Stand up paddling (SUP) is a new recreational activity experiencing fast growth in the United States and around the world. According to ESPN.com, sales of stand up paddleboards surpassed sales of surfboards in 2010. It8217;s an activity that can be enjoyed on inland lakes and rivers, as well as on the ocean and in the surf151;that8217;s why board companies are seeing an explosion of sales at metropolitan locations such as Chicago and Austin. Most importantly, it8217;s fun and a great way to stay fit. The Art of Stand Up Paddling includes everything both new and not-so-new paddlers need to know151;from buying a board and getting started on your local lake to paddling rivers and surfing waves in Hawaii. Also included is a fascinating and controversial history of stand up paddling, which, although new to many, actually dates back hundreds of years to Peruvian and Hawaiian fishermen.