the coastline ablaze with their bright boards. The shop not only sell the gear needed to outfit SUPers, they offer lessons, rentals and have plans to conduct ocean trash cleanups as a way of giving back to the community. There is also a finely edited selection of clothing and accessories, such as lululemon fitness apparel, SIGG water bottles and shirts you'd see on wavy haired skateboarders. We are fortunate to have this shop just blocks from The Four Tides.